Nagae Estate – Infirmary
9:00 A.M.
Riku's POV
It hadn't even been ten minutes since I told my fiancées about our group date when I found myself marching toward the infirmary with a growing suspicion that the two idiots inside had managed to maim themselves in some new, impressive way. And of course, knowing those two, I wasn't going to be disappointed.
Sure enough, the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by Kazehana and Sakurako moving briskly across the room, tending to the battered figures lying on the beds. Kuroka and Tenshi—masters of causing their own suffering—looked like they'd been chewed up and spit out by a dragon.
I stopped at the foot of their beds, staring at the two idiots in silence. Then—
"So," I said, voice steady but absolutely done with their nonsense, "how exactly did you two imbeciles end up like this?"
Kuroka groaned, flipping her ears down pathetically as Kazehana wrapped fresh bandages around her arm. "Nyaaa... we went a bit overboard. And let me tell you something, Riku—your best friend is a damn sadist."
From the next bed, Tenshi snapped upright as much as her injuries allowed. "Hey! You told me not to hold back! So I didn't hold back!"
I pinched the bridge of my nose, resisting the urge to smack the both of them. "Alright. Normally, both of you could've minimized the damage if you set the damage level to C. Don't tell me you decided to run it on S..."
They both avoided my eyes. That was enough of an answer.
Kazehana sighed. "Unfortunately, Riku-sama, the two of them forgot the memo and initiated combat with damage level S. We were informed by Eiji-sama they had started fighting, so Sakurako and I were already on standby. But by the time they emerged from the pods... they were in this condition."
I rubbed my temples, irritation building. "Why am I not surprised..."
Taking a deep breath, I looked to the maids. "What's the expected recovery time?"
Sakurako consulted the clipboard beside her. "The doctor says they'll recover naturally in three weeks, assuming no fighting. However—" she glanced at Tenshi, who was already sweating "—he strongly recommends taking both of them to Eirin-sensei. If we do that, they should recover within a week."
Tenshi immediately paled. "W-Wait—no, hold on—Eirin?! Isn't that a little—"
"Karma," I said flatly. "And you're not escaping from it. You just got back from the dead yesterday and you went overboard. Consider this your punishment."
I turned to the maids. "I'll leave them in your care. Take them both to Eirin-san. Make sure Tenshi doesn't run. Also contact Genji-sama and Aichi—they'll want her back in one piece. And by the way Tenshi, I'm giving you back the Water Webs of Heaven and Earth." I told Tenshi as her eyes widened.
"Wait, I made those for you!" Tenshi said as she tried to get up, but failed.
"Aside from your Earth magic, you have no other weapons. Aichi is the current holder of the Sword of Hisou. So I think it's fair to have you use the Water Webs of Heaven and Earth. And there's no negotiation on this." I said to Tenshi as she had no choice but to accept.
"I leave the rest to you." I said to the maids as they nodded.
"Understood, Riku-sama," Kazehana and Sakurako replied simultaneously, bowing slightly.
With that, I left the infirmary before Tenshi's complaints could get louder.
As I walked back toward my room, Albion's voice echoed from my ring.
[...Nervous for your group date, partner?]
Before I could respond, Iku chimed in sharply.
[Albion, don't ask obvious questions. He signed up for this. Now he has to deal with it.]
I exhaled through my nose, unable to deny it. "Iku's right. But... it's a first step. Not just for me, but for my fiancées as well. And for the future ones, too."
By the time I returned to my room, some of the tension had drained from my shoulders. When I opened the door, I found Fuyu curled up on my bed, sleeping peacefully—tail tucked under her chin, breathing soft and steady. The big fluffball looked too comfortable to disturb, so I quietly moved past her and grabbed my coat.
Just for today, I decided not to wear the OG jacket. No stage persona, no titles, no expectations.
Today... I just wanted to be Riku.
Once dressed, I called Aizawa and headed for the garage. When I arrived, my BMW van was already prepared for departure. Aizawa handed me the keys with a short bow before leaving me alone in the quiet garage.
Now all that was left was to wait for the girls.
To pass the time, I unlocked my phone and checked the latest updates from Arlington, where the Future World Fes was being held. The bands were clearly enjoying their pre-tournament festivities—a Texas shootout event, barbecue eating contests, and several of them attempting to ride horses with varying degrees of success. Some pictures were hilarious. Others were borderline catastrophic.
Still, it was good to see them having fun. Once the festival ended, I'd have a mountain of work to deal with as usual. No harm in letting them enjoy this calm before the storm.
I pocketed my phone just as footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Rinko, Miyu, Eli, Rei, Rongrong, and Renxue emerged one after another—each dressed for the outing, each radiating excitement in their own unique way. Renxue in particular looked unsure but hopeful, her poise still a bit stiff as she adjusted to the idea of spending the day with everyone.
"Did we make you wait?" Eli asked, brushing her hair over her shoulder.
I shook my head. "Not at all. Since we're buying Renxue new clothes, we're heading to the Gensokyo Central District. Alice has a 7 Rainbow branch there."
Rinko, Miyu, and Rei all straightened immediately—of course they knew the quality Alice's brand carried. Seven Rainbow was top-class even in the supernatural world.
I gestured toward the van. "Alright. All of you, hop in."
One by one, they climbed inside, chatting among themselves as Renxue quietly followed their lead. Once the last seat clicked, I slid into the driver's seat, started the engine, and eased the van out of the garage.
A new day, a new challenge, and the first group date with all of them together.
Whatever happened next... well, I'd just have to handle it like everything else.
One step at a time.
Gensokyo Central District
9:45 A.M.
Riku's POV
Several minutes of driving later, the van rolled into the heart of Gensokyo's Central District. For Rinko, Miyu, Rei, Rongrong, and Renxue, this was their first-time setting foot here—a place completely unlike the human world. Eli, however, simply smiled with nostalgic ease, since she'd already been here with Aichi and Kotori once before.
I parked near the central plaza and stepped out, the girls following close behind as their eyes widened at the lively sprawl of stalls, lantern-lit signs, and colorful banners dancing in the morning breeze. The air carried the scent of grilled fish, handmade incense, and the earthy tones of pottery fresh from a kiln.
"Girls," I said, gesturing toward the bustling streets unfolding before us, "welcome to the Gensokyo Central District. This is where you'll find both humans and youkai selling their crafts, specialties, and whatever else they're talented at. But with what happened yesterday, the youkai businessmen can finally show their true selves freely without worrying about concealing anything."
They looked around, seeing merchants with fox tails, floating sellers with spectral wisps, tengu adjusting their stalls, and even a handful of kappa setting up mechanical gadgets. The moment many of the youkai caught sight of me, their reactions were instant.
"R-Riku-sama! Welcome!" The greeting echoed in unison from half the plaza.
I released a long breath through my nose. "...At ease, everyone, no need to be tense."
Immediately the youkai relaxed—but only a little. Their posture still mirrored disciplined soldiers more than shopkeepers.
"I'm assuming there's no trouble here?" I asked.
They shook their heads in perfect synchronization.
"No! No incidents, Riku-sama!" one youkai vendor replied. "Just a few customers getting jumpscared when they saw us up close."
"Reasonable," I said. "I mean this is most humans' first time seeing a youkai face-to-face. Anyway, carry on with your work. And remember—no harming customers and no magic unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes, Riku-sama!" Another synchronized salute.
