Chapter 155

Is that all for one class?

A rich woman is indeed a rich woman.

"I'm sorry, but with your archery skills, you're worth far more than this price. But I can't help it; even though I'm the Young Lady of the Shinomiya Family, I can't just squander money like that."

Shinomiya Kaguya also apologized for this.

Indeed, the archery skills that amazed her were unmatched by anyone she knew, and even far inferior. Compared to them, the legendary Yuanmen Shooting Halberd and hitting Shoot a Willow Leaf a Hundred Paces Away were child's play.

"Uh, um..."

Hasegawa Izumi pondered for a moment, giving it a brief pause.

Although he wasn't exactly poor, he was certainly short of money. First of all, as the Club President of the Far East Magic Society, he had to consider the organization's operating expenses; he couldn't possibly ask the organization's members to chip in, could he?

That would be incredibly embarrassing.

Secondly, he spent a lot of money on doujinshi and the new game he bought at the anime convention a few days ago, and at this rate, the debt to Eriri will be indefinitely owed.

"Fine, I can agree."

Seeing his silence, Shinomiya Kaguya assumed he would still reject her coldly. Hearing those words when she was feeling dejected was like hearing heavenly music.

Very good!

She suppressed her inner turmoil, almost unable to resist jumping for joy like a lively and energetic young girl.

"How long is a class period?"

Hasegawa Izumi raised her eyes.

"At least, an hour, no... how about half an hour?"

Shinomiya Kaguya's requests were reduced again and again.

"Half an hour is a bit too much, so let's make it 45 minutes then."

He stroked his chin and nodded in deep agreement.

In that case, it's just an hour less of gaming on the weekend, a loss that's perfectly acceptable.

"Okay, it's settled then."

Shinomiya Kaguya struggled to maintain a calm facade, but inwardly she was overjoyed.

It worked!

Hayasaka, I didn't let you down!

"My other half, do you mean you're going to spend even less time in the Blood Nest on weekends?"

Beside her, Kōko pouted, looking dissatisfied.

"Kōko, think about it. If we had more money, wouldn't we have both the offerings I gave you and the cosplay outfit you wanted?"

Hasegawa Izumi stroked her Little Sister's golden hair with a kind smile.

"Really?!"

Kōko instantly perked up.

"Certainly."

"Well, it won't be a big problem if my My other half goes on missions occasionally, I agree!"

There was no way around it; she gave just too much.

After the fireworks ended, Shinomiya Kaguya didn't go straight home. Instead, she went with the brother and sister to stroll around the stalls. To avoid being recognized, she even bought a mask to cover her naturally beautiful face.

As it turned out, her idea was correct.

During this time, Hasegawa Izumi was recognized and greeted by several students from Shuchiin.

Fortunately, everyone's attention was drawn to Kōko; otherwise, even with a mask on, her identity would have been easily exposed.

Although the experience wasn't perfect, following the brother and sister broadened the horizons of this sheltered Young Lady. Snacks like takoyaki, taiyaki, and candied apples, as well as games like popping balloons and catching goldfish, all left a deep impression on her.

However, no matter how much you linger there, you can't stay forever.

The three of them took the tram and arrived at a stop near Kaguya's residence.

Just like when they came out, Hasegawa Izumi carried Shinomiya Kaguya, leaped up, and entered the backyard.

Then, he jumped in through the open window.

"Then I'll be going now."

Without lingering, Hasegawa Izumi turned and left.

"Um."

Shinomiya Kaguya's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz. After he left, she looked up at the crescent moon in the sky.

"If it weren't for you, Hasegawa, I would never have known that rising fireworks could be so beautiful, or that there were other kinds of fun besides fireworks... It was so great to be able to come out this time. I'll probably never forget this day for the rest of my life."

In the corner nearby, the maid also smiled.

Time flows like water, quietly passing by in the blink of an eye.

With the Fireworks Festival coming to a close, summer vacation is also drawing to a close.

In a dimly lit, enclosed room, against the wall, there was a projection screen displaying images of the battle between Hasegawa Izumi and Busujima Saeko.

Four different girls, looking at this scene, all wore the same pensive expression.

They are trying to immerse themselves in the characters and engage in simulated combat.

However, what made them frown was that no matter how they put themselves in the protagonist's shoes, they could not avoid the ending of failure.

Aside from maintaining a superficial air of sophistication, the girls now have a clearer understanding of themselves.

