When moving around the Kiso Academy Autonomous Region, keep these points in mind:

• Don’t wander aimlessly! If you’re careless, you might end up dragged into a back alley for human experimentation. If that happens, call for the Disciplinary Committee immediately.
• Avoid standing out! At Kiso Academy, there are plenty of dangerous organizations and individuals. Keep a low profile.
• Don’t cause trouble! If a student from another school stirs up trouble, it could lead to a conflict or even war. To avoid bringing problems to your own school, refrain from disruptive behavior.

“Don’t go to a place like that.”

But there’s no way to get the clothes I need if I don’t go. That’s the only reason.

So, I was now at the Kiso Academy Autonomous Region, specifically in the central district adjacent to the commercial area frequented by tourists. The area bustled with people—both students and those who clearly looked like they came from outside.

This part of town was relatively safe and not known for kidnappings. In my case, though, if Rokuhara found me here, it’d be over.

I came here because only this place has gothic lolita outfits that can be used for combat. Many outfits in this style aren’t made to withstand battles or bullets. I wonder how other gothic lolita outfit enthusiasts manage.

Thinking about safety is important.

“Safety isn’t necessary in gothic lolita.”

That’s a lie. I’ve fought plenty of times since becoming a mysterious beautiful girl.

If I wore ordinary gothic lolita clothes, they’d tear. That would ruin the concept of being a mysterious beautiful girl, and it might even get an R rating.

“You already did plenty of that with Gatou Touraku.”

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve forgotten such old things.

All right, time to shop~ ^^

“Yay ^^”

I entered a massive building that spans the commercial and central districts. There’s a great store with amazing outfits on the eleventh floor.

Outside the large windows, equally massive buildings towered around. If these aren’t even the main school buildings, where does their budget come from?

From here, it’s hard to tell the purpose of each building.

“Hmm, that spiky building on the right… I wonder what it is. It’s hard to tell from here. Want to check it out?”

Were you listening?

I said not to cause trouble. If you go, you’re planning to charge in with Sorciera, right? No way.

“Oh, I thought I sensed my sister’s presence.”

Isn’t that Eina!? Absolutely not!

“No, it feels different… hmm?”

Ignore that sense. We’re here to stay mysterious beautiful girls. Our style of avoiding trouble isn’t changing.

Let’s go to the store! Let’s browse!

“Enough with the ‘let’s’ already.”

Right now, I’m in super mysterious beautiful girl mode, so my gender is female, meaning I can confidently enter a shop like this.

Hello, I’m a beautiful girl dressed in men’s clothes!

I stepped into the store filled with outfits.

At that moment, I was overwhelmed. This is… amazing.

The store itself is all decked out in a gothic atmosphere. They even sell accessories and perfumes alongside the outfits.

This perfume is amazing. It’s designed to hold its scent even after being hit by an explosion!

And this pendant is made with special stones that light up in response to magic!

So much mystery, so many things to keep my mysterious beautiful girl look intact.

“Looks like they have plenty that would suit your mysterious beautiful girl vibe. How about picking up a pendant with some deep significance?”

Good idea. Let’s buy one to match my outfit.

Later, when we go for double mysterious beautiful girl mode, we’ll wear matching pendants. ♥

“Color reversal might deepen the bond—white and black would be a subtle choice, as gold and silver would be too flashy for Sorciera.”

You know me well, partner.

“Of course. Never underestimate my learning abilities. By the way, what’s this double mysterious beautiful girl mode? Does that even make sense?”

Don’t worry so much. This is Academy City; weird things usually work out somehow.

Two mysterious beautiful girls doing their thing is hardly unusual here.

Then, we can fall into a co-dependent yuri spiral together ♥

“That level of intimacy might be too much for me.”

As we laughed and chatted, we sifted through the outfits.

Oh, this outfit’s cute, with just the right touch of darkness.

“Indeed, it’s quite to my taste. If anything, I’d prefer a shorter skirt.”

A shorter skirt? On a mysterious beautiful girl?

“Precisely. When the wind flips it up, she can act unfazed and say, ‘Did something happen?’ It would wreck the guys’ minds. A mysterious beautiful girl who’s oblivious to a panty flash—don’t you think that’s perfect? Then, seeing the guys embarrassed for being the only ones aware, I’d love to tease them.”

Where did you get that idea? Are you learning from other brains besides mine?

“It’s a response based on your behavior and thoughts.”

I see… Now that you mention it, that does sound good.

Maybe I’ll try it with Touraku next time.

“I’ll take care of the wind. In that case, we’d need extra effort in the underwear department.”

No, too much effort would be overkill. Keeping it understated makes it feel more like an ordinary girl.

The little bit of girlishness left in a mysterious beautiful girl adds the perfect touch.

“That’s an education for me.”

Likewise. Talking with you broadens my knowledge and helps me reach new beautiful girl heights.

Oh, that blue outfit over there looks promising, too~

“… Sorciera?”

I froze. I think someone just called me by a name they shouldn’t have.

“My senses didn’t pick up anything, so it’s not my sister.”

Hearing the voice of the Star-Reckoning Staff, I turned around slowly. There stood a girl with blonde hair streaked with purple.

Recognizing her, I called out her name.

“Purification…?”

Uh-oh. I have a really bad feeling about this!