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Midnight, twelve o'clock.
The girls gathered in the living room.
"What rules are we setting today?"
Amamiya Natsuki took out a pumpkin lantern, and the ghostly blue flames flowed silently like water.
"The same Red Light, Green Light game as yesterday?" Kitagawa Marin held up one finger, "Except for Miko and me, everyone else hasn't experienced the joy of photographic memory yet."
Amamiya Natsuki nodded and looked at the other girls, saying:
"What do you all say?"
Fujiwara Chika said with a clear voice:
"I also want to experience the joy of photographic memory."
"Um, photographic memory is indeed amazing, but we're entering the dungeon tomorrow, so maybe we can change the rules?" Hayasaka Ai clasped her hands together, "Senpai's Midnight Theater might be able to open in the dungeon, so let's talk about studying later."
"Hanamori is right." Tsubame-senpai nodded in agreement, "Studying in a place like a Hospital feels so strange… and we're not in a rush today."
After some discussion, the girls quickly reached a consensus: they would set new rules today.
"The rule punishment of sensory deprivation can be replaced." The Sheltered Ojou-sama's black hair fell softly over her shoulders, her neck slender and graceful, with a small patch of collarbone faintly visible beneath her pajamas. She suggested, "For grudges and monsters, losing sight might not affect their actions."
For humans, losing sight makes it almost impossible to move, and if sensory deprivation were truly imposed, players would be more likely to suffer.
Juju-sama sat on the sofa, hugging a pillow, and said softly:
"It would be great if we could set a rule that only players can achieve, and dungeon monsters cannot complete."
"There won't be such a rule, right?"
"Exactly, rules are equal for everyone; everyone must abide by them."
"If we could set a few more rules, it might be possible."
"…"
Amamiya Natsuki suddenly spoke:
"I thought of a rule that might meet the requirements."
"Eh?"
The girls all looked over.
"What rule?"
"Natsuki-kun, tell us quickly."
Amamiya Natsuki turned to look at the Sheltered Ojou-sama and said:
"Kaguya-san, do you remember our experience in Ghost Academy?"
Shinomiya Kaguya blinked, her eyes slightly brightened, and the corners of her lips gently curved up: "…If it's that kind of rule, the monsters in the dungeon truly can't do it."
"What are you two talking about?" Fujiwara Chika's eyes widened as she looked over, saying anxiously, "We all cleared Ghost Academy together, why don't I know?"
Amamiya Natsuki looked at Chika and said:
"When people are pushed to the limit, they can do anything. What's the only exception?"
"I know!" Hayasaka Ai blurted out, "It's math problems!"
"Oh, it was that exam." Fujiwara Chika slapped her forehead, "You should have just said it directly."
Although Tsubame-senpai had not participated in the Ghost Academy dungeon, she had read the dungeon guide in the mutual aid group and understood what they were talking about. Her eyes lit up as she said:
"Natsuki-kun means to set rules related to math problems?"
"Exactly." Amamiya Natsuki interlaced his fingers and said seriously, "It's time to let the grudges feel the terror of mathematics."
"…"
After deciding to write new rules, the girls quickly became busy.
They would be entering the dungeon tomorrow night, so the writing and verification of the new rules had to be completed tonight. Regardless of whether the Theater could be opened in the dungeon, they had to be fully prepared for any eventuality.
Compared to the lively discussions among the girls, Amamiya Natsuki was much more relaxed. He sat on the sofa, leisurely drinking tea, comfortably experiencing the feeling of being the head of the household—no matter whose opinion was expressed, he was the one who had to input the rules in the end.
The night passed without a word.
The next day.
When Miko quietly snuck back home, Amamiya Natsuki woke up, got dressed, and prepared to go out to walk the dog.
"Natsuki-kun, what are you going to do?"
A clear, cold voice of a girl reached his ears.
Amamiya Natsuki turned his head to look. The Sheltered Ojou-sama had quietly appeared by the door.
"Going out to walk the dog." Amamiya Natsuki raised the leash in his hand. "Why are you up?"
After exploring the simulated Theater last night, Amamiya Natsuki closed the Theater, and everyone returned to their rooms to rest. They were going into the dungeon tonight, so maintaining their condition was very important.
"I got up to use the restroom." Shinomiya Kaguya lightly pursed her pink lips and said casually, "Do you usually walk the dog this early?"
Amamiya Natsuki said:
"Before, it was always in the evening. Now that I have a lot of things to do, it's become the morning… You go back to sleep; I'm heading out."
"I'm not sleepy anymore." The Sheltered Ojou-sama tucked her hair behind her ear, saying nonchalantly, "Although there are dogs at home, they're all fierce guard dogs, and I've never gotten close to them… Walking a dog must be very interesting, right?"
Hey, hey, are you hinting at something?
You've never shown any interest in dogs before, but now you suddenly want to walk one. Your true intention is clearly not the dog itself.
