Multiverse: Invasion of the 2D Heroines

Near the entrance of a small park, a beautiful girl with long, glossy black hair that fell past her shoulders was squatting down.

"Meow~"

A plump, orange tabby cat was lazily lying in the nearby bushes, purring softly as a slender, fair hand gently stroked its fur.

"Meow~"

This time, the sound didn't come from the chubby cat it came from the girl herself. The one mimicking the cat's voice was none other than Yukino Yukinoshita.

"Meow~"

"Meow~"

As Yukinoshita's gentle meows continued, the chubby orange tabby would respond, their voices harmonizing. Her usual cold and indifferent expression had softened completely. She loved cats she loved them so much.

This round, fluffy, and incredibly soft cat was just too adorable. Yukinoshita desperately wanted to scoop it up and snuggle it to death, but she restrained her overwhelming urge. She couldn't afford to scare the cat away.

"Meow~"

She let out another soft meow, her voice melting with affection. If anyone who knew her saw her like this, their jaws would surely hit the floor. After all, in the eyes of those people, Yukinoshita was always the cold, strict, untouchable beauty how could anyone imagine her like this?

The cat purred contentedly, and Yukinoshita's face mirrored its tranquility. She lightly swallowed, feeling the timing was just right. The cat probably wouldn't resist now, right? She was about to pick it up and fully experience its cuteness.

"Meow~" x3

Just as she let out another meow, a third meow distinct from hers and the cat's sounded behind her.

Huh? Another cat? Double the cuteness?

"Meow~"

Turning around with an angelic smile on her face, Yukinoshita sweetly meowed toward the new arrival.

But in the next instant, her entire expression froze.

There was no cat. Just an annoying pig-headed idiot.

Instantly, her face reverted to its usual emotionless coldness.

"That was the most disgusting meow I've ever heard."

From her soft lips came words that were sharp as blades, aimed directly at the person in front of her Yoru Moonshadow, who only shrugged in response.

"Thud"

The heavy sound of a foot stomping the ground.

"Meow!"

With a startled cry, the chubby orange cat bolted away. Yukinoshita's gaze grew icier he had scared her precious cat away.

"Looks like you've been up to your usual scumbag behavior again."

She scrutinized him with a look of contempt. The scratches on his face clearly left by a girl's nails the shoe-shaped bruises on his body, the visible shoe prints on his clothes from different girls, and even the delicate bite marks on his hand. Had he been mobbed by a group of girls? What the hell had he done to deserve that?

Yoru Moonshadow shrugged, more amused than annoyed. He hadn't expected her to be such a hardcore cat lover. He casually turned and headed toward the station to go home.

But as he walked, he soon noticed Yukinoshita trailing behind him. Was she following him? No, he quickly realized what was going on.

She was most likely lost. Again.

So she was a hopelessly lost cause when it came to directions.

Yoru Moonshadow considered messing with her a little.

A mischievous grin curled on his lips.

About ten minutes later, he could clearly feel the burning gaze behind him. She had figured out that he was deliberately leading her in circles.

Her footsteps grew heavier on the asphalt, and her pace quickened.

The soft scent of shampoo wafted toward him, her silky black hair swaying as she briskly overtook him, her expression frosty. Clearly, she realized his trick and, driven by her pride and stubborn independence, she refused to follow him any longer.

After crossing the intersection, Yukinoshita paused, slightly surprised. She actually recognized this place. If she just followed this road, she would reach the station.

But at that moment

"Beep beep beep!!"

"Screeech!"

The sharp honking and screeching of tires cut through the air. It was right behind her.

Yukinoshita turned slightly, her blue eyes widening in horror.

Reflected in her pupils was the sight of a truck barreling toward her, ready to crush her delicate frame.

In that instant, Yukinoshita's face drained of color.

Just before the truck could hit her, a body slammed into her, tackling her out of harm's way. They rolled on the ground together, narrowly avoiding the collision.

"Screeeeech"

The truck came to a stop, the driver poking his head out and cursing before quickly driving off.

It was the first time Yukinoshita had been so close to death.

"Stop spacing out already!"

A voice laced with irritation snapped her back to reality. She realized she was lying on top of Yoru Moonshadow. He had saved her. He'd even used his own body as a cushion to keep her from getting hurt.

Wasn't this the kind of heart-pounding, cliché moment you'd find in a visual novel? But no, there was no spark of romance here. Yoru Moonshadow was too busy groaning in pain to notice any softness or fragrance.

He stood up, dusted himself off, and walked over to pick up his backpack and the bags of groceries he had dropped.

"What is it?"

Raising an eyebrow, he noticed Yukinoshita still looked pale. Was she still shaken?

"Nothing. Thank you."

She shook her head and thanked him, though her tone made it sound like a formality. To people who didn't understand her, it might've seemed cold and ungrateful, but Yoru Moonshadow, who knew her a little, could tell it was genuine. Compared to her usual frosty replies, this was a huge improvement. Besides, he was partly responsible for what happened.

Seeing she was okay, he turned and walked away. There were clear signs pointing to the station; she should be able to make it from here without getting lost again.

But just a few steps later, he stopped and turned back.

Yeah, she had obviously twisted her ankle.

...

Somewhere in another world.

"What's going on? We finally managed to disrupt that world's system. That person should've been caught in an accident and transferred here!"

"We don't know yet. We're still investigating."

"Hurry up and prepare it again. That's the purest soul we've found so far. If we can summon him as a hero and then sacrifice him, we'll finally be able to activate our Demon King's ancient Sin Armament."

"Don't forget our deal. Make sure that filthy woman Alas=Ramus suffers a fate worse than death."