The crackling sound of electric arcs echoed at the entrance and windows of the 24-hour diner.
Luo Shu turned his head and saw white bands of light forming a grid-like net over the windows.
It was a protective barrier Origami Tobiichi had woven from Metatron's Radiance Concept—a terrifying web even a Hero Rank couldn't touch.
Staring at the sealed doors and windows, Luo Shu turned back to face the three girls now surrounding him.
La Folia smiling sweetly, Nia Honjo grinning mischievously, and the expressionless Origami Tobiichi.
The trio had formed a triangular formation, encircling Luo Shu completely.
Shinichi Kudo, keenly sensing danger, had already fled with his ordered dishes, retreating to the serving counter where he huddled with the trembling chefs.
Luo Shu had no time to spare for Shinichi now. Facing the three blocking his path, he asked with noticeable unease:
"What kind of game are you three playing?"
"Wow, even his voice changed! He really turned into a kid!"
La Folia gazed excitedly at the 12- or 13-year-old Luo Shu, rubbing her hands together in delight.
Nia puffed out her chest, inexplicably proud. "I told you Luo Shu became a kid—and a rare shota form at that! Now you believe me, don't you?"
"Are you physically alright? Any discomfort?"
Ignoring the other two, Origami immediately took action—one hand gripping Luo Shu's wrist while the other pressed against his chest:
"Should we get you checked by a doctor?"
"Oh, wait, I am a doctor. So I'll examine you first."
Watching Origami's utterly blank expression, Luo Shu's face twitched.
'An examination is fine, but why are you pulling my trousers down?!'
Luo Shu desperately tugged at his waistband with his free hand while Origami yanked relentlessly.
The two locked eyes, as if playing a game of statues.
"Hey~ho!" La Folia cackled, seizing Luo Shu's other arm to forcibly pry it open.
Glaring at them both, Luo Shu snapped:
"So you're resorting to force now?"
"Exactly, force is unacceptable," Nia chimed in. "Even if we must use force, not in a diner! There are outsiders here!"
At this, all three girls simultaneously turned towards the kitchen.
Shinichi Kudo, who'd been spectating, froze instantly.
"Eliminate them," Origami stated flatly.
La Folia held up a hand to stop her. "Killing is foolish, but turning them vegetative isn't!"
Instantly, Shinichi and the chefs clung together, trembling violently.
Nia blinked, looking slightly bewildered:
"Has it not occurred to you to just take Luo Shu to a room instead?"
"I fear complications from delay," Origami declared matter-of-factly.
La Folia frowned worriedly. "I'm concerned Dr Tabane Shinonono might interfere. Dividing him four ways would be too difficult."
Luo Shu, now restrained by both La Folia and Origami, sighed in exasperation:
"So no one's considering my opinion here?"
At this, La Folia and Origami turned their heads to stare at him.
Meanwhile, Nia Honjo, beside them, let out a strange cackle:
"You'd better think carefully. If you don't resist, it'll be three against one. If you do resist, you'll end up with nothing at all!"
Hearing these heavily suggestive words, Luo Shu pondered for a moment before tilting his head and saying:
"How about... I walk by myself?"
La Folia and Origami Tobiichi exchanged glances, then silently released their grip.
Luo Shu rubbed his wrists resignedly before standing up. With a casual glance towards Shinichi Kudo's direction, he remarked offhandedly:
"Shinichi, if anyone comes looking for me later, just say I've gone to rest. You know what to say, right?"
"..."
Shinichi Kudo opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately just nodded.
Shinichi Kudo watched Luo Shu's retreating back with the distinct impression of witnessing a young warrior marching to his doom.
When the figure had completely disappeared from view, Shinichi Kudo muttered with equal parts envy and fear:
"Women truly are terrifying creatures!!"
"Especially those who are both beautiful and exude such an alluring presence."
Shinichi couldn't help but think of Ran Mouri, then recalled how she'd simply watched as Luo Shu led him away earlier.
In an instant, he reached a conclusion.
Women were too troublesome—he'd rather spend his life with deduction!
...
8:00 AM.
Lacus, who woke up at her usual time, habitually opened the Divine Pantheon's main group chat after finishing her morning routine.
In a flash, 99 messages scrolled past.
"Hmm?"
Puzzled, Lacus skimmed through the ongoing conversation.
[La Folia: Kisara, three people booked back-to-back slots for next Thursday. Are you sure you still want yours?]
[Kisara: La Folia, wasn't next Thursday evening promised to me? Why are there three people now?]
[La Folia: Because too many signed up! I can't manage the schedule!!]
[Kisara: Huh? Where did all these extra people come from? It's usually empty!]
[La Folia: You think it's usually empty?]
[Tabane Shinonono: Exactly! Three people queued for next Wednesday—how unfair!!]
[La Folia: ...]
[Hagoromo Gitsune: La Folia, you can squeeze in a few more next Tuesday. The child can handle it.]
[Meer: How strange... Why does it suddenly feel like everyone's scrambling for slots? Just yesterday morning, the schedule from next Sunday to the Wednesday after was wide open.]
[Utaha Kasumigaoka: La Folia, explain this—why is someone trying to cut in line for tomorrow's slot? I booked it ages ago!]
[Yukino Yukinoshita: I'm suddenly curious. Weren't you all saying you'd never participate in the night service? Why are you openly fighting for slots in the group now?]
[Sharon: More than that, I'm wondering why they've suddenly shed all shame. Did something happen that I missed?]
[Chisato Nishikigi: I know, I know! It's because Luo Shu's turned into his younger self now. They all want a taste of fresh grass.]
Silence fell over the group for a few seconds, until:
[Sharon: Any slots left? I'll take one—anything under 4 is fine.]
[Mira Tsubakihara: ...]
[Kurumi Tokisaki: ...]
[Takina Inoue: ...]
[Eriri: La Folia, why is my name on the schedule every day next week? I never applied!]
[La Folia: What do you think the reason is, Miss Nature Spirit?]
[Eriri: ...]
After scanning the messages, Lacus sighed and opened her private inbox.
Only a few emails waited—routine reports from Familia members: daily correspondence from Yukino Yukinoshita, special intelligence from Meer, and the schedule La Folia had sent.
Curious, Lacus checked the schedule. A quick calculation revealed that Luo Shu would face at least two girls each day for the coming week, peaking at four in a single day. She couldn't help but laugh wryly.
"The Chief God's life... doesn't seem easy either..."
Shaking her head, Lacus forwarded a file to Meer, then sent another to Luo Shu.
His reply came swiftly:
[Meeting at 11. I'll try to shake them off quickly.]
Reading it, Lacus could almost picture him gritting his teeth as he typed.
Faced with this situation, Lacus could only silently mourn for Luo Shu for three seconds.
After all, who made him the head of the Familia?