"If aliens are real, why is their existence kept a secret?" Masha tapped her lips, her eyes filled with confusion, mirroring Alya's expression.
She couldn't understand why the presence of aliens remained unknown to the general public.
"The answer is simple: humanity isn't ready to accept the existence of another species on Earth."
Pausing briefly, Ren glanced at each face now watching him intently, then continued his explanation for the five women.
"While many people enjoy conspiracy theories about aliens or are fascinated by sci-fi stories, reality is far different. The majority of humans are actually more afraid of them."
"Imagine if the public knew aliens were truly among us. How would they react? Mass panic? Uncontrollable chaos? Most likely, it would spark an interspecies war."
"Humans even wage wars against each other over differences in ideology, skin color, or trivial matters. We fight among ourselves. How could we possibly accept a completely different species with a civilization potentially far more advanced?"
"Honestly, humanity's technological civilization hasn't reached a point where we can freely explore outer space, let alone defend ourselves on an interstellar stage. On the other hand, the aliens here—those with spacecraft—can traverse the vast universe, seeking life on habitable planets like Earth."
"If both sides engaged in open war, it's clear humanity would be utterly defeated if we relied solely on the science and technology we currently possess."
"The reason these aliens obediently follow Earth's rules and haven't acted recklessly so far is the presence of supernatural practitioners whose powers defy scientific explanation."
"…"
The atmosphere fell into a chilling silence.
The five women—Itsuki, Masha, Alya, Hayasaka, and Ririka—absorbed every word Ren said, trying to process the new reality he revealed.
The world they thought they understood now felt alien.
"Ren-sama, if everything is as you say and aliens blend peacefully among humans on Earth, then why does the Prime War happen?"
The more she learned about the world's hidden truths, Hayasaka felt both dread and gratitude.
Thankfully, she was the woman of one of the top individuals in the supernatural world!
Thanks to that status, her safety was far more assured than 98% of Earth's population.
"That's a good question, Ai. It's true that most aliens blending in on Earth choose to live peacefully and follow the rules. However, remember that the concepts of good and evil always depend on perspective. That applies to aliens too."
Looking at each of them in turn, Ren ensured their attention remained on him.
"In the vast universe, there's a race of aliens that covets Earth for its abundant resources. That race is called the Kur."
"The Kur are a militaristic alien race from the farthest reaches of space. They're highly globalist—in a negative sense—and have been actively seeking planets in galactic systems to conquer and integrate into their empire. From what I know, the Kur have attempted to invade Earth at least a dozen times but have always failed due to the fierce resistance of mystic practitioners."
"Of course, in those battles, the Campiones stand at the forefront, facing the threat directly. Meanwhile, mystic practitioners play a crucial supporting role, wielding their powers from behind the scenes."
Ren knew all this from Alice. After all, he was just an ordinary person before becoming a Campione. No, more than half of all Campiones were ordinary people who, by luck, suddenly gained extraordinary powers.
Thus, his knowledge of the supernatural world was nearly nonexistent before meeting Alice and building his own information network.
"What?! Doesn't that mean hubby will go to the battlefield?"
Realizing Ren was a Campione, Itsuki now understood that the delinquent student who got her pregnant would go to war.
What woman wouldn't worry about her man heading to the front lines?
"That's right." Ren nodded.
"Can't you just not go? What if something happens to you, hubby…"
Stroking her belly, carrying the child of their illicit student-teacher relationship, Itsuki looked at him with worry, her eyes pleading. There was real fear in her gaze.
"No, I have to participate in the Prime War." Ren met Itsuki's worried gaze with eyes full of determination. "As Uncle Ben said, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' Itsuki-sensei, I enjoy the privileges of being a Campione, which means I can't run from my responsibilities."
That was a lie.
Ren didn't care about 'With great power comes great responsibility.' What he cared about was unleashing his Divine Authorities without restraint and fighting to his heart's content.
A Campione's primary duty was to slay Heretic Gods that appeared in the world. However, their appearances were rare, leaving Ren frustrated with his overpowered (OP) abilities gathering dust from disuse.
Now, with a chance to unleash his battle-maniac nature, how could he pass it up?
He only acted like a noble man to maintain a grand and honorable image in front of his harem.
"Come back safely."
Biting her lower lip, Itsuki gave up persuading Ren. She couldn't be selfish when the fate of Earth was at stake.
What if Ren's absence in the Prime War caused humanity to lose? Then Itsuki could never forgive herself and would become a great sinner.
Her perspective was still narrow, as she had only seen Ren among the Campiones, unlike Hayasaka, who had witnessed the power of three others—Godou, Marquis Voban, and Alec.
"Ren-kun, be careful." Masha said softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. Her teary eyes looked at him, as if imagining unseen dangers.
Usually calmer, Alya added, "Don't be reckless. Remember, we're waiting for you here. Don't do anything unnecessary." Her tone was commanding yet caring.
Ririka didn't say much but made a praying gesture. "Be careful, Ren-sama. May luck always be with you."
"We'll be waiting for your return, Ren-sama." Hayasaka said briefly, but with confidence that Ren would be fine.
Nodding to each woman, Ren reassured them with a faint smile.
"I'll be back. Don't worry."
"According to Alice and the other Hime-Miko, the Prime War will happen on August 31. Preparations for The Day of Silence should already be underway. Ai, turn on the TV."
"Yes, Ren-sama."
Following Ren's instructions, Hayasaka grabbed the TV remote from the table and turned it on. The large screen in the living room immediately displayed a news broadcast.
A female reporter in a neat blazer and a serious expression appeared on the screen, standing in front of a grand parliament building. At the bottom of the screen, a ticker quickly displayed the headline: {Global Governments Announce Approaching Day of Silence: Public Urged to Stay Home}
"Just moments ago, governments from various countries, in collaboration with the United Nations, issued an official global emergency announcement today." the reporter's voice was clear and uneasy.
The screen switched to a simple graphic showing a world map with August 31 highlighted.
"Following patterns observed over recent decades, the phenomenon known as The Day of Silence is expected to occur on August 31." the reporter continued, her tone slightly lower. "Therefore, all citizens are strongly urged to refrain from traveling and remain indoors throughout the day."
Clips of brief speeches from several heads of state across different continents followed, all echoing the same serious message.
The reporter reappeared on the screen. "All non-essential sectors will be completely shut down. Public transportation, commercial flights, and even private traffic will be entirely prohibited. These measures are taken for the safety of us all, to minimize the risk of unwanted accidents when this universal phenomenon overtakes our consciousness."
"Please cooperate fully to ensure the smooth and safe execution of The Day of Silence. By complying, we contribute to protecting ourselves and our loved ones."
The screen then returned to the news studio, where two anchors discussed the economic and social implications of the announcement.
"Well, while everyone sleeps due to the global-scale magic performed by mages from all Mage Associations worldwide, the Campiones will fight against the Kur invasion. That's the truth behind The Day of Silence."
Ren concluded his revelation of The Day of Silence's truth to his five women.