Walking out of the fast-food restaurant, the refreshing evening breeze blew, invigorating Kitahara Makoto.
The sun was setting.
The fiery clouds in the sky were magnificent and dazzling, covering half the sky.
Unfortunately, no one appreciated the natural beauty; instead, the subway station entrance across the road was packed with people.
Watching a spectacle is human nature, and no one is immune, unless they have an urgent need to use the bathroom.
"Kitahara-kun, how are you feeling now? Do you want to rest for a while?"
Chihaya Anon looked over with concern.
"I can hold on," Kitahara Makoto said softly, "It's just that I've expended a lot of energy and need to eat something to replenish it."
Chihaya Anon quickly said:
"I'll go buy you some food!"
"Fried chicken will do," Kitahara Makoto nodded lightly, "It's been a long time since I've had it, I miss it a bit."
"Leave it to me."
Chihaya Anon made an OK gesture.
"And buy some cupcakes for Hana-chan."
Kitahara Makoto reminded her from behind.
"Got it~"
Chihaya Anon waved her hand to signal she understood, then turned and ran off in a flash.
"Kitahara-kun, I'm sorry..."
Kita Ikuyo bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth, apologizing in a low voice.
Kitahara Makoto looked over in confusion:
"Kita, why are you apologizing?"
Kita Ikuyo said softly:
"It's all because of me that Kitahara-kun got hurt..."
"Kita, you're mistaken," Kitahara Makoto gently held the girl's cold little hand and said earnestly, "Actually, it was for myself."
"Eh?"
Kita Ikuyo looked up in confusion.
"I've said before that my heart is actually quite dark, so I need Kita to shine on me like the sun and warm me," Kitahara Makoto said softly, "Otherwise, I might very well fall, after all, with great power comes great evil."
"What are you talking about?" Kita Ikuyo looked up and retorted, "Isn't it 'with great power comes great responsibility'?"
"That's in movies. In reality, if an ordinary person suddenly gains superhuman strength, they most likely won't become Spider-Man, but rather a Homelander."
Kitahara Makoto never considered his moral standards to be high.
A guy greedy enough to want a harem surely has lower moral standards than ordinary people.
Superhuman physical abilities, plus various supernatural powers—if this were a dark fantasy novel, Kitahara Makoto might really turn into a big villain who doesn't eat beef.
Kitahara Makoto gently played with Kita's soft, boneless hand and said softly:
"So, Kita, you must keep a close eye on me and not let me become an evil supervillain. If I ever fall into depravity, it will definitely be all Kita's fault."
Kita Ikuyo: "..."
How mean!
It's not my fault at all, you're clearly not strong-willed enough!
(But it is indeed dangerous...)
(I've decided!)
(Later, I'll tell Nijika-senpai, Ryo-senpai, and Hitori, so everyone can supervise and not let Kitahara fall into depravity!)
"Of course, there's another reason," Kitahara Makoto said shamelessly, "Mrs. Kita is my mother, and it's only right to save one's own family."
Kita Ikuyo's small face flushed, and she couldn't help but retort:
"She's not Kitahara-kun's mother, okay?"
Kitahara Makoto's expression was calm: "She's not now, but she naturally will be when we get married later."
"M-marriage..." Kita Ikuyo's small face quickly turned red, and she stammered, "That's too early!"
Kitahara Makoto smiled and looked over:
"So you're not refusing to marry me, Kita?"
"I didn't agree to you!" Kita Ikuyo's face was crimson, "Besides, Japan has monogamy, what about everyone else if we get married?"
"We can immigrate to a country with polygamy..."
"Stop talking, this topic ends here!"
Kita Ikuyo's small face was flushed, and she quickly interrupted him.
Everyone is still just high school students, talk of marriage is too early; that kind of thing should at least wait until after college graduation!
"Now that the ghost in the subway has been eliminated, Mom should be fine, right?"
Kita Ikuyo let out a soft breath, changing the subject, but there was still some worry between her brows.
Although the ghost has been eliminated and it seems safe to relax, it's better to be safe than sorry. Even if it's a one-in-ten-thousand chance, she doesn't want her mother to suffer any misfortune.
"We won't leave for now, we'll continue to stay by Auntie's side," Kitahara Makoto gently squeezed Kita's small hand and said softly, "Until the question count refreshes in the early morning, then we'll immediately ask the answer book to confirm if Auntie is truly safe and sound."
