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Arc_I_-_Chapter_7

***

Some while later, Haru and Sora had finished their passionate tussle. They had moved into the sofa in the living room. Haru was resting his body there, while Sora was straddling Haru's laps and resting her bosom on Haru's chest, her head resting on the crook of Haru's neck. Simultaneously, Sora was wrapping her arms around Haru's waist, and vice-versa.

They stayed like that, immersing in the comfortable silence.

Then, Sora shifted her body all of a sudden. She raised her head and looked at Haru's eyes, her expression was intense. In return, Haru questioningly raised his brow and silently asked Sora with his gaze, which was as if to say, "what's your problem?"

"Don't think that I will forget my previous question," Sora curtly stated.

Haru unconsciously made a wry smile. He soon wiped out his smile and responded, "So, what do you want?"

"Your answer!"

"About what?"

"Don't act ignorant! You know what I meant!"

Haru wryly smiled again. He couldn't help it. Sora was being stubborn, and when she had set her mind at something, it was almost impossible to change her decision.

"Now, talk."

Haru released a sigh out of resignation after listening to Sora's order. Sora's expression was grim as if she wouldn't accept anything but his real answer.

"It's complicated."

"Then, explain."

"It is long."

"We have time."

Haru unconsciously released another resigned sigh. He spent a short time to prepare his words before beginning his explanation.

"To be honest, I am not ready."

Sora gave Haru a scathing look and shot back.

"I don't believe such bullshit."

Haru laughed dryly before speaking back. "Let me finish talking first."

Sora shut her mouth and waited for Haru to go on.

After a short time, Haru opened his mouth. "Personally, I want to do it with you. This is my true feeling."

Sora's eyes lit up when she heard that. But, she stopped herself from commenting because she felt like Haru wasn't finished with his talk.

"However, I am not ready because of the repercussion. Our family situation is still unstable. It has not been long since our parents' funeral. And our situation, we are like standing on thin ice that can crumble anytime, breaking out the fragile harmony and balance between the three of us."

Sora unconsciously made a complicated expression after hearing Haru's honest thought that he'd voiced out. She was aware that they were orphans without the support of adults. It was a miracle that they weren't taken away by their relatives, getting separated because they must live with different families. They couldn't help but feel grateful for their current guardian because she had helped them to live together. Without their guardian's assistance, they wouldn't be here, living together in the same apartment.

Regarding their guardian, it was a topic for another time.

Putting all digressions aside, Haru continued his thought, "I don't want our little family to break out. I really care and love you two. I don't want us to be separated, and I hope to live together with you two forever."

The complicated expression on Sora's face deepened. In fact, her face had distorted in disbelief, distress, confusion, and trepidation.

"Haru," Sora called him in a peevish tone. In return, Haru looked at her and waited for her next words.

"You," Sora said, "When you said you care and love us, are you..." she trailed off as if she was unable to finish her sentence.

Haru deeply looked into Sora's uncertain eyes and gave her a nod. "Yes," he said. "I love both you and Suzuka. Not as a brother but as a man."

Sora was stunned for a short time. Then, her face contorted in rage. She released her hands from Haru's waist, grabbed his right shoulder with her left hand, and raised her right hand.

When Haru saw that, he also released one of his hands while keeping his other hand around Sora's waist. He then stopped Sora's hand from slapping his face.

Even though Sora saw her attempt to slap Haru had failed, she had yet to give up. She needed to vent out her rage and decided to bite Haru's unprotected shoulder.

This time, Haru couldn't stop Sora. He flinched and released a loud, "Ouch!"

Haru was pained by Sora's bite and struggled to stop her. Thankfully, he succeeded in the end.

After pushing Sora from his shoulder, Haru was stunned. He saw Sora was crying silently. Her tears were falling down on her cheeks, dropping down from her chin.

"Haru, *Sob!* You selfish jerk! Stupid! Asshole! *Sob!*—*Sob!*—!" Sora sobbed in front of Haru. In return, Haru unconsciously formed a pained expression.

Haru felt guilty and sick from making Sora cry like that. He was aware that it happened because of the assimilation and the burgeoning love he had quickly developed for Sora.

Haru wanted to make Sora happy. When he saw her sad and crying like that, he wanted her to stop. However, he was at a loss. He didn't know what to do.

In the end, Haru followed his gut and put Sora's head on his chest, hugging her tightly. He used his free hand, which previously stopped Sora's slap and bite, to rub her back.

"I'm sorry. I know that I'm a selfish jerk and a stupid asshole. However, I can't help it. I love you two. I can't choose one of you two because it will break me. But, believe me. My love for you is genuine. I promise that I will make you happy in the future," Haru apologized and whispered to Sora's ear.

"Can you pick one between us? *Sob!* I don't want to share you with another girl! I want to have you for myself! *Sob!*—*Sob!*..."

Haru listened to Sora's muffled words while trying to calm her. He then responded, "Sorry. I can't choose. It's either I treat you both as my lovers, or we stay as siblings. I can't pick one of you two. Sorry, really sorry."

"Uuu… You dummy! *Sob!*—*Sob!* Selfish jerk! Asshole!"

Haru silently accepted Sora's verbal abuse. He felt like he deserved that much. Well, perhaps more. But, his pride and self-respect wouldn't allow someone to harm him. Hence, he had stopped Sora's attempt to slap him previously.

For a while, Haru waited for Sora to stop crying. After she stopped crying, Sora fidgeted in his embrace.

"Can you release me, please?"

Haru heard Sora's muffled plea. He contemplated his answer for a short time before coming to a decision; he released her from his hug.

After Sora pulled her body back, Haru saw her tear-stained face. He then cleaned her face in silence. In return, Sora let him do it while looking at his face with red eyes; her expression was complicated.

"Sorry," Haru apologized again.

"I need time to think," Sora said and tried to leave Haru's lap. When he still held her in place with his hand, Sora added, "Alone."

Although Haru felt unwilling, he still moved his hand and let Sora be free. Then, he saw her leave his laps and trudged away. When he saw her slumping shoulders and small back, he wanted to stop and hug her but endured that great urge; he let her leave for her bedroom.

Haru became alone in the living room. He rubbed his face with his hands and quietly muttered, "Shit! Love is complicated. What bullshit!"

***

A couple of hours later, Haru was in his bedroom. He had moved there after calming his chaotic mind. He then threw himself into writing his novel, trying to distract his mind from what had happened between him and Sora.

Putting Haru's complicated relationship aside, Haru had chosen some novels in his past life to write in this world. The ones he'd picked were 'Sword Art Online,' 'God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!' which was also known as 'Konosuba,' and 'Burning-Eyed Shana.'

Haru had written the general plot and story progression within an hour after returning to his bedroom. Of course, he changed some parts to suit his fancy, though he didn't change too much.

For example, Haru made the main character of SAO into a Harem Protagonist. In his past life, he felt that it was such a shame that SAO didn't become a harem story with many interesting and lovely heroines around the main character.

Then, with 'Konosuba,' he made the male lead ending with the masochistic female knight instead of the explosive-maniac of a loli magician. He preferred the masochistic knight than that loli explosion maniac.

For 'Burning-Eyed Shana,' Haru changed nothing because he felt like the original story was satisfying enough.

