Aozaki Aoko Soars!

Nearly ten minutes later, after hearing Naoki's story about [Manaka] and [Naoki] in this world, Aoko's brows furrowed deeply.

"Creating a world without Magecraft? That's an utterly insane idea."

Aoko took a deep breath to calm herself.

"And it's not like she can't do it. Tokyo's already halfway there, and next, she just needs to keep expanding this space… If she succeeds, it'll indeed cause a massive crisis that could destroy this world."

"I'm sorry, because of me, my sister…"

Ayaka lowered her head slightly, her expression somber.

Naoki raised his hand, flicked her forehead, and said, "It's not your fault. Your sister's love for you is just too heavy, leading to such an extreme idea. When a family member makes a mistake, your job is to pull them back, right?"

"Mm… I know."

"You two are awfully close." Ciel, who had been silent, suddenly chimed in. "You've only known each other… four days? To grow this close in such a short time, even living at your house, Sajyou—you're quite the people-magnet."

"Senpai!"

Ayaka's cheeks flushed as she pouted. "Please don't talk nonsense. I'm only staying with him to keep an eye on Naoki and to get his help stopping my sister. I don't have any thoughts like that."

"Hehehe, really?"

"By the way, Kouhai-kun, what about your other self?"

Seeing Ciel's gaze turn mischievous, Aoko quickly changed the topic to avoid derailing further.

"When I came here, he attacked me. If he weren't so different from how I pictured you, I'd have thought he was you. That chatty, loudmouth personality…"

"Ah, that… how do I put it?" Naoki patted his chest. "It's kind of his signature move. If it can make things harder for me or get me killed, he's all in. My other self was born for that."

"Normally, he should've been an exact copy of me, but when his personality was still forming, something else was mixed into him, causing him to evolve in a really bad direction."

Aoko blinked. "In other words, you also have… a hidden potential to be a loudmouth?"

"I said it's an extreme case. Am I chatty now? Of course, if Aoko wants to see it, I can still mimic some of my other self's traits."

"Forget it. Just thinking about your other self makes my head buzz… But how do we stop this girl's sister? Just beat her up?"

Naoki and Ayaka nodded in unison.

"What else?"

"To stop my sister, I think that's the only way…"

Aoko and Ciel were stunned.

Did these two only have one solution in their heads—fists? Had they never considered persuading the other side?

(Well, maybe not. This doesn't seem like a situation you can talk through. That other Kouhai-kun…)

Aoko propped her chin. "With force… what about your other self, Kouhai-kun? They seem to be on the same team. Not to exaggerate, but I might not handle him without Magecraft."

"Leave that to me." Naoki said seriously. "Only I can take out my other self. I bet he thinks the same."

"But you can't use Magecraft, right? I can because of Merry's, but you…"

"It's fine, I'll handle it. The Summoning Magecraft Naoki can't use, I'll use it. I'll restore his original power. I'll fight alongside him."

Ayaka's response made Aoko glance at Naoki with slight confusion, then her eyes narrowed. "I see, making it function like a Mystic Code… Are you sure it'll work?"

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have Ayaka learn Summoning Magecraft. Facing myself, I'll never—and can't—lose."

Never lose.

Hearing Naoki say this, Aoko knew she didn't need to worry anymore. She trusted her junior's strength 100%, just like Gray's unwavering belief that Naoki was the strongest. Aoko couldn't imagine Naoki losing to himself.

Smiling, shedding her worried expression, Aoko laughed. "Got it. Let's wrap this up for now. Though there's a huge threat looming, I think we should handle other matters first."

"Other matters?"

The other three exchanged glances, a hint of confusion in their eyes.

"Obviously, food, clothing, and shelter, you idiots."

Aoko stretched her arms and legs vigorously.

"I haven't rested since the day before yesterday. Flew from Africa to England, learned about the issue from that succubus, rushed to the Clock Tower, didn't stop before Old Jewel Man threw me here. Got to Tokyo, hopped in a car, and the moment I arrived, I was fighting your other self full-on…"

"Right now, I just want a big meal, a hot bath, and to sleep until I wake up naturally."

Her words made Naoki chuckle. He thought Aoko had some grand issue, but in a narrow sense, these were indeed critical matters.

"Then… Ayaka, I recall you have a spare room, right? Can you prepare one for Aoko?"

"Mm, my sister's room is still empty. I'll tidy it up soon."

"Can I stay?" Aoko's gaze turned odd. "Won't that disturb your sweet little life together?"

Naoki shook his head with a wry smile. "Not at all. Ayaka and I are perfectly innocent, Aoko—don't talk nonsense. Oh, you're hungry, right? Wait here, I'll whip up lunch for you."

"A big one! Till my stomach's bloated!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah~"

Waving, Naoki stood and headed to the kitchen.

Watching Naoki disappear around the corner, Aoko stood too. "Then, please show me the way. I'll be troubling you for a bit, Ayaka-chan."

Ayaka-chan?

The slightly familiar address made Ayaka a bit awkward.

"Oh, and no need to tidy your sister's room. She'll come back eventually, right? Leave it for her."

"Then where will Miss Aozaki sleep? With me?"

"Mm… Just prepare a futon in Kouhai-kun's room. I'll sleep there."