Nine.
Viewed from the depths of space, one could see nine massive, eerie blue "Magic Circles" appearing on the surface of Earth. As time passed, the centers of these circles began to create clusters of glowing blue ore.
This was solidified "Cosmic Energy." Under the precise control of the [Dead Body Central Device], the dead began to mine these resources in massive quantities. They transported them back to the [Longhuang Universe].
As for why there were nine?
This specific number was perfect for creating a self-sustaining cycle. The "Cosmic Energy" generated by the [Highschool of the Dead] universe would be harvested in a continuous loop. Nothing would be wasted, and the world would remain unharmed.
At the same time, the [Dead Body Central Device] would monitor the entire [Highschool of the Dead] universe. Whenever a new planet began to harbor life, it would trigger an alarm. It would dispatch zombies to build new "Magic Circles" and start mining, creating another complete cycle.
Overall, the [Highschool of the Dead] universe was now essentially complete.
Riku and Alice, the couple, drifted in the starry void. They looked down at the changes unfolding on "Earth."
Alice crossed her arms with a confident smile. "Looking at it this way, our arrangements for the [Highschool of the Dead] universe are basically finished."
"Indeed," Riku nodded with a smile. "Next, we can use the 'Cosmic Energy' harvested here to gradually clean the Nirvana from the [Longhuang Universe]. We can begin laying the groundwork for our next phase."
Alice asked with a playful grin, "Darling, it seems you have quite a lot planned for the [Saint] universe, don't you?"
Riku looked at Alice, who was teasing him, and shook his head. "I have many plans, but it is still too dangerous for you to go there for now. With your current strength, the chances of an accident are still far too high."
Was Alice weak?
Not at all. In the neighboring [Saint] universe, she would be at the level of the Seventh Sense. She would be comparable to a Gold Saint and certainly no pushover.
But in that universe, being a Gold Saint meant nothing. That place was a den of hidden dangers. Heaven only knew when some terrifying monster might appear.
Riku brought an elevation of one's life essence; there was no shortcut to force raw power. Generally, as the "Lord of the Universe," he had the authority to grant cosmic rights. However, the [Longhuang Universe] was so broken and tattered that its power was locked up, creating a vicious cycle.
"Darling~~~"
Alice dragged out the sound. She leaned into him and puffed out her cheeks in a cute pout.
She was truly adorable. "Spirited and mischievous" was the perfect way to describe her.
"No! Absolutely not! It's not happening, so don't even think about it!" Riku refused point-blank. No meant no.
"Ah!"
Alice knew her husband had her best interests at heart, but she couldn't help but let out a soft whine of protest.
"Daddy!"
"Mommy!"
"Klee is here!"
At that moment, a high-pitched cry rang out. A streak of fiery red light came racing from the distance.
Little Klee wore goggles and a fire-red biker suit. She was riding a super-miniature motorcycle. She waved her small hand as she sped toward them.
"..."
Riku remained silent, though a gentle smile touched his lips as he greeted his daughter. Then, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Klee, Mommy's over here~~~"
Alice shouted loudly, but she quietly took a step back. Her "skilled retreat" technique was already in motion.
However, an arm wrapped around her slender waist before she could get far.
"Alice, I think you owe me an explanation. How did my precious daughter come to love... this?" Riku's smile was incredibly gentle, but the gentler he appeared, the more dangerous the situation felt.
"That..."
"This..."
"I think I can explain."
Alice's confidence wavered. Her voice grew quieter and quieter.
Riku watched as his daughter performed a practiced drift. She parked the motorcycle—which was still trailing wisps of fire-red exhaust—right in front of them before hopping off.
'Old man! I parked my ghost-fire bike right under your balcony; you wouldn't dare throw it away, would you?'
The thought flashed through Riku's mind, and he quickly shook his head to clear away the nonsense.
Riku kept one arm around Alice. His voice was "exceptionally gentle" as he asked, "Little Klee, when did you learn to do this?"
He didn't mind his daughter playing with Jumpy Dumpty; that wasn't a big deal. If she liked to play, she could play. But this motorcycle? What on earth was that?
"Hehehe~~~"
Klee laughed happily. Her large eyes, hidden behind her goggles, crinkled into crescents. She looked like she was showing off as she asked, "Daddy, Daddy, am I cool?"
"Cool, very cool. Klee is the coolest," Riku naturally praised his daughter, then returned to his previous question. "Little Klee, tell Daddy, when did you learn to ride this?"
"Daddy, Mommy taught me! She told me not to tell you, so I could surprise you and show off in front of you!" Klee, innocent and guileless, sold her mother out immediately.
"So that's how it is!" Riku nodded in realization. His tone was mild. "Alright, alright, Klee. Let's head back first."
"Okay!"
Klee nodded her little head obediently, then waved her small hand to store the motorcycle away.
Riku held his adorable daughter's hand with one side and kept his other arm around Alice's slender waist. He said softly, "Darling!!! Let's go back too. We've been quite busy lately; let's get some good rest!!!"
"Waaaaah~~~"
Alice let out a tragic cry.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Klee tilted her head, blinking her large eyes.
"Nothing." Alice put on a matching smile, acting as if nothing had happened, though she felt nothing but despair.
It's over.
It's over.
I'm dead.
I am definitely going to die today.
Riku simply led the skipping Klee along. He whispered to her that since she had already learned, he would teach her properly—he wouldn't want to stifle his daughter's happiness, after all.
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