"If you want to release all of them, Master, then you'll need to continue challenging the upgraded version of the Barrier of Desire."
Hayasaka Ai spoke softly as she untied the cloth covering Hachiman's eyes.
"The upgraded Barrier of Desire has ten 'prisoners,' and there will also be a screen showing the reactions on the other side. The rules are a bit different, but for now, you should clear this stage first. I'll explain the details afterward."
"Master, you can observe first, then press the button beside them to start the timer. Only after the timer starts can you freely touch their bodies."
"Got it. I'll try the upgraded version later."
Hachiman immediately understood that this was the so-called revival process, also part of the game.
However, only after Hayasaka Ai finished explaining and removed the black cloth from his eyes did the scene of the Barrier of Desire truly appear before him.
The entire game area of the Barrier of Desire wasn't large.
Just a single wall, and a row of beautiful girls dressed in various outfits.
White stockings, black stockings, bunny suits, kimono tabi socks, racing swimsuits, the only unusual thing was that they weren't standing straight against the wall, but instead leaning into it.
From Hachiman's position, he couldn't see their upper bodies. All he could see were their skirts lifted to their waists, and their straight, slender, smooth, jade-like legs.
"…"
Looking at the five "prisoners" hiding their faces and waiting for his punishment, even though he had already guessed what it would be like while Hayasaka Ai was explaining, he still couldn't help but feel stirred when he saw it for real.
'What kind of Barrier of Desire is this? Isn't this just… guessing the person through the wall?'
'Is tonight's servant game planned by Iris, or someone else? Could it be Lumilia, who likes otaku culture? Or Marin, who often plays those kinds of games? How are they this good at coming up with stuff?'
"Master, press the timer button when you're ready."
Seeing that Hachiman understood how this stage worked, Hayasaka Ai crouched down and made her final preparations before the game began.
This stage was really just a warm-up for Hachiman-sama, and also a chance for everyone to see his ability.
The real challenge was later, the upgraded Barrier of Desire. Among the ten people, not only would there be newcomers, but also veterans. They would even wear empathy wristbands and shared-sense collars, and use videos of others to confuse Hachiman-sama's judgment.
Hayasaka Ai looked up at Hachiman. As she watched him press the timer button, he held the slender, firm, fair thigh of the girl in white stockings with one hand, while lightly touching her soft pink lips with his fingers.
She knew the responsibility she carried by stepping in for Kaguya-sama. Right now, Kaguya-sama was probably watching her.
Later, she might have to try her best to earn Hachiman-sama's favor, to become a true magical girl. It would be best if she could be the first tonight.
Mm… although it sounded a bit absurd, after the joint confirmation from the elf princess, the oni princess shrine maiden, and the Lycoris girls, she had no choice but to believe that this was indeed a method within the Service Club to rapidly increase strength without side effects. It wasn't some trick or joke.
It was probably only with this kind of method that so many powerful ladies and princesses would gather together and accompany Hachiman-sama in playing this kind of game.
'But… does Hachiman-sama really like flat, flat?'
———
[Service Club Central Hall]
Aside from Gabriel being dragged over by Iris again to act as the projection tool, and Vignette being pulled over by Gabriel, many others were seated on sofas belonging to their respective small groups.
Now that the Service Club had more and more members, on a larger scale it could be called a demi-human alliance and a human council.
On a smaller scale, there were the elf axis, the succubus alliance, the vampire family, the snow woman clan, the gyaru community, the club federation, the Tohsaka-Ichinose family alliance, the student council, the angel defense line.
Most people had already gotten used to the Service Club's late-night activities. The only difference was how much they indulged. But recently, a large number of newcomers had joined, so during the freshman welcome event, many people and demi-humans restrained themselves a bit, acting more reserved in front of the newcomers.
Some blushed and covered their cheeks, some sipped tea pretending to stay calm, and some boldly stared as usual. But regardless of whether they were new or old, their attention was inevitably drawn to the large screen, which would occasionally switch between "third-person" and "first-person" perspectives, with extremely immersive audio-visual effects.
Under Gabriel's control, who secretly protected Hachiman and had extensive experience, combined with the standard equipment of the Service Club, where everyone had an empathy wristband, they chatted while experiencing everything firsthand. Seriousness and indecency intertwined, and in some ways, it was even more stimulating than being there in person.
The only downside was that without Hachiman's favor, they couldn't improve their strength while enjoying it. Those with weaker constitutions who couldn't recover quickly had to turn off the shared-sense function early, otherwise they wouldn't even be able to get out of bed the next day.
However, for many, improving strength was just a bonus. What they truly wanted was the unforgettable sensation Hachiman brought them. Even before the newcomers had fully integrated, some people boldly enjoyed that secret thrill right in front of them.
"Komachi, I'm back. How's your preparation? Stop staring. You can't eat just by looking. Don't start complaining later that Hachiman-nii is favoring the new over the old."
