Only after leaving Luo Shu's office did Ayano Kannagi, whose mind was still buzzing, finally snap out of it. She exhaled sharply:
"That scared me to death. Why is Luo Shu so terrifying when he puts on that serious face?"
"Tell me about it," Asuna Yuuki couldn't help but chime in. "It was on a completely different level compared to before. Even scarier than when my mum gets angry."
At this point, Ayano suddenly realised something and turned to stare at Asuna in surprise:
"Wait, Asuna?! What are you doing here?!"
"I've been here the whole time..." Asuna looked confused. "I was standing right next to you when you came in, didn't you see me?"
Ayano suddenly remembered - that was indeed the case. Asuna had already been in the room when she entered, but she'd been too nervous to notice anyone else standing there.
"No, that's not what I meant. I meant to ask..."
Yukari Shinomiya stepped in to explain to Ayano:
"What Ayano means is: why have we joined the Familia too, right?"
"Yes! That's exactly what I meant!" Ayano pounded her left fist into her right palm, nodding repeatedly.
Hearing this, Asuna's face fell into an awkward expression, unsure how to explain.
Should she tell Ayano that they'd been caught helping her cheat and had no choice but to sign what amounted to a contract of servitude?
That was definitely not something she could say.
Not only would it put psychological pressure on Ayano, but it might even cause unnecessary conflict between Ayano and Luo Shu.
'So how should I explain this...?'
Asuna's mind raced until she quickly came up with an excuse:
"Didn't the Director just say it? Because we're specially chosen individuals."
"Huh?" Ayano looked shocked, then exclaimed: "You mean Luo Shu discovered your special qualities and directly invited you to join the Familia?"
"Yes, exactly like that." Asuna nodded repeatedly before turning to give Yukari a meaningful look.
Yukari immediately understood and chimed in:
"That's exactly what happened. Though it was unexpected, we were indeed directly invited by Director Luo Shu."
After all, being coerced into joining through threats and incentives still technically counted as an invitation, right?
Of course, Yukari Shinomiya was well aware that Luo Shu's earlier talk of a 'contract of servitude' was mostly in jest. He actually just coveted their Familia potential and found an excuse to coax them into signing the Familia contract.
But while that was true, putting it so bluntly sounded unpleasant.
Especially considering Ayano's temperament - if she learned the full story, she'd undoubtedly stand up for them and make trouble for Luo Shu.
Causing trouble for the Director right after joining the Hidden Management Department? Even courting death wouldn't be this reckless.
Since things had already reached this point, it was better to avoid unnecessary complications. Thus, Yukari Shinomiya willingly cooperated with Asuna Yuuki to mislead Ayano Kannagi.
With both close friends saying the same thing, Ayano Kannagi readily accepted their explanation.
But before she could say anything, Nanase Kudō beside her hesitantly spoke up:
"Eh? Were we really invited, though?"
In an instant, Asuna Yuuki and Yukari Shinomiya struggled to keep straight faces.
How could they have forgotten that Nanase was just as dense as Ayano?
Asuna immediately turned around, smiling sweetly yet threateningly at Nanase:
"That was definitely an invitation, Nanase!"
"Exactly! You should believe in your own talents, Nanase!!"
Yukari Shinomiya glared at the clueless Nanase through gritted teeth, her expression clearly saying, 'one more word and you're dead':
"That's how it is, right?"
Pinned under her two friends' intense stares, a drop of sweat rolled down Nanase's forehead:
"I guess... that's right..."
Witnessing this scene, Ayano Kannagi felt something was off, but didn't find it particularly strange:
"So you're all amazing enough to get directly invited by Luo Shu."
"Unlike me, who had to go through all those tests - written exams, being chased by zombies... I really thought I was going to die!"
Hearing Ayano's complaint, the three girls felt inexplicably guilty.
Compared to Ayano, who earned her place through the exams, they had essentially... cheated their way in?
Too guilty to meet Ayano's eyes, the trio could only laugh awkwardly:
"Haha, well, these things happen, who could've predicted it?"
"Right? Who would've thought the Director would dispatch a whole team to investigate Asuna? He must really value her."
"Eh? That happened?" Ayano said in surprise.
'You two...'
Asuna barely maintained her composure, shooting a furious glare at the loose-lipped Nanase before forcing a stiff smile:
"I'm not sure either. Maybe it's because my awakened ability is special? Mr Luo - I mean, the Director seems to have some plans."
"Oh... I see."
Ayano accepted this easily and continued complaining:
"Awakening Familia abilities is really something. I suddenly manifested the Enjutsu from Kannagi family legends."
"Thinking about it now, it's still unbelievable - suddenly awakening a Demigod-level ability like that."
"Eh? Why did you all go quiet?" Ayano blinked in confusion at her suddenly silent friends.
'Have you considered what you just said? A Demigod-level ability?'
'You awakened a Demigod-level ability right off the bat?'
Instantly, the three girls found their own awakened abilities far less impressive.
Compared to their Excellent Rank (at best Elite Rank) abilities, Ayano's instant Demigod-level awakening was clearly protagonist treatment.
In that moment, all three felt utterly defeated.
"...Should've expected nothing less from Ayano," Asuna sighed.
"Truly, only Ayano could do this," Yukari lamented.
"Indeed, very Ayano," Nanase nodded in agreement.
"You're all... being weird." Ayano scratched her head in puzzlement.
Just as the four stood awkwardly at the office door, a female voice interrupted:
"You four, my sister asked me to invite you all to dinner. Coming?"
Ayano Kannagi turned her head to glance at Shinobu Kocho, who was approaching them and hesitated for a moment:
"You are... Shinobu Kocho?"
"That's me." Shinobu Kocho looked coldly at the four of them and asked, "So, are you coming? The gathering of our peers is only missing you four."
Hearing this, Asuna Yuuki blinked in surprise and turned to see Aya Natsume and Lingyin Huang standing with Kanae Kocho near the elevator, seemingly engaged in conversation.
When Asuna Yuuki's gaze landed on them, Kanae Kocho seemed to sense it and gave her a gentle smile.
Blushing slightly, Asuna Yuuki said somewhat sheepishly:
"Ayano, what do you think?"
Ayano Kannagi saw no issue and replied directly, "Let's go together. After all, we're all comrades now, aren't we?"
At this, Asuna Yuuki glanced at Yukari Shinomiya and Nanase Kudō:
"Shall we all go then?"
"Let's go!" X2
With that, the group of girls prepared to head out together for a meal at the nearest barbecue restaurant.
...
Meanwhile, inside the office.
Having just seen off seven adorable newcomers, Luo Shu happily began his leisurely slacking.