"A request?" Rei Ao's interest was piqued. A request from angels?
Gabriel hesitated briefly but then continued, "It's actually related to a secret. According to the Three Realms Agreement, your current power qualifies you to know."
Raphiel extended her hand, conjuring a glowing orb that displayed a familiar image.
"This is Earth, the world as you know it, the surface we refer to as the human realm."
She pointed again, and three halos appeared over the planetone white and holy, one dark and ominous, and one grey and misty, all intertwined.
"Above the human realm, in parallel dimensions, lie three realms: the angelic Heaven, the demonic Hell, and the afterlife, where the dead reside."
A parallel dimension, Rei Ao thought, understanding the relation between these worlds and Earth.
Raphiel continued, "Originally, the three realms coexisted without interfering with the human realm, maintaining a harmonious balance. However, four months ago, another world connected with ours."
Rei Ao remembered something. "The monster I killed, was it from that other world?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yes, that's right."
She then explained the current situation. The other world was chaotic, filled with different races and constant warfare, not to mention dangerous monsters. Representatives from Heaven and Hell had already gone to negotiate with the other world, but the connection between the two realms created cracks. Before negotiations were completed, creatures might slip through these cracks and cause harm to the human realm. To prevent such disturbances, angels and demons were dispatched to assess any creatures that crossed over. Dangerous creatures like the monster Rei Ao encountered were to be eliminated, while intelligent beings would be negotiated with or, if necessary, arrested or exterminated.
This explained why Rei Ao had encountered the monster and the two angels.
"If that's the case, the negotiations will likely face many obstacles," Rei Ao said, offering his thoughts. "From what you've said, the other world is chaotic, filled with warring factions and no true governing body. The best you can hope for is to negotiate with a few of the more organized races. But even if the races agree to peace, the monsters, which they themselves can't control, will keep crossing over."
"We're aware of that," Gabriel sighed. "Which is why relying solely on the power of angels and demons won't be enough."
Rei Ao could already see where this was going.
"Senpai, on behalf of Heaven, I'd like to ask you to protect the human realm to the best of your ability."
As he suspected. But Rei Ao considered the bigger picture. If Gabriel was speaking on behalf of Heaven, it meant they were betting on him, hoping that his potential was as great as they believed.
"If I'm not mistaken," Rei Ao began, "you think I'm a special kind of awakened individual. You believe I can become very strong, and you're gambling on my future, right?"
Gabriel and Raphiel both fell silent, not denying his words.
Chapter 32: if you ever find yourself in danger, use the trading function
Rei Ao had indeed grown much stronger. Regardless of the methods, the fact remained. To Gabriel and Raphael, this reinforced the "special nature" of the first awakened one.
Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife had all come to believe that humanity might produce a powerful being, and they hoped that Rei Ao would become that figure, capable of protecting the human realm. If he did, the burden on them would be significantly reduced.
Seeing their silence, Rei Ao knew he had guessed correctly. While he might be different from what they expected of an awakened one, the speed of his growth couldn't be denied. As for the task of protecting the human realm, Rei Ao didn't feel a deep sense of obligation, but...
"I can't guarantee I'll protect the entire human realm," he said. "But I will act within my ability to protect those around me and maintain a stable life."
Although it wasn't the best answer, the two angels still breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's great news," Gabriel said. "Please add our contact information, and feel free to reach out to us if you need anything."
At the entrance to the rooftop, a black-haired girl in stockings overheard voices. After hesitating for a moment, she decided not to go up. Writing light novels required peace and inspiration, and with people talking, it wasn't the best environment. She turned and left.
During class, Kato Megumi kept glancing at Rei Ao's back. Curious, she messaged in the group chat:
Kato Megumi: "@Rei Ao, are they really angels?"
Rei Ao: "Yes, I met them before."
Frieren: "When you first joined the chat, didn't two girls with wings and halos appear in your house?"
Frieren: "Why are we talking about this now? No research on human mating today?"
Stella: "???"
Stella: "Stop using that word!"
Frieren: "It's a rare subject that piques my interest... Such a shame."
Stella: "Of all the things to study, why that?!"
Stella was frustrated, wanting to cleanse the chat, but there was no way to stop it. Apart from Rei Ao, Frieren was the biggest obstaclean elf with no shame and far too much boldness.
