While Izumi and Patchouli were resting in the underground library, an energetic voice suddenly echoed from outside.
"Patchouli! I'm here to see you, ze!"
The moment she heard that familiar voice, Patchouli froze.
Panic instantly appeared on her face.
Before she could even react—
The library door burst open.
A blonde witch wearing a large black hat strode inside without hesitation.
It was Marisa Kirisame.
And then—
She saw them.
Patchouli sitting beside Izumi, her face bright red with embarrassment, unable to even look up properly.
The atmosphere was enough to make anyone misunderstand.
Marisa stopped dead in her tracks.
For a brief moment, she felt as if her witch hat had suddenly become much heavier.
The cheerful expression she always wore disappeared.
"..."
"...Excuse me."
"...Sorry for disturbing you."
She immediately turned around.
Then walked right back out.
The entire process took only a few seconds.
...
Watching Marisa leave, Patchouli stared blankly toward the doorway.
Meanwhile, Izumi clicked his tongue.
"Tsk."
"That expression."
"She looked heartbroken."
"Marisa might actually have feelings for you."
Patchouli's eyes widened.
For a moment, her thoughts became a complete mess.
Then an inexplicable sense of guilt appeared inside her chest.
As though she had somehow betrayed a close friend.
Realizing what she was thinking, she hurriedly pushed Izumi away.
"You..."
"Go away!"
Izumi immediately rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong with you?"
"What are you imagining now?"
"She was obviously just embarrassed."
"Don't tell me you're actually thinking along those lines?"
"Oh my god."
The teasing tone in his voice instantly made Patchouli furious.
"H-Hey!"
"I wasn't thinking that!"
"I just want some peace and quiet!"
"Now leave already!"
She began trying to drive him out again.
Her thoughts were a complete mess.
The last thing she wanted right now was to continue talking to him.
Unfortunately for her—
Izumi completely ignored the request.
The next moment he grabbed her shoulder.
Space distorted.
The scenery changed instantly.
When Patchouli regained her senses, she blinked in confusion.
The room looked strangely familiar.
A closer look made her freeze.
"...Eh?"
"Wait..."
"Isn't this—"
Sayaka Kirasaka's bedroom?
Before she could react further, Izumi stood up.
"Get some proper rest."
"I'll have Rita look after you."
With that, he walked toward the door.
At the exact same moment—
The door opened from outside.
And Sayaka Kirasaka walked in.
The moment Sayaka saw Izumi emerging from her room, she was utterly confused.
"What are you doing in—"
Then she noticed Patchouli sitting on the bed.
Silence.
A very dangerous silence.
Sayaka's expression immediately darkened.
Her face turned completely green.
Before she could say anything—
Izumi vanished.
Gone.
Just like that.
"..."
"...That bastard."
"Damn it."
"I knew this would happen."
"That hopeless womanizer..."
Sayaka felt a headache coming on.
She truly had no idea what to do with him anymore.
...
Meanwhile, Patchouli sat stiffly on the bed.
She didn't even dare look at Sayaka.
She was already imagining all sorts of misunderstandings.
Fortunately—
None of them happened.
Instead, after Rita arrived, the three of them simply began chatting.
To Patchouli's surprise, the atmosphere was far more relaxed than she had feared.
...
As for Izumi—
Having successfully escaped before Sayaka could lecture him—
He returned to his carefree daily life.
Watching livestreams.
Watching anime.
Going on dates.
Lazing around like a salted fish.
Every day passed peacefully.
Without worries.
Without responsibilities.
Without a single intention of doing any actual work.
...
Then one day—
A visitor arrived.
The moment the presence appeared beyond the boundaries of his world, Izumi noticed it.
"Hm?"
His expression changed slightly.
"Why is she here?"
He was genuinely surprised.
A being of that level rarely moved without reason.
After muttering a few complaints to himself, Izumi changed into formal attire and disappeared from his residence.
The next instant, he appeared outside the world's boundary.
There—
A woman dressed as a magician was already waiting.
She was one of the oldest existences in the entire dimensional cosmos.
The origin of countless magical systems.
One of the extremely rare beings ranked among the single-digit authorities.
Izumi had sensed her presence before.
He had seen information regarding her through the Dimensional Hub.
But seeing her in person was a completely different experience.
She was flawless.
Beautiful beyond description.
Every movement radiated an almost irresistible charm.
Even Izumi found himself momentarily impressed.
After seeing him arrive, the woman nodded politely.
"My apologies for the sudden visit."
"Would it be possible for us to speak somewhere inside?"
Her tone was calm and courteous.
Unlike previous visitors who had come looking for trouble.
Naturally, Izumi had no reason to refuse.
"Of course."
"Please."
With a gesture of welcome, he invited her into his world.
He wasn't worried in the slightest.
Within his own domain, there was nothing he feared.
Even a single-digit existence would have to think carefully before causing trouble here.
...
The moment she crossed the boundary—
The world reacted.
Alaya.
Gaia.
Countless powerful entities immediately sensed her arrival.
Those connected to magic felt an indescribable pressure.
It was as if they were standing before the very origin of magecraft itself.
For a brief instant, some even felt an urge to kneel.
Then the sensation disappeared.
Most people dismissed it as imagination.
But the truly powerful individuals understood.
A terrifying existence had entered the world.
The bald hero who could defeat anything with one punch.
Various Demon Gods.
Ancient beings hidden throughout the dimensions.
All of them noticed.
And all of them were shocked.
Izumi paid none of that any attention.
Leading his guest through the world, he brought her directly to the summit of the Kabbalah Tree of Life.
With a snap of his fingers, a magnificent table and matching chairs appeared.
Elegant.
Luxurious.
Worthy of hosting a distinguished guest.
Izumi sat down first before gesturing politely.
"Please."
"Take a seat."
Then he sent a message to the maids.
Prepare refreshments.
After all—
A guest of this caliber deserved a proper welcome.