"Shokuhou-sama, that was fantastic."
After finishing the song, the world returned to normal, and Yuki disappeared. This made the girls surround Misaki.
Since the clown was just a byproduct of Misaki's mental ability, the girls mistakenly thought that this was due to Misaki's imagination.
With a beautiful song followed by a charming melody, each of them liked it. Their Joou-sama was so impressive that their eyes shone in adoration.
"Thank you?"
Being surrounded, Misaki forced herself to smile. This wasn't her doing, of course, but she wasn't sure either. She hadn't confirmed if the clown was part of her, but she hoped it wasn't. Although it was becoming more suspicious, the human mind is unpredictable, and imagination knows no bounds.
"I envy you..."
Murmuring softly, Ayu couldn't help but look at Misaki, who like her, was also a mental esper and was a bit envious of Misaki, being able to materialize this clown in their minds, an ability straight out of a dream.
(Maybe... I can)
Suddenly an idea appeared in her mind. As an esper with the power to control minds, it was possible to interfere with Misaki's brain and use it to get closer to the Joker.
However, Misaki was even stronger than her, so entering her mind was impossible unless Misaki allowed it...
But... Would Misaki agree? It was hard to say...
(It's not fair, she has everything...)
Lowering her head, Ayu thought about everything around her. She was in this laboratory because she was told she could improve her Ability and become one of the powerful Level 5 Espers. She had the potential to be one, but some time ago, she found out that Misaki, who was selected just like her, was selected to advance, leaving her behind.
At first, Ayu didn't care; eventually, she would advance in her Ability. But now she didn't know what to think.
Misaki's ability was so strong that she could even create an imaginary being like the Joker. Ayu didn't know how she did it, but she was envious.
However, she couldn't hate her. After all, Misaki was the creator of what Ayu considered the most beautiful thing in the world so far. The Joker had a kind aura around him that made it impossible to ignore, it was so gentle that it confused her too much.
The Joker was surely the materialization of Misaki's desires, which only meant that Misaki had a pure mind, and Ayu was unable to hate this. She even began to see Misaki in a different light, there was a glimmer of adoration in her eyes, as well as gratitude for creating something wonderful.
For Ayu, these days were the best of her life, but all humans had selfishness in their hearts, no matter how kind Ayu was, she was jealous and wanted the clown for herself.
She was also a mental esper, so it was possible to keep the clown with her. Thinking about it, Ayu smiled and thought about creating a bridge between Misaki's mind and hers.
To have the contact she wanted with the Joker, all she had to do was...
(I hope Shokuhou-sama accepts this humble girl's request...)
Of course, this was risky and dangerous. She didn't know if this would affect the imaginary friend, the Joker. But Ayu was unable to calm her desire.
With high expectations, Ayu brought both hands to her chest and looked at Misaki longingly.
(Hmmm, I know that look, and it's not very good)
Yuki, from Misaki's shadow, opened an eye and observed Ayu. He didn't have to read Ayu's mind to know what she was thinking. Ayu's gaze, Yuki had seen it before, and it was problematic.
(Doesn't matter, it's enough if she follows my orders)
However, this was also a good thing, as this would ensure that he had the two most powerful mental Espers in this city as allies. Because of this, Yuki didn't think too much about it and let everything happen.
"What do you think?"
Two days later, Ayu was unable to contain herself and requested a connection with the Joker.
At first, Misaki refused.
Invade her mind? Only an idiot would accept it. No one knew if creating a bridge connecting both brains would have consequences; it was too risky, and there were no benefits. Moreover, Misaki didn't want anyone else entering her brain; she already had enough with that invading clown. Adding someone else would be a pain.
However, Ayu was more persistent than she thought. She didn't hesitate to kneel and plead, she even went so far as to offer herself as her most loyal servant.
This made Misaki reevaluate Ayu's psychological condition. To go to such lengths for someone she wasn't sure existed or not, a mere product of imagination.
Ayu surely saw something more in the Joker than all the other girls.
In the end, Misaki said she would think about it and consulted the clown living within her.
[Seems interesting~]
"Do you think so too?"
Blinking in confusion, Misaki didn't think this crazy clown would agree.
[It sounds fun, but it's your decision...]
"Hmm..."
Putting a hand to her chin, Misaki thought deeply. She had known Ayu for a few weeks, so it wasn't prudent to make this bridge, but she also had to admit she was quite interested.
(For now... I'll observe)
Shrugging, Misaki shook her silky golden hair.
[By the way, I have a gift for you~]
"Huh? A gift?"
Tilting her head in confusion, the shadow under her feet expanded, and Yuki emerged from it.
"Yes, a gift~"
Holding his top hat with elegance, a small yellow box adorned with red ribbons appeared in his hand.
Blinking with curiosity, Misaki took the box and upon opening it, her starry eyes lit up.
"It's beautiful..."
Inside the box was a pink collar, made of a rather strange material but also very beautiful. The emblem on this collar was a pair of stars, very similar to the pattern of her starry eyes.
"Allow me, my lady..."
Without waiting for Misaki to react, Yuki elegantly bent down, took the collar, and walked behind Misaki. He proceeded to move her long honey-colored hair aside and place the collar on her delicate white neck.
Misaki trembled slightly but let Yuki put it on her neck. The collar shone beautifully, and its allure matched her eyes.
"<
Murmuring, Yuki narrowed his eyes. This was the first time he had created an Artifact using the Apocalypse Virus and combining it with World Spiritist matrices, this collar was born. Its powers of Order were sealed within, a small part of his power, but it would keep Misaki protected, a protective collar.
At least, that was on the surface, as it had other functions like espionage, and one of his clones was inside, as insurance.
"A collar using your beautiful starry eyes as a base, I hope you like it..."
"Wow..."
Turning her head sharply, Misaki couldn't help but look directly at Yuki. The mask covered his face, but Misaki's eyes seemed to be able to see beyond the mask.
Her cheeks flushed, and tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. This was the first time someone had praised her eyes; she was born with these eyes and was often treated like a monster by others.
Her childhood, in particular, was abusive and treated very poorly because of these eyes. Misaki even came to hate them. But now, someone had praised them...
It felt so wonderful that her feelings got out of control for a few seconds.
"Thank you..."
In the end, all she could do was hold the collar in her hands and smile happily as she looked at it.
Misaki knew it, from the moment Yuki placed the collar on her neck, Misaki saw that warm light again. The light was a crown that illuminated in the infinite darkness, and now this collar was the light, protecting her from the darkness and guiding her way.
"You don't have to thank me; this is a collar that, like its name, has the power to grant a wish."
Raising a finger, Yuki smiled under his mask. Misaki raised her gaze confused.
"A wish?"
"Yes, whenever you wish, the collar will fulfill your greatest desire."
This was hard to believe, as fulfilling a wish like being a God was impossible.
What would happen if she wished to be God? Would the collar fulfill her wish?
Misaki didn't know, but she clenched her fist and decided to believe...
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