Yagokoro Villa – Kuroka's Room – 2:00 P.M.
3rd POV
The room had fallen into silence once Kuroka finished speaking. The air hung heavy—so dense that even the quiet hum of the medical equipment felt intrusive. Riku, Eirin, and Udongein sat still, each lost in their own storm of thoughts, while the faint glow of the recording crystal pulsed gently beside them. On the other end, the Celestial Family heads who were listening in through their linked crystals said nothing. Not a breath. Not a murmur. Only the stillness of disbelief.
Everything Kuroka revealed seemed to stretch the boundaries of reason. A world parallel to their own—one crawling with devils, angels, fallen, and gods. The Three Biblical Factions locked in a war that had nearly destroyed creation itself. It wasn't mere fantasy. It was organized chaos. Religion turned reality.
Eirin was the first to exhale. Her eyes, sharp yet composed, glinted with quiet worry. "The God of the Bible... dead?" she murmured, as if testing the words on her tongue. "Such an imbalance should have collapsed that world long ago."
Riku's arms were folded, his expression unreadable but tense. The implications were staggering. If beings that powerful could die, what would that mean for their own order? For the Celestial Families who swore to guard balance?
The talk of Sacred Gears unsettled them even more. To think there existed artifacts capable of harnessing divine power, bestowed upon humans without structure or control—an uncontrolled divinity that could destroy nations if mishandled. Eirin's mind spun through calculations, potential measures, contingencies. Riku, meanwhile, considered something simpler and more dangerous: What if one of those gears appeared here?
Kuroka, still seated on her bed, seemed to read his thoughts. "Don't worry, nya. The chances of Sacred Gears appearing in your world are close to zero," she assured, her tone calm, almost tired. "They were made by that God, after all. With Him gone and that world sealed off from others, the odds are microscopic."
It helped little. The thought lingered like a shadow that refused to fade.
When she moved on to describe the Underworld Civil War, the Evil Piece system, and the racial hierarchy among devils, the faint hum of the recording crystal cracked with sudden static—an echo of outrage from one of the distant family heads.
"Disgusting," one female voice growled faintly through the link though her tone was serene. "Forcing others into servitude—turning mortals into pawns?"
Another female voice, colder and more disiplined, followed. "Such corruption is beyond redemption. The arrogance of these devils rivals that of fallen gods."
Riku's brow tightened. He understood their fury. The Celestial Families had always stood for balance, for responsibility tied to power. To enslave mortals as a means of expanding influence was an unforgivable breach of natural law.
Kuroka lowered her gaze. "I thought the same," she said softly. "But in that world, mercy's a rare luxury."
Her story shifted then—her voice quieter, tinged with resignation. She told them who she really was. Not just any nekomata, but a Nekoshou—a rare and powerful strain of her kind, gifted with enhanced senjutsu and yojutsu. Her lineage alone was enough to draw interest, and the family heads, listening remotely, murmured at the revelation. A being like her was practically a natural treasure in their eyes.
But fascination soon gave way to horror when Eirin asked the next question. "Then, how did you end up here?"
The nekomata's ears drooped slightly as she exhaled. Her voice trembled—not with fear, but with the weight of memory. "It started with the Naberius clan," she began. "A high-class devil took me and my little sister in. Promised us safety, food, and a home... in exchange for my service. I became his Bishop to protect her."
She smiled faintly, though it carried no warmth. "For a while, things were fine. He treated us kindly enough, and I thought... maybe this was what peace felt like."
The light in her golden eyes dulled. "Then I learned the truth."
Eirin straightened slightly. "What truth?"
"That he and his clan were conducting experiments—trying to create super devils. Abominations of magic and flesh." Her voice quivered, but she pushed through. "They used lesser devils, beasts, even humans. Anything they could get their hands on."
Riku's expression hardened. The room's air seemed to tighten as the family heads listening through the crystal audibly murmured in disgust.
"I tried to ignore it at first," Kuroka went on, "because... what could I do? I was just a servant. But when I found out my master planned to use my sister as his next subject, something inside me broke."
Her hands clenched the bedsheet. "I killed him. I tore that bastard apart before he could touch her."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
"I lost control," she whispered. "The power inside me went wild. When it was over, they branded me a murderer. A criminal. They accused me of the same experiments he did."
Udongein's ears flattened against her head. "So you've been running ever since..."
Kuroka nodded faintly. "For years. I wandered from one hiding place to another. But I didn't just run—I started gathering proof. Documents, testimonies, everything that proved my innocence and exposed the Naberius' crimes."
Riku looked at her, eyes softening. "And when you finally found enough?"
Her tail flicked once, bitterly. "They found me first. A group of devils ambushed me before I could return. I fought them off, killed most of them. Only four were left. I was exhausted—my magic nearly gone."
Her gaze drifted to the window, where the sunlight filtered through the curtains. "Then I found it. A small rainbow-colored stone lying near a broken seal. I thought it was some discarded artifact. But when I touched it..."
Eirin's brows arched. "You were transported here."
Kuroka nodded. "Along with the devils chasing me. That stone must've been a dimensional key of some kind. Before I knew it, I was in this world—and the rest, you already know."
The room went quiet again.
Kuroka sat there, her twin tails still, eyes low. "So yeah... that's how I got here. Now you know my story. What're you gonna do with me?"
Her tone carried that blend of resignation and defiance—like she expected punishment but dared them to give it.
Riku, Eirin, and Udongein didn't say a word. The silence was heavy but not cruel. They were each turning over what they'd heard—Kuroka's life of running, betrayal, and loneliness laid bare before them.
Then Riku rose. The floorboards creaked lightly under his step. Kuroka tilted her head up, expecting a question—maybe even a scolding. Instead, he placed a hand on her shoulder. Then the other. Then, gently, he pulled her into an embrace.
Eirin blinked, caught off guard. Udongein froze mid-breath.
Kuroka's ears twitched in disbelief. "R-Riku?"
"You've lived a harsh life," he said quietly. "But you don't have to carry it alone anymore. You're safe now."
His voice had no pity in it—just calm conviction. The kind that could thaw something frozen inside a person.
Kuroka's throat tightened. She didn't remember the last time someone had spoken to her like that. Her claws trembled where they hung at her sides.
Eirin stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on the catgirl's head. "It's alright," she said softly. "Let it all out."
The words cracked whatever composure Kuroka had left. She buried her face into Riku's shoulder, and the dam broke. Her cries were raw, unrestrained—a sound of years collapsing in on themselves.
Even the family heads listening through the recording crystal stayed silent. They couldn't see her, but they heard every broken sob. And for once, none of them had anything to say.
When the crying finally ebbed, Kuroka drew back. Her cheeks were streaked red, her eyes swollen but clear. She gave a small, shaky laugh. "Thanks... I really needed that."
Riku smiled faintly. "Everyone needs a hug now and then. Solves some problems. Not all—but some."
Eirin nodded, her expression soft. "Nobody deserves to live the way you have. You deserve better. And I believe I speak for the other heads when I say this: Tojou Kuroka, as matriarch of the Yagokoro Family, I grant you permission to live freely in this land. Travel where you will, as long as you keep the peace and avoid exposing our kind."
