NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: Chapter 8
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"Could you please stop smoking?"
I asked, waving my hand to clear away the smoke that was starting to bother me. Musashi froze for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise, clearly not expecting such a request.
"Why?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her tone filled with genuine curiosity.
"I don't like it," I replied bluntly. "And it's bad for your health."
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp and expectant, as if daring me to explain further.
"Sure, it might give you a calming effect," I continued, "but it's only temporary. Eventually, you'll just get addicted, and breaking free from that is harder than it sounds. Plus, smoking increases the risk of cancer."
Musashi smirked but didn't interrupt, clearly amused by my directness.
"And I know we're in the Stigmata Space," I continued, "so technically, health risks might not apply here. But still, could you not smoke when I'm around? The smoke is just... getting to me."
Musashi stared at me for a brief moment, her expression one of stunned silence, before bursting into loud, unrestrained laughter. The sound echoed through the shrine, making it impossible not to notice.
"Pfft, hahahaha!"
she laughed, clutching her sides as though my words were the funniest thing she'd ever heard.
I raised an eyebrow, confused by her reaction.
"What? What's so funny?" I asked, a frown tugging at my lips.
Musashi wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still chuckling softly.
"No, it's just... I didn't expect that to be your request."
She smirked, her lips curling with amusement.
"And what's wrong with that?" I shot back, crossing my arms, trying to maintain my composure. "I'm a polite man. I figured I'd ask nicely if you could stop."
She gave a knowing smile, tapping her Kiseru against the edge of her seat and shaking off the ash.
"Yeah, I know that. I've seen it in the memories I've read from you."
Her words left me momentarily speechless. It wasn't mockery, but genuine surprise at my directness over something so seemingly trivial.
"You… can read my memories? Even from my previous life?"
I asked, my voice tinged with both curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
"Yes," Musashi replied nonchalantly, taking another drag from her Kiseru. "Since this Stigmata Space is tied to your body yet exists outside of reality, I can access them."
"I see. So you know everything about me, then? Down to the last detail?"
"Exactly," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"… Even my darkest secrets?"
I hesitated, my voice dropping slightly. Memories from my previous life resurfaced—moments of foolishness that I regretted deeply, things I was so embarrassed about that as an adult, I wished I could erase them or go back and redo everything.
Musashi paused, her gaze shifting away momentarily. "Oh, that…"
Her lips twitched as she tried, and failed, to suppress her laughter. A faint snort escaped her before she finally looked at me, her expression betraying how much she was holding back.
"T-that… pfft, hahahaha!" Musashi burst into laughter, unable to contain herself any longer.
Seeing her reaction, I felt my face pale. I slumped to the ground, all fours, completely defeated by the fact that someone—no, she—knew my darkest secret.
"Damn it all!" I groaned, burying my face in my hands.
"Hahaha! Don't sweat the small stuff, Masachika Kuze,"
she said, her laughter still lingering in her tone.
I looked up, glaring half-heartedly at her, only to see her pointing her Kiseru at me like it was some kind of magical wand.
"This place is our domain—yours and mine," she said confidently. "So we can do whatever we want here. Isn't that the whole point of the Stigmata Space?"
"Huh? My domain? But isn't this place your domain—the whole Stigmata Space?" I asked, narrowing my eyes in suspicion.
Musashi exhaled a puff of smoke, her expression calm yet slightly amused. "Yes, this place is technically mine. But it's also placed within you, right? So doesn't that make you a ruler here as well?"
I blinked, processing her words. When I thought about it, she wasn't wrong. If this place was tied to me, it stood to reason that I had some authority here. Considering it existed outside of reality, it wasn't entirely illogical.
"Hmm… you're right," I admitted, scratching the back of my head. "But why did you even bring that up? It's not like it has anything to do with the fact that you just read my darkest secret."
Musashi smirked, leaning slightly forward.
"Because I wanted to remind you that even here, where I supposedly hold all the cards, you're not powerless. You can shape this space, just like I can. So don't go sulking over something as small as an embarrassing memory, Masachika Kuze."
Her words carried a certain weight, but her smug grin made me suspect she enjoyed teasing me far too much.
"Sigh… well, leaving aside the fact that everything is laid bare here," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "What I want to ask is—when did you awaken and gain consciousness?"
I fixed my gaze on her, waiting for an answer.
Musashi took another slow drag from her Kiseru before answering.
"I just gained consciousness today actually. For you, it's a short time, but for me… it's been long enough to modify this space."
"I see…" I said, nodding thoughtfully.
She leaned back slightly, her golden eyes glinting with curiosity.
"Now, is there anything more you want to ask?"
I hesitated for a moment, letting her words sink in as I started to think. My mind began running through all the questions I had been holding back.
As I stood there, a thought crossed my mind:
'Should I go for it and ask her to teach me how to control Honkai Energy more efficiently? How to use the Herrscher powers effectively?'
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options. But in the end, I shrugged it off.
'Screw it. I'll just go for it.'
I straightened up, looking Musashi in the eyes.
"I want to ask, can you teach me how to use Honkai Energy more efficiently and also how to use the Herrscher's power?"
Musashi paused, considering my request. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she seemed to evaluate my seriousness. After a few moments of silence, she nodded.
"Alright then. Since I have nothing else to do, why not?"
"Yosh!"
I exclaimed, striking a fist-pumping pose. It felt like a small victory, knowing that I was about to get some guidance on how to control the powers within me. Having someone to teach me would make a world of difference, rather than learning by trial and error on my own.
"Wait."
