Mental Manipulation

The crepe was slowly pushed over by the shy Little Rabbit.

Su Youzi understood the girl's feelings.

She took the crepe.

Perfect timing... she could see just how far the System's setting of "all expenses made to increase a girl's affection points will receive double compensation" would tolerate.

When a girl returns food that she herself fed to her, or when the expenses made on her are returned, would the double compensation still be effective?

Su Youzi took a generous bite of the crepe.

The orange pieces the boss added to the crepe were a type of citrus called "Hassaku."

It had a sour taste.

It dissolved in the mouth.

The citrus aroma was also very distinct.

Su Youzi really liked the sweet and sour, delicate fragrance of citrus fruits.

But... the Little Rabbit in front of her didn't seem to.

Saotome Yukina was a 'little animal' with a sweet tooth.

She was fine when she bit into the crepe and cream.

But when she bit into the orange pieces, it was as if a mist was forming in the girl's azure eyes, and tears were about to stream down.

However... in front of Senpai, Saotome Yukina didn't want to lose face.

She had chosen this flavor herself, so she had to swallow it down with tears in her eyes.

"This Hassaku tastes terrible."

"Compared to Senior Youzi... it's miles worse."

With a tragic resolve like a warrior severing his own arm, Saotome Yukina closed her eyes, preparing to take another bite and swallow it whole without chewing.

Lightly... the girl's wrist was caught.

When Saotome Yukina opened her eyes in a daze, she found Senpai's crimson eyes suddenly very close.

"Sen...pai?"

Su Youzi pushed the crepe in her hand, from which she had picked out all the orange pieces, towards Saotome Yukina.

"Eat mine."

Her azure eyes seemed to be covered in a thick mist.

Saotome Yukina looked at the crepe pushed back in front of her, missing a corner, and her heart surged.

[Ding--]

[Shared: Saotome Yukina Affection Points +3.]

[Received Affection Boost Reward: Disposable Cat Tail (White).]

[...]

Experiments proved... for something as simple as a crepe.

Even if she shared it with Saotome Yukina, the System would not take back the money compensated to her.

Su Youzi suddenly had some bold ideas.

For example... buying a house near the school for Saotome Yukina.

But Su Youzi quickly abandoned this idea, which was almost like cheating.

The reminder for "Operator Cultivation" stated that the actions eligible for double material compensation were limited to "Feeding" and "Nurturing."

The idea of treating the girl as a cash cow and shopping wantonly was destined to fail.

But... "Feeding"?

Su Youzi carefully read through the light blue cautionary notes.

"Feeding" was fine.

If the girl couldn't finish something or wanted to share it with her, it was fine for her to eat it.

In that case... if she treated Saotome Yukina or Teacher Unohana Chiyo to meals every day, she might be able to save a large sum on food expenses.

She might even make some extra money.

To be honest, after escaping from there.

Su Youzi was still quite tight on funds.

After the girl finished her crepe, Su Youzi looked at Saotome Yukina, who was lowering her head, waiting for her.

Su Youzi slowly stood up.

The "Mixed Martial Arts class" that Saotome Yukina had asked Su Youzi to help with was a very important subject in Shiritsu Megumi Garden Academy's final exams.

As everyone knows--

A mage who can't use a sword isn't a good mage.

The same goes for Ability Users.

On the battlefield against Anomalies or Calamity Beasts, the Anomalies won't care if you're a weak Ability User.

So even for the Healing Type Saotome Yukina.

Her required courses include "Mixed Martial Arts class."

Su Youzi looked at Saotome Yukina's soft, full form.

Judging by how the girl panted and teared up after just a few steps, her physique was truly poor.

If there's a chance in the future, she'll have to find some special items to improve her physique.

After completing the "nurture" process.

She would also receive double compensation.

Why wouldn't she?

Speaking of which, it's perfect timing--

In the "Operator Cultivation" module, Saotome Yukina's Chibi Figure had finally regained its spirit.

