Multiverse Gacha

Early the next morning, August woke up from his slumber. As he stepped out of his room and into the living room, he found Natsuki Minamiya already seated there, her expression as stoic as ever.

"Did you catch him?" August asked casually, leaning against the doorway.

"Not yet. But based on the traces left at the Skuld Pharmaceutical Research Institute, it seems he's created an artificial lifeform," Natsuki replied, her voice cold.

"Any evidence?"

"Plenty."

A flicker of anger passed through Natsuki's eyes. The creation of artificial lifeforms was an inhumane practice, one that involved the manipulation of biological and chemical processes to create life. Unlike synthetic organisms, artificial lifeforms were entirely designed at the genetic level, offering a high degree of customization but at a great ethical cost.

On Itogami Island, there were still several research facilities conducting such experiments. However, what Natsuki had seen at the Skuld Institute—rows of failed specimens in their incubation tanks—had deeply disturbed her.

"So, what's your plan?" August asked, his tone indifferent.

"We wait. If he's hunting vampires, he won't stop now. He'll make a move eventually."

"You're planning to bait him."

"It's called waiting for him to slip up."

"Same difference."

August didn't feel like arguing the semantics. This particular storyline didn't interest him much, except for one thing: the artificial lifeform known as "Astarte." It wasn't that August had any inappropriate interests—he simply found the emotionless, doll-like maid from the original story intriguing. As Natsuki's personal maid and a user of familiars, Astarte had left a lasting impression on him. But that was still a ways off.

After breakfast, the group headed to Saikai Academy. Both Kanon Kanase and Yukina Himeragi were students there, and August, despite being Natsuki's teaching assistant in name only, tagged along.

"The plot's really gone off the rails now," August mused to himself as he leaned against the railing on the academy's rooftop. "First Vattler, then the Right Arm of the Saint. The sequence is all messed up, but it doesn't really matter."

The storyline had already diverged significantly from the original. For one, Kojou Akatsuki's intended spiritual medium had ended up on August's side instead.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared on the rooftop. It was Koyomi Shizuka, the "Silent Witch" and one of the Three Saints of the Lion King Agency. Despite her high-ranking position, she was also a student at Saikai Academy.

"Koyomi Shizuka, the esteemed leader of the Three Saints. What brings you here this time?" August asked, his tone laced with mockery.

Koyomi sighed. If she had a choice, she wouldn't be here dealing with this man.

"August, the Lion King Agency has already sent you our most skilled Sword Shaman and Dance Diva. Why did you take Kojou Akatsuki's blood companions as well?"

"That wasn't me. That was my subordinate. I just wanted her to provoke Kojou a little. I didn't expect her to bring them back."

"Then, could you return Yuiri and Shio to us?"

"Sure. But I've never restricted their movements. They chose to stay, especially Yuiri, the spiritual medium for Regulus Aurum."

"What do you mean?"

"It means the 'queen' you sent for Kojou didn't take a liking to the 'king.'"

Koyomi frowned. In her eyes, everyone from the Lion King Agency was utterly loyal. This situation was unprecedented.

But she couldn't argue. Yuiri wasn't here, and August was a notoriously unpredictable individual. Pushing him too far could lead to trouble.

As Koyomi stood there, deep in thought, August took the opportunity to study her. Despite her high status and the fearsome reputation of the "Silent Witch," she was still just a student. Dressed in her school uniform, with her hair tied in a braid, she was undeniably beautiful.

"What are you looking at?" Koyomi asked, noticing his gaze.

"At a beautiful woman," August replied shamelessly.

"Just as Natsuki said, you really are a pervert."

"And what of it? I'm the embodiment of the sin of lust. It's in my nature. Besides, what man isn't drawn to beauty? It's human nature."

"You're quite the smooth talker, August."

Koyomi held her textbook tightly, her gaze steady and unflinching.

"Alright, you didn't come here just to talk about Yuiri and Shio, did you?"

"Yes and no."

"Then what else is there?"

"It's about the Fourth Progenitor."

"Kojou Akatsuki? What does the Lion King Agency want with him now? Don't tell me you're trying to control a Progenitor."

August let out a derisive laugh, his eyes filled with disdain. Progenitors were the nuclear weapons of the supernatural world, beings capable of reshaping the world with their power. Each of them was a centuries-old monster, and the idea that a small island nation like Japan could hope to control one was laughable.

Yet, in the original story, Japan had succeeded. Kojou Akatsuki had awakened as the Fourth Progenitor, establishing the Fourth Primogenitor's Empire on Itogami Island. Yukina Himeragi, a product of the Lion King Agency, had become his queen and even bore his child. The Lion King Agency had secured its place in the "Empire of the Dawn."

But now, with the plot in shambles, August doubted Kojou could rise to the same heights.

"The Fourth Progenitor has already awakened his first familiar. Once all his familiars are awakened, the true Fourth Progenitor will emerge. You're looking forward to that, aren't you?" Koyomi said, her voice calm.

"Indeed. But with each passing day, I grow more disappointed in Kojou," August replied.

The original storyline had been derailed, and Kojou's opportunities were slipping away. Could he still grow into the Fourth Progenitor under these circumstances? August had his doubts.

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