Kuroka's ears twitched upward. "Y-You mean it?"
Riku folded his arms. "We do. And if you ever need help—ask. You're one of us now. It's only fair we look out for each other."
For the first time in years, Kuroka smiled without fangs. Her voice trembled as she wiped her face. "You people... are too kind for your own good."
Her eyes glistened again, but these tears were different—lighter somehow.
Then she hesitated. "I... wanna ask something. If possible, can I go back? To my own world?"
Eirin and Riku exchanged a quiet glance. He sighed. "There is a way. But the person who could open that path is out of the country right now."
"I see..." Kuroka murmured. "Thanks for being honest. Then... where am I supposed to live until then?"
Riku thought for a second, then said casually, "You could stay at the Nagae Estate."
The reaction was immediate.
Kuroka: "Nya?"
Eirin: "Eh?"
Udongein: "Ha?"
All three women turned to him, their faces perfectly synchronized in disbelief.
Kuroka blinked. "You... want me to live at your place?"
Eirin crossed her arms, considering it. "Actually... that might be a good idea."
Udongein nodded slowly. "Sensei's right. The Nagae Estate's one of the safest places in the Tokyo prefecture—besides the Hakugyokurou. But..." She smirked a little. "Won't your fiancées have something to say about that?"
Kuroka's ears perked. "Fiancées? As in... plural?"
Eirin chuckled. "Yes. Riku is currently engaged to three women."
Kuroka's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Oh my~ rescued by a playboy, have I? Since you saved me and all, are you planning to add me to your harem~?"
Riku groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Get your mind out of the gutter, you damn cat."
"Nyahahaha! Kidding, kidding!" she laughed, tail flicking in amusement. "Still, offering me a room at your estate? You sure about that?"
"I am," Riku said simply. "With you around, the place might finally stop feeling so quiet."
Kuroka blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity behind the words. Then she gave a slow nod. "Alright then. I'll take you up on that offer."
As the mood began to settle again, a small knock came at the door. A moon rabbit stepped inside, holding a white box in her arms.
"Eirin-sama! A package has arrived from Alice-sama!"
Eirin's eyes brightened. "Ah, right on time. Thank you."
The rabbit bowed and left, leaving the box behind. Eirin turned to Kuroka and offered it to her.
Kuroka tilted her head. "Eh? You're giving this to me, nya~?"
"Open it," Eirin said with a knowing smile.
Kuroka lifted the lid—and froze.
Inside lay her black kimono, neatly folded, the fabric pristine. The same kimono that had been shredded, stained, and nearly destroyed through years of battle.
Her hands trembled as she touched it. "My... kimono..."
Eirin's tone softened. "Before your surgery, I asked someone skilled to repair it. Looks like they did a perfect job."
Kuroka clutched the garment close to her chest, tears forming again. "Thank you... This kimono is the last thing I have left from my mom..."
Riku smiled faintly. "Then it's better to restore what you have than replace it. Some things shouldn't be remade—they should be remembered."
Kuroka looked at him quietly, as though the weight of those words sank deeper than he realized.
Riku stood, stretching his shoulders. "Alright. I'll wait outside while you change. Once you're done, I'll show you around the—"
He stopped when his phone buzzed. Glancing down, his brow furrowed. It was Shiho.
After a short exchange, he sighed and pocketed the device. "Looks like I've got a sudden meeting. I've got an urgent meeting at CiRCLE."
Eirin nodded. "You should go. We'll take care of things here."
Riku reached into his coat and handed Kuroka a small, silver-edged card.
She blinked. "What's this?"
"My business card," he said. "If you ever need to reach me, that'll tell you where to find me."
Kuroka flipped the card over, reading aloud. "Live House... CiRCLE?"
Eirin chuckled. "You'll find out what that is when you visit. He owns the place."
"I see..." Kuroka smiled faintly, tucking the card into her sleeve. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Riku headed for the door, his expression easing. "Rest up, alright? You've earned it."
He left the room, the faint echo of his steps fading down the hall.
Kuroka stared after him for a moment, tail flicking thoughtfully. Then she looked down at the kimono again, the silk catching the afternoon light.
"I guess... things might really change this time," she whispered to herself.
Eirin stood, gathering her things. "Udongein, help her get dressed. Her body's still recovering. I've got some appointments at the hospital."
"Yes, Sensei!" Udongein saluted smartly as Eirin left.
Kuroka held out the kimono toward the moon rabbit with a teasing smirk. "Well then, I'll leave it to you, Usagi-chan~"
Udongein's face flushed bright pink. "U-Usagi-chan?! Wh-what kind of nickname is that?!"
Kuroka only laughed, her voice light and warm. "Relax, relax~ It suits you! You're adorable when you're flustered, y'know that?"
Udongein huffed, turning away with her ears twitching. "Just... change already."
Kuroka's laughter filled the room again—soft, genuine, carrying none of the bitterness it once did. For the first time in a long while, she wasn't running from anything.
She was simply living.
And somewhere between the quiet walls of Yagokoro Villa and the distant hum of Tokyo beyond, the cat who once wandered between worlds began to find something close to home.
Several minutes later...
Live House CiRCLE – 3:15 P.M.
Riku's POV
The hum of the Universe Ring faded as I touched down in front of the live house. The familiar buzz of the crowd inside, the faint tremor of amps being tuned, and the smell of coffee from the lounge—all the usual rhythm of CiRCLE.
Inside, Leo/need and MORE MORE JUMP were already gathered. The two groups had the air of people who'd been waiting with intent, not impatience.
Ichika lifted a hand as soon as she saw me. "You've made it, owner-san!"
"I came as fast as I could," I replied, dusting off my jacket as I entered. "So, what do Shizuku and the others need from me?"
Shizuku stood, her usual calm expression tinged with a rare seriousness. "Riku-kun, we came here to ask for something."
"Then let's take it to my office," I said, glancing at Ichika. "You and the rest handle things out here."
"Got it!" Leo/need chorused, already moving back to their setup.
Shizuku and her group followed me upstairs. Once we stepped into my office, I gestured toward the couch while I took my seat behind the desk. The air was expectant—quiet, but steady.
"Well," I said, folding my hands. "We're here. Let's hear it."
Shizuku nodded. "Riku-kun, do you know about Love Live?"
The question caught me a little off guard. I tilted my head. "Yeah, I do. Aichi filled me in on the rules."
"Then that makes this easier." Shizuku inhaled, ready to continue—but Haruka's hand lightly touched her shoulder.
"Shizuku," she said softly, "if it's okay... can I explain this?"
Shizuku smiled faintly. "Of course."
Haruka turned to face me, posture straight, voice steady. "Riku-san, our request is this: can MORE MORE JUMP perform here at CiRCLE for the Love Live Qualifiers?"
That explained the tension in the room.
"This has to do with the Love Live rules, doesn't it?" I asked.
Airi nodded. "Yes. The Committee requires each qualifier performance to be held in a place we've never performed before."
Minori added, "And... we've already covered most of Tokyo's venues."
