Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

Gid came and went in a hurry. He didn't even stop by Shichen's place, though Shichen could still sense his presence somewhere on the planet.

Not that it mattered.

As long as he didn't come around bothering his students, it wasn't worth thinking about.

Even the arrival of a so-called galactic overlord hadn't affected the world much. Life went on—people kept doing whatever they were doing.

Soon it was Wednesday. Final exams had officially started. Shichen, as usual, had nothing to do and was just lounging in the office.

"Hey, are we doing it again today?" Est asked, swinging her legs off the edge of the desk.

"…You're getting addicted, aren't you?" Shichen smirked, reaching out to grab her ankle and running his hand along the texture of her thigh-highs.

"N-no… I just thought you might want to," Est said softly, curling her toes slightly.

"Oh yeah?" he grinned, holding one foot in each hand and gently toying with them.

"Mmph…" she let out a quiet breath and squinted her eyes, obviously enjoying the attention.

"You sure you've fully recovered?" Shichen asked with a sly smile.

"I—yeah… I was already fine yesterday."

"That fast? You could barely stand that morning."

"Well… that's because you kept going for so long…" she muttered under her breath.

"Oh, so now it's my fault?"

"My sister said it is your fault!"

"…And which sister is that, exactly?"

"It's—wait—no! You tricked me!" Est glared at him with puffed cheeks.

"Haha~ I was just messing with you."

"Hmph! Stop trying to fish for answers. Sis told me not to say anything."

"You listen to her more than me? I thought I was your number one."

"Of course not! Sis is number one. You're… a close second."

"…Ouch."

"It's fine! When Sis isn't around, you're number one, promise!" she said, trying to cheer him up.

"Yeah… not helping," he sighed dramatically.

"Then… how about I make it up to you?" Est offered sweetly.

"…Your sister's definitely been a bad influence on you," he said, tapping her foot lightly.

"Excuse me? This is totally your fault," Est puffed her cheeks again. "You've been corrupting me, day after day…"

Shichen's mouth twitched. "You're ridiculous."

"So… are we doing this today or not?" she asked with a tilt of her head.

"Eh, sure. I've got nothing better to do. Might as well give you another taste of how amazing I am."

"Hmph, I'm not the same person I was before," Est said confidently, arms wrapped around Shichen's neck, clearly trying to prove a point.

"Oh yeah? Then I guess I'll just have to test that out—"

Before he could finish, the office door creaked open.

"Shichen, I'm back," Yami said as she stepped inside.

Same as always, she wore her classic black dress and carried a warm bag of taiyaki. The only difference was the sleek, four-pointed black horns on her head—her "darkness mode" was active.

"Well, well," she said with a smirk the moment she saw Shichen holding Est. "Am I interrupting something? Should I join in?"

"I wouldn't mind," Shichen said casually.

"No way!" Est cut in immediately, puffing her cheeks.

"So cold," Yami sighed dramatically. "And after everything I've taught you."

"You can always go team up with Lala," Est muttered.

"Hmm… not a bad idea. I bet Lala would be into it—wait—"

Yami suddenly froze mid-sentence. Her horns vanished, and the smug expression dropped from her face. A faint blush bloomed across her cheeks.

"Just so we're clear," she said quickly, looking directly at Shichen, "That's not what I meant."

"Back to normal again?" Shichen asked.

"What, do you prefer my darkness mode or something?" she grumbled.

"Honestly, I like every version of you."

Yami had gotten pretty good at switching between her forms. Though the transformation changed her attitude, she retained all her memories—so it wasn't quite a separate personality. Still, Shichen couldn't tell if she used it as a way to express things she couldn't say otherwise.

With a tiny "hmph," Yami walked over and pulled a taiyaki from the bag, offering it to him.

"Still warm," Shichen said, taking a big bite. "Tastes great."

Yami gave a tiny nod and sat down beside him, calmly munching one of her own while watching him eat with soft eyes.

"Yami…" Est muttered from the other side, clearly annoyed.

"Want one too?" Yami offered, pretending to be clueless.

"I don't want taiyaki! Why are you even here, interrupting us?"

"What do you mean—oh." Yami paused mid-bite as realization hit. She turned toward Shichen and narrowed her eyes. "Seriously, Shichen? Really?"

"What? You're the one who taught her all that," Shichen replied, chewing innocently.

"That doesn't mean you get to act like that with her!"

"Est's older than both of us combined."

"Still not okay!"

Shichen shrugged. "Besides, aren't you the one who looks youngest here? And yet somehow you're always the first to—"

"I—!" Yami's face turned bright red. "I can transform, okay?!"

"Oh? I haven't seen that one in action yet. Care to show me?"

"Tch. It's nothing special—" she grumbled, but with a small burst of light, she shifted.

Now taller, her dress fitting tighter, with a more mature look—long legs, a graceful posture, and a confident air.

The only thing that didn't change was—

"…Why didn't that change?" Shichen glanced down.

"Hmph. I know what you're thinking. I did that on purpose."

