"Alright." Kael did not refuse Mei's invitation and readily agreed.
The two left Yoko Okino's home, walking side by side down the street.
Mei was very curious about Kael, as she had never heard his name before. It was unfamiliar in her circle, yet the ability to make the dead speak was no ordinary skill. She suspected Kael was the heir of some family or sect.
To uncover his true identity, she subtly probed into his background. But Kael was no fool. After a few exchanges, he sensed her testing words.
He didn't bother with evasions and said directly: "I'm neither a sect's heir nor a family disciple. As you see, I'm just an ordinary person who suddenly inherited a legacy. It simply came from my ancestors."
Hearing this, Mei understood. Such cases were rare in her world, but not unheard of. For example, there was a man named Natori Shuuichi.
The Natori family had once been prominent, but declined as later generations lacked talent. Eventually, the family faded from their world. Just when everyone thought the Natori line was gone, Shuichi suddenly reappeared. He had awakened the family's bloodline, gaining special abilities. Such cases were called "bloodline awakening." Though rare, they did occur.
Realizing Kael had no sect or family behind him, Mei felt an urge to recruit him. "Renjou-kun, you are talented. Would you consider joining our Countermeasures Office for Supernatural Disasters? Though we lack ancient sects or families, we are backed by the government and have our own advantages. If you join, you'll gain many privileges."
"No need." Kael refused without hesitation. He had no interest in joining the office, even though it had two protagonists—Tsuchimiya Kagura and Isayama Yomi. He didn't want ties with the authorities.
Seeing his firm refusal, Mei realized he truly didn't want to join and gave up her attempt. Still, she didn't slight him. Even without knowing his full strength, his ability to make the dead speak impressed her. Though he rejected her offer, she remained cheerful, conversing gracefully, embodying the demeanor of a refined Yamato Nadeshiko.
Before parting, Mei exchanged contact information with Kael. "Renjou-kun, if you ever face difficulties, you can contact me anytime." Her words were comforting.
Though in Ga-Rei: Zero Mei was a villain, after this conversation Kael found her pleasant—elegant and articulate. Perhaps only when facing Yomi, who threatened her family's inheritance, did she show a harsher side.
So when Mei suggested exchanging contacts, Kael agreed without hesitation and promised: "If you ever face trouble, you can contact me too."
They smiled at each other, then parted ways.
Soon after, Kael returned home. Entering, he saw Marin and Saki still cultivating, not yet awake. He cleared the note left on the table and waited.
Near six in the evening, the two finally awoke, one after the other. Marin woke first, then Saki about twenty minutes later. The difference was negligible, showing their talents were similar—neither extraordinary nor poor.
In short, ordinary people. After all, one was a heroine from an adult series, the other from a slice-of-life series. Neither was destined to be a battle heroine of exceptional brilliance.
Upon waking, both felt refreshed, light as swallows, and stronger. Marin tested herself and found she could lift the dining table with one hand. It weighed at least a hundred kilos.
"Renjou-kun, look, I've become super strong!" She lifted the table high, showing off.
Saki, envious, asked: "Marin, can I try?"
"Of course." Marin handed her the table, and Saki also lifted it effortlessly with one hand.
She was astonished—after just one cultivation, her physical strength had improved so dramatically.
They played with the table for a while before setting it down.
"I feel like a strongman now." Marin, excited, moved her body and threw a straight punch. The air whistled sharply.
"So strong! I feel so strong!" She was stunned by her own punch, jumping around, realizing her body anew.
Am I going to turn into a muscle-bound woman? At that thought, Marin shivered. Ignoring Kael's presence, she began undressing.
Saki was shocked. "Marin, what are you doing?"
She rushed to stop her, but it was too late. Marin was down to her underwear.
She looked at her stomach—still smooth and flat, no abs. Relieved, she sighed. "Thank goodness."
"What do you mean thank goodness?" Saki quickly dressed her again.
"Marin, how could you? That was so improper."
More importantly, she had undressed in front of her boyfriend. If Saki weren't so reserved, she would have scolded her outright.