"Now, it's time to start writing the script. What should I write first?" Haru wondered loudly. After a short time passed, he decided to write 'Sword Art Online' first.

About his plan for 'Sword Art Online,' Haru wanted to write the first Arc—Aincrad Arc—following the Progressive version of the series in his past life. With that, he began typing on his laptop.

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Arc_I_-_Chapter_8

***

The lunch was a silent affair. There was a lingering tension out of what happened a few hours ago, though.

Haru and Sora tried to ignore the strange tension between them, but it was easier said than done. They wanted to start small talk to break the awkwardness that suffused the dining room, but they had their misgivings.

As an aside, the menu of their lunch was consisting of rice, Kaarage, fried Sausage, Fried Egg Rolls, and Potato Salad as the side dish. They chose orange juice as their drinks.

Finally, Haru couldn't endure the awkward tension any longer and started a casual talk.

"By the way, I have decided to write a light novel."

"Really?" Sora, who in truth wanted to start a casual talk as well, held the offered topic almost desperately.

"Yup," Haru nodded and replied between his bites.

"Why, though?"

"Well, you know about our financial problem, right?"

"Yeah." Sora nodded her head, glumly.

Although they had their inheritance and the money from insurance, those sums of money wouldn't be enough to support their lives until they graduated from senior high school.

In spite of dropping out of their schools, Haru and Sora planned to attend school again next year. They would repeat their first year together, and simultaneously, they would be in the same year as Suzuka.

They could experience high school life together. But alas, their finance was the real problem.

They could accept an adoption if they had enough with their financial problem. However, neither Haru nor his sisters were keen to be separated because they were hopelessly in love with each other.

"I found that a bestselling light novel author can receive at least ten percent of the book sales every month. If the standard price of a light novel is between four hundred to five hundred yen apiece, I can get forty to fifty yen per book as royalty. Additionally, light novels are sold in bulk. If my novel can sell out at fifty thousand copies per month, my monthly royalty will be around two million yen per month."

"T-Two million?!" Sora raised her voice in shock from the large sum. In return, Haru gave her a wry smile.

"Of course, it is if my novel becomes a bestselling series." Sora deflated when Haru burst her bubble. Then, he added, "Well, I have faith that my story can sell out twenty million copies and more after I finished the fourth big arc."

Haru was confident with the result of Sword Art Online because he knew that it sold out for more than 20 million copies in his past life. Kawahara-sensei was really wealthy from the royalty of his works.

"Just what kind of story is it?" Sora, who had her curiosity and interest piqued, asked.

When Sora listened to the story that Haru shared with her, her interest was piqued even more. She never heard anything like that. She didn't know where Haru found the concept of Virtual Reality, Death Game, and other stuff he spouted. But, Sora couldn't deny that she was amazed by her brother's imagination.

Of course, Sora was unaware of the fact that Haru just plagiarized the work of someone else.

Time passed as they chatted energetically. The awkward tension that suffused the kitchen had long since dispersed. Moreover, they had wordlessly agreed to put the reason for their earlier scuffle aside for the time being.

After warping up their lunch, Sora offered herself to wash the dish.

"Let me do it!"

Haru gave Sora a dubious stare. His reaction was understandable. According to his predecessor's memory, Sora was lazy, withdrawn, and inconsiderate. She never helped him or Suzuka with their house chores after their parents' death.

"What's with that look?" Sora asked, seemingly offended by Haru's exaggerated reaction.

"Don't mind it. By the way, thanks." Haru deflected Sora's question and thanked her.

"Meh, it's a small matter." Sora shrugged her shoulders and moved to the sink to begin her self-imposed task.

After that short exchange, Haru returned to his room to get his laptop. He was going to write his novel in the living room since Sora had asked his permission to see him working when they were having lunch a while ago.

Of course, Haru agreed with Sora's request.

Haru soon settled in the recliner in the living room and began writing. A short while later, Sora came from the kitchen and dropped her body on the free spot next to him. Sora then rested her head on Haru's shoulder while reading Haru's script on the laptop.

Just like that, time passed by leisurely. Haru and Sora lost track of time because their concentrations were occupied; Haru was concentrating on writing, while Sora was focusing on reading.

Of course, they didn't spend their time together only for writing and reading. They took a quick break in between to have a small chat about Haru's work.

"I think I like that Suguha Kirigaya character. From what I have read, she's in love with her brother, right?"

In one of their break, Sora said so. Haru released a dry laugh when Sora sent a knowing look in his direction.

"You're misunderstanding something, Sora. Suguha is actually Kazuto's cousin. She's his stepsister."

"Huh?" Sora was stunned when she heard Haru's correction.

Haru continued, "Kazuto is adopted by Suguha's parents, who are Kazuto's uncle and aunt after his parents died when he was still one year old. The reason behind Kazuto's decision to be an antisocial gamer is because he discovered his old adoption file from Juki Net. That's why they have a rather strained relationship while Suguha is confused by Kazuto's change in their childhood."

"Then, forget what I said. I changed my mind. I don't like that character," Sora said with a gloomy look and a displeased pout. In return, Haru was dumbfounded.

Haru then realized why Sora behaved like that. "Don't project your personal problem on my story, please."

*Tch!* Sora clicked her tongue in displeasure. She then moodily commented, "Then, you should add a twin sister character for him too! Make his twin sister in love with him and win his affection later!"

"Like I said, please separate your personal problem from my works!" Haru held his head to stave off the upcoming headache from Sora's tantrum. He decided to change the topic. "By the way, what's your answer to my question?"

"Huh?" Sora was blindsided by the sudden change of topic.

"What's your answer to my question? The one about my feelings for you and Suzuka."

"I haven't decided. I need more time." Sora had a complicated expression when she answered.

"Okay. I'll wait." Haru nodded his head in understanding and gave her time to think her answer carefully.

Haru had an inkling feeling that Sora would open up with the idea of sharing him with Suzuka. After all, he had a hunch that his Sora was similar to her counterpart from 'Sky of Connection.'

That Sora was hopelessly in love with Haruka to the point of committing suicide by drowning herself when she thought she couldn't be with Haruka because of their blood relation.

As such, Haru felt confident that Sora would soon accept to share him with Suzuka if she could be together with him as lovers.

"Thanks, Haru."

After Sora thanked Haru, they returned to their activities. Haru concentrated on writing while Sora was reading the script silently. Sora changed her posture from leaning her head on Haru's shoulder to resting her head on his laps then kept changing her position between those two.

And soon, the clock in the bottom right corner of the laptop's monitor displayed 2.57 PM. Haru saved his progress.

"Are you going to pick Suzuka up?" Sora asked after raising her head from Haru's laps.

"Well, she usually finished her student council's works at four in the evening. I'll pick her up at three-thirty."

Unlike Sora, who was lazy, withdrawn, and socially inept, Suzuka was her opposite. She was the model student whom her classmates and juniors in her school looked up to. She was also smart and athletic. In fact, she was the student council president of the junior high division of Hakuo Academy.

Not only Sora, but even Haru's predecessor couldn't be compared to Suzuka. That girl's specs seemed ridiculously high.

But, putting Suzuka's status in her school aside, Sora gave Haru her reply.

"Then, there are around thirty minutes free until you go there, right?"

