Natsuki rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "So, uh, a lot happened after school yesterday. Long story short, Kaguya's mom is now my guardian spirit."
The noise in the classroom made several students turn their heads.
Chika's eyes widened, her curiosity plainly visible. "Let's head to the game room and talk there," she whispered, covering her mouth.
In the board game club room:
"I can't believe so much happened and you didn't even invite me!" Chika pouted, puffing out her cheeks.
Kaguya crossed her arms. "You had club activities. When was I supposed to tell you?"
She turned to Natsuki, her expression serious. "What's going on with me? Why am I like this?"
Natsuki explained his theory without holding back.
Kaguya frowned slightly. "Is there any way to restore her energy?"
"We tried yesterday," Natsuki replied. "Your mom can't get energy from food."
Chika suddenly raised her hand, her voice bright. "I've got it! Maybe... she needs to replenish her magic!"
Kaguya's brow furrowed. "Replenish magic... Like in those games you mentioned? You mean magical power?"
"Something like that," Chika said, her eyes darting around nervously.
"Then let's do it," Kaguya said firmly, looking at Natsuki. "Replenish her magic right away."
Natsuki backed away, hands raised. "Whoa, hold on. I can't do that. Don't look at me!"
He quickly passed the buck. "Chika suggested it, so she should do it. I don't even know how."
"I don't know either!" Chika protested. "Only boys can help replenish magic."
Kaguya's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something. What exactly does 'magic replenishment' mean?"
Natsuki edged towards the window. "You two chat. I'm just gonna... look at the view for a bit."
Chika laughed nervously. "That's grown-up stuff, Kaguya. Don't ask. Let's open the mystery box instead. Maybe there's something to boost your mom's energy?"
"Hey, I've got an idea!" Chika's face lit up. "From now on, Kaguya, you call me 'mom,' and I'll call your mom 'big sis.' We'll be one big happy family!"
Kaguya's mom grinned, making a peace sign. "Chika's so cute. I'd love to have her as a big sister!"
Kaguya stared at them, utterly baffled. Just call me auntie and get it over with, she thought.
"Natsuki, come on," Chika called. "Help us open this mystery box!"
"Coming," he replied, grateful for the distraction.
A moment later, all three of them looked disappointed.
"I watched a horoscope show this morning that said my luck would be bad today. Guess they were right," Chika grumbled. "What am I supposed to do with a lint roller?"
[Item: Lint Roller]
[Description: It's just an ordinary lint roller, nothing special]
[Note: For removing lint only. Please don't use it on weird body hair]
Natsuki sighed, averting his eyes. The description wasn't even trying to be serious.
His blind box was a bust too. It was to be expected. After all, getting the ultra-rare Chika was like hitting the jackpot - she was basically gacha royalty.
"What now?" Kaguya frowned, glancing at her mom. "Should we try that magic replenishment thing you mentioned?"
"Absolutely not," Natsuki said firmly. Are you trying to get me killed? he thought. If I actually tried to 'replenish your mom's magic,' you'd murder me!
"Magic replenishment is just a theory. We don't even know if it would work," Natsuki said seriously. "Let's think of something else."
Kaguya's mom smiled warmly. "Kaguya, sweetie, are you worried about me? That makes me so happy."
Kaguya's lips twitched as she looked away.
"I know!" Chika raised her hand. "I could ask other players. Two heads are better than one, right? Maybe someone else knows about guardian spirits."
Natsuki looked at her curiously. "You have other players' contact info?"
"Not everyone's," Chika explained. "Just a few girls I'm close with, like Rikka and Asuka. Some players are pretty wary about exchanging info."
That's normal, Natsuki thought. You having friends is the weird part!
"How did you exchange contact info if you can't bring phones into the game?" he asked.
Chika pulled out a black notebook. "We traded items before, including this creepy diary. We write down contact info in it. When we get back to the real world, we just add each other on LINE."
She clenched her fists, eyes shining. "I want to set up a player support group where we can all help each other out. After all, we're stronger together!"
So bright! Natsuki thought. She's like a beacon of hope for humanity!
He pondered the contrast. Kaguya wants to be an evil capitalist, exploiting other players. Meanwhile, Chika's trying to form a mutual aid society to let human kindness shine.
Natsuki pondered for a moment. He realized he actually missed Sadako and Cow Girl.
"Message sent!" Chika announced cheerfully. "Don't worry, Kaguya. We just need to wait a bit."
"I'm not worried," Kaguya said coolly.
Chika leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Kaguya's saying one thing but thinking another~"
"I am not."
"Oh my," Kaguya's mom said, covering her cheeks. "Little Kaguya doesn't care about her mother at all."
Kaguya just sighed. When these two got together, even she couldn't keep her composure.
"Hey Natsuki, tell me more about these earthbound spirits," Chika said, grabbing a notebook and pen. "I want to write it down for Rikka later."
"I talked to Rikka yesterday. She goes to the high school next door. She's a first-year like us. Her address is..."
In just one day, she even knew people's addresses. Natsuki had to admire Chika's social skills.
He nodded and shared everything he knew. After all, sharing information was the smart thing to do. Hoarding knowledge and working alone was just foolish.
Natsuki found himself looking forward to Chika's player support group.
A moment later, Chika's phone buzzed. "Someone knows about guardian spirits! It's Asuka!"
Kaguya's eyes lit up as she moved behind Chika.
"Asuka heard from other players that when guardian spirits get weak, they fall into a deep sleep," Chika explained, reading her phone. "Emotions are power. When the owner is in a good mood, like really happy, it gives off energy that can recharge the guardian spirit... Kind of like wireless charging!"
"I see," Kaguya nodded, looking relieved.
Chika turned to Natsuki, eyes wide. "So, are you happy?"
"Not really," Natsuki grumbled from the couch. "I got dragged into some horror game out of nowhere. How could I be happy?"
"Then we need to cheer Natsuki up first!" Chika said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Don't bother," Natsuki said, checking his phone. "My life's pretty boring."
"Um..." Kaguya's mom raised her hand timidly. "Natsuki was really happy last night. I definitely felt something weird enter his body then."
Natsuki froze. "..."
"Yesterday evening?" Natsuki racked his brain.
The only thing he could recall was Miko coming over to help with a back massage. Did that really make him that happy?
Well... he had to admit, when Miko walked on his back, it did feel pretty good.
"Did Natsuki remember something?" Chika asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Nope," Natsuki said, looking away. "Can't think of anything."
Kaguya's brow furrowed slightly. He's clearly lying, she thought.
"Oh, I get it," Chika said, a look of realization dawning on her face. "It must be that kind of thing. No wonder Natsuki doesn't want to admit it."
What are you talking about? Natsuki thought, panicking internally.
Chika clasped her hands, continuing innocently, "I've heard boys feel really happy and satisfied when they do that sort of thing. Too bad Kaguya and I can't help. We'd have to just watch from the sidelines."
Natsuki was at a loss for words, desperately wishing he could change the subject.