"Rest assured, Maria-sensei."
"Kami-sama... is not the kind of God who would force us to be cannon fodder."
"Although the Dungeon is indeed very dangerous, with monsters wanting to tear people to shreds everywhere."
"But..."
Inaba Tsukuyo tilted her head slightly, seemingly reminiscing about something.
"Lord Haimer gave us power, and also gave us the right to choose."
"Whether it's battle or daily life, he stands behind us."
Speaking up to here, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a shallow smile.
"Moreover... the food over there is also very delicious."
"Everyone lives together too. The house is very big, and there is a Magic Stone heater that is always toasty warm."
"Even with a somewhat noisy God like Hestia-sama, getting along is very easy."
Hearing this.
Maria's constantly tense shoulders finally relaxed a bit.
She looked at this child before her, whom she had watched grow up since she was little.
After just a few days of not seeing each other.
The fragility on Tsukuyo that made it seem like she could shatter at any moment seemed to have faded quite a bit.
Replaced by.
A temperament that, although still delicate, was as resilient as tough bamboo.
It was precisely the composure that only comes after experiencing wind and rain and seeing a vaster world.
"That's good..."
Maria sighed, reaching out to rub Tsukuyo's silver hair.
"As long as you are doing well, Sensei can rest assured."
"You don't know... the second day after you left."
As if suddenly remembering something, Maria's brows furrowed again. She lowered her voice, her tone carrying a trace of lingering fear.
"A group of strange people suddenly came to the academy."
"Wearing black combat uniforms without insignias, driving armored vehicles, and directly cordoning off this area."
"Holding all sorts of instruments I've never even seen before, constantly sweeping over there with 'beep-beep' sounds."
"They said they were investigating something or other... I couldn't understand it either."
"It made the entire academy panic."
The hand Inaba Tsukuyo used to hold the cup paused slightly.
Those eyes that were always closed slightly opened a slit, revealing a dark red luster inside.
"Then... what happened later?"
"Later?"
Maria shrugged, revealing a somewhat helpless expression on her face.
"Later, of course, they didn't find anything."
"Those instruments seemed to malfunction; they couldn't read any data at all."
"The faces of those leading officers turned green, slamming tables and cursing people."
"Later, Principal Fujibayashi publicly announced that you all went for secret special training, barely suppressing the matter. In the end, those people could only retreat dejectedly."
"But..."
Maria looked at Inaba Tsukuyo, her eyes complex.
"Those people can guess... it's definitely not that simple."
"However, seeing you return safely now, even if just for a short while... I feel at ease."
Inaba Tsukuyo silently took a sip of milk.
The warmth spread all the way to her stomach.
"It's fine, Sensei."
As Inaba Tsukuyo spoke, she put down the cup in her hand, reached out both hands, and gently grasped Maria's hands.
"No matter where we are."
"We will take good care of ourselves."
"Yes..."
Speaking up to here.
Maria seemed to feel relieved. She stood up, walked to a nearby cabinet, rummaged around for a bit, and took out a carefully wrapped small wooden box.
"Since that Kami-sama is willing to protect you... perhaps this really is a kind of fortune."
"And it's rare for you to come back for a trip."
"Take this."
"What is this?"
Inaba Tsukuyo took the box, her fingers gently stroking the fine textures on it, somewhat confused.
"Didn't you say before that you wanted a new tea set?"
"I originally wanted to give it to you on your birthday. Looking at it now... I don't know when we'll meet next."
"Take it to use over there."
"When drinking tea, you can also think of Sensei, and think of this place."
"Mhm."
Inaba Tsukuyo hugged the box tightly and nodded forcefully.
"Tsukuyo will cherish it well."
Meanwhile.
On the central courtyard lawn below the dormitory building.
Compared to the tender affection inside the dorm supervisor's room, it was exceptionally lively here.
"Whoa—!!!"
A synchronized gasp of amazement rang out.
With Hanasaka Warabi at the center, a circle of senior girls wearing pajamas, slippers, and even facial masks surrounded her.
"Big Sis, are there really giant ants like that in the other world?"
"Of course there are!"
Hanasaka Warabi was already fired up. She jumped onto a nearby bench and began gesturing wildly with her hands and feet.
"You guys haven't seen it! The shells of those ants are as hard as iron. Their two large mandibles click constantly, and they're thicker than my waist!"
"Moreover, not only are there Killer Ants, but there are also Hellhounds that emit fire all over their bodies!"
"Those teeth are longer than daggers!"
"When they breathe out a mouthful of fire, the entire passageway is filled with a wave of heat!"
