The train sped towards Far Moon, and inside the compartment, Hoshino Sora sat quietly. After an unknown amount of time, a system notification suddenly sounded in his mind.
[Task Completed]: Final Assessment Before Second Year
[Task Requirement]: Pass the assessment with first place.
[Task Reward]: Self-selected Slaves * 100 (Low-Grade)
"Finally completed!"
As the task reward was distributed, Hoshino Sora's face showed excitement. He then sank his consciousness, and the next moment, his consciousness arrived in a mysterious space.
Because he had been here once before, Hoshino Sora was not unfamiliar with this place. He silently raised his head and looked upwards, where there were one after another of racial phantoms.
Among them were strong Minotaurs with overwhelming power, small and despicable Goblin Clans, Slime Clans, and also Lizardmen...
Looking at the dazzling array of low-grade races in the sky, Hoshino Sora pondered for a moment and finally chose the Neko Mata Clan, located two hundred meters in front of him, while setting the gender of all slaves to female.
The reason was simple: he did not want any other men to appear in his Gourmet Manor, nor did he need any other men. There could only be one man in Gourmet Manor, and that was him! Hoshino Sora!
This was just a small quirk of his, without any particularly great significance. It might even slow down the development of Gourmet Manor because all the slaves were female, but it didn't matter.
Compared to making himself happy and pleased, everything else was unimportant. Moreover, the Neko Mata Clan was not useless; they were pure-blooded Catgirls with two tails.
Although their work efficiency would be lower than some strength-based races, the quality of the plants they cultivated was better!
After all, races are very peculiar things.
Some races prioritize strength but lack intelligence, while others prioritize intelligence but lack strength. Compared to strength-oriented races, Hoshino Sora undoubtedly preferred smarter individuals.
Because communicating with these individuals was effortless, and they could also manage the manor autonomously, maximizing Hoshino Sora's energy savings.
He closed his eyes and leaned against the bed to rest. Now was not the most suitable time to enter the Gourmet Manor.
Because the train was moving at high speed, if he entered the Gourmet Manor here, he would probably fall directly onto the tracks when he came out, and if he was unlucky, he might even be run over by a passing train.
The teleportation was fixed-point and could not advance with the train's movement.
To be safe, Hoshino Sora chose to delay the exchange, meaning that the Neko Mata Clan slaves would descend with him the next time he entered the Gourmet Manor.
This was undoubtedly good news, saving him a lot of trouble and avoiding many complications.
Taking a long breath, Hoshino Sora looked out the window, watching the mottled snow scenery, lost in thought.
"May I come in?"
"Of course, but is it Megumi who's launching a night raid today? That's a bit of a surprise."
While admiring the snow scenery, there was a sound at the door. It was Tadokoro Megumi. She came in wearing a very simple pink pajama set, and seeing Hoshino Sora sitting on the bed, she closed the door behind her.
"Do you not welcome me?"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's previous words, Tadokoro Megumi paused, saying with some disappointment.
Sure enough, compared to her rustic self, Hoshino Sora preferred other girls to come for a night raid?
Indeed, Erina was noble and grand, Alice was mischievous and quirky, and other girls also had many merits, while she was just plain and recently even gained a little weight.
Although Hoshino Sora said he liked her figure the most, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't fully believe such words. Rather than sincerity, she was more willing to believe this was merely a 'lie' woven by him to comfort her.
"I don't know what you've misunderstood. I've never said I don't welcome you. I'm just lamenting that it's been so long, and you've finally come over on your own. If you hadn't, I would have gone to find you myself.
Speaking of which, it's been a while since we've been intimate. I even thought you were losing interest in me. Today truly gave me a big surprise!"
Noticing the fleeting disappointment on Tadokoro Megumi's face, Hoshino Sora laughed loudly, stood up, and embraced her. Her slightly plump and delicate body was particularly comfortable to hold.
