harleyscars Page 62
Page 62
Himegami Akisa from the original work... seems like a good choice. Although she's a bit quiet and reserved, her lively personality might complement Index's, and she should get along well with Index?
Moreover, that alchemist is a problem that must be dealt with. Given his obsession with Index, he'll probably come knocking on our door soon enough.
Instead of waiting passively, it's better to take the initiative and kill him, and incidentally bring Himegami Akisa back to keep Index company.
But where is Misawa Juku again? Although Misawa Juku is a well-known cram school, Higashino, being an outsider, has never actually inquired about its exact location.
We need to find someone familiar with the area to guide us…
Mikoto and Shokuhou aren't really suitable; it would be quite troublesome if they were to get involved.
Haruharu and Ruiko are out of the question; that alchemist is quite capable, and I'd be heartbroken if anything happened to him.
The guys from Item would be a good fit, but while Mugino has the ability to trust me, her personality might not allow her to help with something as simple as guiding me. Frenda is out of the question too; bombs are basically useless, so she's not suitable. Kinuhata, on the other hand, would be a good choice…
Higashino's gaze finally fell on Index, who was leaning on his shoulder, and a more suitable candidate came to mind.
It's time to bring the one in the props group who is most likely to have an impact on me under my control.
He gently patted Index's head: "Index."
"Hmm?" Index turned her head and looked at Higashino with a puzzled expression.
"I have to go out for a bit," Dongye said softly. "It won't be long, I should be back around noon or afternoon. Will you stay home and wait for me?"
Index's smile faltered for a moment, and her lips pouted slightly: "Is he going on another date with a girl?"
"No, I promise this time!"
Hearing Higashino's words, Index, though still somewhat doubtful, obediently nodded and held up her little finger, "You must come back soon, pinky promise!"
"Okay, pinky promise." Dongye smiled and hooked his little finger around hers. "I promise I'll be back soon."
After calming Index down, Higashino walked out of the apartment building. He took out his phone, scrolled through several names in his contacts, and finally dialed a number.
"Beep...beep...hello?" A female voice came from the other end of the phone; it was Takitsubo Rigo.
"Takitsubo? It's me, Higashino." Higashino's lips curled up slightly. It seemed he had guessed correctly; this guy had probably just woken up or was still lazing in bed.
"Ah... Higashino-kun." Takitsubo seemed to have just woken up, his voice still a little groggy, "Is something the matter?"
"Um, I'd like to ask you for a favor, to take me somewhere. Are you free now?" Higashino asked directly.
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, as if someone was thinking about something.
"I'm free..." Takitsubo replied slowly, "Where is it?"
"Do you know where Misawa Academy is?" Higashino stated his goal.
“Yes, I know this tutoring center.” Takitsubo’s voice remained flat.
"Then I'll leave the rest to you. Let's meet at the Blue Mountain Cafe in the Seventh School District later." After ending his call with Takitsubo, Higashino headed towards the agreed-upon meeting place.
Chapter 79 Takitsubo Riko, take her down!
Half an hour later, Higashino Yu sat in the corner of the cafe, drinking coffee and waiting for the girl to arrive.
jingle--
Amidst the clear sound of the copper bell, a familiar figure pushed open the door and entered.
Her appearance immediately attracted the attention of many people in the coffee shop; after all, a beautiful girl is always the center of attention.
Moreover, her outfit today was completely different from her usual oversized coat.
Today, Takitsubo is wearing a fitted white short-sleeved shirt, which makes the parts that are usually hidden look particularly eye-catching, and on the bottom, she is wearing a pair of light-colored slim denim shorts, which perfectly show off her long, straight legs.
Higashino's gaze was unconsciously drawn to her, but seeing her looking around, he immediately spoke up.
“This way, Takitsubo.” Higashino Yu gestured.
Upon hearing Higashino's voice, Takitsubo quickly pinpointed the location and slowly walked towards the corner.
She sat down opposite Dongye and placed her small bag aside. This action caused her shirt collar to open slightly, revealing a small patch of fair skin and delicate collarbone.
"She really is a hidden voluptuous woman, her breasts are just as big as Kanzaki's." Higashino thought to himself as he glanced at her.
"Sorry... Have you been waiting long?" Takitsubo's voice was soft, giving people a very gentle feeling.
"I just arrived recently too." Higashino Yu smiled and pushed the iced coffee in front of her.
"Thank you."
Not in great physical condition, she was quite thirsty after walking for a while, so she couldn't resist drinking the coffee. Her usually expressionless face now showed a satisfied look because of the coolness of the iced coffee, making her look rather cute.
