Chapter 57

Episode 57: Approaching the Enemy and a Sense of Urgency

Hello.

I am a mysterious beautiful girl specializing in infiltration.

Right now, I’m infiltrating the wretchedly dangerous building of Kisou Academy.

“…Next time, make sure to prepare some glasses too. In situations like these, having glasses really enhances the atmosphere.”

Do you really think this is the time to be saying such things?

We’re currently in the middle of picking a fight with us, the Kisou Academy students.

“Hmm… According to that streamer’s data, it should be this way.”

With Mizuki Senpai leading the way, we were quietly moving around inside the building.

If it weren’t for Jouka’s data, what would this person have done…? Maybe attempted a frontal assault?

“Let me reiterate, our objective this time is to rescue Miroku. Ah, and I’ll also grant permission to punch Miroku a few times.”

““Eh?””

“That idiot apparently doesn’t understand unless someone punches her. Honestly, who does she think will be happy about pulling stunts like this…?”

Several images of Mizuki Senpai’s usual actions pop into my mind.

Are you any better yourself???

I caught Toa’s eye, and it seemed we had similar thoughts as we both gave a wry smile.

So, our goal is to retrieve Miroku Senpai.

There’s absolutely no good reason for a beautiful girl to be here at Kisou Academy.

Especially, professors are out of the question. If I ever meet one, I’ll tear them to shreds.

“Oh, so you’ve decided to use me after all?”

Well, since we’re already halfway in.

At this point, there’s no choice but to kill the professor.

How many beautiful girls has that guy killed…!

I failed to protect them…

That’s why I’ll protect Miroku Senpai.

Even if it costs me my life, I’ll protect her!

“Uooooooh!”

It’s great to see Star Reader’s Staff full of energy.

But there’s one problem.

“The guards have moved. Now’s the time, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

Mizuki Senpai in front, me in the middle, and Toa bringing up the rear.

Being sandwiched like this leaves no room for being a mysterious beautiful girl.

So, does this mean I’ll be rescuing Miroku Senpai as myself, Kei Natsumi?

Is it because they don’t understand how weak I am without enhancements?

“Technically, it’s still Super Mysterious Beautiful Girl Time. Even in this outfit, my physical abilities are increased by 1.5 times.”

Like adding water to burnt stones…

It’s better than nothing though.

If I want to save Miroku Senpai quickly, the fastest way would be for me to become Solciera and charge through everything until we reach our destination.

However, there’s an issue with this approach.

Firstly, in this situation, there’s no opportunity to transform into a mysterious beautiful girl. Secondly, mysterious beautiful girls don’t go berserk head-on.

Three days have already passed. If Miroku Senpai were fragile, she’d already be dead.

Frankly, I’m on edge and can’t wait to become Solciera.

Miroku Senpai…

The precious older sister figure from Factom General Academy…

“You know, in situations like these, it’s better to straightforwardly worry. Why do you only perceive the person you’re trying to save in terms of their beautiful-girl attributes?”

I’m just emphasizing my desire to help by adding value.

It’s necessary.

Even you would feel more motivated to help a beautiful girl over a decrepit old man, right?

“True. The speed of calculations changes, doesn’t it?”

Exactly.

It’s akin to meditation.

I’m sharpening my spirit and sincerely focusing on saving the beautiful girl.

“I see…”

And naturally, if I’m going to save a beautiful girl, I must become one myself.

Therefore, I will become Solciera.

But I can’t transform.

Know why?

Because I’m flanked by two people!

Beautiful girl! Flanked by two people!

Is this what happiness feels like!?

Teach me, theorists of happiness!

“You’re quite flustered, aren’t you? What you’re saying is even more chaotic than usual.”

I’m not flustered.

It’s just that I’m worried about Miroku Senpai, so my brain is spinning wildly.

“Sounds like it’s running in circles.”

H, ha ha ha, please transform me into Solciera quickly!

I’ll save Miroku Senpai using Super Mysterious Beautiful Girl Time!

“About revealing your true identity…?”

There’s no way that’s happening. What are you talking about?

I’ll save Miroku Senpai while balancing being a mysterious beautiful girl and Kei Natsumi!

I’ll do both!

I want to do both!

“Damn brat, huh? ――Oh, watch out. We’ve probably been spotted.”

Star Reader’s Staff suddenly said this seriously.

Believing his words, I grabbed and stopped Mizuki Senpai.

We halted in the dimly lit hallway.

“What’s wrong?”

“Kei?”

“…Something’s coming.”

This is something I’ve always wanted to say.

Hmm, it’s quite profound.

So, what’s coming?

“This feeling… It’s a younger sister. Hmm… Probably Eina? We’re about to get serious, so hide well. Your Super Mysterious Beautiful Girl state will last fifteen minutes without me, so do your best.”

Eh.

“Both of you, step back.”

“What do you mean ‘just do it!’… Understood.”

I summoned a dagger and took a stance.

From the dark depths of the hallway, footsteps approached.

They sounded casual, as if someone was merely out for a stroll.

But they also resembled the breathing of a hunting hound.

A figure appeared before us and grinned ferociously.

“―Yo, didn’t expect to meet you again, huh, Natsumi Kei?”

“…I wasn’t hoping to see you either.”

Fiery red hair and dual Demon’s Gear swords.

There’s only one person in Academy City with those characteristics.

The S-Rank Explorer of Academy City, Rokuhara-san.

“Y’know, when Eina said she detected intruders, I came to check it out… And look at that, you guys are doing something interesting, aren’t ya? Seriously, did you come crashing in here with just three people?”

“So what if we did?”

In response to my question, Rokuhara-san grinned and readied his twin swords.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? A fight, of course! I’ve been doing patrol duty in this crummy place just so I could fight you!”

“!”

Before I knew it, a sword was closing in on me.

I deflected it with my dagger and delivered a kick to Rokuhara-san’s abdomen while he was still lowering his blade.

“Hahaha, that’s great. You’re lively. Stick around and give me a proper fight, will ya!”

This is bad!

Meeting Rokuhara means it’s all over…

Which is why we should have waited for Tourak to initiate the original event!

“Hey, hey, do you actually think I’ll lose to someone like Eina? HAH-HAH-HAH! I’ll bury that nuisance in no time!”

Why are you volunteering to be bait like that?!

Besides, hide because we’ll be found!

All I want to do is rescue Miroku Senpai.

At this rate, there’s no choice but to become Solciera!

…Ah, that’s right.

“…Mizuki Senpai, leave this to me and go ahead.”

“Kei!? But the opponent is an S-Rank Explorer! No matter how skilled you are at dodging…”

Upon hearing my words, Mizuki Senpai hesitated.

Surprisingly, Toa encouraged her.

“Let’s go, Mizuki. Kei will definitely keep his promise.”

“Toa… Alright, understood.”

Nodding, Mizuki Senpai ran off with Toa.

Farewell.

By the time we meet again, I’ll have transformed into a mysterious beautiful girl.

Now, it’s war against Rokuhara-san.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I thought Kisou Academy was full of rude people.”

“It’s fine. I want to fight the real you. It’s sad to hear that protecting trash prevents you from giving it your all. Besides, they should be able to handle regular security guards anyway.”

“Hmm, maybe. They’re pretty tough opponents though.”

Rokuhara-san was casually cracking his neck, showing little interest.

Listen! I’m talking about beautiful girls here!!

“I’m tired of waiting, so let’s start. I hate waiting!”

“…Come on then.”

I take my stance with the dagger.

“――!”

Almost simultaneously, we charged.

The first round between me, in my male-disguised mysterious beautiful girl state, and Rokuhara-san began.

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