Chapter 74

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on March 29, 2025

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1.

“One bowl of tonkotsu ramen, please.”

“Order received! Master, one tonkotsu here!”

“Got it!”

It had been a few days since Binah’s attack.

Binah’s appearance, still referred to as the ‘Steel Serpent’ by the public, created a significant issue in Kiburatos. However, ironically, Abidos, the very place most closely involved, was at peace.

Or rather, it was peaceful to the point that it felt like a much-needed break.

To the point that Serika could finally resume her part-time job without worry.

She had been concerned that the battle nearby might destroy the Shibaseki Ramen Shop, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

Apart from some windows breaking and the interior getting dirty from the sandstorm, the shop was otherwise intact.

‘I didn’t think the Gehenna Guidance Department would help with such details.’

For some reason, the leader of the Guidance Department had declared that they would take partial responsibility for the damages caused by this incident.

If anything, Gehenna, who had unintentionally ended up in a battle with Binah, was busier because they had to explain why they were in the Abidos district at the time of the incident.

Still, given the outcome that Binah had been defeated, and with the competent leader of the Guidance Department handling things, it was expected that matters would be resolved satisfactorily.

In any case, the reason Abidos was peaceful was simple.

Except for a few buildings being slightly damaged, Abidos had not suffered significant harm.

The streets were dirtied by the sandstorm, and the already poor security situation worsened, but…

‘Maybe it’s actually improved instead?’

For unclear reasons, Kaiser had stopped collecting interest, and their attention had shifted elsewhere. In addition, the local troublemakers were hesitant to act after Silk had visited once.

And… the citizens who had witnessed the incident supported the Abidos district by donating funds.

Judging by the fact that most of these donors had been moved by Silk’s actions, this could be attributed to Silk’s influence.

‘How could anyone not be happy with this?’

Not only had Silk helped defeat Binah, but she also resolved many issues that had plagued Abidos.

While there were still many problems left, the oppressive factors such as Kaiser, delinquent students, and exorbitant interest rates were gone, making this a truly joyful event.

Thus, due to these reasons, the current state of Abidos was one of unprecedented calm.

“So, how are your friends doing?”

To the extent that after finishing her shift at the ramen shop, instead of rushing to the next part-time job, Serika could enjoy a short, relaxed conversation with the owner.

Master Shibaseki wiped the kitchen with a towel while tidying up the seats alongside Serika and inquired.

“Hehe, yes. With many issues resolved, we’ve officially become a recognized club thanks to you, and everyone is happily planning the future of Abidos.”

“Hard work deserves reward. Good job, Serika. Keep it up.”

“I will, Master.”

With a bright smile in response, Master Shibaseki chuckled and continued cleaning.

Serika, who usually had to struggle daily just to survive, was now able to smile like a child, and Master Shibaseki secretly felt a sense of fulfillment.

“Hmm, come to think of it, I was wrong.”

“What? About what, Master?”

While happily working in silence, Master Shibaseki suddenly sighed and muttered.

Serika tilted her head in confusion at Master Shibaseki’s unexpected comment but soon noticed a faint smile and a look of admiration on his face.

“Silk told me something before. She said that while this district couldn’t get better, she would at least prevent it from getting worse. Since it is getting better, she was wrong.”

With that, Master Shibaseki chuckled and remarked it was a pleasant falsehood.

However, to Serika, something else was more important.

“Really? Silk was here before?!”

“That’s right. I didn’t know it was Silk at first, but then there was a fight outside, and she went out wearing a mask. And that’s when we had the conversation.”

“Eeeh?! So, did you see Silk’s face…?!”

“Hmm. I did see it, but I’m not telling.”

“……!!”

Of course, Serika had hoped a little…

But understanding Silk’s situation, she let it go.

She didn’t want to use their familiarity to reveal the identity of the hero she admired, for such deceitful actions.

“Um… will she visit again?”

“Well, I don’t know… but she seemed to really like our ramen. Perhaps she’ll visit again someday.”

“I see…”

The exact timing was not known, which was disappointing, but it was fine. It meant there was a possibility of meeting again.

But…

“Speaking of which, is Silk alright now…?”

“…I’m worried too. She looked seriously injured. With no news yet, it’s unsettling.”

As the conversation about Silk continued, concerns for her wellbeing naturally arose.

After all, Silk’s condition at the end of the battle was in no way describable as “fine.”

She had been taken to the nearest Gehenna Academy for treatment, but there was still no word.

While the entire city of Kiburatos worried about Silk, the emergency medical department of Gehenna only announced they would do their best, without providing updates.

Some speculated that Gehenna was holding Silk captive, but…

“Would the leader of the Guidance Department really do that?”

The leader Serika had met did not seem like someone who would.

Even if it were to happen, it would probably be the unilateral decision of a senior administrative officer.

“Hmm, speaking of which, where did Hiiro go again?”

At the same moment, another friend had vanished like smoke.

With no information on Naoshi Hiiro’s whereabouts, Serika sighed even more deeply.

According to Senior Hoshino, he was occupied with something and couldn’t stay in touch, which worried her.

‘Some kind of instinct, maybe?’

There was a vague feeling that she was missing something.

At first, she suspected Hiiro’s odd timing of disappearance, but now she was left with doubts and curiosity.

Serika simply prayed.

That Hiiro and Silk would return soon.

