In the corner of classroom A-1.
The aroma of black tea steamed in front of a beautiful nose. Black-stockinged legs crossed gracefully, every movement radiating natural elegance.
Like a witch emerging from a forbidden library, the black-haired girl sipped her full, cherry-blossom-colored lips. Her long, slightly curved eyelashes fell gracefully. A calm and mysterious atmosphere enveloped her, like a thin, hazy veil.
Many passersby couldn't help but turn and stare, their gazes fixed on her smooth and stunningly beautiful face, or lingering on her plump and firm thighs wrapped in black stockings, and the bulging, undulating front of her uniform. That pure yet sexy allure made it hard for anyone—old or young, man or woman—to resist the instinct to admire her.
No one knew that, at this moment, the beautiful black-haired girl was on the verge of exploding with frustration.
Under the table, the tip of her small black leather boot pressed against the floor, while her raised heel trembled slightly, causing subtle ripples in the plump thigh flesh wrapped in black stockings.
Behind her mature and calm face, her teeth were clenched tightly. Pitch-black anger like a silent abyss burned in her ruby eyes, as if ready to shoot flames in a certain direction at any moment.
"Hey, stupid underclassman, do you even know I'm giving you hints... why are you still chatting over there?! Why don't you hurry up and come find me in the third-year area! This is a matter of life and death, be a little sensitive!"
She shifted her hips restlessly on the chair, hoping to rush over, grab someone's collar, and yell right into his uselessly handsome face, not caring if saliva sprayed onto it, just wanting to vent the unbearable rage in her chest.
She was so angry that her chest felt like it had swollen a few sizes!
Utaha's schedule today was very simple.
Since morning, when she left the flyer, she had been using her notebook to track Yuu's whereabouts, following him from afar.
Yuu went to the audio-visual room to watch a movie; Utaha waited outside.
Yuu joyfully toured the school festival with his girlfriend; Utaha rejected annoying suitors while casually passing by the stalls.
Yuu performed in the drama stage; Utaha even paid for a ticket to watch.
She was part of the applause after the piano recital earlier.
And now, to enter and scout the situation in classroom A-1, she had to wait ten minutes outside for a seat!
"What the hell, that bastard!"
Her trembling fingers from anger made the liquid in the teacup shake like an earthquake. Utaha sipped her tea twice more, trying to calm her increasingly restless mood.
What else could she do? The notebook in her hand wasn't a Future Diary; she couldn't predict Yuu's actions, only chase behind to monitor.
To warn him to be careful of the girl trying to stab his heart with a sword, Utaha had to know when Yuu would go to classroom 3-A, then rush back to the stall before he arrived and disguise herself as a fortune teller to deliver the information.
If Utaha had a choice, she wouldn't want to be a riddle-spouter either!
But the warning in the notebook made her too afraid to try other methods.
For example, getting his contact info and sending a threatening message... but Yuu would never believe it, and she might even get reported to the police.
Humans are pitiful creatures, only able to make choices in the absence of choices.
After all, if Utaha had even one person she could trust in this school, she wouldn't need to personally approach Yuu...
It should have been enough to observe from afar; why plunge into this bottomless pit!
"If I could go back to that summer vacation, I'd definitely break the legs of the person who carelessly followed others. What's the point of gathering story material... Curiosity kills the cat. You never know if the person you're following is ordinary or a light novel protagonist!"
After finishing the last sip of black tea, Utaha placed the teacup on the table, exhaled slowly, then opened the notebook on the table.
"Hmph... already confessing to his girlfriends' mothers, huh? Seeing them get along so well, it must have succeeded?"
Glancing at the contents, then lifting her eyes to the seven-person seat in the back, she smirked slightly and once again labeled Yuu negatively in her heart.
This trashy man who two-times and does it openly—no matter how talented he is, only insane and gullible girls would fall for him to the death.
Even if they were initially fooled by his gentle and perfect self, after learning what he'd done and his unbroken ties with so many other women, a smart girl should stay away for her own safety, not willingly sacrifice her feelings and be forced to become one of his girlfriends.
In romance novels, a plot like this would only be written by a third-rate author, making a fourth-rate book!
"Honestly, a painful love triangle is the most fitting for them..."
Shaking her head and sighing, Utaha suddenly realized something, and her movements froze.
Guess what—if they were influenced by something in him, unconsciously falling for him, willingly becoming his girlfriends, even sacrificing so much for it?
