Seeing Sinon and Fukaziroh finish their embrace and stand up, Hachiman addressed them.
"Alright. First things first, we need to get you two your own private rooms. And take these."
"What are they?"
"Keys granted to official members. Go ahead, try using them."
Following Hachiman's instructions, the two used the keys. In an instant, the keys dissolved into particles of light that showered down over their bodies. Simultaneously, a mechanical voice announced:
[Player: Sinon has been registered as an official member.]
[Player: Fukaziroh has been registered as an official member.]
The two held hands, jumping with joy at the announcement that granted them their own private quarters.
"And Fukaziroh, this is for you, too."
Hachiman handed Fukaziroh a Valhalla uniform.
"Woooooooah! The Valhalla uniform I've seen in my dreams is finally here!"
"Come to think of it, I forgot to explain this to Sinon. On the back and chest of this uniform, you can display a personal mark that you design yourself. You can change it later, of course, but the more famous that mark becomes, the more other players will recognize you by it and the guild emblem. So, do your best to come up with a design that suits you."
"A mark... my own mark..."
Seeing Sinon deep in thought, Hachiman added lightly, "Well, ultimately, you just do whatever you like."
"I've already decided on mine!"
"What is it, Fuka?"
"I'll draw a heart in the center, and then angel wings spreading out on the left and right—bam, like that! Oh, and I want a halo above the heart!"
Fukaziroh showed her palms to Sinon, spreading them out to demonstrate.
"Yui, launch the emblem creation software."
"Yes, Papa!"
Hachiman operated the console, quickly creating a mark exactly as Fukaziroh described.
"Something like this?"
"Exactly as I imagined! That's the one for me!"
"By the way, does it have a name?"
"Love Angel!"
"Okay. Hand me that uniform."
Hachiman engraved the mark onto Fukaziroh's uniform.
"Alright, it's done."
"Ooooooh! My precious uniform-chan! I demand a commemorative photo!"
"Before that—Sinon, did you come up with anything?"
"I feel like I can't leave out the bow. So, maybe a bow with an arrow nocked horizontally, and to match Fuka, put a heart mark on the tip of the arrow?"
"Yay! We're matching!"
"So, something like this?"
Hachiman displayed the image based on her instructions. Seeing it, Sinon smiled brightly.
"Yeah, just like that!"
"What about the name?"
"Cupid Arrow, maybe?"
"Got it."
Sinon had her mark engraved onto her uniform as well, and the two showed off their new outfits to each other with immense satisfaction.
"Alright, Yui. Prepare the mobile camera."
"It is already here!"
"Okay everyone, gather in front of the camera."
The five of them lined up surrounding Hachiman and took a photo. The image was immediately sent from the console to each of their mobile terminals.
"By the way, do Hachiman and the others have names for your marks too?"
"My mark is a simple 'A', but it represents a mountain peak and the meaning of being number one. So, I just named it 'Top A'."
"Since I'm primarily a healer, mine is a rapier crossed over a cross shape. 'Cross Rapier.' It's pretty literal, hehe."
"I am also a healer, so I use a cross, but I expressed it as an ice crystal. The formal name is 'Ice Crystal Cross,' but it is usually abbreviated to 'Ice Cross'."
"I see. Simple really is best, isn't it? What other ones are there?"
"Let's see. There's Yummy's 'Hellfire,' which is simply flames arranged in a wave pattern. And Liz has 'Star Hammer,' which is a blacksmith's hammer with stars scattered to the top right."
"Heh~. I can't wait to meet everyone else."
Sinon grinned, imagining herself standing on the battlefield with her new comrades, loosing arrows. The others watched her expression with warm smiles.
"Alright then! I'm going to send this picture to Cohy to brag, and I'll pass on Hachiman-san's message while I'm at it!"
"Yeah. See you later, Fuka."
"Fuka, let's definitely meet up again!"
"Yup!"
Everyone said their goodbyes to Fukaziroh. Hachiman and the others decided it was time to log out as well.
"I was surprised by so many things today."
"Oops, before that—you should store your equipment in the storage of your room. You need to convert back to GGO immediately, right?"
"Ah, that's right."
"Eventually, you can customize the interior of your room however you like."
"Okay, thank you!"
After saying goodbye to Yui and Kizmel, the four of them logged out.
"So, is Asuna going back to Hachiman-kun's house today?"
"I wonder... I was thinking maybe I should go back to my own home for a change."
"You've lost track of which one is actually your home, haven't you? Excuse me, I'm going to the restroom."
Yukino excused herself. Immediately after she left, Asuna received a call on her cell phone from Komachi.
"Komachi-chan? What's wrong?"
"Big Sis, you're coming home to our place today, right?"
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing happened, but Komachi just wants to be with you, Big Sis!"
"Well, I didn't really care which house I went to today, so sure, that's fine."
"Yay! I'll be waiting then!"
"Okay."
Watching Asuna hang up, Hachiman asked about the call.
"What did Komachi want?"
"She said to please come home today."
"Hmm."
Just then, Yukino returned and addressed them.
"Shino and I have plans after this, so I don't mind at all if you two head back first."
"Oh, really? In that case, I guess we'll head out. Asuna?"
"Yeah. See you later."