"…"
Hearing Shion's teasing voice, Komachi rolled her eyes and ignored her sworn sister, who was obedient and gentle in front of Hachiman but had become increasingly bold in front of her. She turned her head and began chatting softly with Naruse Mio.
Naruse Mio was naturally happy to build a good relationship with Komachi. Even though she had already sensed something, for her, being able to join was enough, she would agree to anything.
'If it is something beneficial to Master-nii and I don't agree...'
She didn't even dare think about it. The moment she had such improper thoughts, even if she did nothing and only thought about it, she might rush into the Barrier of Desire stage and beg Master-nii for forgiveness.
"Shion, what other positions does Master-nii like? Tell me more. I'll write them down and use them later."
"Ah… um… I'm not really sure about that…"
Naruse Maria, on the other hand, stared thoughtfully at Komachi, whose eyes were darting, then leaned closer to the seated Shion and excitedly began discussing with the slightly shy Shion.
Because she had been bullying Mio-sama too much, she felt like she would soon have to sign a servant contract with Master-nii.
Originally, a master-servant contract wasn't an issue. Mio-sama's Master-nii was also her Master-nii. But even though she herself presided over such contracts, she had no way to lie, not even to herself.
Once the contract was signed, any hidden or unfavorable thoughts toward Master-nii would be punished. Without telling him the truth and begging for his forgiveness, it wouldn't stop.
She didn't know if Master-nii would forgive her, and right now she didn't know how to explain it either.
But she had thought of a way to prepare in advance and make up for her faults. Right now, Sobu High was a battlefield, and the club was another battlefield. Each side displayed its own skills.
But Komachi's school was also clearly a battlefield, yet there was no movement at all, only some transfer students applying to join.
Among the many small groups in the Service Club, the younger sister group wasn't very strong. It could only be said that their status was relatively high. As the leader of the younger sister group, Komachi couldn't do nothing. She had to grow and strengthen the group, leading Mio-sama, Shion, and the others to win back Master-nii.
Naruse Maria, a nightmare from the demon world, after realizing the unspoken thoughts between Shion and Naruse Mio, immediately came up with many strategies.
Aside from Shion, who served as the teleportation coordinate to bring Hachiman into the game, the maids who helped clean his body in the bath had also returned to the hall.
Five maids. Except for Hayasaka Ai, who stayed behind, the other four new maids who hadn't revealed their real names had changed out of their wet maid outfits and returned to their respective groups.
———
[Discipline Committee]
Sakurai Hana, Usui Makoto, Kitamura Chika, and the others all stared in unison at the tall, well-endowed girl who had just sat down, Ryuzaki Hina, a third-year with a striking figure, at least an I-cup, and long straight hair.
If the most disliked Discipline Committee member among the first years was Kotegawa Yui, then among the third years it was Ryuzaki Hina. Their personalities were different, but when it came to handling discipline matters, both were equally strict and impartial.
"W-why are you all staring at me like that? It's not that I didn't want to do it, it's that Hikigaya didn't want to…"
Seeing everyone staring at her, Ryuzaki Hina averted her gaze guiltily and defended herself in a small voice.
Originally, the planned participants for the "custom activity" were only Sakurai Hana, Kitamura Chika, and herself. But Asai Saki volunteered to join, and later Usui Makoto also participated.
Only she had been avoiding the activity, never going to relieve Hikigaya's desires. Now she had been dragged in to make up the numbers, and it was this intense right from the start.
Fortunately, Hikigaya hadn't done anything to her. He had only briefly touched their bodies. Other than that, she had just worn a maid outfit and helped him wash up, scrubbing his back.
Compared to Asai Saki and the others occasionally skipping class to help Hikigaya relieve his desires, this level was still acceptable for her.
"Ryuzaki-senpai, if you don't take the initiative, how would anyone know you're willing? You were all so stiff, Hikigaya-kun could easily tell you were newcomers."
Sakurai Hana and Kitamura Chika both felt that Ryuzaki Hina was making excuses again. They had agreed to go together, but they had already been at it for quite a while, while Ryuzaki Hina was still hesitating and hadn't even properly met Hachiman yet. Otherwise, she would have joined them long ago.
"It's fine. Next time it'll be your turn, Ryuzaki-senpai. Recently there have been quite a few transfer students, so new Discipline Committee members will probably be selected again. When that happens, you and Kotegawa can guide the newcomers."
Usui Makoto smiled as she looked at Ryuzaki Hina, who still wanted to avoid it, and hinted meaningfully.
"I heard that among the transfer students this time, there's one who used to be a Discipline Committee member. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be her."
"W-who?"
Ryuzaki Hina froze for a moment and looked at Usui Makoto hesitantly.
What did recruiting for the Discipline Committee have to do with today's situation? Were they planning to bring newcomers into the activity?
But bringing one or two newcomers wouldn't be enough. Looking at the size of the Service Club, even if all their Discipline Committee members worked together, it wouldn't be manageable.
