People must learn to accept imperfection.
Haven't I faced enough troubles already? At worst, I can rely on the **Authority of the Beast** and my martial skills to carve out a path.
The rules of the world vary. What counts as "mystery" in one world might not work in another. But techniques that rely on physical strength and the **Authority of the Beast** are universally applicable.
Unless I end up in a world where living beings aren't "born" in the conventional sense, in which case I'd have nothing to say.
In this modern city, Li Mo didn't need to worry about such issues. This world was an excellent place for magical research. The elements were highly active, and "mystery" was abundant.
The world, which blended characters from multiple works, was absurdly inclusive.
Considering that some of the characters were from comedic manga, it wasn't surprising.
"Thank goodness there's no Nobita or Shin-chan, right?"
After spending the entire weekend lounging around, Li Mo decided to return to his daily routine. Here, he didn't need to think—he just needed to empty his mind.
It was like a corporate worker finally hitting the weekend after a long week, completely relaxed. Only at times like this did he feel that, mentally, he was still human.
"Ohayou, good afternoon, everyone."
After the day's classes ended, the clubroom of the **Service Club** was lively once again. Li Mo arrived late, finding everyone already enjoying tea and snacks while chatting.
However, the desperate look in **Hachiman's** eyes made it clear he was being grilled.
"You're late," **Yukinoshita** redirected her focus.
Li Mo bowed exaggeratedly. "Sumimasen, I'm late!"
Straightening up, he added, "There, I've apologized."
Then, with a cheerful expression, he took his seat.
Yukinoshita Yukino said, "Your apology lacks sincerity and feels more like a provocation."
"I learned from Japanese politicians," Li Mo declared proudly.
"Politicians don't say things like that, Li-san."
"Well, I'm just saying what they're thinking, aren't I? As long as they apologize, no matter what they've done wrong, they can just thicken their skin and keep going."
*I've already apologized, what more do you want?*
Hachiman raised his hand weakly. "You're not wrong."
"Li-kun."
"Isn't that a bit of a strange way to address me, Yukinoshita?"
Yukinoshita frowned slightly. "Why did you leave early this morning?"
"Oh? Are you concerned about me?" Li Mo blinked.
"Yes. Out of concern for the disadvantaged."
"I'm the disadvantaged now? Sure, I occasionally act erratically and spout nonsense, but I'm not *that* bad. If I'm disadvantaged, what does that make Hachiman? Even more disadvantaged than the disadvantaged?"
Hachiman shouted, "What does this have to do with me?"
"I can hold my own against Yukinoshita in a conversation, while you just get roasted."
"Li-kun, you're just deflecting."
"That's a skill in itself."
The Service Club's lively banter continued for another day. As for requests… students in this relaxed education system tended to forget their worries amidst various entertainment activities.
It almost felt like watching five girls from *K-On!* eating and chatting in their clubroom.
Of course, there was also the obligatory bickering with Yukinoshita Yukino, mostly going in circles with meaningless arguments—reminiscent of politicians: *I'm speaking, but it's all empty words.*
On the way home with Yukinoshita, Li Mo suddenly said, "Yukinoshita, how about we form a band?"
"Are you having another episode?" Yukinoshita asked.
They had just been discussing the day's lessons, as Yukinoshita hadn't forgotten **Hiratsuka-sensei's** request to tutor Li Mo. But now the topic had jumped to forming a band?
Li-kun's thought process was always hard to follow.
"Why use such aggressive language, Yukinoshita-san? My thoughts just jump around a bit. Look, since there are no requests anyway, wouldn't it be nice to pick up some instruments?"
"Couldn't you use that time to study instead?"
Li Mo looked at Yukinoshita in shock. "Aren't you a genius? Why are you such a tryhard?"
"Knowledge that isn't applied is as good as never having been learned."
"You're absolutely right."
The girl glanced at the boy beside her.
He felt different again.
It had only been a few days, but no—it was more like he always seemed to reveal a new side of himself after a while. Overall, it was as if he had suddenly aged, matured.
Yukinoshita pushed her bike. "What's your target deviation score for the next test?"
"Why do you care? You're not my mom," Li Mo said.
"I'm tutoring you. If your grades are bad, it reflects poorly on me too."
"Oh, right. Then let's aim for top ten in the year."
Improving his grades was as easy as eating or drinking for Li Mo. With his enhanced intelligence, he absorbed knowledge at an incredible rate. If he could master complex magical theories, how hard could it be to tackle problems solvable through rote learning?
Worst case, he could just copy. Li Mo doubted anyone could catch him if he decided to cheat.
"Yukinoshita-san, how's your relationship with your sister?"
"Huh? Are you in contact with my sister?" Yukinoshita became alert.
Li Mo said, "Not really. We just chatted briefly when I ran into her at your place. But… I think she's waiting at your door right now."
"She has a key to my apartment," Yukinoshita replied.
Meaning, she'd be inside, not waiting at the door.
Then, Yukinoshita looked up. From their current position, they could see the upscale apartment where they lived. The corridor in front wasn't enclosed.
She saw a woman standing there. From this distance, her features were unclear, but the location was unmistakably Yukinoshita's doorstep. Who else could it be?
The woman seemed to notice their gaze and waved.
Yukinoshita didn't respond, turning her attention back to the road.
"Yukinoshita, why are you so stubborn? Your sister's waving at you. If others saw this, they'd think your relationship is terrible."
"Li-kun, don't comment on other people's sibling relationships."
"You sisters are strange," Li Mo said. "The older sister is clearly a doting sister-con but loves provoking the younger one. The younger sister admires her but acts cold. Oh, and didn't you say you'd resolved things after talking to your father?"
"Since when did Li-kun become so talkative?"
Li Mo replied, "Because it's interesting. Your relationship with your sister is fascinating. Who would've thought the aloof Yukinoshita-san could be as easily influenced as Yuigahama-san?
Hahahaha!"
Yukinoshita's expression remained calm. "Do you think this will affect me, Li-kun?"
"Ah, how boring."
Li Mo slumped, looking like a child whose prank had failed.