Return (Part 1)

At 9:03 PM, Rin and the others, as well as Celine and the others, arrived home at the same time.

However, there was a black-haired, blue-eyed girl about 14 years old sitting on the sofa, wearing a mage-style outfit. The black and red color combination looked stunning.

But Rin was completely shocked.

This familiar feeling couldn’t be wrong.

Then she slowly walked forward.

“You are…”

The girl instantly turned to face Rin and gently patted her head.

“It’s me, though I’m sorry for leaving you all for so many years.”

Celine looked a bit puzzled.

“Um… who are you?”

The girl smiled.

“I’m Rin and Mio’s mother. My name is Kamikoshi Giana, but you can all call me Gina. By the way, I’m from another world, and my race is Kamikoshi.”

“Mom, what’s with this body?”

“This is my real body. The form you saw before was just a magical construct I created.”

“Could it be that Dad’s was the same?”

“Yes.”

“But Mom, how could you give birth to Mio with such a small body?”

“When my belly was big enough, I just used magic to teleport the baby out. I really don’t like the pain of childbirth.”

“Then what about that car accident with you and Dad? If it was just a clone that died, it should have vanished on the spot.”

“Although it was a clone, I had materialized the body. But our consciousness was still shared.”

“Then why didn’t your real self appear after the accident?”

“That was intentional. We wanted to see how you would grow.”

“Then how did you and Dad come to Earth?”

“Just traveling. We originally planned to live in China, but a friend in Japan asked us to help with a sealing spell, so we stayed in Japan for a while. By the way, you were born in Shanghai, China. It’s my favorite place.”

“You said that when I was a kid. Oh, right—what’s Dad doing now?”

“He’s a teacher at a magic school. Just like here you have kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, and university.”

“That sounds confusing. Mom, since you and Dad aren’t from this world, how long is your lifespan?”

“We don’t have lifespans. Our kind stops aging after reaching a certain appearance. I’ve lived for countless years—far beyond any Earthling.”

“Then why did you come back this time?”

“I got bored watching you through a crystal ball every day, so I decided to come see you in person.”

“Why did you come to me first?”

“Because you’re Mio’s older sister. I’ve always considered you my eldest daughter. Plus, I planned to separate you and Mio at a certain time, but some gods acted ahead of schedule.”

“I see. That explains most things.”

“But you’ve been living quite comfortably—good friends, money, fun, and even another sister.”

“Sister?”

“Rinion.”

“I don’t know who she is, but she claims to be your sister.”

Rinion chuckled.

“Sisters are all the same.”

Gina let go of Rin and walked over to Rinion, patting her head.

“As expected of Rin’s sister, you feel nice to the touch too.”

“Of course.”

Then Rinion suddenly hugged Gina.

“Sure enough, Mom feels great.”

“Mom, you’re not just strong, right?”

“Of course not. Compared to when we first met, my strength is probably higher than Xiaofeng now.”

“How did you get stronger?”

“Through various training methods and absorbing energy. Just like how you can absorb malice and grudges to grow stronger.”

“That’s good, but it doesn’t matter. Having you back is the best thing.”

“Mm. Rinion, you can let go now.”

“Okay.”

Then Gina teleported to the sofa and started watching TV.

“Rin, Mio’s other body is here with you, right?”

“Yes.”

“How does it feel using it?”

“Pretty good. Feels like my own body. Aside from being flat as a board, everything else is fine.”

“So you care about that, huh? Anyway, that body hadn’t awakened when the accident happened.”

“Awakened?”

“Just means its strength and defense increase greatly, plus strong regeneration.”

“But Mio and Shizuku’s bodies were reset. Does that mean they lost that ability?”

“No problem. I accounted for many accidents. As long as the soul magic I placed remains, the original bloodline will reappear.”

“So even if I use someone else’s body, as long as I stay in it long enough, it will eventually become like my original one?”

“That’s right. Also, Xiaofeng said our so-called reincarnation was actually just fragments of our power being reborn.”

“What was the point of that?”

“Just boredom. Anyway, I’ve talked enough. Got anything to drink in the fridge?”

“I’ll grab a Coke.”

“Thanks.”

Rin ran to the kitchen.

“Um, Celine.”

“Yes!”

Celine was a bit nervous.

“No need to be so tense. Please take care of her from now on. You’re someone she can always rely on.”

