◇Going back a little in time, to the barbecue, with Aya and Nagi

Nagi: “Aya-san! I’m announcing a plan! Confess to my brother today!”

Aya: “Ehh!?”

Nagi: “My brother is rather clueless about love because of various reasons. He’s passive about it because he was bullied as an unranked person… So, I think he’s undeveloped and timid when it comes to love. I feel like he still thinks he’s not worth much… Honestly, he’s quite popular now.”

Aya: “Well, I kind of figured. He gets approached quite often… I hear voices saying he’s cool… but Kai-san always says ‘someone like me’…”

Nagi: “Yes. That’s why, Aya-san, please confess. Be straightforward with your words so that he can’t misunderstand! If not, my brother won’t make a move. It’s normal for women to take the initiative in this day and age. Be aggressive, it’s the age of carnivores.”

Aya: “But, if I get rejected…”

Nagi: “Hehe, there’s a magic phrase for times like that. Say ‘I don’t need an answer now’. This way, you won’t get rejected and you can still confess. It’s only a matter of time before my brother continues to be conscious of Aya-san and falls for you. Don’t misunderstand, a confession is the start! Only the courageous can stand at the starting line.”

Aya: “I see… Nagi-chan, you’re amazing. A genius… a love master. Where did you get such knowledge…”

(Let’s not mention that I heard it from shoujo manga while I had AMS…)

◇The time returns, Aya and Kai on the deserted island.

(Say it, here. Tell Kai-san… that you like him…)

Aya was uneasy. She could hear the sound of her heart, and her body was stiff with tension. She had never thought that saying her own words would be so scary, and she couldn’t believe that people all over the world had overcome such a fear to become a couple.

Kai: “Aya?”

Aya: “Kai-san… I… I…”

Aya leans in, doing her best sexy pose. Looking up at Kai with cheeks redder than the sunset, she stares at him.

(You can do it, give it your all, me!!)

Aya: “I… li……”

Splash!!

Aya: “Eh?”

Suddenly a big wave hits Aya and Kai. The sea, which was calm until a moment ago, starts to get rough. The shock of the waves knocks Aya and Kai over.

They knew what caused it. And you could say it was even expected.

Because in the sea.

“Hahaha! How about this, Reina!? I’m running on water!!”

“Grandpa, that’s amazing.”

“It takes a knack, but with Reina’s magic power, you’ll be able to do it in no time!! Let me show you how, first with your feet!!”

“…I did it.”

“Eh……”

Muscle grandpa and Reina were running around on top of the sea. Soon after, Reina starts running on top of the sea as well. The impact of their explosive footprints was making the sea look like a storm.

Kai: “Haha, that’s amazing… huh? This feeling…”

Aya and Kai, who were overturned by the wave. The two of them were so close that it would not be unusual for a lucky pervert moment to occur.

In Kai’s hand was a soft sensation. In the palm of his hand was a slightly hard sensation.

Kai realizes. His hand had accidentally slipped into Aya’s underwear when they fell over.

And now, he understands what he is currently grabbing tightly. It was beyond Kai’s control that he inadvertently squeezed it.

However.

Aya: “A- a- AAAA!!”

But there is a need to pay the price.

Kai: “Buh!”

Aya’s slap, with no holding back, sent Kai flying into the air.

◇

Chairman Kagetora: “That being said, our fun time has come to an end. We have a hotel dinner planned, so let’s start heading back soon. Let’s meet again in an hour.”

We begin to clean up. I’m cooling my cheek, I can’t say anything because I’m completely at fault. Although I briefly lost consciousness, my hand still retained a certain sensation.

So, that’s how soft breasts are…

Aya: “I’m sorry, Kai-san. Does it hurt?”

Aya sits next to me, expressing her concern.

Kai: “No, I’m at fault, so I’m fine… I’m sorry too.”

Aya’s attack power is close to 100,000. She must have put all her strength into that blow. If it weren’t me, my head would be spinning in the air by now. I’m really glad about that. If it was the old me, I really would have died.

We took a shower and went back to our room.

The hotel dinner was a luxury teppanyaki dinner, fit for the wealthy. We enjoyed the steak cooked right in front of us and the performance, spending a very enjoyable and delicious time.

A brief moment of luxury. After that, we headed to the large communal bath.

Chairman Kagetora: “There’s nothing like a bath… Being naked together is the best way to foster camaraderie, don’t you think? This applies to both men and women. Gahaha!”

We, all the men, are entering the large communal bath at the hotel. Just the four of us; Tendou-san, Tanaka-san, Chairman Kagetora, and me, in a private setting.

Kai: “Haha, I suppose so. Though I’ve never experienced such camaraderie with women…”

Tendou: “What, are you a virgin, brat? Should I take you to an adult shop? You have money, right? It’s time you got to know about such things.”

Tanaka: “That’s enough, Ryunosuke. Kai is still a minor. Don’t lump him in with you who acted like a delinquent. Besides, it would be problematic if his first time was with a professional. Kai, it’s best if you move at your own pace. But well, if you don’t have anyone in mind, perhaps a mixer with some of our young employees… With your pick of–”

Kai: “N-no, I’m fine!”