Shizuku picked up from there. "But not here. CiRCLE's never hosted us."
Haruka met my gaze. "So what do you think, Riku-san?"
I leaned back, thinking. "When do the qualifiers start?"
The question startled them a bit. Haruka blinked, then answered, "The 20th of July. We have to perform before midnight. Why do you ask?"
"I might have an idea," I said, pulling out my phone. "Hold on."
Marina answered on the second ring. "Oh, boss. What's up?"
"When's the next live event scheduled?"
"The bands decided on the 20th next month. Why?"
I exhaled through my nose. Same date. Of course it was. Five days after the Sunset Stage Shinobu roped me into. Maybe the universe was telling me something.
"Marina," I said, "get word to the bands you picked. Tell them to come to CiRCLE next Monday. I've got something we need to talk about."
"Alright. Any specific time? Some live far out."
"Five in the afternoon. That should work."
"Got it. I'll relay the message."
"Appreciate it," I said, ending the call.
Next, I dialed Aichi. He answered immediately, sounding half-distracted.
"Riku. What is it? I'm in the middle of a session with Umi and Maki."
"Sorry to interrupt, but could you and the girls come to CiRCLE on Monday?"
"Hold on," I heard him say. Then muffled voices—Honoka's energy unmistakable even through the static. A few seconds later, Aichi came back on. "They said yes."
"Perfect. I'll see you then."
With that done, I set my phone down and looked back at the idols. Their expressions were half-anxious, half-hopeful.
"I like the idea," I told them. "But let me think it through. Come back Monday and you'll have your answer."
Minori stood, bowing deeply—almost ninety degrees. "Thank you very much, Riku-san!"
I couldn't help but smile a little. "It's nothing. Besides, if you perform here, Miku and the other virtual singers will probably get involved too. Two birds, one stage."
Shizuku chuckled lightly. "Right, Shi-chan mentioned your mother was the one who created Miku and the others."
Airi stretched her arms. "Well, we got what we came for. We'll head back now. Still have practice tonight."
Haruka stood last, graceful as ever. "We'll return Monday for your answer. Thank you for your time, Riku-san."
"No problem," I said, rising with them. "And hey—be careful on your way back."
They nodded, offering polite goodbyes before stepping out of the office. The door clicked shut, leaving behind only the faint buzz of the city bleeding in through the walls.
The office was quiet after MORE MORE JUMP had left, the faint hum of the city outside mixing with the residual buzz from the lounge below. I scanned through my emails, quickly catching up on updates from Johan. OG had beaten Entity 2-0—exactly what I'd expected after their loss against Tundra. Western Europe's standings were shaping up in the usual tense pattern:
1st – Tundra – 3-0
2nd – OG – 2-1
3rd – Team Liquid – 2-1
4th – Entity – 2-1
5th – Team Secret – 1-2
6th – Gaimin Gladiators – 1-2
7th – Alliance – 0-3
8th – Goonsquad – 0-3
Three teams tied for second place, all vying for that crucial ticket to Arlington in August. Tundra's first place was secure, but the next two series would determine OG's fate. I was about to check rankings for other regions when the office door opened and Kasumi stepped in, her energy practically radiating from her smile.
"Senpai, we're here!" she said, almost bouncing in place.
"Kasumi! How was your performance yesterday?" I asked, setting my tablet aside.
Kasumi's grin widened. "Amazing!! The fans loved it—we got so much praise last night!"
I nodded, genuinely glad. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. So... what brings you here?"
Kasumi stepped aside, and the door opened wider. There she was—Kuroka, flanked by Saaya and Arisa.
"Kuroka! What are you doing here?" I asked, startled but trying to hide it.
"I came to see you, nya~," she purred, her golden eyes glinting mischievously.
Saaya tilted her head slightly. "You know her, Riku-kun?"
"I do," I replied. "But how did you two meet?"
Kasumi cleared her throat. "Well... here's what happened..."
Earlier – A Few Blocks Away from CiRCLE – 2:50 P.M.
Kasumi's POV
A day after our performance outside Tokyo, Arisa, Saaya, and I were heading toward CiRCLE to report everything to senpai. O-Tae and Rimirin couldn't come today due to other commitments, leaving just the three of us.
While walking, we noticed a striking girl with black hair and golden, cat-like eyes, dressed in a loose black kimono. Her gaze was captivating, and both Arisa and Saaya couldn't help but stare. She caught our attention and moved toward us.
"Can I ask you for something? It won't take long," she said.
"Uh... sure," I replied, curious.
"Oi, Kasumi! Why are you talking to strangers?" Arisa whispered sharply.
"I mean... she looks like she needs help," I murmured, giving the girl a small smile. "So, what do you need?"
"Do you know where Live House CiRCLE is?" she asked.
All three of us glanced at each other, realizing she wanted to go to the same place we were heading.
"You're going to CiRCLE? That's where we're going too!" I said.
"Really? Can I come with you?" she asked, hopeful.
Saaya shrugged. "Sure, why not? But why are you heading there?"
"I'm looking for someone," she admitted.
I smiled. "I see. Oh right—I'm Toyama Kasumi!"
"Ichigaya Arisa. Nice to meet you," Arisa said.
"Yamabuki Saaya. Pleased to meet you... um..." Saaya trailed off, unsure how to address her.
"Kuroka. Tōjō Kuroka," the girl introduced herself, bowing slightly.
"Then Kuroka-san, just follow us. CiRCLE isn't far from here," I said.
With Kuroka-san joining us, we continued down the street, the afternoon sun casting long shadows. Ichika-chan and Saki-chan were manning the front desk as we arrived.
"Good afternoon, Kasumi-san! Who's the lady behind you?" Ichika asked.
"This is Kuroka-san," I said. "She's here to look for someone."
Saki added, "If you're looking for someone, you can ask owner-san. He's in his office."
"Thanks," Arisa said, leading the way.
As we walked to Riku's office, we passed Shizuku-san and the other girls from Miyamasuzuka High. Ichika whispered to us, "Shizuku-senpai, done meeting with owner-san?"
"Yes," Shizuku-san replied. "He needed time to think. We'll come back Monday. Where's my sister?"
"She's outside with Honami," Ichika-chan answered.
Shizuku-san nodded. "Alright, we won't bother you."
They left, and we continued, Kuroka-san's gaze wandering toward the banners of The International hanging from the ceiling.
"Is something wrong, Kuroka-san?" I asked.
"Just wondering what you do here," she replied, her eyes scanning the room.
"Eh? You don't know what a live house is?" Arisa asked.
"Nope. Haven't had the time," Kuroka-san admitted.
"Well," Saaya said with a grin, "a live house is a place where people perform in front of a crowd with their instruments."
"So... you three are in a band?" Kuroka-san asked, intrigued.
"Yup! Well, there's five of us, but the other two aren't here today," I explained.
"I can't wait to see you perform," she said, her tail flicking behind her.
"Don't worry, Kuroka-san," I said, smiling. "We'll make sure you won't be disappointed. Our songs will make your heart go kira-kira doki-doki!"
"Huh?" she tilted her head, confused.
"Don't mind her," Arisa muttered. "That's just her way of saying the music will leave you speechless."