Rinko watched the entire exchange with her mouth slightly open. "They're... very obedient."
"That's how it is," I replied. "Youkai who want to do business have to follow strict rules. Otherwise, they're not allowed to sell anything. Blending with humans is only part of it—we also make sure every youkai specializes in something. Clay pots, dreamcatchers, talismans, tools, enchanted trinkets—you name it. Everything here is sold at fair, regulated prices."
"Who started this place?" Rei asked, scanning the rows of specialized stalls.
"Tenkyuu Chimata-sama," I answered. "She's the goddess of marketplaces. Her ability allows her to let people relinquish ownership of an item. She governs the flow of transactions, trade, and value. In other words—she owns the entire district."
Rinko, Miyu, Eli, and Rei froze mid-step.
"A... goddess?" Miyu whispered.
"Another one?" Rinko added.
"And she controls the market?" Eli said, stunned.
Renxue merely nodded in reverence. Coming from Spirit Hall, she knew well the influence a divine authority carried.
"Yep," I said casually. "So, unless you want your wallet to spontaneously open itself, don't piss her off."
Their collective stiffening told me they understood perfectly.
"Anyway," I continued, pointing toward the tall building on the corner, "7 Rainbow is up on the third floor. Let's not keep Alice waiting."
The girls nodded quickly and followed me through the crowd.
Gensokyo Central District – 7 Rainbow
10:00 A.M.
As we made our way toward the 7 Rainbow building, more shop owners called out greetings, waving or bowing respectfully. Some even offered samples—though they waited until the girls passed by so they wouldn't overwhelm them.
7 Rainbow itself stood out clearly from the rest of the building—pastel hues blending with shimmering magical threads that traced along the windows like living embroidery. Once we reached the entrance, I pushed the door open, and the faint jingle of charms announced our arrival.
The interior smelled of fabric, polished wood, and a hint of perfumed enchantment. Alice Margatroid sat behind the front counter, casually reading a catalogue while her dolls flitted around the shop, cleaning, dusting, and sorting clothes with carefully controlled movements.
"Hey there, Alice," I called.
She lifted her gaze, recognizing me instantly before her lips curved into a soft smile. "Riku-kun, welcome. Are you here for another custom order?"
"Not today. I'm here with my fiancées."
Alice's eyebrows rose—and then her smile sharpened with amusement. "Ho~? A group date, is it? Well, well. Bring them in."
I waved the girls inside. As they entered one by one, Alice counted them... and then blinked.
"...Six? Riku-kun, you've been busy."
Rinko bowed politely. "Good morning, sensei."
"How's the project coming along, Rinko?" Alice asked.
"They're progressing smoothly."
"Good. Keep it that way." Alice then glanced through the group until her eyes settled on the one person whose attire did not match the modern, casual fashion. Renxue's presence, draped in the solemn regalia of Spirit Hall, was unmistakable.
Alice tilted her head. "I see someone wearing something very... out of place."
"That's why we're here," I said. "Alice, this is Qian Renxue. My sixth fiancée. Rei, Renxue, meet Alice Margatroid. The owner of 7 Rainbow."
Renxue bowed gracefully. "It is a pleasure, Lady Margatroid."
Alice's expression softened. "Hmmm... I think I already have a handful of outfits in mind that would suit you wonderfully."
She snapped her fingers. "Hourai, Shanghai. With me."
Two small dolls—one dressed in crimson and the other in blue—floated to her side like loyal attendants.
Miyu leaned toward me. "Is that... Alice-san's ability?"
"Yep," I replied. "She manipulates dolls. She's known as the Seven-Colored Puppeteer for a reason. Anyways, you girls have fun without me."
Rei folded her arms. "Wait... you're not staying with us?"
I shook my head. "I'm planning to buy something while we're here. Don't worry—the shop I'm visiting is right next door. If you want to buy extra clothes, go ahead. Just—don't go crazy."
The girls froze for a second. Then their eyes gleamed like they'd been granted access to paradise.
Rongrong was already imagining outfits.
Eli was comparing styles in her head.
Rinko and Rei exchanged quiet smirks.
Miyu looked like she was ready to raid the accessory section.
And Renxue... tried very hard not to seem overwhelmed.
I sighed internally. My wallet is going to suffer.
"Rongrong," I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I'm leaving the girls to you. Make sure they don't buy out the entire store."
"I'll try," she said—though she didn't sound confident.
Then I looked at Renxue and gave her an encouraging nod. "Enjoy yourself, Renxue. Todays for fun."
Her expression softened. "Yes... I will."
With that, I stepped out of Seven Rainbow, letting the door close behind me as I headed toward the neighboring shop.
It was their time to bond.
And for once, it was my turn to take a small breath of quiet.
-----------
Tamatsukuri Gem Shop
Third POV
The doors to 7 Rainbow closed behind Riku, leaving the lively chatter of his fiancées fading into the background as he stepped into the bustling walkway of the Gensokyo Central District. He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for a different kind of battle. Clothes shopping with six excited girls was already a trial; leaving them inside a store filled with accessories, dresses, and preying temptations was—and he knew this—practically suicide for his wallet.
But today, he had something more important to do.
His destination sat two storefronts away, framed by a carved wooden arch shaped like intertwined magatama, sparkling faintly under the morning light.
Tamatsukuri Gem Shop.
He pushed the door open, and the familiar scent of polished stones, warm dust, and faint divine energy greeted him. Inside, the shop glimmered with displays of multicolored magatama, elaborate rings, floating gemstone strings, and enchanted ornaments humming with power. Behind the counter stood the woman responsible for all of it.
A goddess.
She had dark-blonde hair tied loosely, some strands pinned with spherical ornaments that matched the multicolored magatama lining her clothes. Her red-and-yellow outfit was detailed with symbolic patterns, and each step she made seemed to resonate with the gentle clink of sacred gems brushing together.
"Welcome to the Tamatsukuri Gem Shop! We buy and sell—oh!" Her eyes widened before she broke into a bright grin. "Riku-bou! It's been long!"
Riku bowed politely, offering a warm smile. "It's been a while, Misumaru-sama."
Tamatsukuri Misumaru—the goddess who forged magatama from divine essence and who had created Reimu's Yin-Yang Orbs—leaned forward on the counter with playful energy sparkling in her reddish eyes.
"So, what brings Japan's biggest playboy to my humble shop?" she asked with feigned innocence with a smirk on her face.
"I came to place a custom order," Riku said. "You still make rings, right?"
"I do." A sly grin curled on her lips. "Let me guess... engagement rings? I watched the whole gathering yesterday. It was quite the spectacle."
Riku's composure cracked as a faint blush crept up his ears. "Y-Yeah... something like that. And you don't need to worry about the gem. I already brought the material."
He raised his hand. A magic circle unfurled over his palm—elegant, radiant, and reminiscent of the Heavenly Dividing itself. A heartbeat later, a massive blue orb materialized, shimmering with draconic lightning trapped within its crystalline core. It was nearly the size of a basketball.
Misumaru froze.
Riku held the glowing gemstone forward. "This is a gem formed from my Heavenly Dividing. I want it turned into engagement rings. Ten of them."
