Yuu, who had briefly seemed to lose his fighting spirit, stood up again, facing the heavily bearded man—who was actually Asuna—with his sword drawn.
However, the rapier user now exuded a completely different killing intent from before, one that came from the depths of her heart.
It was as if the item she held at waist height wasn't a game prop, but a real, sharp rapier meant to kill him.
(What happened? Did she get too upset from the teasing and finally snap?)
The moment this thought crossed his mind, blinding white light suddenly flared from the rapier, like a falling star crashing to earth. The light gradually enveloped the avatar's rough body.
Seeing this, the crowd of spectators grew noisy.
"Such intense light. There's a sword skill like this?"
"Why does it feel like a transformation cue? Don't tell me he'll turn into a wizard uncle?"
While the Virtual Research Club president was still stunned, he felt a member tug his sleeve, and Yukino nearby also looked at him questioningly.
Though he found it hard to believe himself, he quickly explained:
"I don't know what's happening either, but in a world with only sword skills, there shouldn't be a skill like Flash... and no items can be used in the arena."
So, what was that light?
Just as everyone watching the scene grew confused, the light around Asuna intensified—until, like a flash grenade thrown, the screen turned blinding white. Nothing could be seen or heard.
Spectators hurriedly turned away, covering their nearly blinded eyes.
"So blinding! What the heck is this!"
"A bug, right? The game can do this?!"
"How are we supposed to watch the match like this..."
Just as the light blazed brightest, and the debate had barely lasted five seconds—
Without warning, accompanied by a pop like a short circuit, the entire club building plunged into darkness. All artificial lights, along with the blinding white glow, vanished without a trace!
After a brief silence, even more chaotic and shocked voices erupted from all directions.
"Power outage?!"
"Seems like it—even the hallway lights outside are off... Did we overload the circuits here?"
"But luckily, it's still afternoon, so it's not too dark."
Many looked outside, and Virtual Research Club members quickly opened the window curtains.
As sunlight illuminated the room, the budding panic faded, replaced by mild dissatisfaction.
It was still bright afternoon outside; even with all club building lights off, visibility only dropped slightly—no need to worry.
Yukino, after a brief startle, quickly calmed, gazing firmly and seriously at the club president.
The bespectacled man immediately switched to work mode: "Committee Chair, normal club rooms lack emergency power. To restore electricity, we need to go to the distribution room and flip the main switch... And we've carefully checked power usage—even with four helmets and two screens running simultaneously, it's impossible to trip the whole building from overload. This must be due to another reason."
Yukino nodded: "Understood. The main cause will be investigated later—now..."
Before she could order someone to the distribution room, the lights suddenly flickered back on one by one.
The outage struck abruptly, lasting about ten seconds—some hadn't even reacted before power returned.
A minor incident not even worth calling a false alarm.
Yet Yukino couldn't help frowning, sensing something off.
"Power restored this quickly—did someone control it from the distribution room, or..."
But before deeper thought, a slightly worried voice came from the nearby experience area.
"Um, my friend's still in the game—if power cuts suddenly, they won't get trapped, right?"
A club member quickly replied: "No, they won't! Please stay calm—these game helmets are completely safe, even in sudden disconnections..."
The explanation mirrored what the president told her earlier. Seeing confused visitors remove helmets in the experience area, Yukino shifted her gaze back to the arena area's curtain.
The overhead screens were dark—likely needing a game restart to light up... Meaning Yuu and the others should have exited.
Slowly exhaling, suppressing rising worry and anxiety, Yukino walked with a calm expression.
But after a few steps, rustling came from behind the curtain—then her boyfriend poked his head out.
"What's up?"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Yuu removed his helmet, clutching his still-aching forehead, resting briefly in the chair.
Ignoring Asuna's issue for now, he stood and left the arena area. He first looked around the Virtual Research Club office in confusion—aside from slight noise, nothing odd—then turned to his girlfriend.
"I got forced logout mid-game... Didn't seem like a blackout—helmet plug pulled?"
"No—about fifteen seconds ago, the entire club building lost power, recovering quickly ten seconds later. Cause unknown."
Secretly relieved, Yukino explained calmly, walking to him.
Resisting the urge to hug him, she lowered her head slightly, whispering seriously: "Though it's not good to suspect others... I think there's intent here, and the prime suspect is someone."
Since it just happened, Yukino naturally thought of those two lumps of fat... no, Utaha's figure.
Though unsure why the other would cut the building's power, based on her anxious question—"Will people inside be okay if power cuts?"—then rushing out, it was enough for Yukino to mark the senior as prime suspect.
Briefly informing Yuu of her guess and recent events, she frowned slightly, stroking her chin thoughtfully.
"Kasumigaoka-senpai... Got it—I'll investigate later. When you have time, use your committee authority to request security CCTV footage. If refused, call Hiratsuka-sensei directly."