Finally, we reached senpai's office. Without hesitation, I opened the door, and there he was—sitting behind his desk, scanning some documents.
Now back to the present...
Live House CiRCLE – Riku's Office
Riku POV
Kasumi finished explaining the encounter with Kuroka, a sparkle still lingering in her eyes. I leaned back in my chair, letting the moment settle before responding.
"I see," I said finally, giving the girls a calm, measured look. "Then thank you all for bringing Kuroka here safely. She's still new to the area, so it's easy for her to get lost—or worse."
Arisa tilted her head. "So... you already knew her?"
"Yeah," I admitted. "But how we met isn't exactly something you'd expect."
Saaya's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Kuroka's gaze flickered toward me, a shadow of seriousness crossing her golden eyes. "I was being hunted... by very bad people. They wanted me dead. I was exhausted, cornered, nowhere to run... until Riku and his friend Aichi arrived and saved me."
Kasumi's expression softened, admiration shining through. "That's... so cool, senpai!"
Arisa's voice was more cautious. "What happened to the people chasing her?"
"Well..." I paused, the memory weighing on me. "Let's just say they'll never bother her again."
Saaya's eyes widened, her voice barely a whisper. "Riku-kun... you mean that you—"
"I did," I confirmed plainly.
The three girls paled at the statement, as though the weight of my words had physically struck them. Kasumi's eyes grew wide, disbelief etched into every line of her face.
"Senpai... you really killed someone? Without hesitation?" she asked, voice trembling.
"Yes," I said, my tone steady. "It was a direct order from the Celestial Families. You remember that time Suwako-sama visited our school?"
The three members of PoPiPa nodded, listening intently.
"I was in Nagano at the time, with Aichi. Then we sensed a powerful magic surge from the distance. We went to investigate. Reimu called us and instructed that we subdue any hostiles in the area and question them. If they demonstrated murderous intent, we were permitted to execute them. It turned out that killing them was the right choice."
Arisa's voice quivered with disbelief. "But why in cold blood?! You said you and the Celestial Families swore to protect humans!"
"Did I ever say they were human?" I asked quietly, letting the words sink in.
Kasumi blinked. "Eh? What do you mean by that, senpai?"
I turned to Kuroka. "You can show them."
Kuroka's ears twitched. "Nya? Then why didn't you say so earlier?"
With a snap of her fingers, her ears appeared atop her head and her twin tails flicked behind her, startling Kasumi, Arisa, and Saaya.
"Y-Y-Y-You're a youkai?!" Arisa gasped.
"Bingo~" Kuroka replied, posing dramatically. "I'm a youkai, just like Riku! And I'm a nekomata~"
Kasumi's voice dropped to a whisper. "A nekomata?"
"Don't believe me yet? How about this?" Kuroka snapped her fingers again and in an instant transformed into a small black cat, leaping gracefully onto Kasumi's shoulder.
"Will this convince you?" she asked, her tiny form stretching and tail flicking.
Kasumi blinked in awe. "Wow... you can talk as a cat?!"
Kuroka's golden eyes gleamed. "At first, I could only meow for the first eight months, but with training, I can talk like this too."
Arisa swallowed. "I-Is that so... but enough of that. Riku-san said the ones chasing you weren't human... what were they?"
"Devils," I said calmly.
Saaya's eyes widened. "Devils? You mean... with bat wings and pitchforks?"
Kuroka laughed, a sly, mischievous sound. "Nyahaha! Close, Saaya-chan. Wings are right, pitchforks not so much. The real deal is magical talent, powerful bloodlines... and one of the reasons they hunted me is because I'm a rare species of nekomata, a Nekoshou."
"Ne... Nekoshou?" Saaya echoed, fear creeping into her tone.
"Yes," Kuroka said, shifting back to her human form and standing tall. "Nekoshou are far stronger than normal nekomata. We're adept in magic, senjutsu, and yojutsu."
Arisa's expression hardened. "So they were hunting you... as a prize?"
"Not just that," I said, my voice low. "Before we rescued her, I overheard them planning something... vile. They intended to—" I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. "—use her for breeding devil-neko hybrids."
Kuroka added, her tone matter-of-fact. "And female Nekoshou have a higher chance of getting pregnant, regardless of race, if the male is stronger."
Kasumi, Arisa, and Saaya instinctively covered their mouths, faces blanching at the thought. Kuroka leapt off Kasumi's shoulder, her aura shifting as she cast a healing spell over the girls.
"You alright now?" Kuroka asked, her tail flicking slightly.
Arisa nodded shakily. "Yeah... I think I get it now... why you had to kill them."
Saaya shivered. "I can't believe they'd even consider doing something like that..."
Kuroka shrugged, a faint smirk returning. "That's just the way some devils are. But not all of them are evil. The current leaders are... surprisingly laid-back."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oya? How so?"
Kuroka's face remained deadpan. "Two of them are siscons, one's lazy as hell, and the other... a mad scientist who never leaves his room."
All four of us stared at her, a mixture of disbelief and silent exasperation.
"Yup," Kuroka continued. "But when duty calls, they know what they're doing."
I leaned back, letting out a slow breath. "If you trust them, then I won't argue. But enough of that—Kasumi, tell me about your performance yesterday."
Kasumi's eyes lit up again, her hands moving as if conducting an orchestra only she could see. "Absolutely!! Here's how it went!!"
She launched into her story, vividly recounting the energy of the crowd, the flow of the setlist, and the moments that had made their performance unforgettable. Arisa and Saaya chimed in occasionally, filling gaps with their own perspectives.
I listened, a smile tugging at my lips, noticing how alive they all seemed as they recalled the music, the laughter, the cheering fans. Even Kuroka, who was usually aloof, leaned slightly forward, ears twitching in amusement at the little anecdotes and playful banter among the band members.
----------
Nagae Estate – 6:00 P.M.
Riku's POV
By the time Kasumi and the rest of PoPiPa had left, the quiet of the late afternoon had settled over CiRCLE. Kuroka remained, her ears and tails still visible for a moment before she reverted to her human form, carefully covering them with a flick of her sleeves.
I chose not to use the Universe Ring. It was a rare opportunity to show her the city and the estate in a more... grounded way, to let her feel the mundane world alongside the extraordinary. We wandered through the streets, and I watched her take everything in—the bustle of Tokyo, the small cafés tucked between high-rises, and the subtle beauty of the city lights beginning to shimmer against the approaching night.
By the time we reached the estate, Kuroka's eyes widened. "Wow... this is... massive. You live like one of those devil families, huh?"
I smiled faintly. "I know it might look like that. Don't worry, though—I'm not getting an inflated ego over it. Let's head inside."
She hesitated. "Are you sure it's okay? I don't want to be a freeloader or a burden."
"We'll talk to my grandfather about it," I reassured her. "No come, I'm sure they'll like you."
The main house greeted us with the usual warmth. Rinko and Miyu were already there, as if they had anticipated our arrival. And to my surprise, Eli was present as well.
"Welcome back, Riku," Rinko said, her voice calm but welcoming.
