The two names that appeared made Tatsuki immediately identify their source: a certain bleak, twisted world plagued by the Gastrea Virus. He held no fondness for that world, nor for that protagonist there. Compared to Tatsumi, he felt Rentaro Satomi was far less appealing. Rentaro's personality was sloppy: all talk, no action, indecisive, unclear in his stance, vacillating, unable to recognize his true position—in short, exactly the kind of type Tatsuki disliked.
Saeko Busujima: "Again two people from the same world?"
Kisara Tendo: "Are you serious? Everyone here is from other worlds? And we can cross worlds?"
Tatsuki: "True or false, that's for you to judge."
Kisara remained silent, eyes fixed on her screen. She really wanted all this to be true. If one can cross worlds, one must be strong, right? If she could just get them to kill the people of the Tendo family who wronged her—avenge her parents—she'd pay any price!
Seitenshi: "Tatsuki, my lord God—can you exterminate Gastrea?"
Nami: "Gastrea? What's that?"
Seitenshi: "They're creatures that become monsters when infected with the Gastrea Virus."
Saeko Busujima: "A virus like our zombies?"
Tatsuki: "It's different from your world's zombification. Gastrea evolves and grows stronger.
Tatsuki: "Of course, some zombie viruses can also evolve, but not yours, Saeko."
Shinobu: "Something like demons?"
Tatsuki: "More or less, but more grotesque—they're monstrous at first glance. The stronger Gastrea outclass Muzan."
He gave the group a quick introduction to the Gastrea Virus. Compared to Saeko's zombie virus or Shinobu's demon blood, Gastrea was more formidable. Nicknamed the Devil Virus, it could "redesign" an organism. It could analyze the host's genetic traits, then reshape them for maximum advantage, rewriting DNA extremely fast—an outrageous advantage over any lifeform on Earth. When the infection rate exceeded 50%, the victim would no longer maintain human form, morphing into a Gastrea. Some even developed unique abilities that nature never intended.
The Gastrea virus could parasitize creatures and, in a short time, rewrite their genetic code to transform them into Gastrea. It preserved basic traits, often enlarging and aggressing them without bodily collapse. Transmission comes from the injection of the virus by an already Gastrea-mutated being—no airborne infection. That might be the virus's only friendly point. In their world, there was no cure; one could only suppress its growth for a time.
Shinobu: "This Gastrea virus sounds dangerous!"
Seitenshi: "Lord God! As expected, you know everything. Can you wipe out the Gastrea and save our world?"
Tatsuki: "What's the apocalypse rating in your world?"
Kisara Tendo: "Future apocalypse 5‑star."
Seitenshi: "It shows 5‑star for me too."
Tatsuki: "Oh. Gastrea are pretty easy for me to eradicate. The virus, too—I could kill it in an instant."
Tatsuki: "But let me ask you something…"
Tatsuki: "What do you think is the darkness of your world?"
Seitenshi: "The Gastrea Virus!"
Kisara Tendo: "…"
The Seitenshi responded at once; Kisara stayed silent. The Seitenshi… was naive. Kisara had seen more, knew more—aware that the darkness wasn't just Gastrea, but also humanity itself.
Tatsuki: "Are the cursed children monsters, too? Part of the darkness?"
Seitenshi: "…"
Tatsuki: "I'll be clear on one thing.
Tatsuki: "I'm not some gentle, benevolent god, nor am I some wish-granting dope like Aqua."
Tatsuki: "To what I like, I give kindness and careful protection; what I dislike, I destroy without mercy."
Tatsuki: "If I came to your world, I'd probably be unable to resist exterminating humanity—or at least most of it."
Seitenshi: "…"
Tatsuki: "So you'd better pray that no apocalypse journey triggers for you. Otherwise I'd help kill the Gastrea, sure—but I'd also wipe out most humans."
Tatsuki: "For one reason alone: I find the majority of them disgusting."
March 7: "…That's the first time I've heard the usually gentle Tatsuki say something so harsh."
Nami: "Regardless, I trust Tatsuki's judgment."
Shinobu: "Yes, me too."
March 7: "Same here. We trust him."
Esdeath: "So that means that world can be a free‑for‑all battleground? Then I look forward to an apocalypse journey."
Aqua: "Though I hate to admit it, I must say this idiot Tatsuki is quite kind. If he's repulsed by that world, then maybe it's truly messed up."
Bronya: "Having had my world saved by Mr. Tatsuki, I don't doubt him. Seitenshi, maybe you need to take a good look at your own world."
Seitenshi: "I… I understand…"
She bit her lip, fists clenched. Was her world so twisted and dark that even a god-like savior found its humanity detestable and irredeemable?
Meanwhile, Kisara Tendo, in her own room, saw hope in Tatsuki's words—a hope of vengeance. If the world was doomed, if humanity was doomed… well, let it burn. She had become nothing but a monster hellbent on revenge.
…
Tatsuki closed the chat. His face was calm. He had not been joking. He truly despised Seitenshi's world. Gastrea was too disgusting, and the human heart was even worse—foul to the core.
"Hey, Tatsuki, can you grab a pair of new clothes?"
Kanae's voice sounded from the bathroom. Shaking off his earlier irritation, Tatsuki went to the closet to fetch clothing. He had quite a few items for women, either for Kanae or just in case.
