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Rika had always been the ace of the police force, her physique outstanding even among men.
Shizuka, on the other hand, was a total klutz at sports. Between her lack of stamina and that absurd chest of hers, just walking was a struggle. She spent most days moving like a tired cat.
But now—things were different.
As soon as Rosen's transformation finished, Shizuka felt strength surging through her, like her entire body was soaking in a hot spring.
Her skin tingled as her pores expelled years of hidden toxins. In moments, the woman who had always seemed so fair and delicate was covered head-to-toe in sticky grime.
"Kyaa!"
The slick, greasy sensation made her shriek.
"Don't look!" She scrambled to cover herself with clothes, eyes brimming with tears. "Why did I turn ugly all of a sudden?!"
For Shizuka, turning hideous was even more unbearable than zombies.
Rosen coughed. "I forgot to mention. When I reshape your bodies, it's a full cleanse—impurities your body could never expel come out all at once."
"Huh? But I shower every day, and I use body wash and skincare!" Shizuka wailed in disbelief.
Even so, the two of them hurried off to clean themselves.
When they returned, freshly washed, Rosen asked, "How do you feel?"
Rika and Shizuka exchanged glances. Both could sense a roaring vitality circulating within.
"I feel like… I could crush Rika with one punch now!" Shizuka said brightly.
Rika blinked, then promptly flicked her forehead so hard it made a crack.
"Ow!"
Before she could beg for mercy, Shizuka went flying into the bed, smashing through the frame with a crash.
Rika stared at the wreckage, wide-eyed.
"…Did I just do that?"
Shizuka Marikawa groaned as she rubbed her head and climbed out of the collapsed bed."Even Rika's strength has gotten this crazy… when she hit me just now it was nothing like before. Ugh, my head's killing me..."
"Wait… that was really me?"Rika Minami's voice was tinged with doubt.
Rosen stepped in to explain."It's normal to lose control when you're still not used to your own power. You'll get the hang of it with practice. For now, I've got something to show you."
He pulled out a few printed A4 sheets, each one listing their attributes and skills.
[Contractor: Rika Minami]
[Rank: Novice Apostle]
[Strength: i0 |
[Endurance: i0 ]
| Dexterity: i0 |
[ Agility: i0 |
[ Divine Power: i0]
[Skills]
Enhanced Physique: Temporarily doubles all physical stats. Strength and endurance gained from daily life increase faster.
Eagle Eye: Greatly boosts dynamic vision and long-range focus. Enhances visual precision, reduces glare interference, grants night vision and the ability to pierce through mist.
Firearms Mastery: Total proficiency with every type of firearm. When wielding a gun, Eagle Eye is further strengthened.
Next was Shizuka.
[Contractor: Shizuka Marikawa]
[Rank: Novice Apostle]
[Strength: i0 |
[Endurance: i0]
| Dexterity: i0]
| Agility: i0 ]
| Divine Power: i0]
[Skills]
Airheaded Charm: Lowers vigilance and hostility of nearby lifeforms toward her.
Driving Expert: Automatically masters any vehicle upon entering.
Healing: Uses divine power to heal others with restorative magic.
Both of them had three skills each.
Just as Rosen expected, Rika leaned toward offense, while Shizuka filled a support role. After clarifying the skills and attributes, he told them to get familiar with their powers—though he also warned them not to get cocky just because they were stronger now.
The world still held plenty of things that could kill them.
The biggest one being nukes.
In a collapsed world like this, nobody cared about rules like "no first strike with nuclear weapons." Push the wrong people too far, and they'd happily drag everyone down with them.
Umbrella Corporation had already paid the price for underestimating AI.If not for that, Rosen figured he probably would've been nuked a few times before he ever managed to finish the mission.
"Got it. Shizuka and I will be careful," Rika said with a calm nod.
"Good. In that case, I should get going," Rosen said.
"Eh? You're leaving already, Rosen-sama?"The two women, who had just been glowing with excitement, suddenly looked reluctant.
"Could you… take us with you?" Rika asked.
"Not yet. Maybe later, once the system expands. Then I might be able to take you out of this world. But for now, it's not possible." Rosen shook his head.
He figured the chat group would eventually update with a feature like that.
"What? Seriously?" Shizuka pouted.
"…I understand. If that's the case, then please… leave without worry."
Rosen frowned at the phrasing. Why does that sound like a death flag?
"Will you come back?"
"Yes," Rosen answered with a nod.
The two women finally smiled at that.
But just as he was about to leave, two sudden rushes of perfume-smelling air knocked him over.
Blinking up at Shizuka's mischievous grin, Rosen looked completely lost.
"Hehe… Rika and I are fully recovered now. Rosen-sama—get ready!"
"..."
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