At least Hoshino Sora liked this feeling, so the two embraced in the room for a long time. Of course, during this time, some touching and caressing were inevitable, and Tadokoro Megumi did not resist at all.
"Your pajamas are very cute."
After a while, Hoshino Sora let go, looking at Tadokoro Megumi in her casual attire. His heart was truly ablaze. Compared to various fancy uniforms, he honestly preferred something simpler.
It gave him a feeling of a girl next door, very pure.
Such a girl, who seemed very honest, brought an experience several times better than the active version!
Of course, he didn't dislike Alice's devotion either, as the two had spent a very pleasant night yesterday.
"The texture feels a bit off."
"I'm wearing the stockings you like."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but whisper, then shyly pulled up her pant leg, revealing her ankle encased in black stockings.
Hoshino liked feet, which was a secret known to everyone in his harem, and to please him, they would usually fulfill some of his strange requests.
"Tsk, looks like you came prepared."
Hoshino Sora's lips curled slightly upward, pleased by Tadokoro Megumi's preparedness. He then didn't hesitate, directly lifted the girl's pant leg, and pressed his face against it.
"Hoshino-kun really likes girls' feet. Even like this, he gets excited. I have to say, it's a bit disgusting."
Watching Hoshino Sora easily succumb to her charm, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but complain, boldly stepping her foot onto his face, her eyes revealing an unusual glow.
To outsiders, this would be a very disrespectful act, but to Hoshino Sora, this was Tadokoro Megumi's signal for intimacy, and he also really liked this kind of dynamic.
So he didn't hold back, following her rhythm...
Outside the room, Yumeko Jabami, whether by chance or by design, stood at the door, her ear pressed against it, listening to the sounds from inside. Her cheeks were flushed, and her heartbeat was noticeably loud.
Just a few more days, just a few more days and it would be her turn!
This thought surfaced in her mind. Thinking of her date with Hoshino Sora today, her fingers unconsciously touched her lips, as if recalling the wonderful feeling at that moment.
That whole body-tingling sensation, like an electric shock, made Yumeko Jabami unable to control her inner feelings whenever she thought of it. She didn't know why she had become like this; perhaps it was simply because she had reached a certain age.
The next day, Hoshino Sora woke up first.
Leaning by the window, he admired the scenic views along the way, enjoying the warmth emanating from his embrace. A sense of tranquility and peace rose in his heart, and his entire being was in a relaxed state.
The boundless expanse of white snow adorned the city like an ink wash painting.
White snow seamlessly connected with the vast sea, the sea was embedded with hazy snow-capped mountains, and the snow-capped mountains rested against clusters of white clouds.
Soft, pure white, clean, light.
Bare trees, asphalt roads, and dark rooftops perfectly enjoyed the adornment of snow, creating a serene and comfortable atmosphere throughout the day.
In his previous life, he was obsessed with his phone. Although he had traveled before, he never once carefully observed the scenery outside the window. He had to admit, this was not good.
The world was so beautiful, yet he confined his vision entirely to that small square box, watching others enjoy the beauty of life. This was undoubtedly narrow-minded and empty.
Fortunately, in this life, he had awakened early and had not excessively indulged in the virtual world. He actively socialized in reality, interacted with girls, and thus lived the life of a true 'real-life' person!
"It's so beautiful, the scenery here!" Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but exclaim, looking at the view outside.
"You're awake. Indeed, it's my first time in Hokkaido."
Hearing the movement from his embrace, Hoshino Sora didn't lower his head but spoke to himself. Because it was his first time in Hokkaido, the memories left behind felt especially precious.
"It's my first time in Hokkaido too. It's so great that all the assessments ended smoothly!
I never dared to believe I could advance so smoothly before. Hoshino-kun saved me. If it weren't for Hoshino-kun, I might have been expelled on the very first day of school."
Looking at the scenery outside the window, leaning against Hoshino Sora's embrace, Tadokoro Megumi suddenly spoke, seemingly moved, her words full of praise for him.
