Who knew how many years it would take to save enough for the equipment she wanted?
But...
'This is the last time! Just this once, and I'll be done!'
Gabriel tried to convince herself.
Unfortunately, she didn't realize
Some things only have two possibilitieszero times or infinite times.
Rei Ao grinned.
"Sure, no problem."
Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and sent the money.
[Ding! You have received 20,000 yen!]
"???"
Gabriel blinked, completely confused.
"W-Wait You're not asking me for anything in return?"
Rei Ao shook his head with a smirk.
"No rush. I've got things to do right now."
"We'll discuss our arrangement when I get back tonight."
As he spoke, he gently ruffled her hair before turning to leave.
Gabriel stood frozen in place, heart pounding.
She could already tell
Tonight was going to be hell.
By the time Rei Ao returned to Rio Futaba, her previously furrowed brows had relaxed.
"So?"
Rei Ao sat down, curious.
"Have you made a decision?"
Instead of answering directly, Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses and asked:
"You seem to understand Adolescence Syndrome quite well. Can I assume you also know how to cure it?"
Rei Ao chuckled.
"That's a bit of a reach but yes, I do know how to resolve your situation."
Then, his tone suddenly shifted.
"ButI don't want to."
"Is there something I need to do in exchange?"
Rio Futaba instinctively assumed it was some kind of trade.
But Rei Ao shook his head.
"You're overthinking it."
His gaze became serious.
"I already told youI like Rio Futaba."
"So of course, I won't let her disappear."
"Rather than erasing a version of you that has developed her own consciousness"
"I'd rather make sure she exists completely in this world."
Rio Futaba was stunned.
She stared at him, completely speechless.
Rei Ao's expression remained firm.
"You might think this is unfair to you.
But the truth is
The one I fell for at first sight was Rio Futababoth of you."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Rio Futaba fell into a long silence.
She had really just been confessed to.
Nonot just her. Both versions of her.
Now she understood why Rei Ao had chosen to help both of them.
Taking a deep breath, she responded seriously.
"I'm sorry. We don't really know each other, so I have to refuse your confession."
"Haha, that's only natural."
Rei Ao didn't mind at all.
No matter how well he could read people at first glance, that was just his effort in understanding them.
He had no reason to expect someone to like him immediately.
Winning someone over takes time.
But being the closest one from the start definitely had its advantages.
"You can just think of me as being one-sidedly infatuated with you."
Rei Ao shrugged nonchalantly before bringing up something important.
"There's something else you should know."
"If you and the other you ever truly want to do the exact same thingshe will disappear."
"?"
Rio Futaba's gaze flickered.
She didn't understand Rei Ao at all.
"Didn't you just say you like her?"
"Then why tell me this?"
"If I decide to make her disappear..."
Rei Ao simply smiled.
"You still don't understand me."
His voice was calm yet filled with confidence.
"I always prefer direct, straightforward pursuit."
"And I have full confidence in my abilities."
"I will never let Rio Futaba disappear from this worldand I always keep my word."
There was something unwavering in his eyes.
His self-assured tone made Rio Futaba feel a bit envious.
Because the "Rio Futaba" he spoke of was not her.
Then, without much hesitation, she suddenly spoke.
"Rei Ao-kun, please allow me to stay at your place for a while. I will pay you back for it later."
Rei Ao raised an eyebrow.
"I thought after hearing all my shameless words, you'd reject my offer to help."
"I'm not an idiot."
Rio Futaba replied calmly and rationally.
"Given my current situation, I truly have nowhere to go."
"And you might be the only person I've met who understands what's happening to me."
She adjusted her glasses and continued.
"As for your help"
"I will consider it a business trade. I will accept your assistance in exchange for compensation later."
Her words were logical, calculated, and well-reasoned.
But there was one important thought she didn't say out loud.
That was
Rei Ao hadn't hidden anything from her.
If Rei Ao were truly a deceptive, untrustworthy man, he could have easily kept important information from her.
He could have lied.
He could have manipulated her into dependence.
But instead, he had laid everything bare
His flirtatious nature, his methods, and even the way to make her other self disappear.
It was because of this that Rio Futaba was truly curious about him.
She wanted to understand him.
She wanted to know
Why did the other version of her trust him so much?
On the other side of the table, Rei Ao grinned.
"A trade, huh? I like that word."
After all, trading was his specialty.
Hearing someone else bring up the idea first gave him a strong sense of dj vu.
"But no need to rush your decision just yet."