“Rely on? But I’m clumsy and not good at a lot of things…”

“That’s fine. You still feel similar to Rin…”

“Mom, I brought it.”

Rin ran back quickly.

“Thanks, but don’t run indoors—it’s better to walk so you don’t trip.”

“Got it.”

Gina gulped down the Coke, looking satisfied.

“Nothing beats the happy water!”

“Mom, want me to buy you something to eat?”

“No need. I’ll visit Mio later. Oh, and good news—I used to run a cake shop and made birthday cakes for princesses and princes in many countries. Tomorrow night, I’ll make one for you and Mio. There’ll be more people at Mio’s place, so that one will be bigger.”

“Just seeing you makes me happy enough.”

“Mm. But one thing—I’ve never thought of you as an adopted daughter. You’re my real daughter in my heart. That’s okay with you, right?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.”

“Good. I’m heading to Mio’s now. Want some chocolate cake?”

“Sure! Just pair it with that drink we always had with cake when I was little. I miss that.”

“Got it. I’ll be off.”

“Bye, Mom.”

After Gina left, Rin got excited.

“My queen, I’ll go reserve some fried chicken. Mom loves fried chicken.”

“Sure, but can you order enough for tomorrow’s lunch? One piece each.”

“On it! Fried chicken should go with drinks though. What would you like?”

“I want…”

“Big sis, I want alcohol!”

“Not asking you. My queen, what do you want to drink?”

“Not much Coke left. We’ll buy more tomorrow.”

“Fried chicken and Coke—a classic combo.”

Eileen scratched her head.

“Rin, can I have strawberry bubble tea with mine?”

“Fried chicken and bubble tea—interesting combo. You want it now, don’t you?”

“Pretty much.”

“Fine, if I pass a snack shop, I’ll grab one.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Rin teleported away.

One hour later, Rin teleported back to the living room, bringing the bubble tea to Eileen’s room.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Hey, have you had any good drinks on other worlds?”

“Yeah. Once, I didn’t have enough money and stole a few bottles because I couldn’t resist.”

“Why does someone as positive as you have thoughts of stealing?”

“You too. We both have human hearts—sometimes evil thoughts, sometimes good ones. Normal.”

“True. So, do you think the games on this planet are fun?”

“They’re great—especially the Resident Evil series. Scares me to death.”

“Same here.”

“Guess we’re kindred spirits. Do you snack while watching anime at night?”

“Yep. I recommend Date A Live—my favorite.”

“Okay.”

“I’m heading to my queen now.”

“Alright!”

When she arrived, Celine was lying in bed looking at her phone. She glanced at Rin.

“…Rin, want to sleep under the blanket with me?”

“Sure.”

Rin undressed and got under the blanket. Celine turned and hugged her.

“Hugging you feels so good.”

“You too, my queen. By the way, when did you get this white lingerie?”

“Rinion made it. She has lots of clothes that look heavy but weigh nothing. She even made my daily clothes weightless for easier movement.”

“As expected of her. I could never match that.”

“Doesn’t matter—we’re all on the same side. I watched some Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha earlier. Those special punches look awesome. I want to learn them.”

“Martial arts, huh? If strength were equal, I’d like to fight that little Overlord or the Holy King.”

“Speaking of that, do you think you’d win in a fair fight?”

“The old me might’ve, but I’m rusty now. Sure, I’m strong, but only in speed and strength—nothing else special.”

“That’s fine. I plan to watch all of Nanoha’s episodes and learn the techniques. Maybe I can fight Fu Hua someday.”

“She’d swat you with one hand right now.”

“I’ll use normal human strength. After I master the basics, I’ll practice techniques. I can make my stats human-level.”

“That’s tough. Regular training like running and punching bags is why the little Overlord is so strong.”

“I can do that too. Will you join me?”

“Of course. I can also weaken myself to human level. Start with jogging?”

“…Wait. That won’t work. Our bodies are too tough—unfair advantage.”

“So what’s the solution?”

“I have an idea—ask Rinion to make us normal human bodies. That way everything’s fair. If they die in an accident, our souls return to our originals.”

“As expected of my queen. Much smarter than that protozoan.”

“Kiana’s not dumb—she just hates thinking.”

“That’s her charm. Even the evil version is nice in its own way.”

“She’s still me deep down. Treat her sincerely, and she’ll return the favor—just like me.”

“Humans made you like this.”

