School hours quickly passed, and this time, Tokisaki Kurumi was part of Yoshino and the others' group going home. They were discussing what happened that morning. As for where Itsuka Shido went? That guy was picked up by Ratatoskr because of the FFF group. Otherwise, Itsuka Kotori would have only seen her brother reduced to ashes.
"I never expected Itsuka Shido to be so bold as to invite Kurumi. It's a bit surprising. He clearly knew what his fate would be if he did that, yet he still tried so hard to seek death. I feel a bit of admiration for him," Minami Kotori said with some emotion, thinking of Itsuka Shido's expression today. He knew he was warned by his classmates not to approach the transfer student, yet he still foolishly invited Tokisaki Kurumi to tour the school.
"But it's also very interesting. You know, Mr. Shido's reaction today was quite amusing. While introducing me to the school, he kept covering his ears. There were too many openings. I really don't know how he managed to conquer Yatogami Tohka. He even invited me on a date when we left school today," Tokisaki Kurumi said with a light chuckle, covering her mouth, as if she remembered something amusing. Her demeanor was as elegant as a young lady, but her words were a bit speechless.
"Inviting someone on a date less than a day after meeting? What's he planning to do? Even in a galgame, the protagonist has to develop a good relationship before dating the heroine, right? Is Itsuka Shido playing a fake game?" Toujou Nozomi had some experience with galgames. After all, she had Honjou Nia, a shut-in, at home, and sometimes heard her talk about such topics. But was this really okay? Although she knew the members of Ratatoskr were unreliable, Itsuka Kotori, who could agree with their opinions, also had big problems.
"Itsuka Kotori probably enjoys seeing her brother in misfortune too, meow! Although she loves her dear Onii-chan the most, with her tsundere personality, she won't let Itsuka Shido know her true feelings. Just like Maki-chan, meow." The thought of Nishikino Maki's adorable tsundere behavior in Muse made everyone present laugh joyfully.
"Can you tell me now about what's been happening to me recently? I feel like the connection between Yoshino and me has strengthened. Now, without using City of Devouring Time to replenish time, I can feel my own time gradually increasing. Although the speed is slow, this way I don't have to hunt so often," However, if she saw people who annoyed her or abused animals, Tokisaki Kurumi wouldn't mind elegantly sending them to hell.
"Oh, that's because of your contract with Yoshino. After you and Yoshino formed a contract, a link will appear between you two. This link is reciprocal; you can receive power replenishment from Yoshino, and the power on your body also forms within Yoshino. This way, Yoshino can use your Angel, albeit a weakened version," Shiina explained to her upon hearing this.
"My Angel? Could it be...?" Tokisaki Kurumi was stunned by the words, then turned to look at Yoshino.
Noticing Tokisaki Kurumi's gaze, Yoshino subtly channeled the spiritual power within her to her right eye. Gradually, Yoshino's sapphire-like eye began to change, slowly transforming into a golden clock. Tokisaki Kurumi's eyes widened at the change in Yoshino's eye. Then her body began to tremble, making Toujou Nozomi and the others somewhat confused.
"They truly are identical eyes. You really are my sister. Although this wasn't an ability from the start, this is enough. This is enough, Yoshino." Tokisaki Kurumi swept aside the long bangs covering her left eye, revealing an eye identical to Yoshino's.
The two identical eyes gazed at each other, and the slowly moving clock hands suddenly received an unknown influence. Both their eyes began to spin faster. At the same time, Tokisaki Kurumi and Yoshino started to lose control, their school uniforms transforming into their spirit dresses. The spiritual power on their bodies began to increase. Seeing that something was wrong, Toujou Nozomi and Minami Kotori used their abilities to create a magic circle around them, preventing their powers from leaking out, thus preventing detection by organizations like DEM.
"Hmm? This reaction seems to be Nightmare. Does that mean she's nearby? I need to hurry there. I wonder if she's hunting again." A girl not far from here, sensing the situation, quickly ran towards them.
The situation with Yoshino returned to normal after her spiritual power increased to a certain extent. Both Yoshino and Tokisaki Kurumi reverted to their original school uniforms. Feeling the more stable link within her, Tokisaki Kurumi hugged Yoshino tightly. This sudden attack made Yoshino unable to react, and her small face instantly turned red.
"Now, Sister's time and Yoshino's time are linked together. Now, Sister no longer has to worry about time issues. You truly are an Angel bestowed upon me by the heavens." This way, she wouldn't have to worry about time issues, unlike before when she fretted over the time within her body. But she also couldn't be too careless, as the power of time was terrifying. Using too much of it would harm Yoshino.
"Um, although I don't want to interrupt you two, your commotion just now was a bit loud. It might have attracted the attention of the AST, so it's better if we leave quickly now," Minami Kotori suddenly said. The scene of sisterly affection before her eyes was a bit jarring. She couldn't let Tokisaki Kurumi gain too much favor in Yoshino's heart.