"Don't belittle yourself, Megumi. You are also very capable. Otherwise, how could you become one of the Elite Ten among so many people? When we first met, you were just overly nervous and lacked confidence in yourself, which is why you couldn't perform at your full potential and faced expulsion.
All I did was give you some confidence, which was what you were lacking. The rest was all your hard work. You're amazing, Megumi."
Hoshino Sora gently stroked Tadokoro Megumi's sky-blue hair, his voice soft. He didn't claim all of Tadokoro Megumi's success for himself, because he knew clearly that most of her success was due to her hard work; he only accounted for a small part of it.
"No matter what, thanks to Hoshino-kun, I was able to grow to this point. Thank you."
She slightly turned from lying to prostrating, looking at Hoshino Sora's handsome face. Tadokoro Megumi offered a fragrant kiss without any hesitation, her movements skilled, and her eyes filled with adoration for him.
"I've already received my reward long ago. Megumi herself is a wonderful gift."
After a moment, looking at Tadokoro Megumi's flushed face, Hoshino Sora said sincerely. This statement came from his heart.
"You saying that makes me feel quite shy, about being a gift and all."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's bold declaration of affection, Tadokoro Megumi's cheeks flushed, and her body softened a bit. What did he mean, she was the best gift? He made her sound like a private possession.
"Don't you like that way of saying it?"
"I don't dislike it."
Leaning in Hoshino Sora's embrace, Tadokoro Megumi gently shook her head, her eyes soft. The words themselves held no emotion, but coming from the person she liked, they often had the power to affect one's mood.
"Speaking of which, I haven't been to Megumi's hometown yet. I should visit if I get the chance."
As if suddenly remembering something, Hoshino Sora looked out the window and suddenly spoke. They had been together for so long, yet he hadn't met her parents.
"You want to go to my home?"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Tadokoro Megumi's expression momentarily faltered, but quickly returned to normal, replaced by a hint of surprise. She had wanted to bring him home for a long time.
It was just that Hoshino Sora had too many women around him, and she never knew how to bring it up, so she simply kept silent, pretending she didn't care.
"Of course! I also want to see the place where Megumi was born, and meet the parents and neighbors who watched you grow up, to understand what Megumi was like as a child."
Hoshino Sora said with a smile. He wasn't stupid; he naturally knew the deepest thoughts of his wives. Although they didn't say it, they would more or less care in their hearts.
"I want to! Very much! It's just that I feel I can't monopolize you for too long; that would be too selfish, so..."
By the end, Tadokoro Megumi's voice grew softer and softer, and a hint of melancholy appeared in her eyes, clearly having considered the consequences of her actions.
One must know that Hoshino Sora was not hers alone.
"It's alright, Megumi, you can rely on me more. Some things can be done first, rather than considering the consequences first. Being a little willful is also okay.
My love for everyone is equal. If you need it, accompanying you to meet your family is not something that would trouble me, and you don't need to feel any pressure about it.
Because this is my duty as a boyfriend."
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi's somewhat evasive eyes, Hoshino Sora's voice was gentle. He didn't want her to always consider him; he hoped she could be a little willful sometimes.
Meeting the parents was something he should do. Her parents had entrusted Tadokoro Megumi to him, so he definitely had to visit and thank them. This was not a difficult matter.
"Hoshino-kun! Kiss me!"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's heartfelt words, Tadokoro Megumi was deeply moved, and even little stars appeared in her eyes, showing that her heart was far from calm at this moment!
Hoshino Sora was equally unreserved, and the room was immediately filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.
Two days later, the train slowly pulled into the station.
Hoshino Sora and his companions returned to Far Moon Academy, to Yōbi Dormitory, carrying their bags. Kobayashi Rindo, Akikubo Momo, and Shiina Mashiro were greeting them at the dormitory entrance.
"Sora, you're finally back."