“Not really—it’s just the game’s setting. But I’m still me, and that’s enough.”

“Of course. I won’t let anyone treat you like a puppet—same for everyone else.”

“Did Mio influence your personality this much?”

“Probably. Plus, I visited Mom earlier.”

“Felt good being with her, huh?”

“Yeah. Mio and Shizuku are like little kids now—love getting head pats.”

“I’d love that too. Where’s Mom staying now?”

“At Mio’s place. They even asked her to sleep with them tonight.”

“What about you?”

“I wanted to, but I also wanted to sleep with you. Feels safer.”

“Safer than Mom? Why?”

“Not sure. But the comfort I feel with you rivals Mom. Maybe that’s why.”

“You hate being alone too, don’t you?”

“Maybe. We’ve always had so much in common—both changed by others. You can slowly regain your true self; I can’t.”

“Do you want to go back to that self?”

“But this is also my true self. The cruel version only comes out when facing enemies I hate.”

“Enemies?”

“Yeah. Even then, I judge their character first—good ones get spared.”

“Sounds reasonable. Let’s sleep and think about what to buy tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

At 9:51 AM the next day, Rin slowly woke up—only to find herself hugging Mio, who patted her head.

“Hugging you feels so nice.”

“???? Mio? Why are you here?”

“Look around the room.”

Rin sat up and saw she was in Mio’s house.

“How did I get here?”

“Mom moved you while you were asleep. You looked so cute.”

“You’re cuter than me. Where’s Mom?”

“She went back to her world. She’s making our cake today. I already called your queen.”

“Good. No wonder—I didn’t even notice being moved.”

“Me too. Want breakfast? Shizuku made dumplings.”

“Sure.”

“However, your clothes and pants didn’t change back, so wear mine for now. I bought plenty anyway.”

“Thanks.”

After that, Mio handed Rin some clothes, pants, and shoes. After changing, Rin walked downstairs and noticed that Alexander, who was wearing a short-sleeve shirt, seemed a little taller.

“Little Alex, how did you grow taller?”

“Because I looked too much like a kid. So I decided to grow up a little. By the way, the feeling from you— I sense you’ve become much gentler.”

“Just think of it as being trained by Her Majesty the Queen. But I feel like some people are missing here. Could they have gone shopping?”

“Yeah, and I’m about to become a worthless spirit.”

“Why worthless?”

“According to Feng Lei Yin, my combat power is like a child compared to spirits in many worlds. Even if combat spirits were sold, I’d only be worth two gold coins.”

“Right now, spirit kings aren’t worth much. But in terms of appearance, you’re still quite valuable.”

“But in terms of beauty, I’m not losing out.”

Ren suddenly appeared behind Rin.

“Ren, do you always walk without making a sound? I couldn’t even sense your presence.”

“How about it? Impressive, right? Even gods can’t hear me. Not even Alexander.”

“Are you stealth masters? Or is this some kind of spirit king trait?”

“We just learned it recently. We’ve picked up lots of fun things—both spells and games.”

“Exactly, and the fried rice here is super delicious too.”

“What fried rice?”

“Seafood fried rice—salmon, eel, crab meat, and shrimp mixed together. Plus some super tasty miso soup.”

“Sounds good. Where did you buy it?”

“Go out the gate, turn left for 500 meters, then turn right for 10 meters. But I forgot the shop’s name.”

“Alright, I’ll check it out when I have time. But you two kings sure love eating, drinking, and having fun these days.”

“Yeah, but I want to ask—your Queen is really strong now, right?”

“If you don’t count Xiao An, An Yue, and Elu, she can solo all of you without any problem.”

“But in my eyes, her raw power is strong, but her fundamentals are zero. No martial arts, no sword skills—just brute strength. Even if Mio’s power surpasses gods and humans, her swordsmanship is zero.”

“If she’s just an ordinary girl, don’t expect those things. Having enough power to protect herself is already pretty good. And besides, she has me.”

“True. Let’s drop it for now and wait in the hall for the wontons.”

“Mm.”

After that, they all gathered around a big table in the dining room. For now, only Mio, Shizuku, Kamine, Alessia, Ai Ai, Ren, Alexander, Nibekor, and An Yue were there.

“Mio, did everyone else go shopping?”

“Probably, though some might be entertaining themselves.”

Shizuku smiled.

“Rin, enough talk. Try the wontons I made.”

“Sure.”

