Multiverse Reincarnation Experiment Group Chat

Stepping forward, Michael walks to the orphanage. A few days ago, he managed to get a short-term job at a construction site. But, Michael felt grateful to the orphanage for taking him in for so long, so he decided to donate the extra cash he got from his job to them.

Carrying a small envelope full of Yul coins, he knocks on the large door to the orphanage church.

"Coming!" yells a voice that reminded Michael of a cool ocean breeze. Opening the door, Sister Lily notices Michael, and a bright smile lights her face. "Michael! You're back already?"

The woman behind the door is a cheerful and radiant young nun with bright turquoise eyes and a kind smile. She wears a black habit with a white coif and collar, accented by a simple gold cross necklace. Her gentle expression and welcoming demeanor give her a warm, compassionate presence.

Her smile almost blinded him. Trying to match her smile, Michael slightly chuckles. "Indeed, I come bringing a gift as well."

He hands her the envelope.

Feeling the package in her small hands, Lily looks up to him in confusion. "Money?"

He nods. "Well, I had some leftover Yul from my paycheck. I decided to pay the orphanage back where I can."

Bringing the envelope to her chest, Lily's smile glows. "I'm grateful! I'll tell Father Orsi! I know he'll be ecstatic!" She quickly walks off, overjoyed, but before she leaves, Lily looks back at Michael. "I'm glad to see you so soon again! I'll make sure we prepare a feast!"

"It's only been a few days." He spoke as a small sweat drop, watching sister Lily walk away.

"You should know, Sister Lily was really sad when you left, Mr. Michael."

Michael jumped slightly and turned around to the small orange-headed boy behind him. "Oh, Nash! You gave me a spook there."

The boy just nodded. "Sorry about that."

"It's fine. How have you and the others been?"

He sighed. "Well, I've been alright. So have the others. But Yuno and Asta are excited about the grimoire ceremony. Not that I care, I'm sure Asta is going to fail again. Like always."

Michael kneels down to reach Nash's eye level. "Even so, remember to support your family." Michael gently rested a hand on Nash's shoulder. "Family will always support you, so make sure to support them. And, I'm sure Asta's day will come around."

From behind them, Sister Lily walks up to them with Father Orsi in tow. "Michael is right, Nash." Lily nods along with what Orsi says.

Nash sighs before walking back outside.

Father Orsi walks up to Michael and extends a hand. "How has the construction site been, Michael?"

Shaking his hand, Michael responds in a hopeful tone. "It has been going alright, I'm just surprised they paid me so soon."

"Well, no reason to look a gift horse in the mouth, right?" Orsi spoke in a carefree tone. "Ah, how about you and Sister Lily go shopping tonight. Tonight will be the Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony, we'll need to stock up on some stuff."

He slightly pushes Lily forward and gives her a not-so-subtle wink, surprising her slightly.

Michael smiles at Sister Lily. "Well, if Sister is alright with taking me."

She frets slightly, waving her hands in denial. "Of course! It will be a pleasure."

"Shall we then?"

The two walked down the dirt path in an awkward silence. Michael was a bit confused and decided to break the silence. The only thing is, so did she.

"Where did—"

"Fine weather—"

Both spoke at the same time, realizing this, both smiled, and Lily spoke. "You go first."

"No, I cut you off. You should go first."

Sister Lily nodded. "Very well then. Where did you end up staying?"

"Ah, yes. I am staying at the local Inn. The owner was nice enough to give me a discount."

Lily's smile faltered ever so slightly. "Ms. Teterson?"

"The same. Though she is insistent about me calling her Tori."

Lily slightly huffs.

"Speaking of, would you like me to help cook tonight?"

Lily thinks for a moment before shaking her head. "I'd like to cook for you this time. Especially after your donation."

"Are you sure? Cooking with you always makes my day."

Lily giggles happily into her hand. "Well, if you want. I won't stop you."

"Then we'd better start grabbing ingredients." The two of them walked through the town and to the farm stores. Picking up Nomotatoes and other vegetables farmed nearby.