Misumaru's eyes bulged as she slapped both palms on the counter. "Wait, wait, wait—ten? Ten rings? Riku-bou, are you seriously preparing for ten wives?!"
Riku scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well... yeah. That's pretty much the plan."
Misumaru stared at him, then let out a loud sigh that transitioned into a laugh, tossing her head back. "By the gods, you have ambition. If you weren't already half-dragon, I'd say you were insane."
He slid a piece of paper across the counter. Misumaru took it. The list detailed finger measurements for each fiancée, preferred ring colors, and subtle magical adjustments Riku wanted included—personalized touches.
"Well, at least you came prepared," she said. "Let me inspect the gem first."
Riku nodded.
Misumaru placed both hands gently on the orb. Immediately, the air around them thrummed. Wisps of lightning danced along her fingertips. The gem pulsed like a living heart—ancient, powerful, and unmistakably draconic.
Misumaru's expression grew serious.
"...This thing is overflowing with dragon power. And a very powerful one at that. Are you absolutely certain you want engagement rings crafted from this?" she asked quietly. "I can shape magatama and forge divine jewelry, but creating rings from such a powerful core may exceed even my usual limits. It's not impossible, but... it won't be easy."
She took a deep breath, then straightened with renewed determination.
"But I welcome a challenge. It has been decades since something made my hands itch to work like this." Her lips curled into a confident grin. "Give me one week."
"Fast as always," Riku said with a relieved smile. "As for the payment, I trust your judgment. Once you're done, tell me the price."
Misumaru waved her hand dismissively. "I'll charge you a fair amount. Considering what you're giving me, I'd almost feel rude overcharging. Almost."
Riku bowed once more. "Thank you, Misumaru-sama. I appreciate it."
She winked. "Go on, lover boy. I know your fiancées are wreaking havoc on your wallet next door. Better check on them before they buy out the entire shop."
Riku stepped out of the shop, letting the door click shut behind him. Sunlight welcomed him back into the market avenue. For a moment, he simply stood there, exhaling a soft breath.
Then curiosity nudged him.
He turned his head toward the wide window of Seven Rainbow.
Inside, he spotted his fiancées—Rinko holding up two different dresses, Miyu marveling at ribbons, Eli comparing fabrics with a critic's eye, Rei and Rongrong evaluating designs, and Renxue adjusting something in front of a mirror while Alice inspected the fit.
They were laughing, smiling, and very clearly having fun.
Riku placed a hand on his forehead.
"...I'm absolutely doomed," he muttered.
His stomach rumbled loudly in response.
"...And I'm starving. Great."
Ever since Riku got the Divine Dividing from Kuroka and the change of his internal organs from human to dragon, he'd been eating significantly more—borderline alarming amounts, really. His energy consumption skyrocketed, appetite increasing day by day.
"At this rate," he mumbled, "I'm going to end up eating like Yuyuko-san."
A terrifying thought.
He shook his head quickly, dismissing the mental image of bottomless gluttony swallowing his savings whole.
"Food stall... food stall... I need something quick before my stomach starts a revolt."
With that, Riku began walking down the central district path, passing rows of vendors selling everything from enchanted dumplings to spiritual skewers and magical steamed buns. The sweet smell of incense mingled with the aroma of freshly grilled meat and savory broth.
He sighed in relief.
At least, for now, his hunger was easier to deal with than six excited girls and a week-long cycle of divine ring crafting.
He followed the scent of food, letting it guide him as the lively heartbeat of Gensokyo continued on around him.
Gensokyo Central District – 7 Rainbow
10:30 A.M.
Rongrong's POV
Nearly half an hour had passed since Riku left us with the casual order to "do what you want"—a dangerous phrase when spoken to six girls inside a clothing boutique. Rinko and Miyu immediately seized the chance and dragged Renxue straight into the fitting room, determined to give her a makeover worthy of Alice's carefully curated shelves.
Rei and Eli wandered the racks with quiet enthusiasm, each of them moving with the practiced grace of girls who knew exactly what they liked—and what they definitely didn't. Meanwhile, I stood by one of the display tables, my arms folded lightly. I didn't feel the need to shop; my wardrobe back in the mainland was already overflowing, and I had several custom orders scheduled to arrive at the estate any day now.
The curtains rustled, and when they parted, all our attention snapped to Renxue.
She stepped out wearing a delicate white blouse with soft frills draping over her shoulders. A light gold skirt fell neatly to her knees, shifting gently with her movements. White shoes completed the ensemble, simple yet elegant. But what stood out most was her face—Rinko and Miyu had applied makeup so skillfully that even I blinked in surprise.
"Wow," I breathed with a small smile, taking her in. "You look even more beautiful."
Renxue's cheeks pinkened slightly. "T-Thank you... Rinko and Miyu helped me with the makeup. And Alice found the colors that suit me... I even picked a few outfits myself."
"Hm. It wasn't hard," Alice commented as she approached. "I examined the color palette of her original clothes. Once I knew the direction, the rest was simple."
Then she turned her gaze toward me. "Rongrong, you're just standing there. Not planning to look for something today?"
I shook my head. "No need. My closet is full, and I already have clothes on the way from the mainland."
"Ah, that explains it." Alice nodded, accepting the answer without fuss. "Well, so long as you're satisfied, I don't mind where you purchase your wardrobe. Fashion should be free."
She returned to the counter, and her dolls—ever dutiful—floated over with a tray and set a cup of steaming tea before her. Even while drinking, she watched the shop with the sharp eye of a teacher evaluating her students.
A moment later, Rei and Eli approached with a basket full of carefully chosen outfits, placing it onto the counter like two students submitting assignments.
"I take it these are the ones you want?" Alice asked.
Rei nodded shyly. "I bought a lot at your other branch the last time, so I only picked a few things that match my current style."
"I didn't buy a lot either," Eli added. "Kotori still makes clothes for me from time to time, so I try not to overindulge."
Alice smirked faintly, her pride unmistakable. "Good. It seems my student is progressing faster than I expected."
Just then, Rinko and Miyu emerged from another row of shelves, each carrying a basket—though much lighter than I expected.
Alice raised a brow with mock disappointment. "You two didn't go all out? For a second, I thought you were planning to make a crater in Riku-kun's wallet."
Rinko rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "We already bought a lot in June... But Alice-sensei, may I buy some cloth again?"
With a gleam in her eye, Alice pulled a catalogue book from beneath the counter. "Of course. Choose the fabric and color scheme you want. I'll deliver the materials to the estate myself."
Rinko flipped through the pages with a level of seriousness usually seen only during battle. Watching her pick fabrics with that quiet determination reminded me again just how talented she was. Soft-spoken or not, her creativity was immense. To think she designed outfits for her band... Impressive.
While Rinko filled out the order form, Alice began tallying up the cost of every item laid before her. When she finally finished, she announced the total:
"Three hundred thousand yen."
The dolls immediately began folding clothes with expert precision, placing them into bags that seemed to materialize faster than we could track.
"I'll put this on Riku-kun's card," Alice said with an elegant bow. "Thank you all for your purchase."
We collected the bags, thanked her, and stepped outside. Alice waved us off, her dolls floating beside her like tiny guardians bidding farewell.
The moment we stepped into the street, we noticed a crowd gathering about twenty meters away. People—humans and youkai alike—were piling into a small cluster, murmuring excitedly and pointing toward something inside.
