Nishino-kun and Rikka-chan arrive a few minutes later.
“Where’s everyone else?” “They’re helping out at the City Hall. Rikka and I were able to leave because it’s our break time.” “Natsun, were you okay? I was worried.” Rikka-chan hugs Ichinose-san as soon as she arrives and begins to rub her cheek against Ichinose-san’s.
Ichinose-san protests with a flushed face.
“R-Ricchan! Don’t hug me so suddenly without prior notice!” “Fine. I’ll be hugging you right now, okay? Mugyu—” “That’s not what I meant—” The two high school beauties deepen their friendship while ignoring the men.
Oh, but it’s more accurate to say that only one person is enjoying it.
Regardless, they’re really close.
“…I’m sorry. Rikka can be annoying at times.” “Why is Nishino-kun apologizing?” “Whenever she causes a problem, I’m usually the one who apologizes.” “You have it tough.” “I’m used to it.” Nishino-kun reveals a bitter smile.
Was he dragged around by Rikka-chan’s whims when they were at school as well?
I can envision it in my head.
His smile appears somewhat melancholic.
For some reason, he looks like a working adult, even more so than me.
“Am I right to assume that the ‘Evolution’ proceeded smoothly?” “Yes, as you can see.” I spread my arms wide and make a spin.
Well, it’s not like anything has changed appearance-wise though.
Nishino-kun’s expression is clearly asking, ‘So what exactly changed?’ “We chose an Evolutionary Path that maintains our original appearances. Nishino-kun and Aisaka-san, what do you guys think? Anything strange about us?” “Hmm….”
Nishino-kun inspects me and Ichinose-san.
Unable to bear all the attention, Ichinose-san turns away.
Her communication issue lives on even after evolving… You won’t throw up, right?
Please don’t throw up, okay?
“…There’s nothing strange about you two.” “Yup. Are you any different? Ah, but I can feel that the atmosphere around onii-san is now much more oppressive and dense compared to before.” Even for them, nothing seems to appear out of place.
As for what Rikka-chan said, it should be due to the improvement in my status and the changes in my occupations.
I feel like I’ve become quite strong.
“You evolved into a ‘Newtype’, yes? From the outside, it doesn’t look like there’s any difference. Did something change?” “Yes.”
Although I’ve already explained everything via “Mail”, I reiterate about “Newtypes” and the other Evolutionary Paths.
With more than 10 Paths provided, it takes some time for me to finish explaining.
“…A little over 20% boost in status and the increase in potential? That’s quite vague, isn’t it?” “You’re right, but I think it was for the best.” I have no regrets about my decision.
…But if I’m being completely honest, it’s slightly… no, really unfortunate that I didn’t get to see Ichinose-san with cat ears.
Aside from that, I have no regrets.
Yup, no regrets.
“Personally, I would’ve loved to see Natsun with cat ears.” Ohhhh, Rikka-chan is speaking for me.
“Ricchan…”
“Ah, sorry. I’m just kidding. Don’t stare at me like that. I’m getting a little scared.” “Muu—”
With puffed-cheeks, Ichinose-san playfully hits Rikka-chan.
Poka poka.
“…Kudou-san, the fact that you chose this Evolutionary Path means that you are willing to continue working with us?” ““…””
The two girls freeze upon hearing Nishino-kun’s words.
All three pairs of eyes are concentrated on me.
“…That’s right.” “Is that so… thank God.” Nishino-kun pats his chest in relief.
Ichinose-san and Rikka-chan also look reassured.
“It’s not like I can vanish now that I have revealed the existence of my Item Box.” —Indeed, I had told Nishino-kun and his friends about my Item Box after the battles had ended.
To be more precise, Nishino-kun inquired me about it.