I stopped celebrating abruptly, a thought striking me like a splash of cold water. There's no such thing as free food in this world. I forced myself to calm down, my excitement fading as I turned to face Musashi again.
"Is there a catch for you to teach me how to use Honkai Energy and Herrscher powers?"
I asked, my expression serious.
Musashi's lips curled into a sly smirk as she leaned back slightly.
"My, I see you're still perceptive. Yes, there is a condition for you to learn those two."
She paused deliberately, her silence hanging in the air just long enough to make me uneasy.
"And that is…" she finally continued, "…for you to let me out of this place."
"You want to take over my body?" I asked sharply, narrowing my eyes at her.
Musashi, meeting my gaze, narrowed her eyes as well, her smirk fading as she responded.
"Calm yourself," Musashi said, her voice firm but composed, her gaze steady. "I already told you, I have no intention of taking over your body. What I want is to leave this Stigmata Space."
Her words made me pause, but the confusion swirling in my mind didn't abate. I couldn't quite grasp her meaning. Did she want a physical body? Was she asking me to create one for her? If that was the case, I wasn't sure how I could pull it off—or if I even should. The risks were too great, and I didn't have the knowledge or power to handle something that monumental.
"Sorry, but I don't follow," I admitted, shaking my head slightly. "What exactly do you mean by leaving this space? Are you saying you want a physical form, or is it something else entirely?"
Musashi sighed softly, resting her kiseru against her shoulder as her gaze settled on me, carrying an almost pitying look. "You're overthinking it," she said, her tone calm but firm. "I don't need a physical body—not yet, anyway. What I want is freedom. A way to interact with the outside world, even if it's just a sliver. Being stuck here, bound to this space, feels like living in a gilded cage. Surely you understand what I mean now."
"I get that," I replied cautiously, my mind racing. "But… how would that even work? If you don't want a physical body, then how do you plan to interact with the world outside this space?"
A small smile returned to Musashi's lips, one that carried a mixture of hope and determination. "Leave that part to me," she said cryptically. "You just have to give me permission. That's all I ask for now."
Her response left me with more questions than answers, but I couldn't deny the sincerity in her voice. Even so, I couldn't make such a promise lightly, so I said to her,
"I'm sorry, but I can't make such a promise lightly. You need to have some sort of proof—something that can earn my trust."
Musashi tilted her head slightly, her smirk fading into a more neutral expression. For a moment, she seemed to be considering my words carefully, as if weighing her next move.
"Proof, huh?" she murmured, tapping her Kiseru against her palm. "I suppose I can understand where you're coming from. After all, promises without trust are like swords without edges—completely useless."
Her analogy felt oddly fitting, given her demeanor, but I kept my gaze steady, showing her I was serious.
"Let me ask you this," Musashi said, leaning forward slightly, her piercing eyes locking onto mine. "What kind of proof would satisfy you? Do you need me to make an oath? Reveal something about myself? Or would you prefer me to demonstrate my intentions with actions?"
Her questions caught me off guard, and I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She was giving me control of the terms, which only made me more cautious. After a moment, I decided to speak honestly.
"I don't know," I admitted. "I guess... I'd need to see that you're not hiding anything, that your intentions are genuinely what you say they are. Words alone won't convince me, Musashi."
She leaned back and chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're a cautious one. I respect that." Then her eyes narrowed slightly, her tone turning more serious.
For a moment, Musashi sat in contemplative silence, her fingers lightly tapping against the base of her Kiseru. It was clear she was deep in thought, considering what she could do to earn my trust. The flicker of the smoke from her pipe danced in rhythm with her deliberation, giving the moment an oddly serene yet tense atmosphere.
"Hmph," she finally muttered, her voice breaking the quiet. "This isn't something I can just settle with words, is it?" She looked up at me, her gaze piercing but not unkind. "If I were in your position, I'd be just as cautious. Maybe even more so."
Her admission caught me off guard, and for a moment, I softened. She wasn't trying to dismiss my concerns—she genuinely understood them.
"Trust," she continued, leaning forward slightly, "isn't something you can demand or force. It's something you have to earn. I get that. So... how about this?"
She paused, her lips curling into a faint smile as if an idea had just clicked in her mind. "I'll give you something tangible. A piece of myself, so to speak."
I raised an eyebrow, uncertain of her meaning. "What do you mean by that—" I started, but the realization hit me mid-sentence. My words faltered as the implication sank in.
"You… you can't mean—"
Musashi's sly smirk widened as she saw the moment of understanding dawn on me. "Yes," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "My virginity."
"Absolutely fucking no!" I snapped, my voice sharp with disbelief. "Are you out of your mind? We just met, and you're suggesting that as some kind of exchange? That's insane!"
Musashi chuckled softly, clearly amused by my reaction. "Oh, calm down," she said, twirling her kiseru lazily between her fingers. "I was only half-serious, you know."
"Half-serious?!" I retorted, still incredulous. "Who even says something like that out of the blue?!"
She shrugged, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Well, it got your attention, didn't it? Besides, you need to loosen up a little. You're way too tense for your own good."
I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I don't even know how to respond to you right now…"
"Good," Musashi said with a satisfied look, her smirk lingering. "Then let's consider this conversation a success."
"No! I'm not going to accept that!" I exclaimed, my tone sharp with indignation as I firmly rejected her offer.
Musashi clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Tch, you're no fun at all," she muttered, her tone tinged with playful frustration.
She tilted her head, her expression shifting to one of mild frustration. "Hmm, now you've got me stumped," she admitted, tapping her kiseru thoughtfully against her palm. "I can't think of anything else to offer you in exchange for my freedom."