Conspiracy theory!
Utaha shuddered in shock, rubbing her goosebump-covered arms hard, trembling slightly.
Because if so, she could very well be the next target, her mind controlled by the same mysterious and terrifying thing as this notebook, ending up tragically like those women!
No! A future like that must not happen!
"I-Is there a way to avoid it..."
Her mind raced, forcing herself to calm down while carefully observing the movements over there.
Though confused why the two were loudly discussing cheating and holding hands under the table—a clearly visible act from behind—yet strangely no one noticed.
But since world resets could happen to her, having magic to hide affairs might not be strange anymore?
Thinking this, Utaha unconsciously forgot her earlier worry and enthusiastically guessed how many special abilities that man had.
After all, she was a novelist; how could she not be interested in an existence beyond common sense!
Thus, after three more cups of black tea, Utaha finally waited for them to stand and pay.
"Haaah, you really made me wait..."
Utaha secretly sighed in relief. Seeing the group leave the class, she stood to pay and followed from afar behind the conspicuous group, keeping a distance that allowed her to act anytime.
At the stairs, seeing them head up without hesitation, as if with a destination, Utaha was briefly surprised, then her heart raced.
"No wasted effort; you finally know to find me! Quick, don't stop, hurry to the third floor!"
And when they stepped onto the stairs to the third floor, she would turn and run, heading straight to class 3-A from the other stairs!
Utaha had everything set up there; distance and timing were in her favor. Thank goodness! Everything would finally go as planned!
After waiting all morning, she was now as excited as when she learned her novel was a bestseller.
Risking detection, Utaha quickened her pace, closing the gap, climbing up with them, separated only by a small crowd.
Her hopeful eyes followed the stairs. Three steps to the second floor, two steps, one step... good, keep going!
(You've visited all the second-floor stalls; no way you'll visit again, right?)
(You must be heading to the second floor now, then to the third to find the suspicious person who deliberately dropped that flyer for you, right?)
Like a fan seeing their idol take the mic on stage, ready to cheer, Utaha stared at his back with trusting, hopeful eyes.
After stepping onto the second floor, Yuu walked toward the third-floor stairs without hesitation—then passed it without looking, leading his group of friends and family toward the skybridge.
Utaha: "..."
Slowly stopping, on the stairs between the first and second floors, her breath gradually froze, as if turned into a beautiful statue, staring blankly at his retreating back.
If emotions could be represented by color, she might now be entirely blue-black—blue for sorrow over misplaced trust, black for deepening, near-hysterical murderous intent.
People passed on the stairs. Many noticed her expressionless face but eyes showing deep sadness. The gloomy shadow enveloping her made sensitive men feel a slight heartache and pity.
Was she dumped by her boyfriend? Or experienced something heartbreaking?
Like a scarecrow attracting birds, eyes fixed on her. Soon, someone boldly approached the beautiful, seductive girl to chat.
But before he could speak, the statue suddenly revived, angrily throwing the notebook in her hand to the floor, then stomping it hard with her long, black-stockinged legs that could make one want to lick them until broken.
Her beautiful black hair fluttered with rage.
"Bas-tard, you, idi-ot!"
"..."
After venting on the notebook for a while, Utaha took a deep breath, ignoring the shocked and worried stares around her, picked up the undamaged notebook, dusted it off, and walked upstairs with a cold expression.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Hmm~ Virtual Game Research Club, it's this way, right?"
After calming down, Asuna wasn't in a hurry to find Yuu but leisurely strolled through the cultural festival toward the club building.
She remembered her brother's request; looking at the time, the world martial arts championship should have started. Coming now was perfect to check the situation.
Of course, unless something unexpected, she wouldn't interfere with the kids!
After tossing the finished food wrappers into the trash, Asuna rubbed her slightly rounded belly and sighed contentedly.
Confirming the Virtual Game Research Club's location, she walked quickly.
Though small with a tiny, remote clubroom, perhaps due to the fame of
When Asuna arrived, a crowd was watching; it seemed the busiest stall in the corridor.
"Come, come, just five hundred yen for one full-dive Sword Art World game try! And for another five hundred yen, challenge the arena—defeat the champion to replace them, hold for one more round, and get a super prize specially prepared by our virtual club! Don't miss if you love games and thrills!"
Hearing their promotion from afar, Asuna couldn't help frowning slightly.
"Hold the arena? Isn't that a martial arts tournament? And why charge?"
