"In short, I awakened the bloodline power within me."
Kurosawa Ren paused in thought.
He decided not to reveal the truth to Kasumigaoka Shiyu.
After all, he was just as confused right now, completely unaware of the true nature of the supernatural world.
The more he spoke, the more likely he was to slip up. The only option was to come up with a reasonable-sounding cover story.
"Shiyu, you know I'm not originally from Japan."
"My ancestors belonged to the Tianshi clan, who specialized in exorcising demons. With modern society developing as it has, this bloodline ability has become more and more diluted, even within my family. Most had forgotten it entirely. I never expected it to awaken in me."
The lie was clumsy.
Full of holes.
But for Kasumigaoka Shiyu, who was already overwhelmed with emotion and willing to risk her life to protect her boyfriend from supernatural threats, it was something she instinctively chose to believe.
"I believe you," Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded gently. She took the initiative to embrace his body, but her voice trembled slightly. "Tell me... about this world. Will that spider-like evil spirit appear again?"
"I'm sorry. This was my first awakening, and I still don't know much about the extraordinary forces in Wano Country. But from what I can tell so far… when facing [Weirdness], if you pretend you don't see it, you can escape it."
Kurosawa Ren tried to soothe his girlfriend with a calm voice.
But deep inside, he recalled a manga he'd read in his previous life—The Girl Who Can See Them.
The main character, Yotsuya Miko, was born with extremely potent spiritual sight—powerful enough to clearly see terrifying evil spirits, divine beings, and other entities invisible to average people, even those with spiritual awareness.
The questioning mannerisms of the spider evil spirit… were eerily similar to a certain meme associated with the weirdness in that world.
Ordinary people couldn't see those things.
Only a very small number of individuals with special powers could catch even a glimpse of their true forms.
Kurosawa Ren still didn't understand why both he and Kasumigaoka Utaha had encountered such a horrifying spider entity.
But just in case, he shared that method with her anyway.
[Kasumigaoka Shiyu's Affection: +5 | Please collect!]
"Shiyu, don't worry. I'll stay with you for the next few days."
Ren wasn't about to let his girlfriend spend her days in fear.
He now had the power of a heroic spirit.
That spider spirit, which he couldn't deal with before, could now be crushed effortlessly.
"With my current strength, ordinary evil spirits are no match for me."
"Can I also obtain this kind of power?"
Kasumigaoka Shiyu's beautiful eyes lit up with desire.
The appearance of that spider spirit had shaken her entire worldview.
"Not yet," Ren replied carefully, choosing his words. "My bloodline inheritance works in a class-based system. There might be a way for women to acquire similar powers in the future."
He was starting to believe his own nonsense as he went along.
They kept talking.
Before long, Kasumigaoka Shiyu had nestled into his chest.
Looking at the boy who had risked his life for her, a wild idea suddenly crossed her mind.
From a fan to a confidante, from a confidante to a lover...
The person who had stood between her and mortal danger... had now completely stolen her heart.
She couldn't suppress the growing desire to make Kurosawa Ren hers completely.
Now that she was fully aware of her feelings...
With her personality, she would never back down.
She would take the initiative.
She would turn her boyfriend into her husband.
The loose bathrobe she wore slipped down slightly, revealing her soft, fair collarbone.
Kasumigaoka Shiyu slowly leaned forward and sat lightly on Ren's body.
"Ren, I don't just like you anymore."
"I want to love you."
As those words left her lips, her pale and beautiful face flushed deep red.
Those wine-red eyes shimmered with seductive determination.
Kasumigaoka Shiyu leaned down—
And kissed Kurosawa Ren.
It wasn't their first kiss, but this one felt different—Ren could clearly feel her deep, unrestrained emotions.
He wrapped his arms around her narrow waist, shifted their positions gently, and with a look in her eyes asking silent permission...
He answered with action.
Overnight, from innocence to awakening.
Both had become adults.
When Kurosawa Ren opened his eyes again, it was nearly noon.
"Morning, dear."
A warm sensation brushed against his chest.
Kasumigaoka Shiyu curled around him like a boneless, beautiful serpent, teasing his cheek with strands of her silky black hair.
Her delicate face still bore a soft, post-blush glow.
"Morning, Shiyu." Ren yawned and kissed her forehead.
"Hehe." Shiyu giggled softly, her bright eyes filled with affection and satisfaction.
Last night had bonded them completely. They had become one.
Her heart now belonged to this boy without hesitation.
Kasumigaoka Shiyu had no regrets about giving herself to him.
Kurosawa Ren was handsome, brilliant, and kind… Otherwise, someone with her impossibly high standards would've never fallen for him.
And now that she had been the first to find and claim this hidden treasure of a man, her heart was brimming with pride.
"Hehe, I don't know why, but I suddenly feel like I won the first round~~"
"Not quite," Ren muttered internally.
In the original timeline, Kasumigaoka Utaha, much like a certain golden retriever girl, was brutally outplayed by the saintly Emperor of Gray, becoming a pitiful loser.
But this time, the proud senpai had found love before the other two could even enter the picture.
"Ren-kun, you're not fully satisfied yet, are you?"
Lying on his chest, Shiyu gave him a teasing glance.
"I suggest you don't play with fire—you're in a 'damaged' state."
Pushing her wandering hand away, Ren looked at her with mock annoyance.
Seriously… inexperienced and mischievous?
Who was the one crying and begging for mercy last night?
"Hmph! What's wrong, are you spent already, little puppy?"
Shiyu enjoyed seeing him flustered.
Lightly biting her pink lips, she gave him a sultry, proud smirk.
Click.
Just as Ren was about to re-activate the Rune of Fatal Rhythm, the sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the house.
"..."
Seeing his helpless expression, Kasumigaoka Shiyu couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Looks like your luck ran out today. My parents are back early. You'd better find a chance to sneak out~"
[Host: Kurosawa Ren][Age: 17][Current Equipment]:
Magic Meter
Motorcycle – Armored Cavalry
Reed Sea – Single Use
Moon Spirit Marrow Fluid (20%)
Blue Black Key
Red Black Key
Green Black Key (40%)
[Constitution]: Red Dragon Heart[Innate Skills]:
Intuition (A)
Mana Burst (A)
Giant Slayer (A)
[Noble Phantasms]:
Magic Sheath: Invisible Air
Sword of Promised Victory – Excalibur
[Ability]: Projection Magic (20%)[Stamina Fruit]: 1[Sacred Crystals]: 3[Amulets]: 1[Special Item]: Girl's Sincere Love
After returning from Kasumigaoka Utaha's home, Kurosawa Ren didn't waste time.
He thoroughly checked over everything he had gained.
Aside from his previous gifts, he noticed some new items as well.
For example, a stamina fruit in his personal inventory.
In-game, this item could be used to store and convert unused AP into bronze apples, which could then be used later when needed.
During downtimes when no events were active, players could "plant apples" (store AP) and log off.
Now, this mechanism proved to be surprisingly useful in the real world.
He bit into the gray-green apple.
A refreshing sweetness filled his mouth immediately.
Delicious and energizing during battle—it was truly a wonderful item.
[Three-Star Gift Suit – Girl's Sincere Love]Description: A passionate token of love from someone who truly cares. Once ignited, this flame is hard to extinguish.
"I love you."
[Effect]: When killing evil creatures, 30% chance to double rewards. Can be upgraded.
The card image depicted a charming girl with a lovely face and long legs wrapped in sheer black stockings—clearly Kasumigaoka Utaha.
"Damn good stuff."