"What's in your mind?"

"I'm going to monopolize your thirty minutes!"

After declaring that, Sora wrapped her arms around Haru's neck and pulled him closer and then pushed her lips on his.

Haru reciprocated Sora's kiss and pushed Sora down. Then, they started their passionate scuffle on the sofa. He roamed his hands over Sora's figure, rubbing her slender body. Then, he stopped his hands on her small yet perky boobs and butts; his left hand on the former while his right on the latter. After that, he began groping and kneading those soft, malleable spots.

"Hrmmmh! Hmmmh!"

Sora purred in pleasure as Haru kneaded her tits and ass. Her tongue, which was wrestling with Haru's for dominance, swirled with more enthusiasm, which signified her improved mood and arousal.

Haru suddenly moved his right hand from Sora's butts. His hand then slipped under her skirt and stopped on her sacred spot.

"Hmph?! Mpuah!"

Sora broke up their kiss in shock. She then gave Haru a wide-eyed, disbelieving look. In return, Haru had a mischievous grin.

"Even though I can't have sex with you until our life becomes more stable, I can still do this."

After listening to Haru's declaration, Sora unconsciously licked her bottom lip, feeling parched from the heat originating in her core.

"T-then, do it!" Sora impatiently replied.

"If it's my lady's wish, who am I to deny?"

Then, Haru spent around thirty minutes pleasuring Sora with his finger while ravishing her lips. Within that timespan, Haru was proud to make Sora cum several times.

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Arc_I_-_Chapter_9

***

The time was 3.32 PM. Haru just finished cleaning the living room from a mess that Sora had created. He had carried Sora to her bedroom because she'd turned boneless from cumming several times consecutively. Hare hadn't given her any mercy. He'd been assaulting her clit and reachable G-spot with his finger.

After locking his apartment, Haru went to the bus stop. At the same time, he was inspecting his Status Board with bemused eyes. He'd found that pleasuring Sora rewarded him with 0.1 EXP per her orgasm. Additionally, he netted 0.1 EXP from writing around fifteen thousand characters. In total, he received 0.9 EXP. That was 1.1 EXP that he'd accumulated so far. There were 48.9 EXP left.

Haru was stunned when he discovered that fingering Sora could give him EXP. It made him wonder if the system is actually a perverted variant.

All that aside, Haru's bus arrived, and it took him to his destination. After arriving at Hakuo Academy, he didn't wait for a long time. Suzuka soon appeared.

"Onii-chan, have you been waiting long?"

"Nope."

"I see." Suzuka seemed relieved when she heard Haru's casual answer. "Then, shall we return home now?"

"All right. Let's go."

After that, Haru and Suzuka returned home together. ±30 minutes later, they arrived at their apartment.

"*Sniff*—*Sniff* Hm?"

"What's it?" Haru gave Suzuka a confused stare, though he was inwardly nervous after seeing her sniffing the air. He was afraid that Suzuka caught Sora's lingering scent.

"I smell the perfume from the living room."

"Ah. Sora has created a mess previously. It stinks, so I covered the smell with perfume."

"What kind of mess she made?" Suzuka narrowed her eyes suspiciously. In return, Haru shrugged his shoulders in a "Who knows?" manner.

"I've been writing my novel. Don't ask me," Haru finally answered while omitting the full truth.

Haru also added a bait that he hoped that Suzuka took it. Thankfully, Suzuka caught the bait.

"Novel?" She asked while putting her outdoor shoes on the shoebox.

"Yup." Haru was relived at the change of topic. He continued after replacing his outdoor shoes with indoor sleepers. "I want to be a novelist to support our livings."

"That's a valid point." Suzuka nodded in understanding as she used her indoor sleepers.

Haru and Suzuka then entered the living room together. It was when they smelled a tasty scent from the kitchen. They also heard a sound of water from the bathroom.

"Onii-chan, were you cooking diner already?" Suzuka turned her head to Haru and asked.

Haru was stunned when he saw the diner already prepared on the table. "No," he finally answered. "Looks like Sora cooked diner for us."

Suzuka was stunned after hearing Haru's answer. She couldn't believe it. An inconsiderate lazy girl like Sora cooked diner for them? Was Apocalypse going to happen soon?

Haru was unaware of Suzuka's shock and approached the kitchen. His movement snapped Suzuka out of her shock-induced daze. She followed Haru to the kitchen. Then, they saw the menu for diner. It was rather simple, consisting of Rice and Curry as the main dish. There was also salad and tofu as side dishes.

All of a sudden, Sora came from the bathroom's direction. Haru and Suzuka were stunned by her appearance.

At first glance, she looked like only wearing an apron while tying her hair into twin-tails style. However, they discovered that Sora wore a sleeveless undershirt and hot-pants that hug her slender figure tightly when she moved.

From the wet splotches on her apron and her wet limbs, it seemed like Sora had done something wet before meeting them.

"Ah, your time isn't good!" Sora complained out the blue, surprising Haru and Suzuka further. Then, she continued without caring for their state. "Anyway, welcome home."

Then, Sora slightly bent her body forward to display her cleavage behind the apron and put her hands on her knees. She had a seductive smile as she focused her attention on Haru.

"So, what do you want to do first? Bath? Diner? Or—"

"Wait! Time up! TIME UP!" Suzuka suddenly raised her voice, cutting Sora's cliche greeting for Haru.

Both Haru and Sora were stunned by Suzuka's loud voice. They turned their heads to her and saw her outraged, red face.

"Y-You! W-What in the world, are you trying to do?!" Suzuka pointed her shaky finger at Sora and asked.

Sora recovered from her shock-induced daze and scowled at Suzuka. She was actually pissed because Suzuka had ruined her plan.

Sora crossed her arms under her breasts and responded, "You can see, right? I am going to offer Haru a treat."

"B-But, using that line to Onii-chan is unfa—um, i-improper! Yes! It is improper! Do you have no shame?!"

Sora gave Suzuka a deadpan. She had caught Suzuka's slip and was unamused by that. "Why should I feel shame? I want to reward Haru for doing a good job today. There is nothing to be ashamed of," Sora said in a smug tone.

"*Hiss!* Grrr..." Suzuka growled and hissed like a corned cat at Sora. Her body was strongly trembling from restraining her rage, which made her ponytail tremble too. "B-But, that's improper and indecent! Doing indecent things is forbidden!"

"What indecency." Sora sneered, taunting Suzuka.

"You are going to say offering yourself for Onii-chan, right? That is indecent!"

"Hooo~" Sora gave Suzuka a half-lidded, condescending stare. "How can you be sure of it? Maybe, it's you who have indecent thoughts."

"No way!" Suzuka strongly objected and shook her head. "There is no way you won't say that in the end! Such a cliche line always ends with something that!"

"Wow! You have a very active imagination, Suzuka-san. What a rotten and perverted imagination you have there. I am going to offer Haru a shoulder rub, you see. He has been working so hard today, typing on his laptop for hours. Where's the indecent part in an innocent shoulder rub?" Sora countered Suzuka with a calm tone.

Haru was in shock. However, Haru quickly recovered and then recalled from his predecessor's memory that Sora was actually so smart.