"At least come and check out my place first."
Rei Ao stood up.
"Come on. Let's go see my home."
Chapter 187: Trinity Seven, Lookalike, etc.
Royal Biblia Academy
Outside a classroom with only a few students,
A golden twin-tailed girl ran past, holding a camera in hand.
"EXTRA! EXTRA! A new student has arrived at the academyAND THEY'RE A DEMON KING CANDIDATE!!!"
Her shouts echoed clearly into the classroom,
Where each student immediately heard her loud and clear.
This classroom only had a few students,
Because everyone here was special
They were members of the legendary Trinity Seven.
"Commander, did you hear that?"
A tall girl with long black hair and brown eyes grinned,
Casually slipping an arm around a golden-haired girl with two ahoge strands beside her.
"A new student and they're a Demon King candidate!? I wonder how strong they areI really wanna fight them~!"
Her name was Akio Fudo,
One of the Trinity Seven.
[Akio Fudo]
[Archive]: Gluttony (Gula)
[Theme]: Faith (Fides)
[Height]: 170cm
[Measurements]: B82-W56-H83
Royal Biblia Academy Grimoire Security 3rd Seat.
A front-line attacker, skilled in powerful kicks.
Possesses the "Gluttony Archive", with a "Faith theme", and the magic "Mantra Enchant".
For mages, the concept of a "Theme" was a fundamental principle.
Each mage had a research theme they devoted themselves to.
The Seven Deadly SinsWrath, Pride, Greed, Envy, Sloth, Lust, and Gluttonywere kept as archives in the library, and each mage selected a corresponding theme.
Typically, the theme they chose was the opposite of their nature.
The golden-haired girl Akio was hugging was named Mira Yamana.
Despite being called "Commander",
Mira was actually Akio's junior,
Yet far more composed and level-headed.
[Mira Yamana]
[Archive]: Pride (Superbia)
[Theme]: Justice (Justitia)
[Height]: 152cm
[Measurements]: B79-W55-H78
Royal Biblia Academy Grimoire Security Top Seat.
Possesses the Pride Archive, with a Justice theme.
"We don't even know if this information is true yet."
Mira remained calm, keeping Akio's excitement in check.
"If Selina is the one spreading the news, there's a good chance it's accurate."
Another girl, with long red hair, a side braid, and a beret, spoke thoughtfully.
Her sharp blue eyes gleamed with contemplation.
"Besides that black sun that appeared over the academy yesterday was strange. It might be connected to this Demon King candidate."
She was Lilith Asami, another member of the Trinity Seven.
[Lilith Asami]
[Archive]: Lust (Luxuria)
[Theme]: Life (Abies)
[Height]: 162cm
Measurements: B89-W55-H89
A specialist in Alchemy and a teacher at the Royal Biblia Academy.
A stunning beauty with an incredibly captivating presence.
"A Demon King candidate, huh I wonder what kind of trouble they'll bring. Sounds fun."
A girl leaning against the back door smirked.
Her single brown ponytail, bangs covering one eye, and ninja-like attire gave her an assassin's presence.
She was Levi Kazama, another of the Trinity Seven.
[Levi Kazama]
[Archive]: Envy (Invidia)
[Theme]: Expectation (Expect)
[Height]: 148cm
[Measurements]: B78-W54-H77
A master of Stealth Magic and a self-proclaimed "Ultimate Ninja."
Possesses the Envy Archive, with a Expectation theme.
Incredible speed, assassination skills, and ninja arts expertise.
Though the four girls were engaged in conversation,
Only Akio and Mira were genuinely close.
The others kept their distance, maintaining a professional camaraderie rather than deep friendships.
Until
A new presence arrived at the classroom.
"Hello, everyone!"
A girl with soft brown hair and a gentle smile greeted them cheerfully,
Waving politely at the group.
"?"
The four froze, their expressions twisting in confusion.
"Commander, did I hear that right?"
Akio tightened her grip on Mira, whispering in disbelief.
"She actually just smiled and greeted us!?"
"I heard it too."
Even the normally composed Mira was slightly stunned.
"Kannazuki-san, did something good happen today?"
Lilith asked, her blue eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"Eh?"
Just as the girlArin Kannazukiwas about to respond
SHING!!
A blade flashed.
A fierce wind sliced through the air.
Before anyone could react,
Levi Kazama was already in front of Arin Kannazuki,
Her unsheathed sword resting against Kannazuki's throat.