"That monster just lunged toward me, its bloody maw right before my eyes!"
"I drew my sword, took a deep breath just like this, and swish!"
"Directly slashed the Hellhound into black ash!"
As Hanasaka Warabi spoke to the exciting part, the sharp aura of having truly seen blood and killed monsters faintly exuded from her body.
Seeing this, the surrounding girls held their breath as they listened, their eyes filled with admiration.
"Not only that, I'm now a bona fide Lv.2 adventurer who broke that world's record for the fastest level up!"
Having said that.
Hanasaka Warabi leaped down from the bench, the smug expression on her face intensifying.
"Lv.2? World's fastest level up record?"
As soon as these words came out, the spectating girls looked bewildered, having absolutely no concept of this level.
"Hehe, this is something you don't understand."
Seeing this, Hanasaka Warabi cleared her throat, extended a finger, and wagged it in front of her, putting on the airs of a seasoned veteran.
"Simply put, it's an adventurer's level."
"Lv.1 adventurers are the average standard for most adventurers in that world. There is a world of difference between them and Lv.2 adventurers. A Lv.1 adventurer must achieve a grand feat—a deed that even in the eyes of the Gods would be considered magnificent—in order to cross over to the next level."
"Therefore! The current me! Is already an adventurer sufficient to make the Gods marvel!"
"Soon, the Gods will bestow a title upon me!"
"Moreover, I can beat ten of my former selves! No, twenty!"
"Watch closely!"
The corners of Hanasaka Warabi's mouth curled up, revealing her signature little canine tooth. She casually picked up a cobblestone about the size of two fists from a nearby flowerbed.
Gripping the stone in her palm.
"Hah!"
With a low shout.
The hand Hanasaka Warabi used to grip the stone suddenly exerted force.
Crack—
They only heard.
A crisp sound.
That hard cobblestone unexpectedly seemed to shatter directly within Hanasaka Warabi's hand, which didn't look particularly sturdy!
Crushed stone fell, scattering all over the ground.
Hiss——
A synchronized sound of drawing breath instantly echoed throughout the area.
Crushing a stone barehanded?!
"T-This is way too exaggerated, right?!"
"Big Sis, are y-your hands okay?"
Tanukihara Kinue cautiously leaned closer, grabbing Hanasaka Warabi's hand and inspecting it over and over.
However.
That fair hand was perfectly intact; not even a single red mark was left behind.
"Is this... Kami-sama's Grace?"
Touko Tsunemi and the others spoke in absolute shock.
"Of course it is!"
Hanasaka Warabi clapped the stone dust off her hands, wearing a smug expression as if it were only natural.
"In the world over there, as long as you're willing to work hard, as long as you dare to slaughter those monsters, you can become stronger!"
"This feeling..."
Hanasaka Warabi clenched her fists.
"Is simply fantastic!"
Looking at her subordinates who had been thoroughly awed, Hanasaka Warabi felt incredibly exhilarated in her heart.
Sure enough.
To achieve greatness and not show it off at home is like wearing fine clothes in the dark!
Meanwhile.
Under that giant cherry blossom tree on the other side of the dormitory building.
Compared to the liveliness of the central courtyard, it appeared much quieter here.
"Is this... becoming stronger?"
Mozunono Nono's eyes were also somewhat dull.
After all.
Just a moment ago.
Not just Hanasaka Warabi,
Onigawara Rin had also casually snapped off a dead branch.
And then.
With a light swing.
A falling petal was instantly bisected in mid-air!
The cut was perfectly flat and smooth, as if sliced by the sharpest blade.
But what Onigawara Rin held in her hand was merely a fragile dead branch!
"Is this... the profound secret of the Jikishinkage-ryu?"
Mozunono Nono muttered to herself, her eyes full of shock.
"No."
Onigawara Rin shook her head, casually tossing aside the branch in her hand.
"This is just... the basics."
"Over there, under the guidance of that Kami-sama."
"I saw a vastly broader world of swordsmanship."
Onigawara Rin looked up at the night sky, light flickering in her eyes.
"The past me always thought this was the limit."
"But now I know, I'm still far from it."
"Nono."
Onigawara Rin lowered her head, looking at this junior who had always followed her.
"The current me only wants to become stronger."
"Strong enough to truly protect everyone, strong enough to... be worthy of Kami-sama's expectations."
This kind of gaze.
Mozunono Nono had never seen it on Onigawara Rin before.
It was the kind of gaze one has after finding their true goal.
But not only did this not make Mozunono Nono feel that Onigawara Rin had become a stranger.
