Invincible Me Only Wants to Slack Off

The figure on stage who commanded all beings, radiant and magnificent, and the high school boy Marin spoke of, along with the gentle and considerate "Brother-in-law" at Marin's home...

These images kept overlapping and colliding in Marin's cheerful chatter.

"Mm." Rin finally responded with a low hum, letting Marin lead her into the backstage area.

At the end of the corridor, a door with a "Nero" nameplate stood slightly ajar, spilling bright light—Chen Tian's dressing room.

Kitagawa pulled Rin through the door, and the cool air from the air conditioner mixed with a faint scent of cosmetics rushed over them.

"Sit here~" Marin plopped down onto the sofa and patted the spot beside her.

As soon as Rin sat down, Marin leaned in, blinking. "Rin-chan, when you found out Nero was Tian-jun just now, were you surprised?"

Rin nodded silently, the scene of Emiya Shirou showing her Nero's photo flashing through her mind.

Back then, her mind had gone blank, leaving only the image of that 'Brother-in-law' in Tokyo, lounging with his legs crossed, utterly unruffled.

"Hehe~" Kitagawa's eyes curved into crescent moons as she shook her head smugly.

But soon she pouted. "Too bad you came late, or you could've seen me singing on stage."

Rin looked up. "Sorry, family matters..."

"No worries, no worries!" Kitagawa waved her hand immediately, her smile blooming again. "I'm super happy you came!"

The dressing room door suddenly swung open, and Chen Tian walked in, still radiating the heat of the stage.

From outside, the audience's relentless encore cries could still be heard, surging like waves.

"Tian-jun!" Kitagawa's eyes lit up, and she fluttered into Chen Tian's arms like a joyful butterfly. "You worked hard~"

Chen Tian caught her, the corner of his mouth lifting into a gentle curve that was worlds apart from his stage persona.

He ruffled Kitagawa's hair, his fingers still slightly damp with post-performance sweat, yet the gesture was filled with unspeakable affection.

Watching this, Rin couldn't help but think again: My 'Brother-in-law' is insane.

Chen Tian's gaze shifted over Kitagawa's shoulder, nodding at Rin. There was a knowing smile in his eyes, as if he had already seen through the purpose of her visit.

Kitagawa was still chattering about the performance details when Chen Tian suddenly leaned down and whispered something in her ear.

Rin saw Kitagawa blink, then turn to her with a bright grin. "Rin-chan, sit tight for a bit, okay? I'm gonna go find Xiaozhong-jiejie and tell her to let the audience know there won't be an encore."

The moment the door clicked shut, the dressing room fell so quiet that the faint hum of the air conditioner was audible.

Chen Tian walked over to the vanity mirror and sat down, crossing his long legs. That kingly demeanor from the stage returned in full force.

He looked at Rin through the mirror, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"So," he tilted his head, propping his cheek on his fist, "you're in trouble, Miss Tohsaka?"

Rin met Chen Tian's gaze, took a deep breath, and nodded firmly.

"Yes, I'm in trouble."

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow, gesturing slightly with his chin. "Go on, I'm listening."

Rin paused for a moment, her fingers twisting together tightly.

"Chen Tian-jun, back in Tokyo, you already knew about the Holy Grail." Her voice was lower than usual. "I'm sure you're also aware of the cruelty of the Holy Grail War. My father died in one."

Chen Tian nodded slightly, signaling her to continue.

"Today is the first day of a new Holy Grail War." Rin bit her lip. "I discovered that the Servant who once belonged to my father—Gilgamesh—has gained a physical body. That's too abnormal." Her nails nearly dug into her palms. "I can't help but suspect that my father's death is connected to him."

Chen Tian straightened up a little, his expression still calm. "So what do you want?"

Rin's gaze hardened, as if she had made up her mind. "I want you to help me capture Gilgamesh."

She paused, then added, "I'll find some allies to assist with this operation."

Chen Tian narrowed his eyes, letting out a barely audible hum. "Emmm~"

Silence stretched on.

Rin's heart sank.

