[Ding! Congratulations, player, for triggering a hidden quest: The Rozen Maiden Collector!]
The sudden, familiar chime in his mind caused Hozuki Nozomi's internal focus to shift entirely away from the clubroom banter. A translucent system window materialized in his vision, visible only to him.
[For reasons unknown, the First Rozen Maiden Doll, Suigintou, has come into your possession. Please form a contract with Suigintou and become her Master!][Quest Completion Reward: One Random Skill Entry. Fixed Reward: 1,000,000 Yen.]
Before the initial surprise could fade, another, more elaborate prompt followed.
[Ding! Congratulations, player, for triggering the Collector Series Quest!]
[Quest One: Form a contract with Suigintou.]
[Quest Two: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Shinku.][Quest Three: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Kanaria.]
[Quest Four: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Souseiseki.]
[Quest Five: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Suiseiseki.]
[Quest Six: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Hinaichigo.]
[Quest Seven: Collect the Rozen Maiden: Kirakishou (Snow White Crystal).]
[Reward for each individual collection quest: One Random Skill Entry or Item Draw Opportunity. Fixed Reward per quest: 1,000,000 Yen.]
[Special Completion Bonus: If the player completes the collection of all seven Rozen Maiden, a special item, "Alice's Heart," will be awarded.]
A surge of exhilaration washed over Hozuki Nozomi. The system had been silent for so long that its sudden reappearance with such a substantial quest chain was a thrilling development. But what was this "Alice's Heart"?
He focused his will to inspect the item description.
[Alice's Heart: A Rozen Maiden who possesses the 'Alice's Heart' will gain the capacity to become a true living being—a Magical Girl capable of normal human functions, including marriage and childbirth.]
"Uh…"
A faint, self-conscious warmth crept up his cheeks. It seems Yukinoshita's jab was more prophetic than she knew. The implication was clear: after obtaining this item, his relationship with these dolls could become… significantly less platonic. The Rozen Maiden were, after all, each embodiments of unique beauty and personality. The prospect of them becoming fully realized, living companions—seven potential partners—was a temptation of mythical proportions. A temptation he found himself utterly unable to refuse.
Nevertheless, there was no need to rush. Forming a contract with Suigintou was a matter for the privacy of the evening. For now, life at school continued its ordinary rhythm.
…
The afternoon sun was still high when the Service Club received its next official request. The petitioners were a familiar duo: Hachiman Hikigaya and the slight, gentle-faced president of the first-year tennis club, Saika Totsuka.
Saika Totsuka's request was sincere and poignant. He wished to improve his own tennis skills, believing that if he, as the club president, could become a more competent and inspiring player, he could rekindle the fading enthusiasm of his club members. He wanted everyone to enjoy their youth together on the court, not let the club dissolve into inactivity.
A request centered on self-improvement and fostering camaraderie fit perfectly within the Service Club's stated purpose. Yukino Yukinoshita readily accepted the commission.
Her proposed solution, however, was rigorously straightforward: dedicated, grueling training. The foundation, in her view, was physical conditioning. Saika Totsuka, with his slender frame and delicate features that outshone many girls, needed to build stamina and strength first and foremost. Yukino's logic was sound—without a solid physical base, technical skill was moot.
The potential flaw in this plan was not the training itself, but its target. The club members who were skipping activities likely weren't absent because Saika's backhand was weak. Many had probably joined hoping for a cute, sporty girl as a clubmate, only to discover the adorable president was, in fact, a boy. The subsequent disappointment or confusion led to their absenteeism. Why they didn't simply quit was a mystery—perhaps a sliver of hope, or a more complicated admiration, lingered.
On the sun-drenched tennis courts, Saika Totsuka began his ordeal, jogging laps under Yukino Yukinoshita's stern, observant gaze. She watched with the unwavering belief that effort inevitably bore fruit. Not wanting to dampen the Second Young Miss's fervor, Hozuki Nozomi and Hachiman Hikigaya assumed supporting roles from the sidelines, moving equipment and offering water when needed.
Under the shade of a nearby tree, a quieter trio had formed: Misaki Mei, Sanshokuin Sumireko, and Nijichou Sumire were each engrossed in their own books. Active participation, for them, didn't require sweat. They contributed through their presence and, in their view, their refined stillness. Besides, both Sumireko and Sumire possessed figures they were quite satisfied with and saw no need to alter them through strenuous exercise.