2.

At that moment, Silk was…

…

“Finally, this day has come, Hiiro.”

Hearing someone call my name, I looked up.

There stood a familiar girl.

My steadfast ally and trustworthy senior, who always introduces herself as the top genius hacker of Millennium Academy, looked down at me with a radiant smile, as though this moment were infinitely blissful.

So radiant that it unconsciously drew my gaze.

Slightly, almost uncomfortably so.

“Will you continue to be with me from here on?”

“…”

Instead of answering, I simply nodded. I felt that in this situation, actions spoke louder than words.

So I stood up and approached Himari, who, pleased with my action, stood up herself and grabbed my hand.

We gazed affectionately at each other and slowly moved closer…

…

Huh?

Wait, what?

I noticed something bizarre that I couldn’t just ignore.

“Senior, how are you walking?”

“Does that matter, Hiiro? The important thing is that our child will soon be born.”

“…”

“Pre… what?”

“A child of yours, Hiiro. Take responsibility.”

“WHAT?! That’s insane!!”

“But we’re both women! How could a baby be possible?!!”

“Effort makes anything possible, you know?”

“This is absurd…”

To make matters worse, I was still a woman, and this was all happening inside a dream.

I couldn’t keep up with the absurd plot twist.

BAM

Suddenly, our surroundings transformed into a wedding hall. The door we had just walked through burst open, revealing a girl.

Seriously, not cool.

“I oppose this marriage!!!!!”

“Huh…?”

Her angry emotions caused her snow-white hair to flutter. A menacing purple gaze pierced me.

She stomped toward me.

“You don’t think you can mess with the leader of Gehenna’s Guidance Department and just walk away, do you, Hiiro?”

“Er, you too?”

“Yes. I’m also carrying your child. So take responsibility.”

“Wait, what? This plot twist is unreal.”

“Reject her and marry me, Hiiro.”

“…”

“Whaat? What nonsense is this?! You should step aside! Hiiro is going to marry me!”

BAM

“No!!! You must marry me, you!!!!”

“What the…?”

Next, Wakamo appeared. She, too, was wearing a wedding dress.

All three walked up to me and shouted.

“Of course, you should trust me, Akeboshi Himari.”

“Trust me, Hiiro. Trust me, your Guidance Department Leader.”

“Do not doubt my affection.”

Who should I believe?

Looks like I have major bad karma.

Pregnant with all three beautiful women…

“Shit. This is madness.”

No, I’m crazy.

Forget pregnancy—did I hit my head or something?

At that moment, I realized…

…

“…So, this was just a weird dream.”

As soon as I muttered this, I woke up from the strange dream.

3.

“…”

I opened my eyes to find an unfamiliar ceiling.

After the bizarre dream, waking up to an unknown ceiling brought a bit of surprise—but was preferable to the dream.

Still, a question lingered.

‘Is this a hospital? No…’

Why had I awakened not in a hospital room with white tiled ceilings, as expected, but under the common wallpaper and ceiling found in a normal house?

Moreover, why was I lying in an unfamiliar bed?

A scent unfamiliar to me—but somehow comforting and soothing—wafted through the air.

Kitch. Kitch.

If I had to describe it, it smelled like sunlight.

I could keep inhaling this scent forever.

So, what’s the situation here? Seriously, no idea.

“You’re awake?”

The answer to my confusion came immediately.

“Hina? What are you doing here…?”

“Well, this is my house, isn’t it?”

“…Huh?”

What? Was I kidnapped? Or…

‘Damn, stop with these weird thoughts!’

Thanks to that wacky dream, my mind started to wander into strange territory, so I forcibly pulled myself together.

Just as I was about to rein in my imagination, Hina approached me and asked. She stood out in her apron, apparently having been cooking.

Damn, she’s beautiful…

“Are you okay? Do you feel any pain?”

“Mm, I’m fine, I think. Was I unconscious for that long?”

“A bit? You’ve been sleeping for about three days.”

“Three days?”

It felt both long and short.

Considering the ordeal, being mentally fine is strange.

No, wait. There’s a more pressing issue.

“Then, why am I here instead of in a hospital?”

“I was wondering the same… You were brought to Gehenna, but after a few hours, there was no sign of external or internal injury. You seemed to be fine without any treatment.”

“…”

“The guidance department’s Sena said since you weren’t a patient, she didn’t care and told me to just bring you home and rest.”

“Sena, what is she talking about…?”

More importantly,

Could my healing ability really have improved to this extent? This is nuts.

Am I turning into Deadpool or something?

Speaking of which, am I being interrogated or something…

“Probably one of your other abilities, right? I won’t pry too much. Our academy isn’t great at deciphering mysterious things anyway. Your academy will probably investigate properly.”

“That’s true…”

Unexpectedly, Hina trusted me, and with that, the conversation ended. Seeing my stupefied expression, she gave a small smile and pointed outside the door.

“Oh, right. I made congee. Want some?”

“Ah, of course. Give me food.”

“…”

“What tone is that?”

“Give me food.”

I remained silent, fixing Hina with a direct gaze.

Don’t ask me about that.

Did she sense my earnestness?

“Tch. Fine. Just wait a bit.”

“…”

She left the room with a slight smile, and I lay back down on the pillow, thinking.

Isn’t this like a girlfriend nursing her boyfriend?