Falling silent, she furrowed her brow, clearly lost in thought as she tried to come up with another proposal.
The air around us grew heavy, and I could sense a shift in the atmosphere. Whatever she was planning, it was clear she wasn't taking this lightly. Her resolve was palpable, and for the first time, I felt a glimmer of curiosity overshadowing my doubts.
I closed my eyes for a moment, weighing my options. Should I trust her or not? Something about her demeanor felt genuine, but there was always the chance this was an elaborate lie. With no clear way to discern her true intentions, I decided it was better to extend cautious trust—for now.
"Alright," I said at last, opening my eyes to meet hers with a steady gaze. "I'll trust you, for now. But let me make one thing clear—if I catch you doing anything shady, scheming behind my back, or anything of the sort, I won't hesitate to order Belfast to deal with you. Does that sound acceptable?"
Musashi's lips curled into a confident smirk. "That's fine by me."
"Good." I nodded, feeling the weight of the decision settle on my shoulders. "Then let's work together and take care of each other for now."
Musashi's smirk softened into a small smile. "Agreed."
With mutual understanding, the two of us exchanged bows, sealing an unspoken pact.
Musashi stood up gracefully, brushing off her attire, and looked at me with an intense gaze.
"Now then, shall we begin your training?" she said with a smirk.
"Fine by me," I replied, adjusting my stance. "But I hope you'll start with the basics—how to use Herrscher powers."
"Of course," she said, her tone calm yet firm. "I'll teach you everything we can cover in the time we have until you wake up."
"Got it," I nodded.
Musashi motioned for me to follow her toward a looming gate. As the massive doors creaked open with an ominous groan, she turned to glance back at me. Her expression shifted into a grin that sent a shiver down my spine—an all-too-familiar sight. It was the same grin I'd seen back in my cadet days, the grin of a relentless sergeant who took pleasure in pushing us beyond our limits, breaking us down only to rebuild us stronger.
"Just a reminder," she said, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and menace. "Be prepared. I'm going to drill every fundamental into you—Honkai Energy control, your Authority, and everything else you need to know as a Herrscher. And trust me, it'll be so grueling that even the toughest men would crumble."
Her words were as much a challenge as they were a warning, but I swallowed my apprehension and nodded.
"Bring it on,"
I said, squaring my shoulders and bracing myself for what lay ahead. I'd been through grueling training before, but this time, I was experiencing it all over again—and it was far more intense than anything I had endured in the past.
The gate creaked open fully before us, and a blinding light poured out, momentarily overwhelming my senses and leaving me unable to see anything beyond the radiant glow.
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In the soft glow of the early morning light, Masachika lay peacefully asleep, his chest rising and falling in rhythm with his dreams. The digital clock on his bedside table displayed 05:29, its red numbers casting a faint glow in the dim room. As the clock struck 05:30, it erupted into a steady chime.
Ring-ring... ring-ring...
Belfast, ever the embodiment of elegance and precision, entered the room silently. Her movements were almost imperceptible, her footsteps barely brushing the floor as she neared his bed.
"Masachika-sama, it's time to wake up,"
she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle, melodic warmth. Leaning in slightly, she placed a delicate hand on his shoulder and gave him a light shake, her touch as careful as her demeanor.
Masachika slowly stirred, the haze of sleep gripping his mind as reality gently tugged at him. The insistent chime of the alarm mixed with Belfast's soft voice, coaxing him back to awareness. Blinking a few times, his vision remained blurry as he groggily mumbled,
"Uhm... is it morning already?"
Belfast smiled warmly, her patience unwavering as she nodded. "Yes, Masachika-sama. It's morning."
Letting out a deep yawn, Masachika stretched his arms high above his head, the motion loosening his still-sluggish body as he worked to shake off the lingering remnants of sleep.
"I see..." he muttered, his voice still low and rough from rest. "What about Yuki and Ayano?"
Belfast's composed demeanor didn't waver as she replied, "They returned home last night."
"I see..." Masachika murmured, stifling a yawn. "Yawn..."
he mumbled, still feeling the heaviness of slumber. The early morning light filtered in from the window, casting a soft glow over the room, but he was far from fully awake.
After a few moments, he slowly sat up, and go to the
"Alright,"
he murmured, pushing himself to his feet and shuffling toward the bathroom. The refreshing coolness of the water as he washed his face helped clear the fog in his mind, bringing him back to full alertness.
Once he finished, he took a moment to change into comfortable clothes—simple, practical attire meant for exercise.
Stepping away from the bathroom, he made his way toward the front door, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet house. Pausing for a brief moment, he turned back toward Belfast, offering a tired but appreciative smile.
"Belfast, I'll be exercising for a bit. Can you prepare breakfast for me while I'm at it?" he asked, glancing back at her as I stood near the doorway.
"As you wish," Belfast replied with her usual calm demeanor, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"Alright," I continued, "but remember to make a portion for yourself too, okay?" he added, knowing her tendency to prioritize his needs over her own.
Belfast, ever the picture of grace, gave a small bow. "As you wish, Masachika-sama."
Satisfied, I nodded. "Good. I'll be going now."
He stepped outside, the crisp morning air brushing against my skin. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted the settings on my Exosuit, ramping up the weight to a staggering 1,000,000 kilograms. The second the weight adjusted, my knees buckled slightly, and he nearly face-planted onto the ground.
"Whoa—!" I gritted my teeth as my entire body strained under the unimaginable pressure. My muscles screamed in agony, and my bones groaned under the intense load. For a moment, I thought I might collapse, but then, as if driven by instinct, my body began to respond.
