When Lin Zhi saw the information panel, his confusion instantly vanished.
After dealing with Saiki Kusuo earlier, he quickly opened the profile of Kirito.
[Name: Kirito]
[Race: Human]
[Occupation: Student, Gamer]
[Age: 16]
[Threat Level: F]
Looks like most people in this world are still ordinary humans, Lin Zhi thought with relief.
Noticing the suspicion in Saiki Kusuo's eyes, Lin Zhi smoothly shifted the topic.
"By the way, have you guys decided which club you're joining?"
Although Private Comprehensive High School focused on academics, it was still a top-tier institution that valued well-rounded development—so club activities were a must for every student. As a result, the school had a wide range of clubs to choose from.
"Clubs, huh? I'll probably join the Kendo Club…"
Kirito thought for a moment before giving his answer.
Both Lin Zhi and Saiki Kusuo turned to look at him. Lin Zhi raised an eyebrow with interest.
"Kendo?"
"That's right. I actually trained when I was little. My family even has an old dojo, though it's been abandoned since my grandfather passed away."
Kirito spoke earnestly. "I haven't practiced much in recent years, but I still remember the basics."
"So your family's pretty well-off then," Lin Zhi noted with a smile. "If I'm not mistaken, you live not too far from school, right?"
Owning a private dojo in the middle of the city was no small feat—Kirito's family could definitely be considered upper-class.
Kirito waved his hands awkwardly. "Not really. Aside from the dojo, our home is pretty average."
"What about you, Saiki?" Lin Zhi asked.
"Me?"
Under Lin Zhi's steady gaze, Saiki Kusuo hesitated. He almost groaned inwardly—so much talking today.
He furrowed his brow slightly. It had been so long since he'd actually spoken that he almost forgot how.
"Probably the movie club… or cooking."
His tone was calm, almost detached.
"Movies and cooking, huh?" Lin Zhi nodded. "Not bad."
Kirito turned the question back. "And you, Lin Zhi? What about you?"
"I don't have a plan yet. I'll decide after I look around."
"How about joining the Kendo Club with me?" Kirito offered enthusiastically.
"We'll see."
Lin Zhi smiled but didn't give a clear answer.
That night.
The sky glittered with stars, silver moonlight spilling softly across the quiet streets.
"Ah, Lin Zhi, heading out?"
Just as Lin Zhi was about to step outside, the door of the neighboring apartment opened. Standing there was Taihei Doma, who blinked in surprise before greeting him with a warm smile.
Lin Zhi nodded. "Just going to the convenience store to pick up a few things."
Taihei's eyes lit up, scratching his head a little sheepishly.
"Actually, could I ask you for a small favor?"
"Sure," Lin Zhi said curiously. "What is it?"
"Could you grab the latest manga magazine for me while you're there? I'm kind of in the middle of something and can't step out."
Taihei pointed toward his apartment.
Lin Zhi glanced inside and saw the computer on the table, its screen filled with lines of code.
Ah, a programmer. Poor guy looks swamped.
"No problem. It's nothing big."
"Really? That's a lifesaver, thank you so much!" Taihei said gratefully.
"'Lifesaver' is a bit much, don't you think?" Lin Zhi chuckled.
Taihei laughed awkwardly, then quickly pulled out a 1000-yen bill and handed it over.
"I'll leave it to you, then!" he said, clasping his hands together in thanks before hurrying back to his desk.
Lin Zhi looked down at the bill in his hand, shaking his head with a faint smile.
Didn't expect Mr. Doma to be a fellow otaku. Even while buried in work, he's still thinking about manga.
Meanwhile, inside the Doma household—
"Huh? Big bro, you're back already? Where's my manga?"
A voice piped up as a tiny figure in an orange hamster hoodie put down her game console. Umaru Doma blinked up in confusion, seeing her brother back at the desk typing away.
"Ran into Nozono-kun outside," Taihei explained tiredly. "He was heading to the store, so I asked him to grab it."
"Oh, I see!"
Umaru nodded, then quickly asked, a little nervous, "You didn't tell him it was for me, right?"
Taihei rolled his eyes. "Of course not."
Umaru's expression instantly brightened into a sly grin.
Hearing that laugh, Taihei shivered involuntarily. "...What are you plotting now?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all!"
Umaru waved her hands, trying to look innocent, though her grin only grew wider.
Really? Taihei eyed her suspiciously before turning back to his screen. Whatever it was, he didn't have the time or energy to figure it out.
Heh, Nozono-kun's such a nice guy…
If I ever need something else, I'll just ask him again—under my brother's name, of course.
The neighborhood around Aoyama Apartments was mostly residential, but there were three convenience stores within a ten-minute walk.
Lin Zhi headed to the closest one, pushing the door open—and immediately heard a familiar voice.
"Welcome!"
He turned toward the cashier and froze.
"You?!" he blurted out in surprise.
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T/N:
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