The expression on its face had returned to (≧∇≦).

Su Youzi tapped on Saotome Yukina's Chibi Figure and, in the [Nurture] interface, selected the "Beginner Combat Record" again.

[Ding--]

[Successfully nurtured Saotome Yukina.]

[Saotome Yukina's Combat Experience has increased.]

[Level.2 - Water Ability User Experience: 25% → 47%.]

[Nurture: Saotome Yukina's Affection Points +1.]

[Received Affection Boost Reward: Red Stamina Potion.]

[Received Nurture Material Cost Compensation.]

["Beginner Combat Record" * 2.]

[...]

Her eyebrows twitched slightly.

Su Youzi looked at Saotome Yukina's Affection Boost Reward.

[Red Stamina Potion].

Unlike [Blue Vitality Pill], [Red Stamina Potion] only has the effect of slowly restoring a large amount of stamina.

Her guess was correct after all.

Whether it was the training combat gloves at the beginning.

Or the various alluring and cute Nekomusume maid accessories later on.

Saotome Yukina's Affection Boost Rewards were ultimately things that could be used by the girl herself.

"It's quite interesting."

Just right--

She had been worrying that Little Rabbit would be too exhausted to get out of bed tomorrow.

When sleepiness comes, a pillow is delivered.

But... while Su Youzi was pleased.

Saotome Yukina, who was about to get up with Su Youzi, immediately suffered.

Saotome Yukina stumbled and almost fell.

Fortunately, the table was right in front of her.

Little Rabbit's azure eyes widened helplessly, biting her lip tightly, her ear tips turning a bright, pale pink.

Another... "Gift"?

A warm current flowed through her limbs.

Although it felt comfortable.

Why did it always have to make her so... embarrassed in front of Senpai?

Or perhaps... it was precisely because she was close to Senpai.

That she received the "Gift"?

Saotome Yukina's mind was in a daze.

Su Youzi gently took her hand, "Another 'Gift'?"

"Saotome, do you still have the energy to train?"

"If you can't..."

"Don't push yourself."

"We can do it tomorrow."

Su Youzi felt she had been a bit too hasty.

She was a little too eager for "Combat Records."

She had somewhat overlooked Saotome Yukina's feelings.

She could have waited for Saotome Yukina to finish training before using the "Beginner Combat Record."

In that case... she was already very tired anyway.

A little more tiredness wouldn't matter.

Relaxing might even lead to better rest.

"I... I can do it!" When the Senpai grabbed her hand, Saotome Yukina suddenly felt as if her whole body was filled with strength.

In front of the Senpai... she absolutely couldn't say 'no.'

Even if she cried until she was weak, cried until she melted, she couldn't say she couldn't do it.

Her toes were still trembling, and Saotome Yukina shakily propped herself up.

Looking at the Little Rabbit trying to act tough, Su Youzi felt a bit helpless.

But she could only help Saotome Yukina walk towards the combat training grounds.

Speaking of which... Su Youzi asked Saotome Yukina, "Saotome, why did you think of looking for me?"

Because she lacked ability enhancements.

Although Su Youzi's Mixed Martial Arts skills were indeed top-notch.

But... when facing those with physical enhancement or physical mutation abilities, she often ended up defeated.

Her performance on paper wasn't exactly top-ranked.

She could only barely be considered excellent.

Su Youzi was very curious.

How did the Little Rabbit know about her Mixed Martial Arts class results?

Su Youzi didn't believe in any 'driving force of Fate' in this world.

Listening to Su Youzi's question, Saotome Yukina's eyes suddenly became a little vacant.

"It's..."

"Yeah..."

"Why did I think of looking for Senpai?"

The girl felt as if her mind was a blank slate regarding this matter.

Su Youzi's brows furrowed.

She had seen similar expressions.

Seen similar symptoms.

This was...

--Mental Manipulation.

"Soga... Toyura."