Saeko Busujima: "So you've encountered those two angels again, Rei Ao-kun?"
Rei Ao: "You're awake, Saeko. How are you feeling?"
Saeko Busujima: "I've mostly recovered after replenishing water and energy."
Stella: "Can we talk about something important?"
Rei Ao: "What? I'm just checking on one of my women. Speak out of turn again, and I'll mute you."
Stella: "???"
Fuming, Stella could only grit her teeth in frustration, helpless against his authority.
Akame: "Has Saeko Busujima already become your wife?"
Saeko Busujima: "No, I am the blade that cuts down Rei Ao-kun's enemies."
Ayame Yomogawa: "I, too, am willing to serve Lord Rei Ao for eternity."
Akame: "This is so complicated."
Sakurajima Mai: "..."
She was starting to get annoyed by all the affection being thrown around. Could they stop showing off in the chat? She wasn't the only one feeling this wayothers like Miura Yumiko and Takagi Saya, who couldn't speak in the chat, were also silently frustrated.
Rei Ao: "Alright, back to the main topic."
Rei Ao didn't want to push Stella too far; it would take some effort to win her over.
Rei Ao: "Those two angels are now students at our school."
"An angelic student?" Miura Yumiko thought. How surreal.
Kato Megumi: "I never imagined Tenma and Shiraha were really angels."
At first, she thought it was just a nickname given by the other students. But reality proved otherwise.
Rei Ao: "They might not be the angels you're thinking of, but let me explain our world."
He proceeded to share the details he knew.
"Eating people?!" Miura Yumiko, sitting in class, involuntarily exclaimed upon reading about the man-eating monsters, drawing curious stares from her classmates. Blushing, she excused herself to the bathroom to cover her embarrassment.
Kato Megumi: "Man-eating monsters... It's hard to imagine."
Rei Ao: "In any case, things might get unstable for a while. Be careful, Megumi, and you too, Yumiko."
Stella: "Yumiko? Who's that?"
Akame: "There's no one with that name in the chat."
Frieren: "Is someone using a fake name?"
Kato Megumi: "Rei Ao, you're referring to Miura Yumiko from Class 4, right?"
Rei Ao: "That's her."
Rei Ao: "Oh, I forgot to mentionI have the authority to grant others a 'sub-group' system. Those in the sub-group can't speak, but they can see messages and use functions."
Ayame Yomogawa: "I know about that. Kajika, Yukina, and Mumei have sub-group systems."
Saeko Busujima: "Rei and Saya also told me about it."
Frieren: "That's fascinating! So, there are lots of people silently watching our conversations?"
Stella: "How... embarrassing..."
Rei Ao: "That's all for now."
Rei Ao: "Megumi, Yumiko, if you ever find yourselves in danger, remember to use the trading feature. I'll be there right away."
Kato Megumi: "..."
His wolfish intent was clear!
~~~
Temporary release of 2 chapters per day (this may or may not be temporary, let's see). After the paywall on Faloo, each chapter contains over 2k words, so these free chapters, which are less than 1k words, might not be as satisfying to read just yet. I hope you all enjoy reading regardless!
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
50 Advance Chapters!
More in Patreon!
Chapter 33: He already forgot about me? Mai's feelings
"Who... who would want to make a deal with you, you womanizer!" Miura Yumiko spat angrily in the bathroom, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite her harsh words. This guy clearly had an eye for her bodya real pervert!
Still, despite her complaints, Yumiko couldn't hide her joy. Rei Ao wasn't just interested in her physically; he also genuinely cared about her. "Honestly, if you'd just love only me, I'd let you do anything," she muttered, her face a mix of frustration and longing.
...
"Monsters and chaotic races from another world..." Back home, Rei Ao pondered over the otherworldly chaos he had learned about. If that world was composed of elements he recognized, could it be tied to something familiar? He couldn't help but wonder if it resembled any of the fictional worlds from anime or manga.
Rei Ao was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice Sakurajima Mai sitting on the sofa, arms crossed, silently watching him. Her mood was far from pleasant.
Mai had been feeling upset ever since Rei Ao started getting involved with Miura Yumiko, especially after his message in the group chat, suggesting she should be cautious and consider making a deal with him. It showed he cared about Yumiko... and also that he desired her body.