Curiously, she reached the crowd's edge and said to everyone with a gentle, polite smile: "Excuse me, please make way; I have business with the club members."
A beautiful face and friendly attitude are the best path-openers.
Soon, Asuna emerged from the crowd and entered the virtual clubroom.
Her brother, Kouichirou, lent four helmets total. They used two for trials, two for arena fights. Two LCD screens hung high on the door-facing wall, letting spectators view two game screens.
From the ID names, they used test accounts provided by her brother.
Asuna looked around, saw no issues, and nodded.
Though not as formal as a game press conference, for a small club to set up like this proved they were serious about the exhibit.
However, what puzzled her was the clearly curtained arena area. Not only spectators but even onstage players couldn't see each other.
With such confusion, she quickly found the virtual club president and stated her identity.
"You're Yuuki-san? Hello, I'm very grateful for your brother's help so far."
In a slightly exaggerated old-fashioned tone, the standard otaku-looking club president pushed up his glasses and said expressionlessly: "As thanks, may I treat you to dinner after the festival?"
As usual, Asuna smiled and replied: "Sorry, I already promised dinner with my boyfriend."
"What a shame."
Seemingly used to rejection, the club president's expression didn't change. After learning Asuna's questions, he explained.
"We originally planned a world martial arts championship flow and got committee approval. But this morning's trial showed venue, personnel, and match system weren't as easy as imagined."
"Many errors occurred, and we're lazy game otaku. So we changed the tournament to a simpler arena match, letting visitors play without long matches."
"About the curtains—some female players felt unsafe with their real bodies surrounded after helmet use, so we got curtains to protect helpless players in-game."
"Ticket fees? Didn't Yuuki-senpai tell you? Charging was his suggestion; in exchange for equipment, we split half the stall revenue with him... But we don't care much about money. Our main goal is letting everyone enjoy virtual gaming and participate with players everywhere!"
A glasses flash appeared; the club president shouted passionately in a flat tone.
"I see..."
Asuna was about to give a respectful look when she saw a cute girl in the trial area remove her helmet, seemingly wanting another go.
A club member approached. They chatted briefly; the girl took out her phone to exchange LINE Ids.
After she left, the member stood tall, closed his eyes, suddenly raised his phone, and slowly turned.
Then basked in the bloody envious stares of other members with a proud expression.
"...That's what you call participating together?"
Asuna smiled confusedly, tilting her head at the club president.
Her eyes subtly showed disdain.
"That's just some members' personal behavior. Please don't associate it with the whole club."
He pushed up his glasses, expression flat and stiff, seeming confident.
But a drop of sweat slowly trickled down his forehead, like a small animal targeted by a lion, trembling slightly.
"Fine."
Asuna sighed helplessly, not wanting to argue with a stranger. After generally checking equipment per her brother's instructions, she turned and said to the club president:
"No issues, and you're maintaining the machines well. I'll tell my brother."
"Thank you."
Asuna looked up at the arena match screen. The next match would start soon. Using special test accounts, avatars were random; only gender choosable.
Both sides male. Left seemed the club's arena champion, avatar movements skilled. Right a bit awkward—first-time full-dive virtual gamer, still adapting.
The left didn't rush the match, approaching to patiently teach basics like sword skill release and body movement keys.
"Though an arena match, we virtual club members won't yield on game matters."
Seeing him stare intently, the club president explained timely: "Konno dougaku is our strongest player. He's won dozens since becoming champion; no one's beaten him."
"Undefeated winner?" Asuna raised a brow, unconsciously smiling, her challenge itch slowly igniting. "Annoying customers like that, aren't you afraid of complaints?"
"We virtual club members don't care about outsiders!"
Saying domineering words flatly, the club president added: "Anyway, Konno always gives good game experiences, ensuring they play enough before winning."
"Impressive? Only skilled people can do that."
In an admiring tone, Asuna's smile widened: "True, events like this let us fight masters we normally can't meet!"
"..."
The club president pushed up his glasses, suddenly afraid to meet her eyes.
As if her eyes shone like falling stars, carrying sword-like sharpness.
As if she suddenly changed from a gentle princess to a seasoned warrior, sword drawn, sharpness making one instinctively back away.
"Hey, can I join too?" Asuna suddenly asked, tone certain.
"...Yes, but queue."
The club president didn't ask more, adding Asuna's name to the list.
After Konno delayed another duel and defeated three challengers, Asuna entered behind the curtain.
