Shinji suddenly sensed an abnormal presence behind him…
Looking back, Shinji could see something pushing up from beneath the rugged earth. Wondering if it was what he thought, he took a step back, and the expected development immediately unfolded.
"Tch!"
Appearing as if to take him by surprise was a single Shuuki. The moment it emerged above ground and reached out to attack, it touched the barrier surrounding the dorm. Instantly enveloped in crackling energy, its body began to disintegrate.
"...They come this close too."
Watching it turn to dust before his eyes, he understood the barrier's formidable power. Seeing it for the first time, he shuddered at its intensity.
"Are you alright, Kamiya-san?"
"Hm? ...Ah, Ookawamura-chan. Well, thanks to the barrier, I'm fine."
The youngest squad member, who happened to be passing by, came running over, so he reassured her. Though a member of the Seventh Unit, she was still just a child. Her genuine concern revealed a fundamentally kind nature.
"That's good. The Seventh Unit is located at the unlucky northeast position in the Demon Capital, so lots of monsters appear here."
"I'd heard that... but I didn't think they'd show up right at the dorm's doorstep."
"Thanks to the barrier placed around this dorm, our lives are protected."
He was reminded once again of the organization's technical prowess. They accomplished what ordinary people could not. The squad members who utilized supernatural abilities gained from the 'peaches' resource were no exception.
"Hey, what are you two chattering about? Shinji Kamiya."
Lost in such thoughts, he was abruptly addressed by someone. Turning around, he saw the strong-willed girl standing there.
"What's up, Higashi-chan?"
"...Stop with the '-chan' crap."
"I'll change how I address you when you learn to be a bit more honest."
"Tch... You're so damn irritating."
"My apologies. So, what do you need? Well, I'm guessing it's something like 'go prepare a meal'."
"...Correct."
Crossing her arms, she turned away, visibly displeased. She still seemed unhappy about an older man intervening and kept picking fights. Combined with her adolescence, he couldn't help but wryly smile, thinking this was probably how a girl her age would act.
"Understood. I just finished cleaning anyway. While I'm at it, any requests?"
"...None in particular."
"Is that so?"
"...Let me tell you something. It's only by the Captain's mercy that a man like you is allowed to eat the same food in the same place as us! You should be grateful!"
"Ah, duly noted."
Skillfully deflecting her comment, he headed for the kitchen. On the contrary, perhaps angered by his gentle handling of the situation, Himari Azuma scowled, her brow furrowed in a sulk.
"Mmm~! The manager's cooking is so good~!"
"Glad to hear it."
A while later, they gathered in the living room, sharing a meal around the dining table. Sitting on cushions laid out on the tatami mats in the Japanese-style room, each ate as they pleased. The seasoning seemed well-received, and from the looks of it, everyone was enjoying the food without pause.
"I'm not picky about food, but it's good that the nutritional balance is well-considered."
"Please teach Ookawamura how to cook, too!"
"...H-here, I'll get you seconds."
The dishes on the table centered around Japanese cuisine: rice, miso soup, an assortment of finely chopped vegetables, pickles, sashimi, simmered taro, and rolled omelet. Among them, Himari, holding out her empty bowl, asked for seconds. Though not openly admitting it, it seemed to suit her taste. He responded with a smile.
"Keep up this pace with the dishwashing and hot spring cleaning, too."
"And cleaning the empty rooms."
"Ah... Well, about that..."
"What? You have a problem with that?"
Glaring at him with sharp eyes, she transformed her left arm into a blade, pressing the tip against his neck. However, the man in question showed no sign of panic, remaining perfectly calm.
"That's not it. It's just, while relaxing and spending time with everyone like this, I can't help but wonder when and where those monsters might appear. So, Higashi-chan. Would you mind putting away that dangerous thing? Otherwise, even though you asked so nicely for seconds, I won't be able to make them if I'm dead."
"Tch... What's with you? Normally, people would be scared or creeped out. So why can you stay so damn calm?"
Reverting the transformed part back to normal, Shinji answered her question matter-of-factly. It was an extremely simple reason, and it was his genuine feeling.
"You fight every day to protect ordinary citizens from demons, right? Why would I need to be scared or creeped out by you guys, who are risking your lives and doing your best?"
He answered boldly, looking straight at her with honest eyes. This left the entire group speechless, experiencing a sensation they had never felt before.
Something they had always deeply desired but could never obtain. It might be hard to define, but it was something like warmth, a sense of comfort.
"...I... see..."
"Heh~, the manager's a nice guy after all♪."
"Kamiya-san..."
"Hmph... Well, it's a dorm full of women. Some might not be thrilled about having a male manager. But Shinji's skills at housework are solid, and he's necessary for my ability, too. I want you all to accept that."
However, adding the unfamiliar threat that if he messed up in any way, Kyoka, as his master, would 'twist him off,' she made a fist. The man destined to be her slave could only offer a dry smile in response.
"Twist me off, huh... I'll keep that in mind."
"Ahaha... Oh!"
Suddenly, Ookawamura, who was beside him, stood up. Furthermore, she closed her eyes and began moving her arms around erratically.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, you don't know yet, Manager. Nei-chan has clairvoyance. It's a very rare and amazing ability."
"Clairvoyance... I see."
Her movements looked like someone who had just washed her face and was searching for a towel. But immediately after, she stopped abruptly and opened her eyes.
"A Gate has appeared! About five kilometers south!"
"Alright, then we move out! Three vehicles!"
"Good grief, right in the middle of a nice meal... Let's do this."
They stood up one after another and began their deployment preparations.