April 7th marked the shift from spring to summer. In Academy City's warm climate, many were already in short sleeves, dotting the streets.
A group of vibrant girls sat at a street-side table, holding their own tea party.
"Shokuhou, what's onii-san up to lately? He seems super busy."
Dolly sipped her milk tea, clutching the cup with both hands, tilting her head slightly toward Shokuhou Misaki beside her.
"Hm… He does seem quite busy…"
As Shokuhou pondered her response, a gurgling sound approached.
A head rolled across the ground, stopping right before Shokuhou's legs, angled to peek under her skirt.
"…"
Shokuhou flashed a dangerous smile, lifting her foot to stomp the head.
It dissolved into strands of light, vanishing. She turned with a helpless sigh.
"Just when I thought you might be busy… looks like you've got plenty of time!"
Shokuhou said, exasperated.
"Yo~ my queen bee, haven't seen you in months—looks like you've grown quite a bit!"
"Yah!!!"
Before Shokuhou could react, a pair of hands touched her. Instinctively—and willingly—she swung a slap.
But Samuel wasn't about to let it land.
"Tch, tch… The real deal! Using your ability, huh?"
Samuel dodged her hand, then scooped up Dolly, sitting down with her on his lap.
"Nope I told you, I'm still growing"
Shokuhou glanced aside, avoiding his gaze.
"Hey, my little treasure, have you been a good girl?"
Samuel ruffled Dolly's hair, planting a kiss on her soft cheek.
"Meanie…"
Dolly's small hands pushed his face away.
"Haha, my cute little thing, don't want your onii-san anymore?"
"Hmph… You've been ignoring me, so I'm ignoring you…"
Dolly puffed out her cheeks, tilting her head adorably.
"My bad… I'm sorry…"
Shokuhou watched the heartwarming scene between Samuel and Dolly.
She knew what Samuel was up to—busy working for her and Dolly.
"Hey, my queen bee, let's check if you're developing properly!"
Samuel's hands formed a claw-like gesture, wiggling mischievously.
Shokuhou's touched feelings vanished, her face flushing as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned away.
"…"
Keitz Nokleben watched the "harmonious" trio, feeling out of place. Dolly seemed happier with them.
"I was here first… Why is it like this? Why… Dolly…"
"Yo, Keitz-chan, what's with that look? Want a hug from onii-san too?"
"Fuck off, you creep."
"Yeah, you sleaze, always trying to take advantage of us."
"Onii-san's bad…"
Keitz firmly rejected Samuel, but a faint smile crept onto her lips. Amid the laughter, her sense of distance faded.
"Hm? Sorry… I've got something to handle. You girls keep having fun!"
Samuel's expression shifted, then softened into a warm smile as he set Dolly back on the chair.
"Onii-san… You have to spend today with Dolly…"
"…Alright! Then today's for Dolly!"
Samuel thought for a moment, then grinned, picking her up to start their day of fun.
Not far away…
A figure coalesced from shimmering light, gazing at Samuel—it was Aiwass.
She had just called for him, but he'd chosen to "temporarily decline."
Samuel had proposed a deal: knowledge for knowledge. He'd share his wisdom with Aiwass, and she'd reciprocate.
When he revealed his living Grimoire of Eternal Progress, Aiwass hesitated. Her instincts sensed a trap—an unknown one. Falling in might not be easy to escape.
So, she needed to think it over. Just now… she'd made her choice. Even if it was a trap, she had to know that knowledge.
It was wisdom she didn't possess, the unknown. Her nature couldn't resist—she'd leap into the trap.
Of course, she was confident no trap could hold her.
No matter. It was inevitable. She was curious about Samuel, his unfathomable wisdom, and the familiar aura he exuded.
"Is that okay?"
Shokuhou whispered in his ear.
"Mhm!"
Samuel stole a kiss, smiling nonchalantly at her blushing face. "It's fine. Any being might escape, but not her… She's like a moth to a flame. Her essence will make her jump into the trap."
"…"
Shokuhou didn't grasp his full meaning but understood his confidence. If he said it was fine, it was.
"By the way, queen bee, why do you love spider-themed stuff? It's got no defense. Wear safety shorts next time. This… save it for me. I'll appreciate it properly."
"Ugh~"
Shokuhou's face turned beet red. Pouting, she stomped on Samuel's foot and stormed off, tsundere as ever.
Samuel just smiled. He'd already planned the poses.
"Aiwass… what can you do, even knowing my trap? You're the angel of science! You rejected the perfect divine to pursue evolving wisdom. You can't escape… Science must serve humanity!"
Samuel was the embodiment of human reason, the God or Angel of Human Reason.
The Leumas was the embodiment of calculation, the Angel of the World's Processes.
Science and calculation, human reason and both— inseparable from the start. Or rather… humanity was essential.
Their collision was inevitable, and victory was assured!
After all… Samuel's backing was human reason itself!
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL