"Since Mio-sama won't say it herself, then let Maria help you instead!" Seeing Mio Naruse hesitate, Maria darted straight to the bathroom door.
"Hm?" Takumi turned his head in confusion, only to find Maria flashing a syrupy-sweet smile.
"Ta-ku-mi~ nii~saaan~~~!" Her cutesy voice stretched the syllables out so long it nearly tore his soul from his body.
Takumi frowned. "Just call me, no need to scream like a ghost!"
He looked at her fake-smiling face, gesturing for her to get to the point. Maria wasted no time—she grabbed the blushing Mio and pulled her over.
"Because you didn't come last night, Mio-sama couldn't sleep at all~"
"Huh?"
"Maria, stop it!" Mio's voice trembled as she lowered her head, cheeks scarlet.
Takumi scratched his cheek awkwardly, glancing between them. "Today's the first day of school. I didn't want to disturb you. See? Even Yuki didn't come today."
"School… starts today!?"
Mio froze—her tone jumping an octave. Then it hit her: the new semester really did begin today.
The last few days had been… well, either sleeping or not sleeping. No wonder she'd lost track of time.
With a startled shriek, she bolted into the bathroom, jostling shoulders with Takumi as she rushed to wash up.
He chuckled softly, stepping aside to give her space—but as his eyes lingered on her curvy waistline, temptation won. He reached out and pulled her gently against him.
"So you couldn't sleep, huh? Guess I can't ignore my cute little sister, after all."
The heat of his breath tickled her ear. Mio's face turned crimson, her breathing shallow.
"L-Let me gooo~!" Her voice cracked into a whimper, body trembling as she struggled.
Just that single touch, after holding back for so long, was enough to undo her composure completely.
Watching her soft lips tremble and eyes glaze over, Takumi smirked and gave her a firm slap.
Smack!
"Anng…"
"Silly little sister—you really need some proper education!"
There was still time before class started, so… why not hold a private opening ceremony first? After all, she hadn't slept all night anyway—a little more exercise wouldn't kill her.
"I'll go make breakfast then~ have fun, Mio-sama!"
Maria chirped cheerfully, slipping away without giving Mio a chance to beg for help.
Soon, the sound of sizzling and rhythmic movements echoed through the apartment—a duet of clashing melodies that filled the morning air.
Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap! Slap!
By the time Maria set breakfast on the table, the sounds had stopped.
"Hmm~ ten minutes and fifty-seven seconds. Mio-sama's getting weaker."
"M-Maria! Why are you timing it!?"
Mio could barely lift her head, glaring weakly at the ever-grinning succubus.
Maria crossed her arms with mock righteousness. "Every session is a precious memory, Mio-sama! Of course I record it!"
"You…!" Too exhausted to argue, Mio's legs gave out, and she fell straight into Takumi's arms. He stroked her smooth back softly, comforting her with tender gestures.
Warmth welled inside her chest, spreading through her tired body until her skin flushed pink. She didn't understand why she'd gotten weaker—but Takumi knew perfectly well.
His body had grown sturdier under immense strain. And with the Observation Eye, he could pinpoint every one of Mio's weaknesses.
Combined, the results were explosive—far greater than one plus one.
If I keep getting stronger, he thought, Mio might not even last double digits next time.
He chuckled quietly, brushing off the thought. For now, his mind turned toward the upcoming school day—and the many heroines waiting there.
The World-Crossing Gate progress bar was almost complete. He'd absorbed 1% from Kayoko last night and 2% from Mio—only 7% to go.
After Mio had been properly fed, the two set off together.
…
Kuoh Academy wasn't too far away.
"Mio-sama, Takumi-nii, these are your uniforms!" Maria handed each of them a neatly folded outfit. "Please protect Mio-sama at school, okay? Now then, have a wonderful day~~~!"
She waved brightly as they left, dressed in a breezy one-piece dress and carrying a convenience store bag.
Given her petite, youthful look, Maria could easily pass for a middle schooler—no one would ever believe she was legally an adult.
Takumi couldn't help but think she'd probably spend the whole day slacking off instead of standing by.
As they reached the main street, they ran into Airi and Marina, both just leaving their house with Kayoko following behind—today wearing a casual dress instead of her work clothes.
"Takumi-kun~ good morning. Off to school already?"
Kayoko's eyes lit up the moment she saw him. The Kuoh Academy uniform fit him perfectly—sharp, confident, and maddeningly handsome.
And when she remembered the bloodstained cloth she'd cut and kept last night, her mature face flushed even deeper, glowing with feminine allure.
I really did eat a young man, she thought, embarrassed yet thrilled.
"Morning, Kayoko," Takumi greeted with a grin. Their eyes met, sharing a secret understanding.
Among the women present, only Marina sensed something odd. Her gaze flicked between them, finally settling on Takumi.
"So it really was that big… I wasn't imagining things. But Mom—no, Aunt Kayoko—she's free to love someone, I get that… But why him…?"
Knowing Kayoko was her aunt didn't make it easier. It wasn't the age gap—it was that her other half was the boy next door. Her classmate.
And worst of all… Marina couldn't stop thinking about him, either.
She lowered her head, lips pressed together, her heart twisting in confusion.
Beside her, Airi crossed her arms with a huff, her cheeks tinged red as she averted her gaze.
"Hmph. Why is it you again? Come on, sis, let's go."
"Airi! Don't be rude to Mr. Takumi."
Marina scolded softly, then bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry, Mr. Takumi."
He smiled, waving it off. "It's fine. Though… you might want to get used to calling me Senpai soon."
He pointed at his Kuoh Academy uniform with a teasing smirk, then led Mio forward to walk alongside the two girls.
Airi's face puffed up in indignation, but her tone softened. She wasn't truly angry—if anything, curiosity flickered behind her eyes.
Every now and then, she glanced at Takumi from the corner of her vision, completely unaware that her tsundere facade was starting to crack.
...
For every 3 five-star reviews → +1 extra chapter
For every 50 Power Stones → +1 extra chapter.
Read 50+ chapters ahead on Patreon! [patreon.com/METARLN]
Use code FREE2ALL for 30% OFF!