"Welcome back, Riku-san," Miyu added, bowing slightly. "We were expecting you around this time."
I glanced at Eli. "And you? What brings you here?"
She tilted her head, her voice carrying a mix of pride and casual defiance. "Well... when I told my parents I agreed to join your harem, my dad said I should start living here with you to get used to estate life. They trust you."
I raised an eyebrow. "So the meetup next week isn't necessary?"
Eli shook her head. "Nope. Everything's set. My stuff's already in my room. And my cousin Yaroslav fully supports this arrangement, so it's all good."
I let out a low whistle. All of this just because I bested Miposhka... life had a funny way of rewarding you sometimes.
Rinko broke the momentary silence. "Riku, the woman behind you... that's Kuroka-san, right?"
"Yes," I replied. "Girls, this is Tōjō Kuroka. Kuroka, these three are my fiancées: Rinko on your left, Miyu in the middle, and Eli on your right."
Kuroka tilted her head, her golden eyes glinting. "Nya? You know me?"
Rinko's cheeks flushed a deep red. "Riku showed us a picture of you a few days ago... though you were still unconscious at that time."
"Oh?" Kuroka purred, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. "To think you took a picture of me while I was vulnerable~ I wonder what you were doing with it~ Having a bit of fun, were you~?"
Rinko and Miyu turned crimson, while Eli merely looked away, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. I smacked Eli lightly on the head, prompting a loud "nya!" from Kuroka.
"What was that for? Ow!" Kuroka clutched her head dramatically.
I noticed Miyu stepping back, murmuring a prayer as she did.
"Dear Lord, please forgive my sins for having impure thoughts... Dear Lord—Kuroka-san! Are you okay?"
Kuroka waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine, nya~ It's just... whenever someone prays in front of a devil, it brings pain."
Miyu's eyes went wide. "D-Devil?!"
"Don't worry," I said. "She's not a threat. More than that, she's a victim of circumstances beyond her control."
"A victim?" Rinko echoed.
Kuroka nodded. "I sold my soul to a devil to protect my sister... but don't worry, I'm still me~ Weak to anything holy, though."
I raised a hand. "These are things we'll discuss later. For now, we can put it aside. If you want to know more, join me and Eli when we visit my grandfather's office tonight."
Miyu bowed deeply. "I'm very sorry for causing you pain with my prayers, Kuroka-san."
Kuroka waved her off. "Don't sweat it. You didn't know. Just... not in front of me next time, alright?"
"Hai!" Miyu replied earnestly.
I turned to Rinko. "Where are the others?"
"They've already left," Rinko said. "Yukina-san and the others departed after Kazehana-san led them home. Chisato-san and the rest of PasuPare returned to their agency about an hour after you left. Mafuyu-san is at Shinonome-san's place, Tina-chan's at Kamishirasawa-sensei's place, and Youmu-san is helping Sakurako-san cook."
Miyu added, "Kyoya-san mentioned that if you bring Kuroka-san here, we should escort her to the room assigned for her."
"Understood," I said. "I'll get changed. Kuroka, follow Miyu and the others—use this chance to get to know them."
"Sure," Kuroka replied with a grin.
"Try not to tease them too much," I cautioned. "Especially Rinko—she's shy at heart."
"I'll take note," Kuroka said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
With that, I left Kuroka in the capable hands of Rinko, Miyu, and Eli, retreating to my room to change. As I walked down the corridor, my phone buzzed with a message from Aichi: "Enjoy the surprise? When I said I was with Umi and Maki, it was a lie—they were actually helping Eli move her stuff."
I couldn't help but laugh dryly. Hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray... fully deceived. Fair play, Aichi.
I opened my door and felt a sudden sharp pain in my head. My vision blurred as I clutched my temples, the world spinning around me for a few torturous seconds. Then I saw her.
"Was that... Koishi?" I muttered under my breath.
Shaking off the dizziness, I stepped fully into my room. The estate was quiet, the hum of evening settling into the corners of the vast mansion. I sank onto my bed, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Koishi's appearance wasn't just a surprise—it was a puzzle piece in a much larger, complex tapestry of events, one that was still unraveling before me.
I let out a long breath, leaning back against the headboard, muscles tense. Dinner would come soon. My grandfather's office would come later. And Koishi... she was already on my mind, a phantom in the back of my consciousness I couldn't shake.
A few hours later...
Nagae Estate – Kyoya's Office
9:00 P.M.
The day had been long, the strange convergence of events leaving a quiet tension that I could feel in my bones. After the headache passed, I changed into more comfortable clothes and followed a maid to the dining room. The table was already set in a quiet but elegant display, the seafood theme for the night promising a rich meal. Rinko, Miyu, Eli, and Kuroka were already seated, while grandfather presided at the head. Aya and Hatate arrived moments later, as punctual as always.
Grandfather took the time to formally introduce himself to Kuroka. His tone was measured, precise, but warm enough to make her feel welcomed. He told her that she could treat the estate as her home for the time being. Kuroka's golden eyes sparkled in appreciation, and I could see her tail twitching slightly under the table. Grandfather then laid out the evening's plan: after dinner, the five of us—myself, Rinko, Miyu, Eli, and Kuroka—would join him in his office at 9 p.m. for a discussion regarding some private matters.
Dinner was served promptly, and the table quickly became lively. Kuroka stared intently at the seafood, her usual mischievous smile replaced by a hungry, almost childlike gleam. I couldn't help but smirk at her reaction.
After the meal, we retreated to our respective rooms to rest and prepare for the evening meeting. I took a moment alone and called Aya and Hatate to check on any developments in the PBC. Hatate brought up the current situation in China, and the news was worrying.
"The riots are escalating," Hatate explained, her voice calm but firm. "Even the Chinese government has started taking action, but the instability is worsening. The PBC has decided to relocate the tour to Malaysia, forcing Chinese bands to continue there to avoid getting involved in the riots."
I nodded thoughtfully. "Keep me updated. Notify me immediately if anything changes or if there are complications with the relocation."
The tengus returned to their duties, leaving me to gather my thoughts. The city was quiet now, the estate even quieter, but a subtle anticipation lingered in the air.
By 9 p.m., we were all gathered in grandfather's office. I was alongside Rinko, Miyu, Eli, and Kuroka, while Youmu, Kazehana, and Sakurako stood guard near the door. Grandfather removed his glasses, setting them on the desk, and addressed us with the authority and calm that always accompanied him.
"Glad that you're all here," he began. "As you know, Eli-kun will be living with us from now on. The meeting with her family will not be necessary, as her relationship with Riku was already approved a year ago. As such, she will require an aide to assist with her daily needs. Do you accept this arrangement?"
Eli's expression was firm, confident. "I do. So, who will be my aide?"
Kyoya smiled faintly, and motioned toward the door. "You may enter."
Youmu and Kazehana stepped aside, and the door opened to reveal a petite young woman. Her dark green hair was tied into neat braids, framing her face and falling neatly down her back. Dark violet eyes met Eli's as she stood in a precise, respectful posture, the violet club-shaped hair clip on the left side of her head giving a subtle pop of color against the black maid outfit.