"Yukino, Shino, see you."
"Yes, see you."
"Bye."
Hachiman and Asuna hopped onto the KIT motorcycle and returned to his home. Komachi was there to welcome them.
"Oh good, you came back."
"Did you need something?"
"N-No, nothing really. I just wanted to see your face, Big Sis."
"Hmm..."
At this point, Hachiman sensed the presence of an invisible hand at work, though he didn't know what it was. For now, the couple went to his room to change into comfortable clothes.
"Something... feels weird. My spine is tingling... I feel like danger is approaching."
Muttering to himself, Hachiman left the room to use the toilet. As he passed Komachi's room, he heard her talking to someone on the phone.
"Yes, it's perfect! I'll be waiting!"
(Hm? Is one of Komachi's friends coming over? Even so, her tone is a bit strange.)
After using the toilet, Hachiman didn't return to his room but sat down on the sofa in the living room. A little later, Asuna came downstairs as well. Upstairs, Komachi seemed to be doing something, as only the sounds of thumping footsteps could be heard.
"Is Komachi up to something?"
"Who knows..."
After a while, the noise upstairs ceased, and Komachi came down.
"Phew... preparations complete."
She sat on the sofa, fidgeting and constantly checking the window.
"Komachi, is someone coming?"
"Ah, yeah, just a friend."
"In that case, should we head out somewhere so we don't get in the way?"
"N-No, it's fine! Really, it's totally fine."
"Is that so..."
Immediately after, the doorbell rang.
"Hm, I wonder who it is."
"Komachi will get it!"
Komachi rushed to the door. A few moments later, she returned, leading two women into the living room.
"Wha..."
"Eh? H-Huh?"
"Good evening."
"S-Sorry to intrude..."
Standing there were Yukino and Shino—the very people they had parted ways with just a short while ago. They were carrying large bags, and by the looks of it, this wasn't just a casual visit.
Rewind a bit.
After Hachiman and Asuna had left, the two girls put their plan into action.
"I will go get ready, so please wait a moment."
"Is this really okay? Won't Asuna go back to her own house?"
"It will be fine. I emphasized it to Komachi-san, so she should definitely be able to stall them."
"I see. Then we're good."
"Just wait a little bit."
A short while later, Yukino returned carrying a large bag.
"I am ready. Shall we head to your house, Shino?"
"Yeah, but how are we getting there?"
"Don't worry. I have my butler, Tsuzuki, preparing the car."
"Butler... so people like that really do exist..."
When Shino had first been brought here, she realized from the sheer size of the house that Yukino was a wealthy young lady. But while she had heard of butlers, this was her first time seeing one, so she spoke with deep emotion.
The two got into the car driven by Tsuzuki and headed to Shino's house. Upon arrival, Shino rushed to her room. Five minutes later, she reappeared, also carrying a large bag.
"Are you ready? Didn't forget anything?"
"Yeah, I'm good."
Thus, leaving Hachiman-kun (her cat) to look after the house, Shino set foot into the Hikigaya household for the first time, accompanied by Yukino.
"You guys... what's with the luggage?"
" Isn't it obvious? It's an overnight set."
"O-Overnight...?"
"Really?"
"Komachi has already moved futons for two people into Big Sis's room!"
"Thank you, Komachi-san. It was worth contacting you in advance."
"I've already contacted Mom and Dad, so everything is fine. Now then, having successfully fulfilled my duty, Komachi is going to a friend's house!"
With that, Komachi bolted out of the house as if fleeing for her life.
(If I don't run now, I'll get caught in the bloodbath!)
"She didn't have to leave..."
Saying that, Yukino turned to face the couple.
"Now then. We came here today to lecture you two. Are you prepared?"
"M-Me too?"
"W-What kind of lecture?"
"Oh my. Do you not understand unless I explain it?"
"U-Uh..."
"U-Um..."
"I see..."
Yukino and Shino exchanged a glance. Then, they sat on either side of Hachiman and wrapped their arms around his neck.
"Wha—! What are you planning?"
"As you can see, we are seducing you."
"Y-Yeah. That's what we came for today."
"H-Hey... this joke is going too far..."
Despite his protests, Hachiman couldn't move at all. Asuna, flustered and confused, stood frozen, unable to take a single step.
"...I wonder why Asuna isn't moving? In a sense, this might be a crisis for his chastity, you know."
"T-That is..."
"Hachiman-kun isn't moving because we are restraining him, of course. But if this were a little while ago, wouldn't he have at least tried to shake us off?"
"Ugh... that is certainly true, but..."
"Shino, I think that is enough for now."
"Yeah, I think so too."
The two released Hachiman and sat normally on the sofa. Hachiman and Asuna sighed in relief.
"For now, why don't you two sit seiza on the floor?"
"Ugh..."
"H-Hachiman-kun."
"They don't seem angry, but... let's just kneel, Asuna."
"O-Okay..."
And so, Yukino began to admonish the two of them.
It seems tomorrow won't be a bloodbath, but rather a part where friendships are reaffirmed.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded over 40 chapters of this story on Patreon.
If you're enjoying it and want to read ahead, feel free to check them out here:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thanks a lot for your support, it really helps me keep going.
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"