Sora had been on the top five of her class when she still attended Hakuo Academy. Moreover, it was quite an achievement because the majority of her classmates were wealthy heiresses and prestigious princesses, who received high-quality tutors in their homes.

Sora was indeed socially inept. However, she only closed off toward strangers. But, after she opened up and became comfortable with someone, she would show her wit, which added the sharpness of her tongue.

It reminded Haru that despite Sora had many similarities to her other version in "Sky of Connection," his Sora and that version of her were different. There were many reasons for this; one of them was having someone like Suzuka as a rival in love. If she couldn't at least give a decent counterattack in a verbal spar, she had always been demolished by Suzuka, who was quite good in a verbal beating.

"Uuuugh!" Suzuka groaned as she was unable to accept defeat in this verbal spar. "Grrrrr!"

Suzuka then growled to intimidate Sora to submission; it was likely a childish attempt to salvage her situation. Granted, Suzuka was still young despite her effort to appear mature to appeal herself to her brother.

At the same time, Sora kept her condescending stare to Suzuka. Her pride and hardheadedness wouldn't allow her to give up from such a cute glare.

If this scene was something out of a shonen anime, a phantom image of a purple dragon appears behind Suzuka, and a white tiger's phantom image appears behind Sora. Such was the epic standoff between the two rivals and archenemies.

'They are forgetting me, are they not?'

Forgotten by Sora and Suzuka, Haru stood at the side and wondered in exasperation.

Haru decided to wait for them to calm on their own. However, after five minutes passed, and they still had their standoff, Haru's patience hit rock bottom.

Haru was utterly fed-up because it felt like he was fixing someone else's problem. He strongly believed that someone must fix their own mistake. His independence in his previous life heavily influenced his way of life. Thus, he despised fixing someone's else problem.

'But it can't be helped...' Haru helplessly thought.

Although Haru abhorred fixing someone else's mess, he couldn't disregard the passive-aggressive confrontation of his loved ones. Moreover, it happened in front of him.

After experiencing the joy of having loved ones, though it only happened in a short time, Haru wanted Sora and Suzuka to treat each other well. He wanted the three of them to live in harmony.

Haru disliked troublesome matters. He didn't want to have a stressful life. Thus, he was going to fix his sisters' confrontational behavior towards each other.

'You know what? I have enough of this shit!'

Haru finally decided to stop their meaningless power-play.

"All right! Cut it short, you two!"

Sora and Suzuka turned their heads to Haru and responded at the same time.

"Don't butt in, Haru/Onii-chan!"

Haru took a step back in reflex. It was a reflex of his body, not really something from his past life.

Apparently, Haru's predecessor was properly domesticated by his hardheaded twin and strict stepsisters. Such a pitiful beta guy, it was good that Haru had taken over!

Well, he was Haru Sakurai, not Haruka Kasugano. And he was pissed because he had shown such timid reaction.

"Haaah?! The heck is with you two?!" Haru quickly raised his voice, taking Sora and Suzuka by surprise.

Then, they comically huddled together when they saw Haru's scary expression.

"All right!" Haru declared sternly, "No fighting! No passive-aggressive confrontation! No exchange of malicious barbs or insults! I'm sick of it! We don't have parents anymore! There are only three of us left in this family! If you keep this shit, don't blame me if I forcefully straighten you two!"

Sora and Suzuka were dumbstruck; their eyes opened wide, and their bottom jaws hung loosely.

Haru then pressed for their answers, snapping them out of their shocked state. "Am I understood?!"

"Y-yes..."

"U-understood..."

Sora and Suzuka involuntarily stuttered.

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Arc_I_-_Chapter_10

***

Dinner in Kasugano Family passed tensely nowadays. There was no merriment nor casual talk in the middle of the procession, which was a common occurrence when a close-knit family had dinner together.

In the past, it wasn't like this. It only became like this after the unfortunate death of Mr. and Mrs. Kasugano.

This time dinner also passed tensely. However, the cause was different. Several things stood out before and after dinner.

Sora and Suzuka were behaving obediently. No passive-aggressive exchange between the two, which really stood out.

Sora and Suzuka were behaving like obedient children because they didn't want to make Haru angry again. They had gotten a heavy dosage of scolding from Haru, and it shocked the girls and made them scared.

Of course, Haru preferred not to make them afraid of him. However, he must be strict with them so they wouldn't fight in front of him.

Haru also felt guilty for scaring them, but he hid it behind his calm expression. He understood that Haruka's assimilated emotions and feelings were the sources of his guilt. After all, Haru's predecessor, Haruka, had spoiled his sisters too much that he didn't mind being the girls' metaphorical doormat.

But alas, Haru wouldn't accept such humiliation. Haru, after all, was a prideful boy. He had a bottom line, which he wouldn't ever relinquish even if it was for his new sisters that he came to love. It was the byproduct of his independence in his previous life.

Haru continued his introspection while eating Sora's delicious curry. At the same time, Sora and Suzuka were eating silently and often sending a furtive glance at Haru. Of course, Haru sensed them, but he wasn't in the mood to talk.

Although Haru wanted the three of them to live together in harmony, he was aware that it was a tall order because of their rivalry. Which was why he'd told Sora his options for her and Suzuka to choose. Either she and Suzuka accepted sharing him if they really want their relationship with him to change into that of lovers, or he will stay as their brother forever.

Though, if someone asked Haru's truthful answer which one he prefers, his answer would be the former. After all, he loved them both as a man.

However, after witnessing Sora's surprise for him after he returned home from picking Suzuka up, he wondered if he had made a mistake. Perhaps, he should wait until he could tell them together.

'I can't help it. I was carried by the mood at that time,' Haru mentally rebuked himself. It wasn't like him to do a shortsighted thing.

'Is it because of the assimilation? I know that I acted out of character in some instances.'

Haru paused as he recalled the out of character behaviors he'd done today. Then, he remembered something else.

'Or is it because of Plot Armor's downsides?' Haru felt that the random moment of foolishness could be fatal in spite of there were no supernatural elements in this world. 'Whatever. I'll just blame both of them.'

"A-Ano, Onii-chan. Pardon me," Suzuka called him all of a sudden, jolting him out of his introspection.

"What?" Haru asked after turning his head to Suzuka.

"Are you still angry with us?" She timidly asked.

Haru blinked his eyes, stunned by her question, and then alternated his gaze between Suzuka and Sora, who had timid, chastised expression.

"No. I'm not angry at you two anymore."

Sora and Suzuka unconsciously released a loud sigh, relieved. They had been very tense because they were scared of angering Haru.

It was the first time that they saw their brother is mad for real. In the past, he never showed such a scary expression to them. They also felt guilty from behaving willfully and stubbornly toward Haru.

"But, never fight like that again in front of me. I don't want you two fighting like that. There are only the three of us here, and Obaa-san is busy with her work and her own daughter to look over us. It's a miracle that she accepted to become our legal guardian, but I digress. Returning to the main issue, I don't want us to fight if we can help it. We only have each other after the death of Otou-san and Okaa-san. I want us to live in harmony, not fighting over a small matter."

Haru paused and released a heavy sigh out of vexation to his complicated life. He then continued, "Also, I want to apologize for raising my voice and making you two scared. I should show more restraint, but stress has gotten into me, I suppose."

