I am Chiba's Fallen Saint Black Cat. My name in the mortal world is Gokou Ruri but among the inhabitants of the dark world, "Black Cat" suits me better.
A few days ago, an inhabitant of the dark world extended an invitation to our supreme being. I thought it was just casual chatter over tea but it turned out to be real.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Black Cat finished her classes and opened the door to find her two younger sisters playing with a cool-looking metal helmet.
"Tamahime? What's that in your hand?"
"Oh, this is a package that just arrived."
"Whose is it?"
"Big sister's."
"..."
Black Cat's gaze fell on the obviously expensive "toy," and she fell into deep thought. This was no joke the craftsmanship, metallic feel, and high-tech finish... No, it was that immense "demonic power" that made it priceless. Even as a collectible, it would hold its value for years to come. One thousand? Five thousand yuan? In short, it had to be at least four figures! Calculated against her bookstore job's 8-yuan hourly wage... no, her "battles in the Forbidden Sea" it would take three months of full-time work to afford!
Even if it was a joke, this was going too far. Ruri Gokou no, Black Cat had a delicate relationship with that person. They'd known each other for years but never met in person. Calling them friends was a stretch; by her standards, they were more like "fellow residents of the dark world." How could anyone joke about something this valuable? Is he trying to pursue me? Even the romantically oblivious Black Cat couldn't help but think this.
Thinking of the possibilities, she quickly snatched the helmet from Tamaki's hand and checked it for damage.
"Sister Ruri??"
In response to her younger sister's question, Black Cat patted her head: "This is valuable equipment from a friend. We can't damage it."
"The high-tech kind from TV?" Tamaki asked, pointing to an SAO advertisement on the screen.
"Yes."
Black Cat carefully placed the helmet in her room, made dinner for her sisters, watched cartoons with them, and finally coaxed them to sleep.
Eight o'clock at night.
She opened her phone with a serious expression time for her customary one-man show.
Beep beep beep beep.
Click.
"Hello."
"Yes, I know. We've found the angel's whereabouts."
"Understood. Activate the Demon King's Crown now and head to the Electronic Sea to hunt down the angel!"
As she spoke, Black Cat put on the helmet. A flash of electronic light appeared on the transparent glass in front of her eyes, and she chanted:
"Link Start!"
The moment she finished, countless golden particles bloomed outside the screen unseen by her. Behind her, a pinhead-sized spacetime portal opened, and a drop of divine blood seeped into her back. As the golden light faded, Black Cat's consciousness fell into deep sleep.
Without anyone knowing... Tamaki, who had secretly gotten up, peeked through the door.
"Big sister is a real magician!"
On the other side...
Sanae Dekomori, who maintained top student status, finished student council work early and ran out of the classroom, her twin ponytails swaying. Today was the day she'd promised Gate Master she couldn't miss it.
"Oh, my Servant."
Ahead, a purple-haired girl wearing an eye patch stood with her arms crossed in a chuunibyou pose, blocking her path.
"Master?!"
"Hey, let's go find the Invisible Boundary together today. I've sensed a singularity."
"What?! Of all times, it had to be now death!" Dekomori stepped back in horror, her pupils trembling.
"What's wrong?" Rikka noticed her hesitation. Normally, Dekomori would have shouted excitedly: "Oh, Servant Dekomori, ready to die at any time!"
But now...
"Actually..." Dekomori didn't hide it, saying cautiously: "I've also found clues about the Invisible Boundary."
"That's my first Servant,truly worthy of the name! Then let's go together!" Rikka gave a thumbs up without thinking.
But Dekomori looked embarrassed: "Actually, the magical power there is too immense. It's too dangerous for Master to go rashly especially since there's only one 'Death Gate'! So..." She clenched her fist seriously. "Let me, the Thunder Hammer Wielder, explore the Death Realm first. Once I confirm the information, I'll definitely invite Master to join me!"
"Hmm, that makes sense." Rikka stroked her chin. "Then I'll explore the Black Flame Dragon's lair by myself!" With that, she skated away on roller skates.
Dekomori watched her go, a sad look on her face: "Don't worry I'll return safely with the information!"
"Oh no, I'm going to miss the gate!" Grief vanished instantly, and she dragged her "warhammer" away from campus.
Back home, after dinner, Dekomori put on the helmet and waited quietly.
"However, this helmet..."
"Even before the time comes, the light bar is on."
She played with the "toy" Shaka had given her, bored and suspicious.
"Fine as long as it's cool, that's all that matters!" she thought, satisfied.
At 8 o'clock, a flash of light appeared, and Dekomori lost consciousness.
Swordsmith City. Cecil's Blacksmith Shop, Warehouse & Outpost.
As Shaka finished the summoning incantation, he heard Sanae's spirited chuunibyou declaration:
"Tell me you're my Master?"
As the summoning smoke cleared, Sanae waved her twin tails, eager to start. Beside her, Black Cat looked around curiously, clearly shocked by her surroundings.
But then a gasp came from Black Cat's side. Dekomori's face flushed as she pointed at Black Cat and covered her eyes:
"Hey where did this perverted woman come from!"
"Ha, you're the one who's... And what kind of game is this? Why no 18+ patch?"
Upon seeing each other's naked bodies, both girls posed the same soul-searching question. Realizing they were talking about each other, their tension vanished they cried out in surprise and crouched down to cover their vitals.
"Um..."
Shaka covered his eyes, speaking shyly.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Black Cat asked, blushing.
"It's death! No starting clothes unbelievable death!"
Shaka was speechless at their complaints, scratching his face: "This is probably a game bug that's why we need testers. I'll have the 'programmers' risk their lives to fix it."
The two didn't dwell on the apology they had more urgent matters.
"Hey! How long are you going to keep watching?! Don't think spreading your fingers means we can't see you, bastard!" Black Cat scolded, her face bright red.
"It's death, death! Even Gate Master can't watch Hikaru no Mori without permission!"
"Also hurry up and find us clothes for death!"
So if I agree, I can keep watching? Shaka left the warehouse sheepishly. Outside, Cecil had been drawn by the screams.
She peered past him suspiciously: "What happened?"
"A little accident..." Shaka scratched his face. "Um, could I borrow one or two sets of clothes from you?"
"Huh?" Cecil clutched her chest, blushing furiously. "You already have Lady Astraea, and now you're after me? You lolicon! Cross-dresser! Pervert! Sex maniac!"
Ha... Shaka gave her a disdainful look.
"What? You have a problem with that?"
"No,I mean our two new familia members might need clothes that fit them." Shaka explained slowly.
"What! You already recruited two familia members?!" Cecil was completely stunned.
Bonus chapter. drop more power stone for more