On the other side of the city…
Alarms blared through GHQ's headquarters.
"Apocalypse Virus outbreak!"
Operators reported in a panic.
"It's the same pattern as Lost Christmas, but…the energy readings are even higher!"
Keidō Shūichirō stood before the surveillance screens, wearing a grim expression as he watched the towering pillar of purple crystal rise in the heart of the city.
"Why is it starting now…?"
Clearly, something had gone wrong. Of everyone in this world, he was likely the person most knowledgeable about the Apocalypse Virus—he'd even created the so-called "Three Kings" power.
He, too, had been scheming to harness Adam's power to forge a new world. This turn of events caught him off guard; his face darkened as he stared at the monitor, then issued a cold command:
"Announce the advent of the Second Lost Christmas!"
…
In the Chat Group
Inori: @Rei Ao, something strange is happening here.
The timing was apt, as Rei Ao had just finished his own "business." He apologized to Sayuri:
"Looks like we'll have to pause here."
"Yes, I see,"
Sayuri responded, still looking a bit dazed as she snuggled against his shoulder.
"Go handle your affairs. We can continue anytime…and besides…"
She blushed.
"I need a little rest too."
For Sayuri, that onslaught from Rei Ao had been quite intense, even if he seemed fine. Also, with Eriri around at home, she felt too embarrassed to go further. Rei Ao offered a small smile. He had gone a bit far—her wearing Eriri's uniform was simply too tempting.
Sitting up, he refocused on the chat:
Rei Ao: "Inori, if it's not too urgent, could you describe the situation more clearly?"
Inori: "It might not be immediate. Mana says the Second Lost Christmas is starting."
Miko Yotsuya: "Lost Christmas? Is that a Christmas celebration?"
Shiba Miyuki: "If it were a celebration, they'd be happy. But Inori obviously sounds like it's a crisis."
Inori: "Lost Christmas refers to the imminent outbreak of the Apocalypse Virus, accelerating crystallization in infected people."
Busujima Saeko: "The Apocalypse Virus—I see, so a disaster is about to break out?"
Inori: "Yes. Just now, a man named Ouma Shu showed up and asked Mana to become Eve. When Mana refused, he started raging, and then it all turned into this. He said he'd create a new world, and Mana says he's become Adam."
Bibi Dong: "Sounds like he's gone mad."
Rei Ao: "By my guess, that's about right—likely brainwashed by the Apocalypse Virus. Calling him insane wouldn't be far off."
Rei Ao: "@Inori, just open a trade request. I'll come over now."
Inori: "Understood."
[Ding! Inori has initiated a trade request!]
[Trade Content]: Resolve the Lost Christmas incident.
[Ding! Please select trade conditions!]
[Ding! Trade has commenced!]
[Trade target]: Inori
[Trade content]: Resolve the Lost Christmas incident.
[Trade condition]: "Unlimited Body Usage Rights"
When the trade was confirmed, Rei Ao leaned in to give Sayuri a parting kiss.
"Sorry, guess that's it for today."
"It's alright~"
She gave a gentle smile, teasingly rubbing her stomach as she stuck out her tongue.
"Honestly, I'm already very satisfied. If we went any further, it'd get messy."
Although she wouldn't have minded, she was a bit self-conscious about Eriri being nearby.
"I'll make it up to you next time," he promised. Seeing Sayuri unbothered, he felt at ease. Still, he flicked his gaze toward the door and quietly reminded her:
"Don't forget to comfort Eriri."
With that, he traveled to Inori's location.
"Huh?!"
Sayuri blinked as he vanished. She gazed at the bedroom door, then called softly:
"Eriri?"
"Waaah!!!"
A startled cry came from outside.
"…"
Sayuri's cheeks flamed. So Eriri had been right there at the door!
…
Outside, by the Courtyard
Tsugumi looked anxious. Ever since that purple tower appeared downtown, the air felt oppressive. Another Lost Christmas. That previous catastrophe returning left hardly anyone calm. She was still an ordinary girl who hadn't even experienced a normal romance—how could she not be scared?
In contrast, Arisa Kuhouin and Inori seemed remarkably composed.
"What do we do now?!"
Tsugumi asked in panic.
"Are we just going to wait?"
Arisa remained calm.
"Wait?"
Tsugumi became more agitated. "Shouldn't we run?!"
"Run? Where to? The scope of Lost Christmas might cover all of Roppongi at minimum—or even the entire world. We can't possibly escape that quickly."
"Then are we just going to sit here and wait to die?!"
Tsugumi felt overwhelming despair. She didn't want to die before she'd fully lived.
"I said we're waiting, not waiting to die,"
Arisa said, frowning.
But Ayase Shinomiya caught on:
"You're talking about waiting for… him?"
"Not 'him,' but Master,"
Arisa corrected solemnly.
"Er… you mean Rei Ao? Right, the rumored 'Superman from Another World'? Is he really coming to save us?"
Tsugumi glanced around. "I don't see him anywhere. This might be a scam."
Arisa was about to scold her again, but her expression abruptly changed, brightening with joy.
"Master!!!"
Inori and the others turned. There stood Rei Ao behind Ayase's wheelchair.
"Wah! Who are you?!"
Tsugumi jumped. He'd appeared so silently that it was terrifying.
"Me? Possibly your 'master,' I guess,"
Rei Ao teased lightly.
"Huh?!"
"We can discuss that later. First, let's handle what's happening now."
His gaze fell on the distant purple crystal tower. His eyes narrowed, lips curling in a cold sneer.
"Adam? Hah, wanting to steal my woman—who gave you the nerve?!"
~~~
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