Chapter 130: Kasumi Takamine Returns
Unlike Haruto, after reaching A-rank through dual cultivation, Yuuma and the others needed to master Intermediate Mana Extraction to continue improving.
Fortunately, after reaching A-rank, learning Intermediate Mana Extraction became as easy as eating and drinking.
Haruto's situation was special. His martial arts and dual cultivation abilities rapidly boosted his magical power, making Intermediate Mana Extraction unnecessary before he could even use it.
Similarly, learning Advanced Mana Extraction would be easy for him now, but since his magical power had already reached S-rank peak, mastering it would be pointless.
His original Advanced Sword Meditation skill disappeared directly after Haruto gained insights into the heavens and earth, and his close-quarters combat evolved into Martial Arts Proficiency.
Even at the Beginner level, Martial Arts Proficiency far surpassed Advanced Close-Quarters Combat in terms of skill potency.
[Existence Erasure] and [Light Spear] were both extracted from Yuuma.
The Light Spear, needless to say, was similar to the Lightning Spear but with a more dazzling appearance and additional damage bonuses against devils.
The skill [Existence Erasure] was a divine ability against ordinary people—it could directly erase their memories of the user, essentially functioning as another form of invisibility.
However, it had absolutely no effect on superhumans.
Additionally, as the girls stepped into the realm of the supernatural one by one, mastering skills that matched their talents, Haruto also managed to extract various other minor abilities.
Although the probability of skill extraction was low, the sheer volume made up for it.
Knowing their aptitudes, Haruto specifically guided each of them toward the optimal cultivation path.
For instance, Obata Yui, who had a talent for perception, was directed to focus on reconnaissance-type magic, serving as the team's intelligence officer.
Sakagami Akino, petite in stature but possessing a resilient talent, pursued a close-combat route, primarily learning body-enhancement magic.
Of course, some talents were rarer, and Haruto could only offer suggestions, leaving the girls to explore the specifics on their own.
Misaki Shinohara's talent was one such case.
Her talent, named [Spirit Contract], was described by the system as being adept at learning and modifying contracts.
But the path of contracts was far too niche, so Haruto could only suggest she contract with several familiars to see if she could become a beast tamer.
Haruto's harem enhancement plan was gradually showing results.
A supernatural organization, led by Sakura with the Takamine Sisters as support and Reina and the other three as core members, was beginning to take shape—composed entirely of beautiful girls.
Since Haruto lived at the Takamine residence, it became the headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Miyajima Dojo served as the first outpost, with Sakura in charge of overall coordination there.
Her most important task was scheduling rotations for the girls to stay overnight at the Takamine house. With so many people, without proper organization, Haruto wouldn't have a single peaceful day.
Especially as the number of beautiful girls continued to grow...
The most frequented spot among the girls was an apartment provided by the wealthy Ruri.
Gatherings, both big and small, as well as ability practice sessions, were mostly held there.
To accommodate this, the apartment had been specially renovated: walls were torn down, tables and chairs were added, and the bathroom and kitchen were expanded—all for greater convenience during meetings.
...
January 3rd, the day after the New Year's shrine visit, the Occult Research Club collectively returned to the devil world, except for Haruto.
Haruto had originally intended to follow Rias to the demon world for a visit, but Kasumi Takamine, who had been away on business for over half a year, suddenly returned at that moment.
Coupled with the fact that winter break was short and Rias would be back soon after handling family affairs, Haruto ultimately decided to stay and meet the mature beauty who had raised him for nearly a decade in his memories.
At 10 a.m., Haruto and Ayame were cleaning, while Sayuri was in the kitchen preparing meals.
Rustle—
The sliding door at the entrance made a sound, and Kasumi Takamine appeared before Haruto, pulling an orange suitcase and carrying a pink backpack.
She was dressed in a professional suit, her light brown, slightly wavy long hair braided into a wife-style plait at the back, revealing a slender, snow-white neck as elegant as a swan's.