When the diner neared the end, Suzuka opened her mouth again. This time, her words reminded Haru of his decision to talk about his reincarnated status and power.

"By the way, Onii-chan, regarding your change, could you tell me the reason for it? I forgot to ask about that in the morning."

"Now that you mentioned it, I noticed Haru's change too. I have no problems with it, though. In fact, I like this version of you better, Haru. You seem more dependable and less indecisive," Sora raised her face and remarked.

"Well, that's a valid point. Still, I feel somewhat sad and lonely that my unreliable and hopeless Onii-chan is no more..." Suzuka said with a nostalgic smile.

Haru had become silent and focused on his thoughts.

Seeing Haru's thoughtful expression, Sora and Suzuka exchanged a silent glance, wondering what their brother was thinking.

Finally, Haru released a resigned sigh, catching Sora's and Suzuka's attention. He decided to do it now before a disastrous misunderstanding could happen in the future.

"Well," Haru began, a little reluctant, "Say, Sora, Suzuka, do you believe in the supernatural phenomenon, like, reincarnation and magic?"

Sora and Suzuka gave Haru confused eyes. They tilted their heads simultaneously and had a perplexed expression.

"Well, something like Magic doesn't exist," Suzuka replied. "Also, reincarnation is unproven, right? However, some religions believe in the latter. Is that enough?"

"I see. Thanks for your honest answer, Suzuka," Haru turned his head to Sora, "Now, Sora. What's your opinion?"

Sora blinked her eyes and then displayed a thoughtful expression. A while later, she gave Haru her answer. "I don't know and don't care."

Haru had a wry smile after he heard Sora's answer.

"So, what's with this question, Onii-chan? Wait for a second!" Suzuka abruptly stopped her words and gave Haru a pitiful look. "Onii-chan, did your 8th-grader syndrome relapse?"

Sora snorted right after she heard that. Her glimmering gray eyes and shaking shoulders spoke her mirth. Haru gave Suzuka a deadpan, apparently unamused by her teasing.

'I never had that disease! Never mind that. Haruka had his 8th-grader syndrome it seems,' Haru thought before steering the topic to the proper rail. "My 8th-grader syndrome didn't relapse. Anyway, I decided to tell you this because you two are precious for me. I don't want a disastrous misunderstanding to happen later because I am hiding this."

Sora and Suzuka had bemused eyes, but they kept their silence, telling Haru to go on.

Instead of speaking, Haru closed his eyes to access his Item Box and sent his plate with half-finished curry rice into his Item Box.

"What?!"

Haru cut his access to the Item Box after hearing Suzuka's flustered voice. When he opened his eyes, he saw Sora's and Suzuka's dumbfounded expression.

"As you can see, Magic is indeed real."

Haru's question snapped Sora and Suzuka out of their shock-induced daze.

"What?! How?! Where is the plate?! It just disappeared! Was that really magic?! Magic is real?! What's going?!"

Suzuka was flustered while alternating her wide-eyed look between Haru's calm expression and his empty hand. Meanwhile, Sora wordlessly mirrored Suzuka's reaction.

"All right. You two need to calm down first."

Following Haru's advice, Sora and Suzuka closed their eyes and went through a breathing exercise to calm themselves. After that, they opened their eyes and demanded an explanation with their eyes.

Haru took a deep breath to prepare himself. "Just like what you two have witnessed. Magic is indeed real. Simultaneously, rebirth or reincarnation is real too."

Haru raised his hand in 'hold on' motion after seeing Sora's and Suzuka's expression that spoke their anxiety and concern.

"What's going on? First is Onii-chan's sudden change, then magic and reincarnation are real…" Suzuka trailed off as if realizing something. Her eyes opened wide.

At this point, Sora seemed to connect the clues together too. She had the same expression as Suzuka's.

These girls weren't stupid. Even the lazy and withdrawn Sora was smart. They could easily connect the dots in their head.

"As you may have guessed, I have been reincarnated. I am Haruka Kasugano, the twin brother of Sora Kasugano and the older stepbrother of Suzuka Kasugano. At the same time, I have regained the memory of my past life this morning. I didn't know why I only regained those memories this morning, but I will figure it out later.

"Concerning my past life, my name was Haru Sakurai, and I was an extraordinary magician despite my youth. People knew me as a genius because of my capability and achievement. I was 17 years old when I died, yet I had surpassed those Sages and Archmages, who had refined their craft for decades and even longer.

"About my death, the past me had attempted to create a spell to cross worlds as my Magnum Opus. I was both successful and failed. I succeeded because I discovered the existence of Parallel Worlds. Simultaneously, I failed because I died when I tried to visit this world. Then, my soul likely entered the cycle of death and rebirth of this world before I got reincarnated as Haruka Kasugano."

Haru finished his explanation and then inspected the reaction of his sisters.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Arc_I_-_Chapter_11

***

"Hrmm..."

"Uuu..."

Sora and Suzuka groaned. Haru's sudden exposition had torn down their common sense mercilessly.

Haru let them digest his bullshit in peace. He feigned his calmness as he watched their expression, hiding his anxiety and fear of being rejected by them.

Haru discreetly 'Appraise' them. He endured the unpleasant downside of using Appraisal and the guilty conscience for violating his loved ones' privacy. However, it was a price to pay to know what was Sora and Suzuka were thinking in their heads.

There was nothing free in the world. Even Haru's power came with his life as the price. However, that's beside the point.

As Haru expected, the girls were in turmoil. They were concerned, confused, conflicted, and scared. Well, it was natural. After all, Haru had just destroyed their common sense.

However, the most significant thing that Haru had gleaned was their concern for him. They were very concerned that he would change and leave them because of this.

"Sora, Suzuka, listen!" Haru called them firmly; after they turned their attention to him, he continued, "Don't worry. I'm still Haruka, whom you two know for years, though I have changed a bit because of the memory and experience of my past life. Whether you like it or not, I will stay by your side, protect you two, and make you two the happiest girls in this world!"

While enduring the shame and embarrassment from spouting such a corny speech, Haru gave them a gaze that contained his resolution, determination, and sincerity.

Their reaction to his corny declaration was as expected. They had a red-faced, gawking expression, apparently embarrassed. Well, anyone would become embarrassed if they received such an embarrassing speech that was spoken with a straight face.

While watching the flustered face of his sisters, Haru enjoyed their reaction and let them collect their thoughts.

A while later, *Cough!* Suzuka feigned a cough to get Haru's attention.

"So, Magic is real? And, Onii-chan is a reincarnated person? And a genius magician, at that?"

"Yup." Haru curtly replied while summoning back his plate. He then continued eating the food on it.

"So, Onii-chan remembered memories, er, from your past life?"

"Yup." Haru looked at Suzuka.

"Ummm. I don't know what to think..." Suzuka trailed off and looked troubled.

Letting Suzuka sort her mind in peace, Haru turned his head to Sora, who had been watching him with an unperturbed expression.

"What about you, Sora? Any question?"

"There is none. Haru is still Haru to me," Sora replied without hesitation.

"I suppose you have no problems with me being a reincarnated person?" Haru raised his brow and asked for her confirmation.

"Yeah." Sora nodded her head.

After that, Haru turned his head to Suzuka.