(This is the first time I've ever seen a water-filled teapot like this...)
He cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the main topic: "About Misawa Juku..."
Takitsubo put down his cup, tilted his head, and thought for a moment. "That cram school with the top three college entrance rates in Academy City is in the Seventh District, not far from here. Shall I take you there?"
Higashino Yu nodded, but still decided to explain part of the truth about Misawa Juku. "Actually, Misawa Juku is ostensibly a cram school, but it's actually a base for magicians, and it's shrouded in a special barrier that ordinary people can't detect. So I thought your ability to track that guy might have some unexpected uses."
If he were to run away because he couldn't handle the situation, it would be quite troublesome for Higashino; he didn't want to have rats watching him all the time.
"A magician?" Takitsubo frowned slightly. "Have you received some special mission?"
Even the Dark Guard doesn't have many opportunities to come into contact with mages, and in recent years they've only dealt with minor characters.
“It’s not a mission, it’s an alchemist named Aureolus Isard.” Higashino nodded and continued, “He’s from the Roman Catholic Church, and he has a bit of a grudge against me.”
Although the holiday hasn't happened yet, if left unchecked, a conflict between the two is a certainty in the future.
"Are you sure?"
"I can't imagine the possibility of failure!"
That alchemist's abilities were somewhat similar to his own, but Higashino felt that if they disregarded the students, simply blowing up the building would be the easiest solution. However, he wasn't some kind of demon; he wouldn't do something like that for a mere alchemist.
He was, after all, a Xia citizen who had received a normal education. Apart from being a bit lecherous, he was quite normal in other aspects. It was impossible for him to become ruthless and bloodthirsty just because he gained power after transmigrating; that would definitely be abnormal.
Of course, if it really threatens his own safety and the safety of those around him, he wouldn't mind becoming a demon. However, someone like "Big Spider" pointing a toy gun at his trash doesn't count as a threat.
It still has some role as an anchor point for cognitive networks in the future.
"So... what do you plan to do?" Takitsubo looked at Higashino with a puzzled expression, feeling that her presence might be somewhat superfluous, as her combat abilities were not strong.
With Higashino's Level 5 strength, it doesn't really matter whether she's there or not. If things get really difficult, it would be more reliable to call Mugino for help.
As for leading the way, isn't that easy for a mental ability user? There are so many random people they can just use.
“I need your ability.” Dongye continued to explain his purpose to her, “Your ‘ability tracking’ can sense fluctuations in the Aim force field, and should also be able to locate the mage’s position.”
Takitsubo was silent for a moment, thinking about her previous encounter with the magician. "Hmm, although it's somewhat different, it's certainly possible..."
"Defeating that guy isn't a problem, but it would be troublesome if he ran away when things got bad." Higashino's voice was confident; that guy's abilities were at most a lower-tier version of his own. "That's why I need your help. I believe your abilities are definitely not a problem!"
Takitsubo nodded, took another sip of coffee, and seemed to be thinking about something. However, perhaps because he felt trusted by his teammates, he seemed to be in a good mood.
Higashino looked at her and began to think about something he had considered before.
(Takitsubo's abilities are so useful...)
(It can not only track ability users, but may even sense magical fluctuations...)
(If I let her grow naturally to Level 5, there's a risk that she might awaken a power that opposes or affects my abilities...)
(It's a rare opportunity to be alone together, this is the perfect time, it would be foolish to let it slip by.)
He gently set down his coffee cup and looked at Takitsubo. "Takitsubo, do you believe me?"
Takitsubo looked up and nodded without hesitation: "Yes...you are trustworthy..."
This was a perception I had established when I was at Level 4: I was a trustworthy new teammate with whom I had previously collaborated.
A faint smile played on Higashino Yu's lips as he stared directly at Takitsubo, a silvery glint appearing deep within his eyes. "So, could you look me in the eye for a moment?"
Although puzzled, Takitsubo nodded obediently. She put down her cup, sat up slightly, and focused her gaze on Higashino Yu's.
(Great, they're completely unsuspecting.)
The silver light flashed briefly in Higashino Yu's pupils before returning to normal in an instant.
Takitsubo's thoughts instantly blurred, as if she had fallen into a warm, misty sea. Higashino Yu's voice echoed deep within her consciousness, each syllable carrying an irresistible power:
"You trust me more than anyone else."
"You're willing to do anything for me."
"You...have a crush on me."
In fact, whether or not you have this last understanding won't affect your control over Takitsubo, since the first two are enough. But how could a lecherous doctor give up the meat that's already in his mouth?
