Ryuuto couldn't help but laugh at Shion's words.
"You know, Shion… for a system that supposedly lives in my head, you should already know I was joking when I told Katie I was a gentleman."
[Correction: I do not have access to all of your thoughts, Host.]
[Communication occurs only when you intentionally link your consciousness with me. I can't read your mind at will.]
Ryuuto blinked. "So basically, you can only see what I see, but not hear the nonsense running in my brain?"
[Exactly.]
"Huh. That's surprisingly considerate."
[Protecting Host privacy protocols: always active.]
Ryuuto chuckled. "Nice. Because, let's be honest—nobody wants a nosy AI listening in on every dumb thing they think."
He stretched on the bed. "By the way, Shion, how many systems like you exist out there? Are there others like me—different hosts in different worlds?"
[Nope. You're the only one.]
"...Good." He grinned. "Would've been awkward if another me popped up one day. I'd have to fight myself for screen time."
[Relax. That kind of paradox can't happen.]
"Alright, alright. Now, back to the important stuff—you never told me which girl suits me best."
[Analyzing… please wait.]
Five long minutes passed before Shion's voice returned.
[Each of them has unique appeal. Natasha's sharp and fearless. Susan's gentle but firm. Jean's strong-minded. Oluo Luo's calm and loyal. And Katie—]
Her tone suddenly spiked.
[—is sixteen! Host, she's a minor! You can't do things that make you worse than a beast!]
Ryuuto smirked. "What if I go to her room right now and show you exactly what—"
[NO! I'll disconnect visual sync! I don't want to see that!]
Even though Shion didn't have a body, Ryuuto could feel her panicking.
Her reactions reminded him of a certain shy anime girl, and that thought made him grin wider.
"Heh, you sound just like a flustered Hinata-type. Honestly, Shion, I can't wait to meet you face-to-face someday."
[Y-You're incorrigible.]
"Aw, don't be shy. Hey, you're still growing, right? You know what I want from you?"
[I'm listening.]
"I want you to become the second J.A.R.V.I.S. Like Tony Stark's AI—but sassier."
[Database expansion in progress. It's… possible.]
"Good. I'll hold you to that."
Ryuuto yawned and flopped back down. "Alright, I'm beat. Good night, Shion."
[Good night, Host.]
He was just drifting into sleep when a sharp ding echoed in his mind.
[Ding! New Mission Released!]
[Find the invisible and drunk Susan Storm! Reward: Character Data Pack!]
Ryuuto's eyes snapped open.
"What kind of mission is that?! She's invisible and drunk?!"
The system stayed quiet.
Ryuuto groaned. "Great. Just great. Sounds easy, but I bet it's a nightmare."
Still, the reward made it irresistible. He jumped out of bed and rushed toward Susan's room.
When he pushed the door open and flicked on the lights—
Empty.
Her bed was perfectly flat, no sign of anyone lying there. Her special material suit hung neatly on a hook.
"She's not here..." he muttered. "Which means she's invisible somewhere else."
He frowned. "Shadow Clone Technique might help."
Ryuuto clasped his hands together.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Ten clones flickered into existence and began combing through the room, sweeping every inch from right to left.
But after several passes—nothing.
Which meant Susan wasn't even in the room.
Ryuuto's stomach dropped.
"Oh no. Don't tell me she wandered out while invisible… and naked."
That would be bad. The school had security cameras, not to mention curious mutants.
He scanned the room again—no bra, no panties.
"Okay, at least she's got something on… probably."
Still, he couldn't take chances. He dashed into the hallway and knocked on another door.
Natasha Romanoff opened it, looking half-asleep and slightly tipsy.
"What now?"
"Infrared goggles. Do you have them?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"I need to find Susan. She's invisible and drunk."
Natasha sighed. "Wait here."
She rummaged through a drawer and handed him a sleek pair of goggles.
"These mimic python eye sensors—perfect for night ops. Hotter areas appear red, cooler ones green. You'll spot her instantly."
Ryuuto nodded, impressed. "Perfect. Thanks—"
"Hold up," she interrupted. "You're not using them for a game of hide-and-seek, are you?"
"...Define 'game.'"
"That's a yes." Natasha folded her arms. "Then no. You're cheating."
Before she could grab them back, Ryuuto darted down the hall.
Natasha stared after him, groaning.
"Unbelievable."
Still, a faint smile curved her lips. "He's got guts, I'll give him that."
She leaned against the doorway, her voice softening.
"It feels like home here… like a real team. Guess this was a good call after all."
And with that, she shut the door and headed to bed, leaving Ryuuto to chase one very invisible disaster.