Multiverse: The Forced Exorcist

Before making her final decision, Shinobu hadn't informed Shirakawa. In the Danmachi world, there was still the issue of the Soma Familia.

War Games required the agreement of both gods to begin. Refusing would only bring shame, and make one's Familia a target in Orario.

If he wanted a clean resolution—

Then the best path would be to deal with Soma Familia's captain, Zanis Lustra. Since gods couldn't use divine power in the lower world—

That meant Shirakawa could participate directly, as long as he didn't use any godly power.

Just like in the original Danmachi, when Freya used charm to alter everyone's perception—

That wasn't considered cheating.

As long as he didn't directly use divine skills, it wouldn't count as a violation. Besides, he entered Danmachi through the Dimensional Chat Group—

So he never signed the so-called divine agreement.

Even if he did break the rule, the worst consequence would just be that it'd become harder to appear in the Danmachi world again. He wasn't that concerned.

This incident would be a good opportunity—

To let the Chosen of Pleasure meet each other, and see how far everyone had progressed.

"I should explain the situation to them first."

"But I need to go to the Index world. I just don't know how many points the identity shielding function will cost this time."

It was almost morning now. Sunlight poured through the window.

Shirakawa's body no longer felt tired. While there was still time, he decisively opened the Dimensional Chat Group.

He looked for his oldest private chat: Misaka Mikoto.

The fact that he had already traveled to Saeko's world said a lot. Voluntary travel simply required extra points.

He sent her a message:

Normal High School Student: Mikoto-san, are you free today? I'd like to visit your world for a bit. I hope that's not a bother.

Railgun: It should be... no problem.

Railgun: If you're coming, the best time would be after lunch, when school ends. I'm at Tokiwadai Middle School in Academy City.

Ordinary High Schooler: Got it. Thanks for your help.

"…"

In the Index world, inside Academy City, Misaka Mikoto glanced calmly at the Chat Group and didn't reply further.

She looked over at Shirai Kuroko beside her.

Kuroko was still packing her laptop and schoolbag. Tokiwadai's dress code required the school uniform, and her tea-colored curly hair had been tied into twin tails with butterfly ribbons, but it looked like she still needed more time to get ready.

Mikoto couldn't help urging her.

"Kuroko, you're always this slow in the mornings. We'll be late if we don't leave after breakfast."

"Coming, Onee-sama!"

Packing her phone and laptop into her handbag, Kuroko answered quickly. But she gave Mikoto a strange look.

Normally...

She wouldn't act like this.

Kuroko couldn't help but ask,

"Onee-sama, did something happen? You seem different today."

Mikoto lifted her head—not confused by the question, but wondering if she'd really been that obvious.

As for Shirakawa—

She was genuinely curious about him. When she first joined the Dimensional Chat Group, he'd become a Holy Sword Wielder incredibly fast.

He even participated in rescue missions with other members.

At first—

She thought it was due to the points-based stat enhancements. She tried it herself, buying a basic stat boost for 100 points.

It did help, but not significantly.

So she began to wonder—how did Shirakawa get so strong so quickly? Every time he went to another world, he seemed to level up by leaps and bounds.

She knew her personality well.

She was competitive. Even after joining the Chat Group, that hadn't changed. She still had confidence in her own power.

Now, the one person she was truly curious about was Shirakawa.

Just this morning, as she was getting ready for school, she saw his message asking to visit her world.

Mikoto felt a faint sense of anticipation. If possible, she wanted to find a quiet place where they could spar without disturbing others.

"You're overthinking it..."

"But Onee-sama, your attitude is way off today!!"

Having confirmed the plan to visit the Index world, Shirakawa then made use of his full control over subspace.

He transported Saeko, Asuna, and the others directly into Aincrad. The floating tower's monster experience mechanics were still intact, though their makeup had been replaced by warp energy.

Not just raw data.

This would provide real gains for the Chosen of Pleasure.

Now that they were all superhumans, their enhanced bodies could endure the dense warp energy. They didn't need rest and could maintain excellent combat states throughout.

Before heading to the Danmachi world, Shirakawa didn't forget to use the ability appraisal device from the Konusoba world to assess Asuna and Misumi.

He assigned them top-tier classes—Asuna became a Swordmaster to match her "Flash" title, and Misumi, who wielded a scythe, became a Judicator.

Once introductions were done, Shirakawa laid out the plan:

"Your next task is to use Aincrad to quickly reach Level 42. In a few days, I'll take you to a real otherworld, where you'll face your first serious battle test."

Saeko's eyes gleamed with anticipation. With her powers awakened, fighting was now a thrill. Asuna also showed clear determination.

After briefing them on Aincrad's mechanics, and seeing no objections, Shirakawa opened the Dimensional Chat Group, navigated the functions, and purchased a temporary transfer anchor to the Toaru Majutsu no Index world.

[Do you wish to travel to the Toaru world?]

"Yes."