"Well, Grayfia's skills definitely won't disappoint you."
Seeing the three girls agree, Hiro smiled politely.
He used [Mental Out] to contact Grayfia, who was waiting outside, then rose from the sofa.
"My sister Suguha is thirteen. Mikan and Eto are fourteen. Shirone is fifteen."
"Since your ages are similar, you should have plenty to talk about."
"You chat. I'll go greet another guest."
Ophis-and Zastin, who was either escorting or guarding her-had just appeared at the edge of the system map.
About three kilometers away.
At their current walking speed, they would arrive in a few minutes.
"Another guest?"
A flash of confusion crossed Asuna's face before quickly turning apologetic.
"Did we come at a bad time?"
"No, no, no."
Hiro shook his head.
"That guest is different from you. She didn't even notify me beforehand."
"It has nothing to do with whether you came or not."
"Well then."
Eto narrowed her emerald eyes and summarized neatly.
"It's just that you arrived at a very coincidental time."
"Or rather, that uninvited guest arrived too coincidentally."
As he passed by Mikan, Hiro inevitably met her gaze.
Those eyes that had been deliberately avoiding him.
He didn't feel anything in particular.
But Mikan flushed instantly and turned her head away, not daring to look at him.
"..."
Walking out side by side with Asuna, Hiro suddenly felt amused.
If he remembered correctly, this miraculous phenomenon called "love at first sight" had been triggered on him for the first time.
And of all people, it had to be Mikan.
Asuna's sister.
Good luck, Mikan.
Behind them, Mikan followed silently, not daring to look at the man's back.
She clenched her hands and secretly encouraged herself.
As long as I endure until it's time to go back...
As long as I don't see this Hiro-kun for a while...
I can definitely break free from this abnormal mental constraint.
I won't let the relationship between sisters crack.
A soap opera plot happening to her in real life.
It was just too ridiculous.
At that moment, Mikan felt her left hand being held.
She looked down.
It was Eto.
Meeting Mikan's eyes, Eto revealed an ambiguous smile.
She leaned close and whispered into Mikan's ear.
"Mikan, you've been acting very strange ever since we saw Hiro-kun."
"Is your body feeling unwell?"
She deliberately emphasized the word "body."
The teasing intent was obvious.
Even Mikan, whose mind was already in chaos, caught it immediately.
Her face flushed completely.
Mikan slowed her steps, nervously glanced at the backs of the man and woman ahead, and whispered back.
"My body is fine, but..."
"It seems there's a problem in other areas."
"Oh?"
Eto raised an eyebrow.
Her smile deepened.
She simply pulled Mikan to a stop.
Her voice was gentle, persuasive.
"What problem?"
"Tell me in detail."
"Maybe I can give you some advice."
Mikan hesitated.
But seeing Asuna and Hiro disappear around the corner, she finally relaxed.
She turned to her closest friend and poured out all her true thoughts.
Leaving the castle, Hiro hadn't even walked for a full minute.
At the end of the street, two figures came into view.
One black.
One white.
One short.
One tall.
One female.
One male.
Walking in front was a petite girl with black hair and black eyes.
Her outfit was... revealing, in a way that clearly referenced certain styles.
Behind her followed Zastin, the loyal Royal Guard.
His expression was slightly solemn.
"Lord Hiro!"
Upon spotting him, Zastin immediately left Ophis and hurried over.
After greeting Hiro respectfully, he explained the situation without delay.
"A short while ago, I detected an unknown high-energy reaction approaching."
"However, the other party showed no hostility and stated that she only wished to see you."
"So I didn't stop her."
"I was preparing to escort her to your residence."
Toward Hiro-the successor designated by the former Galactic Overlord Gid-Zastin's attitude was extremely humble.
He positioned himself clearly as a subordinate.
"I see."
Hiro stared into those completely black eyes for two seconds.
Then he nodded.
"I understand."
"I'll handle this myself."
"Thanks for your hard work."
"You're too kind, my lord!"
Zastin bowed deeply.
He didn't doubt Hiro's ability in the slightest.
Bat wings spread open, and he quickly flew off into the distance.
As Zastin disappeared, the silent girl walked up to Hiro.
Less than a meter away.
"Hiro..."
Ophis looked up at him.
Her face was expressionless.
Like an exquisitely crafted doll.
For some reason, it reminded him of the doll currently stored in his system inventory.
The unactivated Suiseiseki.
Hiro squatted down so their eyes were level.
He reached out and rubbed Ophis's head.
She didn't resist.
With a light laugh, he asked.
"Ophis, did you come to find me because you want me to help you defeat the Great Red and reclaim your home in the Dimensional Gap?"
"Yes."
Ophis nodded.
She wasn't curious how he knew.
Her words were as precious as gold.
"But this is clearly the first time we've met."
Hiro smiled faintly.
"Why should I help you?"
He didn't agree immediately.
Ophis tilted her head.
She thought seriously.
After a few seconds, she extended her hand.
An Ouroboros symbol representing "Infinite" appeared in her palm.
"I give you."
"My power."
"..."
After a brief silence, Hiro replied directly.
"If I'm strong enough to help you defeat the Great Red..."
"Then what would I need your power for?"
"Eh?"
Even Ophis could understand that simple logic.
Her delicate brows knitted together.
For the first time, distress appeared on her face.
🔥🔥 You can find chapters ahead here
Support link: pat_reon.com/Redon1
Also other exciting fanfic available 🔥🔥
----------------------------------------------------------
__________________________
🍊 Boost This Fanfic! 🍊
Every 350 Power Stones gets 2 bonus chapters! 🚀
Want faster updates? Show your support by dropping Power Stones, leaving reviews, and sharing your thoughts in the comments! Your engagement keeps the story going strong!