Of course, the Holy Grail War is too dangerous, especially with Marin, an ordinary person, involved. Chen Tian would naturally have reservations, right?

Her fingertips pressed into her palm as she was about to suggest safely sending Marin away first, promising to hold off Gilgamesh in the meantime.

"Alright." Chen Tian suddenly spoke.

All the words Rin had prepared got stuck in her throat.

Chen Tian lifted his chin slightly, his gaze locking onto her through the mirror. His voice wasn't loud, his tone relaxed. "I'll take care of him."

He paused, tapping his knuckles lightly on the edge of the vanity.

"Along with the other murderer who killed your father."

Rin's breath caught, her pupils abruptly dilating. "The other... murderer?!" The question burst out.

Just then—

"I'm back!" The dressing room door slammed open, and Kitagawa swept in like a lively gust of wind, her face beaming with energy. "All done! The audience went home nicely!"

The words on the tip of Rin's tongue came to an abrupt halt.

She stepped in lightly, only to find Rin and Chen Tian sitting across from each other, the atmosphere frozen in a tense silence.

Kitagawa blinked her big eyes and tilted her head. "Huh? You two..." She was about to ask out of curiosity.

Chen Tian had already stood up, walking naturally to her side. He raised a hand and gently patted her head. "Your cousin's all yours," he said, his voice softening again. "I'm going to take a shower. We'll head back to the hotel for a late-night snack later."

"Mm!" Kitagawa nodded obediently at once, the flicker of doubt instantly forgotten.

Without another glance at Rin, Chen Tian left the dressing room, closing the door behind him.

As soon as the door shut, Kitagawa scooted over to Rin, plopping down and affectionately linking arms with her. "Rin-chan~ What were you and Tian Jun talking about just now? The vibe was so weird."

She leaned in close to Rin's face, studying her intently.

Rin instinctively avoided her gaze, shaking her head slightly. "Nothing, just... some family matters."

She quickly changed the subject. "Did you have fun singing tonight, Haimeng-nee?"

"So much fun!" Kitagawa's attention was successfully diverted, her eyes lighting up as she launched into a description of her feelings on stage.

After chattering excitedly for a while, she remembered the main point. "Oh right, Rin-chan! Come have a late-night snack with us later!"

Rin's mind was still tangled around Chen Tian's words about "the other killer," and she had no heart for snacks.

She gently pulled her arm free from Kitagawa's and stood up. "No thanks, Haimeng-nee. Family stuff... I'm really busy. I need to head back."

"Aww—" Kitagawa drew out the sound in disappointment, pouting.

But seeing the fatigue and worry in Rin's expression, she didn't push it. "I see... okay then."

She stood up too, then suddenly grabbed Rin's shoulders seriously, looking her straight in the eyes. "But Rin-chan! Remember this!"

"Huh?" Rin was startled by her sudden solemnity.

"If," Kitagawa's face was unusually serious, laced with concern, "if someone bullies you, or you run into trouble, you have to—have to—tell me, got it?"

She shook Rin's shoulders firmly, as if to etch the promise in. "I'll definitely have your back! No matter who it is, I'll beat them up for you!"

Looking into Kitagawa's pure, unwavering eyes, Rin felt the heavy pressure in her heart crack open, letting a warm current seep through.

She gazed at her cousin, always so energetic and guileless, and finally a gentle smile crept onto her lips.

"Mm, I know, Haimeng-nee." Rin's voice softened, carrying a trace of warmth. "Thank you." This unguarded concern did lighten her tense mood.

Rin said goodbye to Kitagawa and hurried out of the stadium, still buzzing with residual heat.

The night wind was cool against her flushed cheeks, but it couldn't blow away the heavy questions and urgency in her heart.

She ran back to the hidden, abandoned shack.

Pushing open the door, the tense atmosphere inside hit her immediately.

Under the flickering candlelight, Emiya Shirou was pacing anxiously. He rushed over at the sound, his face full of worry. "Rin! How did it go?"

Rin took a deep breath, steadying herself from the run, and nodded curtly. "He agreed. He'll act."