Noticing, a member asked confusedly: "President, that's Yuuki-senpai's sister, right?"
"Yes."
"The Yuuki family princess... They developed the machine, so she's probably better at it than us. Konno-chan won't lose, right?"
"I don't know." A cold glasses flash showed narrowed, deep eyes beneath.
"But even Yuuki-senpai lost badly to Konno in private."
That was just Konno himself, not his hospitalized sister—the possibly strongest player in the game... But no need to tell outsiders.
The club president pushed up his glasses, staring deeply at the left screen avatar.
"Seriously?!" The member's eyes widened in shock, then slight relief: "So no equipment familiarity advantage. Pure skill, Konno-chan should be safe..."
"Not certain." The club president pulled out his phone, quickly searched a page, flipped the screen: "Look."
"What..." The member leaned in, voice rising in disbelief: "National high school girls' fencing champion?! This princess is that strong?"
The club president took back his phone, nodding: "And probably far stronger than imagined. I sense a powerful aura from her that Konno lacks... This match will be troublesome."
As they spoke, both avatars faced off on screen.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In the virtual world, on endless grasslands.
Wind brushing the face, heel-stomping ground feedback, even breathing, scents, tastes—all perfectly reproduced.
Entering this world again, Asuna stretched slightly but frowned dissatisfiedly.
"Random avatars like this are hard to adapt to..."
Good she didn't pick male for fun; otherwise, maybe only a third of her ability... Too-real games have downsides.
Sighing, she turned to the one-handed swordsman across, just standing.
"Hello, I'm Konno, arena champion."
Seeming shy, he smiled slightly, not talkative but warm and friendly: "Um, need me to explain the game?"
"No, I'm a veteran." Controlling the unfamiliar avatar, Asuna drew her long sword from the waist, casually swinging it sideways a few times: "I should be more familiar with this game than you. I came up because I suddenly itched to challenge, so no need to hold back."
"Eh?" Konno was clearly surprised, then realized: "Ah, you must be Yuuki-niisan's sister..."
"Yes. Name's Asuna, nice to meet you."
Asuna hopped twice lightly, suddenly smiling: "Konno-san, you're female, right? Not awkward using a male avatar?"
"H-How did you know!?" Konno jumped back two steps in shock, panicking looking around as if seeking a gender leak.
Asuna quickly calmed her: "Just a personal feeling! How... Your stance and sword-holding have slight differences from males. Maybe only I notice?"
"I-I see..." Seeming relieved, Konno slowly calmed, explaining softly: "Um, to play with my sister, my Sword Art World account is male... Just need habit. So you're amazing to notice..."
"Nothing, just experience." Asuna smiled: "After the fight, add me as friend? Let's duel with real avatars later; that's fun!"
"Okay..." Konno quietly withdrew her surprised gaze.
Though her voice and eyes were gentle, why did it feel like the one before her wasn't a princess but a battle maniac craving strong opponents?
Probably not just feeling... She said she came up itching to challenge, proving she's not just a veteran PvPer but likely very strong.
That sun-like confident light in her eyes, Konno had only seen in her sister.
"Ano..." Holding her sword, Konno looked doubtfully: "Need time to adapt to this avatar?"
"No, playing a bit will adapt."
With a right-hand swipe, Asuna opened the game menu, seeming uninterested in more chat.
"Let's start. To the death, half health, or one strike?"
"If veteran, to the death..." Drawing her one-handed sword, Konno pursed lips and muttered: "Are you in a hurry? First time meeting someone so quick to fight..."
They stood in the duel prep area. Asuna clearly heard the mutter, smiling apologetically.
"Sorry, long time no equal opponent. Heard from your club president you're very strong, so a bit impatient."
"Ah, I-I didn't mean to blame, sorry!" Konno repeatedly bowed, awkwardly rubbing hands in front.
Luckily her male avatar was charming; otherwise, a burly man acting shy would be visually horrifying.
"A-And I'm not that strong. At least far weaker than my sister..."
"Really? That's interesting."
Noting it, Asuna skillfully opened the duel request window, casually sending it.
"I have things after; let's finish quick!"
"Ah, understood..."
Konno accepted, held her one-handed long sword, widened stance, took common skill prep pose.
Few openings. Asuna nodded inwardly. Not too strong was just humility... This stance far better than veteran-claiming Yuuki-niisan since server open.
A serious opponent!