"Ah, I see. Either way… you look great," he said honestly.

Flustered, Yami immediately reverted to her usual form and turned away.

"Hey! I didn't even get a good look!"

"Y-you can see it another time!"

"Hmm… deal."

"Ugh. Onii-chan…" Est grumbled, puffing her cheeks again.

"What's wrong?" Shichen asked.

"Aren't we going to continue?"

"You seriously think we can, with Yami right here?" Shichen gave her a look. "Why's your mind always on one thing? Unless… you wanted her to join you?"

"Ugh, no!" Est shouted, glaring at Yami.

Yami just ignored her and continued eating her taiyaki.

"Come on, Yami, sit over here," Shichen said, pulling her gently by the hand while still holding Est.

"Here? How are we all supposed to fit?"

"Simple."

Shichen sat down in his chair, placed Est on his right leg, then wrapped his arm around Yami's waist and pulled her onto his left.

"You treat us like plush toys," Yami muttered.

"You're not that far off," Shichen chuckled, hugging both of them easily. "Your waists are so tiny, I could wrap one arm around you both."

"I'm not a kid!" Yami snapped, quickly adding, "A-and don't get any naughty ideas!"

"What do you mean by 'naughty ideas'?" Shichen rested his chin on her shoulder, playing innocent.

"You know exactly what I mean!" Yami shot him a glare.

"Heh~ is that so?" Shichen loosened his hug a little and playfully tickled her stomach.

"H-Hey! Quit it!" Yami shivered, almost dropping the taiyaki in her hand.

"Let me have another bite," Shichen said, closing his eyes and opening his mouth.

"There's only one…"

"Just one bite."

"…Fine." Yami handed him the half-eaten taiyaki.

"Ah~" Shichen took a bite—basically half of what was left.

"Mmm, tastes good."

"You ate so much…" Yami laughed, then popped the rest into her mouth.

"It's not like I was gonna steal it," Shichen grinned.

"So nice…" Est's soft voice suddenly chimed in.

"…Huh?" Shichen turned to see Est pouting, clearly feeling left out.

"Okay, okay, my bad. Don't be mad~" Shichen leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

"Mmph…"

Est immediately perked up. She turned her face slightly. "This side too."

"Alright~" He kissed her other cheek as well.

"And here." She faced him directly, eyes closed in anticipation.

Her silver lashes trembled slightly—clearly waiting.

"Getting greedy, aren't we?"

Est didn't respond or move.

Shichen's eyes dropped to her lips—small, soft, and pink like cherry blossoms. He swallowed without realizing.

Then he felt a sharp gaze from the side.

He glanced over—yep, Yami was watching, her ruby-red eyes filled with contempt.

Whatever.

Shichen leaned in and gently kissed Est on the lips.

"Mmph…" Her eyes snapped open, glowing with excitement.

"What's wrong?" he asked, pulling back slightly.

"That… that was the first time you kissed me like that. I'm so happy!" she said, face flushed, eyes sparkling.

"First time?" Shichen raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm! You used to hold back all the time. But now? I love this version of you!"

"I see… well, makes sense. You've changed too, y'know."

"I don't care—I want more!" Est wrapped her arms around him, lips slightly pouted.

"You're way too greedy. That's enough." He tapped her on the forehead.

"Eh?"

"I need to be fair."

"Fair?" Est blinked, confused.

Shichen didn't answer. He just turned to the quiet Yami, leaned in, and kissed her on the cheek.

"Hey! What was that for?" she said, face turning red as she backed away.

"Didn't I say I need to be fair?"

"I didn't ask for it!"

"Doesn't matter." Shichen pulled her in and kissed her on the lips.

"Mmph!" Yami's eyes widened, but she didn't resist. Slowly, she closed her eyes and kissed him back.

Then, right as things heated up, two sharp horns emerged from her head. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him even more intensely.

Her "other side" definitely liked taking the lead.

A faint, electric hum echoed in the office. Anyone walking by would know instantly what was going on.

Est, standing off to the side, definitely knew.

"Hey! Not fair—I want more too!"

She stood up on Shichen's lap, forcefully separated the two, and pulled Shichen in for a kiss of her own.

Following Yami's lead, she mimicked the kiss—and nearly lost her balance from the rush. Shichen quickly held her steady.

"Hehe~" Yami watched, amused. She licked her lips, red eyes glowing again, and stood up.

"My turn again!"

She pulled them apart and kissed Shichen hard.

Est glared at her. "Hey! I wasn't done yet!"

Yami, still catching her breath, gave her a sideways smirk. "Too bad."

"Ugh! It's my turn!" Est protested, grabbing Shichen and kissing him again.

Shichen: "…"

Time passed—who knew how long—and finally, Est and Yami slumped against Shichen, both breathing heavily, cheeks flushed from all the kissing.

Shichen, on the other hand, looked completely calm. Compared to their breath control, his was clearly on another level.

"Had enough?" he asked, wrapping one arm around each of them.

"Hah… next time, I'm totally beating Yami," Est muttered, still catching her breath.