"She's called Iino Miko. It seems she hasn't come to the club. I heard from Kaede that her father is a Supreme Court judge, and she transferred from Shuchiin Academy."
Usui Makoto scanned the surroundings but didn't find the petite girl with twin tails, then looked at Ryuzaki Hina with some regret.
"Ryuzaki-senpai, you and Kotegawa will definitely get along well with her. I'll leave the responsibility of guiding juniors to you."
"Ah? Ah?"
Ryuzaki Hina's mouth slowly opened wide, her eyes filled with confusion and shock. She felt like she was doomed.
She had to lead the daughter of a Supreme Court judge into participating in this kind of activity?
That would get someone killed, right? That would definitely get someone killed.
———
[Tohsaka-Ichinose Family Alliance]
Ichinose Ayano, Ichinose Marika, Ichinose Riko, Ichinose Anna, and the others sat facing Tohsaka Touka.
Because the Tohsaka family was too weak, Touka could only choose to ally with the Ichinose family to gain a bit of influence.
In the Service Club, going solo had no future. Right now, the Tohsaka family only had Touka alone. There was no way she could compete with other groups.
Of course, Ichinose Ayano didn't bring the Tohsaka family in out of kindness. She kept persuading Touka to bring her younger sisters, Tohsaka Rin and Tohsaka Sakura, to serve Hachiman as well.
"Don't you think Sakura and Rin both like Master? Wouldn't it be better for them to become magical girls like you?"
"Sakura just lacks fatherly love, and Rin just likes to have fun. They're not like us."
Hearing Ichinose Ayano's persuasion once again, Tohsaka Touka stiffly shook her head and politely refused.
In truth, Touka would rather form an alliance with Yukinoshita Haruno. The two of them were close friends and could trust each other.
But the Yukinoshita side was the same as hers. Haruno wanted to rely on herself and didn't want to force her younger sister. With only two people combined, forming an alliance would just be a joke.
Now that she had allied with the Ichinose family, at least Ichinose Ayano wasn't after her family's business like the Takamine family.
However… Ichinose Ayano was after her family members instead.
That also seemed like a huge problem.
Ichinose Ayano stared at the unyielding Touka, quietly wondering if she should wait until Touka was favored by Master, when her mind would be shaken and her reason evaporated, before bringing this up again.
On second thought, Touka probably wouldn't admit it after regaining her senses.
Better to let Sakura act on her own. Since Touka wouldn't offer her sisters, then Sakura could offer Rin to Master instead.
Even though she hadn't discussed anything with Sakura, she just felt that Sakura would do it.
Touka saw Sakura through the lens of a doting older sister and thought she was innocent, but Ayano knew very well that the way Sakura looked at Master was filled with desire for his favor.
"Chizuru, now that you're back, don't you have anything to say?"
Ichinose Ayano suddenly turned her head toward the tall, fair-skinned girl with a pure and cute face and a well-proportioned figure, long black hair reaching her waist, who had quietly returned and sat down with Ryuzaki Hina, and scolded her expressionlessly.
"Why didn't you take off your clothes when you were helping Master clean his body? Didn't I already instruct you on how to serve Master?"
"I called you here to serve Master and satisfy him, not just to apply body wash a few times."
"I… I'm not used to it yet…"
Ichinose Chizuru bit her lip and lowered her head.
"Since you agreed to our conditions, then serve Master properly with us. Do you really think being a rental girlfriend would be better than this?"
Ichinose Ayano scolded her mercilessly.
"What, playing the role of a girlfriend, earning money and honing your acting skills? You're not seriously holding onto such a stupid idea, are you?"
"Serve Master properly. As long as he likes you, even if I'm not satisfied, you can still gain his support and achieve your dreams."
Ichinose Chizuru, her parents divorced, her mother and grandfather passed away one after another, leaving her to depend on her grandmother, could be said to be a poor relative in the Ichinose family, with a background once as difficult as Ichinose Honami's.
She had just signed with an agency to become a rental girlfriend, but was intercepted by Ichinose Ayano and brought back into the Ichinose family.
To prevent Chizuru from thinking of retreating, Ayano had to crush that fallback option.
"I understand. I'll go terminate the contract with the agency this weekend."
Ichinose Chizuru took a deep breath, slowly raised her head, and looked straight at the large screen, seriously studying Hayasaka Ai's acting on it.
For the sake of her dream, she was willing to do anything.
Seeing that Chizuru had accepted reality, Ichinose Ayano's expression softened. The others, like Ichinose Marika and Ichinose Anna, who had been holding their breath, exchanged glances and finally relaxed.
Actually, Ayano herself had her fill quite often. With so many people in the Ichinose family, as long as they all played together, Master would always notice them.
It was just that she could no longer, like at the beginning, be taken by Master to the infirmary during class to play, and couldn't enjoy the feeling of being exclusively favored.
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