"Levi! What are you doing!?"
Mira demanded, stepping forward.
"Put your sword down!"
Lilith Asami was startled and quickly moved to stop her.
However, Levi Kazama didn't move an inch.
Her eyes remained locked onto the calm 'Arin Kannazuki'
"You're not Arin Kannazuki. Who are you?!"
"Huh?"
Lilith Asami and the others were stunned by Levi's sudden accusation.
What shocked them even more was that, at that moment, another figure walked into the classroom.
This person looked nearly identical to Hijiri Kasuga.
But she was slightly taller.
Under the bewildered gazes of everyone in the room,
The lookalike walked straight up to 'Arin Kannazuki'
And sniffed her.
Then, without hesitation, she declared
"You have the scent of a Demon King."
She paid no attention to the others.
Her cold gaze never left Hijiri Kasuga.
"Two Kannazuki-sans?!"
Lilith Asami was dumbfounded.
What is going on?!
"It seems you've all misunderstood something."
Black markings spread across Hijiri Kasuga's body.
An overwhelming surge of magical power radiated from her
And, before Levi's shocked eyes,
A black magic-formed hand forcefully pried her blade away.
Then, with a calm smile, Hijiri Kasuga introduced herself
"Everyone, I'm Hijiri Kasuga, the new student. Nice to meet you all."
"Eh?!"
The others could now feel it clearly
The power within her was that of a Demon King's essence.
A Demon King Candidate.
The new student.
So Selina's "EXTRA" was true?!
"But why? Why does this new student look exactly like Kannazuki-san?"
Lilith Asami racked her brain trying to figure it out.
Hijiri Kasuga withdrew her magic,
Then tilted her head, studying the expressionless Arin Kannazuki.
[Arin Kannazuki]
[Archive]: Wrath (Ira)
[Theme]: Ruin (Ruina)
[Height]: 156cm
[Measurements]: B83-W56-H84
Has an eerily similar appearance to Hijiri Kasuga.
Possesses the Wrath Archive, with the Ruin theme.
Uses the magic Chaotic Rune.
"We really do look alike."
Hijiri Kasuga muttered in amazement,
Then asked, puzzled
"How did you instantly recognize the Demon King's presence?"
Arin Kannazuki, still emotionless, answered
"Because I am the Demon King's consort."
"EH?!?!"
Meanwhile
Mai Sakurajima and Tohru gazed at the girl beside Rei Ao with curious expressions.
They didn't recognize her.
"Who is this?"
Rei Ao introduced her
"This is Rio Futaba. She's also a student at the academy."
"She's experiencing a problem similar to your Puberty Syndrome, Mai."
"She has Puberty Syndrome too?"
Mai was surprised.
Rio Futaba, in turn, was curious.
She was curious not only about why Rei Ao had two beautiful girls in his home,
But also about this "Mai" girl and what kind of Puberty Syndrome she had experienced.
"Anyway, let's introduce ourselves first."
Following Rei Ao's lead, everyone exchanged introductions.
Rio Futaba learned about the two girls.
TohruRei Ao's maid.
(She did not reveal that she was actually a dragon.)
Mai SakurajimaRei Ao's... girlfriend.
"...Wait."
Rio Futaba's mind went blank.
So Rei Ao
Is in a relationship,
Living with his girlfriend,
And yet, he confessed to both her and another version of herself?
This...
Isn't just being a flirt
This is next-level scumbag behavior, right?!
Even someone as emotionally detached as Futaba could tell this was bad.
But at the same time
Rei Ao was being so open and honest about it.
To the point where she didn't even know how to criticize him.
So, she chose to ignore it altogether.
I'll just focus on solving my own problem.
After hearing about Rio Futaba's situation,
Mai Sakurajima actually felt a sense of camaraderie.
"I never expected there to be another case of Puberty Syndrome like this."
"Your case was really strange too, Mai."
Rio Futaba replied, now deep in thought
"You disappeared because you didn't want to be noticed... Let me think of how to explain that using quantum physics."
She lowered her head, seriously trying to analyze it scientifically.
"Q-Quantum physics?!"
Mai was completely lost.
She turned to Rei Ao, hoping for an explanation.
Rei Ao shrugged.
"Don't mind her. She just really likes science."
"Futaba, why don't you check out the guest room first? You can decide if you want to stay here after that."
"...Alright."
Rio Futaba gave up on her quantum physics calculations for now.
Rei Ao led her to a spare bedroom.
