After the three girls woke up one by one.
Seiji also got out of bed, leaning back on the sofa while brewing himself coffee.
His gaze swept casually across the living room, his lips curving into a playful smile.
Last night's "punishment time" left him with pleasant memories... especially that moment when Eriri fainted from sheer embarrassment during the movie's climax. That rabbit-like fragility of hers made him eager to savor it again.
As for Utaha... heh, her resilience was indeed formidable, but in the end, she'd still been thoroughly subdued.
"The Shura Game really is the world's best game," Seiji mused inwardly.
As a transmigrator reborn from his past life as a corporate slave, what he enjoyed most was this sense of control... three 2D goddesses revolving around him, each with her own unique charm: Utaha's sharp-tongued arrogance, Eriri's tsundere cuteness, and Ryo's calm composure.
In his corporate slave days, he couldn't even get a girlfriend. Now he could freely "train" them to his heart's content. This contrast filled him with motivation every single day.
Last night's exchange items had drawn out distinctly different reactions from each of them, leaving him thoroughly satisfied.
Soft footsteps came from the kitchen.
Seiji turned his head to see Utaha supporting herself against the wall, shuffling down step by step.
Her complexion was still somewhat pale, her legs trembling slightly. Beneath that loose bathrobe, faint red marks from last night were visible on her fair skin.
Her black hair was disheveled, and the proud gaze she usually carried now held traces of fatigue and confusion.
Her walking posture was noticeably awkward, each step seeming to endure some discomfort.
Noticing Seiji's gaze, Utaha rolled her eyes, inwardly cursing:
That bastard went way too hard!
Though I was actively participating too, you still didn't have to...
Recalling certain indecent events, her cheeks flushed involuntarily.
"Yo, Utaha, morning. Looks like you slept well last night?" Seiji greeted with a smile, his tone full of teasing. He deliberately let his eyes sweep over her legs, his smile deepening.
Utaha glared at him and reluctantly sat down on the sofa: "Shut up... you were so rough last night, my legs are still weak. If I'd known, I wouldn't have played that damn game."
Her voice carried a hint of coquettish complaint, but more than that, it held the helplessness of someone who'd been conquered.
Last night in the room, Seiji had given her no chance to catch her breath, making her experience firsthand the aftermath of that "exchange item."
That process... from "slime" to "full invasion"... nearly crashed her brain.
Even now, recalling it made her cheeks burn... it was supposed to be punishment, so why did I end up actively asking for more?
She bit her lip, feeling a surge of shame and indignation.
Has that bastard Seiji really trained me into a nymphomaniac?
Just then.
Ryo Yamada emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of simple breakfast: fried eggs, bread, and milk.
She glanced at Utaha and sat down calmly: "Looks like you got worked over pretty hard last night. Good thing I was the winner."
A flash of schadenfreude crossed her blue eyes, but more than that, she felt genuine wariness toward Seiji's "combat abilities."
Recalling the sounds she'd heard through the walls until late into the night still left her shocked.
Seiji's stamina and technique were terrifying. If it had been her, she'd be the one struggling down the stairs today, not Utaha.
Utaha's mouth twitched at her words: "You blue-haired pervert... holding that thing in your mouth last night, then swallowing it... didn't you find it disgusting?"
This woman really is cut from the same cloth as Seiji! A pervert!
At the same time, she couldn't help but admire Ryo's composure. That unflappable attitude put even her, the "head wife," under a bit of pressure.
Ryo shrugged, her blue eyes utterly calm: "Winning is what matters. Besides, I'm used to the taste."
As she spoke, she even licked her lips, as if reminiscing about something.
That statement nearly made Utaha spit out her drink. This woman really is cut from the same cloth as Seiji!
But she couldn't help recalling Ryo's "demonstration" from last night. That composure left her both shocked and slightly envious... if only I could be that calm, that man wouldn't have me so completely dominated.
Just then, Eriri came down from upstairs.
Her face was flushed, her hair a mess. After fainting last night, she'd been carried back to her room by Seiji in a daze. When she woke up, she found herself dressed in clean pajamas, but those humiliating memories made her unable to look anyone in the eye.
Especially recalling that moment during the movie's climax when she'd been subjected to that public execution with attacks from above and below... she wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
Right now, Eriri's legs were still a bit weak. That bastard Seiji is way too much of a bully!
But at the same time, a strange sense of satisfaction welled up inside her... that feeling of being completely conquered made this tsundere girl both annoyed and strangely addicted.
"S-Seiji... you bastard! Last night was way too much!"
Eriri threw herself onto the sofa and weakly punched him once, but the force was so soft it landed harmlessly in his lap.
Her face was red, and her heart felt complicated. Why is it that every time he bullies me, I feel... kind of happy about it?
Aaah, what's wrong with me!