Rin took a bite, and the taste instantly reminded her of the wontons her mother used to make when they were kids.

“This tastes like Mom’s cooking.”

“Yep, my memory’s pretty good, right?”

“As expected of Shizuku. By the way, when did Mom leave?”

“In the morning, but since you and Sis were sleeping, I didn’t wake you.”

“Ah… Still, I’m happy Mom and Dad are alive. Mio, Shizuku, what do you think?”

“Same as always, just like when Mom was still around.”

“Same here.”

“If you two are the same, then I guess I’m the same too. But I’ll mostly stay by the Queen’s side.”

“Your Queen’s mental state is stable, right? Things here are okay.”

“Of course she’s stable. And really cute… Wait—Rin-on and I have telepathic sync… Got it.”

Rin quickly finished the wontons in her bowl.

“Mio, I’m heading back. That idiot wants me to check on something.”

“Okay.”

Rin teleported back home.

But when she arrived, everyone was in the living room eating sandwiches made by Sirin.

“Rin, want a piece?”

“Sure. What’s in it?”

“Ham slices, lettuce, mayonnaise, and a bit of miso.”

“Sounds good. I’ll try it.”

Rin walked over, grabbed a slice, and took a bite.

“Mmm… tastes great. The bread is soft, and the lettuce is warm.”

“I steamed the bread, and soaked the lettuce in warm water for five seconds. That’s why I told Rin-on to bring you back—so you could eat it warm.”

“Makes sense. By the way, Rin-on, you can rearrange all the furniture with a snap of your fingers, right?”

“Yep. And I already checked out the place with An Ya. By the way, Sis, are you and the Queen living on the first or second floor?”

“Second floor.”

“Same for me.”

“Then I’ll take the first floor.”

“Alright. Queen, you said yesterday you’d shop during the day. Want to go after we finish eating?”

“Sure, and let’s get Yia a phone while we’re at it.”

“Sirin, thanks.”

“No problem. You’ve been my best friend since childhood, after all.”

“Feels nostalgic.”

“Yeah, I feel nostalgic too. I may not be as innocent as I was back then, but in peaceful times, my heart feels good.”

“You seem the same as ever.”

“Whatever. Let’s go! First, buy some cola.”

They went to the supermarket, where Sirin bought two cases of cola (six big bottles each). Then they reached the deli section and found something from their childhood.

“Rin, should we buy some of this?”

“?”

Rin leaned closer. It was toothpick meat.

“Toothpick meat, huh? Clerk, can we try two skewers?”

“No problem.”

The clerk handed them over. After one bite, they found the meat tender and juicy, fried perfectly, with a slightly numbing, spicy taste.

“So good! Rin, let’s buy more!”

“On it.”

After buying that, Sirin went to the drinks section.

“Later, let’s teleport the drinks home, then head to the phone shop.”

“Okay.”

“Alright, let’s line up and pay.”

They paid and left the supermarket, but across the street, a crowd was gathered around something.

“Rin, let’s check out what everyone’s watching.”

“Sure!”

They crossed the street and saw two glass cases, each with a gold bar inside. A sign next to a foreign man said: If you can pull it out with one hand, you can take it home. The other challenge was to break the glass case barehanded.

“Rin, can I join?”

“Of course.”

“Mister, I want to join.”

“Sure, 1000 yen. If you want to try both, 1500 yen.”

“I’ll do both.”

Sirin paid and looked at the glass case with a hole in it.

(So that’s how it is. The hole’s too small for an adult hand to pull the bar out. And with such an expensive challenge, there must be a trick. But let’s try first.)

Sirin reached in, pinched the gold bar with her fingers, and slowly pulled it out.

The foreign man and the crowd were stunned.

“Little miss, how did you do that?”

“Just like this—easy. And it’s pretty heavy too (just kidding).”

(Looks like about 15 kg, and I can feel a magnetic pull. No way an ordinary person could lift this.)

“The other one, you need to break the glass barehanded. Six people already failed.”

“No problem. I’m from Belarus—pretty strong.”

Sirin lightly tapped the glass, and it shattered completely. The crowd froze.

“According to the rules, I win. These two gold bars are mine.”

“O-okay. What’s your name?”

“Sirin, English name Sirin.”

“Nice name. You look like that character from Honkai Impact 3rd.”

“…Just the same name and voice, nothing special. If that’s all, we’ll leave—my friend’s still holding two cases of cola.”