"Eli-kun, meet Kamijo Mitsuri," Kyoya said. "She will be your personal aide from now on. Mitsuri, this is Ayase Eli."
Mitsuri bowed deeply. "Hai, Oyakata-sama. Kamijo Mitsuri at your service, Eli-sama. From this day forward, I will assist you with all your daily needs."
Eli's curiosity was immediate. "Hm. Then let's get along, Mitsuri. May I ask... how old are you?"
Mitsuri blinked, a small smile forming. "Ah... is it because of my height, Eli-sama? Very well. I am 23 years old, and I hold a degree in Body Conditioning."
Eli's brow arched. "Body Conditioning?"
Kyoya nodded. "Every aide assigned to our family has a specialization. Since you're an idol, you expend a significant amount of energy performing. Mitsuri is trained to assist you and your group in maintaining peak physical condition for any performance, ensuring stamina, agility, and endurance are optimized."
Eli's eyes sparkled with interest. "Wow... then Mitsuri, after this meeting, can we begin working on a training regimen for μ's?"
Mitsuri's posture remained impeccable, but her eyes gleamed with professional pride. "It would be my honor, Eli-sama."
Kyoya allowed a small smile to form. "I'm glad to see the two of you getting along. Now, aides, you may step outside. Guard the door while you remain on duty."
Youmu, Mitsuri and Kazehana bowed deeply before exiting, their silent presence ensuring the room remained secure. Sakurako followed suit, standing just outside the door to maintain a watchful eye.
The atmosphere in grandfather's office shifted immediately from formal to electric the moment he addressed Kuroka. "Now, let's get to the serious side. Kuroka-kun, step forward."
Kuroka's golden eyes met mine, flickering with curiosity and a hint of mischief. I simply nodded at her, signaling compliance with grandfather's command. She straightened, tail flicking imperceptibly, and stepped forward.
"Once again, I welcome you to the Nagae Estate. You can treat this place as your home," Kyoya said, his voice calm but carrying weight.
"Thank you," Kuroka replied, her tone measured but genuine.
"The reason I've called you here tonight," Kyoya continued, "is because I want you to share your story with the girls."
Kuroka's ears twitched. "I see. Do you want the short version or the long one?"
I shrugged slightly. "Whatever fits your bill."
Kuroka grinned, her sharp teeth visible in a sly smile. "Very well... what I'm about to tell you girls is something you ain't gonna like. You can leave if you want."
Rinko shook her head immediately. "No... I'll stay."
Miyu's resolve was equally firm. "Me too. I think I have to know."
Eli nodded, her curiosity unabated. "So am I."
Kuroka's expression softened slightly. "Very well. Here's my story."
What followed was an hour-long account that spanned decades of conflict. Kuroka recounted the Great War, the Underworld Civil War, the rise and fall of the evil pieces, and the intricacies of sacred gears. The girls listened in shock. Rinko and Eli paled, while Miyu's faith was tested to its limits. When Kuroka mentioned the death of God in her world, Miyu collapsed entirely, overwhelmed by grief.
It took at least five minutes for Miyu to regain consciousness. She remained visibly shaken, her eyes moist and troubled. Kuroka knelt beside her gently. "It's okay... that was the God of my world, not yours. Your God is still alive," she reassured. Slowly, Miyu's spirits lifted.
Once Miyu had recovered, Kuroka continued, narrating the circumstances that had led her to become a devil. She recounted betraying her own master, becoming a fugitive, and surviving countless hardships. When she finished, Miyu hurried forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace, tears streaming freely.
"To think that you've suffered so much... it's okay now. No one can hurt you here," Miyu whispered.
Kuroka accepted the hug, her tail wagging like an excited child's. Eli and Rinko watched, smiles forming despite the gravity of the story. Kuroka gave Miyu a gentle headpat as they broke apart.
"Thanks," Kuroka said softly. "I needed that. Riku gave me a hug too, but... another one never hurts."
I smirked. "I told you, everyone needs a hug."
"Since you already know my story," Kuroka continued with a playful glint in her eyes, "I can do this without a care~"
She snapped her fingers, and in an instant transformed into a small black cat. The girls gasped as Kuroka leapt gracefully onto grandfather's desk.
"Much better, nya~" she purred.
Rinko blinked, astonished. "You can talk while you're in that form?!"
"Of course I can~" Kuroka replied, tail flicking. "When I first transformed, all I could do was meow. Took years of training to speak normally while in this form."
Eli tilted her head, puzzled. "But why transform?"
Kuroka's grin returned. "Simple. I just like this form better~"
Kyoya adjusted his glasses, his expression approving. "Everyone has preferences. If Kuroka-kun wishes to remain in that form, who are we to stop her?"
Kuroka nodded, satisfied. "Thank you, Kyoya-dono. And to show my appreciation, Riku, come here."
I walked closer, curious. Without warning, a magic circle materialized beside Kuroka. From it, a small blue orb appeared, about the size of a baseball, suspended in midair. Its surface shimmered faintly, and I could sense something alive within it.
"What is this?" I asked, cautious but intrigued.
"This," Kuroka said, "is a fragment of the Divine Dividing. One of the 13 Longinus. Within this orb resides Albion, the White Dragon Emperor—one of the Two Heavenly Dragons. I want you to have it."
The revelation left us all stunned. Miyu's wide eyes reflected a mix of awe and fear.
"Longinus?" she whispered. "You mean... the spear that killed Jesus Christ?"
Kuroka's smile was grim. "The very same. The reason God created the Longinus was to give humanity an even playing field against the supernatural."
Kyoya leaned forward. "And there are thirteen of them?"
Kuroka nodded. "Aside from the Divine Dividing, there's True Longinus, Zenith Tempest, Dimension Lost, Sephiroth Grail, Incinerate Anthem, Regulus Nemea, Canis Lykaon, Annihilation Maker, Boosted Gear, Absolute Demise, Innovate Clear, and Telos Karma. Those are the thirteen."
Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "How did you come into possession of one?"
Kuroka's eyes darkened slightly. "I stumbled across it while gathering evidence to prove my innocence. I was raiding a lab in the Underworld when I found that some devils were attempting to replicate it. I couldn't let that happen... so I eliminated them and took it for safekeeping. I discovered that the orb actually retains a fragment of its past host."
"Host?" Rinko repeated, intrigued. "You mean the Longinus chooses its wielder?"
"Not exactly," Kuroka corrected. "Sacred gears are unique to humans—they manifest from their soul. Longinus are different. They can transfer between hosts at will, and when a host dies, they seek out another suitable wielder."
Eli frowned, curiosity piqued. "But why Riku?"
Kuroka's tail twitched. "Consider it payment for saving me. Besides, the orb resonates with you. When you fought those devils, I felt it reacting to your presence."
I frowned in concentration. "Resonating with me? That explains why I felt it calling the moment I saw it..."
"Indeed," Kuroka confirmed, her eyes narrowing in appraisal. "I can feel the aura of a dragon from you."
Rinko tilted her head. "Right... he does use the power of the dragon god."
Kuroka's ears twitched. "Wait... dragon god?"
