Just as everyone on the bridge was desperately trying to break through the interference, and the air was thick with tension and anxiety—
Zzt!
Above the main screen, without any warning, an extremely abrupt visual signal forcibly cut in!
It was a phantom image of a dramatic mask, seemingly made of pure light, with simple yet exaggerated lines!
The expression on the mask was an extremely standard, joyful smile, stretched open to an unbelievable degree.
That smile was filled with unspeakable malice and pure, mocking amusement!
Like a malicious prank, it flickered on the screen for less than half a second, then vanished instantly, as if it had never appeared!
"What was that just now?!"
A young crew member couldn't help but gasp, his voice jarringly loud in the silent bridge.
"Unknown high-intensity visual signal captured! Form analysis... similar to... the laughing mask from Ancient Greek drama?!"
Another crew member responsible for signal analysis spoke with disbelief.
"Energy readings showed a brief but extremely high peak when the signal appeared, but instantly dropped back down. We can't trace the source! It's like... like it just came to say hello..."
Kanmoto stared at the data stream, which had instantly returned to normal, his face full of shock and confusion.
This utterly bizarre scene made everyone who witnessed it feel a chill run up their spine to the back of their head.
It was absolutely not a phenomenon that could be explained by any known technology or power; it was more like... a willful, playful mockery that transcended Understanding.
And just a few seconds after the mask disappeared, as if it had taken some of the interference with it—
[Zzt—... Shido! Can you hear me? Shido!]
Kotori's voice, which had been continuously trying to call him, suddenly cut through and transmitted via an extremely unstable backup frequency!
Although the background noise was still loud, the audio signal from Shido's side had miraculously recovered!
Immediately following this, the conversation in the living room was clearly broadcast through the bridge's speakers, especially Koushi's earth-shattering line:
"How about... you make my Younger Sister Chinatsu your girlfriend?" followed by Chinatsu's resolute "Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
New Decision Point: "What?! Girlfriend?!"
Kotori's expression, which had just relaxed due to the communication recovery, was instantly struck by this statement. Her eyes widened, and she nearly bit through the lollipop in her mouth.
"Target Chinatsu explicitly expressed refusal, attitude is firm," Shiizaki immediately reported the key information.
"Target 'Koushi' is abnormally proactive, and his behavior pattern severely contradicts the intelligence regarding'serious injury recuperation.' He seems to be actively trying to match Shido-dono and Chinatsu."
Kanmoto quickly analyzed this unusual action. "And Tobiichi Origami expressed opposition..." Kyohei Kannazuki had already returned to his normal state. He stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming like an analyst's, but the excited curve of his mouth betrayed his true feelings.
"Commander! This is an unexpected critical turning point! Although 'Koushi's' sudden proposal disrupted our original pace, it also provided us with an excellent angle for intervention and observation!"
"Is Target Chinatsu's refusal genuine, or is it merely maidenly reserve? Shido-dono's upcoming answer will directly determine our subsequent capture strategy, as well as... how this sudden 'meeting the parents' will conclude!"
[Emergency Options Generated!] The system's prompt sounded cold and timely, projecting three screen options onto the main display and the console in front of Kotori.
[Option One: Clearly refuse, stating that Phoenix-in Chinatsu is currently only a friend/Classmate.]
[Option Two: Be vague, stating that time is needed to get to know her, leaving the door open.]
[Option Three: Loudly declare, 'Younger Sister Chinatsu is the best! I've actually been devoted to her for a long time!' and attempt to hug her.]
"What the hell is Option Three?! Which idiot submitted this plan?!" Kotori looked at the third option, veins popping in her forehead, and couldn't help but roar, clutching her head.
"Everyone! Ignore Option Three! Immediately analyze the pros and cons of Option One and Option Two! Hurry! Shido won't be able to hold out much longer!" She slammed the console and issued the final command.
Instantly, the entire Fraxinus bridge entered a state of high-tension tactical analysis, like the most efficient war machine.
The eyes of all the crew members were focused on those two response options that would determine the fate of Shido (and the entire "Chinatsu/Koushi" capture plan).
Meanwhile, in the apartment living room shrouded by unknown power, Shido held his breath, cold sweat beading on his forehead, anxiously awaiting the final command from the bridge.
Every second of silence felt exceptionally long.
On the Fraxinus bridge, after a brief but intense discussion, Kotori finally made the decision:
"Option Two! Have Shido choose to be vague, leaving room for maneuver! Now is not the time to be aggressive!"
Shido, reassured by the instruction, gave a slightly embarrassed smile to Aha (Koushi), who seemed to be awaiting his answer, and the two girls with differing expressions. He scratched his cheek and said:
"Koushi, please stop joking around with me... How should I put this, Classmate Hōōin and I just met; we haven't even gotten to know each other yet... It's way too early to talk about this."
This response neither explicitly refused nor showed eagerness; it was perfectly balanced.
After hearing this, Aha (Koushi)'s brilliant smile diminished slightly, but he didn't seem disappointed. Instead, it was as if he had obtained some interesting data.
He thoughtfully hummed "Hmm~," then quietly sat back down, resting his chin on one hand, his gaze distant, clearly contemplating some new form of "amusement."
When Origami heard that Shido didn't immediately agree, the wariness in her eyes toward Chinatsu relaxed slightly, but she still clung tightly to Shido's arm, as if declaring ownership.
Chinatsu, meanwhile, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. (Thank goodness... If Shido had actually agreed to Aha's suggestion, the situation would have been unmanageable...)
The group sat for a while longer, casually chatting about trivial topics. Shido mainly asked about "Koushi's" physical condition, while Aha deflected the questions with various chuunibyou statements. The sky outside gradually darkened, and the streetlights turned on.
Feeling that it was getting late, Shido stood up to take his leave:
"Koushi, please rest well. We won't bother you any longer. Classmate Hōōin, thank you for your hospitality today." Origami also stood up, still pressed close to Shido's side.
Chinatsu also got up, preparing to see them out.
However, just as Shido and Origami reached the door, and Chinatsu was about to say goodbye—
[Ding-dong! New mission issued!]
[Mission Content: Using Shido's recent mention of "getting to know each other" as an opening, agree to go on a date with him~!]
[Mission Reward: One special surprise!]
[Mission Penalty: Refusal or failure will result in the permanent solidification of your current female physiological form, and you will randomly lose one behavioral habit/memory fragment from your male period~ (For example: forgetting how to pee standing up? Or starting to develop an interest in pretty skirts? Hehe~)]
This sudden system prompt made her whole body freeze!
Especially the maliciously playful penalty content, which instantly made her scalp tingle!