Honkai Energy surged through my veins, flooding every fiber of my being. My muscles swelled, and my bones reinforced themselves against the strain, though my legs still trembled under the crushing intensity. Even with Ultraspeed Regeneration working overtime to repair the microscopic tears in my tissue, I could feel Reactive Evolution activating, gradually toughening my body to adapt to the immense weight.
"Not bad,"
I muttered under my breath, wiping away a bead of sweat from my brow. My breathing steadied, and with sheer determination, I forced myself to move—one heavy step at a time—pushing my body to surpass its limits.
As Masachika prepared to take another step, a sudden UI system materialized before him, its soft glow illuminating the air. He froze mid-motion, his gaze snapping to the display. His eyes scanned the contents, and with each line he read, disbelief etched itself deeper onto his face.
[Weekly Quest]
[Push up 0/1000]
[Sit up 0/1000]
[Squats 0/1000]
[Run/Jog 0/100Km]
[Reward : ???]
[Failure : Send to Hell for 24 Hours]
[Time Limit : 24 Hours]
The familiar layout of the Daily Quest screen greeted Masachika, but something was undeniably different this time. The task requirements had surged dramatically, far exceeding anything he'd encountered before.
Masachika's brow furrowed, his expression a mix of surprise and faint amusement. It was clear the system had recalibrated itself, likely in response to his relentless and extraordinary training regimen. He had pushed himself far beyond the limits the system had originally anticipated—beyond what most would even consider humanly possible.
The previous requirements had already been daunting—grueling tasks like the endurance-testing runs that pushed him to his limits. Yet here he stood now, bearing the weight of an Exosuit that tipped the scales at a staggering 1,000,000 kilograms. The journey to this point had been a steady climb: from the initial 1,000 kilograms to 10,000, then six-digit milestones, until finally reaching this unfathomable load.
What had once been a monumental challenge for most had become his baseline. The system, unable to keep pace with his extraordinary growth, was forced to escalate its demands.
Masachika smirked, amused by the system's futile attempts to catch up. His gaze shifted to the failure condition displayed on the screen. His smirk faded slightly as he read the ominous warning: "Sent to Hell for 24 Hours."
A mischievous thought flickered through his mind—what if he failed on purpose? The Death Realm seemed like the ultimate training ground, a place where he could push his limits and unleash his full strength without holding back. If it was as perilous as its name suggested, the potential growth might even outweigh the penalty.
Masachika shook off the notion for now, redirecting his focus to his morning routine. He stretched briefly, steeling himself mentally for the grueling tasks ahead. But just as he was about to start, the soft creak of a door opening broke his concentration.
Turning toward the sound, Masachika's eyes landed on a familiar figure stepping out. It was Bianka, her blonde hair catching the morning light, shimmering like spun gold as she emerged with a serene yet curious expression.
"Ah, Duran—I mean, Bianka-san, good morning,"
Masachika greeted with a polite nod, quickly correcting himself mid-sentence.
Bianka blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "Eh? Masachika-kun? You live here?"
"Yes, I do," Masachika replied calmly, nodding. "I actually found out you live here too yesterday. I ran into Mei-san while she was out buying groceries."
"Heee, is that so?" Bianka said, a small smile playing at her lips. "Well then, Masachika-kun, please take care of us here."
"Of course. You too, Bianka," he replied warmly, his tone sincere.
The two exchanged polite bows, their gestures respectful and formal, as if acknowledging the beginning of a neighborly bond.
"So, Bianka-san, what are you up to this morning?"
Masachika asked, stretching his arms above his head as he glanced over at her.
Bianka beamed brightly, raising her arms for a stretch of her own. "Me? I'm about to do my morning exercise, of course. Are you joining in, Masachika-kun?" She shot him a teasing glance. "But I thought you were the lazy type?"
Masachika groaned softly, rubbing the back of his neck as old habits came to mind.
"Ugh, you don't have to remind me of that," he muttered, a faint flush coloring his cheeks.
Bianka chuckled at his response, her smile warm and understanding.
"It's okay, Masachika-kun. We all have our pasts, but what matters is what you do now. So, no more slacking off, alright?"
"Well, that depends on the situation,"
Masachika replied with a sly grin, acknowledging that while he was changing, there would still be days when laziness would get the better of him. After all, once he reached the pinnacle of his potential, he might just slip into full lazy mode, enjoying the fruits of his hard work without a care in the world.
"I see. Well, I'll be doing my exercise now," Bianka said, already shifting her attention back to her morning routine.
"Yeah, see you at school, Bianka-san," Masachika called out, offering a small wave.
"Un, see you at school, Masachika-kun," she replied over her shoulder, her pace quickening as she jogged away, the rhythmic sound of her footsteps gradually fading into the distance.
Masachika stood still for a moment, watching her disappear into the distance. A brief smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but his focus quickly shifted back to his own training. The weight of the Exosuit pressed down on him, its mass still a challenge but no longer as overwhelming as it once had been. His muscles and bones were adapting, the discomfort gradually dissipating.
Focusing, he drew the Honkai Energy back, feeling the weight shift as it grew heavier. Yet, despite the added pressure, he felt a sense of balance, his body adjusting to the new equilibrium with each steady breath.
With that, Masachika set off for the park, his steady pace in sync with the rhythm of his heartbeat. The cool morning air filled his lungs, refreshing him as he jogged. The sound of his feet hitting the pavement was a constant reminder of how far he'd come.
By the time he arrived at the park, sweat clung to his clothes, a testament to the intensity of his morning routine. The challenge was far from over, but Masachika could feel the progress—each drop of sweat, every pulse of his heart, all contributing to his growth.
