After many experiments, Eriri was now able to convert a person into a standard superhuman. While the strength of such individuals wouldn't match the power of her original conversions, they wouldn't rely on her for energy replenishment and could independently absorb energy from the atmosphere to become stronger.
Eriri decided to transform Mine, Akame, and Kurome using this second method. In mere moments, the three of them went from ordinary young girls to formidable fighters at Level 2 Peak.
Eriri sent Mine to practice her new powers in the group's combat arena, while she personally took charge of training Akame and Kurome.
"Akame, are you holding up?"
"Huff…huff…I can keep going…"
"You got this, Nee-chan!"
On a grassy area in the mansion's courtyard, Eriri and Akame stood facing each other. Although the enclosed space appeared to be only about a hundred square meters from the outside, the actual area inside was vast, even surpassing the size of Tokyo.
Akame's body was drenched in sweat as she panted heavily, gripping a katana over a meter long in both hands. Despite her effort, her grip trembled slightly. This katana was specially crafted by Eriri—it had no special functions other than extreme durability and sharpness.
Nearby, Kurome stood cheering loudly for her sister, her own hands clutching a similarly crafted katana. Over an hour had passed since Eriri and Akame began sparring, and throughout, Eriri focused on evading Akame's attacks. Even so, Akame had expended considerable energy, gradually mastering the control of her newly acquired power.
Gathering the remaining energy within herself, Akame unleashed a powerful slash toward Eriri, sending a blade arc over tens of meters. Following close behind her attack, Akame moved with a speed that made her appear as little more than a blur.
Eriri lightly sidestepped with a graceful motion, easily evading both the energy blade and Akame's follow-up strike. The powerful slash sailed past her, traveling thousands of meters before dissipating.
Several minutes later, Akame's energy was fully spent, and she collapsed onto the soft grass. After carrying Akame aside to rest, Eriri then engaged in a similar training session with Kurome.
Another hour passed, and Kurome, too, was drained. Eriri placed her hands on each girl, injecting a surge of life energy, quickly restoring them to their energetic selves.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Eriri said, suppressing the eager spark in both girls' eyes.
"Understood."
The two sisters were reluctant but complied. The rapid improvement they felt had left them craving more.
After helping them wash up in the bath, Eriri allowed the two to go about as they pleased. About thirty minutes later, Mine returned from her practice in the group's combat arena, showing remarkable progress from her bouts with the training dummies. Though she had yet to win, she no longer faced instant defeat.
Around six in the evening, everyone gathered to hold a welcoming banquet for Mine, Akame, and Kurome. An array of beautifully prepared dishes filled the table, each one meticulously crafted by Aoi Kujo and encompassing a variety of cuisines.
Experiencing Aoi's cooking for the first time, the three young girls were immediately captivated, their faces lighting up with joy.
"This is so delicious—it's even better than Erina's cooking," Mine said admiringly after swallowing a bite.
Akame and Kurome nodded in agreement, though their mouths were too full to speak. Before tasting Aoi's dishes, they'd thought Erina's cooking was the pinnacle of flavor; now, they realized there was always something even better to be found.
"I'm glad you enjoy it," Aoi smiled, modestly unaffected by the praise.
"My job is to make food that Eriri finds delicious," she added, reminding them that her primary role was that of a maid, not a chef.
"Eriri, would you come with me in a few days?" Gabriel asked Eriri from across the table. "It's almost time for the release of Sword Art Online, and the sooner we take care of this, the sooner we can be back."
About half a month ago, Lala had finished developing the optimized version of Sword Art Online. With her skill, the game was essentially bug-free, making beta testing unnecessary. Worldwide advertising and trailers had flooded the internet, and within weeks, Sword Art Online became the most anticipated release among gamers and non-gamers alike. People were skeptical at first, but when Zaimura Corporation shared the complete virtual-reality technology blueprint online, doubts turned to global excitement.
"Sure, just let me know when," Eriri agreed readily.
