At this moment, the radar displayed another character approaching from behind.
Then, he heard the sound of flapping wings.
Angel Devil Angel landed beside Himeno.
"Are you alright?"
Her tone was casual, but Angel's gaze was fixed on the surrounding environment and the look Akira was giving her.
[Character: Angel (Angel Devil)
[Potential: SS]
[Affection: 65]
[Status: At Ease]
Angel Devil Angel.
In Akira's memory, it should have been genderless.
Because according to the earliest ancient records, Angels do not possess gender.
Therefore, in the manga's portrayal, Angel exhibited a neutral beauty.
But for some unknown reason, the Angel before him not only had become female—
her physique had also undergone a massive transformation.
She had truly become the image people are familiar with: possessing an angelically cute face while also boasting a devilish figure.
If not for the system prompt and those conspicuous wings,
Akira definitely wouldn't have recognized her as the Angel Devil.
At most, she'd be—
a cosplayer?
An Angel monster?
In short, he would never have thought of her as a devil.
However, the most crucial issue is!
The Angel Devil's ability is to passively absorb the life force of beings she touches, shortening the time they can survive in this world.
This accumulated time becomes the material she can use to forge weapons.
In Akira's memory,
Makima sacrificed 100 lives for her to absorb, which then allowed Makima to obtain a weapon capable of slaying the Gun Devil.
To be precise, it was a legendary divine weapon—the Spear of Longinus.
This is what later led to the Gun Devil using Aki Hayakawa as a vessel and the snowball fight plot.
Her body itself is tough enough to withstand bullets.
Her ability's upper limit is high.
So, Akira had no objections to this SS-grade potential.
"Are you with the Hero Association?"
"No, I'm Akira. I represent only myself."
Angel looked at the high school uniform Akira was wearing, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
Right at that moment, Tatsumaki flew up to the rooftop with Fubuki and Saeko Busujima.
"Are you Public Safety personnel?"
It seemed she was asking Himeno and Angel.
But her gaze was fixed on Akira and the monster beside him.
"I'm Akira. I haven't joined any organization. I represent only myself, OK?"
Tatsumaki frowned, then relaxed.
"You're much stronger than my useless little sister."
"If she had strong people like you around her, I wouldn't have had to make this trip."
When Fubuki saw Saeko Busujima walk over to stand behind Akira, her eyes immediately lit up.
But hearing Tatsumaki's blunt lack of respect, she immediately retorted.
"They are my friends—my family who huddle together for warmth."
"You could never understand the emotional bonds between us."
Tatsumaki clicked her tongue. "Talking about feelings with trash? What a waste of time."
"The incident with the Zombie Devil before—that was related to you, wasn't it, Akira?"
Hearing Tatsumaki mention this, the two Public Safety officers nearby snapped back to attention.
Right.
Suddenly appearing Swordsmanship experts, and there are two right here.
As for the remaining one—
Hmm.
The one with horns on her head?
Himeno stood up, and together with Angel, she turned her gaze toward Kitagawa Marin.
"Yes."
"We only killed zombies and took care of the Zombie Devil. You're not going to arrest us and throw us in jail, are you?"
Akira joked.
"Of course not. In fact, you could even receive a five million yen bounty."
Himeno interjected.
"Those zombies were all Gang members. Several of them were wanted criminals, so the bounty comes to nearly five million yen."
Five million?
That's already a year's salary for an office worker.
At the time, he only thought about killing the Zombie Devil to complete the mission and never considered there'd be such a reward.
Akira glanced at Saeko Busujima. "Saeko, when you have time tomorrow, how about a trip to Public Safety?"
"Akira, you were the one who killed the Zombie Devil."
"The Zombie Devil wasn't a wanted criminal."
Saeko Busujima naturally understood that Akira was trying to give her the money indirectly.
"Well then, Akira, you'll have to come over to my place for meals often from now on."
"Don't worry. Treating you is a must."
"By the way, for killing this monster, will there be a bounty from the Hero Association?"
"The Hero Association pays a salary. It's calculated based on performance."
"But for something of this level, I'm not really sure."
Wanting to get closer to Akira, Fubuki spoke up in response.
Tatsumaki spread her hands. "I haven't paid attention to these things."
"But as an S-Class Hero, the Hero Association will try its best to meet the demands."
"Money? I have no concept of it."
"Alright, I've already told the headquarters that the problem here has been resolved."
With that, Tatsumaki turned to Fubuki. "Stop hanging out with those trash. They can't help you."
"I'll say it again—they are not trash."
"Do as you please."
After speaking, Tatsumaki soared into the sky.
