Chapter 134: Kaori, Endure!

“Why did you bring that thing along on a trip?”

Beiye, just back from the hot springs, wore a pink hairband on his head as he looked at Long Yin fiddling with the device by the bed.

Runaway Energy Detection Device.

Long Yin frowned at the screen.

“What’s wrong?”

“The Runaway Energy around here has increased.”

The handheld Runaway Energy Detection Device used by the Light Extinguishers wasn’t as advanced as the GPRI Personal Terminal, which could link with GPS signals to pinpoint the exact location of Runaway Energy in real-time.

For that function, you needed to connect it to a larger device similar to the Curtain Cluster’s instruments.

“Ah… Is there a Parasite nearby?”

Beiye rolled his eyes.

“But we’re here for a vacation!”

“…”

Long Yin heard this, nodded, and stuffed the Detection Device back into his suitcase.

“Maybe we should mention it to that Missy.”

The thought suddenly popped into Long Yin’s mind.

He opened LINE and sent a message to Jiang Jian Yue.

***

On the yacht at Lake Toya, Uncle Hei watched the fluctuating Runaway Energy on the screen, which was gradually increasing.

He quickly straightened up and tapped on the keyboard.

Soon, a map appeared on the screen, showing three small yellow dots approaching Lake Toya.

No, something’s not right.

If they were naturally formed Parasites, three wouldn’t appear at once.

That meant it was an organized action.

“Guard Unit 1, go to these coordinates and check out who these people are.”

“Roger.”

A man’s voice came through the walkie-talkie about ten minutes later.

“It’s a group of seven, six men and one woman, Asian faces, but the Japanese they’re speaking has a bit of a Slavic accent.”

Central Asians from Russia?

Weren’t the Russians supposed to be in Sapporo?

Why are they here at Lake Toya?

Uncle Hei frowned, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and turned to look at White Falcon sleeping soundly, and the suit of armor leaning against the cabin wall.

“Continue monitoring them.”

After giving the order, Uncle Hei quickly contacted the top level of Japan— which basically meant Morita Ao.

A while later, Morita Aoya replied:

“From Sapporo’s side, the Russian group is still within the surveillance range.”

“Don’t act rashly before confirming their intentions. If they threaten the Missy, you’re permitted to open fire.”

“No need to confirm their identity?”

“No need.”

***

“Bro! Didn’t you always want a Corpse from the Mind Bug System? New Parasites appeared near the hotel, so keep an eye out when you return.”

Jiang Jian Yue was eating lunch when she saw this message.

She replied, “OJBK.”

Wait, how could I just go around killing people?

Wouldn’t it be better if you Light Extinguishers took care of them and then I got rid of you afterward— kidding, of course.

“Finished eating? If so, should we split up later?”

Koji Hattori looked around at the group, noticing their distracted mood, and suggested.

Of course, it was to give the lovebirds some space.

The four of them as third wheels shouldn’t tag along— especially this particular lightbulb named Kaori Onishi.

“Wait a sec.”

Saiyonji huffed, shoveling the second-to-last bowl of seafood don into her mouth, with three empty bowls stacked beside her.

Only after losing it did Saiyonji realize how wonderful taste was.

Eating food without flavor for a week was more torturous than imagined.

“I’ll head out first.”

Jiang Jian Yue wiped her lips with a napkin and stood up.

“Going back to the hotel… a bit tired.”

A lie.

Of course, she was thinking about whether she might get lucky.

What if something happened that required her intervention?

A new ability could be up for grabs!

“Eh? Aren’t we going to stroll around Noboribetsu?”

Yamanoi Yayoi looked disappointed. She had planned to visit the Bear Ranch and Kuttara Lake that afternoon!

“Then let’s split up.”

Koji Hattori grinned, bowing with his hand over his chest.

“I’ll go with you.”

“Gross, old man, stay away from me…”

“…”

Jiang Jian Yue watched Koji Hattori freeze, silently putting away the mobile phone she was about to use to call the police.

Yuki Asahi’s gaze followed Jiang Jian Yue the moment she stood up.

When he heard she was heading back to Lake Toya and saw Koji Hattori suggest splitting up, he blurted out:

“Senpai, I’ll go back with you.”

But on the other side, Kaori Onishi almost jumped from her seat in reflex.

“Eh? Yuki-kun is going with Senpai? Then I’ll…”

Her voice trembled with urgency, and her green eyes locked onto Yuki Asahi.

“Bears can be seen anywhere, right…?”

She racked her brain for a reason that would convince herself and everyone else.

Jiang Jian Yue only glanced coldly at Kaori Onishi, her eyes turning icy.

Koji Hattori sensed the strange atmosphere and quickly played the tour guide role.

“Aiya, Onishi-chan, the plan is set! The Bear Ranch and Kuttara Lake in Noboribetsu are must-sees. Both Yayoi-chan and I haven’t been yet, right, Yayoi-chan?”

Yamanoi Yayoi, hearing her name, blinked blankly.

She looked at Koji Hattori’s suggestive gaze, didn’t quite understand, but nodded obediently.

“Y-yes, I want to see them.”

Before Kaori Onishi could protest, Koji Hattori turned with a smile to Saiyonji, who was fighting a giant shrimp.

“Saiyonji-kun, you too, right?”

Saiyonji gave a muffled “Mmm” in response.

He didn’t really care about tourist spots.

Kaori Onishi’s cheeks puffed in frustration.

Her green eyes darted between Yuki Asahi and Jiang Jian Yue, finally speaking in frustration.

“Fine!”

Once Jiang Jian Yue graduates, everything will be better.

Onishi, endure!

“Yuki-kun, just ‘protect’ Senpai well.”

She emphasized “protect,” her tone heavy with self-mockery and implication.

She slapped the table hard.

“Saiyonji-kun! Today’s photo mission is yours! Make sure the shots look cool!”

Her forced cheerfulness was a desperate attempt to sweep away the awkwardness.

Seeing Kaori Onishi didn’t insist further, Koji Hattori sighed in relief.

Yamanoi Yayoi scooted closer to comfort her, whispering about how cute bears were.

Jiang Jian Yue finally withdrew her gaze and nodded to Yuki Asahi.

“Let’s go.”

She didn’t explain, nor did she need to.

As for Kaori Onishi, she knew she should keep quiet; saying anything else would only make her look like she was showing off— she wasn’t that kind of woman.

Yuki Asahi stood up quickly and followed her out.

The two of them left the restaurant one after the other, disappearing into the crowded Noboribetsu sightseeing district.

They took the bus back to Lake Toya in silence.

“Senpai… can I hold your hand?”

Finally, Yuki Asahi broke the silence.