Kotomi’s Great Victory!

After unlocking her phone, Kotomi confirmed that the payment from Shueisha had indeed arrived.

Her first manga royalties—810,000 yen—had hit her account!

"Awesome!"

Previously, she had earned 860,000 yen from her light novel royalties. Though she had spent part of it on a new computer, keyboard, mouse, and graphics tablet, there was still plenty left. Now, with the newly arrived manga royalties of 810,000 yen, her total balance amounted to 1,270,000 yen!

Looking at the bank notification showing her account balance, Kotomi felt like she was floating on air, her mood soaring.

Before celebrating, she cautiously looked around to make sure no one was nearby. Then, she raised her arms and cheered, "Even if it's in yen, this is the first time in my life I've earned a million on my own! A high school girl making her first million—wow! Just thinking about it is so exciting!"

Kotomi's Big Victory!

Suppressing the urge to toss her phone in the air, Kotomi quickened her pace, eager to get home.

"This is my first time making a million yen, and I can't help but look forward to the day my bank balance reaches 2 million, 5 million, 10 million, or even 100 million!"

"Hmm, maybe I should take some of this money and treat Mom, Dad, and Aimi to a nice dinner. The rest, I'll just save up," she thought.

Because of her past life, Kotomi had carried over the habit of saving money into this new life. Even if she didn't have that habit, with her clear goals for the future, she'd always be thinking about saving up.

Once she reached a certain amount, she planned to use the money to establish her own game company—Type Moon Boundary.

"1.27 million... it feels like I'm just a little closer to my goal," Kotomi said cheerfully.

"Congratulations, Kotomi, for earning your first million since reincarnating!" came the voice of Kazumi, the ever-present system residing within her.

"And thanks to you too! Without your help, I wouldn't have earned my first million this fast."

"Hehe, it's what the system is for, to help the host. But, Kotobou, now that you're making this much money, should I add a 'microtransaction' feature to the God-Level Heroine System? Even though I don't need money from the human world, I could use it as pocket money from you~," Kazumi teased.

"I was just about to praise you, and then you ruin it with a joke like that!"

"Hehe, I'm just kidding. There won't be any microtransactions! I'm a wholesome system. What bad intentions could little Kazumi possibly have~?" Kazumi said, playfully appearing beside Kotomi without any warning.

Startled, Kotomi looked at her and said, "Hey! Is it really okay for you to just show up out here like this?"

"There's no one around, right?"

"We're about to pass by a busy street."

"It's fine~! Even though I'm a system, don't I look like an ordinary beautiful girl from head to toe?" Kazumi said playfully, twirling around as her long pink hair fluttered gracefully in the air.

"True... Do all systems look so similar to humans?"

Kotomi examined her, noticing that aside from the eye-catching pink hair, Kazumi seemed perfectly normal.

As if reading Kotomi's curiosity, Kazumi explained as they walked, "Systems come in different species. I'm what you'd call a humanoid system. It means I exist in a human-like form. There are also beast-type systems, which look like cute little pets. You know Kyubey from Puella Magi Madoka Magica? Some beast-type systems look a bit like that."

"If a system isn't humanoid, does that mean it can never take human form, no matter how powerful it is?"

"Exactly. But for us, the shape we take doesn't matter. What's important is that we provide the best possible support for our host. Whether we look human or not doesn't make a difference," Kazumi shrugged casually.

Kotomi nodded, gaining a better understanding of how systems worked.

She had always thought systems only existed in novels. Never had she imagined she'd one day be chosen by a system herself. Even more surprising was the fact that systems were an entire species.

Weird knowledge +1!

"Wow! What's that? It looks delicious!" Kazumi suddenly shook Kotomi's arm, pointing excitedly at something nearby.

Kotomi followed her gaze and saw a stall selling takoyaki.

Not only did they have takoyaki, but also taiyaki, dorayaki, and croquettes.

"Oh, that? It's takoyaki. Haven't you tried it before?"

"Of course not! I want to try it!" Kazumi said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked eagerly at Kotomi.

Her eyes seemed to be twinkling like stars.

"Alright, I'll buy you some. Anything else you want besides takoyaki?"

"My appetite's small, so just takoyaki is fine~. Oh, but make sure it's a large portion!" Kazumi added cheerfully.

A large portion… are you sure your appetite is small? Kotomi thought to herself, amused.

Leading Kazumi to the stall, Kotomi placed their order: "Can I get a large portion of takoyaki and one taiyaki, please?"

"Sure! One large takoyaki and one red bean taiyaki coming right up. Any preference for the filling?"

"Red bean, please."

"Got it, it'll be just a moment."

After paying, Kotomi waited as the stall owner prepared the food.

Having already had her fill of takoyaki recently with Aimi, Kotomi wasn't particularly craving it at the moment. She'd probably need a break before she could enjoy it again next month.

Had the stall only been selling takoyaki, Kotomi might've just bought some for Kazumi. But since they had taiyaki—and Kotomi had been craving something sweet after school—she decided to indulge herself, especially since her new earnings had just come in. She wasn't going to deprive herself in the name of saving money.

Indulge when it's time to indulge.

"Here you go! Your takoyaki and taiyaki. Enjoy!"

After receiving the food, Kotomi was about to head home when she noticed Kazumi practically drooling over the takoyaki. So, she found a nearby bench for them to sit on and eat before heading back.

"Mmm—this is so good! So this is what takoyaki tastes like? It's amazing!" Kazumi exclaimed, clearly delighted with her first taste.

Watching her, Kotomi couldn't help but ask, "Wait… systems have a sense of taste?"

"Of course! Don't underestimate me! What, did you think I was some cold, emotionless machine?" Kazumi puffed out her cheeks, pouting indignantly.

Not only was she pouting, but she also seemed genuinely offended by the question.

Since when did systems become so full of emotion?

"Hmph!"

"Onee-chan? What are you doing here? Mom sent me out to pick up some groceries for dinner since you hadn't come home yet. Oh—who's this girl sitting next to you?" a voice suddenly called out.

Kotomi turned to see Aimi, standing alongside Iroha Isshiki.

"Oh my! Is this pink-haired girl your girlfriend, Senpai? I didn't know you liked this type!" Iroha teased.

Both Kotomi and Kazumi froze.

Caught off guard by Aimi and Iroha's sudden appearance, Kazumi realized she had completely let her guard down, too focused on enjoying the takoyaki to notice anyone approaching.

What now?

She couldn't run or disappear. The only way to return to Kotomi's body was… to hug Kotomi, nose to nose.

Would she really have to do that, right in front of Aimi?

Kazumi shot Kotomi a panicked look, her eyes pleading for help as if to say:

"Do we have to do it? Right here, right now?!"