He really likes hiding big breasts, and it must feel good to bully a sickly girl, right?
Moreover, the kind of story about unrequited love, where you occasionally play the oblivious male lead and then suddenly transform into a wolf, seems like a pretty good script.
As the words fell, the understanding set by Higashino was deeply imprinted in her consciousness. Takitsubo's heart began to race, her fair cheeks flushed, and her breathing became rapid.
(Higashino...the person he trusts most...)
(I want to do more for him...)
(This feeling of my heart racing... is it liking...)
Higashino observed her changes and was pleased to see Takitsubo's eyes gradually soften from initial confusion, and finally become tinged with a hazy affection.
However, for him, one final step is needed to complete the rewriting and make it a perfect ending.
Although not a necessary step, contact with mucous membranes can indeed deepen the degree of cognitive modification at the mental level.
Of course, you can do this without doing it this way, since you can't do it to a man, right? It just requires more concentration.
Moreover, for Higashino, taking a girl's first kiss has become a habit, and he can't change it.
Without any hesitation, Higashino stood up, reached out, and gently lifted Takitsubo's chin with his fingers, a gentle yet unyielding gesture. "Takitsubo," he murmured, "close your eyes."
Takitsubo obediently closed her eyes, but her body was trembling slightly, perhaps due to excessive nervousness.
Higashino leaned down, his lips gently covering Takitsubo's. The kiss was light, yet carried an irresistible force, deeply imprinting the final mark of understanding into the depths of her consciousness.
Following the early spring, the second thorough revision of my understanding has been completed.
As Higashino stepped back, Takitsubo slowly opened his eyes.
The look in her eyes as she gazed at Higashino carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, longing, giving the impression that she was trying to hide it, yet couldn't quite conceal it.
"Higashino-kun..." Her voice was even softer and more moving than before.
"How are you feeling?" Dongye sat back down and gently stroked her face.
"Hmm...very good..." Takitsubo unconsciously rubbed her cheek against his palm, a happy smile spreading across her face. "It's just...my heart is beating a little fast..."
Seeing her place her hand on her chest and feel her heartbeat, Higashino even had the urge to feel it for her.
Higashino Yu chuckled softly and picked up his coffee cup again. "We're heading to Misawa Academy now, but before we begin..." His gaze turned serious, "I need you to help me pinpoint all the unusual targets inside."
Takitsubo immediately sat up straight, her eyes filled with love replaced by unwavering resolve. "Leave it to me."
She nodded without hesitation, "As long as it's your request..."
Higashino Yu looked at the completely transformed girl before him with satisfaction. Now, she wouldn't hesitate to ask him to go to a hotel room without any problem.
In this way, the first person gets to handle the Item, and then gradually modifies the others until they completely control the Item and make it entirely theirs.
Aleister, although I don't know what you're planning to do with me, you'll definitely regret it if you continue to let me develop like this.
(Next... it's time to meet that alchemist...)
Chapter 80 You're mine now!
After leaving the coffee shop, Higashino Yu and Takitsubo Riko walked side by side through the bustling crowd. Takitsubo maintained a perfectly measured half-step distance, but her gaze would occasionally steal glances at the profile of the person beside her. Whenever Higashino noticed and turned his head, she would immediately lower her head like a child caught doing something wrong.
Higashino wondered if he had misunderstood her earlier. Her obvious behavior didn't seem like a crush at all. If Takitsubo weren't the type of person who wasn't particularly proactive, she might have already come over and hugged his arm.
“Mizawa Academy is just two blocks ahead…” Takitsubo said softly, taking a few steps closer to Higashino. Takitsubo was actually a little resentful of Higashino. He had just kissed her, and now he was acting like an irresponsible jerk, not even willing to hold her hand. “I don’t even mind that you’re a harem jerk, what are you still dawdling about?!”
A little anxious, Takitsubo thought for a moment and made a decision. Hesitation would lead to defeat! Higashino suddenly felt his hand being touched. Looking down, he saw that it was the back of Takitsubo's swaying hand that had "accidentally" touched him. Ah, I was just thinking you weren't the proactive type of girl. It seems I was too superficial. A person's personality can't act according to a script. People's thoughts are complex and changeable. For example, although Takitsubo still had a blank expression, Higashino noticed a faint resentment on her face.
Higashino, who hadn't used his ability to cheat by reading minds, was naturally unaware of Takitsubo Riko's inner complaints; otherwise, he would have definitely cried out that he was wronged. But it wasn't too late; Higashino grabbed Takitsubo Riko's small hand as she approached again.