They walked to a quiet spot.

“Phew, two gold bars feel nice.”

“You’re amazing, Queen! Would this be hard for a normal person?”

“Impossible. First case has a strong magnet underneath. I could feel it.”

“No wonder it costs so much per attempt. But unlucky for them to meet us.”

“Exactly. Child’s play for me.”

“Yeah. Let’s teleport and then buy the phone.”

“Okay.”

Ring ring~

Rin’s phone rang.

“Who is it?”

An unknown number. Rin answered.

“Miss Rin?”

“This voice… Karo?”

“Yep, it’s me. I’m a temp worker at a fried chicken shop. The owner won 5 million yen yesterday and decided to add two drumsticks to every order to celebrate.”

“Nice. But why are you, a god, working as a shop clerk?”

“To learn how to fry chicken. I could make it myself, but I want to cook in front of people.”

“Sounds fun.”

“As a friend, I’ll add five extra pieces for you guys. Deal?”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. As a god’s blessing, I wish you peace and safety.”

“Thanks. You can deliver by noon, right?”

“That’s why I called. The shop closes at 1:00, so I’ll try to deliver before 12.”

“Alright, talk later.”

“Bye.”

After hanging up, Sirin smiled.

“Rin, I’ll send two pieces to my mom, one to Kiana, and one to… that me.”

“That you is so lonely—it’s a little sad.”

“It’s okay. Rin-on already helped. Aside from the worst criminals, almost everyone survived. And no one except my friends remembers me. Rin-on even left a clone to take care of that me.”

“She really cares about you.”

“Yeah, she even says my Queen is family too. I don’t really get her, but as a friend, she’s the most reliable. Now, let’s hurry back, drop off the cola, and get that phone.”

“Right!”

♢

Unknown Planet

Erea walked with Elia and Beryala across a green plain, but Elia was impatient.

“Beryl, why bring us all the way here? This planet has no life, just grass.”

“Do you want to increase your power?”

“Of course. Does this planet have some kind of item?”

“No, I just wanted to check the environment.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have special seeds. If you plant them, they grow into huge trees that bear fruit to boost our strength. But the tree will drain the planet dry and turn it into a desert. After a few thousand years, not even grass will grow.”

“How long does it take?”

“Less than four hours. But the downside is even after eating a thousand fruits, your power will only increase about tenfold.”

“That little? Rhea, what do you think?”

“Better than nothing. How long do they last? Even if we wanted to eat a thousand, it’d take time.”

“Three and a half years—about five Earth years. But the power boost depends on the planet. If it’s an amazing one, one fruit could increase your strength tenfold.”

“What about this planet?”

“Three to four times per fruit. But I can’t plant them on top-tier planets.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want more bounty notices on me. But on empty planets like this, even if I’m caught, it’s fine.”

“You used to never care about humans. Since when do you fear bounties?”

“There are many above me. Unlike you, I can’t absorb malice to power up.”

“Just think of me as born OP. Anyway, let’s plant it. I’ll pack some for my friends.”

“Alright.”

Beryala blasted a deep pit in the ground, pulled a bean-sized seed from her pocket, and tossed it in.

“Now we wait.”

“Beryl, what if you drop one by accident?”

“Don’t worry—I added a magic safety lock. Won’t happen.”

“Good. If this landed in a populated area, the consequences would be catastrophic.”

“It’s okay—even nukes wouldn’t work on this. To destroy it, you’d need enough force to break the planet.”

“Let’s return to Earth and come back in a few hours.”

“Mm.”

11:32 AM.

Liel and Eve were eating ramen in a ramen shop, but Eve felt something was off.

“Mom, why did you suddenly call me out to eat ramen?”

“Because I missed you. Unlike your dad, who’s now working as a karate instructor.”

“So Mom doesn’t work?”

“With my current personality, I’m not willing to work. Plus, your dad does it mostly out of interest. As for me, I prefer to loaf around.”

“Just say you’re slacking off. By the way, with Rin being so strong, you’re not planning anything shady, are you?”

“No need for that. Even without using my powers, I can handle a lot of things.”

“Don’t think being a god is that amazing. At the end of the day, you’re just another esper.”

“I agree with that. But having a title sometimes isn’t bad. By the way, what do you think of the noodles here?”

“They’re okay. The noodles are chewy, and the broth is very tasty. It’s just that there’s not much beef.”

