Just as he was enjoying the soft warmth of his first wife's embrace, a familiar notification rang out.
[System Notice: Emergency Mission — Reincarnator Invasion]
[Description: The world of group member Otto Apocalypse is being invaded by a reincarnator squad. Other members are requested to assist immediately.]
[Participants Required: 2]
[Reward: 4000 Points]
"Reincarnators? What's that supposed to be?"
The sudden mission alert left him momentarily stunned.
The term felt both familiar and distant.
He slowly tilted his head aside and quietly opened the chat interface. The group was already in an uproar, complaining about these so-called reincarnators.
Fujiwara Chika: "Eh? Reincarnators again?"
Northern Northern Northern: "So annoying.jpg"
Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor: "Hehe, looks like it's my turn again!"
[System Notice: Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has joined the mission.]
Forever Seventeen: "Ara ara, of all times. I'm busy with something important right now. No time to deal with these little pests."
King of Heroes: "This king also has matters to attend to. Leave this mission to the rest of you."
Northern Northern Northern: "Leave it to you.jpg"
Aizen: "My apologies. The Head Captain has convened a meeting of captains. I cannot extricate myself."
Fujiwara Chika: "..."
Fujiwara Chika: "I really wanted to see Uncle Otto's world, but I'd just be in the way. And I still have school… (dejected)"
Fujiwara Chika: "By the way, where are Uncle Otto and Mr. Tarnished? @Otto Apocalypse @Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished"
Otto Apocalypse: "I am aware. My forces are en route. I shall arrive shortly as well."
Seated aboard his floating warship, Otto typed the message calmly.
The red wine in his glass swayed gently, though the rhythm betrayed his unrest.
The reincarnator squad had appeared at the location of the Gem of Serenity.
And the Gem of Serenity was a critical component of his plan.
A shadow passed through his emerald eyes.
He would not allow anyone to interfere.
No one.
Too much had already been sacrificed.
Still, from the state of the chat, this presented an opportunity.
He could observe the self-proclaimed Tarnished.
A faint smile curved his lips as he took a sip.
"Amber, increase speed. We must reach Singapore at once."
"Yes, Lord Otto."
Above the clouds, the airship streaked across the sky.
—
At the same time, he gently stepped out of Melina's embrace and typed into the chat.
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "I'm here."
Fujiwara Chika: "Ah! Mr. Tarnished, you finally showed up! It's been days! I was looking forward to your livestream!"
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "I've been busy. Haven't had time to check the chat."
Fujiwara Chika: "I see… Anyway, a reincarnator squad is invading Uncle Otto's world. We hope you can help."
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "That's no problem. But before that—what exactly are reincarnators? And what are these points?"
Fujiwara Chika: "Eh? I thought we explained that the other day."
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "I was… occupied."
Fujiwara Chika: "Okay then! Points are used to exchange items in the shop. There are two ways to earn them. One is daily sign-in—top left corner. The other is completing missions."
Fujiwara Chika: "Most missions are issued by the system. Rewards can be points or unlocked features."
Fujiwara Chika: "But members can also issue missions, with rewards like points or items."
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "I see."
Following Fujiwara Chika's instructions, he opened the group shop.
The items were drawn from members' worlds.
Herrscher Cores and Divine Keys from Otto Apocalypse's world.
Asauchi and the Hōgyoku from Aizen's world.
Even weapons from Fujiwara Chika's world—missiles and tanks.
But what truly caught his eye was an item from Aizen's world—
A Gigai.
A physical vessel capable of housing a spirit.
"Now that's useful."
He glanced toward Melina, who still lingered by the fire.
Both Melina and Ranni existed as spirits.
Ranni at least used a puppet body.
But four arms were… inconvenient.
In earlier cycles, whenever Ranni extended two hands toward him, he never knew which one to take.
If he could acquire Gigai for them—
At the very least, Melina would not vanish so abruptly all the time.
He pressed the sign-in button.
[Notice: Sign-in successful. Points +10.]
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "And reincarnators?"
Fujiwara Chika: "I don't know the full details. But they come from something called the Main God Space. They invade other worlds."
Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished: "Understood. Thank you, Miss Fujiwara."
So—
They were essentially Bloody Finger invaders.
Though by that logic, weren't they themselves intruders in other worlds?
He turned toward Melina.
"I'll need to step away for a bit."
"Are you heading to Stormveil Castle?" she asked.
"No. A detour first."
"I understand. Would you like me to convert your runes into strength before you depart?"
"…Not this time."
The question left him awkward.
Even if he used every rune-bearing item in his inventory, it still wouldn't be enough to raise his power meaningfully.
He hadn't leveled through Melina in two or three cycles.
"Very well. Summon me at a Site of Grace if you require me."
She rose gently, as though seeing him off.
"May your journey be blessed."
Her form dissolved into golden motes.
Once she was gone, he pressed the mission button.
[System Notice: Trying to Save My Wife Tarnished has joined the mission. Preparing for transmission.]
Hunting invaders?
That was his specialty.