Chapter 49: Yuigahama Yui Takes Her First Step
[Mother's Rosario] Performs a high-speed 11-hit combo, ending with a cross-slash that delivers the most powerful strike! Note: Requires extremely high speed; otherwise, it can be blocked. Price: 1000 Spirit Coins.
Despite having more hits than Nine-Headed Dragon Flash, their prices were worlds apart.
Hikigaya Hachiman stared at the skill list in front of him, recalling the speed of the recent evil spirits he had encountered. Hmm… with his body constantly being enhanced by spirit power, his physical abilities now surpassed most people in this world.
And with time, he would only get stronger.
So— He could buy it!
With that thought, Hikigaya Hachiman didn't hesitate and immediately exchanged his Spirit Coins for Mother's Rosario.
After the purchase, Hachiman took a deep breath, preparing himself for the uncomfortable sensation of knowledge flooding his brain.
However, the expected dizziness and headaches never came.
Once the coins were deducted— Nothing happened.
"What's going on?" Hachiman raised his brow. There's no way the system would just scam him, right?
He opened his status panel.
Name: Hikigaya Hachiman Age: 17 Occupation: Special-Class Exorcist Spirit Power: 100/100 Skills: Spirit Flow Technique (Beginner), Basic Cultivation Method, Mother's Rosario (+) Equipment: Intermediate Demon-Slaying Blade Spirit Coins: 50
The skill Mother's Rosario was clearly listed. But—he couldn't use it.
Then he noticed a small plus sign next to the skill name.
Out of curiosity, he selected it with his mind. The "+" changed to [Pending Transmission ×3].
"Pending transmission?" Tilting his head, Hachiman was confused.
This was the first time something like this had happened. According to the panel, Mother's Rosario required someone to teach it to him.
But who would teach it?
Hachiman remained puzzled until the end of the school day.
As usual, after the dismissal bell rang, Hachiman packed up and prepared to head to the Service Club. But unlike before, the students around him began murmuring as soon as they saw him.
From their snickering, it wasn't hard for Hachiman to guess they were talking about the embarrassment he suffered that morning.
But such ridicule left no impact on him whatsoever.
"You're really not going?"
Miura Yumiko looked displeased as she stared at the timid Yuigahama Yui in front of her.
Just moments ago, Miura had suggested heading to the nearby arcade with her two followers. And for the first time ever, Yuigahama refused.
Yui—the always submissive pushover—had actually declined her invitation. Miura was shocked.
But then, watching Yui, who was clearly trying to gauge her mood, Miura's irritation only worsened. Yui was acting like she'd take it all back the moment Miura looked unhappy.
Have some backbone!
Behind her impatient expression, Miura actually wanted to teach her how to say no.
But of course, that was impossible. If Yui wanted to change her personality, she had to do it on her own, and speak her mind.
The only thing Miura could do now— Was keep pushing her, forcing her to make a decision sooner.
Watching the turtle-like Yui avoid eye contact, Miura slammed her hand on the desk, and asked again:
"You really aren't coming with me?"
The sudden action startled Yui.
She trembled at the sight of Miura's hand on the desk, and was just about to cave in.
But suddenly— She remembered what Hiratsuka-sensei had told her at lunch:
"No matter what it is, you must take the first brave step."
"I-I have something to do this afternoon… So I won't be going today… I'm really sorry!"
Eyes shut tightly, Yui bowed her head and, for the first time, clearly expressed her will.
Hearing her response, a brief flash of pride crossed Miura's eyes— Like a mother feeling her child had finally grown up.
But the emotion disappeared in just a few seconds.
"Oh, I see. In that case, I won't take you with me today."
Keeping her queenly composure, Miura answered in a frosty tone, as if Yui's presence didn't matter either way.
"Thank you so much!"
Completely oblivious to the coldness in Miura's voice, Yui gave a goofy, grateful smile, then cheerfully ran out of the classroom with her bag.
Watching her skip out the door, Miura—who had worried Yui might feel hurt by her cold façade— now felt so angry her chest heaved with frustration.
She really shouldn't have worried about that idiot!
"Boss, you really work hard, don't you…"
Ebina Hina, who had been sitting nearby reading her fanfics, looked up and sighed.
"You're no less of a headache yourself!" Miura glared at her in exasperation.
If Yui's problem was caring too much about what others thought, then Ebina's problem was not caring at all.
She always acted like she had seen through everything. Even when she was bullied, she never fought back.
To keep Ebina safe from those girls who didn't like her, Miura had to watch her 24/7. Just one slip-up and they'd drag her into some dark corner for a "talk".
"Hey, you can't blame me," Ebina said with a silly grin. "Those girls are just petty."
Though Ebina acted carefree, her eyes flashed with disdain when talking about those girls.
Always scheming, always jealous— They were pathetic.
They had no status, no beauty, and instead of improving themselves, they spent all day hating on girls better than them.
Compared to those losers— Her boss and Yui were so much more interesting.
Especially her boss. Even though Miura was already busy trying to improve herself and win Hayama's attention, she still brought them along, warning everyone not to mess with them.
Honestly— Miura was just an adorably dumb and lovable idiot.