I stepped forward and gently tapped a passing tengu. "Excuse me, what is happening over there?"
The tengu blinked, then brightened in recognition. "Ah! You must be Nagae-sama's fiancées. I saw the gathering yesterday, so many of us know your faces now. Anyway—the commotion is because someone's challenging the eating record at the dumpling shop."
"Eating record?" I repeated.
"Yes. The record is 340 dumplings."
Before we could respond, the tengu flapped his wings and hurried off toward the crowd.
Curiosity washed over all of us like a tide we couldn't fight. With our bags in hand, we followed him. It took effort—quite a bit of squeezing and polite "excuse me" moments—but we managed to slip inside the packed shop.
And the moment we did, every single one of us froze.
Riku.
At a table.
Eating dumplings faster than humanly possible.
Plates were stacked beside him, towers of ceramic that nearly reached his shoulders. His eyes gleamed with determination and primal hunger, like a warrior locked in an epic duel against an unending wave of food.
Rinko and Miyu's jaws dropped. Even Rei looked shaken. Eli blinked like she had stepped into an illusion realm.
Our image of Riku—the calm, analytical, collected strategist—was shattering right before our eyes. Instead of the reliable tactician we adored...
We were witnessing a competitive eater possessed by a dragon's appetite.
Riku set down another empty plate. Before he could reach for the next, the waitress lifted her fan and declared loudly:
"Ladies and gentlemen! We have a new record! Nagae Riku-sama has eaten 355 plates! Fifteen more than our previous record holder—Saigyouji Yuyuko-sama!"
The entire shop erupted into cheers.
Meanwhile, we were living the definition of stunned silence.
Riku... beating Yuyuko?
Gensokyo's legendary glutton?!
Riku reached for another plate—then he paused. Slowly—horrifyingly slowly—he turned his head toward us.
His hand froze in midair.
"R-Riku..." Rinko whispered, her voice trembling between disbelief and betrayal. "What... are you doing?"
Riku swallowed the dumpling in his mouth—very carefully, like the movement would buy him time to craft a believable excuse.
It didn't.
He looked at us with pure guilt and desperation. "I... I can explain. Waitress! Could you find my fiancées a seat?"
The waitress snapped to attention. "Understood! This way, dear customers."
We followed her deeper inside, slipping into a table near Riku—close enough to interrogate him properly once he was done... or possibly before.
Renxue, who had been silent until now, whispered faintly, "Is... is this normal for him?"
"No," Eli murmured.
"Absolutely not," Rei added.
Miyu leaned forward, her eyes unblinking. "I think... he woke something."
And I lowered myself into my seat, exhaling slowly.
"Riku," I thought as I stared at the towering plates beside him, "you better have a very, very good explanation for this."
Because whatever this was...
It was only the beginning.
----------
Riku's POV
Honestly... this is embarrassing. No, scratch that—this is beyond embarrassing. It's humiliating in a way I don't even have vocabulary for. To think that my bottomless hunger, the kind that could compete with Yuyuko-san herself, ended up spreading across the entire district like wildfire... and on top of that, my fiancées' own hunger being dragged right along with it just made everything even more awkward. Not that it wasn't bound to come out eventually. Secrets have a half-life. Sooner or later, they collapse.
By the time the girls sat down beside me, I still had at least ten plates of dumplings left. Steam drifted up from them like a little army of freshly cooked temptation. I took a short break—not because I was full, but because even a dragon in human skin needs a breather if he's been devouring dumplings nonstop for the better part of half an hour.
And these dumplings... gods above and below, these dumplings were ridiculous. Not too garlicky, the wrapping thin but sturdy, the filling perfectly balanced—juicy enough that every bite released a burst of flavor that practically lit up my entire skull. It was the exact kind of thing that made you forget every drop of shame and just keep eating.
No wonder Yuyuko-san ate here all the time.
I washed down the current wave of dumplings with a glass of water, wiped my hands with the warm cloth the waitress subtly placed next to me, and finally noticed that the cluster of onlookers who had been watching earlier had already dispersed. Smart people, really. They must've realized this wasn't public entertainment—this was my time with my fiancées. And when it comes to them, I don't tolerate unnecessary eyes.
I set the emptied plate aside and looked at the girls. "Alright... I'm guessing you all want to know why I'm basically turning into a second version of Yuyuko-san, right?" The girls nodded almost in unison.
"That's exactly what I want to know," Rinko said, worry heavy in her voice. "We all ate a lot at the estate for breakfast. But you... you're acting like you haven't eaten for days. Riku, what's happening to you?"
"Well..." I exhaled slowly. "It started after the Sunset Stage at Yoba Academy. Eirin-san told me to come to her office. She said she needed to show me something important. And what she showed me was..." I paused, bracing myself, "...that my internal organs have changed."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Every fiancée froze. Even the air stopped moving. Only Renxue remained calm—she already knew.
"Y-Your internal organs... changed?" Rinko's face went pale.
"What happened to you... Riku-san...?" Miyu whispered, her voice trembling as she tried—unsuccessfully—to keep her tears from forming.
"The reason is simple," I continued gently. "It's the Divine Dividing. According to Albion, I was... too compatible. To the point that it rewrote parts of my body. I can use the Sacred Gear's power without the usual drawbacks thanks to that compatibility."
Their expressions were a mix of awe, fear, and confusion, so I kept going.
"And with the Destroyer that Rongrong gave me merged into it... the Divine Dividing—or to be more accurate now, the Heavenly Dividing—has quintupled in capability."
That dropped like a nuclear bomb. Rinko's jaw slackened. Miyu's hands shook. Rei blinked, unable to find footing in the moment. Eli covered her mouth. Even Rongrong, who knew the external part of the story, didn't quite grasp how deep the transformation went.
"But," I added, raising a hand, "there are drawbacks."
"And these drawbacks are?" Eli asked, tone steady but clearly bracing herself.
"Well... first, I've become more competitive. And hungrier than normal. As you can see." I picked up another plate and knocked down five dumplings like they were nothing more than warm air. "That's my dragon side showing."
Miyu's eyes widened—again. Rei leaned back slightly, stunned. Renxue just nodded as if this was expected.
"The next issue," I continued, "is that I get lazier during the winter months."
Rinko groaned so hard it sounded like a dying engine.
"This is going to be a problem..." she muttered, rubbing her temples like she'd just received an eight-day overtime schedule.
"Is it that bad, Rinko-san?" Miyu asked, confusion mixing with concern.
"You have no idea," Rinko sighed. "Riku may look like he has it together, but in winter he's a different creature. When we were kids, he wouldn't leave his bed even when I came over to visit him. Even if the maids and butlers dragged him out, he'd slump over the nearest table and refuse to move or speak. If he's telling us he gets even lazier now... that is a massive problem."
All the girls slowly turned toward me. I averted my eyes.
"A flaw like this...?" Miyu murmured in disbelief.
"Right... I did forget Riku had that habit," Rongrong added, scratching her cheek.
"I don't understand," Eli said. "Yaro told me you were active during winter when you were still... you know... active."
"That's because I needed to be," I answered. "Unless the situation requires it, I won't move. That's how it's always been. If something doesn't pique my interest, good luck trying to get me off the bed."
Their silence made the dumpling shop's atmosphere feel even warmer.