The form-fitting purple knit sweater was stretched taut by her towering, ample bosom—like two ripe melons filled with sweet nectar—standing proudly in defiance of gravity.
Her slender waist, seemingly too delicate to bear such weight, evoked concern that it might bend or break under the strain.
A pair of perfectly rounded, plump buttocks, encased in white fabric, boasted a flawless shape like a full moon—large, firm, and perky, captivating the gaze and evoking an irresistible urge to reach out and squeeze them.
Extending downward from those voluptuous curves were a pair of slender, elegant legs sheathed in sheer black pantyhose, delicate as cicada wings.
From the full, sturdy thighs to the slim, well-proportioned calves, every inch was a breathtaking sight that quickened the pulse.
This tall, alluring married woman was none other than the mother of the Takamine Sisters and Haruto's longtime guardian.
In terms of figure and looks, Kasumi might only rank as above average among many beauties, but her unique status fueled Haruto's desire for conquest.
When this mature, stunning woman appeared before him, he nearly lost control and reached out to touch her.
Steadying his emotions, Haruto flashed an innocent smile. "Aunt Kasumi, welcome home."
Kasumi froze for a moment, staring at the handsome young man before her as her heart suddenly began to race.
A faint blush spread across her snow-white cheeks as she asked curiously, "Who are you? Why are you in my house? Are you perhaps Ayame's boyfriend?"
After more than half a year, especially after reaching A-rank, Haruto's transformation could be described as earth-shaking.
Those close to him were aware of the supernatural world's existence, and since they saw him every day, the gradual changes didn't seem particularly noticeable.
But when Kasumi suddenly saw Haruto's dramatically altered appearance, even though he looked vaguely familiar, she ultimately failed to recognize him.
Haruto shook his head with a smile, remaining silent.
"If not Ayame's boyfriend... then are you Sayuri's?"
Kasumi had an outgoing personality and enjoyed joking around - Ayame's personality likely inherited this trait from her.
"I never thought Sayuri would be so bold as to bring her boyfriend home."
As she spoke, she reached out to pat Haruto's head, "Not bad, not bad at all. Sayuri has excellent taste - I approve of this marriage!"
Hearing the commotion, the Takamine sisters both put down what they were doing and came to the entranceway.
Kasumi also noticed them, "Ayame, Sayuri, long time no see."
"Mom, long time no see," Sayuri replied properly.
Ayame bounced forward and hugged Kasumi tightly, saying cheerfully, "Mom, this business trip took so long! Did you bring us any gifts?"
"Alright, let go already. You're so grown up but still this clingy."
After chiding her gently, Kasumi asked curiously, "Where's Haruto? I don't see him. Is he not home?"
The sisters glanced at the smiling Haruto, then at their mother, momentarily unsure how to respond.
Seeing the Takamine sisters' hesitant expressions, Kasumi grew even more puzzled. Just as she was about to inquire further, Haruto finally spoke.
"Mom Kasumi, long time no see."
"Ah..." Kasumi froze for a moment before breaking into a smile, "Not bad! I just said I'd approve your marriage with Sayuri, and you're already calling me Mom."
"But rather than Mom, I'd prefer if you called me Mother-in-law~"
Kasumi playfully winked - when a married woman acts cute, young girls simply can't compete.
That charming blend of cuteness and allure left Haruto momentarily stunned.
"By the way, I still don't know your name? I can't keep calling you 'Sayuri's boyfriend' forever~"
Her gentle, pleasant voice brought Haruto back to his senses. Looking at the curious Kasumi, he suppressed his laughter and said, "Mother-in-law, my name is Haruto Seishu. I'm sixteen years old and a first-year high school student at Private Kuoh Academy."
As Haruto introduced himself, Kasumi's beautiful eyes gradually widened, her cute little mouth slightly agape as she stared at Haruto's face in utter shock.
"Ha...Haru...Haruto..." she managed with difficulty, "You...you're really Haruto?"
"That's right, Aunt Kasumi, Mom, Mother-in-law—I'm your dear adopted son."