"I've already jogged from the house to the park, so I'll just do a few more laps," Masachika muttered to himself, determination in his voice. "After that, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats."
With a deep breath, he picked up his pace, his feet pounding the pavement in a steady rhythm. The weight of the Exosuit pressed down on him with every stride, but it no longer felt as overwhelming. His body was becoming more accustomed to the challenge, his muscles adapting with each passing lap.
As he ran, a thought quietly slipped into his mind.
'Thank you,'
he silently offered to the forces that had granted him his Ultraspeed Regeneration and Reactive Evolution. Without those gifts, there was no way he could push his body this far—he would have broken down long ago.
The thought lingered for a moment, but then it shifted. His mind turned to Belfast.
'Has she ever given thanks to the one who granted me these abilities?'
It was just a fleeting thought, but it lingered, nagging at the back of his mind. He shook it off, refocusing, his stride returning to the steady rhythm of his jog. Each lap brought him one step closer to his goal, and he was determined not to lose sight of it.
As the weight of the Exosuit became more manageable, Masachika's legs began to move faster, his strides lengthening with each step. He pushed himself to run at full speed, the wind rushing past him like an invisible force urging him forward. His mind wandered briefly, and he mentally set a distance—100 kilometers, though he hadn't actually measured it. It was simply a mental checkpoint, an arbitrary goal to challenge himself.
With a grunt of satisfaction, he finally slowed to a stop, his breathing steady and controlled. He stood for a moment, allowing the morning sunlight to filter through the trees, warming his skin. The sensation felt grounding, almost meditative, as he reached for his bottle of energy drink and took a long swig, the cool liquid replenishing his stamina.
After a brief rest, Masachika wasted no time. He dove straight back into his workout. First, he pounded out a thousand push-ups, his muscles screaming with each movement, yet he powered through the strain. Then came sit-ups, his core burning as he completed set after set. Finally, he moved on to squats, each rep reinforcing the strength building in his legs.
The pain was there, but it was a welcome reminder of his growth.
Just as Masachika was about to dive into his next set of push-ups, something strange caught his attention. Musashi appeared, floating down from the air, her Kiseru still tucked neatly in her hand. She yawned lazily as she landed before him, stretching with a relaxed grin.
"Morning, Masachika,"
she greeted, her voice dripping with her usual nonchalance.
Masachika froze mid-motion, his body going rigid as he stared at her in disbelief. His mind raced to process what was happening. He quickly glanced around, scanning the area for any signs that anyone else might be able to see her—or even sense her presence—but there was nothing.
"Musashi, how are you out here?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Masachika's voice was filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity as he asked, "How are you able to appear outside the Stigmata Space? I thought that place was strictly tied to me."
Musashi glanced at him, her expression playful, but there was a glimmer of seriousness in her eyes.
"Ah, you're still stuck on that?" she said, crossing her arms and smirking. "It's simple, really. You remember how the Stigmata Space is tied to you, right? Well, it's not just some pocket dimension where I'm trapped. I can leave it, but only when you're connected to it. It's like... I'm borrowing your connection to project myself outside."
Masachika furrowed his brows, trying to grasp the mechanics of her explanation. "So you're not physically here? You're just... projecting yourself into the real world through the connection? Is that why people aren't noticing you, even though you stand out like a sore thumb?" He glanced pointedly at Musashi, noting her fox ears and bushy nine tails—hard to miss.
Musashi chuckled, floating lazily in the air with a playful smirk on her face. "Bingo. You're catching on." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze shifting to the side as if pondering his words. "You can see me perfectly, but the people around here can't. I'm tethered to you, after all." She shrugged nonchalantly, as though it were no big deal.
Masachika raised an eyebrow, still processing. "So, only I can see you, but everyone else...?"
"Exactly," she replied, giving him an amused look. "They can't see me, but only you can see me."
Masachika frowned slightly, still trying to fully grasp the situation. "I see, but how are you out here? Is it because I gave you consent that you can come out?"
Musashi nodded, her expression becoming a bit more serious. "Yes, that's right. But just so you know..." She paused, her eyes locking onto his with a pointed look. "There's a limit to how far I can be from you. If I move too far, I'll just return to the Stigmata Space without any consequence."
Masachika thought over her words, trying to get a grasp on the situation. "I see. So as long as you're within a certain range, you can stay out here with me, but if you stray too far, you'll just vanish?"
Musashi gave a small nod, her gaze steady. "Exactly. I can only maintain this form as long as I'm close enough to you."
Masachika paused, considering her explanation. "How far can you actually move, though?"
Musashi leaned back, crossing her arms with a calculating look. "Probably about 30 to 60 meters in diameter, with you at the center. That's the range I can move within and still stay tethered to you."
Masachika nodded slowly, taking in the information. "That's a decent distance, but still a bit limiting."
She shrugged casually, flicking her hair out of her face with a quick motion. "It's not too bad. Gives me enough space to follow you around, even when you're out and about. But most of the time, I'll just pop in here."
"I see…" Masachika muttered, still processing everything.
Musashi tilted her head slightly, her eyes full of curiosity. "So, is there anything else you're wondering about?"
Masachika shook his head, feeling like he had enough for now. "No, I think that covers it. I should probably get back to my morning routine."
Without another word, he dropped to the ground and started his push-ups. Each movement was smooth and controlled, the motions flowing effortlessly.
