When Shiina Mahiru admitted that the person she cared about wasn't Hayama Hayato, Miura Yumiko visibly relaxed.
The four girls quickly got lost in chatter, their voices occasionally rising in cheerful laughter. The sound naturally drew the attention of most of the boys in class, who couldn't help sneaking glances.
These four were basically the "top" of Class 1-B—when that many pretty girls gathered, it was hard not to look.
Even Hayashi Maki found his eyes drifting over a few times, nodding to himself in appreciation.
"So many top-tier candidates for my future followers…"
He'd definitely make a move if the opportunity arose.
Especially Miura Yumiko—a beauty like her wasting her time crushing on Hayama was such a waste.
After all, from how Hayama acted, it was pretty obvious he had no intention of dating Yumiko. He was still mimicking Yukinoshita Haruno's strategy of being the ever-smiling "air conditioner," always working to keep the classroom atmosphere harmonious.
Thinking of Haruno reminded Hayashi Maki of her younger sister—Yukinoshita Yukino—who, like him, got hit by a car on the first day of school and was still recovering in the hospital.
He had a feeling he'd be meeting Haruno soon… and through her, finally getting close to the unconscious Yukino.
That morning, when he was forming a mana link with Mahiru, he sensed a special power awakening in himself—
A demonic instinct known as the Wish System.
Not a system where he made wishes—
But rather one where, if someone's desire burned strong enough, they could "summon" him to make a wish in exchange for a price.
And the greater the wish, the heavier the price.
He focused, and the familiar demonic interface appeared before his eyes:
…
[Player: Hayashi Maki (Newly Awakened Demon with Authority)]
Followers:
1. Shiina Mahiru (An angelic beauty with a gentle soul. Special ability currently incubating.)
Demonic Ability: Super Regeneration — Can recover from nearly any injury, even decapitation. Recovery speed increases with magic. Can upgrade further if Mahiru awakens her own power.
Constitution: Magician — Significantly enhanced aptitude for magic. Comes with base demonic spells including Hellfire.
Demonic Wish Count: 0 (Current authority too low to perceive external wishes.)
…
Seeing this, Hayashi Maki now understood how his powers worked.
To upgrade Super Regeneration, it wasn't just about unlocking Mahiru's heart anymore—
He now had to cultivate her, nurture her until her latent ability awakened.
Because this entire ability was based on Mahiru's deep inner kindness, the upgrade would naturally depend on her growth.
Essentially, when they formed the mana link, Hayashi Maki had planted a "seed" of magic within her.
Once her mana pool grew enough to handle stronger powers, the seed would bloom and awaken her true potential.
As for the Wish System—it let him hear people's desires, but only those of certain qualified girls.
Why only beautiful girls?
Because Hayashi Maki only accepted beautiful girls as his followers. Simple as that.
Just as he was thinking this, Kato Megumi suddenly turned and reminded him:
"Hayashi-kun, time to turn in our math homework. Nibutani's waiting."
"Ah, right. Thanks, Kato-san. Can you hand mine in with yours?"
He passed her his workbook without hesitation.
Megumi didn't mind doing this small favor. She stacked his and her homework neatly and passed it forward.
Eventually it reached the class rep—Nibutani Shinka—who was in charge of collecting homework for 1-B.
With help from classmates, she quickly gathered the assignments and headed off toward the teacher's office, cradling the stack in her arms.
Smiling brightly, she was practically shouting inside:
"My time has come! This is the beginning of Nibutani Shinka's rise to glory! I'll bury my cringe chūnibyō past and become student council president!"
Unfortunately, with only one follower so far, Hayashi Maki's current demonic authority was too low to hear her wish.
But he was getting close.
Soon, he'd have access to basic Wish Reading—and then he'd become a demon who could grant beautiful girls' desires.
With a price, of course.
…
Lunchtime.
Students with friends paired up to eat together.
Those without—who didn't want to be seen eating alone—chose to hide out in bathrooms or empty corners.
Hayashi Maki originally wanted to use the time to have lunch with Mahiru, maybe deepen their bond.
But today, she had been invited to eat with Yumiko and the other girls, and she accepted.
Left to his own devices, Hayashi Maki found a quiet spot to eat his lunch alone.
Which, of course, was a lunchbox Mahiru had made for him that morning.
A warm, caring girl who cooks, cleans, and takes care of everything…
At this rate, I'll be completely spoiled.
All he had to do was keep her happy.
Keep warming her heart.
Hayashi Maki headed to the rooftop.
But when he got there, he saw someone already sitting in the shade.
Silver hair, green eyes, a lean and tall figure.
A high ponytail swayed behind her back.
Her delicate, cold face glowed against her pale skin, long legs wrapped in short black socks.
A stunning beauty—on par with Yumiko.
"You done staring yet?"
Kawasaki Saki didn't bother hiding her cold tone.
Hayashi Maki, unfazed, replied seriously,
"Honestly? Not yet."
Saki gave him a flat look, stuffed the rest of her onigiri in her mouth, and walked off without a word.
She didn't want to share her usual quiet lunch spot. Since he'd barged in, she just left.
Hayashi Maki watched her leave with an appreciative smirk.
"Sharp attitude. I like it."
He'd recognized her immediately—Kawasaki Saki, another heroine from OreGairu.
Though unlike the others, she wasn't in 1-B.
She was in Class 1-C.
~~~
For Every 100 Powerstone = 1 Bonus Chapter! Please Vote for more Chapters!
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 180+ Chapters Ahead of Others!