“Make do with it. I really like this ramen shop. After we finish eating, how about going to an alien planet?”

“What are we going to do on an alien planet?”

“Because I once brought a lot of Earth animals there and made all the animals, plants, and lakes gigantic. For example, a single sheep is about 100 meters tall.”

“Then the planet’s resources will be exhausted very quickly.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. The planet is 50 times the size of Earth. And think about it—such huge mutton, wouldn’t it be amazing to eat? Plus, many of the offspring are also gigantic.”

“With animals that big, how long will it take to finish eating?”

“Very simple—have a big gathering. I remember there are also 30-meter-long crayfish. Even though you only eat the tail, the meat is absolutely satisfying.”

“Then you might as well get me some Kobe beef, and make sure it’s pre-sliced.”

“No problem. I’ve been craving that too. I’ll prepare it and send it to your house.”

“Thanks! Don’t forget some black pepper sauce.”

“Enough talking. Once we finish eating, let’s go check out that alien planet.”

“Okay.”

♢

Knock knock knock.

Rin opened the door. Turns out it was the fried chicken delivery. Rin carried the order inside in several trips.

But Iya started craving it.

“Can I eat some?”

“Everyone can have some if they want.”

Then Silin copied a huge batch of bubble tea and cola.

“Chocolate-flavored bubble tea, for me, goes well with fried chicken.”

Rinon got a little excited.

“Looks like your copying ability is really useful. My Queen, how about designing the new home’s layout based on Mio’s house?”

“No problem. And I’ll add magic to prevent bacteria and viruses. Anyone entering or leaving will be cleansed instantly, and it’ll block magical eavesdropping.”

“Leave it to me.”

“Then I’ll take five chickens to share with people I know.”

After saying that, Silin disappeared.

Silin arrived at Cecilia’s house, where Cecilia was making dumplings.

“Mom.”

“Silin, here to play?”

“I’m here to deliver roast chicken. I brought you two. But I don’t see ‘that person’ around—did she go out?”

“She went shopping with the newcomer Agata. She’s a very polite and nice child.”

“As long as they’re educated properly, it’s fine. But I guess Dad isn’t home either. He probably went to buy wine.”

“Yes, but Silin, you love ice cream and cake, don’t you?”

“Mm, and I guess Kiana does too.”

“Indeed. By the way, I took your friends and turned everything into manga and games. It could make quite a bit of money. I have a feeling it’ll be popular in another world.”

“Yeah, but our early manga characters aren’t as popular as the game characters. It’s because the game is the main focus. K423 is the real protagonist.”

“I wonder if our Kiana will ever meet those friends?”

“She should. After all, Mei, Bronya, Hua, and Theresa are all our friends.”

“If it were you, you’d probably seek them out first, right? My Silin here has that idea already—just waiting for the right time.”

“Pretty much. First, there’s Mei’s psychological issues. Then, in a world without Honkai, things shouldn’t be too chaotic. Bronya might be a little tricky, but manageable. Hua and Theresa too. They fought me once, but if they want a peaceful life, we can be friends.”

“Then I’ll handle a few people for you.”

“Who?”

“Wendy and Anna. And maybe Rita too.”

“That’s good. Anyway, Mom, I have to go. Still need to deliver more chicken.”

“Okay.”

Silin instantly teleported to Kiana. But just as she appeared, she got slapped.

“…Herscher Bug, don’t scare me like that!”

“S-Sorry! Didn’t hurt, did it?”

“Just startled me. What are you doing?”

“Killing a bug. It was flying around my ear. So annoying.”

“Good thing my defense is high now, so it didn’t hurt. Anyway, I brought you fried chicken.”

“Wow, that smells amazing!”

“Probably. Here, one for you, one for me. By the way, where’s the other me?”

“Probably using my appearance to shop. We share the same body after all.”

“Emotions stable without Rin around?”

“Rin?”

“There’s more than one me. Other timelines have me too. And since I’m the strongest of all of them, I need to care for every version.”

“That must be exhausting.”

“Not really. Most of the time I’m just having fun. As long as we don’t fight, it’s fine. I just hope all of us can return to our lives before being captured.”

“If you need help, just tell me.”

“Mm. By the way, I want to tell you everything about me. Want to know?”

“Of course. You’re my true self.”

“I thought about it before, but since you’re also me, I didn’t plan to. But how about I copy my memories to you?”