Seiji chuckled and ruffled her blonde hair: "Who told you to come in last place? Try harder next time, Eriri. By the way, you looked pretty cute when you passed out." He deliberately leaned close to her ear and teased in a low voice, his breath making her earlobes burn.
Eriri's face turned as red as a cooked shrimp: "Idiot! Stop talking!"
This guy always knows exactly how to hit my weak points.
During breakfast, the three girls' interactions grew increasingly suggestive.
Utaha deliberately nudged Seiji with her foot under the table, Eriri fed him a bite of bread with a flushed face, and Ryo leaned quietly against him, occasionally casting him meaningful glances.
Seiji reveled in it all, occasionally returning their flirtations: "Utaha, your moans last night were quite lovely. How about I record them next time?"
"Drop dead!" Utaha threw a piece of bread at him and rolled her eyes.
Just then, Seiji's phone vibrated.
He picked it up and saw a group message from Genesis Animation Company: [Boss, the Madoka Magica premiere announcement has been released! It's being promoted across all major platforms. The files are ready for your review!]
Seiji smiled and clicked the link.
The trailer was only a minute long:
Cute magical girls fighting, set to upbeat BGM... it looked like a standard "moe magical girl" anime.
There was no spoiler whatsoever about the "head removal" in episode three. Everything seemed perfectly ordinary.
But inwardly, he was confident.
The original had been a masterpiece back on Earth. Here, it would naturally be just as explosive.
Almost immediately, reactions from the outside world began flooding in like a tide.
First came the online response: on Twitter and Niconico, the trailer had just been posted, and scattered comments were already appearing.
"Genesis's new project? Magical girls? Looks so cliché... just another cute-girls-fighting formula." One netizen commented dismissively, not expecting much from this new company.
"I heard the original is by that newbie light novelist Utaha. The script's decent, but the anime adaptation will probably flop. Genesis is too young a company... they've got big ambitions though." Another comment dripped with schadenfreude.
"Not expecting much. Probably just kiddie stuff." These doubts flashed by without anyone digging deeper.
...
Over at Otowa Entertainment, the company president sent a message in their internal group: "Heh, that Genesis kid dares to tackle magical girl themes? Can't wait to see them crash and burn. Our Sword Art Online is what's really king."
This newbie is way too arrogant. Just wait for them to fail.
Other small companies were equally gleeful: "Genesis is probably going to crash hard this time."
...
On the flip side, Sonoko Machida sent a message: "Seiji-kun, the trailer response is lukewarm, but we believe in the story!"
Ryuji Aida also sent a text: "Fujiwara-sensei, I watched the trailer... very solid! Don't worry about the trolls online."
In the University of Tokyo professor group chat, someone remarked: "Fujiwara-kun's new anime? It looks cute, but knowing his writing style, there's bound to be a surprise."
...
Seika, Nijika, and PA were also watching the trailer PV.
After viewing it, their expressions varied.
Seika muttered inwardly: Ryo's boyfriend made this anime? Looks pretty average... but given his talent, it's probably not that simple, right?
Nijika didn't overthink it: "Wow, it looks so cute! Should we go watch the premiere at Ryo's place?"
PA remained composed: "The trailer plays it safe, but we'll have to see about the actual plot."
...
In the living room.
Seiji calmly replied to all the messages: "Thanks for the concern. The premiere airs tonight at 8 PM..."
"Also, Ryo..." Seiji turned to Ryo Yamada beside him and said, "Invite your bandmates to Taihei Residence to watch. Seika, Nijika, PA-san, Hiroi... let's make it lively."
Ryo nodded: "Okay, I'll send the message."
Soon, the invitations went out.
The three from STARRY quickly replied with their agreement.
The gathering time arrived quickly. At 6 PM, people began arriving at Taihei Residence's living room.
Utaha and Eriri had recovered somewhat... at least outwardly, they appeared normal.
Utaha sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, teasing casually: "The foreshadowing you laid is so far ahead... if this flops, I'm going to laugh you to death."
Of course, deep down, she had full confidence in this magical girl series.
Eriri huffed tsundere-style: "The twist doesn't happen until episode three... all the viewers will have left by then!"
Both were deliberately saying the opposite to Seiji.
"You two..." Seiji sighed helplessly.
Ryo leaned quietly against Seiji, trust shining in her blue eyes: "I believe in you."
As they talked.
Seika, Nijika, and PA arrived.
This was their first time visiting Ryo's home, and they were stunned by the luxurious decor upon entry:
The spacious living room, the Tokyo night view visible through floor-to-ceiling windows, the audio system worth millions of yen...
"Wow, Ryo, this place is huge! How much does a house like this even cost?" Nijika exclaimed excitedly as she looked around.
PA professionally observed: "Great environment. Perfect for throwing parties."
Seika's gaze, however, fell on the three girls sitting on the sofa.
She recognized Ryo, but the other two... one black-haired beauty with long straight hair, one blonde girl with twin tails and a tsundere attitude.
