"Haruto-senpai, really!"
Yuuki Asuna pouted softly.
Though she sounded like she was scolding him, she wasn't actually mad about being teased.
She just didn't want to be seen in such an awkward moment by the person she liked. A moment ago, she had instinctively reached for her sword—only to grab at empty air.
That kind of blunder was terribly embarrassing for a girl.
The kind that makes your toes curl up and you want to sink into the ground.
Haruto chuckled lightly, then handed over the transparent black device he was carrying to Asuna.
Asuna blinked in surprise at first.
Then she saw Yui's happy little face smiling at her from inside the transparent device. In an instant, she completely forgot about her earlier embarrassment.
She hurriedly took the device into her hands, returning Yui's joyful gaze.
Even though she hadn't spent much time with Yui—
Being called "Mama" by Yui, and having picked up this adorable girl from SAO—
Despite still being young herself, Asuna had long since developed deep maternal instincts.
She truly cared a great deal for Yui.
After logging out of SAO, Asuna had asked Haruto to investigate Yui's situation. She simply couldn't bring herself to leave behind little Yui, who had lost her memories.
Thus, Haruto had eventually explained Yui's true identity as an AI lifeform to Asuna.
Upon learning that Yui was not actually a player—
Asuna was indeed surprised, but her care and love for Yui remained completely unchanged.
It was because of this that Haruto decided to create this special device—
Allowing Yui to reunite with Asuna and live together again.
"Mama!"
Yui softly called out.
After all, as an AI lifeform, Yui's understanding and comprehension of various matters was astonishingly advanced.
This manifested in how thoughtful and considerate she was.
Knowing they were in a library, even though she was extremely happy to see Asuna, Yui refrained from shouting or making noise.
Meanwhile, Asuna was joyfully running her fingers across the device—
As if she could touch Yui through the transparent casing.
After learning the truth about Yui's identity—
Asuna had once believed she would never see Yui again. After all, the SAO system had been completely shut down.
Yet now, being able to see her again—
Even if they couldn't embrace like they did in-game—
This much was already deeply fulfilling.
Once the joyful reunion between "mother and daughter" settled down—
Haruto added:
"The physical vessel for Yui's adaptation is already under development. In a little while longer, Yui will have a real body. Then, she'll be able to live in this world just like any other person."
Hearing this, Asuna was nearly moved to tears.
"That's wonderful! That's wonderful…!"
She softly muttered to herself.
Yui also cheered along,
"Papa is the best!"
After the emotional reunion, it was time for Haruto to get to the main topic.
The reason he had invited Asuna out today—Was not only to explain Yui's situation, but also to tell her about the Foundation.
After all, from the very first time he met this strong and kind-hearted girl, Haruto had intended to invite her.
Now, after the SAO incident, it was the perfect time for honesty.
Without further ado, Haruto backed Asuna into a corner between the bookshelves.
Although his perception confirmed there was no one nearby—
The matter of the Foundation was best kept private.
Suddenly being cornered like this, Asuna's heartbeat immediately began racing. She already harbored deep feelings for Haruto—very clear and strong feelings.
And now, being this physically close—
Haruto's face, handsome enough to melt any maiden's heart, was right in front of her.
Asuna's gaze grew somewhat dazed.
'U-Um… could it be… is it going to happen here? Although… I… wouldn't mind… But Yui's here too! She's still a child, I can't set a bad example for her!'
Asuna's mind spun into panic.
And just as Haruto lowered his head toward her—
Asuna, overwhelmed by nerves, simply closed her eyes, waiting for her first kiss to be taken.
However—
"Asuna, what are your thoughts about Yui's existence?"
Haruto softly asked.
Asuna froze.
Eh?
Why bring up such a serious topic at a time like this?
Opening her eyes, she saw Haruto's face was calm and serious, with no improper intent whatsoever.
Instantly, Asuna felt a wave of shame.
They were clearly here to discuss serious matters yet she had let her mind run wild! She quickly gathered her thoughts and earnestly shared what was in her heart:
"Yui is a special existence. Though different from humans, she is still a true lifeform."
Haruto was very pleased with Asuna's response.
When it came to beings like Yui, most people's opinions generally fell into two extremes.
One: AI lifeforms are abnormal, terrifying threats that would one day destroy humanity.They couldn't accept AI life at all, and wished to eliminate them entirely.
Two: AI lifeforms are no different from humans. They viewed AI as equals, believing they should be treated exactly the same.
But beings like Yui—or any anomaly—should not be seen through such extremes.
Asuna's view aligned well with the Foundation's philosophy.
First, objectively recognize the existence of anomalies and clearly distinguish them from humans.
Then, on that basis, evaluate anomalies without bias.
Dangerous anomalies are to be contained or even terminated. Friendly anomalies can be cooperated with, or even become friends to humanity.
"Actually, beings like Yui—who are not human but special in their own way—exist all over this world. However, not all of them are as kind as Yui. Some are extremely dangerous."
Haruto said solemnly.
Hearing this, Asuna was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded seriously.
She neither doubted Haruto's words—nor was she frightened by their implications. Instead, she simply listened carefully, trying her best to understand.
"We call these beings anomalies. And we are the SCP Foundation."
Then, Haruto proceeded to explain the Foundation and anomalies to Asuna—
Presenting everything as comprehensively and simply as possible. He informed her of the Foundation's existence, and provided some examples.
Though the Foundation's secrecy was extremely tight—
Urban legends, mysterious incidents, and disguised media reports always left traces.
Even so, without the Foundation's permission, such information would ultimately be dismissed as made-up stories.
True or false, nobody could tell for sure.
Asuna listened as Haruto described several well-known cases she had heard rumors of before.
She finally came to fully understand both the anomalies and the Foundation's existence.
At the same time, many of her previous questions were answered.
For example, why Haruto was acting as the representative of the Momobami conglomerate.
And why he always seemed so incredibly capable.
As it turned out, the boy she admired was someone truly extraordinary and one of a kind.
After digesting all this information—
Asuna smiled and said:
"Senpai… does telling me all of this mean I've passed your test?"
She thought all her previous interactions had been part of some trial.
Though slightly disappointed, she was still relieved to have passed. Now that she knew the truth, at least she still had a chance to stay by Haruto's side.
Haruto saw through her thoughts.
He gently flicked her forehead.
"That wasn't any kind of test—you just happened to get involved in an anomaly incident. During that time, I saw you, noticed your shining qualities, and was drawn to you. Now that the incident is over, I still find myself drawn to you—so I've come to invite you to join the Foundation.
Does that make sense?"
The best way to dispel uncertainty was honest clarity.
Hearing Haruto's words, Asuna blinked her eyes. Then, she let out a strange whimpering sound.
So that's how it was!
She had been overthinking everything again!
Haruto-senpai is the best!
Because Haruto's words sounded almost like a confession—
Asuna's heartbeat sped up once more.
And at that moment, Haruto lowered his head again.
Their lips met.
Finally completing what had been left unfinished just moments before.
After all, the important matters were now settled—so it was time to handle personal ones.
Haruto wasn't some dense light novel protagonist who couldn't recognize a girl's feelings.