To his surprise, Marin Kitagawa turned out to be pale gold down below—matching her blond hair. It was a bit reminiscent of Mitsuri's unique trait.
Now that they'd dressed in these combat suits and each held a matching blue firearm, after testing it, they found the guns could fire laser rounds—far more powerful than regular bullets—and quite high-tech. Most likely the starter gear for this second apocalypse ga.
But these battle suits weren't exactly making them relaxed. On the contrary, they felt even more reserved and shy, because the suits had an auto-tightening feature that clung to their entire bodies. Even though the material sohow remained breathable and flexible, it was advanced science or sothing.
Ren felt great, while they were quite the opposite. The suits revealed their figures perfectly, all curves on full display. They fidgeted, covering themselves with an arm here or a hand there, frequently sneaking glances at Ren. anwhile, Ren casually strolled around, not bothering to hide anything.
They all thought: 'This can't be real...that's huge...'
"Stop hiding yourselves—rember, figuring out this apocalypse ga and clearing it is our top priority,"
Ren said sternly, feigning a righteous air.
"You all now know basically where we are, right?"
While they'd been getting dressed, he'd explained the basics of this apocalypse ga, as well as revealing that he and Yukino actually had supernatural abilities. At first, the three new participants were shocked at it all, also by the fact the two school celebrities had secretly held powers—explaining their founding of that "Supernatural Research Club."
"..."
The three exchanged glances. Silence reigned for a mont, then gumi pursed her lips and lowered one arm, standing quietly yet with a hint of shyness behind her calm. She spoke in her usual gentle monotone.
"I understand. From now on, let's cooperate. My na is gumi Kato."
"!"
The others jumped a little. Another "gumi mont," where she's so easily overlooked. Even she was used to it, though the sudden stares made her ears and neck flush bright red.
Ren turned to face gumi, his expression calm, though certain bodily reactions betrayed a subtle turmoil.
"Um, my na is Chika Fujiwara..." Chika mumbled, still ducking her head.
"I'm Marin Kitagawa. Ren-kun probably rembers , right?"
Ren nodded. "Of course. You even invited to a cosplay expo this Saturday—since when were you this shy?"
"Hahaha..."
Marin forced a laugh while covering her body. Usually, she was outgoing, but that was only about cosplay or when fully dressed. Nearly naked in front of a guy she knew? Impossible to be bold here!
"And —everyone already knows , I suppose," Yukino interjected. "This is my second ti in an apocalypse ga with Ren."
ntioning Yukino, she'd about recovered from her own blush. Mimicking Ren and gumi's composure, she forced herself to stay calm. Indeed, this ga can kill you. If she let embarrassnt hamper her in a crisis, a single mistake could be fatal. Clinging to her self-control, she willed herself not to cover up in front of him. Even so, when Ren's gaze briefly crossed those...two points, she nearly wanted to bury herself. Stupid worthless lumps—useless anyway!
Through sheer will, she fought the urge to cover them. Her voice trembled, "The apocalypse ga is extrely dangerous. Last ti, Ren and I faced a school full of zombies."
"Z-zombies?" Marin repeated, forgetting to hide her body for a second.
Yukino nodded. "Yes. Thousands upon thousands of them."
gumi frowned slightly. "Thousands? How did you survive?"
"Only thanks to Ren," Yukino answered, grateful eyes drifting to him.
The rest ignored his...pillar... and focused on his face. If it was him, sure, it made sense. The large xenomorph at his side was also docile under his control.
Once Yukino finished speaking, she casually started roaming the area. gumi bravely took a few steps. anwhile, Chika Fujiwara—still crouched—and Marin—covering key areas—exchanged a glance, wearing awkward smiles. They had no choice but to stand upright, though they remained hunched forward to hide certain parts, especially Marin's and Chika's prominent assets. Fujiwara ducked her head, not daring to approach Ren.
Ren suddenly said in a low voice: "Kanae."
He no longer needed to produce his Zanpakuto to trigger "Shikai" and call forth Kanae. She manifested at once. Through shared consciousness, she'd gleaned an overview of the situation. She glanced down below, ntally tsk-ing. Actually, she'd been synchronized with Ren's bodily sensations all along, sensing his surge of desire, which made her own mind ripple.
"Wha—who are you?"
Marin exclaid, pointing at the newly appeared girl. The others also stared, raising their guard.
Ren, starry-eyed, motioned for calm. "Don't worry. This is Kanae—an ally. She's my blade spirit, the soul bound to my Zanpakuto."
"You an a demon living in your sword?" Marin instinctively paraphrased.
"..."
Well, not exactly wrong... it's a simple explanation that gets the point across.
After a pause, Yukino asked, "What about your eyes...?"
"One of my abilities," he replied briefly, then added. "This entire chamber has nothing useful. But from controlling that xenomorph, I did pick up so intel."
He repeated what he'd gleaned earlier.
This warship was enormous, akin to a giant city, labyrinthine inside.
It had beco a full-blown xenomorph nest—70,000 to 80,000 of them.
A single Alien Queen prowled the corridors.
No surprises: those were likely their enemies.
Hearing that, Yukino and the others also explained their own systems. Their "Apocalypse Store" listed basic items.
Food and water, each costing survival point.
