Spirit Temple City, the Pope's Palace.
Inside a lavishly decorated side hall.
Upon a grand bed draped with golden velvet blankets, surrounded by sheer white curtains…
A tall, handsome man stood before a mirror.
The reflection showed a figure with long golden hair, sharp brows, and striking eyes—the kind of face that radiated authority and charisma.
But Haruto Akiyama's mind was still in turmoil.
After all, if anyone else suddenly became him, they too would struggle to accept reality so quickly, let alone stay calm.
Only moments ago, he had been in another world—surfing the internet in his own home.
And then, without warning, fortune had struck.
He closed his eyes, opened them again, and found himself here.
Yet… he distinctly remembered his house wasn't on the first floor!
Still, since he had arrived, he had no choice but to adapt.
As he absorbed the memories of this body, he realized something shocking.
This was the Mainland—the world of a novel and anime he once read.
And the man he had become… was none other than Senkaiji, the Secret Chamber Pope of the Spirit Temple!
"Damn it…"
Haruto felt a sharp headache.
In his previous life, Senkaiji had a terrible reputation online. But now, the timeline wasn't too late. The infamous Secret Chamber incident hadn't happened yet.
As long as he didn't repeat the mistakes of the original Senkaiji—didn't create the messes that would follow—things would be fine!
And when he thought more carefully about it, this identity wasn't bad at all.
He was now the Pope of the Spirit Temple, the most powerful organization on the Mainland. Wealth beyond measure.
He possessed one of the strongest spirits, had already reached the rank of Titled Spirit Master, and was devastatingly handsome to boot.
Aside from being a little older, there were no flaws in this body.
It was a life even more enviable than the richest heirs in his previous world.
This was the kind of status he had once dreamed of having—something his past life's ancestors would celebrate from the grave!
As long as he didn't act as recklessly as the original Senkaiji, and instead used his knowledge of the story and the world, he could carefully build up the Spirit Temple…
The future would be boundless, bright, and entirely under his control!
Confidence surged in Haruto's chest.
But first, there was one immediate problem to deal with—his ungrateful disciple, Hibi Tō.
Just thinking about her made his brows crease.
According to Senkaiji's memories, Hibi Tō had already met Gō Yū.
She had even gone so far as to use her authority as the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Temple to endorse Gō Yū's absurd theories—the so-called "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits" and "Soul Ring Absorption Limit Theory."
Thanks to her influence, Gō Yū had been hailed as a "master of spirit theory."
When Senkaiji found out, he had been furious, quarreling bitterly with Hibi Tō.
Afterward, he drowned his anger in alcohol, drinking himself into a stupor—only to wake up as Haruto Akiyama.
"Tch. I'm a bit late…" Haruto rubbed his temples.
If he had crossed over earlier—before Hibi Tō joined the Spirit Temple, before she became his disciple—he would have cast her out without hesitation.
The girl's thinking was simply too dangerous.
She was the Holy Maiden of the Temple, surrounded by countless talented young men.
Yet she had fallen head over heels for someone like Gō Yū—who had no strength, no looks, and no real ability.
To the point that she was willing to abandon her status as Holy Maiden, betray the Spirit Temple, and elope with him.
Utterly ridiculous!
Yes, Hibi Tō was born with twin spirits and innate full spirit power.
But to Haruto, even if she weren't in the Spirit Temple, even if she were handed to another sect like the Seven Treasures Clan, he would still be confident in leading the Temple to the peak.
With his knowledge as a transmigrator, he could even achieve what the Spirit Temple never managed in the original story—unify the continent and create a new era!
Keeping Hibi Tō, however, was like raising a time bomb. He couldn't be sure he could "fix" her. And if she exploded, it would bring ruin.
If the timeline had been earlier—before she met Gō Yū—he might have given it a try, molding her in his own way. Even if she became a rebellious disciple, that would still be manageable.
But unfortunately…
It was already too late.
She had joined the Temple, acknowledged him as her master, met Gō Yū, and even used the Temple's resources to elevate that useless man into a so-called master.
The timeline was approaching the fateful Secret Chamber incident.
It seemed… things were already set.
"Reporting to His Holiness the Pope—the Holy Maiden requests an audience!"
Just then, a guard's voice came from outside the hall.
"Hibi Tō wants to see me?"
Haruto's brows knitted tighter.
What did she want now?
Could it be… that after yesterday's quarrel, she had come to apologize?
"Very well. Let her come to the main hall."
After the guard withdrew, Haruto left the side chamber and made his way to the Pope's main hall, where he received officials and visiting spirit masters.
Seated upon the throne, he waited calmly.
Soon, Hibi Tō arrived.
"Disciple Hibi Tō greets Teacher."
The young Hibi Tō looked only seventeen or eighteen. She wore a pale lavender gown, her tall and graceful figure complemented by flowing orange hair and amber eyes.
Her delicate features—fair skin, a fine nose, soft pink lips—radiated youthful vitality and charm.
She looked nothing like the future Hibi Tō of tragedy and bitterness.
"What is it, Tō? What brings you here?"
Haruto's tone was cool, his expression composed.
Hibi Tō immediately noticed her teacher's coldness, but she assumed it was because of yesterday's quarrel. Thinking he was still angry, she paid it no mind.
Instead, she drew a deep breath, summoning her courage.
"Teacher, I've come because there is something I must ask your permission for."
"What is it?" Haruto asked evenly.
"I thought long and hard last night… and I realized that I still want to be with Gō Yū."
"This time, I've truly made up my mind!"
"If you do not approve, then I will elope with him!"
Hibi Tō's beautiful face was filled with determination. She clenched her fists tightly, her voice ringing out loud and clear.
"Damn it!"
Hearing her words, Haruto's face immediately darkened, and he couldn't help but curse under his breath.
(End of Chapter)