It was precisely because Yoko understood this world that she treated Kael so warmly. Her purpose was simple—she wanted to be friends with him. In a world full of crises, what could be more reassuring than having a powerful friend?
Kael understood Yoko's intentions but didn't reject her small scheme. Wanting to befriend someone strong was natural. If he were in her position, he would want the same.
More importantly, Kael didn't mind befriending a celebrity like Yoko. Not only was she beautiful and pleasing to the eye, but she was also generous with money. Indeed, just last night Kael had received her payment—five million yen. He had spent over three million at Kiri no Ya, and in the blink of an eye, he earned it back. This made him realize Yoko was truly reliable—wealthy and generous. Who wouldn't want a rich friend?
As they chatted, they arrived at the dressing room. Upon entering, Kael saw someone familiar.
"Mai, you're here so early?" Yoko said in surprise to the person inside.
It was none other than Mai.
"Yoko-senpai." Mai stood, greeted Yoko, then noticed Kael and looked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Yoko explained: "I ran into Renjou-san downstairs, so I brought him to tour the TV station."
Mai paused, then looked at Kael warily. "You're not planning to make a move on Yoko-senpai, are you?"
Kael rolled his eyes. "Is your impression of me getting more ridiculous?"
Ever since she learned he wanted multiple relationships, Mai's view of him had changed drastically.
"You know the truth yourself," Mai said irritably.
She remembered how moved she had been when Kael killed a god for her, how much courage it took to want to be his friend, even his lover. She had imagined spending her life with him, through sickness and poverty. But Kael's actions shattered that. Worse, he wasn't devoted to pure love—he wanted multiple partners.
As a believer in pure love, she felt ashamed, treating her confession as a hidden black mark. Now she couldn't stand him.
Yoko looked bewildered at their tension. "Aren't you two friends?"
Mai didn't deny it. "We are, but I must warn you, Yoko-senpai. He's a scumbag who wants multiple girlfriends. He already has one, yet tried to pursue me. So I advise you to be careful."
"What?!" Yoko stared at Kael, shocked. "Renjou-san, is what Mai said true?"
Kael nodded. He didn't bother denying it. If he were ordinary, wanting a harem would be laughable. But he wasn't ordinary—he was a cultivator. Without the courage to admit it, what kind of cultivator would he be?
Yoko was shaken. After a moment, she asked cautiously: "Are people like you all this way in love?"
"Not necessarily. Most prefer pure love. But people like me, who embrace many, aren't rare."
Kael said calmly: "Men with money become corrupt. People like me, with power, not abusing it is already restraint. With a little magic, I could hypnotize an entire school and make every girl bear my child."
"What?!" Yoko recoiled, frightened by his words.
She realized how dangerous someone with power could be. She looked at Mai.
Mai admitted she wasn't sure. She had only met four superhumans—three before, plus Isayama Mei yesterday. None had shown their full abilities, so she didn't know their limits.
"Judging from his tone, I don't think he's lying," Mai said.
Kael added calmly: "I wasn't lying. If I wanted women, I could summon plenty with a wave."
Mai fell silent—she couldn't refute that.
"By the way, do you have jade or emerald?" Kael suddenly asked.
Mai was surprised, not understanding why, but shook her head. "I never carry those. Why ask?"
"I just remembered—this world may have tools that hypnotize people. I want to seal a spell into jade to protect you. It could even save your life."
Before Mai could respond, Yoko quickly said: "I'll buy some. I'll have my manager get it now."
Without waiting for Kael's objection, she called her manager. When life was at stake, everything else could be set aside.
Half an hour later, her manager rushed in, panting.
"Yoko, why did you suddenly ask me to buy jade? And such expensive jade too. Oh, Renjou-san, you're here as well."
After complaining, he greeted Kael respectfully, knowing his reputation.
Yoko took a palm-sized box from her manager, opened it, and revealed two jade pendants. She offered them to Kael. "Renjou-san, are these suitable?"