Once the dinner feast was over, Eriri suggested everyone head to the onsen, a plan met with enthusiastic approval. With everyone's remarkable physical strength, there was no need to adhere to the usual rule of waiting after meals. They tidied up, washed the dishes, and made their way to the large hot spring pool beside the indoor swimming area.
After changing, they entered the expansive hot spring pool. While the pool could comfortably fit hundreds, the group settled cozily into one corner.
"Ahh…this feels amazing."
Nestling in Arifureta's arms, now in her grown form, Eriri rested her head against her soft chest, cradling Shinobu, who was snuggled against her in turn. The trio of golden-haired girls drew everyone's gaze, sparking a bit of envy among the group.
For a moment, the person most envious was none other than Utaha Kasumigaoka, who sat with her long black hair cascading freely down her back and her deep red eyes fixed intently on the elegant, mature version of Arifureta. She hadn't realized Arifureta could shift forms, and that she would possess such an alluring figure had been an unexpected revelation.
After about a week of living with everyone, Utaha had come to know each of them well, realizing that nearly everyone held some fondness for Eriri. She'd accepted her place in Eriri's entourage, but even so, facing all these rivals made her feel a little possessive.
"Would you like some tea, Master?" Lilliana, kneeling beside Eriri, held out a tray with a teacup and a pot of freshly brewed tea. Though she was a proud knight by title, Lilliana had taken on many of a maid's duties since joining them.
"Sure." Eriri took a sip from the cup Lilliana handed her, then offered Shinobu a taste, subtly flaunting their bond.
At that moment, Lala drifted over and wrapped herself around Eriri's left arm, grinning.
"Looks fun! Let me join too!"
Following her lead, Momo covered her mouth with a soft laugh, "My, Sister, that's quite bold."
Nana, for her part, was too flustered to respond. Lala's boldness didn't bother Eriri, who affectionately patted her head.
"By the way, Lala, any progress with Schwi's body research?"
"Hehe, I can make robots even stronger than before now!"
Though proud of her accomplishment, Lala had little intention of creating such robots.
Meanwhile, the Butterfly sisters were quietly enjoying themselves nearby. Kanae held back her desire to follow Lala's example and grab Eriri's other arm, determined not to embarrass herself in front of her younger sisters.
Athena and Aoi Kujo, who had been seated on Eriri's other side, shifted over to make room for Lala. Athena, having lived here nearly a month, had grown fully accustomed to her role as a maid, shedding any traces of her former godly pride.
On the other hand, Akino Yukinoshita looked on from a distance, quietly admiring the scene but not brave enough to express her feelings. Everyone else had already figured out Akino's intentions, but since she thought she was keeping it secret, Eriri and the others playfully pretended not to notice.
After soaking for over an hour, the day finally came to a close.
In the world of Oregairu, an unusual flash streaked across the sky above Earth. As if resuming from a paused moment, time started flowing again in Akino Yukinoshita's world.
In a spacious, upscale apartment, a young girl with long black hair—identical in appearance to Akino Yukinoshita—sat on the couch, deeply engrossed in a novel. She was Yukino Yukinoshita, the main heroine of Oregairu and Akino's younger twin sister.
Despite her striking resemblance to Akino, her demeanor was colder, and she was known at school as the "Ice Cold Princess."
Suddenly, Yukino frowned slightly, setting down her book and glancing around the room. She couldn't explain it, but an inexplicable, mysterious feeling had momentarily passed through her.
Recalling that her twin sister had vanished from the living room without notice, Yukino's lips formed a faint smile.
"Akino?"
"Akino?"
Her voice rang softly in the living room, but no response came. Yukino guessed that her sister must have gone to the convenience store. She picked up her phone and dialed Akino's number, but a voice on the line filled her with concern.
"The number you dialed is currently unavailable."
Yukino's face fell. "It's already past seven. Even if she went out, she should still be in range. Could something have happened?"
Feeling a rising wave of worry for her sister, she debated calling their other sibling, Haruno Yukinoshita, for assistance. Just as she was about to make the call, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind, accompanied by two lines of text:
"Do you want to understand the meaning of life? Do you wish to truly... live?"
"Yes / No"