Heaven.
"Phew… thankfully, Haruto Amakawa's request to retain his memories was approved."
Gabriel exhaled in relief, her golden hair shimmering like sunlight against the endless white expanse.
"After all, Mr. Amakawa is the first Awakened One in this world," Raphiel said, her tone calm yet tinged with curiosity. "Naturally, he receives special attention."
Gabriel nodded. "It's incredible. The odds of an Awakened One appearing in the human world right now are almost impossible. Even calling it one in a million would be generous."
By all laws of fate, no such existence should have been born in this era.
Raphiel, however, had her suspicions.
"Perhaps it's because of that connection with the other world," she mused softly. "Didn't your sister go there for negotiations? Has she said anything?"
Gabriel shook her head. "Not much. Only… that world seems to be teeming with dragons."
Raphiel's lips curved. "Dragons, huh. Interesting creatures."
Gabriel blinked. "Interesting? You think so?"
"Haha, Gabriel-chan," Raphiel said, eyes narrowing like a cat's. "You must have misheard. I meant dangerous creatures."
---
The next morning.
Haruto stepped out of the bedroom, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
He had barely taken a few steps when he noticed Mai emerging from the bathroom, steam still clinging faintly to her hair.
Her face flushed the moment their eyes met. She was dressed in her freshly laundered school uniform—dry now, though faintly wrinkled.
Clearing her throat, she gestured toward the living room. "I… noticed you had some ingredients in the fridge, so I made breakfast."
Haruto tilted his head, then smiled faintly. "No wonder I woke up to such a good smell. Thanks."
He brushed past her with casual ease and slipped into the bathroom. As the door clicked shut and water began to run, Mai's blush deepened. She quickly retreated to the kitchen, her composure shaken.
Later, after breakfast, Haruto casually dialed Hiratsuka Shizuka to request the day off. His voice was calm, playful even, but beneath it lingered the steady confidence of someone who rarely asked for leave.
Just as he and Mai were about to head out, a crisp notification echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Kato Megumi has joined the chat group!]
[Ding! Ayame Yomogawa has joined the chat group!]
Haruto's eyes narrowed slightly. Two names. Both familiar.
But what followed caught his attention even more:
[Ding! As the group owner, you have unlocked a new feature: "Sub-group"!]
"Sub-group?"
Sub-group: The group owner may grant sub-group access to others. Sub-group members can view information and participate in trades, but cannot send messages.
Haruto chuckled under his breath. "Hah. That's interesting."
His mind immediately drifted toward people around Busujima Saeko—Miyamoto Rei, Takagi Saya.
Both beautiful girls. He had them in his mind but He will take it slow for now.
Even if the only thing they could offer was body usage rights.
The thought didn't disturb him; instead, he smirked lightly. Power was meant to be enjoyed, after all. Strength without indulgence was just a burden.
Meanwhile, in the chat group:
Kato Megumi: "…Hmm? I think I just saw Haruto-kun's name."
Kato Megumi froze in place, phone trembling slightly in her hand. She had been preparing for school when the unfamiliar system pulled her into the group.
She scrolled quickly, her calm demeanor cracking the more she read.
Haruto Amakawa. The group Admin.
Not only that—strange conversations about "body usage rights," and a clear confirmation from Saeko Busujima.
"Haruto-kun… really?" she whispered.
Her chest tightened, but her doubts didn't last long.
Haruto Amakawa: "Megumi. It's me."
Her breath hitched. The confirmation left no room for denial.
For a long moment, she stared at the glowing screen. Then:
Kato Megumi: "…"
Even as her fists clenched, she masked her turmoil with practiced calm.
Kato Megumi: "Haruto-kun, are you going to school today?"
Haruto Amakawa: "Took the day off. I'm heading to the mall with Mai—she's staying at my place. Need to buy her some clothes."
Kato Megumi: "Oh. Sakurajima Mai."
Her response was short, but her heart was anything but calm.
At that moment, others began to speak.
Stella: "Eh? Someone else joined the group!"
Akame: "@Haruto. You seem close to this new person."
Saeko Busujima: "More than close. I would call her a friend."
Haruto Amakawa: "That's right. Megumi's a classmate. And a friend."
Sakurajima Mai: "I see…"
Mai glanced at him quietly. Friend? The way Megumi reacted didn't feel like something so simple.
Frieren: "The other new member hasn't spoken yet."
The name hung in the air—Ayame Yomogawa.
Haruto's eyes sharpened slightly. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. A survivor. A fighter.
Haruto Amakawa: "If she's quiet, she's probably busy. Anyway, I'm heading out."
And with that, he shut the chat, slipping his phone into his pocket with a faint smile.
The world was expanding. More players had entered the board.
And Haruto Amakawa was in no rush. He would play at his own pace—smiling, joking, and easygoing on the surface… but the moment someone crossed him, they would meet the colder side of him.
The side that never forgave.