The God of Fate

At the mountain peak.

A breeze blew, and waves of green swept over the sea of trees, coming close from afar, then quickly receding.

Standing on the mountaintop and looking down, hikers could see two lakes, one large and one small. Under the bright sunlight, the lake's surface sparkled like countless tiny stars.

"So beautiful~"

Several girls couldn't help but exclaim.

The sky was blue, with only a few clouds, like cotton candy, decorating the blue sky.

Standing at the mountain's peak, facing the lakes, the sea of trees, and the birds flying, everything seemed beautiful and dreamlike.

It made people feel relaxed and happy.

"This trip was worth it. Even though we didn't find any clues, I'm satisfied just seeing this view."

"Yes, thanks to Kuromori-kun~"

"Look, there's someone over there."

"Huh? Where, where?"

Hearing the girl's exclamation, Haruto also turned to see a young man rushing down the mountain with a worried expression. Even if he stumbled, he quickly got up and continued moving forward.

Haruto suddenly noticed a red string tied around the young man's wrist.

The red string was broken.

"What's with that guy? Is he rushing home?"

"I don't know, but he looks very anxious."

"Did he get lost?"

"Huh? No way, we didn't get lost, so it's even less likely for someone else~"

"Ichika, don't act like we're immune to getting lost!"

"But all five of us sisters are bad with directions~"

"It's Miku."

Miku puffed up her cheeks, denying it: "Nino got lost when she was little too, and she even cried."

"My eyes just got dust in them!"

"You were clearly scared and crying."

Itsuki walked up to Haruto: "Kuromori-kun, did you discover something?"

Haruto turned his gaze and said, "A little."

Hearing that, the girls widened their eyes and looked at him nervously.

Itsuki quickly said, "If Kuromori-kun can't find it, let's just forget it. Don't push yourself."

Haruto shifted his gaze and said in a low voice, "Ichika and Yotsuba should know that I'm actually an Esper."

"Wait."

Nino looked at him seriously, then muttered, "It seems like I've seen Kuromori's situation somewhere before."

Miharu looked at him strangely and reminded her, "He seems like a chuunibyou patient."

"That's right."

Nino's eyes sparkled, and she couldn't help but squint at him: "Kuromori looks so cute~"

Miku tilted her head slightly: "Stage four?"

Ichika coughed: "Actually, what Kuromori-kun said is true. He's really an Esper, and he's very strong~"

Yotsuba nodded quickly: "I can vouch for that."

Itsuki hesitated and said, "I can vouch too, but... is he really that powerful?"

"Impossible!"

"Right, there's no superpower in this world. No, I mean, there are no Espers in this world."

Seeing Haruto looking at her, Miharu blushed and explained, "I saw it online."

Haruto didn't say much and simply continued, "Whether I'm an Esper or not isn't the point. The point is my energy consumption is enormous, so…"

So?

Seeing everyone looking nervous, Haruto said seriously, "We all know that one-sided dedication can't last forever, so, do you understand?"

Everyone's expressions froze, and they looked at the serious Haruto in shock.

Seeing their expressions, Haruto remained unfazed.

What's wrong with his reward?

Embarrassed?

Not at all! Only children ask for nothing in return, but adults often want something in exchange, right?

"Ahem~"

Ichika coughed, and a big smile suddenly appeared in her eyes. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt that Haruto, who was asking for a reward, was really cute!

"I agree."

Ichika smiled and said, "Any reward is fine~"

Nino glared at Ichika, then looked at Haruto, lifted her chin slightly, and said proudly, "It's just a reward? I, Nino, will give it to you directly. Just tell me what you want."

Miku pouted and said, "I don't have a problem either."

Yotsuba raised her hand: "I agree too, we can't let Kuromori-san's help go to waste~"

Itsuki: "Since everyone agrees, that's it. Kuromori-kun, if you ever want something, just tell us directly~"

Great.

This time, Miharu raised her hand timidly: "Do I need to give something too?"

Haruto didn't hesitate: "No, you don't need to!"

He was doing his best to avoid a dramatic situation. Why would his sister-in-law join the fun?

Miharu couldn't help but pout, glaring at Haruto angrily, and then pouted alone.

Haruto turned to look at Lake Itomori, his expression becoming slightly serious.

"Wait."

Just as Haruto was about to use the traces left by Nakano Rena to forcibly pull her in, a somewhat youthful and childlike voice suddenly sounded.

It sounded almost like Nanako's voice.

Haruto stopped his movement, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I thought you wouldn't come."

"Haruto, please don't joke around."

In front of him, a hazy light and shadow suddenly appeared.

Strangely, however, no one but Haruto could see this scene.

Haruto remained still, looking at the little fox, and asked, "Since you're here, it means that the events here definitely have something to do with you, right?"

"I am the God of Fate and Destiny, and all fates in the world are naturally under my control."

The little fox stood up, put its hands on its hips, and said without hesitation, "So of course what happens here has something to do with me."

Haruto muttered silently, "You're just a little fox, but you're acting pretty high and mighty."

"Huh?"

The little fox glared, "Stupid human, are you provoking me?"

"Hm?"

Haruto squinted his eyes, "Stupid fox, care to repeat that?"

"I won't tell you!"

The little fox shrank back, speaking in a harsh tone, "Anyway, I'm here to help you, woah~ don't come any closer!"