The town of Hage was small and mainly known for its Nomotatoes. Nomotatoes are a cheap type of potato that is filling. Though its taste was known to be dry and bland, if a cook with enough skill was given them, they could be made to taste better.

The two talked and laughed as they caught up, simply enjoying each other's presence, falling into a rhythm. Sister Lily's smile never fell.

Soon, it was time to return.

"Yuno! Are you ready! I can't wait!" Asta yelled as normal.

"Yes." Yuno was short-winded as ever.

Both Asta and Yuno had recently turned fifteen. Yuno was a taller boy with black hair and a generally cold, but princely demeanor. Asta was on the shorter side, but what he lacked in height he made up for in spunk and gumption. His light-beige hair made him look like somewhat of a wild child.

Seeing the two return, Asta ran up to Michael and Lily. "Mr. Michael! I heard you were coming with!"

"Of course, I wouldn't want to miss it for the world. I'll drop off the food for tonight." Picking up the food he and Lily bought, Michael places everything in the kitchen.

And like that, they were off to the ceremony. A ceremony for teens to receive their Grimoires, boosting their magic.

The Grimoire Tower was crowded, filled with teens waiting to be granted their magic, hope, and anticipation in their hearts.

As their group stood in the back, with Asta and Yuno standing out in front with the other teens, Sister Lily and Michael stood next to each other.

Lily poked Michael's shoulder. He looked and saw her motioning him to come closer. Leaning in and lending an ear, he listens to Lily whisper something. "Do you think you'll get a Grimoire?"

"Maybe." He whispered back.

She nods with a hopeful gleam in her eye. "I know you will." She spoke with absolute confidence.

When Michael reincarnated, he was left without a Grimoire. And, luckily enough, he was able to explain to Lily and the others that the land he came from didn't use Grimoires.

As the two talked, two pairs of eyes showed invisibly from his shadow. One glared at Sister Lily, and the other stared lovingly at Michael.

Looking around the building, it was full of books. Each was a Grimoire.

As the people filled the room, Michael was mystified by the sheer amount of magical diversity in this one room alone.

'Each one of these is just waiting for its story to be told. Ah… This place is a feast for the mind.' Stunned by the potential of each shelved book, Michael is suddenly moved out of his mind, watching a man slowly descend from the sky on a magic carpet.

"Welcome, young men and women." The man on the magic carpet spoke through what Michael could only describe as a magic microphone. He wore a brown wizard's hat and robe.

'I'm guessing he's in charge of this tower. Interesting.'

"You all begin a new journey today." The wizard-like man continued, looking at the crowd before him. "I wish you all faith, hope, and love." Asta stared excitedly at the floating man, Yuno looked as if he was expecting him.

"I am the master of this grimoire tower. We've never had a Wizard King from this area, nor anyone who's actually achieved greatness in the Magic Knights. I sincerely hope that one of you will become the Wizard King someday."

'This guy sounds a bit desperate.'

"No, Really! Seriously!" Yelled out the wizard in desperation.

"Ahem." He regained himself. "Now it's time for awarding… of the grimoires!"

As he finished his sentence, books began to shine around the tower. Some glowed blue, others green, or orange. An ensemble of colors was pulled from the shelves.

Slowly, each glowing grimoire magically levitated off the shelves. All began to float in above the crowd, and then, they descended to the teens.

"My own grimoire?" One boy spoke.

"No way!" Another said.

As the books floated to their new owners, some began to compare them to each other.

"Hopefully, these kids will learn not to compare themselves to others," Michael spoke absent-mindedly.

But to Sister Lily, she was mystified as if Michael had spoken a foreign language.

Softly, she spoke under her breath, "I pray so, Michael."

Due to the loudness of the crowd, he didn't hear her. But the two in his shadow did.

"Good, good. I look forward to it." The wizened man spoke from his magic microphone.

"uh… Is my grimoire still coming?" Asta spoke as he stared up the tower, arms lifted to the sky.