But... he had shown the same concern for Kato Megumi too. Yet, he hadn't said a word to Mai, and now he was acting like she didn't exist. Mai felt a deep sense of loneliness.
She had prepared dinner, thinking that if Rei Ao didn't notice her or acknowledge the effort, she wouldn't call him to eat, nor give him a pleasant looka small form of payback.
However, things didn't go as planned. Rei Ao walked straight past her, not even sparing a glance at the dinner or her. He went directly to his room!
"!!!"
Mai's heart skipped a beat, and a terrifying thought crept into her mind.
"Has he... forgotten about me too?"
Her face turned pale. For the first time, she felt fear and panic. Thinking back carefully, she realized that Rei Ao hadn't mentioned her in the chat, nor had he acknowledged her existence at home.
It was as if he had completely forgotten her.
With trembling legs, Mai stood up. "No... I can't let him forget me," she whispered through gritted teeth, quickly retreating to her room.
Moments later, Mai reappeared, dressed in the same bunny girl outfit she wore when they first met. She walked into Rei Ao's room, only to find him sitting at his desk, deeply focused on his computer, completely unaware of her presence.
Mai's heart sank even further. She had walked all the way to his side, but Rei Ao still didn't notice her.
She felt an overwhelming sense of loss. "You promised never to forget me... but now, it seems like you've forgotten me too."
For a moment, Mai thought about leaving. After all, this place wasn't truly her home. She decided to take one last, close look at him. Leaning in slowly, she brought her face near Rei Ao's cheek. It was the first time she observed him this closely, and the sight of his calm, blue eyes mesmerized her.
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she finally understood, "I've already fallen for you."
She couldn't believe itshe had fallen in love at first sight with this shameless man who had broadcasted his private moments in the chat without a second thought.
"Hmm?" Rei Ao felt something touch his head and turned around, only to see the bunny girl version of Mai standing right next to him.
Admiring her alluring figure for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "Mai, why are you suddenly wearing the bunny outfit again?"
Hearing him say her name and finally acknowledging her presence, Mai's eyes widened in surprise.
Overjoyed but nervous, she asked, "Rei Ao, can you really see me?"
"Of course I can see you..." Rei Ao started to say, but stopped short when he saw tears welling up in her eyes. It hit himMai thought he had forgotten about her!
In reality, Rei Ao had been preoccupied with something else entirely. He was listing out titles from his memory, trying to figure out which fictional worlds might have a setting similar to the chaotic, otherworldly world he had learned about.
He realized his behavior had caused a misunderstanding, especially given Mai's fear of being forgotten or disappearing.
Understanding what had happened, Rei Ao immediately stood up, pushing his chair aside, and pulled Mai into his arms without hesitation. He whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry. I got too caught up in my thoughts and didn't notice you."
"Thank goodness... you really do remember me... I'm so relieved," Mai cried, her arms tightly wrapped around him.
She had been so scared, scared that the world had forgotten her. When she came to this house, she thought she had found a place to belonga place where Rei Ao had promised never to forget her. If he had forgotten her too, her existence would truly have lost all meaning, and she would have vanished from the world.
Rei Ao gently patted her back, giving her time to let it all out. When her sobs finally subsided into soft sniffles, he lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eyes.
"I promised I wouldn't forget you, and I always keep my promises. You can trust me."
"Mm... I believe you," Mai said, smiling through her tears.
Their gazes locked, and they felt each other's warmth and heartbeat. The atmosphere between them became sweet and intimate, moving toward something more. Rei Ao leaned in slowly, inching closer to her lips, and Mai didn't pull away.
Instead, she closed her eyes, her trembling lashes revealing her nervousness. As their lips finally met, Rei Ao's kiss started tentative, but Mai gradually responded, letting herself give in to the moment.
Chapter 34: Satanichia Kurumizawa McDowell
Mai responded to Rei Ao's advance. Everything was going smoothly until Rei Ao touched her heart, and she suddenly opened her eyes wide.
"Rei Ao... stop..."
Rei Ao didn't stop completely but instead looked into her eyes seriously and asked, "Mai, do you like me?"
Mai averted her flushed face, her voice trembling as she replied, "I... I like you... but things are moving too fast. I'm not ready yet."