“Sure.”

Silin touched Kiana’s head, and suddenly both of their minds were filled with memories.

“…Is it all real? Game characters?”

“Why would I lie? If you don’t believe me, I can take you to that world.”

“If that’s true… My head is spinning. Even if I told everyone, they wouldn’t understand.”

“For now, only a few people need to know. Plus my human friends.”

“I’m free anyway. Can you take me to your world?”

“Sure, but let me finish delivering chicken first. Wait here. I need to share memories with the other me too.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be back after visiting another me in another world.”

“Mm.”

After Silin left, Kiana pinched her face.

“Guess this isn’t a dream. But I think Rin’s feelings are affecting me too.”

Less than half an hour later, Silin returned, but now in Herrscher of the Void form.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

“Why do you look like that?”

“The other me wanted a spar. We fought for ten minutes. She couldn’t land a hit.”

“That’s because Rinon buffed you too much. Who could beat you now?”

“At least in this world, I’m 100% invincible. Whatever Honkai or anything else—doesn’t matter. Want me to launch a plan to destroy humanity?”

“If you do, Earth will disappear instantly.”

“Just kidding. So, did you eat the chicken?”

“Yeah, it was amazing. Can you bring me more next time?”

“Sure. After I eat at home, I’ll take you sightseeing in my world. Want to go now?”

“Yes!”

Silin snapped her fingers, and they returned to the living room.

But Silin looked around. No one was there, and everything was moved out.

“Is this your new house?”

“Technically, it’s the old one. We moved everything with magic. They’re probably at the new house now.”

“Looks like you lived in a big house before. Is the new one big too?”

“Yeah. With peace now, where would you like to live?”

“If Mom and Dad come back, I’d like to live with them.”

“Me too. But Mom can just visit sometimes.”

Just then, Rin teleported in.

“My Queen, the move is done.”

“How’s the new house?”

“Pretty big. But why is Kiana here?”

“She came to play. And now she has all of Silin’s memories. She knows everything about you all.”

“I see. Welcome. Let’s head to the new house. Rinon! Teleport us!”

Everyone appeared in the new living room.

Kiana’s eyes widened.

“It’s huge! Is that a pool on the third floor?”

“Yep. Looks like your Queen’s memories are accurate.”

“Mm, including feelings too.”

Silin smiled.

“Of course. We’re the same person, so sharing feelings is natural.”

Bella walked over.

“My Queen, lunch is ready in the dining room. It’s at the perfect temperature. I’ve already cut the fried chicken so you won’t get greasy.”

“Thanks. Has everyone eaten?”

“Yes, and it was delicious. Rinon even changed forms several times to eat more.”

“Kiana, want to join? I can copy some.”

“Sure, I didn’t eat enough earlier.”

Silin created two bubble teas.

“Here, one each! Want cake tonight?”

“Of course! What flavor?”

“Chocolate. But you should let everyone know before disappearing.”

“Okay. After we eat, let’s go shopping.”

“Mm. Let’s eat.”

After they left, Rin went to Rinon’s room. Rinon was eating rice dumplings.

“Want a skewer, Sis?”

“Mm.”

Rinon conjured one and handed it over.

“…Hm? This tastes like a shop in Sendai.”

“It is from Sendai. I was bored, tried it, and it was amazing.”

“You’re not using clones to taste food worldwide, are you?”

“Correct. And I share their taste sensations.”

“Doesn’t that mix up the flavors when you’re eating?”

“No need to worry. One of me is lining up for a multi-layer bacon cheeseburger now. If it’s good, I’ll toss it into storage and copy it later.”

“I can do that too, but won’t you get tired of it?”

“Not if I don’t eat the same thing every day. By the way, Sis, you always ask me to do small things. Don’t you want me to do something big? Like conquer the world?”

“That’d still be small to me—and to you.”

“But I could fabricate fake memories and make everyone obey you.”

“That’s boring. If I want to mess with someone, I’d rather prank you.”

“Okay, then give it your best shot.”

“I mean real pranks. I bet even if I added super-spicy sauce to a burger, it wouldn’t work on you.”

“Sorry, I love spicy. Beyond what humans can handle. So don’t bother.”

“What about bitter melon juice?”

“That I hate. I’m not Theresa. But one sip and I’d know.”

“Then I’ll keep thinking. Give me two more skewers.”

“Sure.”