"Well, Koto, what you said is right, but it seems we're already too late," Toujou Nozomi said softly, looking at the person blocking their way: "Someone has already arrived."
"Is your target these people now, Nightmare? I won't let you casually harm innocent people." The girl blocking their path had her hair tied in a ponytail and wore a light-colored hooded jacket and culottes as casual wear. Although she looked like a middle school girl, the aura emanating from her told others that she was no ordinary girl.
"Oh my, oh my, I remember you are... Hmm~ Takamiya Mana, right?" Tokisaki Kurumi tilted her head, looking at her and saying. However, Takamiya Mana let out an displeased huff.
"It's commendable that you remember my name, but casually calling me by my name only makes me nauseous, Nightmare!"
"Oh dear~ I'm truly sorry then." Hearing this, Tokisaki Kurumi bowed to her, apologizing to Takamiya Mana very straightforwardly.
"However, names are indeed very important. Being called Nightmare makes me sad. Could you please call me Tokisaki Kurumi?" Tokisaki Kurumi clasped her hands together, looking at her with a hint of expectation. However, upon hearing her words, Takamiya Mana frowned, feeling even more displeased.
"Because it's important, I don't want you to call my name! Because it's important, I don't want to say your name!" Takamiya Mana's words clearly expressed her aversion to Tokisaki Kurumi, causing Toujou Nozomi and the others watching from behind to exchange helpless glances.
"It's really complicated."
"Shut up! Spirit!" Takamiya Mana unhesitatingly barked, her eyes becoming even sharper. At the same time, a faint glow emanated from Takamiya Mana's body, and then her entire body was enveloped in white mechanical armor. Although its shape was slightly different from the AST's, it was indeed a connection suit.
Takamiya Mana then fired a laser at Tokisaki Kurumi, aiming directly at her abdomen. She wanted to take her down before Tokisaki Kurumi could summon her spirit dress.
But this fatal attack was easily blocked by a few tarot cards, making Takamiya Mana frown as she looked at Toujou Nozomi, whom she had considered an ordinary person until now. Being able to easily block her attack, she was definitely not an ordinary person. She had initially thought they were just innocent people being targeted, but now it seemed that was not the case at all.
"Can you let her go first? We'll vouch for her. We'll make sure she doesn't kill humans while she's under our watch," Toujou Nozomi said, looking at Takamiya Mana, who was on high alert. Now wasn't the time to make enemies; Takamiya Mana's skill with the Realizer was among the top five in the world. While it didn't really matter, Toujou Nozomi didn't want to make an enemy.
"No! Nightmare is the 'Most Evil Spirit' who has already killed over ten thousand humans. You're just being misled by her. If we don't take her down here, there will be more casualties." She directly drew her weapon and aimed it at Tokisaki Kurumi. She didn't believe Tokisaki Kurumi was kind.
"You say that as if you can take me down anytime. I just didn't want to fight you before. Do you really think I can't beat you?" Kurumi narrowed her eyes at Takamiya Mana, spread her arms, and the shadows beneath her feet quickly enveloped her body, forming a dress on her.
"That's a very confident statement, Nightmare!" Takamiya Mana slowly began to gather her strength, looking at Tokisaki Kurumi and speaking faintly.
"We'll soon know who wins and who loses. You'll understand very soon whether my words just now were overly confident or not." Takamiya Mana's sarcastic words didn't displease Tokisaki Kurumi. Her face still held that elegant smile.
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, Takamiya Mana's and Tokisaki Kurumi's legs were instantly frozen, and their powers were simultaneously sealed, preventing them from breaking free from the shackles on their feet.
"Let's end this matter here, Takamiya Mana. Sister Kurumi, I will keep a close eye on her. Can you please give me some face? Let's just let this matter go?" Yoshino, with her right eye glowing blue, said faintly to Takamiya Mana, but Takamiya Mana could feel a huge sense of danger from her.
"Hermit..." Takamiya Mana gritted her teeth, looking at Yoshino. She had recently received the latest reports about her. Although she knew her information had changed, why had her strength increased so much?
After weighing it in her mind, Takamiya Mana deactivated her Realizer and changed back into her casual clothes, signifying her compromise. Tokisaki Kurumi, subdued by her younger adopted sister's intimidating presence, obediently deactivated her spirit dress. She wouldn't dare to disobey.
"...I hope you keep your word." Takamiya Mana looked at Yoshino for a few seconds, then sighed helplessly. She was no match for them; she had no choice but to bow her head.
She then wanted to turn and leave. Her current strength wasn't enough; she needed to improve it. But Yoshino blocked her way, making her stop and frown at Yoshino. She had already given up attacking Tokisaki Kurumi, what more did this Little Loli want? (Aren't you a Little Loli too?)
"Would you like me to take you to see your brother? I think you've been wanting to see him, haven't you?" Yoshino said with a smile, ignoring Takamiya Mana's hostile gaze.
"Eh?"
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!