-----
-----
A dozen minutes later—
Miko Yotsuya frowned slightly.
She used the method Max had taught her, increasing her outward life energy just enough to lure a spirit over.
The plan was simple: find a quiet place and take it down.
Except… she couldn't find any spot suitable for a fight after walking around for a while.
So now what?
Slowing her pace, Miko's eyes flicked toward the ghost tailing her.
Time to think of a plan.
"Got it!
A sudden spark of inspiration flashed through her mind.
Her eyes brightened. She'd figured it out.
Quietly, Miko adjusted her spiritual energy.
Her visible life force dropped—first to normal human levels, then even lower.
"???"
The ghost trailing behind her froze midair, as if pulling a 'what the hell?' face meme.
What just happened?
Where'd that delicious aura go all of a sudden?!
It looked around in confusion, then turned and floated off toward a nearby alley.
"Yes! It worked!"
Catching this from the corner of her eye, Miko grinned, feeling a rush of pride.
Damn, she was smart.
With that problem handled, Miko turned and headed toward the station.
"Now then…" she murmured, thinking about where to go next.
Maybe to Max's place?
Her face flushed slightly at the thought.
After a few seconds, she shook her head.
No, she'd go home instead.
For Max's sake—well, that's what she told herself—she figured it was better to head back.
She had been out for quite a while, and Mom was home alone. She couldn't let her worry too much.
Yep. That was definitely the reason.
Giving herself that excuse, Miko took out her phone, found Max's LINE contact, and sent him a quick message.
Meanwhile—
Max didn't receive it.
The barrier around his room cut off all outside signals, even cell service.
An hour passed in a blink.
Inside, Rimoeka—fighting in her vampire form—was locked in a fierce clash with Max's perfected body.
Naturally, Max had the upper hand.
After all, what did "perfect" mean?
No flaws.
No weaknesses.
Every physical attribute maxed out.
He wasn't just a six-sided fighter—he was a circle.
"Guess it's my turn now," Max said with a grin.
With Moka collapsing beneath him, he shifted positions smoothly, turning defense into offense.
—
Meanwhile, Miko was already home.
After greeting her mom, she went to shower, changed into fresh clothes, and tossed her worn outfit into the wash.
By the time she returned to her room, clouds were rolling lazily across the evening sky.
Another hour passed.
Inside the barrier, Moka finally admitted defeat—tactically retreating, you could say.
A tired but blissful smile spread across her face as she drifted to sleep, faint traces of tears still visible at the corners of her eyes.
Seeing this, Max gently brushed her tears away.
A gold-and-purple light flickered around his hand as he activated celestial magic.
Warmth spread through the air.
Moka relaxed completely, falling into deep sleep.
Max leaned down, kissed her softly on the forehead, and pulled a light blanket over her before heading toward the bathroom.
As he reached the door, the barrier dissolved.
On the bedside table, his phone screen lit up—no ring, no vibration.
In the middle of that "battle," distractions were not an option.
Ten minutes later, Max came out of the shower, slipped on a white bathrobe, and unlocked his phone.
A notification popped up.
Miko had messaged him, saying she'd gone shopping with Hana Yurikawa and then headed straight home.
He replied with a simple: Got it.
"Where were you, anyway?"
On the other end, Miko blinked at his delayed reply. The message had been unread until just now.
Weird.
Still, she didn't think too much about it—until another message came in:
Max: "Miko, you've got a new sister now."
"Huh???"
Miko stared blankly at the screen.
Then suddenly—
"Wait a second…"
She remembered Maxi's earlier confessions and instantly realized what he meant.
So soon?!
She'd been mentally prepared for this, but still—when it actually happened, a sour, complicated feeling filled her chest.
Before she could dwell on it, another message popped up:
Max: "You're definitely going to be shocked when you find out who she really is."
"Definitely… shocked?"
Miko frowned slightly, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
If even he said that, the new "sister" must be someone—or something—unusual.
Another message came through:
Max: "She's not human."
"??!!"
Miko's eyes widened.
Not human? Then what the hell is she?
Wait—no way…
She hurriedly typed back:
"Don't tell me… she's a ghost?"
Just the thought made her gulp.
If Max's new "girl" was really a ghost…
Wow. That was some extreme taste.
And if that was true…
Was it still too late to regret becoming his familiar?!
Just imagining Max tangled up with some creepy spirit made her shiver from head to toe.
Ew ew ew ew ew—!
—
Meanwhile, over in Nerima Ward—
Max stared at Miko's reply, completely speechless.
A ghost? Seriously?
How did her brain even get there?!
Sure, if it were a cute, shy ghost girl or a gentle, mature ghost lady, maybe… maybe that'd be acceptable.
But your average creepy specter? Hell no.
He sighed and typed back:
Max: "What's in that little head of yours? Moka's real identity is a vampire."
Miko: "A… vampire?!"
Her mouth fell open, eyes wide in disbelief.
So vampires were real too?!
And her man had just made one of them his familiar?!
Then another message appeared on her screen:
Max "Oh, and by the way… there's one more thing—"
"....."