Multiverse: The Forced Exorcist

War Game.

Seeing Hestia's message, Shirakawa was genuinely surprised. His plan for Saeko and Asuna was to use the subspace to level up as a springboard before diving into the real Danmachi dungeon. As for Lili joining his Familia, He had anticipated the Soma Familia initiating a War Game.

Soma Familia's captain and real decision-maker, Zanis Lustra, was very interested in Lili's transformation magic.

But what he didn't expect—

Was how fast they moved.

They must've confirmed that Lili was the only member in the Familia and wanted to act while Shirakawa's side hadn't fully developed, aiming to win her as property through the War Game.

Normal High School Student: Okay.

Blue Ribbon: What do you mean "okay"?

Blue Ribbon: I think Soma Familia's only goal is Lili. You're a new Familia—technically, you don't have any assets.

Blue Ribbon: If I had more Familia members, I'd help you...

Blue Ribbon: But right now, it's just Mai. What should we do? If it really comes to it—

Blue Ribbon: Should I ask another god's Familia for help?

"..."

What caught Shirakawa off guard was Hestia's attitude—she was willing to help him proactively. The way she'd ask for help would probably involve her kneeling and begging.

He couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. His already good impression of Hestia only deepened. Without any intention of hiding things, he replied:

Normal High School Student: I'll handle the War Game myself.

Normal High School Student: It's true that I only have Lili in your world—but that doesn't mean I don't have others in other worlds!

Normal High School Student: And also—thanks.

Blue Ribbon: As long as you've got other members. I was just passing the message, okay? Don't get the wrong idea! If you get kicked out of Orario—

Blue Ribbon: How am I supposed to recruit anyone in the future!?

"..."

He did have to resolve the Danmachi problem. Saeko and the others were usable in combat, but Asuna and the rest still needed to grow stronger.

And then there was Shinobu from Demon Slayer.

If worse came to worst, he could speak to Eris in the Konosuba world and have her send Darkness and Megumin to help out in Orario.

With that thought—

Shirakawa scanned the Dimensional Chat Group and located the Shinobu's avatar. He opened a private chat and sent a message.

Normal High School Student: Are you free sometime soon?

According to real-world time—

It was nearly dawn. He wasn't expecting an immediate reply from Shinobu. Besides, the War Game allowed for scheduled matchups, so there was no rush.

However—

Just as Shirakawa was about to close the chat group, Shinobu's avatar flashed. She responded immediately.

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: Shirakawa-sama, is there something you need?

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: If there's anything I can do, I'd be happy to assist.

Normal High School Student: One of my Familiars in another world ran into some trouble. I can't act there directly. Do you have time to participate in a battle?

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: No problem!

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate: But is just me really enough? If possible, my sister and even some of the former Demon Slayer Corps members could help too.

Normal High School Student: Your sister should be fine, but traveling to other worlds requires becoming a Chosen of Pleasure. That depends on her own willingness.

Mistress of the Butterfly Estate : I'll definitely convince her!!

After replying to Shirakawa, Shinobu jumped up from the tatami mat. The strength she'd gained from becoming a Chosen of Pleasure was beyond what she could have imagined.

Thanks to the Dimensional Chat Group, her future would no longer be confined to her own world. She could now follow in Shirakawa-sama's footsteps. If there was any problem...

It was her sister. She didn't want them to be separated.

She had been hoping to ask Shirakawa to make her sister a Chosen of Pleasure as well, but it felt awkward to bring up. Yet now, the opportunity was right in front of her.

"If I can make Nee-san a Chosen of Pleasure too..."

"Then we can go to other worlds together, right?"

As for helping Shirakawa, that wasn't even something she had to think about. If not for him, she likely would've been killed by Douma back then.

She wouldn't even be here now.

No matter what Shirakawa needed, she would never hesitate to help him.

She opened the door to her room. The sky was just beginning to lighten. Even after leaving the Demon Slayer Corps, her sister kept up her daily training.

Finding her sister's silhouette in the courtyard—

Shinobu held back her excitement and approached her.

"Nee-san, I have something really, really important to tell you."

"..."

Kanae Kocho turned her head curiously, sheathed her Nichirin Blade, and smiled gently as she walked over. Ever since Shinobu returned from that other reality—

She hadn't smiled like this before.

Her tone was especially warm.

"What is it, Shinobu?"

"Shirakawa-sama. Do you still remember him?"

If she really wanted to explain, she would have to start from the concept of the Chosen of Pleasure. Shinobu recounted how she had traveled to the SAO world to save Asuna.

She explained everything, including how Shirakawa was a divine being, and how she had become his follower.

Finally, she looked at her sister very seriously, lifting her clothing slightly to reveal the dark purple, otherworldly pattern.

She asked directly,

"Nee-san, would you like to become a Chosen of Pleasure?"

"..."

"Becoming a Chosen means gaining strength quickly, being able to travel to other worlds, and most importantly, being able to help Shirakawa-sama."

"..."

As she listened closely to Shinobu's experiences, Kanae Kocho kept her gentle smile. As for becoming a Chosen of Pleasure—

She didn't answer right away.

All the demons in the world had been eradicated. Now back to normal life, she'd lost interest in conflict and battle. What she really cared about—

Was what Shinobu said next.

Her voice grew serious.

"Shinobu, is this because Shirakawa-sama needs help?"

"...Sort of."

"To be exact, it's his follower in another world who's in trouble. As a god, Shirakawa-sama can't directly intervene, so he's hoping that..."

Before she could finish—

Kanae was already nodding seriously. She smiled.

"It's my honor to help Shirakawa-sama. Besides, Shinobu..."

"If you're going off to fight in another world, then as your big sister, I absolutely have to watch over you!"