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Chapter 25: The Inner World and Future Plans
"Which way should we go?" Ryusei Kiryu asked, shifting her weight.
"Ugh, I don't know either! I only remember the address. I always just took a taxi before. Ryusei-kun, take my phone and search for the directions."
Following the GPS, Ryusei carried Sayuri to the entrance of a high-end villa. As he set her down, a sense of familiarity washed over him.
"I know this place... I pass by here every morning during my run."
"You actually get up early to run? How disciplined!" Sayuri exclaimed. She pressed her thumb to the alloy gate, and the lock clicked open. "You should register your fingerprint, too. We might be staying for a few days, and I can't be your doorman every time."
Once inside, the lights flared to life, illuminating a luxurious living room decorated in a classic Western style, complete with church-like stained-glass windows. Sayuri went straight to the wine cabinet.
"A glass of wine to calm your nerves, Ryusei-kun?"
"I'm a minor, Sayuri-san."
"Just a sip. I won't tell."
"No, thank you."
She shrugged, skillfully opening the bottle and pouring a deep, blood-red vintage. As she sipped, the wine moistened her lips, making them look like glistening rose petals. Ryusei quickly looked away, taking a large gulp of mineral water to cool the sudden "vigor" of his young body.
After being shown to a guest room that was larger and more opulent than his entire apartment, Ryusei fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
In the master bedroom, Sayuri pulled a secondary phone from a drawer and placed a call. Her sleepy demeanor was gone, replaced by a sharp, focused intensity.
"Hello, it's me... Was it really just an earthquake? I don't believe the official report."
She listened intently. "A Spatial Quake in the Inner World? Demons breaking through into this reality? I see... I understand."
She hung up and stared at her wine. "I hope Mifuyu-san is alright. Getting a new supervisor would be such a hassle."
The next morning, Ryusei's alarm rang at 5:30 AM. He woke up with a slight soreness in his eyes—a stark contrast to the refreshed feeling he'd had after doing the Eye Protection Exercises the night before.
So the hidden effect is real, he noted. Doing the exercises at night prevents morning eye strain.
Despite the late-night exertion of carrying the landlady, he forced himself out of bed. "No slacking off," he muttered. "I could barely lift Sayuri last night. I need more strength."
After a set of exercises and a run, he returned to find the streets operating normally, despite the government's dire warnings from the night before. He stocked his inventory with extra bread and milk—safety first—and then received a call from his teacher, Kenichi Tanaka.
School was closed until Monday for safety assessments. Tanaka also urged him to join a club to integrate better into the school.
Ryusei weighed his options. A small club meant more freedom; a major one like Kendo or Archery meant more power. But then, a third path emerged: Creating his own club.
If he started a club, he could invite Eriri, Utaha, and Megumi, giving him a perfect excuse to "check in" with them daily. But why would the ace of the Art Club and a star of the Literature Club join him?
He smiled. Neither of those girls probably enjoyed being nearsighted. He had the perfect leverage.
After leaving a note for the sleeping Sayuri, Ryusei headed to the market.
"Uncle Takagi, are you open today?"
"Of course! That earthquake was nothing. You'll get used to it," the old man said, unfazed. "No school today?"
"Temporary holiday. I figured I'd come over and help you out."
Ryusei grabbed his apron. It was time to get back to work.