Finally, with Kael's help, Saki and Marin exchanged contact information. On the way back to the classroom, Saki asked in confusion: "Renjou-kun, why did you want me to exchange contacts with Kitagawa-san? I don't know anything about cosers."
"It doesn't matter if you don't know. You can learn slowly at home."
Kael gave her a sidelong glance. "You envy Kitagawa-san's enthusiasm and cheerfulness, don't you?"
Saki fell silent. Because Kael's words hit the mark—she did envy Marin's lively personality, her ability to easily connect with those around her. If she had that kind of character and ability, she wouldn't have gone through three years of middle school without making a single friend.
Kael said: "Although your appearance has changed drastically, inside you're still that timid country girl. That's why I hope you'll become friends with Kitagawa-san."
"She's warm and enthusiastic, a good friend who could benefit you for life."
Saki finally understood, looking at Kael gratefully. So Renjou-kun had been thinking of her all along. She nodded seriously. "I understand, Renjou-kun. I'll study when I get home. I'll definitely become a proper coser."
That wasn't really necessary—just knowing enough to share common ground would be fine… But when Kael saw her earnest expression, he swallowed the words. Forget it. Serious people don't deserve ridicule. Guiding Saki onto the path of cosplay was better than letting her fall into ruin.
"Then do your best."
Kael encouraged her, then returned to the classroom with her.
The last class of the afternoon passed quickly. After school, Kael followed his plan—he walked Saki home, then went to the slaughterhouse to absorb soul fragments. Once he was full, he left, returned home, and began tempering his soul, digesting the fragments, and nourishing his body.
Time passed day by day. Kael's soul grew stronger, his body tougher, until a casual wave of his hand carried the strength of a thousand pounds. He was getting closer and closer to entry-level cultivation.
One morning, Kael woke up and checked the time—nine o'clock. But he didn't rush to change clothes for school. Because it was Sunday, school was closed.
Still, Kael didn't plan to stay home all day. He had already arranged to go to Akihabara, the otaku's holy land, with Marin and Saki.
Since exchanging contacts, Marin had been messaging Kael and Saki daily, chatting excitedly about cosplay. Through these conversations, Kael learned something. In her own class, Marin was indeed part of the "popular group," with several close friends. But none of them were interested in cosplay.
That was why she was so thrilled to meet Kael, a like-minded friend. Even though they weren't in the same class, they had endless topics to discuss. And with Saki studying diligently these past few days, she had gained some knowledge about cosers, which made Marin even more excited.
Eventually, at Marin's strong urging, the three decided to spend Sunday in Akihabara. Kael didn't refuse—cultivation required balance between work and rest.
Since they had agreed to meet at ten, Kael wasn't in a hurry. After waking, he showered, changed clothes, and left leisurely. He took the train and arrived at Akihabara at 9:50.
At the entrance, Kael immediately spotted Marin standing among the crowd. Though the two-dimensional world was full of beauties, Marin was still a unique sight among them. She was truly beautiful. Though a blonde gyaru, her features were gentle. Her waist-length golden hair, tipped with coral highlights, parted to show her ears, was strikingly distinctive. Even more recognizable was the lace choker around her neck, giving off a provocative vibe—rare among blonde gyarus.
"Renjou-kun, here, here!"
When Kael saw her, Marin also spotted him, waving vigorously, drawing the attention of many.
Kael walked over, his eyes scanning her. Today she wore a plaid shirt on top and shorts below, showing off her long, straight legs. Typical gyaru—her outfit was bold.
Marin noticed his gaze. Instead of being shy, she proudly puffed out her chest, spun around, and struck a pose. "How do I look today?"
"Super good-looking."
Kael gave a thumbs-up. Today, Marin was flawless.
Marin laughed happily, then looked around. "Huh? Where's Saki? Didn't she come with you?"
Over the past few days, the two girls had grown close, already calling each other by name. Unlike in some countries where people quickly become familiar, in Japan, unless you're close friends, you rarely call someone by their first name. Usually it's "-san" or "-kun."
For example, Marin always added "-kun" when addressing Kael, since they weren't close enough to drop it. Even Saki added "-kun" when speaking to him. It showed the reserved nature of relationships here.
Calmly, Kael said: "We came separately today. She should be here soon."
Marin was surprised. "Why separately? Aren't you and Saki a couple?"
"And there's something I really don't get. You and Saki are dating, but she calls you Renjou-kun, and you call her Yoshida-san. Isn't that too distant for a couple?"
Kael laughed. "Maybe because we haven't been together long. We only started dating this week."
"Eh, really?" Marin was surprised. She had thought they'd been together much longer.
Just as she was about to ask more, Kael pointed ahead. "She's here."
Marin followed his finger and saw Saki stepping off a train.