The night after the kidnapping, Kazuto's room looked like a war zone. Broken furniture. Cracks in the marble floor. Wine bottles smashed against the wall.
Kazuto sat on the edge of his bed, stick across his lap, head hanging. His system kept pinging:
[Waifu Bond Status: Ayame = Missing.][Rescue Timer: Unknown.]
Every ping was a knife.
Nyala lounged on the windowsill, tail flicking. "You're going to burn yourself out sulking."Liora stood with arms crossed, her calm voice hiding a tremor. "We don't have time for despair. We need action."
Kazuto clenched his fists. "…I promised her. I swore I'd protect her. And she—" He punched the bedpost so hard it splintered. "They took her while I was RIGHT THERE!!"
Nyala slid down, pressing herself against his arm. "Mmm~ then chase her. That's who you are, pervert."Liora adjusted her glasses. "We'll need more than brute force. The noble fortress is a labyrinth of wards, soldiers, and traps. We must plan carefully."
Ayame's Captivity
Far away, in the shadow fortress, Ayame hung in glowing chains. The room was dim, lit only by braziers of green flame.
Golden Mask stood before her, hands clasped behind his back. "You still resist. Admirable."
Ayame glared, bruised but unbroken. "You'll never break me. Kazuto will come."
Golden Mask chuckled. "Ah, yes. Your… idiot hero. He does burn brightly. But what happens when he burns too hot and consumes everything—including you?"
Ayame spat. "You don't know him at all."
Golden Mask leaned closer, voice silk and venom. "Oh, I know him. I've studied every foolish move he's made. And I will turn his greatest strength… into his downfall."
Planning the Rescue
Back at the palace, Kazuto's "war council" took place in the dining hall—mainly because Nyala refused to plan on an empty stomach.
A giant map covered the table, though half of it was smeared with jam from Nyala's paw prints.
Kazuto pointed dramatically with a chicken leg. "Okay, Operation: Booty Recovery starts now!"
Liora pinched the bridge of her nose. "Stop calling it that."Nyala licked her lips. "Mmm~ I like it. Sounds kinky."Kazuto coughed. "ANYWAY. According to the Princess's intel, the fortress is guarded by—"
The Princess herself entered, resplendent in her royal gown. "Three layers of magical wards, fifty elite guards, and the noble's personal shadow assassins. It will not be easy."
Kazuto grinned, fire in his eyes. "Good. Easy is boring."
The Princess arched a brow. "You'll need more than bravado. I'll supply you with forged passes and a carriage. The rest… will be on you."
Ecchi Preparation Chaos
The night before departure was a disaster.
Kazuto tried on his "disguise"—a noble's outfit with way too many frills.Nyala fell on the floor laughing. "You look like a rejected butler cosplay."Kazuto flailed. "HEY, it's called fashion!!"
Liora sighed, adjusting his cravat properly. "If you trip over this cape mid-fight, I will not heal you."
Meanwhile, Nyala practiced sneaking techniques… which involved crawling on the floor and bumping her ass into Kazuto's face every five minutes."Oops~ stealth fail," she giggled.Kazuto screamed, "STOP WEAPONIZING YOUR BUTT!!"
Even the Princess got caught up—accidentally walking in while Kazuto was changing. She froze, blushing, before slamming the door. "I… saw nothing!"
Kazuto facepalmed. "We're doomed."
Final Vow
At dawn, the carriage stood ready. The waifus climbed aboard, armored and disguised.
Kazuto stood before it, stick glowing faintly, fists tight.
Nyala leaned out. "Come on, pervert. She's waiting."Liora gave him a rare small smile. "We'll bring her back."
Kazuto looked at the rising sun. "Ayame. Hold on." His aura flared, pink and gold, crackling in the air. "I don't care if I have to break through armies or gods—I'm coming for you."
The system pinged:
[Main Quest Activated: Operation Booty Recovery.][Reward: Ayame's Safe Return.][Failure Penalty: Permanent Bond Loss.]
Kazuto climbed into the carriage, eyes burning with fury and determination. "Let's go."
Cliffhanger
In the shadow fortress, Ayame heard distant bells ringing. She smirked despite her chains.
"…He's coming."
Golden Mask turned sharply toward the sound, frown deepening. "So soon? No matter. Let him come. The deeper he steps into my trap… the harder he will fall."