After Menjou Hare finished explaining, both Tsugumi and Shinomiya Ayase still felt that everything about another world, annihilating a planet, and "cleansing" a civilization was far too absurd.
But when the three of them demonstrated the powers they had obtained, even if Tsugumi and Ayase didn't want to believe it, they had no choice.
"You followed someone who purged the evil of an entire other world…?"
Tsugumi was astonished beyond words.
Previously, she and her sister had thought that the Kuhouin Conglomerate would be their biggest support, yet now it looked unworthy by comparison.
The man they spoke of, "Rei Ao," had burned an entire planet to ashes. Whether it was the Kuhouin Conglomerate, the Funeral Parlor, or GHQ, in the face of that, all were as trivial as dust.
If such an otherworldly individual could act, wouldn't Roppongi Fort be liberated?
Arisa frowned, stepping up to the two of them.
Adopting her succubus form, a black, supple, heart-shaped tail extended from her tailbone, which she used to gently lift Ayase's chin.
"Exactly. The one we follow and serve, our beloved Master, possesses power akin to a god."
"Tsugumi, Shinomiya Ayase, would you join us, become all of you his belongings – serve Rei Ao-sama?"
"Master…serve… What are you talking about?!"
Tsugumi's face went bright red. This was too perverted!
Shinomiya Ayase's brows drew together.
"Sorry, we only came hoping to rely on you, not to become someone else's playthings."
"Ah," Arisa gave a contemptuous laugh.
"You've heard the tales of Master's might, and still you hesitate?"
Her right hand rested upon Ayase's unfeeling legs, stroking them.
"Have you ever considered that our Master could repair your paralyzed legs so that you can stand again?"
"!!!"
That statement precisely struck the nerves of both Tsugumi and Ayase. The paralysis in those legs was a lifelong wound no one could soothe, a cause of such deep bitterness that in a corner of her mind she despised being "useless."
Ayase had often thought of ending her life. And now she heard this? A way to restore her legs?
Thump, thump, thump!
Unnoticed by her, her heart pounded with renewed vitality. Her hands, resting on the wheelchair frame, tensed, knuckles whitening.
"…"
"…."
Tsugumi opened her mouth as though to speak, but no words came. Reason told her that agreeing would mean becoming someone else's plaything, even a toy for them to use.
Yet as Ayase's closest sister, no one understood better than Tsugumi how much pain those paralyzed legs had brought her, and she'd even sensed Ayase's hints of wanting to die.
Ayase's pain was physical and emotional, and Tsugumi's pain was in watching Ayase suffer it. Tsugumi also couldn't ignore the momentary wild beating of Ayase's heart, that pulse of something called hope.
She dared not speak out to stop it. No one wished more than she did that her sister's legs be restored. If she couldn't stop it, Tsugumi had another method.
She jerked her head up, mustering the courage to shout: "If he can truly restore my sister's legs, then I'm willing to join you!"
"Even if it means I become some broken toy, it doesn't matter."
"???"
Air froze.
All eyes on her were brimming with astonishment. Ayase also looked utterly dumbfounded. Reacting swiftly, she cried out in alarm:
"Tsugumi, what nonsense are you spouting? I don't need my legs fixed, nor do I need you—"
"Sis!"
Tsugumi cut her off, pressing her hands onto Ayase's shoulders, far more serious than usual.
"I know all about your suffering, Sis."
She wore her gentlest smile.
"All this time, you've been the one spoiling me in every way possible. Let me help you, just this once."
"Tsugumi…"
Ayase stared at Tsugumi's candor in a daze. Slowly, the façade slipped away.
"…You're right. I've always been tormented by these legs. I want them healed. I want to stand, to run again."
Hearing her sister's frank admission, Tsugumi felt genuine relief that at last she'd done something useful. But a second later, her joy froze. She saw that Ayase had set her face in determination:
"But this is my problem, so I ought to bear it myself. For these legs, I'll give anything that's mine."
She turned her gaze to Arisa.
"I will join you. Tsugumi's words don't count!"
Tsugumi's expression changed drastically.
"No, I—"
Seeing the two on the cusp of quarreling, a sharp voice cut through:
"Enough!"
A piercing rebuke quelled their fight.
"Chatter, chatter—you're both so noisy."
Yuzuriha Mana, having adjusted to her body, came over in annoyance, folding her arms and giving the pair a dismissive glare.
"One is a cripple, the other a short pipsqueak with no real figure. Do you seriously think Rei Ao would even look at you?"
With that, she pulled out her phone and held it up for the two.
"Just look at how perfect Rei Ao is. He's the most flawless 'Adam' I've chosen. Do you think you're worthy of him?"
At first, their faces were dark with resentment at being so abruptly insulted, but once they saw the photos, they both fell silent.
The picture showed two people with no clothes on. The man among them was vigorously entwined with Arisa, an indecent image of overwhelming embarrassment. Yet the two girls couldn't tear their eyes away. That man…
They'd never seen such unbridled masculinity or that star-like sharpness in his features, or such perfectly proportioned, well-toned muscles—strong and powerful.
They'd never met anyone that special. Indeed, compared to any handsome celebrity male, he outclassed them. If that was truly the Rei Ao they spoke of…
They realized they might truly be unworthy.
(Then…) "Now look here—do you really measure up to any one of these women?"
Mana flipped again through a few images: pictures of Esdeath, Frieren, and others combating monsters with all sorts of supernatural abilities.
It wasn't just about those frightening creatures or the variety of powers. Simply glancing at each of those women, you saw pale, flawless skin, unbelievably beautiful faces, distinctive figures, unique styles—every single one an absolute stunner. Tsugumi and Ayase both had to concede how far they fell short.
"Those women…"
"Hmph," Mana sneered. "I bet you guessed: they're all Rei Ao's beloved companions." She stowed her phone. Gazing down on them with frosty eyes, she said:
"Don't think so highly of yourselves. Even being a 'toy' for Rei Ao to summon is your greatest blessing."
She didn't glance their way again, simply pivoted with cool ease and walked off.
~~~
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