"Oh, arena matches allow skill use. Highest combo skills usable if you can." Konno suddenly remembered, quickly reminding.
"I see, that's great."
Asuna smiled. Holding the long sword, her wrist—supposed to thrust basically—twisted, slowly tilting her body.
"But then, no wonder you keep winning. Avatar advantage, skill proficiency, arena mechanics familiarity... Let alone full-dive newbies, even general testers probably can't beat you here, right?"
"Um, that..." Konno bit her lip, seeming intimidated but staring seriously: "Anyway, matches require full power. Any dirty trick must be used. One exploiting all conditions to win is the true winner..."
Asuna smiled casually.
"Relax, I'm not blaming; I'm even happy."
The big countdown above nearly ended. She casually gripped the hilt, slowly raising the long sword tip, upper body lowering, ready to charge.
"—!?"
As if locked by an invisible cone, face-brushing wind turned sharp knives.
Konno's pupils sharply contracted, unconsciously releasing usual sword pose, taking full-power stance like against her sister.
Heart-squeezing pressure; a moment's lapse and chest pierced—but how?!
The Yuuki family princess across was this strong...
"So, careful! To win, I won't hold back either!"
Countdown hung between them.
Three...
Two...
One.
"Here we go!"
As words fell, duel officially began.
*CLANG—*
One-handed sword glowed with timely skill. But before Konno stepped toward opponent, her wide shocked black eyes slowly filled with sharp, cold light lines.
So fast!?
Like a meteor, ground-parallel, distant to close in a blink, as if transcending time.
Raising dust and storm along the way, mercilessly piercing her body.
Seeing the game screen, the club president and member fell silent, expressions emotionless alike.
After a moment, the member finally spoke.
"President, what was that?"
"RECT princess, Yuuki-san, national high school girls' fencing champion."
"Then?"
"Random avatar, beginner long sword, no skill restrictions."
"Besides?"
"Straight thrust faster than meteor, then massacred on knockdown like slaughter, no counter chance, post-duel refreshingly happy expression."
The member turned, staring feelingly at the president's glasses-hidden eyes.
"President, stop; let's retire from gaming."
The club president pushed up trembling fingers' glasses, flat tone carrying strong resolve: "Calm; such a monster won't have a second... or third!"
As he finished, the upper screen showed disconnect. The monster stretched and exited the curtain, looking refreshed.
"Haa~ Thrilling; if slower, trouble if she countered..."
Club president and member: "..."
Duel under ten seconds, utterly crushed their strongest, no retaliation. Still daring thrilling and trouble?
Such a mocker—if not beautiful, they'd real-world fight to teach... Wait, still couldn't beat her real-world.
Fine, forget it.
"What? Do I look weird?"
Asuna blinked, seeming to understand, awkwardly scratching cheek: "True, movements not standard. I know, but what to do! Not my avatar, weapon not usual. Max output seventy to eighty percent."
"..."
Numb and speechless, the club president and member stayed silent, letting the girl before them brag like the world's richest saying he doesn't know money-making.
The other curtain suddenly opened; a bob-haired, glasses-wearing, pale, thin girl shyly walked out.
"Konno-san?"
Seeing her, Asuna immediately smiled gently, about to greet.
"Yii!" The girl weakly screamed, body flashing, hiding behind the curtain again.
Asuna kept raised hand, awkwardly frozen.
After a while, she slowly turned, cheeks twitching slightly, smile very strange.
"A-Am I that scary?"
Both nodded seriously.
Smile fading, Asuna narrowed eyes.
Both quickly shook heads, final survival struggle.
Asuna tiredly sighed, no intent to pursue—the game done, brother's task complete. Time to find Yuu.
"Then, hope your stall succeeds more. I have other business; bye~"
Smoothing her long, smooth brown hair, Asuna casually waved, walking to the door.
But two steps in, a soft voice from behind.
"U-Um, you won the arena; won't you defend... There's a prize..."
Asuna half-turned, indifferently smiling: "No need; I don't know controlling power for others' game experience. Better Konno-san as champion—"
Before finishing, a familiar voice from the outside crowd.
"I'm just helping a friend check the stall. You don't all need to come in..."
Yuu turned slightly resignedly.
Now, not just his sister and two girlfriends, but even the two mothers and one older sister followed.
He thought after chatting and eating, everyone might disperse. He'd stated other business, couldn't accompany the mothers around the festival.