Even without the presence of a prompt, Amamiya Natsuki could understand the Sheltered Ojou-sama's thoughts. A smile appeared on his face, and then he said:
"Walking a dog isn't actually interesting."
"Eh?"
"It's actually very tiring." Amamiya Natsuki complained seriously, "Once you get used to walking them, you have to go out every day, or they'll destroy the house. And they can't move when they see a female dog, and they're greedy and love to eat, so they can't move when they see food."
"…"
Shinomiya Kaguya's pink cheeks puffed out slightly.
That's not what I wanted to hear you say! Invite me quickly!
Seeing the Sheltered Ojou-sama cross her arms, Amamiya Natsuki decided to stop while he was ahead and said, "In any case, you'll know if you experience it yourself… Do you want to go for a walk with the dog?"
"Anyway, it's almost dawn, and I won't be able to sleep if I go back now, so there's no harm in trying it." Hearing what she wanted to hear, Shinomiya Kaguya's rosy lips curved slightly upwards.
She picked up a red ribbon and tied her silky smooth black hair, "Wait for me to put on my shoes."
Naturally, she couldn't wear slippers to walk the dog, so Shinomiya Kaguya bent down and began putting on her shoes.
Amamiya Natsuki stood nearby, his gaze involuntarily drawn to her.
Normally, it wasn't noticeable, but now, with a bend of her waist, the girl's graceful curves were instantly revealed.
From the front, she looked unremarkable, but from behind…
A premonition of danger suddenly blared wildly, and Amamiya Natsuki quickly averted his gaze, not daring to look anymore.
"What's wrong?"
The Sheltered Ojou-sama finished putting on her shoes and looked over, puzzled.
Amamiya Natsuki's expression was serious: "I almost experienced a dimension-reducing attack just now."
"Enough, let's go walk the dog."
"…"
Amamiya Natsuki handed the leash to Kaguya, letting the Sheltered Ojou-sama lead the dog, and they walked out of the house together.
The sun had not yet risen; only the faint morning light dispelled the darkness, and the street was exceptionally quiet and peaceful.
"It was right here that night." Amamiya Natsuki pointed to the doorway, telling Kaguya, "I went out to walk the dog, squatted down to tie my shoelaces, and then when I looked up again, someone coldly told me to turn myself in.
I almost thought I had committed some heinous crime."
Speaking of her first time undergoing the novice trial, the Sheltered Ojou-sama rolled her beautiful eyes: "I had already showered and was about to rest when I suddenly saw a stranger appear in front of me, holding a rope… Any normal person would be on guard, right?"
"That's too much." Amamiya Natsuki clutched his chest, "We're classmates."
Shinomiya Kaguya's lips curved slightly: "Precisely because we're classmates, I only told you to turn yourself in."
If he wasn't a classmate, would he have already sunk into Tokyo Bay by now?
It seems I still have to thank you for not killing me!
The Sheltered Ojou-sama led the dog, walking side by side with Amamiya Natsuki, and they arrived at the park.
It was still early, and the park was exceptionally deserted; not a single person could be seen, only a few evil spirits wandering about.
The silly dog walked steadily ahead, with Amamiya Natsuki and Shinomiya Kaguya following behind, enjoying the morning's tranquility all to themselves.
"How does walking the dog feel?"
Amamiya Natsuki asked.
"Very good." Shinomiya Kaguya lifted the strands of hair by her ear and said softly, "I feel like my heart has calmed down."
Amamiya Natsuki turned to look at the Sheltered Ojou-sama and suddenly said:
"Speaking of which, I haven't pasted the skill to you yet, have I?"
During the team meeting last night, besides experiencing Midnight Theater, everyone also discussed the skills they wanted to Copy and Paste.
For example, Kaguya, after careful consideration, chose Miko's Eyes of Spiritual Sight.
It's worth mentioning that the mushroom skill could not be Copy and Paste due to its higher level.
The Sheltered Ojou-sama's pretty face flushed slightly, and she looked straight ahead, saying in a nonchalant tone:
"Not yet."
Amamiya Natsuki extended his right hand and said:
"Then let me hold it for a while now?"
"…"
The Sheltered Ojou-sama glanced at the hand extended in front of her.
What does he mean by 'hold it for a while'? It's clearly just pasting a skill; don't say strange things!
Shinomiya Kaguya's pretty face felt slightly warm, and she gently raised her right hand, saying in a nonchalant tone:
"…It's just pasting a skill."
"That's right, it's pasting a skill."
Amamiya Natsuki smiled and took the Sheltered Ojou-sama's soft hand.
The delicate, silky smooth, boneless, slightly cool sensation instantly filled his entire palm, making him not want to let go at all.
The two walked hand in hand, continuing to walk the dog in the park.
A moment later.
(The time should be about right, shouldn't it?)
Shinomiya Kaguya secretly glanced at the boy beside her.
(Five minutes must have passed, and he still hasn't let go—that's too much!)
(Should I remind him?)
