Multiverse Gacha

Seeing August's expression, Natsuki Minamiya immediately knew that this guy definitely knew something.

After recalling the plot, August couldn't help but smile. The start of this storyline meant that Natsuki Minamiya's exclusive maid from the original story was about to make her appearance.

"What are you smiling about? Spit it out. What do you know?" Natsuki asked August, her tone serious. The recent series of attacks had kept her extremely busy.

"I do know a few things, but Natsuki-chan, if you want information, you'll have to offer something in return," August replied with a sly grin.

"Huh? Something in return? You jerk! You're living under my roof, eating my food, and now you're asking for a reward?" Natsuki retorted, her voice rising.

"Hey, let's get this straight. This place is mine now—the whole building. And the food and drinks? All provided by me," August shot back.

"I was the one who helped you get your identity sorted. Otherwise, you'd still be a nobody," Natsuki countered.

"Money can solve that problem easily. Besides, if the Lion King Agency knew I needed it, they'd be tripping over themselves to deliver it to me," August said nonchalantly.

"You—!" Natsuki was fuming, glaring at August's shameless expression.

But as much as she hated to admit it, August wasn't wrong. The ownership of the building now belonged to him, including the top floor where Natsuki lived. She was merely renting it, not owning it. Moreover, since she was just a magical clone, she didn't even need to eat. The meals at home were prepared by Kanon, and the groceries were bought with August's money. Natsuki, who usually didn't care about such trivial matters, was now seething with anger.

"Fine. What do you want?" Natsuki finally asked, suppressing her rage.

"Hmm... How about a kiss from you, Natsuki-chan?" August teased.

"Go die," Natsuki snapped without hesitation, her folding fan flying toward August's face.

August caught it effortlessly, flicking it open and fanning himself casually, his smug expression only adding fuel to Natsuki's fury.

"Change your request. That's absolutely out of the question," Natsuki said firmly.

"But there's nothing else I want. I have everything I need—except a kiss from you, Natsuki-chan," August replied, his grin widening.

Natsuki felt her patience wearing thin. The sight of August's triumphant smile made her blood boil.

"Fine. Keep your secrets. I don't care anymore," she said, turning to leave. Even if she was just a clone, there was no way she'd let this jerk have her kiss.

"By the way, Natsuki-chan, the mastermind's goal isn't the vampires. It's something deep within the Keystone Gate," August casually dropped.

"The Keystone Gate?" Natsuki froze, her curiosity piqued.

The Keystone Gate, a massive complex located at the center of Itogami Island, served as the foundation connecting the four artificial islands. Beneath the sea level, it housed over forty layers of facilities that managed the island's operations. It absorbed the shocks and vibrations caused by ocean currents and winds, preventing the islands from colliding or drifting apart. Without the Keystone Gate, Itogami Island would collapse into the ocean.

Itogami Island itself was a marvel of both magic and technology, built using the Four Holy Beasts' magical formations—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise—to tap into the dragon veins and stabilize the island. However, such a massive structure required a foundation, a keystone.

Senra Itogami, using dark rituals, had embedded the "Right Arm of the Saint" as a sacrificial offering deep within the Keystone Gate. This holy relic's power countered the intense underwater currents, ensuring the island's stability. This was one of Itogami Island's greatest secrets, known only to a select few, including Natsuki.

"What exactly do you know?" Natsuki asked, her voice tense.

"Just a few things I happened to uncover," August replied cryptically.

"You know the secrets of the Keystone Gate?" Natsuki pressed.

"Well, I visited the Keystone Gate recently and stumbled upon something interesting. Did a little digging and found out some secrets," August said casually.

Natsuki turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. She was both shocked and wary. Just who was this man? And which version of him was the real one?

Taking a deep breath, Natsuki tried to calm herself. The Keystone Gate was the literal foundation of Itogami Island. If anything happened to it, the entire island would sink into the ocean.

"Change your condition. As long as it's reasonable, I'll agree," Natsuki said, her tone firm.

"But all I want is a kiss from you, Natsuki-chan," August replied, his grin unwavering.

"Don't push your luck," Natsuki warned.

"Alright, let's compromise. How about I give you a kiss instead?" August suggested.

"What's the difference, you idiot?" Natsuki snapped.

"Of course there's a difference. One is you initiating it, the other is me. Totally different," August said, his tone playful.

Natsuki's anger was reaching its peak. She felt like she was about to explode.

"Fine, fine. Let's compromise further. How about you make me tea for a month?" August proposed.

"Tea?" Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

"Your tea is the best I've ever had," August said with a smile.

"Fine. But no more than two weeks," Natsuki countered.

"Three weeks," August bargained.

"Twenty days," Natsuki said firmly.

"Deal," August agreed immediately.

Realizing she'd been tricked—three weeks was only one day more than twenty days—Natsuki felt a fresh wave of anger. She glared at August, wishing she could slap that smug smile off his face.

"Pfft—"

A soft laugh broke the tension. Kanon, who had been watching the entire exchange, couldn't hold back her amusement.

Natsuki suddenly remembered that Kanon was still there. Her teacherly dignity had just taken a massive hit. If August could hear her thoughts, he'd probably tell her not to worry—her "teacherly dignity" was bound to disappear sooner or later anyway.

With August around and the three of them living together, it was only a matter of time before they became like family. After all, August had his sights set on Natsuki, the eternally youthful, legal loli with the heart of a mature woman.

---

If you're interested in reading more, feel free to visit my pat reon, https , // www .pat reon. com /XElenea