Chapter 61: The Universe Conspires, and the Miracle Drug
[The side effects caused by the massive influx of memories have been successfully neutralized due to your will breakthrough.]
[Having realized your true self and understanding who is most important to you, you chose to propose to Shoko.]
[Shoko accepted.]
[After a long conversation with your family, the hospital staff finally noticed your awakening.]
[It caused a sensation throughout the hospital.]
[Doctors rushed in to run multiple tests on you, confirming your clean bill of health.]
[News of your awakening spread rapidly.]
[Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka have arrived.]
[Inside the hospital ward. You sat on the bed, with a serious-looking Shoko by your side.]
[Sitting on the chairs opposite you were Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka, both dressed in formal attire.]
…
Looking at Haruka, whose expression was calm and composed, Hayasaka felt a wave of emotion.
'He actually woke up... Is this a miracle?'
'Is this some kind of romantic fairy tale? To think things like this actually happen... How nice...'
'However, him waking up now is definitely a good thing. Maybe he can help Kaguya-sama.'
'After all, Kaguya-sama's defeat seems all but certain… I just hope we can still manage the best possible outcome…'
But then...
Perhaps thinking of her own double-agent status, a nearly imperceptible distortion twisted Hayasaka's expression for a split second.
Kaguya Shinomiya didn't share those sentimental sighs.
Her situation was critical. If Haruka weren't so important, she wouldn't have made a special trip here.
"I'm glad you're awake."
Haruka smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Kaguya-sama."
Right now, he thought fairly highly of Kaguya Shinomiya. After all, she hadn't burned the bridge after crossing it. For two years, she had cared for him with top-notch medical attention, never asking for a cent or abandoning him—a level of dedication you rarely see nowadays.
However, he kept his guard up. Just because a shark smiles at you doesn't mean it won't bite.
'Giving me a little kindness doesn't stop her from exploiting me later.'
'When dealing with wealthy elites, if you aren't in the same tax bracket, it's best not to have any delusions.'
Haruka's brain rapidly analyzed the current situation. Perhaps this was the benefit of the two years of mental hardship he had endured in his memories.
His mind was terrifyingly clear, his emotions stable. He carried an air of nonchalance that radiated a unique charisma.
Even Kaguya Shinomiya—who had been raised under strict, elite schooling and had held a prominent position for years—felt her aura waver slightly in his presence.
For the first time, Kaguya frowned.
'He's not under my command anymore.'
That was Kaguya's immediate conclusion!
"Do you… still continue?" She chose the direct approach.
Haruka's lips curled upward, and he tilted his head slightly. "You shouldn't question me."
"Fine. You can mobilize all resources. But you only have three months. I'm out of time."
When she said this, Kaguya showed a rare crack in her composure. She pursed her lips, her eyes dimming.
"Rest assured. I will show you my gratitude. Also, let me thank you again for taking care of Shoko. I am deeply grateful."
Haruka bowed slightly.
"Mm."
Kaguya nodded simply, then walked out with Hayasaka.
As she stepped out the door, Hayasaka cast a quick glance at the confident Haruka and quietly made up her mind.
...
Afterward, Yukino, Hitori, Fumino, Kazusa, and others called one after another.
Under Shoko's supervision, Haruka spoke with all of them.
***
Three days later.
Haruka returned to his devoted laboratory!
"Wooooaaaahhhhh!!!"
A crowd of his former kouhai greeted him with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Clearly, for these pure-minded researchers, a mere two years was not enough to make them forget Haruka's authority!
"Everyone! I'm back!"
"Next, I will lead you all to conquer one problem after another and reclaim the glory that belongs to us!"
"I won't give you empty promises. Bonuses! Benefits! Raises! You're getting them all!!"
"YEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
'Now you're talking, bitch!'
This time, the cheers were even more enthusiastic.
Watching the crowd, a faint smirk tugged at the corners of Haruka's mouth.
He had them completely in the palm of his hand.
***
[Possessing the Serene Mirror, Still Water state of mind, you can always accurately grasp your truest thoughts and analyze the intentions of others. With calm logical deduction, you seem to have become a true leader.]
[You returned to the lab and restarted your research.]
[Although you were mainly researching the auditory nerve drug, you worked on other projects on the side. But now, with your new mental clarity, you utilized everything to the extreme. It was as if the universe were conspiring to help you.]
[Day 7: Rapid Bone-Growth Compound synthesized.]
[Day 16: Infant Growth Formula developed.]
[Day 27: Advanced Hair Loss Treatment formulated.]
[Day 38: Cardiac Resuscitation Pill produced.]
[Day 56: Auditory Nerve Regeneration Drug successfully developed!]
"It's done."
Looking at the pale pink liquid in his hand, Haruka's face was calm, but his excited eyes betrayed his true feelings.
All the other drugs he had researched these past days weren't what he truly wanted. Until today. This drug was the real deal. (Clinical trials already passed!)
At last, Shoko could regain her hearing and live as a normal person.
Fate itself had been rewritten!
***
Hospital Ward.
Due to various necessities, Haruka chose this location for Shoko to take the medicine.
Wearing a crisp white lab coat and looking every bit the professional, Haruka carefully drew the liquid into the syringe.
Shoko lay on the bed, looking at Haruka, then closed her eyes.
"Shoko, don't worry. Just sleep for a while. When you wake up, you will arrive in a brand new world."
Treatment, start.
***
Outside the ward.
Yaeko Nishimiya, Yuzuru Nishimiya, Grandma Nishimiya, and Haruka's family. They all sat together.
The two families looked at each other.
They hadn't not been in contact over the past two years, but the results... well, let's just say it was average.
But this time, Yaeko suddenly spoke up. "Thank you. You've shown my daughter so much love."
Haruka's parents looked at each other.
Thinking of Shoko's moving performance over the past two years...
And looking at this "in-law" who had finally softened her stance... their attitude finally softened as well.
"It's nothing. The children love each other, after all. It's mutual; there's no need to talk about favors."
"By the way, I recall they aren't getting any younger. I think... maybe it's time to consider certain things."
"Mm, you're right. Shoko is at that age too. Once she's cured this time, we should consider the major life events."
Both sides reached a tacit understanding in this moment.
However, the family "extras"—Sora and Yuzuru—didn't look too happy.
Sora: 'Damn it! I still lost!'
Yuzuru: 'Big Sis is finally getting married... I hope she can really find happiness... My feelings are so complicated...'
But regardless of what they thought.
Amidst everyone's nervous anticipation. The ward door slowly opened.
And Haruka walked out.
"Haruka... how is... how is Shoko??"
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