"Mhm."
Kita Ikuyo nodded in agreement; that was exactly what she was thinking.
"Thank you, Kitahara-kun."
Kita Ikuyo looked up gratefully.
Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice and said:
"Compared to a verbal thank you, I'd rather Kita wear a maid outfit with cat ear hair accessories, kneel at the door, and say 'Welcome home, Master'."
Kita Ikuyo: "..."
(Although it's embarrassing, after confirming Mom is safe and sound, it's not entirely impossible...)
"Why aren't you talking?"
Kitahara Makoto raised an eyebrow and looked over.
"I'm thirsty," Kita Ikuyo said, her face red as she averted her gaze, "I don't want to talk."
"..."
After a brief chat.
Chihaya Anon returned with three portions of fried chicken and a large bag of cupcakes.
"Kitahara-kun, your fried chicken."
Chihaya Anon handed him the fried chicken.
"Many thanks for the feeding, Anon-sama."
Kitahara Makoto respectfully took the fried chicken.
"Hmph~"
Chihaya Anon hummed softly, quite satisfied with Kitahara Makoto's 'understanding of the situation', then handed another portion of fried chicken to Kita:
"Kita-chan, this is for you."
"Thank you, Anon-chan."
Kita Ikuyo thanked her softly.
The three of them stood across the street and began to eat.
Kitahara Makoto had expended a lot of energy and ate very quickly. Kita, worried about her mother, naturally had little appetite and only ate two pieces in the end.
"I can't eat anymore."
Kita Ikuyo looked up pitifully.
"Give it to me," Kitahara Makoto extended his right hand, "I'm still not full."
"Stare—"
A jealous gaze came from the side.
Kitahara Makoto turned to Anon and said calmly:
"Anon, can you finish yours? If not, give it to me too."
"I actually can't finish it all," Chihaya Anon wiped her fingers, then casually handed over the paper bag, saying with a smile, "Then I'll leave it to Kitahara-kun."
This pink-haired girl was still unaware that Kita, filled with gratitude, had already decided to help him push his boundaries...
During this time, more police cars roared in as reinforcements, but since the Mind Demon itself had been eliminated by Kitahara Makoto, there was naturally no other danger.
After Kitahara Makoto finished eating all three portions of fried chicken, he finally saw the bandaged injured being carried out by medical personnel one after another.
"It's Mom!"
Kita Ikuyo's eyes widened, and she immediately found Mrs. Kita in the crowd.
Watching Mrs. Kita and other medical personnel get into the ambulance together, Kitahara Makoto drank the last sip of cola:
"Let's go, we're going to the hospital."
"..."
There's no need to say more about what happened next.
The three of them returned to the hospital, only to find the entire hospital bustling with activity, but fortunately, no accidents occurred during this time.
During this period, Nijika, Ryo, and Hitori all sent messages asking about the situation. Because her mother's safety was not yet 100% confirmed, Kita chatted briefly but then had no mood to speak.
Time flew by, and it was eight o'clock in the evening.
"Phew..."
In the hallway outside the emergency room, Chihaya Anon raised her hand to cover her mouth and yawned.
"Anon-chan, you should go back first."
Kita Ikuyo said softly:
"Thank you for your help today, Anon-chan."
"It's perfectly normal for friends to help each other," Chihaya Anon waved her hand and said softly, "Then I'll head back now."
"Be careful on your way home," Kitahara Makoto nodded lightly, "Text me when you get home."
"Got it," Chihaya Anon stood up and stretched, then looked down at Hana beside her, "What about Hana-chan? Do you want me to take her home?"
"Hana-chan will stay at the hospital with us," Kitahara Makoto mused, "Or should I have Hana-chan send you back through the mirror space?"
"No, thanks," Chihaya Anon waved her hand, "It's not comfortable to drill around in the mirror, and if I bump into my parents again, it'll be a big hassle... That's it, I'm going back now."
"..."
After seeing the pink-haired girl, Anon, to the escalator, Kitahara Makoto returned to Kita's side and sat down. The two continued to wait outside the emergency room.
There were many casualties in this subway incident, including the unlucky ones initially attacked by Mind Demon, as well as the police officers and doctors later attacked by the shadow ghost. Countless doctors went in and out, making it exceptionally busy.
