A Safe Way to Obtain Energy Points

In the morning, Kiyoharu headed to school earlier than scheduled once again.

Fortunately, the game ban was only for three days, so this situation wouldn't last much longer.

While waiting for the green light at an intersection, Kiyoharu thought of Takagi Akane.

That girl... she's back, and she's definitely trouble.

And thinking about Kitahara Ayano, school had become quite perilous lately.

Fortunately, last night, Kiyoharu had already analyzed how Kitahara Ayano used her Time Stop ability through the system.

The system's quest, [Shimaura Hitomi's Weakness], had been miraculously completed, thanks to Kitahara Ayano's prank that made Shimaura Hitomi lean on Kiyoharu's shoulder.

He had gained a hard-won 50 Energy Points, and the system was practically weeping. Do you know how long it had been poor before finally getting this rare income?

In return, Kiyoharu had also redeemed information about Time Stop.

[It is activated by using a specific catalyst, and the usage count recovers once per natural day.]

This meant that to stop Kitahara Ayano's Time Stop, he would have to find that "specific catalyst" and take it away?

It seemed rather difficult to implement. After all, Kitahara Ayano appeared quite skilled at using Time Stop; she was clearly a repeat offender. She would definitely be guarding the essential item for activating her ability closely.

Being able to use Time Stop only once a day was information that put Kiyoharu's mind at ease. At least it meant Kitahara Ayano could only harass him once a day at most.

Speaking of which, Miss Kitahara was truly pathetic. Protagonists in manga would practically rule the world with a Time Stop ability, yet Kitahara Ayano used it to harass her best friend's fiancé. Was that appropriate?

As his thoughts drifted, the system's sly, loli-like voice suddenly chimed in, "Hey there, Host, are you thinking about me?"

"No, get lost... Oh, wait, don't go yet." Kiyoharu pondered, "That Takagi Akane, have you scanned any special information on her?"

"Uh..."

"So, no."

"That requires the Host to have a deep interaction with Takagi Akane for my scan to work effectively!"

"Tsk, useless."

"Host, this system believes you are truly too conservative. Even if you have many potential yandere girls around you, I can help you devise strategies to avoid bad endings."

"You? Help me devise strategies??" Kiyoharu incredulously dug at his ear.

Of course, the communication with the system was an internal consciousness, not related to hearing, but this action was profoundly humiliating to the system, which retorted indignantly, "How can I not help you devise strategies! I've interned in a full ten parallel worlds and am very knowledgeable. I can absolutely ensure the 'kitchen knife' is always one step behind you. Back in my day, I..."

The useless system was bragging about its glorious past again.

Kiyoharu quickly interrupted, "Stop, stop, I don't want to hear about your past nonsense. I just want to ask you, am I your first host?"

"You are correct, but I was awarded the Best Intern System Award for the 12306th session..."

"Oh, then allow me to ask, with you being so outstanding, why were you assigned to a weakling host like me? Logically, a capable system should be assigned to a motivated host."

"Quite the opposite! It's precisely because I'm so capable that I have to serve a slacker host like you!" The system put on a face of disappointment that turned into steel, seizing the opportunity to instigate, "Host, I have a plan that will allow you to handle your current situation more calmly."

"Elaborate."

"Look, as long as I can get Energy Points, I'm still quite useful. So, as long as Host can find a way to safely earn Energy Points, you'll have more trump cards..."

"Is there really a way to safely earn Energy Points?"

"Isn't doing Shimaura Hitomi's quests enough? Host said it himself that Shimaura Hitomi is absolutely safe. So, if we earn Energy Points from her to deal with people like Kitahara Ayano, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Believe it or not, the trash system's suggestion this time actually had some value.

Due to the emergence of superpowers, Kiyoharu, relying on his identity as Chihaya's live-in son-in-law, could no longer perfectly defend against the girls' advances. For this, he needed to get some serious moves from the system, and the Energy Points needed could only come from Shimaura Hitomi.