(Never mind, if I remind him now, it'll seem like I care a lot.
Anyway, it's just pasting a skill, so it's normal to occasionally forget the time, right?)
The Sheltered Ojou-sama muttered to herself, and finally decided to ignore it.
(Anyway, it's definitely not because it feels good, which is why I don't want to let go!)
The sky gradually brightened.
The number of pedestrians on the road also quietly increased.
After walking the dog, Amamiya Natsuki let go of her hand and said, "Let's go, it's about time to head back."
"Mm."
Shinomiya Kaguya nodded gently, unable to resist glancing over.
(We haven't even reached the park entrance yet; it wouldn't be too late to let go a bit later, would it?)
On the way back, they also stopped by the supermarket to buy groceries.
When they returned home with their bags, no one was sleeping in; everyone was already up.
"Natsuki-kun, good morning~"
Koyasu Tsubame waved hello; the Senpai, who had just woken up, was still a bit lazy and drowsy, and her drawn-out ending sound was especially cute.
"Kaguya-chan, did you two go walk the dog?" Fujiwara Chika put her hands on her hips, "Why didn't you call me to go with you?"
"You were sleeping too soundly." Shinomiya Kaguya said nonchalantly, "Thunder wouldn't even wake you."
"Impossible." Fujiwara Chika retorted, "Every time there's thunder, I get woken up by the sound; I don't sleep that soundly."
"Natsuki, give me the ingredients." Kitagawa Marin extended her right hand, proudly rolled up her sleeves, "Leave breakfast to me."
"I bought Pacific saury; we'll have grilled Pacific saury for breakfast." Amamiya Natsuki said softly, "Omurice is fine, but no tamagoyaki."
Kitagawa Marin puffed out her rosy cheeks: "You said the tamagoyaki was delicious yesterday."
"It was indeed delicious." Amamiya Natsuki said seriously, "Precisely because it was delicious, I wanted to eat it all by myself."
"I forgive you." This Succubus Girl wasn't angry to begin with, and upon hearing this, she couldn't help but smile, "I'll go grill the Pacific saury."
Tsubame-senpai stepped forward to follow: "I'll help."
"Poke—"
A finger lightly poked Amamiya Natsuki's waist.
"Senpai, what did you say to the Miss?" Hayasaka Ai asked softly, "Why did the Miss's mood suddenly improve?"
"Want to know?" Amamiya Natsuki looked at his junior, Hayasaka, and returned her words, "After the dungeon is cleared, I'll tell you."
Hayasaka Ai: "…"
Darn it!
That perverted Natsuki, how dare he even mimic what I say? Clearly, he still needs more training.
After breakfast.
Everyone left for school together.
"Juju, and Shoko, see you tonight."
At the crossroads, Kitagawa Marin waved goodbye to the two girls; they weren't at the same school, so they could only meet again in the evening.
Juju nodded in response: "See you all tonight."
As for Komi, facing so many people, she began practicing her silent meditation again, only communicating through her notebook.
The journey was silent.
Upon arriving at school, everyone parted ways.
Amamiya Natsuki, Kaguya, and Chika went to the Student Council to handle its daily affairs.
In a flash, it was time for school to end.
Koyasu Tsubame sent a message:
"Natsuki-kun, after you're done with your work, shall we go visit cousin at the Hospital again?"
Amamiya Natsuki agreed: "Just a moment."
After finishing the Student Council's daily chores, Amamiya Natsuki bid farewell to the Sheltered Ojou-sama, left to meet Tsubame-senpai, and together they headed to the Hospital.
"Aunt and Uncle were super happy to hear that cousin ate so much, and they insisted on thanking you." Koyasu Tsubame was quite happy along the way, "Natsuki-kun, when are you free? Aunt and Uncle want to treat you to a meal."
Amamiya Natsuki casually said:
"Isn't it too early to meet the parents?"
"It's meeting Aunt and Uncle." Koyasu Tsubame's pretty face flushed, and she glared at him, "It's not meeting my parents."
"I didn't say anything about meeting Senpai's parents." Amamiya Natsuki looked down and whispered, "What are you thinking, Senpai?"
Koyasu Tsubame: "…"
He's even trying to turn the tables on me—that's incredibly infuriating!
The two took the train to the Hospital and soon saw cousin.
After talking for a while, Amamiya Natsuki subtly planted another mushroom.
"Still the Gluttony Mushroom… Does each person only grow one type of mushroom?"
"The sample data is too small; we can't draw a conclusion yet."
"We need to plant more mushrooms."
"…"
After helping cousin regain her appetite and complete her daily eating task, Amamiya Natsuki and Koyasu Tsubame left the Hospital and returned home to rest.
At 8:30 PM, the team members had gathered, and everyone waited silently in a coffee shop near the Hospital.
In a blink of an eye, it was 9:00 PM.
Amamiya Natsuki entered the Hospital, and a dizzying sensation quietly swept over him.
[Dungeon loading…]
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