The wizard looks at him and speaks. "Er… Try again next year?" He said, as if questioning his own answer.

"Seriously!" Yelled Asta.

The crowd stared at him and slowly began to laugh.

"What the heck?!"

"That's too funny!"

"Hahaha"

Sister Lily looks appalled, not just by Asta's lack of Grimoire, but by how the people are reacting.

Seeing this, Michael has had enough and walks toward the center, where Asta is standing. "Hey, get out of the way. And stop laughing!" Michael tried getting through, but the density of the crowd grew around Asta.

Unseen by the crowd, a book descends from the very top of the tower. One without any glow at all. It simply floats down.

As this colorless book falls, another joins its descent. A grimoire glowing a golden hue.

The two books made their way to the lower level.

"Is that!"

"Oh my god! Look!"

The crowd looks in awe. Stunned by the golden book.

"It's a four-leaf clover Grimoire!" Spoke the wizard.

The Grimoire in Yuno's hand began to shine gold. Silencing the crowd.

"I will become the Wizard King." Spoke Yuno, his voice subtle, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

The crowd cheers.

But another book descended. Slowly falling into his hand, Michael looked at what was before him.

He had been bestowed a Grimoire, but it was different. It bore no symbol on the front, nor a color.

'What the?'

Unseen by all but a certain nun, Michael's shadow extended and wrapped around his arm. Slowly crawling up his arm and onto the Grimoire, the book's exterior begins to change.

Turning a dark, leathery black and a symbol slowly etches itself onto the front. The summoning circle Michael had created before he was reincarnated, something he recognized instantly.

The symbol began to glow a volcanic orange as it radiated heat, before a wisp of black slowly formed on top of the circle.

The wisp becomes a small ball that extends two bat wings; the ball opens like an eye, revealing the one Michael had created before with his magic.

The eye, recognizing him, slowly closes. Becoming one with the Grimoire.

Placing it between his arm, he tries to get closer to Asta still.

Asta turns to Yuno. "Just you wait. I'll catch up to you in no time. Because I am your rival!"

Yuno walked forward and then past Asta. "Not possible."

Somewhat shocked at what Yuno said, Michael watches on in silence.

As the crowd disperses and every heads home. Michael walks with Sister Lily.

"So, you couldn't find Asta?" Michael asked Lily.

"No…" She looked down, and the whole situation troubled her.

Resting a hand on her shoulder, Michael tries to comfort her. "I am sure he'll come around."

She nods.

--------------------------------------------

As the day turned to night, Lily and Michael prepared a feast. Michael had insisted on buying more than Nomotatoes and purchased lettuce, onions, and eggs.

As the two prepared food, Lily would steal looks at Michael, clearly trying to find the words to speak.

"Lily, do you remember how I taught you how to cook these Nomotates?"

"Yes." She nodded as she chopped the lettuce.

"Good. You have an excellent memory. Could you prepare them?"

"Sure!" She smiled. Lily always smiled when Michael complimented her. Or whenever he was around, in fact.

As the two finished and brought the food to the table, both Yuno and Asta returned.

Asta was happy as a clam, and Yuno was silently smiling. Both bleeding and bruised.

"Hey, look! I got my Grimoire!"

Both sat down and started eating, as if nothing had happened. Sister Lily gets up and heals the two troublesome boys.

Asta, talking with his mouth full, bragged about his grimoire. Michael couldn't help but notice it had five clovers.

Yuno silently ate, silently happy for him.

Lily finished using her healing magic and sat down to finish her meal.

After talking and explaining, Asta proclaimed he was going to be the Wizard King, only for him and Yuno to get into a childish fight.

Lily smiled, speaking under her breath, "It seems like things have healed between them."

Sitting next to her, Michael rests a hand over hers under the table, slightly surprising the girl. Her smile widens as she looks at Michael with the smallest of blushes.

Dinner comes to an end, and everyone is happy for the variety. Even Father Orsi is begrudgingly glad with the non-Nomotato foods. Walking outside in the dark, Michael bids his farewells. As he leaves, Lily walks up to him.