But unexpectedly, they followed, noisily walking with him from school building skybridge deep into club building.
Not that after dating permission from mothers, he rushed to ditch them for dates with their daughters...
Just, Mama Yuigahama manageable, but Saori in kimono. Walking before Yukinoshita family's two beautiful daughters, attention level not two-plus-one. Yuu turned often to answer mothers' sometimes naughty, teasing, complex questions...
Tired! Annoying!
(My cultural festival shouldn't be this heavy!)
Yuu missed morning, before meeting any mother...
"I'll start cooking near evening, so no rush home now." Pressing palm to smooth cheek, Mama Yuigahama smiled cheerfully: "So wherever Yui goes, I'll follow~ Unless you want to separate mother and child, but our future son-in-law wouldn't, right?"
Beside, Yuigahama looked helplessly despairing, as if given up.
Yuu dry-laughed: "Of course..."
"Though I must return for work, driver arrives later, so I'll join Yukino and others for now." Folding fan lightly tapped hand, Saori gently smiled, soft lips slightly curving: "Any trouble? Or Yukinoshita family unfit by your side?"
"Mother..." Yukino weakly protested, fully suppressed by Saori's faint gaze.
"You exaggerate. Your presence makes me slightly embarrassed, almost不敢 appear in corridor." Yuu forced lip twitch control, meaningfully mocking.
Saori unconcerned, opened fan with clash, casually: "Then no issue. Relax, I'll hide behind Haruno and Yukino to not burden you."
"..."
Headache expression, Yuu stopped outside crowd.
Then resigned sigh, other hand pointing to Virtual Game Research Club spectator crowd.
"Now I must enter this club. You all want to squeeze with me, bodies sweaty?"
"..."
Women behind immediately silent, expressions stiff.
Soon, Sora decisively turned, walking to shaded stairs: "I'll wait outside."
"Ah, Sora, wait~" Chasing Sora, Yuigahama questioningly looked at Yukino.
Yukino quickly understood, nodded without hesitation, stood beside, escorting Sora and Yuigahama mother-daughter leaving virtual club front.
"Yukino-chan staying? Then I..." Haruno about to step, pulled back by mother grasping sleeve end.
"You accompany me rest; I don't want crowd squeeze."
"Tch, as expected..."
Soon, original noisy seven-person team left just them two.
Yuu looked down beside; she looked up at him.
Both understandingly smiled, pinkies briefly touching beside, separating as if nothing.
"Alright, let's go."
Yuu about to enter crowd to clear for Yukino, but sleeve tugged.
Similar movement, again showing genetic inheritance.
"Let me; you follow behind."
Saying, Yukino pulled armband from pocket, put on, face serious, loudly shouting to front crowd:
"Excuse me, Cultural Festival Committee now inspecting. Please make way!"
All turned, seeing committee chair armband, consciously parting, straight path to clubroom.
Yuu followed behind, whispering: "Okay? I recall you dislike abusing power."
"Dislike, so my action has three bases."
Her beautiful honest profile, like morning-blooming lily: "One, Virtual Game Research Club's activity has electrical short risk, committee notes strong patrol object. I'm just passing to duty."
"Two, purpose. You promised friend to guard stall, so equipment safety check, proper use, your responsibility, right? As committee chair escorting you in not wrong, let alone power abuse."
Here, she suddenly stopped, not continuing.
Yuu noticed, curiously asking: "Then third?"
Yukino stared ahead, seeming to keep calm, but red tint on white skin clear. Lips pursed awkwardly.
"...Want to help you, so you praise me, or something."
A shy voice softer than mosquito in noisy environment.
But she knew, the one behind surely heard.
"Though people watching, I can't do anything, but..."
Soon, Yuu smiled, voice also clearly audible in such environment: "Thanks, Yukino. You helped a lot, head pat~"
"Don't use tone like comforting a child!" Yukino slightly awkwardly huffed, flicking long hair to cover face side so he wouldn't see.
But Yuu still felt it. Like a happy cat raising tail, Yukino clearly in good mood.
Both exited crowd, quickly finding glasses-wearing virtual club president.
"Your equipment safety concerns big, especially four high-power simultaneous, easy short hazards."
Before outsiders, Yukino's tone always flat undeniable, not cold but unapproachable: "Please allow recheck sockets and extension cords per school rules."
"Understood. Member X, escort committee chair there."
