[Ding—]
[New Familia member added: La Folia Rihavein (Hero Rank).]
[Acquired 80,000 Points. Monthly fixed point income increased by 20,000 Points. Current monthly personal point income: 251,500 Points. Total income: 611,100 Points.]
[Current personal point balance: 748,500 Points. Total points: 995,100 Points.]
[Congratulations to Familia member La Folia Rihavein for awakening Demigod Rank ability: Advanced Summoning.]
As the long-absent system notifications echoed in his mind, Luo Shu felt as if a lifetime had passed.
Although points had been gradually increasing recently due to Sayuri Sawamura, Enigma, Haruno and others joining, along with various actions by Familia members...
And though the points system had been refined into personal points and total points due to Sharon's efforts, Luo Shu hadn't paid much attention to points since the upcoming promotions would require millions to begin with.
But now, seeing the total points approaching one million, Luo Shu felt a sense of relief, like finally becoming a millionaire.
While there had been various point expenditures recently, overall, the points were showing positive growth.
The more money saved, the more it boosted Luo Shu's morale.
'Come to think of it, I haven't paid much attention when other Familia members joined since their awakened abilities weren't very high-level. But La Folia's case seems rather special, doesn't it?'
'Demigod Rank Advanced Summoning? This isn't some Yu-Gi-Oh episode, is it?'
Moreover, when La Folia joined, the immediate 80,000 Points income and additional 20,000 Points monthly increase far exceeded typical Hero Rank rewards.
'A princess's influence?'
As Luo Shu thought this, he suddenly noticed Haruno Yukinoshita had approached La Folia and was asking curiously:
"How does it feel? Did you obtain any particularly special or powerful abilities?"
"Big Sister!!"
Yukino frowned in warning, clearly indicating Haruno's behaviour was inappropriate.
To this, Haruno Yukinoshita pouted slightly and said:
"What's the big deal~ It's not like I'm not feeling bitter about it anyway~"
"After all, the ability I awakened was only Common Rank, and it's just a defensive power that blocks mental interference from others. Worst of all, that name 'Heart's Barrier' is super annoying."
"Do I really seem like someone with heavy psychological defences?"
'You absolutely do!' X2
Luo Shu and Yukino Yukinoshita thought to themselves simultaneously.
As the two silently mocked Haruno, La Folia finished processing the information, exhaled deeply, rubbed her temples with closed eyes and said:
"Apologies, I think I need to organise my thoughts..."
"After all, the sheer volume of information contained in the Divine Pantheon Reconstruction System's introductory materials is somewhat overwhelming."
Hearing this, Haruno turned her head curiously:
"Yukino, did you add something special to the materials again?"
"No, I haven't started compiling anything today." Yukino shook her head before hesitantly adding, "Could it be that Miss Sharon added new information?"
"That exaggerated nun?" Haruno looked surprised before asking curiously: "Did she include some new European anecdotes?"
"Isn't it possible that what this princess needs to process is just the existing material?"
Natsuki Minamiya said calmly while holding a newspaper:
"Unlike you amateurs, this girl is already someone connected to the mystic side. The knowledge she possesses is far broader than yours."
"Heh, meaning that what you consider common knowledge from the Divine Pantheon System appears as worldview-shattering revelations to people like us."
"For example, the very concept that something could quantify a person's influence on the world and convert it into so-called 'points'"
"Is that... strange?" Haruno looked confused.
Beside her, Yukino nodded in agreement:
"Settings where gods collect faith aren't uncommon in literature."
Hearing this, Natsuki gave Yukino an understanding nod:
"I see, so that's how you interpreted it?"
"Materialising interference with people and objects into points as spiritual faith? Normally, one would interpret it as causality instead."
"It seems I'll need to give you all an intensive common sense course."
"At the very least, you should learn to distinguish between faith and causality."
As she spoke, Natsuki revealed a devilish smile, even turning to look at Haruno:
"Hey, university student over there, you're coming along too."
"Eh... At my age, should I be going to a high school campus?" Haruno Yukinoshita was slightly taken aback.
"So the real concern is actually about age?" Luo Shu gave Haruno a strange look. "You're not so old that you can't pass for a high school student, are you?"
"It's not the same thing~" Haruno waved her hand dismissively. "It just feels wrong for someone who isn't a high schooler to intrude into their world, don't you think?"
Luo Shu couldn't help but retort, "What a bizarre hang-up."
Just then, La Folia finally gathered her thoughts and chimed in:
"I had my suspicions before, knowing any man who caught Lacus's eye would have to be special. But I never imagined this 'special' would be so... unconventional."
As she spoke, La Folia turned to Luo Shu with a regretful expression:
"What a shame. If only Luo Shu had chosen to study in Aldegia instead back then."
Hearing this, Luo Shu's mouth twitched:
"So you're saying you could've been the one to benefit, is that it?"
"Of course~" La Folia puffed out her chest proudly. "By any measure, I hold the advantage over Lacus Clyne in a direct comparison."
"If you were drawn to Lacus's charm, then falling for me would only be natural, wouldn't it?"
"Truly, your narcissism is on another level," Luo Shu couldn't help but remark.
"It's confidence, not narcissism."
La Folia corrected him before hesitating slightly:
"Though with Lacus already a step ahead, the situation is indeed unfavourable for me."
"At the very least, in persuading you to side with Aldegia, I seem to lack sufficient bargaining chips."
After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly turned to Kanon Kanase beside her with a bright smile:
"There's no other way!"
"Auntie, it seems we'll have to join forces—the two of us together!!"
Kanon, completely lost, could only murmur in response:
"Although I don't fully understand the situation, I'll do my best to help if needed."
Seeing this, Luo Shu and Natsuki Minamiya's faces twitched slightly.
Luo Shu couldn't help but exclaim:
"Stop deceiving young girls in public, you lewd princess!!"