Chapter 94: Esdeath’s challenge, Yukino is confused!

Although Haruno didn't say anything outright, just seeing the four sets of tableware on the dining table, Shirakawa could already guess who the fourth was.

Yukino.

The message couldn't be more obvious.

Using her high academic performance as a foil to frustrate her younger sister and set up a role model in the process—he could guess that with his eyes closed.

It was a family matter for the Yukinoshita household.

Shirakawa had no intention of commenting. If there was anything unexpected, it was probably that Yukino, despite having awakened spiritual awareness, still hadn't given a final answer.

Still, he wasn't particularly worried. He'd already told Yukino how to avoid evil spirits and how to stay safe. Whatever happened now, it was up to her.

Gaining another Chosen of Pleasure would just mean adding one more brick to the Crystal Palace and strengthening it slightly.

The dinner conversation didn't drift to him. It was mostly Haruno casually chatting with Hiratsuka.

Taking advantage of the downtime, Shirakawa stepped onto the nearby terrace and looked out at Chiba as it was slowly enveloped by night.

Finally getting a bit of peace and quiet, he opened the Dimensional Chat Group to check in. Now that Shinobu had returned to her routine, the group atmosphere had picked up again.

Healing Goddess: Mistress of the Butterfly Estate, can you tell us more about how the mission went?

Healing Goddess: I heard the group usually streams these rescue missions. Why wasn't there a stream this time?

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: The mission... was actually pretty simple. It was just helping Asuna leave the SAO world. We were supposed to be clearing Aincrad.

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: I still don't know how Shirakawa did it—he suddenly got world-liberation permissions, and the mission wrapped up just like that. Huge thanks to him!

Asuna: That's right… If it hadn't been for Shirakawa, I can't imagine how much longer I would've been trapped inside SAO.

Future Holy Sword Wielder: Butterfly Master, what are you going to spend your points on this time?

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: I'll probably buy an inter-world teleport anchor. I'm really interested in Shirakawa's modern society. I'd love to visit.

Ice Queen: Mistress of the Butterfly Estate , did you say a regular high schooler liberated an entire world?

Asuna: That's right. Shirakawa helped all the players escape.

Ice Queen: Normal High School Student, I've saved up 50 points. If you're free, I'd like to challenge you to a fight.

"..."

Even without saying a word in the group, he was the center of attention. Shirakawa felt weird about it—especially since the one issuing the challenge was none other than battle maniac and sadist Esdeath.

A challenge, from her?

As the strongest Teigu user from the Akame ga Kill world, her power was unquestionable. In the group, excluding gods, she was probably the strongest.

For her to issue a sparring invitation directly in the group—and not even come barging into his world—that was already being polite by her standards.

"Should I accept the challenge?"

The thought flickered through Shirakawa's mind. Esdeath's ice-type Teigu, Demon's Extract, had top-tier combat power, including her hidden abilities like [Mahapadma], [Ice Cavalry] and [Ice Commander in Chief].

The former allowed her to freeze time briefly, though it could only be used once per day.

The latter summoned an army of ice soldiers far superior to ordinary troops. But its real purpose was to store up Teigu energy over days, and then unleash it all in one go.

Combined with Esdeath herself, she could trigger Ice Age Domination, covering an entire empire.

According to his stat panel, she probably ranked at nation-destroyer level—though that assumed home-ground advantage and full energy buildup.

Could he win?

He would.

Shirakawa was just as curious about his current subspace-strength potential. He was going to the Akame ga Kill world anyway—this challenge was perfect timing.

Besides, in the group, fighting maniacs like her always came with battle CGs upon defeat.

He hadn't decided the conditions yet, but without making her wait too long, he replied decisively:

Normal High School Student: No problem. I accept your challenge. Let's decide the time later—I've got something else to take care of right now.

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen Shirakawa go all out...

Blue Ribbon: Now I'm curious too… I can't give too many spoilers, but this is definitely going to be an epic fight.

Aqua: Blue Ribbon, stop being so cryptic already!

Railgun: Has Shirakawa's strength increased again recently?

Asuna: Um... Can the match be livestreamed?

Healing Goddess: I want to watch the livestream too.

Ice Queen: A challenge, huh?

Ice Queen: I'm looking forward to it. I hope it's worthy of being called a "challenge."

Watching the group chat, Esdeath's eyes gleamed with anticipation. She had taken a deep interest in Shirakawa after seeing his activities in previous livestreams.

From what little others had said, it was clear he had gone from average strength to being someone who could easily destroy a city.

As an opponent, Shirakawa was worthy.

Anticipating their upcoming battle, Esdeath licked her lips slightly, her excitement sincere.

Shirakawa stopped checking the chat group—mainly because Haruno had stood up and was calling him over.

The final guest for the informal dinner party had arrived.

Yukino, dressed in a black evening gown, had just finished exchanging greetings with Hiratsuka and was about to take a seat—

When she saw a very familiar figure approaching.

The girl's calm expression rippled. She hadn't expected to see Shirakawa here at all.

Haruno, of course, was loving the drama.

With a bright smile, she introduced them, "Yukino-chan, you know him, right? He's your second-year classmate from Sobu High."

"Shirakawa-kun!"