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[Task completed, obtained 'Sword in Hat'.]
The moment Asakura took Nukumizu Kaju's digital camera, a message came from the Magic Tome in his mind.
Connecting this with his previous task, [Confiscate or destroy a demon-related item], Asakura immediately understood everything.
Why did Nukumizu Kaju's Magic "run wild" despite not having much? Why was Nukumizu Kazuhiko the only victim? Why did she not gain Magic after her Magic rampage subsided?
There was only one answer: there was no Magic rampage to begin with! The true culprit was probably the digital camera currently in his hand.
Asakura familiarized himself with the digital camera's operation, retrieving the most recent photos from the album, and indeed found that the top one was Nukumizu Kazuhiko sleeping soundly. Judging by the timestamp in the bottom right corner, this seemingly candid photo was taken late last night.
Proving his guess was simple.
"May I ask what's wrong?"
Seeing Asakura fall silent, just continuously operating the digital camera, Nukumizu Kaju kindly asked: "Can't you use it? It's actually quite simple; just press the shutter button on top. It's a point-and-shoot camera for beginners."
So Asakura revealed a profound smile: "I understand. Everyone get ready, I'm going to start taking pictures."
Asagumo Chihaya, who had been watching Asakura, seemed to realize something.
So she smiled and stood up, stepping out of the digital camera's frame, saying: "I didn't put on makeup today, so please spare me from being photographed barefaced. You guys just go ahead and take pictures."
"Eh, Chihaya didn't put on makeup? She looks no different from her usual light makeup…"
Yuigahama Yui said in confusion.
At her words, Gokou Ruri, who had been discussing topics related to the Witch Sisters with Nukumizu Kaju (mostly Kaju talking), suddenly snapped back to reality.
"Fallen Saint Kuroneko never removes her mysterious veil."
She said something incomprehensible and quickly left the camera's range, which was centered on the sofa.
"Eh? Am I the only one taking a photo with the Nukumizu siblings? It feels a bit strange."
Yuigahama Yui scratched her face.
It was clear she also had the urge to retreat, but doing so would make it seem like the Chiba Magic Society was excluding the Nukumizu siblings, who were outsiders. This made the sensitive girl hesitate.
"Anyway, it was originally just a souvenir for Onii-chan, so it's fine if it's just Onii-chan."
Nukumizu Kaju suddenly took Yuigahama Yui's hand and led her to the other side of the room.
"Actually, I don't need any souvenirs… In fact, it might be better to just treat all of this as a nightmare."
Nukumizu Kazuhiko mumbled helplessly, but because he didn't want to spoil his sister's fun, he still sat obediently on the sofa, waiting for Asakura to press the shutter.
After all, it was just taking a photo; could it possibly be worse than turning into a girl?
"I'm going to take it now,"
Asakura said.
Nukumizu Kazuhiko quickly forced out an awkward smile.
'Click.'
Nukumizu Kazuhiko: "…"
Others: "…"
"I've turned into a girl again!!!"
Nukumizu Kazuhiko collapsed to the ground in despair, doing a dogeza. If this were an anime, she would probably have turned black and white by now.
"It really was the camera's problem."
Asakura finally nodded with satisfaction.
"What, what? It wasn't Kaju who turned Nukumizu into a girl, but this camera?"
Yuigahama Yui said in shock.
At the same time, she couldn't help but think that if Nukumizu Kaju hadn't pulled her away just now, she might have suffered a similar ordeal, and a wave of fear washed over her.
"Yes, that was just a guess, but now it's been confirmed."
Asakura nodded.
So Yuigahama Yui hugged Nukumizu Kaju tightly: "Thank you, Kaju!"
"It's nothing; Kaju is also very happy to be able to protect Yuigahama-senpai's pure maiden heart."
Nukumizu Kaju said with a warm, soft smile.
Then she was hugged and rubbed fiercely on the face by a deeply moved Yuigahama Yui.
Kaju's smile didn't change, but whether it was an illusion or not, her complexion seemed to have become a little paler.
To the side, Napoleon, the small Snake golem, freed from Yuigahama Yui's hand, secretly crawled under the sofa and hid.
"So it doesn't matter what happens to your Onii-chan's pure young heart…?"
Nukumizu Kazuhiko asked with a tearful face.
"It's okay, Onii-chan, whether you're an Onii-chan or an Onee-chan, Kaju loves you just the same…"
While maintaining an elegant and serene smile, Nukumizu Kaju gently patted Yuigahama Yui's arm, which was seemingly applying a chokehold on her neck, and said with some difficulty: "Um, Yuigahama-senpai, could you loosen your grip a little? I'm having a bit of trouble breathing…"
"Ah, sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just that Kaju's body is so small, fragrant, and soft; the feel is super great, and I accidentally thought I was hugging a pillow at home…"
Yuigahama Yui quickly let go and apologized: "From now on, whenever Kaju comes to the Society, I'll definitely take good care of you!"
Nukumizu Kaju sighed in relief. She suddenly noticed a gaze from the side. The girl looked in that direction and saw Asagumo Chihaya looking at her with a friendly smile.
Speaking of which, she seemed to be the first to realize the hidden trick in this photo session and chose to withdraw. Could it be that she didn't pull the not-so-smart Yuigahama-senpai with her because she wanted to give this favor to herself?
Was she overthinking it, or was this Asagumo-senpai's scheming truly that dark and profound?
Nukumizu Kaju felt a little confused, but it didn't show on her face; she simply returned a friendly smile.
Anyway, she would be coming here again in the future, so she could test it out then.
"Never mind, I've almost gotten used to being a girl all day. Anyway, I can just change back by taking another picture with the camera, right?"
On the other side, Nukumizu Kazuhiko had already given up.
"It should be,"
Asakura nodded, fiddling with the camera.
"Then hurry up and change me back."
Nukumizu Kazuhiko slumped on the sofa, sprawled out, saying self-deprecatingly.
"Ah…"
Asakura made an ominous sound.
"What's wrong?"
Nukumizu Kazuhiko's heart skipped a beat.
"The camera's out of battery."
Asakura flipped the camera over, showing the dark screen to the others.
"Whyyyyyyyyyyy—!"
Nukumizu Kazuhiko collapsed to the ground again, letting out a tragic wail.
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