Everything that happened in the battle arena… Izumi had seen it all.
From the clash between Gilgamesh and Ozymandias, to Cu Chulainn getting instantly defeated by Esdeath—losing 1,000 points in the blink of an eye.
Not a single moment escaped his notice.
"…That was pretty entertaining."
Izumi muttered to himself with a faint grin.
"That guy really let his guard down again."
He shook his head slightly.
Honestly, Cu Chulainn was just too careless.
If he had been even a little more cautious, the outcome might have been different.
But instead, he charged in recklessly—
—and got one-shot.
"Can't really blame anyone but himself."
Izumi's gaze shifted toward Esdeath.
A thoughtful expression crossed his face.
"Her world… might be worth developing a bit."
The Danger Beasts and Teigu (Imperial Arms) from her world—
Those were valuable resources.
Even if Izumi himself had no use for them…
his system certainly did.
As long as there were enough materials, it could compress and refine them into something useful.
At that thought, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I wonder how far she'll go…"
If Esdeath discovered the items suited for her—
There was no way she would ignore them.
And just as Izumi expected—
Esdeath was already browsing the marketplace.
While watching the battles below, her attention drifted to the items available for purchase.
One after another, ice-related abilities appeared before her.
[Eternal Ice Princess]
A manifestation-type Sacred Gear in the form of a monstrous ice princess with six eyes and four arms. Capable of freezing an entire mountain range in an instant.
Price: 500,000 points
[Azure Ice Familiar]
A hybrid beast of fish and demon bird. Grants the ability to freeze all things—even time itself—and can be summoned to fight independently.
Price: 700,000 points
[Ice Magic – Complete Set]
A full system of advanced ice-based magic.
Price: 200,000 points
Esdeath's breathing slowed.
Her eyes gleamed.
To say she wasn't tempted—
would be a lie.
Every single one of these abilities resonated perfectly with her.
Even if some overlapped with her existing powers…
She could tell.
If she obtained them—
her strength would skyrocket.
"…Looks like I'll need to gather more 'resources.'"
A smile slowly spread across her face.
Excited.
Thrilled.
For the first time in a long while—
She felt truly alive.
"In this world… there are people stronger than me."
Her gaze drifted back toward the arena.
Those overwhelming figures.
Those monsters among monsters.
This—
was exactly what she had been searching for.
A wider world.
Stronger opponents.
A battlefield worthy of her existence.
With her mind made up—
Esdeath stood.
She cast one last glance at the arena…
Then turned and left.
"For now… I need to grow stronger."
Jumping into battles like that in her current state?
That would only lead to humiliation.
...
The moment Esdeath returned—
she immediately summoned her subordinates.
"Gather information on all remaining Teigu."
Her orders were absolute.
At the same time, she began preparations to return to the Imperial Capital.
Most of the Imperial Arms were in the hands of the Minister.
And that made it the perfect starting point.
But that wasn't all.
She also issued another command:
"Prepare for large-scale hunts."
Her target?
Danger Beasts.
After all—
Teigu were created from the remains of powerful Danger Beasts.
If that was the case…
Then the beasts themselves—
must also hold immense value.
"Once I accumulate enough points…"
Her eyes gleamed with dangerous ambition.
"I'll return."
"To challenge them."
Not just the warriors of that world—
But perhaps even—
fighters from entirely different universes.
...
While Esdeath set her plans into motion—
another group arrived.
Erina had returned.
And this time—
she wasn't alone.
Behind her stood ten individuals.
All of them carefully selected.
Among them:
- Alice Nakiri
- Hisako Arato
- Gin Dojima
- Senzaemon Nakiri
From the Totsuki Elite Ten:
- Nene Oomori (Kinokuni Nene)
- Momo Akanegakubo
- Rindou Kobayashi
And several first-year students:
- Ryoko Sakaki
- Ikumi Mito
- Miyoko Hojo
The moment they stepped into the city—
they froze.
Their eyes widened in shock.
"…So it's real."
"Other worlds… actually exist…"
Especially the massive world tree towering into the sky—
It left them speechless.
Erina, however, didn't hesitate.
She led the group straight toward Kayo's counter.
The others followed closely behind.
Noticing their arrival, Kayo stood up along with the other girls.
"Welcome back, Erina-sama."
She tilted her head slightly.
"You returned quite quickly. How may I assist you this time?"
Erina cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Um… Kayo-chan…"
"About what Izumi said earlier—regarding taking a loan to open a shop…"
She hesitated briefly.
"…Is that still available?"
Kayo blinked.
Then she pulled up Erina's profile.
After a quick check, she nodded.
"It is."
"We can offer you a loan of up to 200,000 points."
"You may repay it in installments."
"However, please note—these points cannot be used to purchase abilities."
"They are restricted to shop-related expenses."
She paused.
"Would you like to proceed?"
Hearing that, Erina visibly relaxed.
"Thank goodness…"
Without wasting time, she began discussing details—
rent, interest rates, repayment plans—
The entire conversation felt…
like a bank negotiation.
Meanwhile, the others watched in a daze.
"…Why does this feel like we just walked into a financial institution?"
At that moment, one of the small girls nearby spoke up.
"Hey, don't you guys want to exchange something for points?"
"Or are you just going to stand there?"
Hearing that, Senzaemon Nakiri stepped forward.
His eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"…May I know what my knowledge is worth?"
He wanted to know.
The value of everything he had learned over decades.
The girl blinked—
then laughed lightly.
"Oh, that?"
"To be honest…"
She waved her hand casually.
"Knowledge like yours isn't really worth much here."
She grinned.
"Think of it as a starter bonus from Izumi-nii."
"Like a beginner gift in a game."
And just like that—
The harsh truth of this new world—
was laid bare before them.