Multiverse: The Forced Exorcist

Misumi's teasing had more or less become a small interlude among the Chosen of Pleasure, seen from a relatively objective standpoint.

That name really was a bit…

And even though Asuna had some experience, she was still rather shy. Understanding the deeper meaning behind her friend's words, her face turned red.

She stammered and fidgeted, not saying a word.

Trying to shift the topic, she looked around at the surrounding town. Despite only being away for a short while, she already felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.

Perhaps the world had changed significantly.

Almost forgot the introduction.

Asuna took the girl's hand and said, "We met her on the way to the Starting Town. She was lost."

"She said she doesn't remember much, so I brought her along."

The girl looked up, eyes meeting the boy with pure golden irises. She nodded in agreement with most of Asuna's words.

But then she shook her head slightly and said softly, "What this sister said is mostly right... but I know you."

Her words drew both Asuna and Misumi's attention. They were surprised. The girl had no memories, yet she remembered Shirakawa.

She wasn't trying to be mysterious. Her gaze was filled with devotion as she spoke seriously.

"You are the great creator of the world. You gave me life. You are the divine emperor seated on the golden throne, who will lead us, your people, to witness the prologue of an your epic legend."

Misumi stared at the girl's sincere expression and then looked at Shirakawa. They were around the same age—or at least appeared that way.

It was hard to imagine someone being praised so highly. Even the greatest rulers in games never received such titles.

"You don't have a name yet, do you?"

Creator of the world, the true god who gives life to NPCs, the divine emperor on the golden throne—none of this was really a problem. It was an added effect from modifying SAO and the Seed of the virtual world.

As for leading the divine kingdom into an epic legend's prologue, that wasn't something Shirakawa had ever considered. He looked at the girl, then turned to Asuna.

"If you brought her here, then you name her," he said casually.

"Huh?"

In the dimensional chat group, Shirakawa's nickname was just Normal High School Student, but Asuna never expected him to have so many grand titles.

Suddenly asked to name someone, she was a bit dazed. Once she realized what was being asked, she started thinking seriously.

After a moment, her pretty brows furrowed slightly as she asked in confusion, "Shirakawa-kun, how about... how about we call her Yui?"

"Up to you."

That kind of relaxed attitude—like two parents naming their child—made Asuna's heart race.

She bent down and looked at Yui, her voice especially gentle, exuding a warm, nurturing aura. "Then... from now on, your name is Yui, okay?"

"Thank you, sister!"

The concept of a name was vague to Yui, but since it came from the great creator, she saw it as a gift. Her beaming smile said everything about her happiness.

"From now on, you'll live with me."

Asuna gently patted Yui's head. The simple dress the girl wore was plain, but with some effort, she'd look beautiful.

Just as she said that, Asuna realized they hadn't even figured out where to stay. She looked at Shirakawa.

"Shirakawa-kun, where should we live?"

Shirakawa didn't bother with small details. As more Chosen of Pleasure gathered, the subspace hadn't changed much.

The magic device used for class changes was still in the real world. As for Asuna, Misumi, and now Yui, the AI with a physical form, they needed a place to stay.

"There are two choices."

"You can live in my Palace of Pleasure or find a house in the Starting Town. I'll help with your class changes tomorrow."

"What's the difference?" Misumi asked curiously.

"The Palace of Pleasure is far away. With your current power, it'd be hard to visit other worlds. The best place to level up is the floating tower, Aincrad."

Shirakawa pointed to the towering structure in the distance. "If you stay in the Starting Town, it'll be easier to level up."

"What do you think, Asuna?"

After briefly weighing the pros and cons, Asuna nodded. "Shirakawa-kun, let's stay in the Starting Town. We want to grow stronger as soon as possible."

"Alright."

With a clear answer, Shirakawa looked toward an open field. With a thought, the environment in subspace shifted. Two houses emerged from the empty square, matching the style of the Starting Town, not standing out too much.

"You can live in that one."

Looking at the houses that suddenly appeared, Asuna and Misumi went silent. Their eyes showed disbelief.

Earlier, when Yui called him the world's great creator, it hadn't fully hit them. But seeing houses form from nothing made them realize what that title meant.

Creator of the world.

A god who creates everything.

"Okay."

Asuna led Shirakawa and Yui to the house. The style was warm and inviting. No need to pick; either would do.

They chose a cozy detached home. Holding Yui's hand, Asuna looked around and, thinking about living in this unfamiliar world, her eyes were filled with anticipation.

"Yui, from now on, this will be our home."

"See you tomorrow, Asuna. I'm going to rest now," said Misumi, who had a lot to process after gaining supernatural powers. She waved at her friend, then looked at Shirakawa.

"With all due respect, may the great divine emperor look after us."

That left Shirakawa standing at the door. Asuna, still an inexperienced girl, had no idea how to handle the situation.

After a long pause, her face reddened.

Finally, she asked shyly, "W-would you... like to rest together?"