Hot Springs

After a dazzling flash of white light, Kaguya found herself once again in the familiar Main God Space.

Everything was still the same: vast, empty, and devoid of any decorations or furnishings—not even tables or chairs. The emptiness felt somewhat stifling. The only thing present was the white orb in the center of the room.

The orb was about the size of several basketballs, emitting a soft, white glow. Wisps of light swirled around it like mist, adding an ethereal quality to its presence.

Kaguya, already familiar with the routine, walked towards the orb.

Just then, a metallic voice echoed in her mind.

"Congratulations on completing the mission in Akame ga Kill. You will now receive 70 Achievement Points. You may exchange these points for items or abilities of your choice."

So stingy.

Kaguya pouted. After experiencing two worlds, she had only accumulated a little over a hundred Achievement Points—not even close to what she needed for certain transformations, let alone high-level abilities. So, she didn't even bother looking at the abilities on offer, knowing she couldn't afford them anyway.

Though she had once considered using those points to revert to her male form, she had long accepted her identity as Kaguya, and deep down, she knew she didn't really care anymore—after all, she could have used the Transformation Technique if it truly mattered.

As Kaguya was about to leave to take a break, the metallic voice spoke again.

"Congratulations. Due to your perfect mission completion, you are rewarded with one month of free access to the real world. During this time, no Achievement Points will be consumed. However, please note that the timer starts immediately, meaning that from now on, whether you choose to enter the real world or not, the countdown has already begun."

What a scam.

At first, Kaguya was delighted upon hearing the beginning of the message—after all, who wouldn't want something free? And it was a highly practical reward, too. Even if the system hadn't given her this, she had planned to spend Achievement Points to return to the real world.

But when she heard the latter part, she felt cheated. The timer was already running, just like those popular online games where free items start counting down the moment you receive them.

Well, since the timer had already started, she might as well head back to the real world. Leaving it unused would be a waste, and besides, she missed her childhood friend, Qiao Xiaoqing.

"Would you like to return to the real world?"

"Yes."

A familiar golden light descended from above, wrapping around Kaguya like a warm spring sun. The gentle warmth instantly relaxed her.

However, that relaxation didn't last long.

Splash!

Water splattered everywhere.

Before she could react, Kaguya found herself plunged into a pool of warm water, sending waves and splashes in all directions. White mist gently billowed into the air.

Last time, the teleportation had dropped her onto a street. This time, she was dumped into water. Free rewards were clearly a rip-off, reminiscent of some company's tactics. If there were a way to file a complaint, Kaguya would definitely lodge one.

Flailing about, Kaguya finally surfaced and took a deep breath. She had swallowed a bit of water in the confusion, which left her feeling rather embarrassed.

She looked around and realized she was in a hot spring. The water was crystal clear, with gentle bubbles rising from below, providing a warm and comfortable sensation. The surroundings looked luxurious, like those found in high-end hot spring resorts—only far more extravagant, with gold accents and ornate decor that no regular hotel could match.

Suddenly, Kaguya felt something was off. She turned her head and froze.

Right in front of her, lying on a smooth stone slab, was a naked beauty.

Her long, silky black hair cascaded to her sides like a waterfall, her brows were delicately arched, her lashes fluttered slightly, and her small, upturned nose and rosy lips were perfectly shaped. Her body curved gracefully, and her chest was full and round. Her slender legs were tightly closed, and her petite feet were adorable.

Kaguya shivered. This wasn't just anyone—it was her childhood friend, Qiao Xiaoqing!

If it had been someone else, Kaguya might have enjoyed the view, but since this was her childhood friend, the situation became extremely awkward. After all, she knew her identity, and they were so familiar with each other. It would be embarrassing if Qiao Xiaoqing discovered her.

Better to leave before things get more awkward.

But fate had other plans. Just as Kaguya was about to quietly slip away, Qiao Xiaoqing's long lashes fluttered from the noise, and she opened her eyes—locking gazes with Kaguya. For a moment, they just stared at each other, wide-eyed.

"Ahhhh!" A loud, high-pitched scream echoed through the air.

Slap!

Since her clothes were soaking wet, Kaguya had no choice but to change. She took off her black-and-red Gothic-style dress, black stockings and high heels. Though elegant and beautiful, such attire would be too eye-catching in the real world. Walking around the streets in it would make people think she was cosplaying or part of some outlandish subculture. Kaguya didn't want to become a spectacle.

Emerging from the room, Kaguya was now wearing a soft, white blouse—its fabric smooth and comfortable, clearly expensive.

But that was all she had on.

Which meant Kaguya was braless under her shirt.

Through the semi-transparent fabric, you could faintly see the outline of two small, raised points on her chest, even the pinkish hue visible. As for her lower half, she was at least wearing denim shorts, exposing much of her fair skin. But at least she wasn't completely exposed.

There were clothes available, but she couldn't very well ask Qiao Xiaoqing for her underwear, could she? The only other clothes here were items Qiao Xiaoqing had set aside to change into later. Kaguya already felt uncomfortable wearing someone else's clothes, and even if Qiao Xiaoqing offered her undergarments, Kaguya would refuse.

After all, it was one thing if no one knew about her true identity, but with someone who did, it would be utterly mortifying.

"Hmph, pervert," came a soft, melodious voice from behind her.