"Thank you again, Michael. The food meant the world to the kids."

He nods. "Seeing your smile made it all the more worth it."

Lily smiles, her heart beating faster. "Then make sure to stop by often." She said, walking closer to him.

Looking to the sky outside, Michael gets an idea. "I know it may be late, but how about we go for a walk? We can do a little star gazing."

"I'd love that!"

Both walk down the fields once more, this time in a comfortable silence, looking to the sky.

Finding a bench on the path, the two take a seat.

"So, Michael, what kind of Grimoire did you get?" Lily spoke the first thing that came to mind. Sitting closer to him.

"Ah, yes." Pulling out the book he received. Lily looks in awe at the black book. She reaches out her hand, but she can feel the heat the symbol gives off.

"It's a scary-looking book, the front is hot too," Michael warned her.

"If it's with you, Michael, then I have nothing to worry about."

Lying her head on his shoulder, she breathes out. "Oh, how I've been waiting to due this." She spoke, melting onto him.

Wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her in, Michael embraces her from the side. They looked to be two puzzle pieces that were finally put together.

During his time here, Michael and Sister Lily began to court one another. With Lily being a sister of the cloth, their attraction to each other became forbidden.

But it was that forbidden nature that made their interactions all the sweeter.

"I have only been gone for a few days. Surely you can last without me."

She quietly pouts before sighing. "While that may be true, I certainly do not enjoy it." Placing a hand to his cheek, and moving his view to her, she speaks. "I missed you dearly."

Resting a hand over hers, "And I you. But, I fear that they will catch on soon."

Putting her head to his chest, she mumbles. "But I wish to be in your arms."

Michael held her closer, the night air cool against their skin, but her warmth more than enough.

The stars above shimmered like a silent witness.

"I shouldn't feel this way," Lily whispered, her voice barely above the rustling grass. "I'm a sister… The vows I made..."

"And yet, here we are…"

She turned her face up to him, eyes reflecting moonlight and something more fragile.

"Does it make me wicked?" she asked, her breath hitching. "To want something I know I shouldn't?"

Michael met her gaze, brushing a thumb gently across her knuckles. "If it does… then I suppose I'm wicked too."

She gave a breathy laugh. "It's not fair. You make everything feel safe. You make it feel… like home."

"Then let me be your home," he said, the words spilling before he could think.

Her eyes widened.

Slowly—cautiously, she leaned up, and Michael met her halfway.

Their lips brushed, no more than a breath. But it was enough to steal the wind from both of them.

Lily pulled back, trembling. "We shouldn't…"

"I know."

And yet, neither moved.

"When the day comes that we're free to love openly," he whispered, "promise me you'll be there."

She nodded, resting her head against him again. "I'll wait for that day… as long as it takes."

----------------------------------

Yuki lay sprawled on her bed, wearing a used white tank top and pink sweatpants, eyes dreadfully open as she stared into the white ceiling of her room.

The last few days, she has been debating what to actually get from the shop.

While the ability to gain power from anger would be an incredible boon, Yuki knew of the dangers of letting yourself into anger.

She also knew that this world wasn't just about power, it was about sheer ability. She couldn't punch through Limitless or beat a Mahoraga that adapted to her strikes.

What Yuki needed was something that would allow her to defeat opponents in a single strike, something that would allow her to penetrate even the greatest defenses.

She found that if you go to the 'sell' section of the store, it would list the amount of credits that the shop would give in return for items in her inventory.

And with her [Wrath Made Manifest] still not having been used, it lies in her inventory. And such, its credit value was displayed.

It was valued at 2 billion credits.

Much to her surprise. Yuki couldn't help but wonder what kind of strength came with the Wrath ability.

But she stood by her original thoughts. Yuki wasn't an angry person, and from training most of her life in the art of the Shinobi and Kunoichi that her parents gave her, a rage-based ability just didn't seem to match her skill set.