Looking at the obvious mark Akira left—which was visible even on a city scale—
she paused for a second, then turned and flew toward the Hero Association headquarters.
"This person…"
"Fubuki, B-Class Hero, rank one, leader of the Fubuki Group."
"Was that your younger sister just now?"
Fubuki looked at Akira, who was clearly asking something he already knew, and spoke somewhat unwillingly.
"That's my older sister."
"Older sister?"
Akira was secretly laughing, but the people nearby who didn't know were surprised.
After all, with the two of them standing together, no one would have thought that the clearly more mature-looking Fubuki would be the younger sister.
Feeling the gazes of the people around her, Fubuki's face reddened slightly. She forced herself to remain calm and said, "It doesn't seem like the time to discuss this problem."
"I still need to find my group members, so I'll take my leave first."
"However, Mr. Akira, could we exchange email addresses?"
"Of course, of course."
Akira took Fubuki's phone.
"And this person—"
"Saeko Busujima."
"Saeko-san, if you want to become a hero, please be sure to join the Fubuki Group."
"Kitagawa Marin."
"Marin-tongxue too, I won't be like my older sister, looking at people with colored glasses."
"As long as you join the Fubuki Group, everyone is family."
Fubuki's expression was serious.
But in her heart, she was making small calculations.
If these two could join the Fubuki Group, Akira would naturally also get to know the Fubuki Group.
When he discovered the good in the Fubuki Group, he would definitely be influenced and join.
"I think it's better to join the Public Safety Devil Hunters."
"With Saeko-san's strength, she only needs a year of experience to become a captain."
Fubuki was openly recruiting people in front of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, and Himeno naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity, so she casually brought it up.
If Saeko Busujima could become her partner,
that sense of security would definitely be maximized.
As for Akira—
she didn't dare to think about it. Simply didn't dare to think about it.
His existence itself already stood at the top of the food chain.
Even if he joined the Public Safety Devil Hunters, he would directly be Makima-sama's equal, or slightly lower.
It was impossible for him to have too much interaction with people like them.
"I'm sorry, I still need to learn Swordsmanship from Akira, and currently have no intention of joining any organization."
Saeko Busujima's words instantly made several people remember something they had previously overlooked.
That's right.
How could they forget this point?
Saeko Busujima's Swordsmanship was so advanced because she learned it from Akira.
Since Saeko could learn it, it meant others could too.
Even Fubuki, who was already preparing to leave, paused after taking two steps, wanting to speak.
However, Himeno was one step ahead, rolling up her sleeves. "Akira-san, do you think I have talent? Can I learn Swordsmanship from you?"
Akira stepped forward, directly arriving in front of Himeno.
In an instant, he used combat techniques to understand Himeno's foundation. "Not bad. Although you can't be as outstanding as Saeko, you can still achieve certain accomplishments."
"I saw you could launch attacks from a distance before."
"Perhaps, you can master the Art of Sword Control."
"Art of Sword Control?"
"Manipulating a blade to kill enemies from a thousand meters away—the sword like a swimming dragon, as fast as lightning."
Himeno understood.
Akira was telling her to use the Ghost Devil to control a sword.
Using the Ghost Devil's power to remotely control a blade—wasn't that controlling a sword to kill enemies?
Huh?
Why had she never thought of it before?
But there was a slight problem: she could only use the Ghost Devil's right hand.
If she wanted to use more abilities, she would have to sacrifice more of her own organs.
She could think of it, and Akira naturally could too.
If Himeno were captured and entered a Capture Orb, her organs would grow back under the Capture Orb's healing.
Wouldn't that mean she could gain all of the Ghost Devil's power without sacrificing anything?
A Thousand-Armed Guanyin.
Do you think there's potential in that?
"Then, what price do I need to pay to cover the tuition?"
Such a miraculous Swordsmanship—even learning it for self-defense wouldn't be a loss.
Himeno was still very tempted.
Meanwhile, Fubuki, upon hearing Akira's elaboration, immediately thought that her Psychokinesis could coil things up.
If such a Swordsmanship truly existed, its compatibility with her would be perfect.
She didn't have Tatsumaki's immense power; her strongest ability was only to lift a two-ton car and crush it into scrap.
But if she used this power to control a blade—
her combat power would inevitably skyrocket.
Although Fubuki and Tatsumaki seemed to have a great conflict on the surface,
in private, Fubuki had always regarded Tatsumaki as a goal to chase.
Now that a method appeared that could perfectly align with her power and enhance her strength,
it immediately piqued her interest.
At this moment, Fubuki couldn't even bother with the members of the Fubuki Group; instead, she pricked up her ears, listening to the price required to become Akira's disciple.
