Souta wasn't really concerned about Altair's offer of repayment.
He truly viewed this as an investment opportunity—if this mission succeeded, the points he earned would far outweigh what he spent.
He was providing the World Travel Card, and when the mission rewards were divided, he'd likely receive the largest share.
Tokisaki Kurumi: "..."
Kurumi sent a single ellipsis in the chat.
This made Souta feel a little... puzzled.
Souta: "What's wrong, Kurumi?"
Tokisaki Kurumi: "Sometimes, I really like your personality, Souta. But other times, I find it... extremely frustrating."
Souta: "Did I make you mad, Kurumi?"
Shinobu Oshino: "Souta, now would be a good time to shut up."
Shinobu Oshino: "You're so dense. Not everyone is like me—
I don't mind your obliviousness, but others might."
Souta scratched his head.
Something about this conversation felt off...
It had a weird... sour tone to it.
Souta sighed and put down his phone.
He turned to look at Shinobu, who was sitting beside him.
Souta: "Hey, if you had something to say, couldn't you just tell me directly? Why are you texting me when we're literally sitting together?"
That was... a good question.
Why was she still using the phone to chat... when she could just speak to him in person?
"I... must have been influenced by you."
Shinobu sighed as she placed down her cup of tea.
"You've all been creating this kind of atmosphere in the group. I didn't want to be left out, so I got assimilated."
She waved a hand dismissively.
"But let's not dwell on this topic."
She looked at Souta with curiosity.
"Have you figured out how to complete the mission yet? I'm quite interested—how exactly do you plan on reviving someone who's been dead for three months?"
Souta shook his head.
"But," he continued confidently, "I do know that somewhere in the vast world of anime, manga, and light novels, there must be a way to solve this problem. I'll just have to do some research online."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone vibrated.
Altair: "@Souta. Souta, your generosity... truly leaves me at a loss for words."
Altair: "Is there anything you want? Just name it. As I said before—if I have it, I will give it to you."
Souta: "No need to be so formal, Altair. This is a mutually beneficial deal. Besides, I'm helping because I want to earn points—you don't have to feel indebted to me."
Altair: "A debt must be repaid. I can't just let you help me for nothing."
Souta: "Alright, if you insist... but I can't think of anything I need right now."
He pondered for a moment.
Was there anything he was lacking?
Well, money, for one. He still didn't own a house or a car.
But then again, with material creation, he could technically... forge some cash—cough.
Aside from that, he was actually doing pretty well.
Altair: "In that case, consider this a favor I owe you. I will never forget this debt. And in the future, should you need anything, I will do everything in my power to help you!"
Tokisaki Kurumi: "..."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "I knew this would happen."
Souta: "Huh? What do you mean, Kurumi?"
Tokisaki Kurumi: "Never mind. This is just... another one of your qualities, I suppose."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "Anyway, since we're all taking part in the mission, how about we meet up first? Let's set the meeting point in the real world. What do you think?"
Shinobu Oshino: "No problem. I'm already in the real world."
Altair: "The real world? How do I get there?"
Souta: "@Altair. You just need to invite me to your world first. I'll come pick you up."
Altair: "An invitation? Understood. But, Souta, wouldn't it be the same if you invited me instead?"
Souta: "Nope, not the same. When group members travel to the real world, they need to have physical contact with me first. It's a system rule."
Altair: "Physical contact? In what way?"
Souta: "Ahem... Just a hug will do. That's the system's rule, Altair—don't take it out on me."
Altair: "A hug? That's not a problem. Such trivial things do not concern me."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "..."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "@Souta. Souta, come pick me up first. I'm free right now."
Souta: "Alright. Give me a moment—I'll clean up my place real quick, then head over."
With the meetup plan finalized, Souta put his phone down.
Deep inside, he felt a little excited.
This would be the first-ever in-person meeting of members from the Friend Group.
After living alone for so long, Souta found himself genuinely looking forward to this gathering.
As soon as he set his phone aside, he grabbed a broom and started cleaning.
He even mopped the floor twice, determined to create a welcoming environment for his guests.
Shinobu Oshino: "You... really are like a child in some ways."
She observed him with an amused expression.
Souta: "Mind your own business."
He shot her a glance before casually saying,
"If you've got nothing to do, you could help me clea— huh!?"
His eyes widened in shock.
Because Shinobu's appearance had changed.
Just a few minutes ago, she had been a petite eight-year-old girl, lounging on the couch with a laptop, binge-watching anime—completely lacking the dignity of a so-called King of Monsters(Apparition).
She had transformed back into her 27-year-old self.
Her voluptuous figure, her elegant curves, her angelic face...
With just one cold glance, she could make men freeze in their tracks.
Souta: "W-Wait... why did you change back all of a sudden?"
Shinobu Oshino: "Why does it surprise you? This is my original form—returning to it should not be shocking."
She spoke indifferently while sipping on a cup of tea.
Her movements were impeccably graceful.
The tea set she was using... looked incredibly luxurious.
The intricate patterns on the cup suggested centuries of history.
And the tea itself carried an exquisite fragrance that filled the air.
Souta narrowed his eyes.
His apartment definitely didn't have anything this fancy.
She created all of this using her material creation ability?
Just for aesthetic purposes?
And she even changed back into her mature form just to match the mood?
Souta: "...Was that really necessary?"
He couldn't help but feel speechless.
Why go through so much trouble?
Couldn't she just be herself instead of putting on a show?
Wasn't that exhausting?
Shinobu seemed to notice his expression.
She calmly explained,
Shinobu Oshino: "Souta, I admire your honesty and your ability to be true to yourself. Being around someone like you is... refreshing."
Her golden eyes carried an icy yet noble light.
Her posture was dignified—like that of a queen.
Shinobu Oshino: "However, I am not like you."
"The others will be arriving soon. And I... am a vampire who has lived for over 500 years."
"A little dignity is required."
At that moment, he realized...
This woman was truly different from the others.
Does this mean she sees me as one of her own?
Since you put it that way, I won't tease you anymore.
Once Souta finished cleaning the apartment, he turned to Kiss-Shot and said:
"I'm heading out to pick them up. Stay home and don't wander around."
Kiss-Shot waved a hand dismissively.