"To be honest, my mind has problems accepting this," Suzuka remarked after receiving Haru's attention. "It's something outrageous, after all. But, as Nee-san said, Onii-chan is still Onii-chan. I realized that I don't really care about Onii-chan's past life. It's all in the past, after all."

Haru then alternated his gaze between Sora and Suzuka. He 'Appraised' them and found that their words were genuine, meaning that they had no problems. He felt relieved.

"Thanks, Sora, Suzuka. You don't know how much it means to me. To be honest, I was nervous. I feared your two would hate me because of this," Haru said in a relieved tone.

After that, Kasugano Siblings moved on to a lighter topic and spent their time in harmony. And soon, they finished their diner. Haru raised his body from his chair. He took his dishes and planned to wash them in the sink immediately.

"I'll wash it later. Just put it in the sink," Sora notified Haru all of a sudden.

Although Haru didn't seem to react to Sora's unexpected consideration and thoughtfulness, Suzuka was different. She gawked at Sora as if she was seeing an Unidentified Mysterious Animal.

"What's with that look?" Sora knitted her brows and shot an annoyed look at Suzuka. She seemed offended by Suzuka's stare.

"Ah. Uh. Nothing." Suzuka snapped out of her shock-induced daze and acted flustered. She then concentrated on her food, though she furtively sent a strange look to Sora.

"What?" Sora asked after she felt irritated by Suzuka's furtive glances.

"Muuu… Did you remember your past life memory too?" Suzuka carefully inquired.

Sora gave Suzuka a strange gaze as if she was looking at something weird. "No," She curtly replied.

Haru finally returned from the kitchen and told them both. "I'm going back to my room. If you two need something, you can call me."

"Yeah."

"Very, well. Thank you for the offer, Onii-chan."

Sora and Suzuka responded.

After that, Haru went to his bedroom, leaving his sisters behind.

***

After Haru disappeared into his room, Sora sent a side glance to Suzuka. She had finished her meal at this point and was playing with her utensil.

"Oi." Sora suddenly called Suzuka.

"What?" Suzuka halted herself from eating her last spoon of food and sent a suspicious gaze at Sora from the corner of her eyes.

Suzuka blinked her eyes in bemusement when she a complicated expression on Sora's face. She put down her spoon and turned her head to Sora as she felt that Sora was going to talk about something important.

Suzuka was unsure if she could take another outrageous stuff. She was intentionally putting the topic about her brother's reincarnated status aside for the time being. After she returned to her room and finished her homework, she would begin digesting it. But that's beside the point.

"Hypothetically speaking," Sora began, catching Suzuka's full attention. "If you have a chance to be with Haru as more than a pair of siblings, but you must share him with someone else, what will you do?"

After listening to Sora's strange question, Suzuka opened her mouth and was about to retort with "What the heck are you saying?". However, she stopped at the last moment and closed her mouth. She felt that there was something more in Sora's question. She contemplated for a short time before sending an "Are you mad?" look at Sora.

"Don't tell me," Suzuka said. "You want me and you to share Onii-chan."

*Tsk!* Sora clicked her tongue in irritation. Although Suzuka's guess was indeed correct, it didn't mean she liked to hear it. As a matter of fact, she truly wanted her twin for herself. She didn't like to share.

"Just tell me your answer. Don't talk about unrelated things," Sora quietly said but not low enough for Suzuka to miss it.

"There is no way it's unrelated!" Suzuka whispered back. "What are you thinking?! Don't you think about Onii-chan's feelings when you ask that stupid question? Why do you think that we have been fighting for Onii-chan's affection? Would Onii-chan even accept polygamy? Well, not sure of Onii-chan's stand regarding polygamy since he remembered his past life memory. Well, that aside, polygamy isn't legal in this country, you know!"

"At least, some countries still accept polygamy," Sora commented calmly. "Incest is almost universally frowned upon, you know."

Suzuka involuntarily flinched when she heard Sora's words despite how casual she said them.

In their race for their beloved brother's acceptance, Suzuka had an unsurmountable lead because she wasn't related by blood with Haruka. Then, she could change her surname to her mother's maiden name if she ever had a chance to marry Haruka in the future.

However, Sora was different. She wasn't only Haruka's blood-related sister, but she was also his twin. Even though she changed her surname, their similar characteristics would raise uncomfortable questions. When they asked to have a DNA test, the result would show that they were closely related by blood.

Even so, Sora didn't give a damn what society thinks.

Suzuka knew this fact, and she couldn't help but feel complicated. She thought that it was wrong for blood-related siblings to marry and wanted Sora to stop being her love-rival. However, she also admired Sora because Sora didn't let other's opinions to prevent her from obtaining her happiness.

Suzuka then pondered Sora's 'hypothetical question,' and Sora let her think in peace.

A couple of minutes later, "Uuuuh…" Suzuka softly groaned when she felt an upcoming headache. She moved her utensils and put her face on the table. She needed a short break.

Admittedly, her brother's reincarnated and magical status, as well as Sora's sudden inquiry, was too much for her.

*Sigh!*

Suzuka turned her head slightly when she heard the sound of a heavy sigh. Suzuka then saw Sora looking at her from the corner of her eyes while massaging her forehead. It seemed like she wasn't the only one who endured a headache.

"Just think it slowly. I'm not in a hurry to hear your answer," Sora said before she left her chair. She then collected the dishes on the table and carried them to the sink.

Suzuka watched Sora with a complicated expression. Although Sora's abrupt show of consideration surprised her, it wasn't something that heavily weighed her mind at the moment. It was Sora's 'hypothetical question' that occupied her mind and made her feel restless.

"What the heck?!" Suzuka softly muttered under her breath. "Why everything stops making sense? Ugh..."

After that, Suzuka sluggishly carried her body to her room. She needed a calm place to think Sora's 'hypothetical question' through.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Arc_I_-_Chapter_12

***

Two days later, the digital clock in the living room displayed '2.11 PM: Thursday: April 14th, 2016.'

Within two days, nothing significant happened. Kasugano Siblings continued their every day lives according to their own routine.

For Haru, he woke up when his alarm rang at six in the morning. He then had breakfast with his sisters before escorting Suzuka to Hakuo Academy at seven. After returning home, he spent an hour or so with Sora, usually helping Sora relieving her stress. He'd accepted the fact that Sora had a ridiculous libido. He started writing his novel after entertaining Sora until lunchtime at twelve.

After finishing their lunch, Haru and Sora returned to the living room. Haru continued his writing while Sora stayed around Haru, behaving like a lazy cat. At three-thirty in the afternoon, he picked Suzuka up from her school, then he had dinner with his sisters in the evening.

The three of them spent the night to bond, meaning that Sora and Suzuka tried to get one up at each other. Haru de-escalated things whenever he was the sign of an impending cat-fight. It seemed like Sora and Suzuka often forgot about Haru's outburst when their emotions were high.

All of them returned to their own rooms at nine, ten at most.

Such was the rough version of what transpired within two days.

Now, let's focus on the moment. Haru and Sora were using the recliner together. While Haru was writing his novel at a rapid pace, Sora was laying her body on the rest of the sofa and using Haru's thigh as a pillow.

At this moment, Haru was clad in a simple white T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Meanwhile, Sora was still in her nightgown.

Sora's gray eyes moved as she read Haru's works. She silently continued reading Haru's works for another ten minutes before she called her twin.