Their interactions with Seiji are way too intimate!
Utaha was teasing him, Eriri was acting spoiled, and Ryo was pressed close to him...
So he really is a scumbag!
But three women revolving around him, and they're all so harmonious?
Seika could hardly believe it.
Seiji smiled and introduced them: "These are my... friends. Utaha is the scriptwriter, Eriri is the key animator."
Utaha glanced at Seika: "The new girl? Ryo's friend? She looks pretty cute."
Eriri stared at Seika warily: "Hmph, another beauty? Seiji, your taste is pretty good."
Ryo calmly said: "They're my bandmates. Nijika, and Nijika's older sister, Seika-san, who runs the venue. Plus our sound engineer, PA-san."
"Nice to meet you. Please treat us well."
Both sides exchanged polite greetings.
During this, Seiji deliberately hugged Ryo, prompting Utaha's sharp tongue: "Hey, don't show off in public."
Eriri blushed beside them: "Seiji, you scumbag!"
Though both girls wore displeased expressions, their tones sounded more like playful banter.
Seika was thoroughly shocked.
Oh my god, this guy is openly juggling three relationships?
And Ryo isn't even mad?
Before Seika could process it further.
The gathering began, and everyone sat around the sofa, waiting for the 8 PM premiere.
...
At 8 PM Tokyo time, the massive screen lit up, the Genesis Animation logo flashed, and Madoka Magica Episode 1 began.
Everyone quieted down.
Seika sat in a corner of the sofa, hugging her knees, her mind complicated.
The trailer looked so generic, and I'm not interested in kid-oriented magical girl stuff... I hope this isn't too awkward.
She sneaked a glance at Seiji, who appeared calm and composed, surrounded by three girls. That aura of total control made her heart flutter slightly.
He's clearly a scumbag, so why is he so attractive?
Before Seika could think further.
On the TV.
Madoka Magica Episode 1 began airing.
The camera focused on a pink-haired middle school girl named Madoka Kaname.
The opening showed slow-paced daily school life. After the first third of the episode, the pace picked up... transfer student Homura Akemi appeared, followed by QB, and the wish to become a magical girl.
Watching through it.
Madoka Magica had beautiful visuals and upbeat BGM, but the plot was unremarkable... just standard magical girl fare: cute girls fighting, bonds of friendship.
...
In the living room, the three girls reacted differently.
From a creator's perspective, Utaha nodded slightly and murmured: "Episode one's setup is solid, but it's definitely too bland."
Eriri lifted her delicate chin proudly: "Hmph, my key animation is decent enough. But will the audience find it boring?"
Ryo remained as calm as ever: "I believe in Seiji."
She was practically blindly devoted to Seiji at this point.
The three from STARRY were more direct.
Nijika blinked: "So cute! Madoka-chan is adorable!"
Though the plot is average, the characters are so cute!
Ryo's boyfriend's company has high animation quality.
PA glanced at Seiji with some doubt: "The animation quality is high, but the plot... seems a bit childish?"
Seika remained expressionless. Just as I thought... pretty average.
Ryo's boyfriend is probably going to flop this time.
Should I comfort him?
But when she looked over and saw Seiji surrounded by three girls, she realized he didn't need her to do anything extra. That realization brought both relief and inexplicable disappointment.
...
At the same time.
Online, comments were sparse.
"Episode one is just this? Same old magical girl formula." Netizens generally weren't optimistic.
"Genesis has big ambitions, but at this level, they're probably done for." Comments carried a hint of schadenfreude.
Over at Otowa Entertainment, the president scrolled through Twitter, gloating: "Haha, episode one was weak. Our Divine Gun Otherworld is in the clear."
Newbies are just too full of themselves.
This industry runs deep, Seiji!
...
Back at the Yamada residence.
Seiji's phone soon began vibrating. He had to leave the circle of girls and step out onto the balcony.
Sonoko Machida sent a message: "Seiji-kun, episode one got a lukewarm response, but we believe in you!"
Ryuji Aida called: "Fujiwara-sensei, I watched episode one... solid groundwork. Don't let the noise online bother you."
In the University of Tokyo professor group: "Fujiwara-kun, the first episode laid clever groundwork. The payoff will come soon."
Seiji felt no turmoil whatsoever.
He responded to everyone one by one, smiling and assuring them he was fine and very composed.
After all, the bombshell came in episode three.
Even without episode three's explosive twist and the later absurd plot developments, Madoka Magica was still a solid work on its own.
Genesis wouldn't take a loss.
...
Returning to the living room.
Since Madoka Magica was premiering with two episodes back-to-back.
Seiji and the others continued watching through episode two.
Episode two was similarly a calm transition.
It showed the magical girls' initial battles... still very cute overall. The plot was standard, with no particularly striking moments, though there were many hidden threads of foreshadowing.