Musashi watched for a moment, then called out casually, "Well, if you ever need me, I'll be—"
Musashi was about to settle onto the soft green grass, ready to finish her sentence, when suddenly, she froze. Her eyes narrowed, her focus sharpening with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. She scanned Masachika with a laser-like precision, her expression shifting from casual to one of disbelief. Her lips parted slightly as the realization hit her.
"Masachika… what are you doing?!"
Masachika paused mid-push-up, his arms trembling under the weight, as Musashi's alarmed voice reached his ears. He looked up at her, brows furrowing in confusion.
"What do you mean? I'm just doing my push-ups—"
Musashi floated closer, her eyes wide with shock and concern.
"You're wearing an Exosuit that weighs one million kilograms!? Are you out of your mind? That's... that's beyond dangerous! You could crush yourself, even if you are a Herrscher!"
Masachika blinked, still unfazed. He knew the Exosuit was heavy, but the weight was no longer a challenge to him. He'd grown accustomed to it. "It's not as bad as it sounds, really. I've adapted to it over time. It doesn't feel as heavy as you'd think. Besides, it's good training."
Musashi crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing skeptically. "Good training? You're pushing yourself beyond what any sane person would do! There's a limit to everything, Masachika! Even if you've adapted, that much weight could still harm you in the long run!"
Masachika let out a small sigh, pushing himself back up to resume his push-ups. "I know my limits, Musashi. I've done this before. It's not the first time I've pushed my body to the edge."
Musashi hovered above him, clearly unconvinced. "I don't care how many times you've done it. No one should wear that kind of weight, especially when it's that heavy! It's reckless!"
He finished his set and slowly stood up, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I know it's reckless. But—"
"But what?" Musashi interrupted, her voice rising with frustration. "Let me remind you, Masachika Kuze, you are the Herrscher of Finality for Heaven's sake. And on top of that, you're receiving my guidance!"
Masachika met her gaze, his expression steady. "I know. But let me ask you this—what happens if my Herrscher power, Honkai Energy, or any of my abilities were suddenly nullified?"
Musashi hesitated, caught off guard by his question.
"That's..." she started, but trailed off, struggling to find a rebuttal.
"Exactly. You can't answer, can you?" Masachika pressed, his voice calm but unwavering. "I'm doing this to make sure I'm never left helpless. Just look at Sirin. When her Herrscher powers were nullified by the Oath of Judah, she was powerless, unable to do anything. I refuse to let that happen to me."
Musashi fell silent, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt. But there was none. Masachika's resolve was solid—he wasn't simply pushing himself for the sake of strength; he was preparing for the worst.
Musashi opened her mouth to argue, but the words didn't come. His logic was irrefutable. The thought of losing his powers and becoming vulnerable was a terrifying reality that she couldn't ignore. She had witnessed the danger of being powerless in a world filled with threats that exceeded ordinary human comprehension.
Masachika continued, his voice steady and unyielding. "Sure, in a normal world, maybe you could get away with relying solely on your powers. But this isn't a normal world. The supernatural is very real, and there are threats far beyond what we've seen. You've forgotten about Trihexa, Musashi. The Apocalyptic Beast."
His voice carried the weight of his resolve, every word a testament to the seriousness of his mindset. He wasn't just training for power; he was preparing for the ultimate challenge. "Trihexa isn't just any opponent," he reasoned. "It's a being of Reactive Evolution, just like me. A creature that grows stronger, adapts to everything thrown at it, and becomes an even greater threat with every passing moment. If I want to stand a chance against something like that, I can't just rely on raw strength or Herrscher powers alone. I need to transcend all of that."
Musashi's eyes shifted, a flicker of realization mixed with unease. Memories of their brutal training in the Stigmata Space flooded her mind—grueling sessions meant to push even the toughest to their limits. She had always known Masachika had an iron will, having witnessed his relentless drive through her own experiences and glimpses into his past. But now, watching him test his limits in the real world, she realized how deeply his determination ran. This wasn't mere endurance—it was an unbreakable resolve, forged by a lifetime of hardships and a refusal to ever be caught unprepared.
The image of Masachika enduring hours of punishing training resurfaced, each moment of sweat and agony reminding her of his unwavering focus. The way he pushed himself far past his limits, the intensity of his struggle—it wasn't just resilience, it was something deeper. And now, seeing him wear an exosuit weighing a million kilograms, the truth settled in her mind: he was willing to go to any length to prepare for the unknown, no matter the cost.
"You're... right..." Musashi admitted at last, her voice laced with a mixture of awe and concern. She didn't like the risks he was taking, but she couldn't deny the truth in his words. In a world where beings like Trihexa existed, complacency wasn't an option. Preparation wasn't just a choice—it was a necessity.
She looked at Masachika, who had resumed his push-ups, his form steady and unwavering despite the weight bearing down on him. The sight of him, so focused and relentless, made her lips curl into a small, rueful smile. "You're more stubborn than I give you credit for, you know that?"
Masachika paused for a brief moment, glancing up at her with a faint grin. "Stubbornness is the price of survival in a world like this."
Musashi let out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms as she floated nearby. "Fine. But if you're going to keep pushing yourself to these extremes, you'd better be ready for me to keep a close eye on you. I'm not letting you do something reckless without at least giving you a lecture first."
He chuckled softly, the sound a brief respite from the intensity of the moment. "Fair enough. Just don't slow me down, Musashi."
She smirked, her usual teasing demeanor slipping back into place as she leaned back casually.
"Slow you down? Please, I'm the one keeping you from breaking yourself completely. Don't forget that."