Kyoya interjected, voice calm and measured. "Not comparable to your dragon gods, Kuroka-kun. At full power, it's on par with Zeus."
Kuroka's eyes widened. "Zeus?!"
I exhaled slowly. "When it's at its prime... but I can't say its full potential yet."
"Hmm... alright," Kuroka mused. "I'll let it slide. Riku, pick it up. If you were a full youkai, the sacred gear wouldn't respond. It only reacted because you're half-human."
Eli's curiosity returned. "So sacred gears are only limited to humans?"
Kuroka nodded. "Yup."
I reached out, touching the orb. Instantly, it glowed a bright, vivid blue. The glow intensified, enveloping my hand—and then vanished without warning. My vision blurred, dizziness overtook me, and my knees buckled.
"Riku!" Rinko screamed.
"Riku-san!" Miyu cried.
"Riku!" Eli shouted, panic in her voice.
"Riku!" Kyoya's commanding voice filled the room.
I barely registered the flurry of movement as my body collapsed. Grandfather moved swiftly to my side, while Youmu, Kazehana, Sakurako, and Mitsuri rushed in from the hallway. Kuroka reverted to her human form, tail lashing in concern as she crouched beside me.
My vision darkened, the world narrowing to a tunnel of blue and white light. The sounds of voices—the calls of the girls, grandfather, Kuroka—faded into distant echoes.
And then... nothing.
The world fell silent, and my consciousness slipped away completely.
----------
Riku's Mindscape
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself standing on a field of soft, green grass, stretching endlessly beneath a sky the color of molten silver. The air smelled faintly of ozone, and a strange serenity settled around me. I rose, brushing the grass off my clothes as I assessed the situation.
"[Ho~ It seems that you are my new host?]"
The voice was deep, resonant, and carried a weight that seemed to vibrate through the very air. I turned toward it, and there he was: a massive Western dragon, its scales pure white, wings feathered like those of an angel, and eyes a glimmering sapphire that seemed to pierce straight through me. He lowered his massive head slightly, the tip of his snout brushing the grass.
"[Interesting, very interesting... a combination of a youkai and human. And very high potential in magic,]" he murmured.
"I take it you're Albion," I said, my voice steady despite the awe clawing at my chest.
"[Seems you already know me,]" the dragon rumbled, each word like rolling thunder. "[Yes, I am Albion, the White Dragon Emperor. But tell me... your mindscape is vast. How did you manage to create this place?]"
I shook my head. "That's not your concern. Try looking behind you."
Albion shifted, wings spreading slightly, and his gaze followed. My eyes fell on Iku, her body crackling with blue lightning, the aura around her oppressive and suffocating, even in this space.
"Who are you? Why are you here? Are you threatening my vessel? If so, calamity will fall upon you, one way or the other." Iku demanded, hand raised, electricity arcing between her fingertips.
"Don't do it!" I shouted, stepping in front of her. "He's not here to threaten me! I brought him here myself!"
Iku's lightning faltered slightly as she turned her gaze to me, demanding an explanation without uttering a single word. Slowly, I recounted everything that had happened—Kuroka, the Longinus, the Divine Dividing, and the events that led me to this mindscape.
She exhaled, puffing her cheeks, her attention shifting between Albion and me. "Now I understand. Riku's traits with dragons resonated with Albion, resulting in the dragon assimilating with Riku almost instantly. Is that correct?"
"[Yes]," Albion responded, his voice vibrating through the air.
"You mentioned negative thoughts from past possessors of the sacred gear remain with me. How will you ensure they don't influence Riku?" Iku asked, brow furrowed.
"[Worry not]," Albion replied. "[I checked the depths of the Divine Dividing. The negative thoughts of past possessors are largely absent. Some remain, but they're... more laid-back.]"
Iku's gaze softened slightly. "And his physical body? Is he capable of handling this power?"
"[In terms of physical capacity, he is more than worthy to wield my power immediately. But control... that will be your task.]" Albion's gaze hardened. "[Dividing is about control. By dividing, you not only halve your opponent's strength but gain it for yourself.]"
"So I need to train because there's a limit to this power?" I asked, nodding thoughtfully.
"[Precisely. But your adaptability suggests you might handle it without my direct intervention. Once you hit a bottleneck, I'll step in. Who knows? You may awaken abilities your predecessors never could.]"
Iku tilted her head, curiosity mingling with suspicion. "You seem invested in him. Why?"
Albion's gaze turned inward, reflective. "[Most of my previous hosts were... predictable. Red ones appear, and it's all-out chaos—fighting to the death with reckless abandon, succumbing to wounds, or being killed by others. But Riku... I see something different. He values balance, the status quo. Perhaps he is the one who can unlock the full potential of the Divine Dividing.]"
"That's Riku," Iku said with a quiet smile.
"[Hmmm... try summoning it. Visualize the strongest form imaginable and manifest it.]" Albion's voice resonated in my mind like a bell tolling.
I closed my eyes, focusing, picturing the embodiment of power that I could summon. Minutes passed in silence, the air heavy with anticipation. When I opened my eyes, my hands were encased in pure white fingerless vambraces, adorned with blue gems that shimmered faintly with an inner light.
Albion blinked, then laughter rolled from deep within him, shaking the grass beneath us.
"What are you laughing at?" Iku asked, tilting her head.
"[You are... remarkable, boy. Normally, my sacred gear manifests as wings. But you... manifest it as vambraces. First time ever.]" Albion's sapphire eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Vambraces, yes," I said, flexing my fingers. "Not quite gauntlets, but... close enough."
"[Impressive. Looks like my plans will need adjusting, but I trust you can handle it without my guidance.]"
Iku stepped back, her expression softening. "Take your time. No need to rush. Practice at your own pace; results will come naturally. But for now... wake up."
"Understood," I said. "When will we meet again?"
"[You can always reach me through telepathy. And while your vambraces exist in the physical world, I can communicate through them. Anyone nearby will hear me.]"
I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I see. Then I'll need your guidance to explain all of this to the others. I'll head out now."
I closed my eyes, feeling the world dissolve around me, the mindscape fading into the void as I prepared to awaken back in my body. The sensation was like drifting through water, weightless yet tethered by invisible strings to reality.
As the grass, the silver sky, and the immense presence of Albion and Iku vanished, I could feel my consciousness returning, slowly knitting back together with my physical self. The vambraces tingled against my arms, faintly warm, a tangible reminder of the power now flowing through me.
And then, I was back.
Now back to reality...
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room – 12:00 MN
My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I felt was a crushing weight around me. Before I could even sit up, I was engulfed in a tight, warm embrace from Rinko, Miyu, and Eli.
"Riku!!! You're okay!!!" Rinko cried, her voice trembling.
"I-I'm alright, Rinko... girls... too tight..." I gasped, squirming slightly under their desperate grips.
They loosened their hold, stepping back but still looking at me with tears pooling in their eyes.
"We thought... we thought you were dead..." Rinko whispered.
"When you collapsed... you had no pulse, you weren't breathing..." Eli added, her voice shaking.
Miyu, the ever-devout, murmured, "We thought we were about to lose you..."
"What?" I stammered, confusion and alarm washing over me.
