>2< Preparations Before the Plan

Chapter 2: Preparations Before the Plan

After accepting the request, Shizuka left the clubroom, leaving Zaimokuza and Yukino alone.

"Well, stop standing there in a daze, Zaimokuza-san. There's a chair over there, sit down," Yukino said calmly.

"Ah… okay, got it," Zaimokuza responded nervously as he pulled out a chair, seating himself a fair distance from Yukino.

"So, why did you come to the clubroom and ask for my help?" Yukino inquired.

"Uh, I heard from Hiratsuka-sensei that this place could grant wishes or something like that," Zaimokuza replied, his answer vague.

Yukino frowned slightly, her tone icy, "No, that's not correct. I don't grant wishes. What I do is offer assistance. I believe in the idea that teaching a person to fish is better than giving them a fish."

"Huh? Oh, I see..." Zaimokuza suddenly wore a look of realization.

Shaking her head and sighing, Yukino clarified, "In simple terms, I can only provide help; solving the problem is up to you."

Zaimokuza paused at her words, then nodded as if understanding something.

"Before we continue, could you please turn your head and face me? It's impolite to talk without looking at someone, Zaimokuza-san," Yukino added, slightly twitching the corners of her mouth.

Nervously, Zaimokuza slowly turned his face toward her.

"It seems you do have mild social anxiety," Yukino remarked.

"Well... actually, maybe it's not that bad. I'm just more comfortable talking with people I know."

"Common symptoms of social anxiety include feeling unnatural when noticed by others, avoiding eye contact, not being able to raise your head, feeling embarrassed or out of place, avoiding public speaking or sitting in front at gatherings, and in extreme cases, becoming socially isolated. Which of these applies to you, Zaimokuza-san?" Yukino listed the symptoms like a walking encyclopedia.

"Seems like I've got them all, huh? Haha..." Zaimokuza replied, starting to laugh awkwardly. Then he asked, "So, what are the treatment options?"

"There are generally two approaches to treatment: psychological therapy and medication. Since your case seems mild, we'll start with psychological treatment. Hmm? What is it?" Yukino noticed Zaimokuza looking at her with an expression of admiration, and asked, slightly unsettled.

"Yukinoshita-san, you're just like an encyclopedia!"

Zaimokuza couldn't help but admire her vast knowledge.

"Well, it's just basic information," Yukino replied, slightly uncomfortable with the praise.

"Hmm, behavioral therapy typically involves two parts: eliminating the internal fear and confronting the avoidance response. So, let's start by practicing conversation while making eye contact with me."

"Okay... got it." Zaimokuza, still nervous, tried to think of a conversation topic. Suddenly, an idea sparked—he remembered that to wield the Golden Sword, he needed to understand the powers of the Heretic Gods. Maybe Yukino, with her vast knowledge, could provide some insight.

"Um, Yukinoshita-san, do you know anything about the war god Verethragna?"

"The war god? You mean the ancient Persian god of victory?" Yukino replied, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, that's the one."

"Are you interested in topics like this?"

"Ah, yes. I've been really curious about different mythological figures from various regions. Don't you think they're fascinating?"

"Well then, I suppose I can tell you a bit about it," Yukino said, softening slightly, prepared to share her knowledge.

Yukino then shared all the information she knew about the war god with Zaimokuza. He took out his notebook and diligently recorded everything, including details about Mekar.

The discussion on mythological figures wrapped up the meeting for the day.

"Thank you so much, Yukinoshita-san. You've been a big help."

"It's nothing much. But why are you recording all this information?"

"Oh, that's because... I'm planning to write a novel and need a lot of mythological details for it."

"Wow, I didn't know you were into writing novels," Yukino said, clearly surprised.

"Well, it's one of the few things I enjoy. By the way, Yukinoshita-san, if I finish writing the novel, could I show it to you? I'd really appreciate your feedback."

"Sure, that would be fine."

After finalizing the arrangement, Zaimokuza left the clubroom, agreeing with Yukino to continue behavioral therapy a few days before the summer vacation.

He decided to learn more about mythological stories from Yukino before heading to Sardinia. He also planned to use his memory of technology to build a portable translator.

Meanwhile, he would keep an eye on Godou's movements, and once he confirmed his departure, he would hire someone from the black market to abduct Godou, retrieve the stone tablet, and confine him for a few days. Then, Zaimokuza would take the tablet to Sardinia.

************

Walking home, Zaimokuza was deep in thought. Although avoiding the mysterious forces might mean a safer life with his hacking skills, he felt unfulfilled by the idea of living a mundane existence.

The chance to become a top-tier power was too tempting to ignore, even if it meant risking failure and death.

As he pondered, a flyer suddenly appeared in front of him.

He was momentarily surprised but took it. Looking up, he saw the orange-haired girl from the morning.

"Hi, I'm sorry about this morning. Our group, μ's, is performing for the first time at the Iinomaki Hall the day after tomorrow after school. We'd love for you to come!" The orange-haired girl said cheerfully.

"Oh... okay, I'll be there. Thanks!" Zaimokuza responded, snapping out of his daze with a hint of nervousness.

Noticing Zaimokuza's awkwardness, the girl smiled and said, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Honoka Kosaka. This is Umi Sonoda," she pointed to the blue-haired girl, "and this is Kotori Minami." She pointed to the girl with light brown hair.

"Hello," Umi and Kotori both greeted with nods.

"Hi, I'm Zaimokuza Yoshiki, a first-year high school student. Nice to meet you."

"Oh, you're a junior! You should call me 'senpai'," Honoka said excitedly, as if discovering something new.

"Ah? Oh, right, Senpai!" Zaimokuza replied.

"Remember to come as promised!" Honoka urged with a big smile.

Feeling the pressure of Honoka's close proximity, Zaimokuza nervously nodded.

"Kotori, don't scare him," Kotori Minami said, pulling Honoka away.

"Well then, we need to get back to handing out flyers. See you!" Honoka said, waving goodbye as she and the others continued distributing flyers.

"An concert, huh? I guess it can be a nice break before heading to Sardinia," Zaimokuza murmured to himself, looking at the flyer.

Later, Zaimokuza stopped by a supermarket, bought a bunch of snacks, and headed home.

As he walked near the street, he received another flyer. When he was about to ask the flyer distributor something, she simply smiled at him and walked away.

Looking at the additional flyer, which read "We Can Fulfill Your Wishes," Zaimokuza felt a bit puzzled. It suddenly occurred to him that this could be from a devil service, which typically offers to help with minor problems in exchange for something.

He realized that he might be able to summon a devil and acquire some protective magic for his trip to Sardinia.