Their banter lightened the atmosphere, but beneath it, both understood the gravity of the situation. Masachika's resolve burned brighter than ever, a flame that refused to flicker out. And Musashi, despite her concerns, couldn't help but admire the relentless determination driving him forward. It wasn't just about strength—it was about a refusal to falter, no matter the cost.
Masachika continued his workout, transitioning seamlessly from push-ups to sit-ups, then squats. Each rep was done with unwavering focus, his body pushed to its limits but never breaking. Musashi perched on the green grass nearby, watching him silently, her gaze unwavering as she offered her quiet support. Her presence wasn't loud, but it was always there, a silent pillar as he challenged himself time and time again.
Half an hour later, Masachika was drenched in sweat, his clothes sticking to his body as though he'd just emerged from a torrential downpour. Every muscle in his body screamed for relief, but he pushed forward. With a sigh of relief, he reached into his Inventory and pulled out an Energy Drink. He unscrewed the cap with practiced ease, downing the entire bottle in one swift motion. The cool liquid spread through him like a shockwave of invigoration, chasing away the fatigue that had settled deep in his bones. His body hummed with renewed energy, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.
As he wiped the sweat from his brow and steadied his breathing. Opening his eyes, he saw a familiar blue screen materialize before him, its soft glow casting a serene light as it hovered in the air.
[Weekly Quest]
[Push up 1000/1000]
[Sit up 1000/1000]
[Squats 1000/1000]
[Run/Jog 100km/100Km]
[would you like to received the reward?]
Masachika opened his quest log, his eyes scanning the familiar interface. The notification confirmed that his daily quest was complete, but he chose not to submit it just yet. His curiosity was piqued by a place called Hell, mentioned as a potential training ground.
A familiar voice broke his thoughts.
"Good work out there," Musashi said, her tone steady but warm.
"Thank you," Masachika replied with a nod. "You can head into the Stigmata Space now. I'll be running home."
"Alright," Musashi responded before vanishing into the Stigmata Space without another word.
Masachika stretched briefly before sprinting home at full speed. Despite the effort, his movements were fluid, and within three minutes, he arrived at his doorstep, marveling at his own speed. As he opened the door, he was greeted by Belfast, standing poised and composed, her expression as calm and reassuring as ever.
"Welcome back, Masachika-sama," she greeted with a slight bow.
"Yeah, I'm back, Belfast. I'll take a quick bath first," he replied, his tone brisk but warm.
"Understood, Masachika-sama. I'll prepare your bag in the meantime," she said with a gentle smile.
"Thanks, Belfast," Masachika said as he headed towards the bathroom, eager to get ready for the day ahead.
Once inside the bathroom, Masachika swiftly stripped off his clothes and removed his Exosuit, which had its weight set to zero. His well-built frame, a result of his intense workout the day before, was now on full display. But just before he took off his underwear, he hesitated.
"Musashi, can you close your eyes?" he instructed, his voice firm.
(Huh? Why?) came Musashi's confused response in her Stigmata Space.
"I want to take a bath in peace, without someone watching me,"
Masachika explained, irritation creeping into his voice. There was a brief silence, and then Musashi reluctantly replied,
(...Fine. I'll shut my eyes.)
Despite her words, Musashi didn't actually close her eyes, secretly peeking through her lashes.
Masachika, unaware of whether Musashi had actually closed her eyes, continued undressing and removed his underwear. Musashi, caught off guard by the sight, froze for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she quickly looked away and closes her eyes, feeling an awkward heat spread across her cheeks.
With that, Masachika enjoyed his bath in peace. After a few minutes of soaking, he stepped out, dried off, and put on his Exosuit before leaving the bathroom. He headed to his room and quickly changed into his uniform.
A short while later, Masachika made his way to the kitchen, where he found Belfast had already prepared breakfast. Two portions were set on the table. Seeing this, he realized Belfast had followed his earlier instruction to prepare a portion for herself.
He took a seat at the table, and Belfast gracefully followed suit, sitting across from him.
"Well, then."
"Itadakimasu!"
The two said in unison as they clasped their hands together. They began eating, and Masachika, tasting Belfast's cooking, couldn't help but savor the delicious flavors. Though, if he had to compare, he would say it was on par with Mei's cooking. As he continued his meal, a small smile of satisfaction appeared on his face, a clear testament to the quality of her food.
After a few minutes, they finished their breakfast.
"Phew! That hit the spot. Thanks for cooking such great food, Belfast," Masachika said with a satisfied smile.
"Don't mention it, Masachika-sama," Belfast replied politely, though a hint of hesitation crept into her voice. "But I feel like the food I made was lacking in taste. It wasn't as delicious as it should be."
"Hm? Why would you say that?" Masachika raised an eyebrow. "If I had to rate it, your cooking would rival the world's top Michelin-star chefs. I can guarantee that, considering I've worked part-time in a high-end restaurant."
He spoke with confidence, drawing from his unique experiences. In his previous life, Masachika had the rare privilege of tasting dishes crafted by a three-star Michelin chef. Despite barely scraping by as he moved from one job to another, one of the women he had dated happened to have connections with the renowned chef. Thanks to her, he had the opportunity to experience such exquisite cuisine—a memory that still lingered vividly in his mind.
The memory was vivid—mind-blowing flavors he had never imagined. On top of that, he had worked part-time under the same Michelin chef, where he occasionally got to taste their creations. While Masachika wouldn't claim to rival them, his cooking skills were far from ordinary.
And now here was Belfast, a maid—not a professional chef—claiming her food was lacking. If other Michelin chefs overheard her comment, they'd likely question their careers. Her cooking was exceptional, yet she remained humble to a fault.