Kitahara Makoto and Kita sat in the hallway, constantly monitoring the situation in the emergency room. Fortunately, it remained quiet, and no accidents occurred.
Time quietly slipped away.
Nine o'clock.
Ten o'clock.
Eleven o'clock.
Time finally ticked to midnight.
"Kitahara-kun, it's time!"
Kita Ikuyo looked up with anticipation, having been keeping track of the time.
"We can ask now," Kitahara Makoto stood up and grabbed his backpack, "Let's go to the fire escape."
"Mhm."
Kita Ikuyo quickly got up and followed with small, quick steps.
The two arrived at the fire escape.
Kitahara Makoto opened his backpack, took out the answer book, and handed it to Kita.
"Phew..."
Kita Ikuyo took a deep breath, took the answer book with both hands, and nervously asked:
"Will Mom encounter any more misfortunes?"
Whoosh.
The answer book flipped pages rapidly, without any wind.
A few simple words quietly appeared.
"Safe."
"Finally, she's alright..."
Kita Ikuyo's eyes welled up, almost crying tears of joy.
"You should be happy that she's fine." Kitahara Makoto reached out his right hand and rubbed Kita's small head. "Should we continue to stay at the hospital or go back?"
"Go back, go back." Kita Ikuyo returned the answer book, her voice already restored to its usual clear and bright tone, feeling lighthearted. "Mom's already fine, what's the point of staying at the hospital? I feel sticky and uncomfortable; let's go back and take a bath and rest!"
Kitahara Makoto nodded lightly: "Then let's go."
"..."
Seeing Kitahara Makoto walk towards the elevator, Kita Ikuyo couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Wait, can't we just go home directly through the mirror?"
Kitahara Makoto glanced over when he heard that:
"Kita, aren't you hungry?"
"Hmm..."
Kita Ikuyo covered her stomach when she heard that, her small face slightly flushed, and she whispered:
"I am a bit hungry."
She had been worried about her mother's safety, and had only taken two bites of the fried chicken. Now that the heavy burden on her heart was finally lifted, she felt completely lighthearted, and hunger immediately swept over her.
Kitahara Makoto said as he walked:
"So, let's go out and eat something first, and then go home after we're full."
Stepping out of the hospital.
The sky was dotted with stars, and a silver moon hung high.
The refreshing evening breeze blew on them, making them feel exceptionally comfortable.
"Hmm..."
Kita Ikuyo spread her arms, welcoming the blowing evening breeze.
"I've never seen such a quiet city before; it feels completely different from daytime."
Kitahara Makoto said softly beside her:
"Daytime is everyone's city; now it's a city exclusively for me and Kita."
"What do you mean..."
Kita Ikuyo's small face was slightly red, and she couldn't help but mumble softly.
(This guy is getting better and better at sweet-talking and coaxing people now!)
"Oh, by the way, where is the Commercial Street that Kitahara-kun mentioned?"
Kita Ikuyo quickly changed the subject.
"Cross the intersection, and walk about two hundred meters forward, and you'll be there." Kitahara Makoto said casually, "I saw it when we took a taxi to the subway station earlier."
As he spoke, the green light turned on.
Kitahara Makoto stepped forward, ready to cross the intersection. Just as he took half a step, his finger was suddenly grabbed by a soft, boneless small hand.
"Hurry, hurry." Kita Ikuyo's small face was flushed, and she turned her small face away, saying, "I'm so hungry; I'm going to eat a lot later!"
"Don't grab my finger." Kitahara Makoto complained as he walked, "That's how a child holds an adult's hand."
"Ugh—"
Kita Ikuyo's rosy cheeks immediately puffed up.
"It should be like this..."
Kitahara Makoto flipped his hand, switching to a position where his fingers were intertwined with Kita's:
"This is how couples hold hands."
Kita Ikuyo's small face was hot: "What do you mean? Your hand is so big; holding it like this isn't comfortable at all."
Kitahara Makoto: "Then should we continue to hold fingers?"
"No." Kita Ikuyo turned her small face away. "Just walk quickly like this."
"..."
Talking all the way, the two quickly arrived at the Commercial Street.