Instead, it made Onigawara Rin's image become even more three-dimensional in her heart.
"Rin-nee..."
Mozunono Nono tightly clenched her fists.
"I also want to become stronger!"
"I want to be like Rin-nee, to become this amazing!"
"I also want to go to that world! I also want to meet that Kami-sama!"
"I want to be together with Rin-nee!"
At the end, Mozunono Nono's voice carried a trace of tears, yet it was incredibly firm.
Looking at this girl with red-rimmed eyes, yet stubbornly holding her head high.
Onigawara Rin was somewhat stunned.
She hadn't expected Mozunono Nono to have such a big reaction.
However...
"You want to go to that world, huh..."
Onigawara Rin scratched her head in a somewhat troubled manner.
"This... is not something I can decide."
"After all, it is Kami-sama's Familia, not just anyone can go if they want to."
Seeing Mozunono Nono's eyes rapidly dim.
Onigawara Rin's heart softened. She reached out to rub Mozunono Nono's short pink hair; the texture was as good as ever.
"However..."
"If you truly have this resolve."
"Then show me you can become stronger!"
"The current you is still too weak."
"If I took you over there right now, you really would be swallowed whole by those monsters in one bite."
"Next time."
Onigawara Rin paused, her eyes becoming serious.
"When I come back next time."
"If you can show me your growth, if you truly have become stronger..."
"I will help you ask Kami-sama."
"Ask him... if he is willing to take in one more little follower."
"Really?!"
Mozunono Nono jerked her head up, the light of hope instantly reigniting in her eyes.
"It's a promise!"
"If Rin-nee dares to lie to me, I'll... I'll ignore you for the rest of my life!"
"Alright, it's a promise."
Onigawara Rin smiled and extended her pinky finger.
"Pinky swear."
Meanwhile.
Another corner of the academy.
The Principal's office on the top floor of the administration building.
"Please enjoy your tea, Kami-sama."
Wearing a black business suit, exuding an aura of competence from head to toe, Fujibayashi Yukino.
Was currently respectfully and gently placing a freshly brewed cup of black tea onto the coffee table in front of Haimer.
Haimer picked up the teacup, gently blew on the hot steam above it, and took a sip.
The tea's aroma was rich, with a sweet aftertaste.
"The taste is not bad."
"Thank you for the praise, Kami-sama."
"This is something I arranged for someone to bring over a few days ago."
Fujibayashi Yukino bowed slightly. On that face that always maintained a poker face, no major emotional fluctuations could be seen.
"So."
Haimer put down his teacup.
"What about that girl?"
"I remember saying before I left last time, the next time I descend, if she is ready, I want to see what kind of surprise she can bring me."
Haimer was indeed quite interested.
After all.
Narukami Koharu's potential was not the slightest bit inferior to Amou Kirukiru and Inaba Tsukuyo.
Especially considering that purely based on her current strength, she could actually already be considered the ceiling of swordsmanship in this world.
"Regarding this point, please rest assured, Kami-sama."
Hearing these words.
Fujibayashi Yukino's expression also visibly became much more serious.
"Koharu-sama does not have any intention of backing down."
"Actually..."
"After I truthfully conveyed your will to her."
"Koharu-sama has already commenced her activities."
"Activities?" Haimer raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"Koharu-sama said that since she is to follow a true God and head to a world full of unknowns."
"Then..."
"She must first draw a perfect full stop in this world."
"And so, Koharu-sama chose to challenge all the experts of this world."
"She said she will trample everyone in this world who calls themselves an expert beneath her feet, shattering all their pride."
"Only when she truly stands at the pinnacle of this world, convinced that there are no longer any opponents worth swinging her sword at..."
"Will she come before you without any distractions."
Speaking to the end.
Fujibayashi Yukino bowed her head deeply.
"Currently, according to the latest intel sent back."
"Koharu-sama has already swept through the entire underground fighting arena of the Kanto region over the past few days, and even conveniently took down a few well-known yakuza organizations."
"Just as she said."
"She is using the fastest speed to complete this farewell ceremony."
"Furthermore..."
"She asked me to convey to you."
"Please wait a little while."
After hearing these words.
The office fell into a brief silence.
Only that antique wall clock emitted a 'tick, tock' sound.
A moment later.
"Heh..."
A light chuckle escaped Haimer's lips.
"I see."
He originally thought Narukami Koharu was purely bellicose.
As a result, he didn't expect.
There was actually this kind of... should it be called arrogance, or a unique sense of ritual?
However.