In contrast, Yui Yuigahama and Asuna Yuuki were a burst of energetic sunshine, already engaged in a lively, if not particularly skilled, tennis match of their own. The sight of the two cheerful girls playing together was itself a scene of vibrant, youthful beauty.
Hachiman Hikigaya observed the entire tableau—the diligent Totsuka, the stern Yukinoshita, the lively Yui and Asuna, the serene readers, and the ever-composed Nozomi—with his customary dead-fish eyes. He let out a long, world-weary sigh.
"So this is the daily life of the 'Normie King,' huh?"
A smirk touched Hozuki Nozomi's lips. "Jealous, Hikigaya? I traded a kidney for this lifestyle, you know."
"Tch. As if." Hachiman shot him a disdainful look, his expression souring further. Traded a kidney? What kind of excuse is that? Yet, the envy was a real, gnawing presence. He couldn't even begin to fathom the reality of Nozomi's existence.
His own ambition was modest: perhaps find a nice, normal girlfriend after university. If not… his gaze drifted unconsciously toward the running Saika Totsuka before he violently shook his head internally.
No! That's a trap! A boy, no matter how cute, is still a boy! He forcibly redirected his attention to the unquestionably feminine beauty of Yukino Yukinoshita and the others, using it as a mental palate cleanser.
Nozomi, meanwhile, decided it was time for a refreshment run. He grabbed Hachiman by the shoulder. "Come on, porter. Let's go get drinks for everyone."
"Why do I have to go with you?" Hachiman grumbled, resisting half-heartedly.
"Because your gloomy, predatory stare is probably making Yukinoshita and the others uncomfortable. I'm doing them a service by removing you."
"Heh! I may not be a pretty boy like you, but I'm not some monster that scares people! You're just a stingy guy who doesn't want anyone else looking at your harem!"
Nozomi shrugged. "Don't be absurd. You're not even on Hayama's level as a threat."
At the mention of Hayama, Hachiman's eyes narrowed. "Speaking of which, according to school rumors, you've already completely one-upped Hayama, haven't you? Even Miura Yumiko has been… 'recruited' to your side."
"I can't be held responsible for that," Nozomi replied smoothly. "Hayama was the one using Yumiko as a shield without any intention of reciprocating her feelings. He was toying with a girl's heart. I merely… provided a safer harbor before it shattered."
Hachiman could only sigh at the sheer audacity of the justification. "So, in your narrative, he had it coming, and you're the hero?"
"I didn't break up a happy couple. I intervened before a heartbreak occurred. There's a difference."
This guy… he can even make being a playboy sound noble. I could never learn that, Hachiman thought with a mixture of disgust and reluctant awe. I really, really couldn't.
As they walked toward the vending machines, Nozomi changed the subject, his tone turning thoughtful. "Speaking of which, Hikigaya, do you genuinely believe this rigorous training will solve Totsuka's problem? Will it really bring those club members back?"
Hachiman was silent for a moment, his cynicism taking over. "I doubt it. I observed those guys. They joined a sports club for the classic high school dream: to look cool and athletic in front of cute girls. Whether it's tennis, soccer, or baseball, it's all a performance of masculinity. Sure, some might genuinely love the sport, but for many, the club is just a stage."
Nozomi nodded, a glint of interest in his eyes. "If you also think the training is ultimately futile, why didn't you say anything to stop Totsuka?"
Hachiman let out another, heavier sigh, the weight of his own complicated philosophy evident. "Some things… you have to let people try for themselves, don't you? Totsuka believes his own inadequacy is the problem. He wants to become better. Who am I to crush that determination with cold, cynical logic?"
He then turned the question back on Nozomi, a puzzled frown on his face. "Since you apparently share my doubts, and we both know Totsuka isn't going to transform into a powerhouse athlete in a week, why didn't you stop Yukinoshita-san? You have more influence over her than I do."
Facing this question, Hozuki Nozomi's smile became gentle, his answer flowing with natural, unforced affection. "For the same reason, I suppose. I didn't want to dampen Yukino's enthusiasm."
He gazed back toward the courts, where Yukino was intently watching Totsuka's progress. "The Service Club doesn't get requests every day. It's rare to see Yukino invest herself so meticulously in planning and executing something. She's applying her beliefs with genuine earnestness. I would never say anything to discourage that spark in her eyes."
Hachiman Hikigaya stared at him for a long second before looking away, a fresh wave of acrid, soul-crushing bitterness washing over him.
This bastard… he's even showing off his considerate, doting boyfriend act now! He's deliberately tormenting a single guy like me!