"More than that, you should be worried about Yotsuya, right? With her astonishing progress, she'll probably catch up with us very soon."

Nibuya Morika sighed very much.

"A mere Onmyo Eyes is nothing compared to the power carefully bestowed upon us by the Lord Sage —death!"

However, Dekomori Sanae appeared quite confident about this.

Although, according to Hasegawa, the ability to Onmyo Eyes is not rare, reaching the level of Yotsuya is still an extremely powerful ability.

However, even if they didn't trust their own abilities, they had great faith in the Club President's competence.

"Speaking of awakening abilities, has anyone sensed the arrival of a turning point?"

Natsukawa Masuzu's eyes darted around as she brought up the topic.

For them, awakening was a pivotal moment that determined their fate.

Once they awaken their powers, they believe their combat strength will increase significantly, a world of difference from their current situation where they can only use physical techniques.

"I think I'm starting to feel that way."

While everyone remained silent, Takanashi Rikka pursed her lips and said.

"Really? Rikka?"

Nibuya Morika looked startled.

"Master, am I going to lose to you again, death!"

Dekomori Sanae clenched her fists and roared to the sky.

"Are you sure? It's Takanashi."

Natsukawa Masuzu was initially skeptical.

"I'm not quite sure either, it might just be my imagination. But regarding the accumulation of spiritual power, just the day before yesterday, I felt that I had reached the limit. Perhaps this is what the Sage meant by the current state of perfect accumulation of spiritual power."

Takanashi Rikka said uncertainly.

Oh, I see.

The other three girls had different expressions, indicating rather complicated feelings.

"Should we tell the Lord Sage, Master?"

Dekomori Sanae asked the question.

"Uh, no need. We can meet at school tomorrow anyway, so I'll just talk to you in person then."

Takanashi Rikka and said...

In early September, high schools in Tou-ei began their second semester.

Summer vacation has just ended, and the weather is still consistently above 30 degrees Celsius, even approaching 40 degrees Celsius.

This situation inevitably brings to mind the issue of 'global warming,' so people can only complain a little and then go back to school or work.

On the first day of school, everyone returned to their daily lives with a mix of melancholy and anticipation.

The students in their seats were all talking about their summer vacation plans.

"Um, I went on a trip abroad, saw a waterfall, and then came back... I was originally planning to ask Izumi-chan out for ramen, but he had something to do and we couldn't make it, what a shame."

Fujiwara Chika is answering her classmates' questions; her lively voice is like a spring breeze.

"That's great. So Fujiwara-san and Hasegawa-kun are so close that they can go out to eat together?"

"But, if Sawamura-san knew, he'd probably be jealous."

"Speaking of Hasegawa-kun, I heard someone at school saw him at the Fireworks Festival and even took pictures. Apparently, he was strolling around with his Little Sister. Let me tell you, Hasegawa-kun's Little Sister is super cute!"

"Kōko is indeed very cute!"

Fujiwara Chika smiled and nodded in agreement.

Do you have any photos? I'd like to see them.

A girl asked.

Of course there are.

Another gossipy girl took out her phone and showed the photos she had secretly saved.

"There seems to be a girl next to them. Was she just passing by? Or were they together?"

"Have no idea."

Hearing the two girls' conversation, Fujiwara Chika turned her head and glanced at them.

Not satisfied with just one glance, she stared intently again.

Why does this girl seem so familiar to her?

Is it Eriri?

No.

Members of the Far East Magic Society?

No.

She went through a list of familiar faces in her mind, and finally, the light in her heart was lit.

It's Kaguya-chan!?

This is really bad!

'If Kaguya-chan also has her eye on Izumi-chan, then between her and Eriri, whose side should I take? It doesn't feel right to take either side... And then there's Rikka and the others, ugh! Izumi-chan, it's so annoying how popular you are!'

Fujiwara Chika's brain suddenly overloaded, and she collapsed onto the table as if her brain had crashed.

The girls chatting nearby were completely bewildered.

Right in the last row of the classroom, where no one paid any attention.

Takanashi Rikka had arrived earlier, was lying face down on her desk, burying her head deep in it.

My head is spinning and burning... Could it be a cold?

'But, can one catch a cold even while embarking on the path of the extraordinary?'

'No, there's never been a rule that superhumans can't catch a cold, has there?'

"Call..."

The girl's face was burning red, she was breathing heavily, and her body temperature was rising rapidly.