"Alright." Yukino nodded softly, paused, then suddenly asked, "Is your relationship with Yuuki-san bad? Do you know Kasumigaoka-senpai?"
"Huh? Me and Asu... I don't know Kasumigaoka-senpai, but I saw her on the stairs earlier. She looked at me like a ghost—I don't know why."
Yuu was surprised, then shrugged innocently.
"I see." Yukino nodded understandingly, giving a soft smile, "So your relationship's close enough to use first names."
Her smiling-yet-not-smiling face was her current expression. Clear, firm eyes held no smile; her petite face radiated endless chill.
If not for people around, Yuu swore she'd assert girlfriend authority and lecture him into prostrating for forgiveness.
Unfortunately, Yuu couldn't explain... or the best way was admitting, "Like Haruno and others, she's my ex-girlfriend."
But recalling the final scene before disconnection, he set it aside, hurriedly changing topics: "You watched our fight outside. How did it end?"
"End? Yuuki-san's sword glowed, the screen went white—then outside power cut..." As if realizing something, Yukino tilted her head slightly, gazing at him confusedly.
"Don't tell me the blackout was caused by Yuuki-san's light?"
"Not impossible..." But that wasn't Yuu's concern.
So, Asuna's transformation and ultra-fast stab—he couldn't react—went unseen by others.
Their conversation unheard, her diamond ring unseen... Though thief-like guilt lingered, Yuu couldn't help sighing in relief.
Then, the immediate issue.
He unconsciously touched his nearly pierced chest, shifting thoughtful gaze behind the curtain.
For example, what was that light—piercing game limits, not only empowering Asuna beyond his defeat, but manifesting a character impossible in a test account?
Of course, dismissing Asuna having superpowers, Yuu didn't need deep thought—even the deleted diamond ring appeared, so the fault was that damn system—no other explanation.
Then, Utaha's issue.
Stairs avoidance, dropped pamphlet on the path, appearing in the rarely visited Virtual Research Club by the cool third-year goddess...
Utaha not only named Asuna's identity but, after asking if blackout was dangerous, the building-wide outage hit shortly after she left.
Like shouting: "Who needs an alibi—I did it! I cut Tenkiji Yuu's connection!"
Perhaps she didn't care about being caught, or... wanted this extreme reminder to seek her?
Yuu scratched his temple, pondered briefly, then made a preliminary decision.
(Later, I'll go to Class 3-A for Utaha and ask what she wants!)
Yukino's evidence gathering was still needed. If Utaha cut club building power, forcing him and Asuna logout...
Well, ten seconds—no harm or casualties. Forget Yuu, even the school couldn't touch her.
For a serious prank, max punishment was temporary suspension... And as far as he knew, Utaha had a Waseda Literature recommendation—suspended or not, no issue; the school wouldn't dare harsh a model student.
Utaha feared no evidence.
"So, she planned everything meticulously before the crime... This stalker senpai's far smarter than before."
Fingers leaving his temple, Yuu narrowed his eyes—since she went this far, he'd see what this stalker senior truly wanted.
"Stalker?" Hearing his mutter, Yukino's eyes sharpened, "What's that about?"
"In short..." Just as Yuu opened his mouth, rustling came from behind the curtain.
He recounted the black-stocking old lady tailing him at the station—then saw Asuna exit the arena area, clutching her forehead.
Asuna looked around confusedly, quickly locking eyes on Yuu. Like finding her backbone, she showed clear relief.
At this moment, Yuu felt the cold aura from the girl beside him.
...He hadn't noticed before—Yukino was quite jealous?
Seemingly ignoring Yukino's expression, Asuna stepped forward quickly: "Tenkiji-kun, what happened... power cut? Why were we suddenly kicked from the game?"
"Club building lost power for ten seconds."
Briefly explaining, Yuu gazed at her strangely.
Asuna felt uneasy under that stare, unconsciously stepping back half a pace, face slightly flushed, smiling awkwardly.
"Tenkiji-kun, what's wrong? If you have something to say, go ahead..."
Yukino also looked puzzled.
Now Yuu felt uneasy under her gaze, but calm and without unnecessary thoughts, he answered naturally: "Lots I want to ask you."
"But not here to talk—if you don't mind, come with us?"
He signaled his girlfriend beside him, indicating he just wanted answers—no intent to cheat in front of her.
Yukino understood immediately, first responding with a proud cat-like disdainful look that she wasn't that jealous, then softening, nodding gracefully and politely to Asuna:
"Yuuki-san, do you have plans after this?"
Asuna hesitated: "N-no, unless wandering the cultural festival counts..."
Yukino smiled.
"Then, would you join us briefly? No need to worry—we just want to fulfill host duties. It's rare for Yuuki-san to come from afar; as Sobu High students, we mustn't lack hospitality."
"That..."
Asuna wavered, glancing between their expressions, seeming to have unspoken words.
But finally, she smiled bitterly: "Sorry, my head's a bit dizzy—can I rest a bit?"
