Kaguya let out a soft breath, a trace of fatigue flickering across her delicate face.
Defeating a hundred opponents in real life was certainly no easy task. Even though her challengers were just elementary school students, the ordeal had been exhausting.
"Good job," said Amamiya, handing her a bottle of green tea.
Kaguya took a sip, then glanced at Amemiya with a faint smile, though her eyes glimmered with something more mischievous. "Amamiya-kun, I'm curious—why were those elementary school kids calling me the 'Great Devil'? Care to explain?"
"Ah, well... it's a bit of a long story," Amemiya replied, feigning seriousness. "So, I'll choose not to explain it."
"Sit," Kaguya commanded, pointing to the stool next to her with a delicate, outstretched finger.
"Another round." Kaguya capped the bottle, pursing her lips slightly. "If you manage to beat me, I won't ask any more questions about the 'Great Devil' business."
Amemiya raised an eyebrow. "Are you still holding onto the loss from this morning?"
Kaguya's face remained stoic. "Not at all."
"Then why the need for a rematch?"
"I just hate losing."
Is this because of the five consecutive losses earlier? Her competitive streak is terrifying.
"You've been playing for a long time. Maybe take a break and we can try again tomorrow?" Amemiya suggested after a moment's thought.
"No need." Kaguya crossed her arms confidently. "I'm feeling fine. I've heard there are people who can play games all night long. Compared to them, this is nothing."
Amemiya sighed, sitting beside her. "Alright, if you insist. But don't cry when you lose."
"I won't!" Kaguya declared, determined.
---
The battle began.
Kaguya was brimming with confidence. Having already defeated ninety-nine elementary school students, she was no longer the beginner she had been earlier that morning. Her past losses weighed heavily on her mind, and she was determined to reclaim her honor.
A short while later...
Chika, who had just returned holding a box of strawberry daifuku, blinked in surprise. "Kaguya-chan, why does it look like you're about to cry?"
"I'm not crying," Kaguya bit her lip, her voice tight. "You're mistaken."
Chika leaned in, studying her face. "But you really do look like you're about to burst into tears."
"Fujiwara-san, please stop." Amemiya stood up, taking a sip of his drink. "Where's Kashiwagi-san?"
"Asuka-chan said it's getting late and that she needed to be home before six, so she left first," Chika replied, her voice cheerful as always.
Amemiya glanced outside. The sun was setting, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
"Shinomiya-san, let's call it a day." Amemiya grabbed his schoolbag. "I'm heading home."
Kaguya inhaled deeply to calm herself, fixing Amemiya with a determined gaze. "Come back tomorrow."
How could he win ten times in a row? I'll never forget this!
---
Chika suddenly remembered something. "Kaguya-chan, what was the reward for completing your mission?"
"Reward...?" Kaguya frowned slightly before a small, shimmering bow appeared in her hand.
[Name: Miko's Sharpshooter]
[Type: Weapon]
[Passive Ability: Seal the demon. When an arrow strikes a vengeful spirit, it deals minor damage and has a chance to seal the spirit. The more weakened the spirit, the higher the sealing success rate.]
[Note: This item is bound and can only be used by player Kaguya.]
[Note: ADC (Attack Damage Carry) must die. You will be the primary target, so always be prepared.]
Amemiya tilted his head. "Well, at least it's an item that can deal damage to spirits. That's much better than those questionable tissues from before."
Chika puffed her cheeks in frustration. "Amamiya-kun, stop bringing up the tissues!"
"Alright, alright."
"But it looks dangerous. It says you'll be targeted first," Chika said, concerned. "Kaguya-chan, be careful not to shoot recklessly."
"I understand," Kaguya nodded.
"The lower the spirit's health, the higher the chance to seal it... it reminds me of Pokémon," Chika mused. "You have to weaken the Pokémon before catching it with a Master Ball."
Amemiya sighed. "But how are we supposed to weaken a vengeful spirit?"
"I can't do it."
"Neither can I."
---
With the day wrapping up, Amemiya bid the girls farewell and returned home. The night passed quietly.
The next morning, Amemiya woke up to the sound of his alarm. After washing up and eating a light breakfast, he headed to school.
When he arrived at the classroom, both Kaguya and Chika were already there.
"Good morning, Amamiya-kun," Chika greeted, pouting as if deeply wronged. "That long-haired spirit was standing by my bed again, staring at me all night. It's so unfair! I wish I could just sleep with you, Amamiya-kun."
"Sorry, but I must decline. Men and women should keep their distance."
"Aw, so cold!"
Kaguya, gently massaging her temple, seemed equally tired, faint dark circles under her eyes. "Let's open the blind boxes. students will be arriving soon."
Chika went first. Today's blind box contained a simple, harmless item.
[Item: Farmer's Mineral Water]
[Note: Safe and tasteless. Drink with confidence.]
"I can store it in my game backpack and drink it whenever I want," Chika said, undeterred. "I guess my luck is out today, but at least it's not weird tissues again."
Kaguya's turn followed. No strange tasks today, but her luck was still lacking—she only received a worn-out pencil.
Lastly, it was Amemiya's turn.
He had a feeling this time was different. As he opened his box, he glanced at the girls, revealing the skill he had just acquired.
[Skill: Crime Buster]
[Outlaw Don, you are under arrest!]
[Description: Make physical contact with the outlaw Don, and they will surrender immediately, without fail.]
Chika's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait! Outlaw Don... that name sounds familiar."
Kaguya chimed in, "You gained a skill related to it a few days ago."
"Oh, that's right!" Chika slapped her forehead. "I can rename someone to Outlaw Don... Could these two skills be used together?"
"You'll only know if we try," Amemiya said, turning to Kaguya.
Chika's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Kaguya-chan, let's test it!"
"I refuse," Kaguya's eyelashes fluttered as she shot down the idea without hesitation. She was not about to surrender to Amemiya.
Just as Amemiya was about to argue, a deep, hoarse voice echoed in their minds.
[The game will begin in five minutes. Please be prepared.]