Looking through the shop, she did find something closer to her skill set. While she was looking to show off, to be flashier, she didn't want something that would make her lose control.

With hesitation, she clicked sell, and 2 billion credits were deposited into her account. A notification also popped up on her menu. It read, "Congratulations on becoming an 8th-level shopper! Bonus and new items are available.

With a shrug, she then went to the 'Fate' section and searched 'Sasaki Kojirou.'

Scrolling down, she found her choice of purchase.

[Template: Assassin-Sasaki Kojirou]

[Description:

Sasaki Kojirou's full sword mastery, as portrayed in Fate/Stay Night, is not merely a set of techniques—it is the culmination of impossible precision, limitless refinement, and transcendent perception.

Though he is technically a "nameless swordsman," his entire existence was defined by the blade, to the point where he mastered a technique that breaks the laws of cause and effect through sheer skill alone.

He possesses an inhuman sense of timing, able to strike at the exact moment necessary to land fatal blows, regardless of an opponent's speed, strength, or magical protection. His footwork is weightless yet grounded, placing him always at the right angle, the right range. His combat awareness borders on precognition, not because he sees the future, but because he no longer needs to.

His class as an Assassin grants him Presence Concealment, allowing him to disappear completely from magical detection and even human senses, making his ambushes nearly impossible to predict. Though, since he is not truly an assassin, this is his intrinsic ability as a martial artist to 'cut off his presence,' rather than an ability that uses mana.

His Vitrification, his heart of clear water, can calm his mind and maintain complete focus during battle, granting him protection from mental effects like charm and fear during battle.

His Knowledge of the Sowa allows him to prevent the reduction in accuracy regardless of how many times he uses the same technique on the same foe. And his Mind's Eye (True) reflects his overwhelming tactical intellect, allowing him to instinctively calculate advantage, predict counters, and adapt to even chaotic battlefield conditions with eerie calm.

At the heart of his mastery lies Hiken-Tsubame Gaeshi, a triple-layered strike that manifests as an impossible simultaneity—three slashes launched in different directions at once, performed not through sorcery or divine power, but through technique so perfect it forces the world to accommodate it, disregarding the concepts of time and space.

This Template grants all skills, abilities, and mastery that of Assassin Servant Sasaki Kojirou.]

As that enters her inventory, Yuki notices something quite particular. In the 'sell' section, the [Template: Assassin-Sasaki Kojirou] can be sold for the same amount that it was bought for.

Not only that, but the item no longer appears to be in the store.

Something to tell the others later.

Next, Yuki searches for 'Unbreakable Katana' in the shop.

Scrolling through the selection, she found something that would work. While she considered just grabbing the sword that Sasaki Kojirou used, she decided that using a blade a few centimeters shorter than herself wasn't the best idea.

And if she had the ability to cut gods, then she needed a weapon that she could rely on.

Hence, the Unbreakable Katana.

Buying it for the 100 million credits it was worth, the blade entered her inventory.

[Unbreakable Katana]

[Description:

The Unbreakable Katana is a flawlessly forged blade that can never chip, crack, or shatter—no force, no magic, no concept of destruction can mar its edge. Eternal in form and function, it cuts with unwavering precision, immune to wear, ruin, or time itself.]

'Might as well buy an outfit, no? Maybe one that could repair itself.'

After hours of looking through the clothing section of the store, she landed on a few articles that could both repair themselves over time and looked quite cute as well.

Flashy, but still respecting her lineage. She ended up spending 25,000,000 credits for the quality.

While browsing, she found some utility items as well, and with money to spend, she decided to buy them.

She in total, she bought four items with her remaining 90 million credits. Leaving her with just under 10 million credits.

[Self-Repairing Blossom Shinobi Outfit]

[Description:

A graceful fusion of tradition and battle-readiness, this outfit blends soft pink fabrics with ornate gold-accented armor. Floral hair ornaments and layered robes evoke elegance, while plated gauntlets, greaves, and a tied sash hint at the strength beneath the beauty.