"Give it up already," Yami said smugly. "You're no match."

"We were tied!"

"Were we? Pretty sure my kisses lasted longer," Yami said with a teasing smirk.

"They did not!"

"Ask Shichen then."

"…Onii-chan!" Est turned to him expectantly.

"…I honestly don't remember," Shichen said, expression neutral.

"Liar!" Est puffed out her cheeks.

"Haha~ he probably enjoyed it so much he blanked out," Yami teased.

"You think so?" Shichen raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I know you," Yami shot back. "You total perv."

Suddenly realizing what she said, her demonic form flickered away, and her face turned bright red.

"…You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Shichen laughed.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" she mumbled, looking away.

"You tell me."

"I don't know what you're implying!" she pouted.

"Heh~ you're too cute."

"Mmph—what about me?" Est suddenly leaned in.

"You too, Est. Adorable."

"Hehehe~"

"Sweet-talker…" Yami muttered. "Alright, enough. Let me go."

"Hold on, I actually have something important to say," Shichen said, suddenly serious.

"Trying to trick me again?"

"No," he replied, his tone firm this time.

"…Something important?" Yami looked up.

Shichen nodded. "Yami, would you stay with me—no matter what happens?"

"Why ask me something like that out of nowhere?"

"It's related to what I'm about to tell you."

"…I mean, not like I can really get away from you at this point," she said, a little embarrassed, looking aside.

"Such a tsundere," Shichen whispered, brushing his cheek against hers.

"C-cut it out! Just say it already!" she said, pushing him lightly.

"Alright." Shichen nodded. "I'm planning to leave for a while."

"Leave? Where are you going?" she asked casually.

"Not just anywhere. I'm leaving this world," he replied calmly.

"…Huh?" Yami blinked. "What do you mean, 'leave this world'?"

"Oh~ So it's finally happening?" Est cut in. "You're going to see Tohru and the others?"

"…Wait. How do you know about them?" Shichen looked at her.

"Eh? Um… well…" Est's eyes darted around awkwardly.

"…Never mind. I figured it out."

"R-really?" she asked nervously.

"Wanna guess how?"

"Ugh, you're the worst!" Est pouted.

"Shichen," Yami said, getting serious again. "Can you please explain what's going on?"

"It's simple," he replied. "I'm not from this world."

"…You're kidding."

"I'm not. You've read light novels, right? You know the whole 'guy from another world' thing? That's me."

"…Wait. Seriously?"

Shichen raised a brow. "Do you really think my abilities are normal around here?"

Yami had no answer.

"So, I'm heading back soon," he said. "But I want you to come with me. Would you?"

"…Like I said. Not like I can leave you anyway," she muttered.

"So you believe me?"

"You've never given me a reason not to."

"That's my girl." Shichen leaned in and brushed his cheek against hers again.

"Stop…"

"Nope."

"You're such a kid."

"Onii-chan! Me too!" Est jumped in, hugging him.

"Alright, both of you~"

"Hehehe~ Onii-chan's the best!"

"You two…" Yami sighed. "Wait, what about Lala?"

"She's not coming this time."

"Huh?"

"She's heading home for the summer to visit her family. Next time, we'll bring her along."

"Makes sense. She's got people to go back to. Unlike me."

"What are you talking about?" Shichen said, lightly smacking her butt. "Aren't we your family now?"

"…Yeah." For once, Yami just nodded quietly.

"And you'll have even more people soon. A whole bunch of us."

"…Wait a sec," she said, suddenly remembering. "Est mentioned Tohru earlier—who the hell is that?"

"Oh, you'll find out soon."

"Hmph. I already know what that means. You really are a perv."

"Calling me a perv?" Shichen smirked. "Sounds like someone wants a demonstration."

…

As finals wrapped up, summer vacation finally began, and the students couldn't be happier.

On the first day of break, Shichen called Yui Kotegawa over to his place to tell her—and the others—that he was planning to leave for a while.

"You're leaving?" Yui asked, surprised. "Where are you going?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing serious. Just doing a bit of traveling. I'll be back soon," Shichen said with a relaxed smile.

"So you're gonna be gone the whole summer?" Yui frowned. "We won't see you at all?"

"Oh? Sounds like someone's gonna miss me," he teased.

"Yeah, right!" she shot back, turning her head.

"Heh, then I'll leave you behind this time. Take the chance to visit home and enjoy the break."

"What? You're not taking me?" Lala asked, caught off guard.

"There'll be plenty of chances later. You've been away from home for so long—don't you think it's time to check in?" Shichen said, giving her hair a gentle ruffle.

"I mean, yeah… but I wanted to spend time with you too." Lala puffed out her cheeks in a playful pout.

"Relax. We'll be together soon enough. Even if I head back to Deviluke, you're coming with me. Sound good?"

"Really? Okay… I'll head home first, then."

"Good girl."

The next day, Lala left the planet and returned to Deviluke.

And quietly, without saying a word, Shichen disappeared from this world too.

~~~

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