"Yuki-sama..."
"Hm?"
Tilting his head, Yuki looked towards Ais, who approached him.
"What is your relationship with that woman?"
Asking with doubts on her expressionless face, Ais didn't like Kurumi at all. That woman reeked of blood and malice, and she didn't want someone like her lingering around Yuki.
"I know what you're thinking, but even though it may seem that way, she's a 'Hero.'"
Shaking his head, Yuki was aware of Kurumi's abnormal aura. For those attuned to the spirit world, like elves and spirits, her aura was repulsive. However, Yuki was familiar with that aura; the ninjas in his world often emitted that stench, so it wasn't a problem for him.
"Yuki-sama, I don't think having her with you is right..."
Although surprised by this revelation, she remained concerned. Yuki was injured, so his power wasn't at its peak. Ais didn't give up; even if she was a Hero, Yuki shouldn't have someone like Kurumi by his side. The exposed danger was significant.
"It's okay; she's very important to me..."
Yuki knew that having Kurumi by his side would only be a matter of time until something bad happened.
But that was fine; Yuki enjoyed taming the tiger.
As long as he had 'Time,' he was sure Kurumi wouldn't resist.
"But..."
"It's okay; you don't have to worry. I can handle the situation."
Waving his hand, Yuki didn't let Ais continue. After all, even if Kurumi went crazy, Yuki had more than enough power to stop her. What worried him more was her personality, as he never knew what that girl was thinking.
On the other hand, Ais didn't know what to think. Yuki was important to her, and seeing him in such a wounded state hurt her heart. She knew a thing or two from the time they spent together, realizing that Yuki was kind. The fact that he didn't fight using Est meant he didn't use his full power. She had seen his power before and knew that the current Yuki didn't fight seriously. That's why she didn't want Kurumi around.
This woman is dangerous.
"Yuki-sama... Can I go with you?"
However, despite all this, she didn't want Yuki to be alone, not with that woman nearby.
"Um... What are you thinking? Is there a reason for this? Do you think I'm so weak that I can't handle this?"
"...."
Gritting her teeth, Ais didn't know what to say. She wanted to express her concern, but somehow her words didn't come out, especially seeing Yuki frowning.
"Do you know? Although I appreciate your goodwill, there are times when you need to trust me. Besides, if you want to protect me, you first have to have the strength to do so..."
Sighing, Yuki knew exactly what this girl was thinking. Sometimes Tsunade behaved this way, often telling him to leave the Anbu. Sometimes she went to the extreme of watching over him and trying to live with him and Sasuke.
Of course, Yuki refused. Living with a beautiful woman like Tsunade was good, but being controlled by her was not Yuki's style.
"!!"
Ais trembled at his words. Yuki was right; even if she let her stay by his side, Ais didn't have the power to protect him. She was too weak to compete with Kurumi, who seemed to have the power to multiply.
"It's okay; you won't be weak all the time... So, how about you become stronger? If you do that, I'll consider your request to accompany me."
Smiling, Yuki didn't crush her hopes. Sometimes willpower alone wasn't enough to move forward; humans needed goals to stimulate them.
"Yes! Please let me do it!"
And it worked, as the sad atmosphere around Ais disappeared with his words.
"Alright, see you later."
Waving his hand, Yuki was swallowed by the darkness.
---
"Once again, let me introduce myself. My name is Kurumi Tokisaki... a spirit."
Folding the hem of her skirt, Kurumi introduced herself with elegance. After returning, she was immediately stopped by Mana, who didn't hesitate to point her sword at her. Unfortunately for Mana, she was also targeted by Kurumi's clones, resulting in chaos.
Especially when Kurumi threatened Mana with the small 'Yuki.'
Being unable to stop them, fortunately, Yuki intervened in time, separating both of them.
With that said, Yuki also explained the strange situation and that they shouldn't worry about the city. He had sent a clone to the 'Dream Club' to clean up the mess; he was sure those Goddesses would go to great lengths to please him.
After many twists and conversations, Mana and Kurumi reached a truce—or not really a truce, as Mana lost a lot in their encounter. With her little meeting, her eyes boiled with fury at the sight of the couple's partner mark on Kurumi.