I picked up another plate. "Anyway, the other drawbacks. I'm weaker against dragon slayer types, so that's something I need to watch out for."
The girls nodded, absorbing that part with a bit more ease.
"And the last drawback is... complicated." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I don't know if I should say it out loud."
They all leaned forward like predators smelling blood.
"Out with it, Riku," Rongrong demanded.
I sighed deeply.
"Fine. Basically... I'll have a bigger sex drive." I lowered my voice to a whisper. "So you probably understand where this is going."
Rinko and every one of my fiancées froze—then turned crimson. Not pink. Not rose. Crimson.
"T-Then—" Rei tried to form a sentence, but I cut in gently.
"Yeah. Exactly what you're thinking. I... hope all of you survive our sessions."
Rinko covered her face as steam was coming out of her head. Miyu's ears went scarlet as she began to pray to remove her impure thoughts. Eli and Rei cleared their throats so aggressively they nearly choked on air. Rongrong tried to act composed but failed miserably. Renxue only smiled faintly, already knowing this would come up eventually.
I didn't give them time to get lost in their own imaginations. I picked up the remaining plates and finished them methodically while they recollected themselves. Plate after plate. Bite after bite. Flavor after flavor.
"Damn... these are really good," I muttered internally as I continued eating—feeling the warmth, the weight, the taste all sink into me in ways that comforted the side of me I was still getting used to.
Once the girls finally calmed down, I realized something terrifying: I had already wiped out every plate stacked in front of me. All three hundred sixty-five of them. A new personal record — though I wasn't entirely sure whether that was something to be proud of or deeply concerned about.
One thing was certain: if Yuyuko-san ever heard about this, she'd absolutely treat it like a challenge. She'd probably walk through those restaurant doors with a smile, a fan, and enough appetite to cause a citywide food shortage. Knowing her, she'd likely double my number just out of spite. I just prayed she didn't go too far — the poor shop wouldn't survive the onslaught.
I set down my chopsticks and exhaled slowly. "Anyway... the next drawback is something that hurts me more than anything."
The moment I said that, the girl's expressions shifted. Rinko stiffened, Miyu's eyes widened, Eli's posture straightened, and Rei subtly leaned closer. Even Renxue, who rarely became openly surprised, stared at me with genuine unease.
I took a slow breath before speaking again.
"According to Albion... if I live my life healthy... I could live up to twenty thousand years."
Silence.
The kind of silence that swallows a whole room.
Rinko was the first to react, her shock raw and unfiltered. "W–What...?"
Miyu paled. "T-Twenty... thousand... years?"
"Yeah," I said quietly. "And that might not even be the limit. With the Destroyer merged into the Heavenly Dividing... my lifespan might have been increased even further. I don't know how far it goes."
My voice softened without me meaning to. "And honestly... I'm scared."
That word — scared — hit them harder than the lifespan itself. I could see it on their faces. For years, they had seen me calm in danger, composed in crisis, unflinching even when the world was collapsing around me. Hearing fear from me was something they weren't prepared for.
Eli's voice trembled. "Y-you're... scared..."
"Yeah," I admitted, my throat tightening. "I still think about it now. The idea that... I'll outlive all of you."
I forced myself to continue.
"Except for Renxue, who will eventually become the Angel God... and Kaguya, Eirin-san, Mokou — they're immortal. Yukari-san and some of the others might live long... but they still have limits. And I'll go on living far, far past them."
I clenched my hands together.
"What terrifies me most isn't loneliness. It's the idea that eventually... I might forget. I might forget your faces. Your smiles. Your voices. Your names. Even the memories we've shared. I'm scared those things will blur... fade... disappear over centuries. I'm scared of losing all of you, piece by piece."
The weight of my confession hit them like a tidal wave. Tears welled in their eyes — some overflowing immediately, some trembling at the edges.
Then, without hesitation, the girls moved as one.
One by one, they wrapped themselves around me — arms encircling my shoulders, my waist, my back. A warm, tight embrace from every direction. A cocoon of love and reassurance.
Rinko pressed her forehead to my shoulder. "It's alright, Riku. We're here. With you. Until our very end."
Miyu held onto my arm, her tears dripping against my sleeve. "Rinko-san is right... We'll stay by your side until the Lord calls us home."
Eli cupped my cheek gently. "You don't need to worry about the distant future, dear..."
Rei leaned close, her voice soft like falling snow. "...Just focus on the present. On us. On the now. And as long as we're here, we'll never leave you, ever."
Rongrong squeezed my hand tightly. "And we'll find a way, Riku. Some way... somehow... for us to stay together."
And then Renxue — serene, luminous Renxue — brushed a tear from my face with her thumb.
"I will be by your side forevermore," she whispered. "Even when I become a god... my love for you will never change."
That was when the tears finally broke through for me. Quiet, controlled, but still very real.
The shop staff noticed our moment — the tears, the embrace, the atmosphere heavy with raw emotion — and quietly closed the restaurant's doors so no one would intrude.
For a few minutes, the world outside didn't exist.
Only the seven of us did.
And for the first time since learning about my lifespan... I felt truly understood.
Osonobashi Pier, Yokohama
5:00 P.M.
Third POV
After the moment in the dumpling shop, Riku took care of the bill without hesitation — and the bill was enormous. Enough to make an ordinary customer faint. But Riku paid it with ease, brushing it off as a necessary cost for satisfying a dragon's appetite.
With the store behind them and the emotional weight slowly easing, Riku decided to give Renxue a proper tour of Japan. So the group piled into a vehicle and began a long, scenic road trip around the entirety of the Kanto region.
Renxue saw the towering skyline of Shinjuku, the quiet harmony of Kamakura, the lively streets of Akihabara, the historical depth of the old districts, and even the countryside roads where cherry trees still clung to their blossoms. Riku drove, the girls rotated seats, and laughter filled the car more often than silence.
It wasn't a tour — it was a shared journey, a reaffirmation of family.
By late afternoon, Riku made a spontaneous decision.
"Let's go watch a baseball game," he said with a grin.
The girls blinked.
"A baseball game?" Eli asked, completely bewildered.
Riku only smiled wider. "The Nagae are majority owners of the Yokohama Blue Oceans. So as the heir... I wanna visit the stadium."
That explained it.
Upon arriving at Blue Oceans Stadium, they immediately drew attention. After yesterday's massive gathering — the one where Riku's harem became a national trending topic — most of Japan recognized them on sight.
But the citizens didn't gawk or harass them. They treated Riku and his fiancées like normal people. With courtesy, with respect, with curiosity — but not obsession.
For Rongrong and Renxue, who had lived their entire lives under suffocating levels of formality and reverence in China, this was a shocking but refreshing change. For once, they weren't princesses or divine heirs.
They were simply young women enjoying a date with their fiancé.
The Blue Oceans faced the Fukuoka Falcons, and the stadium atmosphere was electric — roaring crowds, waving banners, synchronized cheers that felt like the heartbeat of Yokohama itself.
And Riku was even selected to do the ceremonial First Pitch. When he threw that ball and the catcher caught it dead center, the crowd went wild. And that gave the Blue Oceans the motivation to win.
The game was intense, but the heroes of the night was clear.
The Blue Oceans young rookie sensation, Mayumura Ken, who threw six scoreless innings and the later three innings, Trevor Bauer finished it by making nine strikeouts in a row.