-Weapons:
Laser Saber: 25 points each
Lightwave Grenade: 30 points each
Laser Gun: 50 points each
Energy Shield: 100 points each
-Equipnt:
Beginner Anti-Corrosion Suit: 100 survival points each
Interdiate Anti-Corrosion Suit: 500 survival points each
Advanced Anti-Corrosion Suit: 1000 survival points each
-Supplies:
Energy Cell: 10 points each (powers the Laser Saber, Laser Gun, Energy Shield)
Hemostatic Agent: point each
...
Everything seed straightforward—except the Anti-Corrosion Suits. The group didn't initially grasp their purpose. Ren pointed out they might be crucial. Then, with a flick of air manipulation, he beheaded the xenomorph in front of them, prompting a system ssage:
[Congratulations! You have killed a Xenomorph and earned 10 Apocalypse Points!]
Similar to slaying zombies. So each alien granted 10 points—ti for a happy grind, presumably.
Acidic green blood dripped from the severed head, sizzling fiercely, corroding the floor in an instant.
"Now do you see why I stopped you from attacking earlier?"
Ren glanced at Yukino.
She realized it at once. The alien was right next to Chika. Had she pierced it with ice spikes, its blood might have splattered onto Chika...
Chika shuddered at the thought, almost dying on the spot. She realized Ren had saved her. Imdiately, she bowed deeply. "Thank you for saving !"
That earnest motion made certain... things jiggle up and down.
"U-um, don't stare!"
As soon as she noticed, Chika panicked, trying to cover herself, but it was too late. He'd seen—and appreciated—everything.
"Thanks for the treat."
Again, that line made her flush like a boiling kettle. Usually, as "that Earth-cancer troublemaker," Chika would clown around, but here, she was too mortified to speak.
"Ren-kun, so what's our next move?"
gumi Kato volunteered, changing the subject. Even when Ren's eyes landed on her, she stayed composed. Of course, Ren also cald himself—he couldn't keep "that" upright all the ti, it'd hinder movent.
As for an action plan?
"Let's head out to see what's what."
Taking Kanae with him, Ren left the room. The other four quickly followed. Beyond the door was a wide tal corridor, enough for five side by side. Lights were on, but otherwise empty. They walked for a while, noticing that every door required so ID to open. Using Observation Haki, Ren found multiple interlinked passages in all directions, reminiscent of a labyrinth. On the way, he casually sliced up a few more xenomorphs with wind blades. Nothing else stood out, though.
They advanced slowly. Ren saw them as "deadweight, no question." They definitely slowed down his monster-farming. Won only hamper his kill speed! So he abruptly made a decision.
"I'm going off on my own to farm so kills."
"Eeh!?"
"No way!"
Chika and Marin both looked frightened. If he left, would they be able to handle xenomorphs?
Yukino and gumi, however, were calr. They recognized themselves as liabilities, so they wouldn't protest.
gumi took the lead: "Go ahead, Ren-kun—I'll do my best to survive, too."
Yukino seconded: "Yes. We should handle our own efforts. This is our struggle."
Their resolute statents left Chika and Marin feeling guilty, heads bowed. They realized Ren had no obligation to protect them.
"S-sorry!"
"Sorry for pushing you, Ren-kun!"
Seeing them so sincerely apologetic, Ren chuckled. Their suits left their white mounds jiggling as they bowed. He couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha. I've taken plenty of benefits from you as interest. gumi is my club mber, and Yukino's basically my maid, so it'd be heartless to bail on you all."
"M-maid!?" gumi blinked in confusion.
"..." Yukino's expression stiffened. 'Don't say it out loud, you jerk!'
"Benefits... if I survive, I'll wear tons of cosplays for you, Ren-kun!" Marin's eyes lit up, perhaps seeing cosplay as a kind of benefit. Possibly "lewd roles" cosplay?
"Not bad. I like it."
Ren stroked his chin, quite pleased—yet another who volunteered "benefits." Aweso. Without thinking, his gaze slid over to Chika.
"!"
Her body trembled. Despite the suit, she felt as though every inch was visible again. That mory—the earlier mont—still hovered. Face burning, she practically tried to shrink inside her chest as she whispered in a tiny, mosquito-like voice: "Bene...benefits...I guess..."
"Oh?" Ren smirked. "I'm not forcing you."
"Mmh..." Chika hung her head in mortification.
"Ren-kun," gumi suddenly stepped closer to him.
"What is it?" He doubted she'd scold him for his harassnt.
Right then, gumi tiptoed upward, pressing her warm lips to his.
"!"
Kanae, in spiritual sync, touched her own lips in disbelief. The others were equally stunned. Even Ren didn't see it coming. gumi actually kissed him!?
Under the group's baffled stares, gumi withdrew, not letting Ren speak. For the first ti, a vivid, sweet smile shone on her normally placid face.
"I don't know if I'll survive this ga to the end. So there's sothing I've been holding back, sothing I'd like you to know before I die—if that happens."
"Ren-kun, I like you."
"From the day I was born, I've had such low presence," she continued, "Sotis even my parents would overlook . I thought I'd live my whole life in transparency. I used to hope, like in dramas, I'd beco the leading heroine in everyone's eyes. But after eting you, that changed."
She took his right hand in both of hers, laying it upon her chest. In her clear, shining eyes, a pure affection glowed.
"You're the first person who saw at first glance, who always notices . I slowly realized my own heart. I don't want to be so general heroine for everyone. I just want to be the heroine in your eyes—even if only you can see that way."
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