Almost to the point of wanting to kill them, fortunately, Inori took charge, welcoming Kurumi as her new sister. Kurumi, on the other hand, just smiled. She played some dirty tricks on Mana, pushing her even more out of her comfort zone, and the fear within Mana grew.
But that's a conversation for another chapter...
"Ugh!... Welcome? I really don't know what to say. It's surprising to know that there are Heroes like Kurumi-chan."
Smiling bitterly, Hestia had no choice but to give her blessing. Kurumi is her daughter, so she couldn't refuse. Although her blood aura was strong, with Heroes like Kurumi, Hestia worried.
"Thank you, Hestia-sama. I am deeply moved by your warm welcome."
Bowing her head elegantly, Kurumi began to undress, ready to receive the Falna, while placing a hand on her cheek.
"Ara~ Yuki-san, do you like what you see?"
"Hm! I love it..."
"Fufufu, I'm honored~"
Watching Yuki shamelessly watch her undress, Kurumi smiled mischievously. It seemed that Yuki had no intention of leaving.
"You know, I wouldn't normally allow men to be present, but... It would be a hassle. Let's get this over with quickly."
Shaking her head, Hestia sighed. Yuki and Kurumi were a headache, and both seemed to be flirting all the time. Even now, after pricking her finger, these two continued to look at each other, completely ignoring her presence.
"Master..."
Est also felt hurt as Yuki sent spiritual pulses, combining with Kurumi, another spirit apart from her.
[Kurumi Tokisaki (Hero)
Level: 1
Strength: H - - 109
Endurance: I - - 80
Dexterity: I - - 90
Agility: H - - 103
Reiryoku: G - - 203
Devourer: S
Hunter: A
Avenger: A
Weapon User: S
Zafkiel:???
Lucifugus: Sealed
Abilities:
Time Manipulation
Shadow Manipulation
Toki Hami no Shiro
Clones
Spatial Quake
]
"Here you go."
As the original, Kurumi possessed several of Yuki's abilities. However, with her parameters, she was a weaker version of Yuki. This also demonstrated that if it weren't for the considerable amount of time she invested in their previous encounter, along with her superior skill in Zafkiel, she wouldn't stand much chance against Yuki.
However, her abilities were potent, to the point of being a threat. Hestia didn't know this because, upon seeing her parameters, she understood why Yuki and Kurumi were connected—both essentially the same.
She was also surprised by her parameters. As expected of a Hero, she was already powerful even without the Falna.
"Wow, what do we have here?... Being able to visualize my abilities. Fufu... the Gods are truly amazing."
"Of course, we are Gods after all."
Bringing a hand to her lips, Kurumi squinted her eyes. She already knew about the Falna; Yuki had passed on that information. Still, she was surprised that the Gods' blessing could analyze her. It was terrifying.
Hestia, on the other hand, swelled her chest with pride. This was easy for her. She also had mixed expressions; on one side, she was glad that her family was growing with a Champion and two Heroes, making her family the most powerful. But having Heroes with a few loose screws was something she didn't know how to address.
"As she says, you don't have to worry. From now on, your abilities and power will undergo a significant change thanks to the Falna. Hopefully, we can solve that little 'Time' problem."
For Yuki, this was normal. Several factors led him to call Kurumi, one of them being to increase her parameters and abilities.
"Is that so? Fufu, I'm very interested."
Kurumi was, of course, interested. The 'Time' problem had always been her greatest weakness. If, for some reason, she could solve it, beating Phantom wouldn't just be a dream. Besides, if she could accelerate her plans by becoming one with Yuki, it would be very pleasant.
With her power, she had nothing to fear when returning to her world, especially from that black agency behind the scenes.
"You'll see, but before that, we need to go to the Dungeon. There's something I'd like to test."
Yuki had a feeling that things would heat up. The Dungeon was a mystery; even Rasiel didn't have much information about it. Besides, that 'thing' was bothering him.
Anyway, his top priority right now was the Dungeon.
---