This outfit is made of mundane materials, and given the ability to repair themselves in time. Cuts and tears will repair after minutes, loss of major sections with return in hours, and total destruction of the Self-Repairing Blossom Shinobi Outfit will result in its return in the inventory after twenty-four hours.

With the set are three mystical items, which, when worn with the Self-Repairing Blossom Shinobi Outfit, are given its Self-Repairing abilities. The three items are the Sheath of Returning Blades, the Gourd of Replication, and the Compass Talisman of Desire.]

[Gourd of Replication]

[Description:

The Replicating Gourd is a mystical vessel that perfectly duplicates any liquid submerged within it, endlessly producing identical fluid without loss of quality, making it a coveted tool for alchemists, warlords, and empires alike.]

[The Compass Talisman of Desire]

[Description:

The Compass Talisman of Desire is a mystical instrument that accurately points toward the location of the user's current and deepest desire, guiding them across any distance or obstacle with uncanny precision. Each desire is shown by a different point, the red towards the current, the blue towards the deepest.]

[The Sheath of Returning Blades]

[Description:

The Sheath of Returning Blades is a mystical scabbard that recalls any sword or blade that has been placed within it back within its scabbard instantly, regardless of distance or obstruction, ensuring its blade is never truly lost.

The Sword or Blade will mystically appear in the Sheath. Multiple blades can be called, but only one can be in the sheath.]

Was it her subtle shopping addiction? Her knowledge that it can be sold back to the shop at the same value? Or her sleep-deprived state that led her to do this?

No one knows, not even Yuki.

Exiting the shop, Yuki got up from her bed.

Pressing 'use' on the template in her Inventory, she felt a lifetime of information wash over her. 

Collapsing onto the floor, Yuki felt her bones twitch and her muscles gained memories not their own. Spasming on the floor, as she began to feel the room around her with a level of detail she never thought possible.

Her stomach churned as new instincts were transposed over her own. Her Shinobi and Kunoichi way mixes with Sasaki Kojirou's way of the sword.

Her blood began to feel cold, like her heart had started to pump iron instead of blood. It became too much even for her, even after all of the torture training that she was put through, Yuki passed out.

As the hours passed and the sun began to rise, a ray of light passed through one of her blinds.

Slowly and with almost inhuman steadiness, Yuki raised a hand to block the light from her eyes.

With steady precision, she lifted her body, standing to her full height. Her long black hair flowed down to her waist. Lifting a hand, she noticed that her forearm had gained muscle. Looking down, her whole body did.

Sighing to herself, she realized that with the uniform at her high school, attention might be drawn to her at school.

'Well, I could just wear the longer skirt the school provides and maybe some arm covers.'

Sweeping off the small amounts of dust that were on the floor and now on her, she then looks back into her inventory.

Pressing 'equip' with both the [Unbreakable Katana] and her what she dubbed her [self-repairing 'Blossom Shinobi' outfit.]

In an instant, her tank top and sweatpants were replaced with her new armaments. 

Looking in the mirror in her room, she admired her choice of clothing.

She stood with a poised elegance, each aspect of her attire rich with artistry and tradition. Her hair, a lustrous cascade of midnight black, was tied high and decorated carefully with delicate blossoms of soft pink, their petals open as if perpetually blooming. Her gaze was calm yet intent, eyes bright with quiet determination and framed by graceful, dark lashes.

Her outfit was masterfully layered, starting with an intricately patterned kimono in gentle shades of rose and soft ivory, its sleeves expansive and edged with subtle embroidery that whispered craftsmanship and care. A deep black scarf adorned her neck, adding a contrasting yet harmonious touch.

Armor of polished metals accented her shoulders and arms, etched with golden detailing that spoke of refined strength and honor. At her waist, a large, knotted sash held tightly, its elegant fabric gathered into a bow that added softness to the warrior-like formality of her garb.

Suspended from her hip were carefully chosen accessories—a small, golden brown gourd, and a compass talisman glimmering with emerald hues.

