Multiverse: Library

Half an hour later, the meal that Julis had invited them to was over.

Throughout the meal, the princess had been chatting with Toudou Kirin the entire time, completely different from the notoriously difficult-to-get-along-with Glühen Rose that the rumors described. Seeing this, Amagiri Ayato was left utterly bewildered, having personally witnessed the fiercer side of Julis before.

Kaiser, on the other hand, was almost certain now—Julis had set up this meal specifically for Toudou Kirin.

One had to admit, the way girls bond and the speed at which they do so had always been perplexing. Even someone like Julis, who was said to be difficult to approach, could make Kirin gradually let go of her nervousness after chatting for a while.

By the time the meal was nearly finished, Kirin was already laughing and conversing freely with Julis.

Their relationship had progressed so quickly that they had even reached the point of feeding each other, leaving Kaiser momentarily stunned.

That being said, Julis's guidance had indeed helped Kirin lighten up significantly.

"It's about time."

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Julis glanced at the sky and turned to the group.

"I still have to take this guy for a walk. Do you two want to come along?"

She pointed at Ayato and directed the question at Kaiser and Kirin.

It seemed the princess still remembered her agreement with Ayato.

Kaiser, however, declined without a second thought.

"I'll pass. You two go ahead."

Why would he go? To be a third wheel?

Kaiser had no interest in that and was perceptive enough not to impose.

"I-I won't go either," Kirin said softly. "I still have schoolwork to do…"

That was, of course, an excuse.

The little girl hadn't thought too deeply about it—she simply felt that she had been out for too long, and if she didn't return soon, her uncle would scold her again.

"Neither of you?"

Julis muttered in mild discontent.

It wasn't like she usually had the chance to hang out with friends like this.

Though she didn't want to relax or indulge too much, the opportunity was rare, and she wanted to spend a little more time outside with them.

Of course, she quickly suppressed this thought.

Julis was not someone who would act unreasonably. If not for Kirin, she wouldn't have gone so far out of her way today in the first place.

"Well then, we'll be off. You two take care." Julis gave a brief reminder before turning to Kaiser. "As a senior, you'd better take responsibility and make sure Kirin gets back to Seidoukan Academy safe and sound. Understood?"

Kaiser rolled his eyes.

"Toudou is ranked first in our academy, you know."

In other words, even if he weren't around, it would be pretty hard for anything to happen to her.

"That's beside the point," Julis retorted, as serious as ever. "Responsibility is responsibility."

"Yeah, yeah." Kaiser spread his hands in resignation. "I'll take her back."

Before long, the two left, with Julis complaining the entire way and Ayato just standing there with a wry smile, enduring it.

Watching them go, Kaiser finally turned to Kirin.

"Shall we head back?"

"Y-yes!"

Kirin answered nervously, as if with Julis gone, her timid nature had resurfaced.

"Relax a little." Kaiser sighed. "It's not like I'm going to eat you."

"S-sorry…"

Kirin tried to ease up, but no matter how much she attempted, she simply couldn't.

"Forget it." Kaiser didn't press the issue. He started walking ahead and said, "Let's just go back."

"Yes!" Kirin quickly followed, occasionally sneaking glances at Kaiser's face, her expression slightly downcast.

"…Are you mad at me, Senpai?" she hesitantly asked.

"No." Kaiser wasn't that petty. Seeing Kirin looking so dejected, he couldn't help but say, "You overthink things too much. Everyone has a different personality. You're still—" He coughed. "You're still young. Being a bit shy is perfectly normal. There's no need to feel bad about it."

There were plenty of people who adored this type of shy, soft-spoken girl.

He didn't want to accidentally make her lose confidence—that'd be a real shame.

Unfortunately, Kirin didn't see it that way.

"I know I'm useless. My uncle tells me that all the time," she said self-deprecatingly. "Senpai doesn't have to comfort me."

"You think I'm just comforting you?" Kaiser stopped in his tracks and looked at her. "I think you're underestimating yourself."

"Leaving aside the fact that you're ranked first in our academy—just consider yourself alone. At your age, how many people in the world can achieve what you have?"

Kaiser often found Kirin's physique suspiciously unscientific for her age, but there was no denying that she was only thirteen.

Thirteen years old. A first-year in middle school. In his past life, she'd be a kid who had just graduated from elementary school.

Even the Festas had an entry age requirement of thirteen to twenty-two, meaning Kirin had only just reached the minimum age to compete. She still had a full ten years ahead of her to shine on this stage.

Yet, at this age, she had already reached the pinnacle of Seidoukan Academy.

Ranked first!

That was an incredible feat in this dueling metropolis.

Many students spent their entire academic careers, even a full ten years, without ever making it to the top. But Kirin? She started there.

That was why, when she appeared in her official ranking match, the entire academy had paid attention.

She might not be the strongest in all six academies, but she was undoubtedly one of the most promising.

If given ten years to grow—who knew what heights she could reach?

It was unfathomable!

Most astonishing of all was that Kirin had achieved this entirely through her own efforts.

She wasn't a Strega, nor did she wield an Orga Lux. Even her physical abilities and Prana weren't the most outstanding—not compared to Ayato after unlocking his full power, at least.

Yet, with nothing but sheer swordsmanship, she had conquered Seidoukan Academy.

In the original story, Kirin had even defeated Ayato—handing him his first loss since arriving at the academy!

That was after Ayato had unsealed his power and obtained Ser-Veresta. At that point, he was undeniably one of the strongest in Seidoukan Academy—so much so that Julis herself admitted she wouldn't stand a chance against him, not even once in ten duels.

Even Kaiser, as he was now, wouldn't stand a chance against Ayato at full strength without Ser-Veresta.

And yet—

Kirin had taken him down in five minutes.

What if she had an Orga Lux—a weapon like Ser-Veresta that suited her?

What kind of monster would she become?

That kind of potential was why so many people had their eyes on her.

If that wasn't enough to make her confident, what would be?

Did she need to ascend to godhood?

"You should be more confident," Kaiser told her, meeting her gaze. "You're incredibly talented—there's no doubt about that."

Kirin lifted her head to look at him.

And this time, she didn't avert her gaze out of nervousness or embarrassment.

Staring at the boy in front of her—the one who had always faced her directly—Kirin remained silent for a moment.

Then, summoning her courage, she asked:

"Senpai… why did you challenge me specifically?"

She had finally asked the question.

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Author's Note: Extra chapter guys! Cmon 50 more for another one!