Club president pushed glasses, ordering member to guide Yukino check cables. Deep lens-hidden eyes shifted to Yuu.
"Tenkuji-kun, accompanying committee chair, or..."
"Just helping friend check stall. Seems you set up well." Yuu scanned virtual club layout. Curious gaze swept from crowded trial area to empty arena, slightly raised brow, not asking directly.
"Friend?" The corpse-like flat-faced club president rarely showed clear surprise: "The friend you mean, don't tell me..."
"Yes, Yuuki Kouichirou, Kou-niisan. The otaku student lending helmets." Yuu smiled: "Not distrust, he asked me stop by look, help if issues... I used these machines same period as Kou-niisan. Should understand better than you."
"...I see." Club president pursed lips. Oily nose bridge kept pushing glasses. Dazzling glasses flash exploded.
Born flat-faced, eyes hidden behind thick lenses, Yuu didn't notice his complex strange mood. Instead pointed to arena area asking: "After changing tournament to arena, this empty?"
"No, not..." After seconds silence, seeming word-thinking, club president slowly spoke.
"Actually, a strong challenger came. After replacing our arena champion, kept slaughtering onstage newbies, no game experience. Eventually, no one wanted onstage slaughter by him."
Hearing, Yuu frowned: "Such trash player? Why not kick offstage? Committee can help anytime?"
"No, set game rules must follow. This is Virtual Game Research Club pride!"
Club president strongly shook head. Flat face suddenly showed marble-like firm lines.
"Bullied by others our fault for weakness. Now wait for him bored up there, then recruit customers to challenge arena."
"I see." Yuu suspiciously eyed him. Though smelling lie, couldn't see emotion change from corpse face. Of course, didn't know what the club president hid or lied.
But speaking of strong challenger related to Sword Art World game, first in Yuu's mind naturally far-at-girls-academy Asuna.
She likely the only super-strong player matching him. Full-power Asuna as arena champion, no one but him could beat.
Glancing curtained two-curtain arena area, Yuu thought briefly, quickly gave up Asuna guess.
First, she schools in neighboring city, no reason for Soubu Cultural Festival.
Second, club president used male pronoun, current arena screen avatar male. Basically separated from female pronoun.
Finally, Asuna not unreasonable. Her nature at most one challenge itch, then leave to avoid trouble. Impossible deliberately cause issues.
Thinking this, Yuu unconsciously relieved sigh, then to club president:
"I'll help expel him."
"Then gladly accepted."
"?"
(This guy, why agree so quick and firm?)
Noticing Yuu's growing doubt eyes, club president pushed glasses, sweating despite late December winter.
But didn't explain intent, respectfully extended hand, directing to curtained seat: "Please help. He really troubled us. Defeat that inhumanly strong one."
"...Understood."
Sharp eyes observed glasses man top to bottom. Though accepting request, Yuu turned back every step, staring club president until forehead sweat more, nearly streaming down stiff face.
Until his figure truly vanished behind curtain, club president suddenly leaned on knees exhausted, removed glasses, wiped forehead sweat with collar.
"This eye pressure..."
Not finished sighing, suddenly looked up.
In blurry world, someone poked head from curtain, staring straight.
Suddenly extended two fingers, first pointing own eyes, then distant him—after, pulled head back.
Club president: "..."
Warning that [Every move watched]?
(Damn, why around Yuuki-senpai all weirdos...)
Club president felt very tired, really wanted to game.
"Where'd he go?" Yukino returned after power check, only seeing gloomy club president standing, not seeing boyfriend.
"He went to fight for us." Club president answered hoarsely, pointing upper screen.
Yukino looked up.
On green grasslands, robed silhouette slowly solidified, while opposite male avatar stood slowly, as if long waiting.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Meanwhile, on skybridge connecting school and club buildings.
Utaha controlled emotions, determined no future anger over Yuu matters.
She'd faced very bad situation, entangled by very bad notebook. Why self-harm over others?
Didn't Dazai Osamu say?
[Anger is torturing oneself over others' mistakes, irrational act.]
...Seemed not Dazai Osamu, but whatever.
Following their steps from afar, arrived before virtual club office.
Utaha observed distant, until seeing them split two. Two entered clubroom, others rested corridor, then deep breath, long black-stockinged legs walking there.
(I know them, they don't know me...)
Somehow, Utaha's heart slightly nervous.
First met silver ponytail beautiful girl. Yuu's sister, family far more important than his life.