Her trousers billowed slightly, ending just below the knees and tucked neatly into finely crafted greaves. Ornate sandals wound up around her ankles, secured tightly for both comfort and mobility, and completed with gentle precision.

Every detail of her attire told a story—of discipline, tradition, and graceful resilience—presenting her as a figure of beauty and strength, as intricate and purposeful as the petals woven through her hair.

And the centerpiece of it all was the special Katana held on her hip.

Resting gracefully at her hip was a katana of refined elegance, partially sheathed in a slender scabbard that matched the gentle hues of her attire. The sheath was lacquered smoothly in muted shades of silver and soft rose, subtly shimmering as if polished by countless thoughtful hands.

The handle, bound meticulously in dark silk threads, was woven into a precise diamond pattern, offering both a secure grip and an understated beauty. Small embellishments, crafted from gold, accented the guard and pommel, catching the ambient light gently and speaking quietly of care and tradition.

The sword's guard (tsuba) appeared delicate yet sturdy, intricately crafted in subtle floral and geometric patterns, echoing the ornamental style found throughout her attire. Its subtle glow indicated regular care, yet its aura spoke of strength and steadfast reliability.

Though mostly concealed, the small portion of the blade visible hinted at masterful craftsmanship—polished, gleaming, and meticulously honed, likely forged by an expert bladesmith. Every detail spoke of elegance that did not compromise its lethality, perfectly matching the serene yet formidable woman who carried it.

With a satisfied nod, she looked around her room for something to cut. Finding nothing, she made her way downstairs.

Opening her door and taking a step on the stairs, a realization hit her. She didn't hear the sliding noise of her door, nor the usual creak of the stairs.

As she descended, Yuki found that unless you saw her there, you wouldn't have even known she lived there.

Quickly and with supernatural silence, she grabbed an empty water bottle for the plastic bin.

Placing the bottle on an old wooden chair, Yuki placed her left hand on her sheath and her right on the handle.

With a motion faster than the normal eye could perceive, she sheathed the blade and cut the bottle in half in one motion.

Slightly gasping at the speed she just displayed, she tightly gripped her hand. Quickly grabbing another bottle, she once again stepped into a stance to swing her blade.

This time, Yuki pulled the Unbreakable Katana out of its sheath fully, placing it before her. With both hands on the blade, her body falls into a stance that feels more natural than normal standing.

A stance that subjugated the area around her with invisible pressure. Without caring to hide the strike's magnificence, Yuki swings the blade only once.

'Hiken-Tsubame Gaeshi!'

In a flash of light, the bottle was cut.

Not just once, but three times.

As if three different possible cuts had sliced through at the same time, as if the world was told that in one motion, three motions were taken. Three possible strikes overlapped the same instance of time and cut through three different paths.

With a practiced breath, she slowly sheathed the blade.

"I am ready."

Looking at the clock on the wall, Yuki looked back at her inventory, seeing that her nightclothes were in there.

Equipping with those, her Blossom Shinobi outfit was replaced with her white tank top and pink sweatpants.

Quickly running upstairs, she reached the upper level almost instantly.

"This might actually take some getting used to."

------------------------------------------------

The room was enveloped in absolute blackness, thick and silent, as if the world beyond its walls had ceased to exist. No windows, no sound, only the faint hum of life-support systems hidden in the shadows. In the center stood a single object: a tall glass tube, its surface faintly fogged with condensation, casting a pale, bluish glow that barely pushed back the dark.

Within it floated a woman, motionless, suspended like a ghost caught in glass. Her skin was pitch-black, so dark it seemed to absorb the very light that touched it. Crimson surgical lines ran across her body in precise, clinical symmetry—stitched trails of some invasive procedure, glowing faintly beneath the surface like embers beneath ash.

Most haunting of all was her exposed brain—visible beneath a translucent layer of skull, pulsating gently with unnatural rhythm. The sight was surgical, yet ritualistic, as if science and something far older had shaped her together.

She did not move. And yet, it felt as though she was watching. Thinking. Waiting.