Once Kurumi was settled in, Takumi left. He hoped the Spirits would get along.
The only real problem might be Miku. She was probably still in a self-isolating state. But that was fine.
He had Alicia.
Let Alicia talk to her. Alicia was amazing at comforting people. A gremlin comforting another gremlinperfect match. They'd probably get along well.
After leaving, Takumi headed straight to the research institute.
It was busier than ever now. Robots constantly came and went, transporting equipment all over the worldeven to other worlds.
Takumi entered and found Mobius. At that moment, Mobius was analyzing Ellen's blood.
Ellen had completely given up. Since arriving here, she'd been dissected inside and out. She couldn't resist at all. Takumi's world was terrifying.
Even though she still had her Realizer Unit, she stood no chance against the scientists here. She was just a weak little girl.
Worse still, her Realizer Unit had been dismantled by hand.
She'd caught the attention of a girl named Velvi when she tried to activate it. And that was the end of that.
Her equipment was stripped, and she was pinned to the operating table.
Absolutely ridiculous.
She finally understood just how many monsters existed in this world. She even saw dragons flying in the sky.
When Ellen saw Takumi, she raised her head to glare at the man who had captured her.
"What do you want? When are you going to let me go back?"
She still wanted to return.
Takumi glanced at her. "Sorry, but you probably can't go back. This isn't just another cityit's another world."
He shrugged. "You're here now. No going back."
Chapter 390: Help, There's a Bad Guy!
There was no way back. No matter how she tried, there was no returning. And it wasn't even the same world anymore.
Hearing these words, Ellen fell silent. Frustrated.
She had been suddenly abducted into another world. Was this guy serious?
Takumi looked at Ellen and cheerfully continued, "From now on, just live well in this world. My world happens to be short on Gundam pilots. I think you're quite suitable."
After saying that, Takumi ignored the dazed older girl and turned to Mobius.
"How's the research going? Any findings?"
Mobius put down the items in her hand and handed a printed document to Takumi. "See for yourself. Based on the data you brought back, it appears that pure-blood wizards contain some kind of special substance. It's because of this substance they're able to use magic. It seems their world's ancient times were an age of magic. But due to the rise of technology, magic got suppressed over time. Eventually, only pure-blood wizards remained."
A classic case of magic being squeezed out by technological advancement. In the end, they had to adopt a different method of existencethe so-called Manifestation Devices.
Takumi read the document while listening to Mobius and soon understood the gist of the situation.
A special substance... That must be what they used to modify those people, right?
He already had a grasp of the situation.
"Doesn't seem to have much use. That's it then. At most, it's just a bit special. But in our world, it's not really a big deal."
Takumi tossed the document aside. Special material inside the body? That's nothing remarkable here.
Mobius agreed completely. "Exactly. In our world, anyone can learn magic. For pure-blood wizards, maybe they're just a bit better at mastering it."
She shared her conclusions.
"You can try giving her a superpower serum and see how she reacts," Takumi suggested.
The superpower serum was something that had already become widespread in his world. Once used, it would grant someone superpowers and the ability to learn magic. At its core, it was quite similar.
Mobius nodded. "I was thinking the same thing. Just hadn't started yet."
She looked at Ellen.
Just Mobius's gaze was enough to terrify Ellen. This woman was truly scary. She didn't dare to resist.
"Klein! Bring me a vial of the superpower serum."
Mobius wasted no time and quickly ordered Klein to bring over a vial.
Soon, Klein returned with a test tube and handed it to Mobius, who opened it and passed it to Ellen.
"Drink this. Don't worry, it's not poison. This serum will give you superpowers. I need to see how a pure-blood wizard reacts after using the serum."
To avoid suspicion, Mobius kindly explained it all. It was rare for her to be this considerate. Normally, Mobius would've just force-fed the subject.
Ellen looked at the vial in her hand, twitching slightly. She really wanted to refuse, but she didn't dare. If she resisted, this woman would definitely force it down her throat.
Expressionless, Ellen accepted the serum and downed it in one gulp.
Moments later, she felt a strange power awaken inside her. Her once-weak body started to feel powerful.
Previously, without her Manifestation Device, even a random high schooler could beat her up. But now?
She felt like she could take on several high schoolers at once.
Takumi and Mobius both noticed the change in Ellen's body.