The crowd erupted when the final out was made. Riku stood with the girls, clapping loudly, smiling with genuine pride. His team had delivered a masterpiece, and he got to share that moment with the people he loved most.
As the crowd filtered out and the city lights began to glow, Riku and the girls took a quiet drive to Osonobashi Pier — a peaceful spot near Yokohama Airport where the ocean stretched endlessly into the dusk.
Now, standing side by side, they gazed at the vast horizon. The sea breeze brushed through their hair. The sky was painted in shades of gold and violet as the sun dipped lower.
For the first time since his confession, Riku felt... at peace.
The future was uncertain.
His lifespan was daunting.
But here, with six warm hands holding onto him and the ocean whispering softly below, the fear didn't feel so overwhelming.
They were together.
And that was enough.
----------
6:00 P.M.
The sun had dipped low over the waters by the time Riku and his fiancées finally decided to leave the pier. The car ride home began in a soft, peaceful hush — the kind that naturally settles in after a long, joyful day. Riku drove steadily along the highway, the warm glow of streetlamps reflecting off the windshield.
A glance in the rearview mirror made him chuckle under his breath. Five of his fiancées were completely knocked out — heads resting on shoulders, fingers loosely interlocked, breathing slow and peaceful. The excitement of the road trip, the baseball game, the emotional storm at the dumpling shop... it all finally caught up to them.
Beside him, however, Renxue remained wide awake, gazing out the window like the world outside was something new and endlessly fascinating.
"You good, Xue'er?" Riku asked quietly as he shifted lanes. Renxue didn't turn toward him at first; she simply watched the passing lights as though savoring them.
"I'm alright, Riku," she replied softly. "It's just... this is the first time I've been able to enjoy myself like this. No divine trials. No pressure. No training. No politics or any form of meticulous planning. Just... me. Relaxing." Her voice carried a kind of fragile peace, as if she herself couldn't believe she was allowed to feel it.
Riku smiled, a gentle curl of the lips as he side-eyed her. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserve it more than you know."
Then, after a moment, he asked, "By the way, Xue'er... besides you, do you know who are the other god candidates?"
Renxue finally looked at him directly, her eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity. "Why ask about that all of a sudden?"
"Precaution," Riku answered plainly. "Just in case one of those gods goes off the deep end. And you know I have a Longinus. A weapon that can kill gods and all." His tone wasn't dramatic — just honest. Renxue understood immediately. Riku wasn't paranoid; he was practical. The supernatural world was rarely calm for long.
She sighed softly before answering. "Well... aside from me... I only knew mother and Tang San. My mother is doing the Rakshasa trials according to my grandfather and Tang San is doing the Sea God trials, from what Rongrong told me. And currently, my mother is at her final task whilst Tang San is at his eighth."
Riku hummed thoughtfully. "So two potential gods... plus you."
Renxue shook her head faintly. "More like one and a half."
Riku blinked. "Meaning?"
"My mother gave up the Rakshasa trial," Renxue said quietly. "After Master Xiaogang took a hit meant for her in a surprise attack on Spirit Hall... she was devastated. She still fulfills her role as Supreme Pontiff, but her heart... her soul... is somewhere else now."
Riku nearly froze at the wheel. Only instinct kept him driving straight. "You're kidding... Bibi Dong? Giving up? Just like that?" He exhaled slowly, processing it. "Love really does change people."
"For better or for worse," Renxue murmured, her expression soft yet distant. Then she turned to Riku with a gentle smile. "But for me... it is all I could ask for."
Riku said nothing more — he simply returned her smile and kept driving, their fingers brushing lightly between the seats.
Nagae Estate
6:45 P.M.
The familiar gates of the Nagae Estate came into view as Riku pulled into the garage, the van rolling to a smooth stop. Renxue gently shook the others awake, and the girls stirred one by one — groggy, yawning, and adorably confused.
"We're home already...?" Miyu mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
Rongrong stretched like a sleepy cat. "I didn't even realize I fell asleep..."
Everyone stepped out of the van together, stretching their limbs. The evening air was cool, the estate quiet. Waiting for them at the entrance was Eiji, hands clasped in front of him, posture impeccable.
"Welcome back, everyone," he said with a bow.
"We're back, Eiji-san." Riku returned the gesture lightly. "What brings you here? I thought you were with Grandfather."
"I was," Eiji replied. "However, I was instructed to await your return. Yukari-sama is present and wishes to show you something. Your fiancées are requested to attend as well."
Riku's brows furrowed. When Yukari showed up uninvited, it was never for something simple.
"Alright," Riku said. "Lead the way. And have a few maids take the girls' things to their rooms."
"At once," Eiji said, signaling a small group of maids who quickly approached and collected the bags with practiced grace.
Riku and the girls followed Eiji through the estate's grand hallway toward the living room. The warm lights, the polished marble floors, and the soft scent of jasmine tea in the air greeted them as they entered.
Inside, several familiar faces were already waiting.
On one sofa sat Kyoya and Mafuyu, both looking composed but faintly curious. On the opposite side sat Yukari — elegant and unreadable as ever — alongside Byakuren, serene and welcoming, and Kuroka, who gave Riku a playful wink the moment she saw him.
But the object that captured Riku's attention immediately was the chessboard placed on the table between them.
Half the board was filled with sixteen transparent chess pieces — each one faintly glowing, each one unmistakably crafted with precision and supernatural energy.
Riku felt a chill run up his spine.
He knew what those pieces represented.
He just needed confirmation.
Riku barely stepped forward before Kyoya greeted him with a light grin, one leg crossed over the other as he leaned back on the sofa.
"Welcome back, Riku. How's your group date?"
"It was great," Riku replied, rolling his shoulders as if the weight of the past week had finally slipped off them. "And I got a lot of things out of my system thanks to them."
His fiancées, still a bit drowsy from the ride home, exchanged embarrassed smiles. Kyoya simply nodded, relieved the day had done its job.
"Anyways," Riku continued, "why is Mafuyu with us? And why are Byakuren-sama and Yukari-san here?"
Yukari's fan snapped open with a sharp snap of lacquered ribs. "Well, we're here because we finally finished it."
Riku lifted a hand before she could continue. "Let me guess—you managed to reverse-engineer the Evil Pieces."
The room froze. Yukari blinked. Byakuren blinked. Even Kyoya leaned forward a bit.
"How did you know?" Byakuren asked, genuinely puzzled. "Only me, Yukari, Okina, and the Lunarians know of this."
Riku slipped both hands into his pockets. "Kuroka told me she spent a whole day with Yukari-san. That was all the confirmation I needed."
Kuroka puffed her cheeks. "Hey, don't blame me, nya—he figured it out on his own."
Yukari shook her head with a soft laugh, impressed. "Then I won't waste any time. Yes—we successfully created a new set of Evil Pieces. We call them Celestial Pieces. Using them does not reincarnate someone into a devil. Instead, it changes them into the same race as its King."
Riku stared at the half-filled board in silence, the translucent pieces gleaming under the living room lights.
"The same race as its King?" he murmured. "You mean—"
Kyoya cut him off. "Your peerage will become part-dragon, part-youkai. Just like you."
That revelation sucked the air out of the room. Even the more composed fiancées stiffened, their eyes widening. Riku's expression tightened—not in fear, but in recognition. He exhaled slowly and stepped toward the chessboard.