Tanaka: “Ha ha, I was just joking. You don’t need it.”

It’s inevitable that young me would be teased in situations like this, but even so, it felt good here. Strengthening friendships through sports. This strategy was a huge success, and I found myself liking these people even more than before.

Chairman Kagetora: “So, Kai-kun. If you could choose between Aya and Reina, who would you prefer?”

Kai: “Wha-!?”

Tanaka: “Hmm… If I recall correctly, Reina-kun saved your life, didn’t she? She’s a remarkably beautiful woman so you’ll have many rivals. Well, she herself doesn’t seem interested in romance…”

Tendou: “Reina is out of the question. To me, she’s like a little sister, and I’ve never heard any rumors about her. In that sense, Aya is the same. Even though they’re both of age…”

Tanaka: “Reina-kun… Well, it can’t be helped. Even with the way she is now, she’s brighter than she used to be.”

Kai: “…Did something happen to Reina?”

When I asked casually, Tanaka-san and the others met eyes and nodded. It was the Chairman who opened his mouth.

Chairman Kagetora: “It’s a bit of a dark story… But I want you to know, Kai-kun. Her parents are dead. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that her father is dead and her mother is missing…”

Kai: “Is that so… A dungeon collapse?”

Chairman Kagetora: “No, it’s not. If it had been an accident like that, her heart wouldn’t have been so deeply wounded.”

Kai: “Then what happened…?”

The chairman hesitated, then started to speak.

Chairman Kagetora: “She… Her mother tried to kill her. Her own mother, who had become a mad believer in the God-Destruction cult.”

Kai: “What do you mean!?”

Chairman Kagetora: “I’ll explain it in order. First, Reina’s father was a member of the Dungeon Association, the head of the Awakened Crime Countermeasure Division. He was an A-Rank clearer, excellent and with a strong sense of justice, he had even fought with me on the battlefield, and I had even thought that I wanted him to succeed me.”

Tanaka: “Ginno Isshin, he was a friend of mine. I even invited him to Avalon… This hotel was… where Isshin and Reina’s mother held their wedding. He loved this place and often came with his family.”

Kai: “I saw Reina looking out at the sea and crying today. Perhaps…”

Tanaka: “Her repressed feelings may be overflowing. I chose this place hoping it would have a positive impact, but it might have been counterproductive. There’s a large bell ornament on the roof of this hotel… That’s where Isshin and his wife swore eternal love. I was the matchmaker and even gave a speech. It brings back memories.”

Chairman Kagetora: “Yes, they were a loving couple. But you see, Reina had an older brother, who was similar to their father with a strong sense of justice, and that’s probably why… On that day, he defended Reina. Reina’s brother died protecting Reina from a monster attack caused by a dungeon collapse.”

Kai: “…No way.”

It seems Reina’s brother died. I don’t have a brother, but I do have a sister. How would Nagi feel if I died? Especially if I died protecting her. We are genuinely close, and I think we would even risk our lives for each other.

But if that really happened…

Chairman Kagetora: “That’s indeed the greatest misfortune. But… it started from there. The worst thing happened to the Ginno family. Do you know that Reina used to live abroad? Reina’s mother was a foreigner.”

Kai: “I’ve heard she’s half.”

Chairman Kagetora: “Yes, after the accident, Reina and her mother, Sophia, were downcast. She wasn’t well enough to take care of a child and live at the same time. Isshin was a clumsy man who couldn’t take a break from work. Well, at that time we needed all hands on deck, so there was no helping it. Because of that, Reina and Sophia were overseas while Isshin stayed in Japan. He would come home once a month, but he basically stayed in this country.”

Kai: “I see… Isshin-san was a very responsible person.”

Chairman Kagetora: “That’s right, but… The misfortunes kept piling up. Sophia caught the eye of the God-Destruction cult.”

Kai: “The God-Destruction cult!? You mean, that God-Destruction cult?”

Chairman Kagetora: “Yes, the God-Destruction cult you defeated, Kai. That cult targets those who have lost their families in the dungeons. They reach out to those deeply wounded by dungeon collapses and monster attacks. They say it’s all part of God’s plan, and that humanity will suffer unless we destroy God. And Sophia… fell into their hands.”

Kai: “Such a thing…”

The chairman’s explanation revealed information I couldn’t find online. What the God-Destruction cult targeted were the wounded people. Religion has always aimed to become the support for such people. This, in itself, is not evil; to seek salvation is also an important thing.

But the God-Destruction Cult is different. The issue is what happens afterward. They are pros at recruitment. It must’ve been easy for them to prey on a desperate housewife who’d lost her child, especially if her husband was abroad.

Chairman Kagetora: “Just before the end Isshin was unaware. No, he was actually delighted to see Sophia becoming more cheerful. I remember his smile when he said he was going out to buy flowers because it was their wedding anniversary. He said she’d been laughing a lot lately… But underneath it all, the whispers of the devil continued. And finally… it happened. Sophia became a fanatic, and Reina was kidnapped by the God-Destruction cult.”