"Haru."

"Hm?"

"I have made my decision."

"About what?"

"The choices that you gave me two days ago."

Haru's fingers stopped dancing across the keyboard after he heard Sora's words. He turned his head down to meet Sora's eyes. Simultaneously, Sora slightly turned her head to see Haru's face.

Haru then released a sigh and rested his back on the backrest of the sofa. He had his right hand on Sora's head to caress her silky hair while his other hand rubbed his nape to loosen the kink on his neck. While doing that, Haru was preparing himself for Sora's answer.

Although Haru didn't know where he got the confidence, he had an inkling feeling about Sora's answer. His guts told him that Sora would answer positively. However, he decided to wait for the actual confirmation from her mouth.

"All right," Haru looked at Sora's face on his lap and said after he prepared himself. "Now, tell me."

Sora didn't immediately speak, opting to prepare herself with a simple breathing routine. Then, she opened her eyes and spoke up.

"I don't mind sharing you with Suzuka as long as you let me be with you. I," She paused for a short time, seemingly struggling for words.

Haru stopped caressing her hair but kept his right hand on her head. At the same time, he put the index finger of his left hand on Sora's lips, silently telling her to stop.

"Thank you," Haru said. "And sorry. It must be hard."

"Very." Sora averted her eyes and pouted. "My mind was struggling to accept the idea, but if it lets me be with you, I don't mind indulging your selfishness. Just don't get bored of me and throw me away. If you dare to do it, I swear I'm going to stab you."

Haru unintentionally made a wry smile when he heard Sora's threat. When he 'Appraised' her, he discovered that she was only half-serious with that. Although it was only half-serious, he still felt his heart palpitating. Hence, he silently promised to make Sora happy.

"Thank you very much." Haru sincerely thanked her before changing the topic, "By the way, have you told Suzuka about this matter? I've been seeing her deep in thought when she wasn't concentrating on talk lately. Also, she asked my stance regarding polygamy yesterday when I escorted her to Hakuo Academy."

"En," Sora faintly nodded. She then explained to Haru on how she made Suzuka consider the idea of sharing him with her.

"I see... You've done so much."

"I really want to be with you," Sora shyly confessed with a red face. She kept her eyes away from Haru's.

"Me too. I want to move our relationship forward, but I don't want to leave Suzuka behind."

"Geez, what a selfish man you are. I'm really a saint for indulging you like this, am I not?"

"You're better than a saint in my eyes."

*Snrk!* Sora snorted while covering her mouth with her hand. "Flattery gets you nowhere."

"Really? But, flattery gets me the acceptance of Saint Sora." Haru responded cheekily.

"Be quiet, you." Sora feigned her scowl. The next moment, Haru and Sora broke into a fit of chuckles.

"Ne, Haru," Sora called after they stopped their chuckling.

"Yes?"

"Kiss me."

"Sure."

When Haru lowered his head, Sora wrapped her arms around his neck and raised her head. At the same time, Haru had his right hand on her upper back, supporting her body. Then, their lips met, and it escalated quickly.

***

Another two days passed. It was finally a weekend, and Suzuka, wearing her pink Bunny Pajama, had a day off of the demanding school's and student council's activities. Yet, she still prepared breakfast for her beloved brother and irritating sister early as always.

Speaking for the latter, Sora was still sleeping. She had a slightly red face and random fits of coquettish giggles in her sleep. She often murmured Haru's name. It was quite obvious what she was dreaming of.

Meanwhile, Haru was already awake and sitting on his swivel, facing his laptop. He finally completed the first volume of his novel.

"And now, send!" Haru mumbled as he sent the scripts as well as the formal letter to Dangoki Bunko's e-mail address. "Well, I can only wait now. I hope that I will get the answer soon."

Haru then accessed his Status Board to check Mysterious Lottery's cooldown time. There were only three hours and thirty minutes left until he could try it again.

"I can't wait for it. What kind of prize will I get this time?" Haru was full of anticipation. He wished time to pass quickly.

Feeling restless, Haru decided to come out of his room. He accidentally met Suzuka, who was walking in the direction of his bedroom. She was likely going to call him for breakfast.

"Ah. Good morning, Onii-chan." Suzuka greeted him after she stopped in front of him.

"Morning to you too, Suzuka," Haru replied Suzuka's greeting. He didn't forget her head pet and got rewarded with a faint blush and twitching lips on her face.

Haru wryly smiled when he saw Suzuka's attempt to keep her composed mask. He preferred if she let loose and display a silly expression from his head pat, though.

"Have you prepared breakfast?"

"Yes. It's a light breakfast with the leftover from yesterday's diner."

"Whatever the menu, I have faith in your cooking, Suzuka. Surely, they will be delicious."

Suzuka lowered her face and hid it behind her bang. Then, she released a faint "Ufufufu~" sound in response to Haru's praise. When she raised her face, she had her usual composed mask.

Haru had a great urge to laugh at her cute behavior. Her effort to look mature was so cute! However, he resisted the urge. Then, he said to her.

"Well, I'll wake Sora up. You can wait for us in the kitchen."

Suzuka frowned and shook her head. "No. Allow me. Meanwhile, you go wash your face, Onii-chan."

"All right," Haru didn't argue and let Suzuka wake Sora up. Then, he went to the bathroom to wash his face.

***

A few hours passed after breakfast. Haru and the rest went on their plan.

For Haru, he returned to his room to write the second volume of his novel. Sora entertained herself with TV programs. Lastly, Suzuka did some house chores because she couldn't stay silent.

At nine in the morning, Haru went out shortly to print out and create copies of the first volume of his novel. He'd promised to Sora and Suzuka to give her a copy of the scripts. Although Sora had accompanied Haru when he wrote those scripts, she couldn't properly enjoy the story. Hence, she also asked for a copy.

After giving the copies to Sora and Suzuka, Haru holed himself in his bedroom. He was impatiently waiting for the end of Mysterious Lottery's cooldown.

Finally, the time was 9.32 AM. The grayed-out text of Mysterious Lottery on his Status Board turned white.

It was time to try it out again!

"I have a feeling that I will get something good!" Haru said out of the blue. He felt like he was confident with his luck because of his Plot Armor. After all, one of Plot Armor's effect was amplifying his good luck.

As an aside, Haru had yet to experience the downsides of that ability. He preferred it to stay like that, though.

Haru used his Mysterious Lottery ability without hesitation. Then, a notification screen soon popped up in his field of vision. He then dismissed it and accessed his Item Box. Within Item Box, he saw his prize, but he became perplexed by the appearance of the random Lottery's prize; it looked like a green-colored seed.

Haru 'Appraised' the unknown green seed and became dumbfounded by the result.

'H-holy shit! Wow! Just wow! I don't know what to think!'

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Arc_I_-_Chapter_13

***

Haru was stunned after he read the information of the seed that he obtained from his second try of Mysterious Lottery.

After extracting the seed from his Item Box, it appeared in Haru's palm. Right after that, Haru saw a pop-up notification in his field of vision.

———————————————

Would you like to merge with [Longinus: Innovate Clear]?

Yes ←

No

———————————————

'Longinus, Innovate Clear!' Haru exclaimed in his head and then recalled what he knew about it.