Not a lie.
Since removing the helmet and returning to reality.
Asuna not only lacked memories after the logout warning box but now felt dizzy like overworked. Like reading all day—hard to focus, wanting sleep.
She couldn't fathom why, just wanting a place to rest, letting her tired brain go blank briefly.
"I see... then let us escort you to the infirmary." Yukino was surprised, quickly replying, "The infirmary teacher is a woman, on duty all day—you can rest peacefully."
"Thank you."
Asuna nodded softly, unconsciously glancing at Yuu.
Though feeling she'd forgotten much, one thing burned strongly in her mind.
(Tenkiji-kun... we were married in-game, spending long time together...)
(Then in reality... is he my boyfriend too?)
And these questions—she could only ask him alone.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Club building, ground floor, power distribution room.
Following wall instructions, Utaha cut the main power, restoring it ten seconds later.
For caution, she even used a handkerchief to avoid fingerprints.
Done, Utaha clapped her hands, casually closing the room door, returning to the sunlit first floor.
She stretched, inexplicably relieved like escaping death, an irrepressible cheerful smile blooming at her mouth corners.
Naturally, the shocked, confused crowd didn't notice her coming from below, nor suspect the outage linked to her.
Utaha walked forward, not returning to the Virtual Research Club to observe reactions, but directly leaving the building.
Soon, she felt passing gazes.
Utaha quickly realized the future-like "Stone Hat" invisibility was gone.
Single-use, naturally reclaimed post-task.
"If only permanent..."
Sighing regretfully, Utaha shifted thoughts, focusing on her notebook.
Opening inner pages, Rewriting Failure, Your Future Falls into the Abyss Together was gone, replaced by new content.
[Fate Has Reversed, New Story Begins by You.]
[Editor, Future Still Full of Hardships—Never Underestimate. Slight Carelessness, You All Perish Forever.]
[...Yet from now, a perfect story ending seems visible.]
["Part One" Ends Perfectly, "Part Two" Yet to Begin.]
[Patiently Await the Time.]
Main text, with a small line below.
[Congrats Editor on Task Completion, Reward: Minor Writing Skill Boost.]
[Hint: Before Part Two Begins, Avoid Meeting Tenkiji Yuu as Much as Possible.]
Utaha read top to bottom, scoffing mockingly at the last main line.
"Just mystery-making... Seems some Great Being isn't great at writing—at least worse than me."
Then she suddenly realized—it really rewarded her post-task?!
Yay!
Utaha grew excited, clutching the notebook, eyes full of satisfied light.
She'd worked hard up and down—not in vain, not just forced... Knowing this made today's frustrations worthwhile.
Setting aside other aspects, notebook rewards weren't mysterious. The invisibility left a deep impression.
So seeing Minor Writing Skill Boost, Utaha had no doubt—unconsciously feeling the trip worthwhile.
Her hard-earned result!
A reward earned with effort—why doubt or abandon?
"Humph humph~"
Yes, she was confident and proud, certain of her writing talent, sometimes scorning editors' techniques to boost skill, thinking she'd soon be the island's strongest female author—
But before a god-like existence, Utaha knew she was ordinary. Overpride made her a joke. Better relax, calmly accept heavenly gifts.
"But even minor boost—how much improvement..."
Suppressing inner excitement, she pondered, walking to the third-floor classrooms with the notebook.
Grabbing her school bag, telling classmates she'd leave early, Utaha prepared to exit school.
As for Yuu not coming to Class 3-A?
Ha! Task done—no need for direct reminders.
Even without the notebook's hint, Utaha had no plans to contact that troublesome junior without reason—they never truly promised to meet, so canceling was fine, like him ditching her all morning, right?
Mouth corners irrepressibly smiling joyfully, Utaha lightly stepped out the school gate, quickly banishing all Yuu thoughts, gazing refreshed at the distant clear sky.
Yes, such beautiful weather—think happy things!
"Perfect—if my writing really improves, I'll start Volume Four right after home~ Hmm, better take a few days off!"
No Yuu meeting, better writing—two birds, one stone! (Actually three islands paddled!)
In such cheerful mood, the slim black-haired girl's figure soon vanished at the school gate corner.
Inside Sobu High, the cultural festival buzzed on.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Escorting Asuna to the infirmary, Yuu asked little.
Mainly because he didn't want to answer—even meeting Yuigahama, he just greeted politely, showing a somewhat tired expression he didn't want to say more.
He could only set aside heart guesses, escorting her to rest with everyone, planning to visit with Yukino and others post-festival.
Lacking the right moment, Yuu also couldn't inform them of Asuna's issue—postponing it.
Next, he had to find prime suspect Utaha in third year.
But before that, Mrs. Yukinoshita's driver finally escaped traffic, arriving to pick up mother and child.
They escorted them to the school gate. But before leaving, Saori gave Yuu a meaningful smile, waving.
"Can we talk a bit? Just us two."