Perhaps because the area was relatively prosperous, there were quite a few pedestrians on the Commercial Street, even bustling. Various shops were open, especially at the entrances of izakayas, which were full of drunken office workers.
Kitahara Makoto, accompanied by Kita and a little Hana tailing along, bought three servings of takoyaki, three servings of yakitori skewers, and then went to a ramen shop to eat late-night ramen, finally feeling full and satisfied.
"Let's go, we can go home now."
Kitahara Makoto stretched, and walked towards a 24-hour fast food restaurant.
The trains and subways had stopped running at midnight, but with Hana, they could easily go home through the mirror.
Kita Ikuyo followed with small, quick steps:
"My clothes feel like they have an odor; I want to take a bath and change clothes. Should we go to my house?"
Kitahara Makoto shook his head: "Hana-chan can't go directly."
"Huh?" Kita Ikuyo was startled. "Why not?"
"I asked Hana-chan before. To travel through mirror space, either someone has to call Hana-chan's name in their heart, or it has to be a place Hana has been to before." Kitahara Makoto explained softly, "Hana hasn't been to Kita's house yet, so she can't go directly."
"I see. Then let's go to Kitahara-kun's house." Kita Ikuyo nodded upon hearing this, then showed a regretful expression, "But it's a shame, I thought we could travel anywhere in the world anytime in the future."
"Of course you can." Kitahara Makoto said casually, "In a couple of days, Kita and I will go on a trip together, unlock the map, and then we can travel anytime through Hana-chan."
Kita was naturally thrilled:
"Won't it be too much trouble?"
"Kita, just say whether you want to or not."
"...Let's talk about it when we have time."
The two walked into the 24-hour fast food restaurant, and successfully returned to Kitahara Makoto's home through the bathroom mirror.
"We're back, we're back." Kita Ikuyo clenched her fists and stretched, "Bath, bath, I feel so uncomfortable."
Kitahara Makoto looked over expectantly:
"Shall I help Kita scrub her back?"
"Absolutely not!" Kita Ikuyo covered her chest with both hands, her small face red, and flatly refused.
"I'll wash myself!"
"Alright." Kitahara Makoto naturally wouldn't force her. "Then I'll go to the bathroom downstairs."
Kita Ikuyo secretly sighed in relief, followed Kitahara Makoto back to the room, took Kitahara Makoto's shirt and shorts, and then scurried into the second-floor bathroom.
Kitahara Makoto exhaled lightly and went to the first-floor bathroom to take a bath.
After washing up.
He waited a moment longer and finally saw Kita emerge from the bathroom.
"Huh?" Kita Ikuyo looked over in surprise, "Kitahara-kun, why aren't you sleeping yet?"
Kitahara Makoto looked over: "Of course, I'm washing Kita's clothes."
Having rushed over, Kita naturally had no change of clothes. At the moment, she was wearing Kitahara Makoto's white shirt and boxer shorts, looking exceptionally petite. Her exposed skin was even more fair and delicate, so soft it seemed it could break with a touch.
"You can leave that to Hana-chan." Kita Ikuyo covered her chest with one hand. "Kitahara-kun worked so hard today, hurry and rest."
"No rush."
Kitahara Makoto took the clothes downstairs, threw them into the washing machine, and then said:
"Kita, are you sleeping in the guest room tonight, or with me?"
"Of course, I'm sleeping in the guest room." Kita Ikuyo's small face quickly flushed. "It's almost two in the morning now, Kitahara-kun, don't think about anything vulgar!"
"I was worried you wouldn't sleep soundly alone at night." Kitahara Makoto yawned, pressed his fingers to his brow, and said tiredly, "Since you're fine, I'm going back to sleep."
Having used [Godspeed] and [Hand of Deprivation] consecutively earlier, Kitahara Makoto had expended a lot of physical strength. He still felt a bit lightheaded and hadn't fully recovered, otherwise, he definitely wouldn't have let Kita off so easily.
Seeing Kitahara Makoto turn to enter his room, Kita Ikuyo parted her rosy lips and suddenly called out softly:
"Wait a moment."
"Hmm?"
Kitahara Makoto turned to look at Kita.
Kita Ikuyo, carrying a fragrant breeze, quickly came before Kitahara Makoto, then stood on her tiptoes, lightly pecked Kitahara Makoto's lips, and turned to run away:
"...Good night!"
