[Okay, Master has consumed 10,000 Emotion Value. Charm has increased by 20 points.]
[Current Charm: 220.]
[Detected that Master's Charm has exceeded 200. The bonus from the Incubus Physique has increased...]
After all, the system was called the Almighty Incubus System. Its most fundamental ability was naturally tied to Charm.
"Don't worry, you three. I'll get you out of here."
Wise then spent another 500 Emotion Value to exchange for a decent katana from the system.
The moment the weapon entered his hand, everything felt different.
Looking at the enemies surrounding him, Wise tightened his grip on the katana, its blade gleaming with a chilling light.
The weapon seemed to possess a life of its own. Light yet deadly, it felt as natural as an extension of his body.
His movements became agile, his steps swift, and he weaved through the enemy ranks like flowing water.
Each flash of the blade cut down scores of Ethereals, yet his momentum never faltered. His combat efficiency was now comparable to Miyabi's.
Just then, Yanagi stepped out of the HIA Association's main hall.
"This is a scene straight out of a nightmare."
Looking at the once-familiar Lumina Square, now overrun by Ethereals and gun-wielding terrorists, Yanagi couldn't help but sigh.
"So this is what a nightmare looks like."
Miyabi noticed Yanagi's return but showed no surprise, continuing her calm, repetitive sword swings.
Beside her were Harumasa and Soukaku, who had once again been transformed into Bangboo.
Although Wise could still change them back, the enemy seemed determined to oppose him. Every time he restored them, Null_Face found a way to alter their model data again.
As the battle dragged on, even Miyabi was inevitably transformed into a Bangboo. Though tiny, her eyes remained as resolute as ever.
The transformation caught her completely off guard. Before she could react, she fell from midair and hit the ground with a thud.
Wise truly couldn't resist recording such an amusing scene.
As for why he was so relaxed?
That was because he had already located the enemy's hideout and reported its position to Hollow Special Operations.
"Is that Chief Miyabi's combat data model?"
Yanagi looked at the data-generated Miyabi standing in their path, protecting the final enemy behind her. Her expression inevitably turned serious.
"Oh no. Phaethon, can you temporarily restore Chief Miyabi?"
The first thing Yanagi thought of was using Miyabi against Miyabi.
'Of course I can, but the enemy definitely won't sit back and watch. To be safe, it's best if I handle Miyabi myself.'
Naturally, that was only an internal thought. Saying it out loud was impossible.
Though if his identity was exposed later, Yanagi might be understanding enough not to hold it against him.
Still, having Yanagi face Miyabi's data replica was far too dangerous.
"I'll hold her off. As for the rest, I'll leave it to you, Miss Yanagi," Wise said as he swung his katana and charged straight toward the fake Miyabi.
In truth, there was also a bit of self-interest involved. After all, opportunities to reenact a scene this cool, the kind usually seen only in movies, were rare.
The moment the two katanas collided, Wise immediately heard a faint crack.
Yanagi sprang into action as well. Although she was surprised that a Proxy possessed such strength, she couldn't afford to dwell on it now.
The enemy noticed Yanagi rapidly closing in and immediately panicked, attempting to recall the replica to protect herself.
But how could Wise allow that?
He pressed forward at once, his attacks growing even more relentless, preventing her from making a move.
Meanwhile, Yanagi did not disappoint. In the end, the enemy met her demise filled with regret.
As the last enemy vanished, the surrounding cityscape, resembling a dreamlike world, gradually began to dissolve.
The three who had been transformed into Bangboo also returned to their original forms.
At the same time, elsewhere, an enraged Null_Face was greeted by Public Security officers breaking down his door.
He had probably never imagined that Wise would be able to locate him under such circumstances.
"Wait a minute, Phaethon."
Just as Wise was about to leave, Yanagi suddenly called out to him. Realizing they were about to exit the virtual world, she quickly spoke.
"Thank you for helping us!"
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's consciousness returned to reality.
Looking at the familiar surroundings and her companions gathered around her with concern, Yanagi finally felt her heart completely relax.
"Yanagi? You're awake! Can you see me?"
Soukaku anxiously grabbed Yanagi's hand.
Seeing this, Yanagi smiled gently and stroked her head.
"Soukaku, your hands are all sweaty..."
"Woo~ Yanagi, you're finally awake!"
The moment she received Yanagi's response, Soukaku's emotions overflowed. Beside them, Harumasa spoke up as well.
"I told you the Deputy Chief would be fine! So, how do you feel? Sore all over? Do you finally understand how I feel whenever I want to take a day off?"
"I'm glad you're safe too, Harumasa... Though I think you're cuter in your Bangboo form..."
"Ah? Deputy Chief! That's a direct attack on my self-esteem! So mean!"
Harumasa couldn't help but complain.
It was one thing if she didn't understand him, but why the verbal assault? He felt wronged, though no one seemed to care.
"Yanagi, thanks to you and that person, we were able to return to reality. Your strategy was correct, as always. Once you've recovered, could you come draft my will for me?" Miyabi said with a calm expression.
Hearing this, Yanagi felt another wave of helplessness wash over her.
"It's a little early to be talking about that, Chief... And we've already skipped straight to drafting a will..."
In response to Yanagi's complaint, Miyabi simply explained that, in her family, such matters were prepared well in advance.
"Still, speaking of that person, he was actually able to enter the Association's virtual system directly and even suppress Null_Face on his own turf. I can only say, as expected of a legendary Proxy. He truly lives up to his reputation."
Yanagi voiced her thoughts aloud, but deep down, she was still pondering that inexplicable sense of familiarity, that strange feeling of déjà vu.
Had she seen him somewhere before?
Meanwhile, while Section 6 and the others were undergoing physical examinations, Belle finally saw Wise return outside the HIA arcade.
"Brother, you're so slow. Is everything taken care of?"
"Yeah, it's over. Let's head back. Yanagi just messaged me saying she has some things to handle and probably won't be able to get off work on time."
After speaking, Wise pulled Belle along, and the two took a car back to the video store.
As for Section 6, once their examinations were complete and everyone was confirmed to be in good condition, the incident was officially considered resolved.
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Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street
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