"Rinko-san's right," Eirin-san's calm voice cut through the room, her presence commanding yet gentle. "You did give us quite a scare."
I blinked, taking in the figures standing behind them: Eirin-san and Kaguya, along with my grandfather, Kuroka, and the three girls.
"Eirin-san? Why are you here?" I asked, still half-disoriented.
Kyoya stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. "After you collapsed, all your vital organs ceased functioning. Kuroka tried her best to revive you, but to no avail. I called Eirin-dono and Kaguya-dono for assistance."
"How long have I been out?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Take it or leave it, but you were out for two hours," Kaguya replied matter-of-factly.
"Two hours... so it's already past midnight," I muttered, the weight of that time pressing down on me.
Eirin-san gave me a penetrating look. "Riku, tell us what happened. Every detail."
I nodded, taking a step back. "I'll explain, but alone words won't be enough. Step back a bit."
Obediently, Eirin-san and my fiancées moved aside. I raised my hands, summoning a brilliant white light that radiated from my palms. The glow intensified, washing over the room, and then, as the light dimmed, the sacred gear appeared in its entirety.
"Riku... what is that?" Rinko asked, eyes wide.
"Impossible... is that... the Divine Dividing?" Kuroka's voice trembled with awe.
"Yeah," I said simply.
Eirin leaned in, scrutinizing the vambraces on my arms. "You mean one of those so-called sacred gears? But how did Riku get his hands on one?"
Kuroka smiled faintly, a proud glint in her eyes. "I gave it to him as a gift for saving me. The sacred gear resonated with him—it was perfect."
Kaguya's brow furrowed. "But... will it bring any problems in the long run?"
A voice, calm yet commanding, filled the room. Albion.
"[Not quite, young lady. Everything is up to my partner.]"
Everyone turned, searching for the source. Another sound echoed from my right hand, where the vambrace shimmered faintly.
"[I am here. In Riku's right hand,]" Albion explained.
Miyu's eyes widened. "Are you... Albion? Why in Riku-san's hand?"
"[I am Albion, the White Dragon Emperor. In this form, I can communicate with the outside world. Normally, the Divine Dividing manifests as wings, but in my partner's case... this form suits his needs.]"
"So you're saying Riku is an irregular?" Kuroka asked, tilting her head curiously.
"An irregular?" Rinko echoed.
"What's an irregular?" Eirin-san inquired, eyes narrowing.
"[Irregulars are sacred gear users who don't follow the normal path. Typically, sacred gears have predefined abilities that unlock progressively. But irregulars bend these rules—they create abilities of their own through ingenuity and intuition. They are far more dangerous due to their higher potential.]" Albion's voice resonated with authority.
I exhaled softly. "Well, I was trying a new fighting style, and I needed something to complement it. This is the result. I can unsummon it if needed."
Kyoya's voice cut through the room again, calm and inquisitive. "Kuroka-kun, if you may, what does the Divine Dividing do?"
Kuroka's gaze softened. "From what I know, the main ability of the Divine Dividing is to divide anything it touches for ten seconds. If the target is living, their stamina and energy are halved and transferred to the user."
Kaguya frowned slightly. "But it's temporary, right?"
"[Exactly,]" Albion confirmed. "[There's a limit on how much power I can absorb. Exceed it, and I risk overload. Since Riku uses vambraces instead of wings, we'll see how he manages the distribution.]"
Eirin tilted her head thoughtfully. "Then why did Riku's vital organs stop?"
"[His body is adjusting to my power. A regular human would need months, but as a half-youkai with multiple powers, he required only two hours.]"
Kyoya's gaze softened, concern in his eyes. "Riku, how are you feeling?"
"How do I feel?" I muttered, flexing my fingers. "I feel... fine. My muscles are—"
"Riku! Your left eye!!! It's blue!!!" Rinko shouted, pointing in alarm.
I turned toward a mirror that Eirin-san handed me. My left eye had shifted from gold to a deep, lustrous navy blue. It reflected the dim light of the room, captivating and serene.
"What happened to my eye?" I whispered.
Eirin-san studied me intently. "If I were to theorize... it's the result of assimilating with your sacred gear. Its compatibility with you is extraordinary, affecting even your physiology."
I gazed at the mirror, my reflection staring back. The blue eye felt like a symbol of change, a new beginning. A small smile crept across my face.
"You know... I think blue suits me," I said softly.
Everyone in the room chuckled at my comment, nodding in agreement. The tension that had gripped us since my collapse began to ease. For a moment, the fear, the awe, and the anxiety melted, leaving only quiet acceptance and a shared sense of relief.
12:45 A.M.
A few minutes later, Eirin-san suggested taking some blood samples to check for any changes since I assimilated with Albion. I agreed without hesitation—better to get it over with. The process was quick, and once Eirin-san and Kaguya left, the room felt unusually quiet.
It was past midnight, and we decided to call it a night. Just as I was about to settle in, my phone buzzed. Eli's name flashed on the screen.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"Not at all," she replied, her voice light. "I was just wondering... are you free for the rest of Sunday?"
"Well, Sunday is my rest day," I said, stretching slightly. "So yeah, I'm free."
Eli's tone became a little shy. "Then... if it's okay with you, can we go on a date?"
"A date?" I repeated, surprised.
"Yeah," she said, a soft laugh in her voice. "You had a date with Rinko and Miyu last week. And... well, you know the rules, right?"
I smiled, leaning back in the chair. "Yeah, I get it. Then let's set it for later in the morning. For now, get some rest—we've got a long day ahead."
"Okay," she said softly, and I could hear the warmth in her voice. "Good night, Riku."
After the call, I returned to my room and sat in the chair, the quiet night settling around me. My right vambrace pulsed softly, and Albion's voice resonated in my mind.
"Something wrong, partner?" I asked aloud.
"[Nothing much,]" Albion replied. "[I'm just... surprised. You've got three girlfriends. Are you trying to build a harem of your own?]"
I chuckled. "Pretty much. Want the full story?"
"[Later. For now, I suggest you sleep. You don't want to ruin that date of yours.]"
"Alright, then. Good night, Albion."
"[Good night, partner.]"
The vambrace dimmed, the soft glow fading as I climbed into bed. My mind drifted, recalling the day's events—the new sacred gear, the transformations, the conversations, the quiet moments of connection with the girls. Each memory carried a weight of its own, but instead of worry or doubt, I felt calm, ready.
Tomorrow promised its own excitement, a chance to spend time with Eli and embrace the simple, human joys outside the chaos of sacred gears and dragons. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to simply rest. The Divine Dividing hummed faintly on my arm, a silent companion and guardian, while I closed my eyes, surrendering to the night.
Sleep came easily, and in that brief pause between consciousness and dreams, I felt a certainty settle in my chest. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I wasn't alone.
And with that, the world outside faded, leaving only the quiet anticipation of a new day—and a long-awaited date with Eli.
To be continued...
Spell Cards Used: 1
Fish Sign: "Sailfish Spear Thrust"
Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card
Target: Single Target
Danmaku Type: Body Bullet, Sharp Bullet
Element: Water
User: Nagae Riku