"Hold on." Kitahara Makoto reached out and lightly pulled, embracing Kita, who was trying to escape. "I'll share a new ability with you."
"Huh, what ability?"
"An ability to fully recover HP and MP after a night's sleep."
As Kitahara Makoto spoke, he lowered his head and blocked Kita's pink, moist cherry lips.
"Mmm..."
Kita Ikuyo's eyelashes trembled shyly, and she quickly closed her eyes, allowing herself to be taken advantage of.
A few minutes later.
Pop~
With a soft sound, Kitahara Makoto finally let Kita go:
"Alright, the ability has been shared. Are you going to rest, or kiss a bit more?"
Kita Ikuyo's small face was flushed, and she was panting, raising her hand to wipe away the silver thread from the corner of her lips:
"Of, of course, I'm going to sleep!"
"..."
The night passed without incident.
The next day.
Kitahara Makoto opened his eyes; the sunlight outside was already bright.
"Night Emperor is indeed very useful; I'm now at full HP and MP."
Kitahara Makoto sat up, feeling his body had returned to its peak condition.
[Ability: Night Emperor]
[Category: Passive/Inherent Blessing]
[Description: Perpetual motion machine. Your energy will never run dry. No matter how much energy you expend, you can restore your body to its peak state through sleep.]
After getting dressed and going downstairs, Kitahara Makoto had just reached the living room when he smelled a fragrance coming from the kitchen.
"Kitahara-kun, you're awake?"
Kita Ikuyo, wearing a panda apron around her waist, transformed into a little chef, holding a wooden spatula in one hand, turned her head and looked over:
"Hurry and wash your face and brush your teeth. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Kitahara Makoto walked to the kitchen entrance: "Won't you be tired if you wake up so early?"
"Not at all." Kita Ikuyo's voice was clear, "Kitahara-kun's sticking ability yesterday was super useful. After a good night's sleep, I feel incredibly refreshed."
Kitahara Makoto asked again:
"Have you asked how Auntie is doing now?"
"I asked. Mom said she was busy until three or four in the morning yesterday, then went home to rest." Kita Ikuyo stuck out the tip of her tongue, "After breakfast, I have to hurry home, so Mom doesn't find out I didn't come home last night."
Kitahara Makoto said calmly:
"Kita now has a boyfriend. Isn't it normal not to come home at night?"
Kita Ikuyo couldn't help but glare at him: "Go away, hurry and wash your face and brush your teeth."
"…"
After washing up.
Kitahara Makoto and Kita ate breakfast together, then Kita hurriedly said goodbye and went home.
"...First, let's look at yesterday's spoils."
Kitahara Makoto took out the Kessoku Band poster, pasted it on the wall, and had the Kessoku Band girls take out yesterday's spoils.
First was the Black Shadow Bow Tie.
This thing shimmered faintly, clearly an optimizable item.
"Optimize it for me."
Kitahara Makoto silently gave the command in his mind.
As his stamina rapidly depleted, tiny specks of starlight drifted onto the bow tie, and the item was quickly optimized successfully.
As the optimization ended, Kitahara Makoto finally saw the bow tie's attributes.
[Item: Shadow Person Bowtie]
[Current State: Optimized]
[New Entry: Black Shadow-kun. When you wear this bow tie, you will transform into a black shadow. Except for your eyes and teeth, which will appear white, all other parts will be pure black. In the pure black state, no means can detect you, and no other interactive actions will make a sound unless you speak actively.]
"It sounds a bit like the Shadow Person from Detective Conan."
Soyo in the painting was beside him, full of curiosity:
"Speaking of which, has Detective Conan finished yet?"
"Don't even think about it. It might not finish in our lifetime." Kitahara Makoto complained, "Instead, the latest summer movie version of Detective Conan has been released, one every year, without fail."
While complaining, Kitahara Makoto tried wearing the bow tie. His body didn't feel anything, but suddenly he heard a soft gasp from Sakiko in the painting:
"Ah, Kitahara-kun's clothes are still there!"
Kitahara Makoto curiously looked into the mirror and was immediately speechless.
Good heavens!
He had indeed turned into a Shadow Person, but his clothes didn't turn black with him. A pure black Shadow Person wearing a white shirt looked super bizarre!