"Just physical enhancement?" Mobius observed Ellen carefully and eventually voiced her disappointment. If it was only physical enhancement, the power was underwhelming. She could've done better with a basic enhancement surgery.
"Yeah just physical strength," Takumi agreed. Ellen didn't show any other power, so her ability must simply be physical augmentation.
But then Takumi remembered Tendo Kisara. Her power was also physical augmentation, and now she could use Honkai energy.
Physical enhancement could absorb Honkai energy.
Thinking of this, Takumi focused on Ellen and directed some Honkai energy toward her body. Ellen began absorbing it.
Feeling the sudden influx of energy, Ellen's face changed. But soon, her cheeks flushed, and she began making... indescribable sounds.
Mobius and Klein exchanged odd glances with Takumi. What exactly did he do to her?
Takumi, thick-skinned, ignored them. He stared at Ellen until she reached her limit, then finally stopped.
"You can examine her thoroughly now. Physical augmentation can absorb energy. It's just that her ability level is still low, so she can't actively absorb it yet."
Takumi explained to Mobius after the test.
Mobius nodded, while Ellen clenched her fists.
"So strong!"
This feeling was amazing. She was no longer that weak version of herself.
Maybe living in this world wasn't so bad after all. Especially if she could become stronger.
She found herself strangely willing to accept it.
"Lie down! Let me examine the changes in your body. We'll do a full checkup. Takumi, out!"
Mobius directed Ellen to lie down and immediately kicked Takumi out.
Some things were not appropriate for him to see.
Takumi laughed awkwardly but didn't argue. "All right, do your thing."
With that, he left, and Mobius began her examination. She would send the report to Takumi later.
Meanwhile, Takumi left Mobius's lab and wandered around the science institute.
The place had been divided into numerous zones, each with its own responsibilities. Robots frequently drove vehicles out, delivering equipment all around the worldand even to other worlds.
As Takumi strolled through the institute, he suddenly received a call from Ophis:
"Help! There's a bad guy!!"
Chapter 391: No Matter What, It's a Family Visit
Orphis's cry for help rang out in Takumi's mind.
Upon receiving the distress call, Takumi was instantly confused.
What's going on?
Orphis sent out a cry for help?
Though bewildered, Takumi didn't hesitate. He vanished from his spot and headed straight into the dimensional rift.
When he arrived, he found Kurma and Orphis in the middle of a fight.
...
Seeing this scene, Takumi fell silent.
"Stop!" he shouted.
Orphis, seeing Takumi arrive, immediately transformed into her human form and rushed to his side, glaring fiercely at Kurma.
"Intruder! Attack her!" Orphis shouted, pointing at Kurma.
How annoying. Another dragon had intruded into her home again. That's why she started fighting Kurma.
Takumi felt helpless at Orphis's declaration.
"Alright, alright. She's not an intruder."
Takumi rubbed the girl's head, exasperated that she mistook Kurma for a trespasser.
Kurma also ran over at that moment.
"Seriously, I just got here and she already tried to fight me! Accused me of breaking into her home. How outrageous!"
She complained to Takumi. Her fellow dragon was way too aggressive.
Kurma had only come to say hello and maybe check out this fellow dragon with infinite attributes. But the moment she arrived, Orphis attacked without a word. It left her thoroughly frustrated.
"She was bullied by another dragon in the past," Takumi explained. "So she's not very welcoming toward any dragon that steps into her territory."
Behind every strange rule is an even stranger story, and Orphis's past was no exception.
"She was bullied by another dragon? Really?" Kurma looked at Orphis in surprise.
Orphis just snorted coldly, refusing to speak.
Though the misunderstanding was resolved, she had no intention of explaining herself.
"Tell me about it! What happened? Maybe I can help you! Let's go beat her up together!"
Kurma scooted closer, oddly fond of Orphis. Maybe because they were both lolis.
Hearing Kurma words, Orphis hesitatedclearly tempted.
She was much stronger now. Maybe she could finally go back and get her revenge on Great Red.
Although Takumi had avenged her once, it wasn't the same as doing it herself. There was still some lingering regret.
"Can I go back?" Orphis looked at Takumi.
Her intent was clearshe wanted to go beat up Great Red.
"Sure. If you want to, I can send you back. But are you sure?"
Takumi didn't object. Orphis wasn't doing much here anyway. If she wanted to return, he'd just send her back.