However, accidents like yesterday could only happen with good luck; otherwise, he would have to find a way to complete them cunningly without arousing Shimaura Hitomi's suspicion.

"In any case, let's see if there are any new Shimaura Hitomi quests."

The system immediately presented him with newly generated information:

[Quest Name: Shimaura Hitomi's Image Makeover]

[Quest Description: Shimaura Hitomi has always been overlooked or even bullied by those around her due to her overly childish and unfashionable attire. As a senior, you decide to change this situation.]

[Quest Objectives: ① Go shopping with Shimaura Hitomi and find ways to increase her Charm value (Current: 65, Target: 80) ② Praise Shimaura Hitomi's figure after her outfit change to make her blush.]

[Quest Reward: 100 Energy Points, Title Skill Draw Ticket x1]

Good heavens, another quest that's a death sentence at first glance.

Kiyoharu closed the system interface after a single glance, prompting the system to quickly try and please him, "Hey, hey, Host, don't be discouraged. Actually, besides the Shimaura Hitomi series of quests, there's another quest objective that is absolutely safe..."

"You're not going to say Chihaya Airi, are you?"

"Aha! As expected of the incredibly intelligent Host..."

[System has been muted by Chihaya Kiyoharu for 1 hour.]

Satisfying.

Focus on driving.

Chihaya Academy.

Kiyoharu walked into the office as usual and saw an unexpected sight.

Besides Shimaura Hitomi across the desk, there was someone at his own seat. It was Kitahara Ayano, waving at him with a smile. Her gentle and dignified demeanor showed no trace of shame for occupying someone else's seat.

"Good morning, Teacher Shimaura, Miss Kitahara," Kiyoharu greeted calmly, his gaze probing Kitahara Ayano. "Did you need something from me?"

"Not at all. I just wanted to chat and catch up with Little Hitomi. Teacher Chihaya, you don't mind if I borrow your seat for a while, do you?"

"Please, be my guest."

Kiyoharu made himself a cup of black Americano and leaned against the windowsill, gazing into the distance.

Gazing at the scenery was a good way to relax his eyes, especially for Kiyoharu, who attended classes during the day and stared at screens playing games at night. His eyes were under a lot of strain and needed extra care.

"I'm so envious of Little Hitomi, being able to witness the love between Teacher Chihaya and the Young Lady firsthand. Did Little Hitomi play any part in helping their relationship along back then?"

"No, not really... They liked each other from the start, they didn't need my help at all..."

"Then, you must have at least helped your best friend defend her territory, right? A man as outstanding as Teacher Chihaya must have always had girls pursuing him. Even after becoming a teacher, people still bother him. Little Hitomi, you would help drive away those bad women who covet Teacher Chihaya, wouldn't you?" Kitahara Ayano's eyes sparkled. Her innocent tone was enough to make her the queen of Litang, but the content of her words made Shimaura Hitomi feel guilty.

After all, she was a despicable person who stole from her own post.

Kiyoharu heard the underlying meaning in Kitahara Ayano's words. Based on Kitahara Ayano's muttering during Time Stop, she seemed to think Shimaura Hitomi had a crush on Kiyoharu, even accusing Shimaura Hitomi of stealing him... It could only be said that for this scheming young artist, anything she saw was black; her mind was definitely twisted.

As if! Shimaura Hitomi was the purest girl he knew. How could she possibly have a crush on Kiyoharu?

As a notorious playboy with countless experiences with women in his past life, Kiyoharu was confident in his insight into the opposite sex.

No one understands girls better than I do!

"Excuse me for interrupting, Miss Kitahara," Kiyoharu interjected. "I can handle the 'bad guys' who bother me perfectly well myself. I don't need anyone's help."

"Oh, really? Can you really handle it yourself, Teacher Chihaya? That's amazing~"

Looking at the smiling curve of Kitahara Ayano's eyes, Kiyoharu really wanted to punch her twice.

I can't handle it, and it's all because you're a cheater with superpowers!