It was one of the original thirteen Longinus Sacred Gears from 'High School DxD.'

What are Sacred Gears? They, also known as the God's Artifacts, are items with powerful abilities bestowed upon humans by God of the Bible in the Universe of High School DxD. They are one of the main points of interest in the series.

In that Universe, the original God of the Bible created the Sacred Gears as part of his heavenly system to enact miracles on Earth. Only humans or human hybrids can be born with Sacred Gears. Angels and Devils can obtain them by resurrecting someone from the human race or the human-hybrid as one of their own.

There can be more than one Sacred Gear of the same type, with the only exception being the Longinus, which are all unique in their own way. If a Sacred Gear gets removed from the owner, the said owner will die. It is possible for an individual to own more than one Sacred Gear at a time.

Sacred Gears can have a variety of effects. They can also adapt and evolve based on their wielder's thoughts, needs, and feelings, gaining abilities or qualities as time passes.

On the other hand, the Longinus, also known as "Tools that Destroy God," are the thirteen original top-tier Sacred Gears with enough power to kill Gods. Later in the series, five more Sacred Gears evolved to the same level as the original 13 Longinus.

This class of Sacred Gears is named after True Longinus, which is the first as well as the most potent Sacred Gear, which pierced Jesus Christ in the legend. Unlike other Sacred Gear that has more than one of the same type, the Longinus Sacred Gears are unique. Only one of each may exist at a time.

Innovate Clear is one of the original thirteen Longinus. Also known as the 'Miniature Garden of the Green Tree of Innovation,' it has the ability to create an ideal world in another dimension with nearly-perfect imitations of living beings inside that world. However, anything made inside this world can only exist there.

Basically, it's the mix of 'Dimension Lost,' which can create a replica of a world in another dimension, and 'Annihilation Maker,' which can create nearly-perfect imitations of living beings. Although it seems overpowered, it has downsides. Well, it only has one, it is a severe restriction!

'I suppose it is ranked low because of its only restriction, but in the right hand, this item can become extremely overpowered!'

Haru was so happy because he had obtained this powerful artifact. He didn't know how the Mystery Lottery got it, nor he actually planned to figure it out. He was satisfied with merely obtaining it.

With Innovate Clear, Haru could create something like 'Instant Dungeon' from 'The Gamer' story and fanfiction to do some needed power-leveling.

'This surely is because of my Plot Armor! Without Plot Armor, I wouldn't be this lucky! Anyway, let's merge with it! I hope it won't be a painful process!'

After gathering his courage and resolve, Haru picked the 'Yes' option on the screen. Then, he saw the seed melt into her palm and then felt something clicked inside him, after which he received the information on how to use Innovate Clear.

After that, Haru wasted no time and started playing with Innovate Clear. He spent a few dozens of minutes testing its limits.

In the end, Haru discovered that he started with a circular barren island with a width of 78.53 square meters in total. The island was floating in colorful space that reminded him of his Item Box.

Other than that, the green seed had sprouted into a small green tree. It stood in the center of the island.

Regarding the creation of nearly-perfect imitations of living beings, Haru could only create small and harmless animals for the time being. The numbers were also limited; he could only create 200 mice, or 100 rabbits, or 40 dogs, or 20 cows, or ten bears, or five elephants. He hadn't tried creating humans or humanoid beings with sentience because he had yet to resolve himself to cross that line.

Haru wasn't discouraged by this result because he knew that Innovate Clear's power and quality would grow with him.

Still, Haru felt physical exhaustion and mental strain from using Innovate Clear. His Longinus consumed his stamina and mental energy.

Of course, Haru could use magic energy to substitute the required stamina or mental energy. However, his MAG was still unavailable.

'I need more stamina and mental energy, meaning higher VIT and INT! I guess it's time to spend my Stats Points,' Haru thought in realization.

Now that Haru's stats were mentioned, Haru had discovered that the appraisal result of his Stats was indeed real. He had tried to raise his Stats with exercises a couple of days ago. According to Haru's past-life memory, Protagonists with the power of 'The Gamer' could increase their Stats with exercises. Hence, he did so.

Haru was full of expectations when he started. But alas, he met with utter disappointment after finding that his Stats didn't go up despite he felt dead exhausted!

Haru was angry because he couldn't raise his stats like how the protagonists from 'The Gamer' fanfiction! It was so unfair!

After dismissing that painful recollection, Haru dumped one Stats Point into his VIT and INT each. His Stats Points got reduced to 23 points, but his VIT and INT got increased to 1.8 and 2.2 points each.

With that, the value of Haru's vitality and mental capability was roughly around two ordinary men in their twenties. Haru also noticed the change; he felt more energized and had a better mental capacity. His mental fortitude got increased too. Haru then inspected his Status Board. Other than the change on his Stats, he had a new ability listed in the Notable Abilities attribute. It said [Longinus: Innovate Clear]. When he 'Appraised' it, he found that his Sacred Gear's had developed, somewhat.

The world of Innovate Clear had expanded. In addition, the limits of the nearly-perfect imitations of living beings had risen up!

'Is the growth of Innovate Clear tied with my VIT and INT attributes?' Haru pondered silently. After a while, he put the topic aside and promised himself to figure it out later.

Haru then fixed his gaze on the Stats Points attribute. There were still 23 points left. After thinking a little, Haru decided to dump another point for VIT and INT each once again. Then, his VIT and INT became 2.8 and 3.2 each.

'It developed again! It looks like the development of Innovate Clear is really tied to my VIT and INT!'

Haru was excited when he discovered this information. He then dumped another point for VIT and INT each, raising them to 3.8 and 4.2. He repeated his action until Innovate Clear stopped developing.

At this point, there were only 15 Stats Points left; meanwhile, his VIT and INT were 5.8 and 6.2.

'Hm, I guess I need to unlock my Balance Break now. But, I don't know how to unlock its Balance Break without endangering myself.'

Haru felt like he had met a wall in his progress. However, Haru quickly put this matter at the back of his mind. At least, for the time being.

'Now, let's see how far my capability in utilizing Innovate Clear has grown!'

With the help of his system, Haru discovered that the world of Innovate Clear had become a proper planet with the same size as Earth, but it had more landmasses than Earth. He also could control the flow of time inside this world from 1:1 scale in the second to 1 second: 1-month ratio or five years in the Innovate Clear's world was 1 minute in the real world.

Regarding the creation of near-perfect imitations of life, he discovered that he could create 10,000,000 mice, or 5,000,000 rabbits, or 2,500,000 dogs, or 1,250,000 cows, or 612,500 bears, or 312,500 elephants.

In addition, the green-colored little tree had grown up into a supermassive tree that reminded him of the Yggdrasil tree in Alfheim Online from the SAO series.

Haru decided to set the time's flow into 1 second: 1-day scale and entered the world of Innovate Clear.

'This place is beautiful...' Haru was amazed by the scenery in this world. 'The air is also fresh... Well, no wonder that the Innovate Clear is said to create an ideal world. This place is amazing!'

Haru decided to enjoy the scenery for a while since he had ample time in this world. After spending his time sightseeing, Haru finally focused on his reason for entering this world, which his piss-poor creativity named Paradise.

It's time to find out if the living beings in this world could give him EXP!