Looking at the returning Hoshino Sora, joy flashed in Shiina Mashiro's eyes. Then, disregarding her maidenly reserve, she ran up and directly threw herself into his embrace, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry.
"I'm back. Did you miss me, Mashiro-nee?"
Hoshino Sora rubbed Shiina Mashiro's head with a large hand, naturally putting his arm around her, a hint of doting in his expression. Mashiro, like a clinging charm, buried her head in his chest.
Her large eyes were full of innocence, and the slight upturn of her lips indicated that Shiina Shinohiru was very happy at the moment.
"Yes, I missed you every day. The nights without Sora were terribly lonely."
"Lonely? My apologies. I'll make it up to you."
Such bold words. Hearing Shiina Mashiro utter such brazen words in public, Hoshino Sora's mouth twitched involuntarily, then he grinned, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
Shiina Shinohiru and Mito Ikumi had similar experiences. Because their routes differed from Hoshino Sora's, they hadn't been on the same train as him after the very beginning.
Yumeko Jabami, on the other hand, met Hoshino Sora on the last train, which prompted her to challenge him, leading to a series of dates.
"Hmm…"
Looking at the intimate Hoshino Sora and Shiina Shinohiru, Akikubo Momo's eyes revealed a hint of surprise. Her girlish intuition told her that something had happened between the two when she was involved in the Elite Ten rebellion.
I'll ask Mashiro later to clarify. With such an intimate relationship, did they or didn't they? Are they boyfriend and girlfriend…
"How sickeningly sweet. It's only been a short while since you last met, and Miyu is already impatient, huh?"
"Yes, I miss Sora very much. I think about him every night."
Looking at the two hugging sweetly, Kobayashi Rindo jokingly complained, a hint of complexity in her eyes. She really hadn't expected even Shiina Mashiro to fall.
When did it start? It seems like it started a long time ago, but because Miyu was close to everyone, they thought it was normal.
Thinking about it carefully, a boy hugging a girl at the dinner table and eating together cannot be explained by just a close relationship.
That excessive intimacy, even surpassing that of a typical boyfriend and girlfriend, suggests that a lot must have happened in Yōbi Dormitory during their time as 'Central Gourmet Organization' lackeys.
"Come on in, everyone. Take a hot bath and get some rest tonight. The Hokkaido trip must have been tough."
Opening the Yōbi Dormitory door, Hiratsuka Shizuka stood at the entrance urging the dusty group. Hearing her voice, everyone didn't linger outside and entered the dormitory one after another.
"The three of us made dinner for you. Consider it a welcome feast."
"It's been a long time since I've had Rindo-senpai's cooking! I'm really looking forward to it!"
"Then you better eat a lot. I won't let you leave until your belly is full."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Kobayashi Rindo teased him while placing a plate of king crab shumai on the table.
"Absolutely! Momo-senpai's Tiramisu is also perfect. The sweet fragrance has already wafted into my nose!"
Hoshino Sora turned to look at Akikubo Momo, who was approaching with the Tiramisu. Without any hesitation, she placed the first serving of Tiramisu in front of him.
Anyone with eyes could see this was favoritism.
Hoshino Sora naturally saw it too, a clear smile on his face. He then, in front of everyone, was the first to taste the Tiramisu, giving it a very high evaluation: "Momo-senpai's cooking skills have improved again."
"What about mine?"
"Rindo-senpai's cooking is also absolutely perfect! The glutinous rice perfectly locks in the freshness of the lobster. With one bite, all the deliciousness explodes in your mouth!"
Eating the shumai cooked by Kobayashi Rindo, Hoshino Sora gave a very high evaluation, his face filled with enjoyment.
It feels great to be able to eat high-class cuisine without having to cook it myself! This would cost tens of thousands of yen outside. It's really great to be able to study at Far Moon Academy!
Looking at the peaceful scene before him, such thoughts surfaced in Hoshino Sora's mind.
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