-----
-----
"Master, do you have a moment?"
Minato looked up to see Shizuka Marikawa walk into the room.
…You're already in here, even if I didn't.
He gave her a once-over, his eyes narrowing slightly.
She was wearing a white casual outfit that hung loosely—well, mostly loosely.
The problem was, the outfit was clearly one size too small.
That alone was enough to make it feel like a crime against reason.
The black stockings on her thighs shimmered faintly under the light, and her short pleated skirt—clearly from her student days—barely qualified as "fitting."
Who came up with this "contrast" look? That person definitely had taste.
"What is it, Shizuka?"
Minato leaned back in his chair and asked casually.
After all, if the play's already begun, he might as well respect his scene partner.
"Actually, it's about basic magic theory. There are a few parts I don't understand."
Shizuka grinned and, with a completely straight face, pulled a magic book out of her cleavage.
"Holy—!"
Minato froze.
How the hell did she just do that?
She didn't even use magic!
Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Shizuka smirked proudly.
That was one of her "special skills."
But then, her confident expression faltered a little.
Wait, what did Saeko say to do next again?
Oh, right!
She clapped the book against her palm, dragged a chair over, and sat down right next to Minato.
"Master, it's this healing spell," she said, leaning forward slightly and pointing at the text.
Her expression was focused, just like a model student seeking guidance.
But Minato didn't buy it for a second.
Forget the outfit for a moment—those distractions below were enough to make his head spin.
No, focus!
As her master, it was his duty to match the energy of his subordinate.
He cleared his throat and said seriously, "This spell, huh? I've looked into it a bit. If you're having trouble, it's probably because your mana flow is off. For example—"
"Mhm, mhm!"
Shizuka nodded eagerly, eyes shining with admiration. Her enthusiasm was off the charts—and with every movement, her body seemed to shift slightly closer.
Suddenly, Minato felt himself surrounded by a soft, suffocating warmth.
He managed to maintain his composure… barely.
"Huh?"
Shizuka blinked in confusion at his reaction.
That's it? That's all it takes?
After thinking about it for a moment, she remembered Saeko's advice again.
Well, since she was already here, might as well keep going.
After all, she was so eager to learn.
And so, with her magic book still open, she continued asking questions.
Minato smiled faintly, adjusted his posture, and replied, "This spell, I don't really know how to cast it, but I've done some research…"
"And this one too, Master. No matter what I try, I just can't get it."
"Master, this one's so hard!"
"Master, am I just stupid?"
"N-no… it's fine… we'll… take it slow…"
Minato patiently flipped through her brand-new magic book, answering her endless questions one by one.
Downstairs—
Saya Takagi was trying to sip her tea, but her hands were trembling slightly.
She didn't have any experience, but she wasn't clueless either.
Before she realized it, her face had turned bright pink.
She thought about running away, but since there was someone else here, she gritted her teeth and stayed.
"Haah… looks like Miss Shizuka got there first."
Saeko Busujima rested her chin on her hand, her face tinged with a faint blush. She looked… restless.
Saya's eyes widened. "S-Saeko-senpai, you…"
"What? We're all the Master's followers. Isn't this normal?"
"…"
Technically, she wasn't wrong.
But hearing that from the school's most popular girl still felt weirdly wrong.
And if she was fine with it, then… what about herself…?
Her thoughts spiraled until she clenched her small fists so tightly her knuckles turned white.
Finally—
Saya couldn't take it anymore. She bolted up, bent slightly forward, and rushed out of the room in a flustered blur.
——
The next morning.
Minato stretched and glanced at Shizuka beside him.
He could tell—she genuinely wanted to improve.
"Mmm…"
Feeling his gaze, Shizuka shifted slightly, rubbing against him like a sleepy cat.
He chuckled and patted her head before picking up his phone.
The phone was one Saeko had bought for him, to make communication in this world easier.
It had just buzzed a moment ago.
Sure enough, it was a message from Saya.
She'd sent him a list—names of major figures and organizations involved in virus research, compiled from her own intel sources.
One name instantly caught his eye.
Umbrella Corporation.
Minato's mouth twitched.
Seriously? Don't tell me this world is another crossover mess.
Although, thinking about it… with zombies and everything, Umbrella did kind of fit.
Still, his current world was the one that really made no sense.
Maybe it was just a coincidence.
He typed a reply, telling Saya to focus her investigation on that company.
Hmm?
Something tickled his side.
He looked down and saw Shizuka's tail poking at him.
Smack!
He flicked it away, a small grin tugging at his lips.
"Looks like our lessons on the basics aren't quite over yet."
"....."