"Alright! Then I'll go beat her up!" Orphis declared without hesitation.
Takumi grinned. "No problem."
Poor Great Red, but if Orphis was happy, Takumi wouldn't say no.
"Take me with you! I want to go too!" Kurmas eyes sparkled as she jumped in.
Takumi looked at her helplessly but didn't immediately agree. Instead, he glanced at Orphis.
Orphis thought it over and agreed. "Fine, but you have to listen to me!"
Though she agreed, she clearly didn't want trouble.
"No problem!" Kurma thumped her chest. "If you take me with you, I'll listen to you."
Watching the two dragons reach an agreement, Takumi couldn't help but smile. He shook his head and said:
"Then I'll send you over. Don't resist. Once you're inside, don't use your powers recklessly. I'll store you in my dimensional equipment."
With that, he took out a spatial bracelet and stored both of them inside.
Afterward, Takumi tagged Akeno in the group chat.
Takumi: [@Akeno] [Akeno's Exclusive Red Packet] [Please accept it and release Orphis and Kurma.]
Before Akeno could reply, Shiroyasha saw the message.
Shiroyasha: [Kurma???]
She was confused. What's going on?
Takumi was sending Kurma to Akeno's world? With Orphis?
Akeno was equally surprised when she received the message.
What were they trying to do?
Akeno: [What is this?]
Takumi: [Orphis is taking her new friend back home to visit family!]
Yes, that's the story. Just a good old family visit. Anyone who asks, that's what it is.
Shiroyasha: [...]
Speechless.
Akeno: [I get the feeling they're about to stir up trouble. Does Orphis even have any relatives?]
Akeno twitched at the corners of her mouth, clearly unconvinced.
Still, she didn't argue. Instead, she accepted the red packet.
Takumi: [She does. Great Red is her dear sister. This time she's just going back to see her.]
Akeno: [Emm... Alright.]
Got it. She's going to mess with Great Red.
Understood.
Akeno said no more. She released Orphis from the packet.
At the time, Akeno was in the old school building.
Rias saw Akeno suddenly pull something out and looked over curiously.
"What's that?"
Akeno smiled and replied, "The Infinite Dragon God and her friend came home to visit."
Hearing that, Rias gave her a weird look. A visit? Seriously?
As they spoke, Orphis and Kurma appeared in the room.
"So this is your world?" Kurma looked around with curiosity.
Orphis didn't answer. Instead, Akeno greeted them.
"Lady Kouryuu, welcome to this world. And Lady Orphis, welcome home."
Akeno kept her smile gentle and respectful.
Kurma was surprised to hear her full name.
"You know me?" Had her fame reached this world?
"Lord Takumi and Lady Shiroyasha told me about you," Akeno explained.
Now Shiroyasha understood.
"Alright then! No wonder."
At that moment, Orphis also spoke up:
"When I want to return, I'll come find you."
With that, she glanced at Kurmaand then vanished from the spot.
Chapter 392: Is It Possible That You're Not Human?
Ophis still had a very clear understanding. If she wanted to return home, she had to find Akeno. She needed Akeno to send her back.
Otherwise, it would be far too difficult to find the path to Takumi through the vast void.
As Ophis disappeared, Kurma quickly followed her.
After they had both left, Rias finally couldn't hold back and asked,
"Who was the one following Ophis?"
"She felt so powerful!"
She could clearly sense the immense power from the one named Kurma.
"She is the World Dragon." "The second avatar among the major incarnations of Vishnu from another world." "A Dragon King that supports the boundless worlds." "Right now, she's visiting Takumi's world." "That's how she met Ophis." "And this time, she came back together with her." "I'm guessing they're now going to stir up trouble with Great Red."
At that, Rias could only feel helpless. Return home to visit? No, they returned to cause trouble.
After hearing Akeno's explanation, Rias was deeply shocked.
"Then I'd better inform my brother quickly."
With that, she rushed off to send a message.
This matter had to be reported to the Underworld. Otherwise, if a fight broke out, some Demon Kings from the Underworld would definitely rush over to investigate. They might even end up getting involved.
If it could be explained in advance, it should be done immediately.
Akeno naturally understood this point too. However, things progressed even faster than they expected.
Rias hadn't even left yet, and a battle had already broken out directly in the dimensional rift.
