Multiversal Chat Group: The Cultivator

Saika Totsuka tried to explain. "Miura-san, we're not just playing around…"

"What are you saying? I didn't hear anything!"

Yumiko Miura smirked arrogantly.

This was the perfect moment for Yukino Yukinoshita to step in.

As the leader of their group, she took center stage.

"It seems that someone's cognitive abilities aren't the only thing regressing—now their hearing is too. If you can't even comprehend such simple words, you really do resemble a primate."

Miura's expression darkened instantly.

"Hah?! You… You're really pissing me off!"

Yui Yuigahama quickly jumped between them, trying to defuse the tension.

"Yukino, Yumiko, don't fight! Don't fight!"

Yukino chuckled softly.

From behind the group, Hachiman Hikigaya added, "This court was reserved by Totsuka. Other people aren't allowed to use it."

Miura frowned. "Then why are you all here?"

Hachiman shrugged. "Because we're helping Totsuka train."

Miura suddenly smiled.

"Then we'll train too! What's wrong with that?"

Hayato Hayama stepped in, trying to keep things friendly.

"It's more fun if everyone plays together, right?"

Hachiman sighed. It was clear this wasn't going to end so easily.

Just as Yukino was about to respond, Ren Asakura stepped forward, looking bored.

Something this interesting was too good to pass up.

Ren was strong—whenever he played with his friends, he had to hold back to avoid accidentally crushing them.

These past few days of casual training had been mind-numbingly dull.

Truthfully, Ren enjoyed the thrill of dominating opponents in games. For example, forcing an opponent back into their base in a competitive match and utterly demolishing them.

But since these were his friends, he always held back, never going overboard.

However, some people didn't deserve that courtesy.

Making them cry, crushing them completely, teaching them a lesson—now that sounded fun.

"Perfect timing. We just finished our training, and Totsuka needs a break. So how about I play with you guys instead? Maybe I'll help you all quit gaming for good."

Ren's sweet smile made it seem like he had just reunited with old friends.

Of course, he was always smiling, but this time, there was a distinct edge to it.

Yukino didn't stop him. Instead, she watched with interest. Even Shizuka Hiratsuka had once mentioned that Ren's athletic ability was far beyond ordinary.

Hayama glanced around at the group.

Miura looked eager to jump in.

Finally, Hayama nodded.

"Thanks, Asakura."

Ren Asakura smiled. "No problem, Hayama. Just don't start crying later."

"Hah?! You're way too cocky! Do you even know who I am?!"

Yumiko Miura couldn't take it anymore. It was one thing for Yukino Yukinoshita to act arrogant—but for this chuunibyou problem child to do the same? That was just unbearable.

Ren covered his face and let out a wild laugh, his aura radiating pure arrogance.

"In the eyes of the strong, the weak have no place."

Miura felt like this guy was beyond arrogant. "Then I'll just have to show you what I'm capable of!"

The rest of the group sat on the steps, watching Ren in full-on battle mode.

Yukino Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow. "Is he always like this?"

Megumi Kato nodded.

Hachiman Hikigaya sighed, resigned to the fact that all his friends had issues.

Ren was especially unpredictable—sometimes completely normal, other times totally unhinged, always acting on a whim.

Yukino glanced at the court. "Who do you think will win?"

Hachiman analyzed the situation. "Miura's supposed to be pretty good at tennis. Hayama, on the other hand, is the ace of the soccer team, meaning he's definitely athletic. Plus, he's good-looking, a normie, great at socializing, and super popular with girls. Damn high-class pretty boys… they even have to take over tennis too…"

Hachiman didn't even bother lowering his voice.

Yukino sighed. "The first half of that was reasonable. The rest was just your personal complaints, wasn't it? Let's be real—your lack of friends is 100% due to your terrible personality."

Hayama definitely heard Hachiman's not-so-subtle grumbling.

He smiled and suggested, "How about we settle this with a match? The winner gets to use the court during lunch break. Of course, they'll also have to help train Totsuka. After all, practicing with someone stronger is the best way to improve."

Hayama didn't lower his voice either—clearly addressing everyone present.

Ren's smile didn't fade.

"Should I take that as a challenge?"

Hayama shook his head. "Not at all. I just want everyone to have fun."

Saika Totsuka looked like he wanted to say something, but before he could, Ren simply grinned—his aura as wild as ever.

Ren Asakura let out a loud laugh. "Hahaha! Interesting, truly interesting! You know, back in my hometown, there's an unspoken rule—when competing against someone, you should at least give them some dignity. Never completely shut them out, especially on their own turf.

"But you know what? I've changed my mind. Not only am I going to make you cry, but I'm also going to shut you out completely. And of course, all of you can come at me at once."

He was arrogance personified.

Even Hayama Hayato was momentarily at a loss for words.

Yumiko Miura couldn't stand this guy's cocky attitude anymore, so she stepped forward immediately.

"Then I'll take that as a yes!"

Ren smirked. "Of course. Oh, and I'd recommend changing into sportswear—wouldn't want you crying later and claiming I bullied you."

Yumiko clicked her tongue. "Tch!"

Yumiko Miura changed into her sportswear.

Her long, toned legs were fully exposed, making her look sharp and full of energy.

As expected from the face of the normie clique.

The two of them stood on the tennis court.

The atmosphere was tense, and all eyes were on them.

"Let's begin."

Yumiko tossed the ball up and smashed it with full force.

The ball flew at high speed, cutting through the air.

Hayama Hayato, watching from the sidelines, spoke up. "Yumiko passed the national-level junior tennis selection when she was in middle school."

But in the very next moment, an even faster ball landed near Yumiko.

Before she could react, it hit the metal net and spun violently, getting stuck in place.

Ren scored the first point.

Even Hayama hadn't expected this level of dominance.

What followed was a complete massacre.

Forget scoring a single point—Yumiko couldn't even touch the ball.

Every time Ren served, her racket never even made contact.

His perfect serves, lightning-fast playstyle—this wasn't just skill.

It wasn't human.

Only Olympic-level athletes could maybe pull this off.

Everyone had expected Ren to be strong, but not like this.

Which meant that for the past few days, during practice… Ren had been holding back.

Saika Totsuka instinctively lowered his head.

Ren smirked, eyes filled with mocking amusement.

"Game over."

Shutout victory.

°°°

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