She deliberately left out the more chilling detail about "the other killer"—now wasn't the time to dig deeper.

Emiya Shirou visibly relaxed, but then his expression turned incredulous as he scratched the back of his head. "Nero... can he really? Isn't he... a big star?"

The contrast between that identity and the ancient king with a physical body they were about to face was just too jarring.

Rin pressed her lips together, her gaze unwavering. "I believe he can."

As she said it, the image of Chen Tian in the dressing room—lounging with crossed legs before the mirror, casual yet radiating an invisible pressure—flashed clearly in her mind.

That effortless, absolute control in his demeanor made it impossible for her to doubt his promise.

Emiya Shirou saw the certainty in Rin's expression and knew she wasn't acting on impulse. He sighed. "Sigh... alright, we'll go with this for now."

He glanced around the shabby room, understanding they had no better options.

Rin said nothing more, her focus shifting to the corner.

The severely injured Artoria lay on the ground, pale and breathing weakly.

Rin hurried over, crouched down, and carefully began checking her wounds.

Golden strands of hair were matted with dirt and dried blood, her once-majestic armor now battered and worn.

Rin's brows knitted tightly, her eyes full of worry and gravity. Time was truly running out.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city.

Inside the luxurious Presidential Suite's dining room, the chandelier cast a warm glow, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows framed the dazzling city nightscape.

The long table was laden with exquisite dishes, their aromas filling the air.

Chen Tian had changed out of his flashy stage outfit into comfortable loungewear, sitting relaxed at one end of the table. He hadn't touched the utensils before him, simply watching quietly beside him.

Kitagawa Marin was eating heartily, her cheeks stuffed full like a happy little hamster.

Between bites, she chattered about funny moments from the concert, her eyes curved into crescents, radiating pure joy.

Chen Tian watched her sunny smile, a gentle smile lingering on his lips.

Those eyes that had once looked down on the crowd from the stage now held nothing but focused adoration.

He listened quietly, occasionally humming a soft "mm" in response, his gaze never leaving her.

Chen Tian raised his water glass, taking a shallow sip, his gaze drifting toward the endless night outside the window, lost in thought.

The abandoned hut was thick with the musty smell of dust. Rin leaned against the cold wall, jolted awake by a faint trace of alertness deliberately released by Emiya (Archer).

Her eyes snapped open, fatigue still lingering in their depths.

"Master," Archer's voice rang out low, carrying a hint of gravity. "There's urgent news."

Rin's heart sank instantly. "Speak."

"The Tohsaka Family mansion... was breached last night." Archer's voice was flat, but each word struck like a hammer. "All family members were slaughtered."

Rin's pupils contracted sharply, her body tensing like a drawn bowstring. An icy chill shot from her spine to the top of her head.

"Why?" she blurted out, her voice hoarse in a way she didn't notice herself. "The Tohsaka Family posed no real threat... There was no need for a massacre!"

After her father Tohsaka Tokiomi's death, the Tohsaka Family had long since declined, leaving mostly weak branch members or ordinary people. Such a slaughter was pure vengeance!

A thought stabbed into her mind: The other killer... the one Chen Tian mentioned!

Before she could dwell on it, Archer's voice rang out again, like a death knell: "Also, I've sensed a Servant has fallen. Their magical energy has been fed into the Lesser Grail."

Rin took a deep breath, the cold morning air stinging her lungs.

Chaos so early, and someone's already fallen... Gilgamesh is acting even more recklessly and urgently than I expected! He doesn't care about the rules at all—he just wants to fill the Grail as fast as possible!

"Understood." Rin forced herself to calm down, her voice turning cold and hard.

She quickly summarized the two pieces of bad news: "The mansion was raided, the clan wiped out. A Servant is dead, and the Grail has started accumulating power. Gilgamesh is accelerating the process."

Emiya Shirou and Archer immediately closed in, forming a tight triangle.

The atmosphere grew so heavy it felt frozen solid.

"What do we do?" Shirou clenched his fists, anger burning in his eyes.

Rin was about to speak, to formulate the next search plan—

The battered door was suddenly shoved open without warning!