"First demand: I want a Heroic Spirit."
"That…"
"Mm?"
"B-but…" Gaia was nearly in tears. She owned plenty of Heroic Spirits, so handing over a few was no problem—yet she feared Fujino would ask for the Grand-class ones, the very pillars of Gaia's existence. Those she could never surrender. Still, if Fujino lost patience and actually called down a meteor, Earth—and Gaia—would be finished.
"I get it." With Observation Haki, Fujino read her thoughts. "I don't want the Grand Heroes; they're all male anyway."
"That's fine, then." Gaia exhaled, patting her chest; the ample pair bounced, instantly drawing Fujino's gaze.
Noticing her own state, Gaia blushed. "C-can I put some clothes on first?"
"No. You're a counter force—why be shy? And seeing you like this improves my mood. Try dressing if you want; I just can't promise I'll stay happy." A naked threat, and brutally effective.
"No need! I love being naked!" Gaia hastily declared, then added, "I love being naked in front of Sister Fujino most of all."
A quick study—Fujino regarded her approvingly. She seemed dim but was actually rather clever.
Heartened by Fujino's faint smile, Gaia rejoiced. If she kept pleasing this great deity, even the corrupted Earth might hold no terror—and maybe she could make A-chan green with envy.
"All right, let's talk about the Heroic Spirit I want." Fujino sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Gaia into her lap.
Nestled there, Gaia didn't resist; in fact she noticed something odd—Fujino exuded an aura of the Earth even denser than her own. Comfortably, Gaia half-closed her eyes.
"I want Black Lance Artoria—no problem, right?"
"Huh? Is there even a Heroic Spirit with a weird name like that?" Gaia's eyes snapped open; she didn't recall any servant called "Black Lance Artoria."
Realizing the confusion, Fujino clarified: "Lancer Alter King Arthur, the one who still has a heart. Got it?"
"Sure." Though the last part made no sense, Gaia now knew which Heroic Spirit she meant. Just one King Arthur—among countless parallel worlds, Arthurs were expendable.
"Good. That's the first; I'll decide on the rest later."
"Okay."
"Next demand, then."
"There's more?"
"Something wrong, Little Loli Gaia?"
"Not at all! Ask away, Sister Fujino." Gaia beamed while bleeding inside.
"This time I'm not taking anything from you."
Fujino's answer surprised her. "Then what do you want?"
"I need you to let me visit the Throne of Heroes. That's all—for now."
"Huh?" Gaia was stunned; the request was child's play. Sending someone to the Throne was effortless.
"N-nothing else?" she asked cautiously.
"Not at the moment." Fujino stroked her head pleasantly.
"When would you like to go?" Gaia asked, turning.
"Once Touko finishes her business."
"And the Heroic Spirit?"
"I'll summon her tonight and settle Touko's matter as well." Fujino lifted Gaia from her lap and set her on the bed.
"Go prepare the Heroic Spirit now. And remember, I want the real one, not a clone—understood?"
"Understood! I'll make sure of it," Gaia answered hurriedly.
"Excellent." Fujino nodded in satisfaction.
"Um, Sister Fujino… do you need a pure soul?" Gaia ventured.
"Oh, so you heard." Fujino regarded her, expression unreadable.
"I… I remember A-chan can create a pure soul. If Sister Fujino needs one, I can ask her for it," Gaia whispered.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Asagami Fujino said, giving Gaia a smile. She'd planned to buy a soul from the system after its upgrade, but now she could save the points. Migeiko had already dulled her appetite for system abilities, yet points could still trade for plenty of amusements—so every coin counted.
"Right away, Sister Fujino." With that, Gaia vanished before her.
"Stop pretending, Jibril." Fujino looked at the quilt; Jibril's eyes were already open.
"Hurry and dress. After we settle Touko tonight, we've got lots of fun waiting."
"Yes, Master!"
"Call me Fujino. After all, you're mine now," she said gently.
"All right… Fujino."
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