"Riku, what are you doing?" Rinko asked, but Riku didn't answer.
He placed his hand lightly atop the board.
Instantly, a bluish-white radiance burst from the chess pieces, bathing the room in a soft, divine glow. The light surged upward like a rising tide and then drew inward, condensing, shimmering—
—until the pieces transformed.
The set now gleamed like polished crystal mixed with divine scales. Draconic motifs wrapped every piece, a faint celestial aura threading through them like mist. The girls gasped.
But there was something else—one piece missing.
"Wait—where is the King piece?" Mafuyu said flatly, head tilting. "It was here moments prior."
Riku pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the faint burn under his ribs. "It's inside me. I can feel it. It's... adjusting to the Heavenly Dividing."
Every gaze zeroed in on him.
"So you truly absorbed it," Yukari said as she closed her fan. "Excellent. That means the compatibility checks out."
"More importantly," Byakuren added, smiling with satisfaction, "the absorption didn't cause any backlash."
Rei stepped forward, confusion written all over her face. "Wait—can someone please explain what's happening?"
Kuroka, already stretching her arms behind her head, answered leisurely. "Simple. You just witnessed Riku officially becoming a King. With those pieces, he can reincarnate anyone into the same race as him—lifespan included."
The moment those words left her mouth, Riku's fiancées turned toward him simultaneously.
Lifespan included.
Their expressions ranged from stunned to hopeful. Riku felt several gazes burning into the side of his head.
Before he could say anything, Kuroka reached toward the transformed chess set, plucked a Bishop piece with two fingers, and—without so much as a warning—
—pressed it against her own chest.
"Kuroka—!" Riku barked, stepping forward, but the process had already begun.
Bluish-white light engulfed Kuroka's body, swirling like a miniature storm. A black Bishop piece—the one sealed inside her since her reincarnation—was forcefully expelled and shattered into dust before it even hit the table.
When the light finally faded, Kuroka slowly opened her eyes. A smile tugged at her lips. Then—fwip—a pair of white draconic wings unfolded smoothly from her back.
"Well now... this is new, nya~" she purred, tail flicking with satisfaction before she dismissed her wings like they were nothing.
"Kuroka-san, what did you just do?" Rinko demanded, stunned.
"Simple," Kuroka said. "I turned myself into Riku's Bishop. I owe him my life, so I wish to serve him from now on. And, honestly? With him, I'll never have a boring day again. Also—" she lifted a thumb proudly, "—I'm no longer a devil. I'm a free youkai dragon. And I regret nothing."
Riku sighed. "You really didn't think twice, huh?"
"Nope."
He looked back at the remaining pieces. Something clicked in his mind.
"Yukari-san," he said, "are these the only pieces available?"
"No," Yukari said. "I have my own set, and so does Byakuren. The rest are distributed among the leaders we selected: Okina, Byakuren, Kasen, Yuyuko, Kaguya, and Satori. Each of them will be using the pieces in their territories. Why do you ask?"
Riku shook his head. "Just curious."
"Will Mafuyu get her own pieces?" he asked next.
Byakuren answered before Mafuyu could. "We established a rule. Only Relic-Rank magicians or higher are eligible to hold peerages. That was our unanimous agreement."
"I see," Riku said thoughtfully.
He gathered the remaining pieces from the board, their celestial glow reflecting off his fingers. "I'll take these, then. I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." He turned toward the door. "Kuroka—come with me."
"Gladly, nya~" she said, tail swishing as she followed Riku out of the living room.
The door closed behind them, leaving the others in a stunned silence.
As Riku and Kuroka quietly left the living room, Rinko's phone vibrated. She checked it out of habit—and froze.
The other five fiancées leaned in.
On the screen was a single short message.
Meet me in my room.
That was all. No explanation. No additional instructions. But the girls understood perfectly.
They exchanged a brief glance, nodded together, and excused themselves without another word, each one heading straight toward Riku's room with tightening chests and uncertain breaths.
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
Riku entered first, Kuroka close behind him. He set the Celestial Pieces on the table, the soft glow of their draconic designs reflecting faintly in the dim room. Instead of immediately touching them, he sat on the sofa and stared at them—silent, contemplative, almost troubled.
Kuroka tilted her head. "Riku, is something wrong?"
"I'm thinking," he murmured. "And it's either a great idea... or a terrible one."
The tone in his voice told her this wasn't something he wanted her digging into—not yet. Before she could speak again, the door slid open.
Rinko, Eli, Rei, Miyu, and Rongrong stepped inside, all visibly tense.
"We came as soon as you sent the message," Eli said softly.
"Riku... this is about that, isn't it?" Rei asked.
He nodded. "Yeah. When Kuroka mentioned that using these pieces would turn someone into a youkai dragon like me—and that it changes their lifespan, physical abilities, everything—it made me think."
Kuroka's eyes went wide as she immediately understood Riku's plan. "Wait—Riku. You're not seriously thinking of reincarnating your fiancées, are you?!"
Riku didn't even hesitate. He nodded.
Kuroka turned toward the others, shocked—until Rinko stepped forward.
She explained.
The date.
The moment Riku broke down in fear.
His confession about being terrified of forgetting them.
The reality he would outlive everyone he cared about.
And how deeply it shook him.
When Rinko finished, Kuroka looked at Riku with genuine surprise. Her expression softened.
"...I see," she whispered. "You weren't thinking about power. You were thinking about... time."
Riku said nothing, but the pain flickering behind his eyes confirmed everything.
Kuroka folded her arms, straightening her posture. "Then let me ask the important question. I've already made my decision. But what about the rest of you?"
The room fell silent.
The air became heavier with every breath.
This was not a simple choice.
This wasn't a vow for a decade or two.
It was a commitment that lasted centuries.
A path with no return.
Rinko bit her lip. Miyu's hands trembled faintly. Eli and Rei hesitated, unsure—not out of fear of power, but of permanence, of the weight such a choice would place on their families, their futures, their identities.
No one moved.
For a moment, it seemed no one would.
And then—
A single hand reached forward.
And it was Rongrong.
She stepped past the others, silent but resolute, and picked up the remaining Bishop piece from the board. Her fingers trembled—not out of fear, but emotion.
She turned to Riku.
"We promised each other," she said, voice steady despite the tears forming at the corners of her eyes, "that we would walk together—side by side. Not until death. Not until circumstance. Together."
Riku's breath hitched.
"And if becoming like you is the path that lets me stay with you... then I will gladly accept it."
She smiled, luminous and soft. "I love you, Nagae Riku. Truly."
Before anyone could react, she pressed the Bishop piece to her chest.
Spirit Power surged, answering her call.
A brilliant bluish-white light swallowed her whole, swirling with draconic energy that resonated with her Martial Soul. The room trembled—not violently but reverently—as if acknowledging the birth of something new.
The others shielded their eyes.
As the light faded—
Rongrong's Martial Soul manifested behind her, towering and majestic.
The Nine Glazed Tile Pagoda, normally a stunning pink, had transformed—its surfaces now radiant white, shining like polished crystal touched by divine lightning.
But that wasn't all.
Her spirit rings—eight of them—materialized around her in a perfect circle.
Four black.
Four red.
A configuration that should have been impossible at her age.