…
A short while later, two young girls in neat white T‑shirts emerged—Chito and Yuuri, still somewhat dazed. This place was so warm, so unreal.
Chito murmured, "Is this really not a dream?"
"Ouch!"
Suddenly there was pain on her arm.
Chito flinched. "I felt that! Mustn't be a dream."
It was Yuuri pinching her. Chito glared at her. "Why don't you pinch yourself, idiot?"
Yuuri blinked those big, watery eyes. "But I'm scared of pain."
Their silly exchange made the three onlookers smile.
…
Chito and Yuuri were exhausted from their old world. Overcome by drowsiness, they crashed on Tatsuki's bed, holding each other tight for a sense of warmth and security. The three onlookers traded glances, then quietly left the room.
Sitting on the couch, Tatsuki explained their background to Megumi and Kanae: a lonely, desperate journey that made them feel pity.
Megumi and Kanae decided they'd share a bed with those two, motherly instincts awakened.
Tatsuki sighed inwardly. So that's motherly love, huh?
He had no choice but to… go find Nezuko! Demonized Nezuko… so sweet.
Apparently hearing Nezuko's noises, Kie also awoke—without hesitation, she teleported via her spatial skill to join the battle. A surprise attack Nezuko couldn't refuse, so lost in euphoria that refusal never crossed her mind. Tamayo also awoke, but hearing the activity just chuckled softly, leaving them be. At last, Kie and Nezuko reached their goal.
…
Early morning found Sayuri, Yukino, and Eriri taking care of the still‑dazed Chito and Yuuri. Having brought them into this world, Tatsuki naturally should be responsible, so the four ladies took the initiative to call in absent for the day.
They planned a big outing to show the girls around—shopping malls, amusement parks, street food stalls, you name it. Let them get to know this new world, and have a family get‑together trip.
If a group of a dozen or more youthful beauties all went out together, they'd cause quite a stir. So Tatsuki simply used presence suppression and aura manipulation. Thus only he alone got to enjoy this beautiful scene, free from the prying eyes of onlookers.
…
Where there is joy, there must be worry. While they roamed freely, many at school felt troubled.
In the Staffroom.
Shizuka Hiratsuka massaged her temples in frustration. Something felt off. Four people… or was it three? Anyway, they collectively asked her for a leave of absence: Yukino, Tatsuki, and Eriri. Though Eriri wasn't in her class, all three used Tatsuki's phone to inform her. On top of that, they wanted her to handle it?! Then… why are these three together?
She knew a bit about Tatsuki and Eriri's situation. The two walked around school openly, obviously a couple. "That kid… always stirring up trouble." Dating so blatantly was one thing, but even flirting with teachers?! But Yukino? Why is Yukino with them? Are you the third wheel?
Only yesterday she'd told Haruno that Yukino was doing fine. Such a swift face‑slap. Haruno said that, having finished some major tasks, she might drop by to see Yukino soon…
"…"
Hiratsuka sighed, "Let's hope nothing worse happens."
…
Supernatural Research Club.
Miko was still asleep; Marin was bored, slumping on a desk; and Yui kept glancing about. Tatsuki, Yukino, and Eriri were all absent. Everyone recognized Eriri was Tatsuki's girlfriend—no big secret. But Yukino…?
Yui thought a lot about it. She remained uncertain about her relationship with Tatsuki. Considering Yukino's actions, her mind drifted uncontrollably…
…
Student Council.
Kaguya Shinomiya perched on the sofa, staring intently at the empty president's chair. Vacant! The president didn't come today! She couldn't stand it. Pulling out her flip phone, she opened her contacts—only two: Ai and Tatsuki. Her finger hovered, trembling, over Tatsuki's name, but she lost her nerve. Gritting her teeth, she tapped Ai's name instead, sending a message…
…
Hayasaka, dressed in her gal style, looked at her phone, corners of her mouth twitching.
Idiot Lady: "Ai! The president isn't at school today!"
What good does telling me do? I can't drag him here.
Yet she dutifully set out to gather intel. She discovered something shocking: Tatsuki, Yukinoshita Yukino, and Sawamura Eriri had all taken the day off. Eriri… That girl's relationship with Tatsuki was obviously special. She debated whether to tell her Lady. Considering how the Lady seemed to be falling in love for unknown reasons, who knew what might happen if she learned Tatsuki already had a girlfriend?
"Sigh, guess I gotta investigate thoroughly. This idiot Lady sure gives me headaches. My shoulders feel so heavy… I wanna die…"
…
Meanwhile…
Tatsuki and the others spent the entire day showing Chito and Yuuri around. Both were naive and adorable, winning everyone's affection. Sayuri, Tamayo, and Kie especially doted on them, which made Eriri and Nezuko a bit jealous. Of course, they also treated them well.
The Night Raid folks, being kindhearted by nature, looked after the two like little sisters. Akame and Kurome even shared their favorite foods and sweets—an honor rarely bestowed. Even Cocolia radiated a motherly warmth not seen since Bronya's time.
They visited every amusement spot, though kept invisible to the public. For Chito and Yuuri, it was their first real sense of living. Where once they traveled the world yet couldn't find a single human being, now there were plenty—and so many who cared for them. The loneliness melted away. They saw and tasted all sorts of things new to them.
It might be Earth, but it felt like heaven.