Kai: “Kidnapped… you say?”

Chairman Kagetora: “Yes, we don’t know the details, but some kind of ritual was performed. Isshin asked for my and Ryunosuke’s help just in time. We saved Reina from the God- Destruction cult at the last moment. The ritual was too horrific to even describe. If Reina hadn’t had magical powers, she would have died. And during that process… Isshin died. He fought against a man named Rogue, an S-Rank member of the Cult known as the archbishop. Although Rogue managed to escape… we saved Reina. You can imagine what happened next and that Reina closed her heart after going through something like that. It’s a miracle that she can even speak now.”

Kai: “I can’t even begin to imagine how much Reina must’ve suffered back then.”

(Maybe that’s related to her seal?)

Reina, who had already lost her brother and was mentally unstable, was betrayed by her mother who she loved, and her father died. I couldn’t even imagine such a thing.

Chairman Kagetora: “That’s the whole story. I wanted you, Kai-kun, to know it. …All right, let’s wash away the sad story with sweat! It’s a rare vacation after all! We can’t change the sad past, but we can brighten the future!!”

As he said this, the chairman patted me on the shoulder with a smile. I nodded firmly and stood up. We may not be able to erase the past, but knowing it allows us to choose a different path.

Having learned about Reina’s past, I just wanted to make her smile from the bottom of my heart.

I didn’t know what this feeling would turn into.

～After the Bath

Chairman Kagetora: “So, shall we gentlemen go for a drink? How about you, Kai-kun, will you join us?”

Kai: “Ah, I have plans with Aya tonight.”

Chairman Kagetora: “I see! That’s great! Well then, we won’t get in your way. Let’s go, Tanaka-kun, Ryunosuke.”

The chairman, Tanaka-san, and Tendo disappeared into the night city after the bath. The chairman seemed to be very happy. I wondered if he was that happy to go drinking.

Nagi: “Welcome back, big brother! The bath was amazing!”

Kai: “Oh, you guys are done too?”

When I returned to the room, Nagi was cooling off on the balcony in her yukata. No matter what she wore, it suited her. She looked lovely in a swimsuit, but the yukata made her look more mature.

Nagi: “Big brother, let’s go do a test of courage with Reina-san and Aya-san now! Come on!”

Kai: “A test of courage? That’s a summer staple, but…”

Nagi: “The two of them are waiting in the lobby downstairs! Hurry up!!”

Kai: “Okay, okay…”

I was led to the lobby. I hadn’t been on a ghost hunt since elementary school. I couldn’t imagine being scared after being tested in dungeons every day.

Nagi: “Reina-san, Aya-san, sorry to keep you waiting!”

There were two girls in the lobby. They attracted so much attention that people almost stumbled as they passed by. They exuded a beautiful aura, like celebrities, even without seeing their magical power.

One was Reina Ginno. With her silver hair swept up and wearing a yukata, she looked stunning. I don’t know why foreigners in yukatas look so good, but her large chest was captivating.

The other was Aya Ryuenji. A black-haired girl in a ponytail swaying mysteriously, the epitome of a traditional Japanese beauty. It is said that men instinctively follow things that sway, and her ponytail is certainly eye-catching. It’s not a fetish of mine; it’s just instinct.

Nagi: “Big brother?”

Kai: “…”

Nagi: “Big brother!”

Kai: “Oh, sorry.”

I was staring at Aya’s ponytail when Nagi’s voice brought me back to reality.

Nagi and Aya smiled as they saw this, exchanging winks. We then left the hotel.

Outside, it was dark and the time was past 9 PM. The hotel was surrounded by nature, so there were few street lights and it was generally dark. But it wasn’t completely dark, so it felt more like a night walk than a ghost hunt.

Nagi: “Now, let’s announce the team division!”

Kai: “But there are four of us, aren’t there?”

F”It won’t feel like a test of courage with so many people. So we’re going to do it in pairs! I’m going with Reina, so you’re with Aya, big brother.”

Kai: “Why do you get to decide…”

Nagi: “I haven’t had a chance to get close to Reina yet, so it’s fine! Please, Reina.”

Reina: “Sure, I look forward to it, Nagi.”

With that, Reina and Nagi disappeared into the darkness holding hands. Well, Nagi is pretty reliable, and Reina is the strongest woman, so they should be okay even if they run into some bad guys.

Kai: “Well, we should get going too…”

After a while, I started walking. Aya kept looking down and wouldn’t talk or move. She repeatedly reached out and gripped my hand but didn’t move forward. I thought she might be surprisingly scared, but she is a high-class lady and probably not used to the dark.

That’s when it happened.

Kai: “Hm?”

My left hand was grabbed. Of course, it was Aya’s right hand. She held my hand, albeit a little timidly, with the ends of her fingers. I turned to look at her, and saw her still looking down, her ears turning bright red as she managed to squeak out in a trembling voice.

Aya: “I, I… want to… hold hands…”

Maybe it’s the summer heat, but I felt a bit flushed.