Rongrong stared at herself, stunned, breathless.
Renxue, who stood closest to her, covered her mouth—not in fear, but in awe.
"Rongrong... your Martial Soul... your rings..." Renxue whispered, voice trembling. "They... they evolved."
Rongrong blinked several times, trying to process the immense shift in her body and soul. She looked down at her hands, now subtly marked with faint white draconic scales that shimmered and vanished just as quickly.
The brilliant glow surrounding Rongrong had barely faded when the atmosphere in the room shifted again—this time violently.
A rift tore open in the air behind her, swirling with black skeletal energy. A bony hand gripped the edges, forcing the portal wide open as two figures stepped out with practiced ease.
The first was Chen Xin himself. The second, clad in black and red with a calm, faintly amused aura, was Gu Rong—the Bone Douluo, co-guardian of the Seven Glazed Treasure Tile Clan.
Rongrong jumped. "Grandpa Sword?! Grandpa Bone?! What are you two doing here?!"
Gu Rong raised a brow. "We both felt something felt off from you. Naturally, your father sent us to investigate. And—oh my..."
His eyes locked on the radiant white pagoda floating behind Rongrong. A Martial Soul evolution of this scale was unheard of.
Chen Xin's gaze followed—and he froze.
"...Rongrong," he said slowly, "what happened to you?"
Riku rose from his seat. He knew that delaying or hiding information wouldn't end well—not with these two. He bowed respectfully.
"Lord Sword, Lord Bone. Please allow me to explain."
And so he did.
He explained the Celestial Pieces, how they functioned, what reincarnation into a youkai dragon entailed, and how Rongrong's transformation flowed naturally from her acceptance of the Bishop piece.
Halfway through the explanation—specifically when Riku mentioned "changing Rongrong's race"—Chen Xin nearly summoned the Seven Kill Sword on instinct.
Riku felt the killing intent graze his skin.
But as he continued, detailing the evolution of Spirit Rings, the augmentation of innate potential, and the preservation of the soul's original identity, both Titled Douluo shifted from hostility to focus... then to shock.
Finally, Gu Rong exhaled slowly.
"Well... this is rather groundbreaking. Don't you think so, Old Sword?"
Chen Xin answered with a sober nod. "Indeed. Riku."
His gaze sharpened.
"We will propose an agreement. As long as you protect Rongrong with your life, Old Bone and I will lend you our strength when needed."
It was a heavy promise—a Titled Douluo's promise.
But before Riku could respond, Gu Rong held up a hand.
"Now, now, Old Sword... I have a better idea."
He stepped forward, eyes casually drifting to the chessboard.
Riku's entire body stiffened.
Rongrong gasped.
"Grandpa Bone—no, wait! Don't tell me—"
But he was already reaching for the Rook piece.
And then he absorbed it.
A whirl of bluish-white energy enveloped the Bone Douluo. The pressure that filled the room was overwhelming, almost divine. When the light dimmed, Gu Rong's silhouette reshaped—new wings sprouting from his back, resembling skeletal dragon wings refined into radiant, silvery-white bone.
He released his Martial Soul fully.
The divine aura hit everyone like a storm.
His Spirit Rings emerged—
Seven black.
Two red.
Even Renxue was stunned. "T-This level of evolution..."
Gu Rong clenched his fist, feeling the surge within himself. His eyes widened.
"Incredible. My rank... I've jumped from 95 to at least 98."
He chuckled, genuinely delighted. "That little piece is a miracle."
Then he turned to Riku and bowed—a gesture so unexpected that even Rinko's jaw dropped.
"From this day forward, I'll be under your command. But remember—I remain a member of the Seven Glazed Treasure Tile Clan."
Riku raised both hands, flustered. "That's fine—we're family. There's no need for all that formality."
Gu Rong grinned.
Before the room could settle, Chen Xin stepped toward the board. His gaze landed on one of the Knight pieces.
Rongrong paled. "Grandpa Sword?! You too?!"
"The rewards are... difficult to ignore," Chen Xin admitted calmly. "But more than that—my curiosity is piqued. How far can my sword go with this power? Will it transcend... or evolve into something beyond a mere Martial Soul?"
He tapped the piece with a finger. "I intend to find out. And I don't want Old Bone to be the only one reaping the benefits."
He absorbed the Knight piece.
But unlike Gu Rong, the glow didn't swallow him.
Instead, the Seven Kill Sword appeared behind him—glowing like a star being reborn.
The bluish star-metal sword drank in the divine light, its color shifting gradually until it gleamed in brilliant cosmic silver.
Holy energy pulsed from it.
Chen Xin's Spirit Rings erupted around him—
Six black.
Three red.
When he opened his eyes, they shone with razor-sharp clarity.
"This... is... power."
Riku and Rinko exchanged a look—both struggling not to laugh.
That line... was literally a Vergil reference from Devil May Cry.
Gu Rong smirked. "Old Sword, how do you feel?"
Chen Xin sheathed the new Seven Kill Sword slowly.
"...Enlightened. Purified. My path forward has changed entirely."
His gaze softened on Rongrong.
"Well then. Riku—take care of our granddaughter. Us two will return to the mainland and report this to her father."
And just like that, both Douluo vanished in twin flashes of light, leaving everyone in total silence.
A long, thick moment passed before anyone dared breathe.
Finally, Riku managed:
"...W-Well. That just happened."
That broke the spell.
Rongrong slumped to her knees, overwhelmed. Renxue sat beside her, still pale. Miyu was rubbing her eyes like she wasn't convinced she'd actually seen what she saw. Eli looked like she was calculating six different timelines. Rei looked at the chessboard like it was radioactive.
Riku cleared his throat.
"Okay. Rinko, Miyu, Rei, Eli..."
He looked at each of them gently. "I know this is a lot to process. But I still need your answers."
His voice softened.
"Whatever you choose... I'll respect it. Completely."
The four exchanged a glance.
Rongrong, still glowing faintly with divine white light, placed a hand over her chest, smiling reassuringly at her sisters.
Renxue added quietly, "This is not a decision you make on impulse. But neither is love."
Silence returned—but a different kind. A contemplative, heavy one.
Rinko was the first to step forward.
She stood in front of Riku, expression calm but resolute. "I... want to think this through carefully. But..." She touched his cheek. "You already know where my heart is."
Eli followed slowly, her steps measured. "I fear the future—you know that. But I also fear losing you even more." She swallowed. "Give me time, Riku. Is what I want to say. But I think... I already know my answer."
Miyu pressed a hand to her chest, trembling as she forced herself to look at him. "Living long isn't the problem... I'm just scared of changing." She exhaled shakily. "But... if it lets me stay with you, then I'll accept what comes."
Rei came last—silent, unreadable. She stared at the chessboard, then at Riku.
When she finally spoke, it was soft but firm.
"...We chose you. All of us."
She stepped closer. "So whatever form our future takes—we'll choose that too."
Riku felt something in his chest loosen—a weight he'd been carrying alone for so long he'd forgotten how heavy it was.
One by one, the girls approached the chessboard.
Their fingers hovered above the pieces—hesitant, trembling, aware that once they chose, there would be no turning back.
Riku stood quietly, watching them with pride, fear, and overwhelming gratitude all at once.
Whatever happened next... their lives would never be the same.
To be continued...