Haimer didn't dislike this kind of personality.
On the contrary.
This kind of drive—a madness without which one cannot live just for the sake of getting stronger—was exactly what Orario needed the most.
"Then tell her."
Haimer stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the campus below, which, although lively due to the return of the Five Swords, still appeared somewhat small.
"Since she wants to draw a full stop, then draw it perfectly."
"There's no need to rush for success."
"I will wait for her over there."
"Wait for her... to realize the title of the strongest in this world."
"Yes!"
Hearing this, Fujibayashi Yukino bowed deeply once again.
At this point.
"It's about time."
Haimer turned around, glancing at the wall clock.
One hour.
For an inter-world family visit, it was indeed somewhat short.
But for these girls who had already decided to embark on a new journey.
This one hour of reunion.
Should be enough to sever their final hesitations, turning that longing into the driving force to move forward.
"Take good care of this place for me."
Haimer nodded to Fujibayashi Yukino.
"After all, this is their home."
"If one day they are tired, or want to return."
"I do not wish to see this place turn into ruins."
"Please rest assured."
Fujibayashi Yukino raised her head, her eyes resolute.
"As long as I, Fujibayashi Yukino, am still around for a single day."
"Aichi Symbiosis Academy will forever be the home of the ladies."
Central courtyard.
That oval portal of light that had been quietly suspended over the lawn, radiating a soft white glow.
At this moment, it began to flicker unsteadily.
The light grew sometimes strong, sometimes weak.
"Ah... time is up."
Hanasaka Warabi was the first to notice the change in the portal of light.
Her voice, which had been enthusiastically bragging about her heroic deeds, came to an abrupt halt.
The originally lively atmosphere around her seemed as if someone had hit the pause button, instantly cooling down.
The sorrow of parting once again welled up in their hearts.
"Big Sis..."
Tanukihara Kinue tightly gripped Hanasaka Warabi's sleeve, her eyes turning red again.
"Are you leaving so soon?"
"You haven't finished speaking yet..."
"Idiot."
Hanasaka Warabi took a deep breath, replacing the smile on her face, and reached out to forcefully ruffle Tanukihara Kinue's hair.
"Although the story isn't finished yet..."
"I still have to go and create more, even more amazing stories!"
"What do those minor scenes count for?"
"In the future, I'm going to be the woman who becomes the strongest adventurer in that world!"
"When that time comes..."
"I will bring back even more stories that will make even the Gods marvel, and tell them to you again!"
Having said that.
Hanasaka Warabi turned around without hesitation, waving her hand with her back to the crowd.
"I'm off!"
"Minions, guard this place well for me!"
"If I return and find you gone, I will hold you solely responsible!"
"Yes!!!"
Tanukihara Kinue, Touko Tsunemi, and Sawatari Niko, with tears in their eyes, shouted at the top of their lungs and waved desperately.
On the other side.
Onigawara Rin released Mozunono Nono's pinky finger.
"I'm leaving."
"Remember our promise."
"Mhm!"
Mozunono Nono nodded forcefully. Although her tears were still flowing, her eyes were no longer lost.
At the door of the dorm supervisor's room.
Inaba Tsukuyo gave Maria-sensei one final hug.
"Goodbye, Maria-sensei."
"Take care, Tsukuyo."
Maria watched this slender figure walk toward the portal of light.
One after another.
The girls bid farewell to their past bonds.
Carrying that reluctance, but an even firmer conviction.
They stepped once again into that portal of light leading to the unknown and to challenges.
As the final figure disappeared into the light.
Hum—
The portal of light suddenly contracted, ultimately turning into a speck of light.
And completely vanished into the night sky.
Leaving behind only that empty lawn.
Tanukihara Kinue sniffled, wiped her face haphazardly, and dried her tears.
Looking at the lawn that was already completely deserted, she turned to look at Touko Tsunemi and Sawatari Niko beside her, who also had red-rimmed eyes. Her voice carried a thick nasal tone, yet revealed a fierce determination.
"What are you crying for! Big Sis already said, we can't lose face for her!"
"Who's crying! It's clearly just sand in my eyes!"
"Since Big Sis is going to become the strongest in that world, then we have to guard our turf over here properly."
"That's right."
"When Big Sis returns next time, we definitely have to let her see a stronger us."
As for Mozunono Nono, she was still standing under that cherry blossom tree, looking down at the pinky finger she had just hooked with Onigawara Rin. Her finger bent slightly, still feeling the residual warmth.
Subsequently, she tightly clenched her fist, her eyes becoming incomparably resolute.
____
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