Although it looked somewhat strange with Choukai's appearance and temperament, it did not inspire any disgust. Instead, it carried a contrasting sort of beauty.
Her movements were decisive, her words resolute. Even Raiden Mei gave her a slight sidelong glance, the corners of her lips lifting as if to say, "I've already seen through your scheme."
"Hehe..."
Choukai laughed softly around her cigarette holder, the lock of hair between her fingers pointing three times at Gwen...
The three of them chatted idly. By the time the sun reached its zenith, Choukai's clothes had already recovered, and she returned with Gwen and Mei to have lunch.
After lunch, Gwen announced to the girls that he was prepared and would soon be leaving to carry out the new Kindling Project—
Since Gwen had never concealed his purpose before, the girls around him all knew about it. Thus, he had no intention of hiding his itinerary—
Now that they already knew, being secretive would be far worse than being open and honest, lest more trouble arise.
The girls, who had long since prepared themselves mentally, showed no further concern and merely offered their encouragement.
That afternoon, Gwen did not continue his usual training. Instead, he planned to settle some matters around him before heading to World Serpent, contacting Kevin to reach Number Seventeen, and drawing in the power of Finality.
But before that—
At three in the afternoon, having just finished dealing with his affairs, Gwen vanished from where he stood in a flash and appeared in the all-too-familiar neighboring living room.
At that very moment, a red-haired beauty draped in nothing but a bath towel stepped out of the bathroom.
"Hm?
What are you trying to do?"
Seeing Gwen suddenly appear, Choukai took a step back and questioned him "warily."
"Invited by