"I see, but it's still not enough, Masachika-sama," Belfast said, her tone soft yet resolute.
"R-right... Well, I'll get going now, then,"
Masachika replied, grabbing his bag and heading toward the front door.
Belfast followed him to the entryway, her steps calm and measured. As he slipped on his shoes, he glanced back.
"Well, I'll be going now, Belfast."
"Ah, please wait, Masachika-sama." She stopped him, holding something in her hands. "Please take this."
Belfast handed him a neatly wrapped lunchbox, her expression warm but composed.
"Hm? You made this?" Masachika asked, glancing at the neatly wrapped lunchbox.
"Yes, Masachika-sama. Please take it," Belfast replied with a gentle nod.
Masachika took the lunchbox and carefully placed it inside his bag. "Alright, I'm off then."
"Please take care of yourself, Masachika-sama," Belfast said, her tone warm and sincere as she saw him off.
Masachika left the house and broke into a full-speed run toward the school, determined to arrive on time for his class duty. Despite the weight of his Exosuit, his body had fully adapted to it, and he felt like he could push himself even faster today.
In just five minutes, he reached the school entrance. Glancing around, he noticed a few students already there, likely attending morning club activities.
He headed to his classroom, finding it empty. Placing his bag on his seat, he wasted no time and began his cleaning duty. Fueled by motivation, Masachika finished tidying up the room in just five minutes.
"Umu, if I do say so myself, this is pretty good," he muttered, admiring his handiwork with a satisfied nod.
Masachika placed his hand on his hip, surveying his work with a satisfied nod. He was about to sit down when he noticed Alisa entering the classroom.
Alisa, spotting him already there, widened her eyes in surprise.
"Oh, Alya-san, good morning," Masachika greeted with a casual wave.
"U-un, good morning, Kuze-kun," Alisa replied, still a bit flustered.
"What's the occasion for you to arrive this early, Kuze-kun?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, I woke up early, so I decided to come in early as well," he answered nonchalantly.
"Heee, I guess pigs will be able to fly now," she remarked with a playful grin.
"Oi, is that a compliment or something?" Masachika shot back, raising an eyebrow in mock offense.
Alisa walked to her seat, but Masachika noticed her gait seemed off. Curious, he looked down at her legs and saw that her socks were dirty.
"Hm, what happened to your socks? Did you step in a puddle or something?"
"No, I'm not like you, you know," Alisa replied, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"Who's being absent-minded now?" Masachika said sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.
Alisa sat down at her desk, sighing. "They got wet from the splash caused by a truck."
"Hmm, is that so?" Masachika hummed thoughtfully, considering the possibility that it had rained around midnight.
The two fell into an awkward silence, neither knowing what to say next. Alisa stole a glance at Masachika, trying to figure out what had changed. Ever since the events of the day before yesterday, his attitude had seemed a little different. Yesterday, for example, he didn't sleep during class and even brought his book. She had found it odd, but the suspicion faded when he returned to his usual lazy self, falling asleep class despite having his book with him.
But there was something else. She noticed he seemed to have gotten a little taller and looked more handsome than before. Alisa couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed in him since that day.
Curiosity gnawed at her, and she decided to break the silence. There was something she needed to ask him.
"Nee, Kuze-kun."
Masachika looked up from his desk, slightly distracted. "What is it, Alya-san?"
"When you and Suou-san were in middle school, you both were in the Student Council, right?"
Masachika nodded, a little surprised by the question. "Yes, we were."
"Hmmm," Alisa hummed thoughtfully, confirming this in her mind. She seemed to be contemplating something before speaking again.
"Nee, Kuze-kun," she started, her tone hesitant but curious.
"Mm?"
"Are you really not going to join the Student Council again?"
Masachika raised an eyebrow, a little confused.
"Now, why are you asking me that?"
"Just answer me," Alisa insisted, her tone urging him to give her a clear response.
Masachika sighed, leaning back in his chair and glancing up at the ceiling for a moment. He knew Alisa's persistence all too well.
"Sigh… yes, I'm not gonna join the Student Council again."
Alisa's eyes flickered with curiosity, but she didn't press him further. There was something in his voice that made her feel like he was hiding more than just a simple decision. But she decided to let it go for now, wondering if she'd ever find out the real reason behind his choice.
Alisa began mumbling to herself, her words barely audible.
"Then what if I..."
"Hm? Did you say something?" Masachika asked, not fully catching her words.
"Nothing," Alisa replied quickly, her voice a little flustered.
Without another word, Alisa removed one of her dirty socks. Masachika, seeing this, instinctively turned his gaze away. He couldn't help it—just the sight of her taking off her socks stirred something within him, a lingering trait from his previous life where he had a fetish for legs.
The sight of Alisa's bare leg reminded Masachika of something from his previous life, where his lovers would often tease him by showing him their bare legs.
Alisa's radiant, slender legs, encased in soft white knee-highs, were exposed in full view as she slid off her sock. The sunlight streaming through the window accentuated their smoothness, giving them an almost ethereal glow. As the sock slipped down her lifted leg, the edge of her thigh briefly peeked from beneath her skirt. Once the sock was fully removed, Alisa stretched her bare leg out, as if relishing in the newfound freedom, her movements graceful and fluid.
As Alisa fully removed her dirty sock, she noticed Masachika looking away, clearly not watching her. A teasing smile crept onto her face as she decided to have a bit of fun with him.
"Nee, Kuze-kun," she called, her voice light with mischief. "Can you get me my socks?"
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i don't have much anything to say in this Chapter, so as always Thank you for Reading my Fanfic.