Kael knew Utaha was right—reproductive isolation occurs between species. It doesn't exist between humans.
But Kael hadn't lied to Marin and Saki. As his strength grew, his body evolved, and his very essence transformed. The gap between him and ordinary humans would widen. Though outwardly unchanged, internally he would be different. Even without reproductive isolation, ordinary women would struggle to bear his child. If he ascended to immortality, it would truly be a divide between mortal and divine.
Utaha was just an ordinary person, so it was natural she didn't understand.
Kael didn't bother arguing with someone ignorant. He smiled calmly. "Senpai is right. Let's go."
He then led Marin and Saki away, leaving Utaha bewildered.
What was wrong with boys these days? Exposed for lying, yet not even blushing—such thick skin.
Leaving the rooftop, the three walked down the stairs.
On the way back to class, Saki asked softly: "Renjou-kun, was what you said true?"
He glanced back at her. Her face was red, but her eyes were firm. He sighed. "It's true. If you're unwilling, forget it."
Saki fell silent again.
Soon, they reached the classroom door. Just as they were about to part, she suddenly said: "Renjou-kun, I'm willing."
After speaking, she didn't dare look at him, running into the classroom.
Kael froze. He hadn't expected her to answer so quickly. He thought she would take days to decide. Were girls this bold now?
He looked at Marin. She had heard Saki's words too. Now, seeing Kael's gaze shift to her, even the usually cheerful Marin blushed.
"You… I… uh…" she stammered, unable to form a sentence.
Finally, she blurted out, "I'll think about it," and fled.
But Kael noticed her face was crimson, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She probably wouldn't refuse.
Back in class, Saki kept her head down, too shy. Kael didn't tease her and returned to his seat.
After school, Kael planned to walk Saki home.
But she blushed and declined. "Sorry, Renjou-kun, I want to go alone today. I need some quiet."
Still shy, clearly. Kael agreed.
After she left, he looked for Marin but found she wasn't in class.
Her classmate Yanami Anna told him: "Marin ran off right after school—like a hundred-meter sprint."
Kael chuckled. Both girls were avoiding him out of shyness. Fine. If they didn't want to walk with him, he'd focus on his own matters.
Leaving school, Kael took a car to a massive luxury hotel. Its name: Tōtsuki Resort. A night's stay cost tens of thousands of yen. It was more a resort than a hotel.
He wasn't there to stay, but to eat. He knew the resort's head chef was Tōtsuki's highest-scoring graduate, 69th generation First Seat of the Elite Ten—Dōjima Gin.
After graduation, he had refused offers from 800 top restaurants nationwide, choosing instead to work at Tōtsuki Resort, causing a sensation. He was the pinnacle of graduates. Though his record would eventually be broken—by Nakiri Erina, heroine of Food Wars.
But that was in the future. For now, Gin remained the benchmark.
Kael entered the resort, sat in the restaurant, and was promptly attended by a meticulous waiter.
"Sir, how many?"
"One."
"Here's the menu. What would you like?"
"Before ordering, tell me—who's cooking? Is it your head chef, Dōjima Gin?" Kael asked, hand on the menu.
The waiter replied: "Some dishes require the head chef personally. Others do not."
Kael nodded calmly. "Understood. Then bring me everything on the menu."
The waiter's composed face showed surprise.
"Sir, all the dishes?"
"Yes."
"But you're alone. That's too much…"
"If I can't finish, I'll take it to go. Surely you offer takeout?"
The waiter quickly shook his head. "Of course. But the price may be…"
Kael understood—he suspected Kael of dining and dashing. Ordering the entire menu alone was suspicious. It was natural to doubt. If Kael were in his place, he'd suspect mischief too.
Kael pulled out a card. "I'll pay first."
The waiter said, "Please wait."
He returned with a POS machine.
Payment succeeded. He respectfully handed back the card.
"Sir, please wait. I'll place the order immediately."
Kael nodded. "Hurry. Don't keep me waiting."
"Of course. The dishes will be served soon."
The waiter rushed off. Ten minutes later, dishes began arriving one after another.
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Lend me your power so I can quickly get better.
╰(*°▽°*)╯