"Actually, money and such—I don't care about it at all. It doesn't matter whether I charge or not."
"It's just that your foundation is very poor, and when I personally train you, there will inevitably be some physical contact."
"And during some special training, you might not be able to accept this kind of contact…"
"Just physical contact?"
"Mm."
Himeno stroked her chin.
She looked at Akira in front of her.
It didn't seem like a loss at all.
"Then, Master, when do we start training?"
"And me, Master—I also want to learn Swordsmanship, learn to control swords."
Hearing that the cost was merely physical contact, Fubuki walked back, standing beside Himeno with a determined expression.
Akira chuckled inwardly.
With almost no effort, he had drawn two characters to his side.
"Saeko's family dojo is specifically for learning Kendo, and since we still have school during the day…"
"So you can all go to the dojo every afternoon after work, and on weekends."
"However, I don't have much time this weekend, so you can start coming next week."
"Of course, you can also find your senior sister, Saeko—she can teach you some basics."
"Yes, Master."
"Yes, Teacher."
These two target characters were more or less secured, but the chain quest's target seemed to have made no progress.
Angel had been quietly standing by while the others spoke, completely uninterested in their conversation.
But at this moment, Angel stepped forward, her palm open.
"Saeko-san, the sword in your hand is mine. Now that the danger has passed, it can be returned to its rightful owner."
Saeko Busujima looked at the tachi in her hand, reluctantly handing it over.
Having used this sword, Saeko Busujima could fully feel its extraordinary nature.
Its sharpness and toughness were many times greater than the two swords at home.
Even when facing steel-like muscles, it could cut through without any resistance.
It was the ultimate weapon that all swordsmen would pursue.
"This one…"
"Angel!"
"Angel, how much does this tachi cost?"
Angel thought for a moment. "Mr. Akira, how much do you think ten years are worth?"
"Time?"
"Master, this sword is not an ordinary blade. It was created by Angel's ability."
"The cost is time."
Upon hearing this, Saeko Busujima's heart completely died.
This was a blade created at the cost of ten years—its value no longer measurable by money.
But Akira said, "It's worthless."
Angel's casual expression turned serious, and she looked up at Akira.
"This is my subjective feeling, because my ten years don't have much value."
"If its selling price is ten years, then I think I can use my ten years as an exchange."
"Akira, there's no need for that."
"I've also touched this sword. I know its peculiarities."
"Saeko, look closely at the blade, and you'll understand what I mean."
As a swordsman who had achieved Great Accomplishment in Swordsmanship, Saeko Busujima held her breath and concentrated, looking at the seemingly ordinary blade in Angel's still-raised hand.
Suddenly, a flash of bloody light appeared on the blade, and her bloodlust was stirred.
"Akira, this is—Muramasa?"
"The demon blade Muramasa?"
Everyone was stunned.
It was a weapon that existed only in legends—capable of bewitching hearts and driving people mad.
"Angel, is this really Muramasa?"
"Yes. The Muramasa I created naturally won't drive people mad."
Facing her partner's question, Angel readily revealed it.
"But I didn't expect Mr. Akira to be able to tell."
"Swordsmanship, once it reaches a certain realm, can actually perceive it."
"And Angel has removed the undesirable parts of the sword, so I think these ten years are completely worth it."
"Akira, let me do it instead."
Saeko Busujima knew that Akira could unleash slashes even without a sword.
This Muramasa would most likely end up in her hands.
But Akira didn't waste words and directly reached for Angel's hand.
"I don't know how Angel acquires time, but according to my deduction, it should be through this kind of contact."
"Akira~!"
Saeko Busujima wanted to take Akira's place, but Akira stopped her.
Ten years—for someone with a system like Akira—was indeed a not-so-valuable resource.
Being able to interact with Angel and also build a grand image—why not?
Moreover, with this contact…
Akira activated Hand of Greed and Perception Manipulation, increasing Angel's perception of him by 50%.
Therefore, almost the moment she touched Akira…
Angel felt her blood begin to gather in certain places.
A feeling she had never experienced before made her somewhat unable to extricate herself.
And what surprised her even more was—
Akira did touch her, but she didn't feel any time passing from Akira's body.
"You!"
Angel was too surprised to speak.
It was her first time seeing an existence like Akira, where her ability had no effect on him.
Angel was stunned for a second, then suddenly mumbled, "It shouldn't be, it shouldn't be."
Then, to everyone's surprised gaze, she leaned into Akira's embrace.
"No."
Face to face.
She then took Akira's hand and directly pulled it into her clothes…