“Purification.”

For some reason, she frequently causes significant changes in my life.

She isn’t a key character in the original work nor does she seem to carry any crucial secrets. She’s just an ordinary student.

If anything, she’s only notable for being chased by the Disciplinary Committee of Kisou Academy and Rokuhara due to her excessive livestreaming activities.

But that’s the kind of student you’d find anywhere in Kisou Academy.

“The name ‘Sorciera’ doesn’t suit me right now, does it?”

“Oh, Narou Kei, was it? My apologies. I saw you and couldn’t help but call out.”

“Honestly… It’s troublesome to have my identity revealed.”

I let out a dramatic sigh.

“What are you doing here?”

“The frequency of kidnappings has been rising in this area. I was hoping to find some clues. But I’m leaving the investigation to Ma-chan’s team while I blend into the crowd and shop, you see.”

Kidnappings?

Oh, right, there was an event like that in the original story.

If I recall, the Professor was searching for people compatible with the Demonsgear knockoff they created.

In the end, it was nothing more than a cheap imitation of the real Demonsgear. The attempt failed, and Gatou Touraku found them and beat them to a pulp.

That’s an issue that’ll resolve itself soon enough, so why not head home?

“It’ll be bad if the enforcers find you, you know? And just so you know, I’m not helping.”

“It’s fine. Ma’s team is monitoring every floor of this building and the surrounding area. If anything happens, they’re ready to blow it all up.”

Wait, does that mean this building is rigged with bombs?

That’s… a bit extreme.

…Well, as long as Sorciera is involved, it should be fine. Hahaha.

“Alright then. If that’s the case, I’ll leave you to it.”

Purification is the best companion for indulging my mysterious pretty-girl persona.

She’s not part of the original cast nor is she a student at Fectom General Academy.

Just your typical, everyday pretty girl.

A very convenient presence.

‘Since it’s a rare opportunity, why not let her help you pick out an outfit? Getting a third-party opinion for Sorciera could be helpful.’

Makes sense.

Alright, I’ll give it a shot.

“Hey, can you help me pick an outfit?”

“…Huh?”

“I thought it might be nice to try wearing something chosen by someone else for a change.”

Purificationlooked surprised.

Well, that’s understandable.

A mysterious beauty suddenly showing a girlish side is bound to catch anyone off guard.

“M-Me?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

“No, it’s fine. But is it really okay for me to do it? Also… is this a private matter?”

It seems Purificationthinks I’m here solely to shop for clothes.

Hmm.

I want to show a bit of femininity, but a mysterious beauty wouldn’t just come here to shop.

I don’t want to lean too heavily into the girlish vibe either.

‘I know I suggested it, but… this feels unnecessarily complicated. Isn’t this just about buying clothes?’

Well, yes, but even buying clothes should have some deeper meaning.

‘I take it you want her to choose the clothes for you?’

Exactly. But I also want the act of choosing clothes to hold some significance.

I’d rather save the mundane “buying clothes” scenario for a group outing with Fectom General Academy students. Like in episode five of season two.

‘Wait, you’ve planned out content for a second season?’

Of course. I’ve planned up to season five, including an OVA.

Anyway, back to the mysterious beauty buying clothes premise.

“Oh, I have a big stage event coming up here at Kisou Academy soon.”

“A stage?”

“Yes. A peculiar stage born from a twist of fate. It seemed intriguing, so I decided to take part. Since it’s a grand event, I thought it’d be appropriate to dress the part.”

I speak with an air of significance, directing my gestures and gaze meaningfully toward the window and the pointed building outside.

Why is that building so pointy anyway? Design choice?

“…So something is happening soon?”

Purification took the bait.

Still, it might be awkward when she finds out it’s a lie.

Should I mention one of the main characters from the upcoming event to maintain the façade?

“—Professor, you might know something about this, right?”

“!?”

Ah, looks like that worked.

Once you’ve gained their trust, you’ve got them.

Now, let’s fully embrace my mysterious pretty-girl persona.

“…Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me the exact date and time. Who else is involved with Sorciera? And how do you plan to kill that person!?”

“Uh…”

This just escalated…

I hadn’t expected this level of intensity.

I thought the response would be more along the lines of, “Ah, as expected of a mysterious beauty.”

But she’s all in.

“Finally… the chance to kill them has come.”

Wait, kill?

This isn’t about a stage anymore, is it?

Am I about to buy an outfit for an assassination?

What a deranged pretty girl…

Not that I’m opposed to taking out that despicable Professor.

But his soul is unique—he can’t really die.

‘I can kill him.’

What?

‘I can kill anyone, though the process may be a bit complicated.’

You’re terrifying sometimes, you know that?

“So your plan is finally starting?”

“…………Yes.”

I said it.

Well, Gatou Touraku will handle the Professor soon enough.

For now, I’ll just buy my outfit and leave.

“What should I do?”

Purification grabbed my hand with surprising force, her eyes burning with intensity.

…Did I promise to involve her in the plan at some point?

‘I’m certain you did.’

Why do I say these careless things? It’s like I want to make my future self suffer.

“Answer me. I’ll do anything to kill them.”

Her polite tone is gone now, revealing her true self.

“Calm down, you’re ruining your pretty face.”

“Don’t stall. Tell m—”

I place a finger to her lips to silence her.

“Take a moment to breathe.”

Judge, I plead innocent on account of also being a beautiful girl.

‘Innocent.’

Alright!

“I understand your feelings. That’s why I’ll prepare a stage worthy of you. For now, this is only the prologue. Your time will come.”

“A stage… for me?”

“Yes. A stage to grant your true wish.”

I flash her a bewitching smile—not one that blooms like a flower but one that captivates like the moon.

“Can you trust me?”

“…I have no choice. Against Sorciera, I can do little alone. And you’ll destroy Kisou Academy for me, won’t you?”

“Of course.”

Gatou Touraku will, anyway!

“Then I’ll trust you.”

Purification smiles, though her eyes gleam unsettlingly. Best to ignore that.

I managed to maintain my mysterious beauty persona. Success!

‘Your words will come back to haunt you, though.’

Eh, Gatou Touraku will handle the Academy and the Professor. Everything I said is technically true.

Worst-case scenario, I’ll throw the Professor at her feet and let her deal with him.

‘You’re utterly ruthless when you’re in pretty-girl mode.’

The Professor deserves it for mocking beautiful girls.

Anyway, time to let Purification-chan choose my outfit.

Just as we start, a notification pops up on my Dive Gear.

Ugh, bad timing.

Who is it now?

…Oh no, it’s Mizuhi-senpai.

‘I have a bad feeling about this.’

I excuse myself and take the call in a quieter spot.

“Kei, where are you right now?”

“…Uh.”

Did she find out I’m shopping at Kisou Academy?

If so, I’m screwed. Shopping here, the very symbol of greed, feels like a betrayal.

‘At least you’re self-aware. Got any excuses ready?’

I was hoping for some good news, like “Miroku-senpai is safe!”

“Ah, so you’re already at Kisou Academy.”

“…………Yes.”

She knows!?

It’s over for me.