Notebook even wrote siblings each other's existence reason, perhaps only them worldwide exaggerated so.
When unconsciously looking her way, Sora looked too. Both briefly stunned.
Then, Sora's gaze naturally dropped to Utaha's chest.
"..."
Withdrawing gaze, someone expressionlessly quickened pace.
Utaha couldn't help slight smile—right, still a child. Couldn't hide envious, jealous, hateful gaze at all.
After passing sister, met Yuu's current girlfriend.
Yuigahama Yui, liked him since middle school. Failed confession, second year high school friends again. Previous three tasks just background or loser.
This task finally promoted, but still not notebook-recognized main heroine... Pitiful pink girl.
"?"
Seeming feel pity gaze, Yuigahama confusedly turned, then frowned thinking hard slightly annoyed.
Utaha didn't wait her recall who, continued walking as if nothing.
Mama Yuigahama, unknown. Notebook little info, passed.
Mother Yukinoshita, unknown. But both daughters kidnapped by someone, two tests he easily passed. Really bad fate with Tenkuji... Hard being mother.
Finally Haruno.
Only one there whose beauty and body matched hers. Most noted in notebook, most making one unsure admire or pity.
Yuu's former first girlfriend, one whose past and future memories returned.
Only she successfully resisted three-reset world.
"..."
Mood immediately serious. Utaha dared not look long, desperately keeping expression calm—notebook wrote Haruno's observation and sensitivity rivaled Yuu.
Who Yuu? Light novel protagonist world reset three times for, constantly changing girlfriends, all-round perfect monster.
One notebook equated to him, definitely not easy to mess with.
Like walking back-forth before sleeping lion, holding tense muscles and pounding heart, Utaha kept same pace, gently flicking flowing black hair, naturally passing with natural expression.
One meter, two meters.
Secretly relieved sigh.
"Wait a moment."
"!?"
Breath held again. Back to voice, Utaha's face paled like choked.
Unconsciously stopped, expression quickly changed. Deep breath mental prep, at least outwardly calm.
Then, slowly turned.
"Excuse me..."
"Mother, new driver just called; been circling outside long. Hopes specific pickup time."
"Fine, we'll return after Tenkuji-kun exits... So tell driver circle around here again."
"I know~"
Haruno raised phone, turned seeming feel something.
Long-haired beautiful girl just passed already entered virtual club office. Earlier "Excuse me~" seemingly not for her.
"But both long black hair, both beautiful, why Yukino's chest so flat?"
"From personal experience, Yuu-chan likes beautiful big-chested girls!"
"If not forced by God to date someone, maybe Yukino-chan never chance, right?"
About to grin pleased, Haruno suddenly recalled her situation, couldn't laugh at all, only sullenly call.
While Utaha, successfully escaping contact with Yuu's girlfriends, struggled through crowd gaps to corner, relieved sigh in luckily empty spot.
"Though fine if she talked. No enmity with them, no need fear anything..."
But since notebook entanglement, seemed sensitive cautious. Tried avoid issues, prepare well before acting.
Feeling relaxed, Utaha tiptoed, didn't see Yuu in club office. Habitually pulled notebook, ready see what other side did meantime.
Flipping inner page, line slowly appeared per wish.
「13:28, Tenkuji Yuu and Yukinoshita Yukino enter Virtual Game Research Club room...」
「13:31, Tenkuji Yuu agrees with Virtual Game Research Club president to defeat Yuuki Asuna from arena champion position...」
"What the hell, just came to play games..."
Utaha sneered, disgustedly closing notebook, sighing wasted time again.
Just about to turn leave find good outside spot continue surveillance, suddenly realized something, face froze.
"Asuna, game, defeat from champion position..."
She remembered, Asuna Yuu's second girlfriend. Met in online game...
Red slowly fading from face, Utaha slowly looked up, eyes wide at arena screen.
Two male avatars faced, one holding long sword, one sheathing one-handed at waist, seeming talking, no sound.
And she knew, behind one male avatar, a girl named Asuna—brown-haired long swordswoman once cooperated with Yuu through many online game hardships.
"By the way, She will stab Tenkuji Yuu's heart... Not specified real world or virtual game."
Utaha couldn't help relieved smile.
She knew, how could real-world yandere murder-lover exist?
No need risk prevent murder, great—
"Great what! This even harder to stop, right?!"
Whole body filled rage. Utaha couldn't help throwing notebook to floor again, distorted face stomping.