Isetan Hall, a high-end women's clothing brand that had risen to prominence in Tokyo over the past twenty years, was located on the city's central commercial street. It had only this one flagship store, but its scale, area, staff, and service were among the best in the city.
Occupying an entire floor, it was divided into sections for work uniforms, swimwear, lingerie, and many others. Because it was a weekend morning, the hall was filled with many girls selecting clothes, while some men stood waiting at the entrance.
Due to some long-standing habits in Japan, married men or those with chauvinistic tendencies rarely helped their partners choose clothes.
As for those still dating, they were generally younger, not only more shy but also lacking the financial means, hence the sparse number of men waiting at the entrance.
Of course, Ryuya scoffed at so-called rules and entered the women's section with Yukino and the others without any pressure. There were a few other men inside anyway, who looked heavily made-up, like hosts.
"Chiyo, is this your first time at a mall?"
Having spent most of his recent time with Yukino, only able to accompany Souji in the evenings, Ryuya saw anticipation and flickering excitement in the eyes of the seemingly restrained Souji.
"Well... because usually the Shinsengumi's people would buy things, I don't really do things like this."
'Was she still a girl who imprisoned herself in a cage, even after living in the modern era?'
Just as he was about to say something to Souji, a light, clear voice interrupted Ryuya's thoughts.
"Onii-chan, what do you think of this dress?"
Holding up a pink lace dress, it had to be said that since being with Ryuya, Yukino's personality had brightened considerably, and even her choice of clothes had become more... refined.
If this were before, this girl would have picked out some uniforms at most.
"Let me see this dress of yours, Yukino."
Looking seriously at the long dress in Yukino's hands, Ryuya thought briefly, then stood up and selected a white women's blouse with lace cuffs, a knee-length skirt, and stockings from nearby.
"Try this set on."
"Okaaay~~~."
Nodding, Yukino happily changed into the clothes Ryuya had chosen for her.
A moment later...
"Wow, Yukino, that outfit looks really great on you!"
Looking at Yukinoshita Yukino, whose outfit was near perfect, Eriri voiced a similar praise.
Not just her, many women around also nodded in agreement.
It had to be said, Ryuya's eye was truly good, and the clothes he picked were just spot on!
"Hehe, Onii-chan always picks out clothes for me very carefully."
Continuing happily to choose the clothes and other things she wanted, accompanied by Ryuya, Yukino selected a large pile of bags, big and small.
Even Eriri got caught up in the rhythm and bought quite a few clothes.
As for Souji, who had been somewhat hesitant all along, she was also encouraged by Ryuya to buy some clothes today, and was even pulled by Yukino into a lingerie shop to buy a whole bunch of 'battle gear'!
Accompanying the three girls shopping and enjoying the pleasures of life, it wasn't until evening that Ryuya and the other three returned home, greeted by the culinary skills of Haruno and Kaguya.
Incidentally, Hayasaka was also there, and she was the main person in charge.
Dinner passed quickly.
Late at night, just as Ryuya was about to start the fifth simulation, Yukino and Souji changed into their 'battle gear', causing him to be stunned.
"Yukino... Chiyo..."
The originally pure and cool Yukino was now full of enchantment and brilliance, yet without being affected or artificial.
And the dignified, serious Souji was also sexy and mature, yet carried a hint of worldly detachment and weariness.
The night passed without further conversation.
(Omitted twenty thousand words.)
Early the next morning, Ryuya chose to skip class for the day, as attending the University didn't matter much for Ryuya anymore and he mostly just accompanied Yukino.
He stayed home alone to initiate the fifth simulation.
The scenarios he could currently choose from were:
Eternal Night Empire, Twilight of the Gods, and the World of Spirits.
"System, I want to start the simulation for 'Eternal Night Empire'."
Although he had the Beast of the Apocalypse's anti-god Buff, Ryuya felt the Eternal Night Empire scenario would be more... how to put it? More challenging.
After all, back when the Rashomon scenario ended, the options were the Age of Gods Legend: Uruk and the Eternal Night Empire. He had a feeling the potential of the Eternal Night Empire wouldn't be lower than Uruk's.
What Ryuya lacked now was the power to break through his own limits, something only an SSS-level scenario could achieve.
After some thought, he decided to start the Eternal Night Empire, because his intuition told him this was an incredibly powerful scenario, not inferior to Uruk, also at SSS-level.
[Confirmed. Starting Life Simulation. Selected Scenario: Eternal Night Empire.]
[Please confirm the talents to carry over.]
"I choose Ultimate Being (SSS-), Sun God (SSS), Beast – Beast of the Apocalypse (SSS), and King of Myriad Races (SSS)."
[Confirmed carried talents. Simulation starting.]
[Anno Domini history officially begins. In an era of chaos, the species named humanity develops rapidly. The existence of the consciousness known as Alaya reaches its peak.]
[Due to the prosperous existence of humanity, these primates, the planetary consciousness known as Gaia is forced to begin guarding against human dominance. The civilization once on the Moon perished due to such excessive development.]
[With the goal of restraining humanity, Gaia simulates human spirit and body, creating beings known as True Ancestors.]
[As the eras change, the True Ancestor species begins to restrict human development. Bloodsucking is their instinct, but most True Ancestors can restrain their actions. A minority cannot suppress it, falling completely into depravity.]
[Because humanity is the main theme of this world, the existence of True Ancestors is ultimately not needed. Gradually beginning to hide, they welcome you today.]
'This child will be the new True Ancestor. He is our King!'
Hidden at the edge of the world, the slumbering True Ancestors were startled awake by a strange fluctuation this day.
Awakening, they looked at the infant born from who-knows-where, and the True Ancestors discovered this infant possessed a kingly power that was hard to suppress.
Not only that, this infant also possessed immense divinity, and an aura that made the True Ancestors' thirst for blood cease.
He was like the genetic code that made up for the True Ancestors' flaws, come to bring light to the entire world of True Ancestors.
Looking at the surrounding True Ancestors, Ryuya didn't expect to have been created by Gaia.
'Makes sense. I have the bloodlines of the Beast of the Apocalypse and the King of Myriad Races. Obviously, humanity isn't suitable for me. If Alaya cannot accept me, then it's normal for Gaia to accept me.'
Completely unruffled by the surrounding True Ancestors, just as Ryuya prepared to begin his growth...
'Hmm?'
The scene before his eyes changed instantly. Accompanied by a surge of blood fluctuation and the application of magical energy, Ryuya saw a girl descend before him.
She had long golden hair, red pupils, and an utterly beautiful, divine countenance that took one's breath away.
Quietly holding Ryuya in her arms, she stared emotionlessly at him. After a long moment, the woman named Crimson Moon spoke softly, "You are the most excellent True Ancestor. From today, you shall bear the surname Brunestud."
"Your true name shall be Bloodriver. Bloodriver Brunestud!"