"Task complete. Yui Yuigahama's conquest rating toward the host has increased by 5 points. Please select your reward."
As the system's voice fell, three white semi-transparent cards appeared before Shirai Mio's eyes.
[Yui Yuigahama's Ability to Read the Room]
The host can more easily gauge others' thoughts through their words and expressions. This card is part of the Yui Yuigahama set. Collecting a certain number of cards from the same series will provide additional bonuses.
[Yui Yuigahama's Singing Voice]
The host's singing skills are enhanced. This card is part of the Yui Yuigahama set.
[Pocket Money]
The host can randomly receive between 100,000 to 1,000,000 yen in pocket money. One-time use card, disappears after use.
Shirai Mio didn't rush to choose a reward, but instead asked the question on her mind: "Can I ask what 'conquest rating' means?"
"As the name suggests, it's the degree to which Yui Yuigahama has been conquered by the host. The maximum is 100 points, which can be viewed through the system panel."
"What happens when the conquest rating reaches 100?"
"Of course there will be surprises~"
Hearing the system's mischievous voice, Shirai Mio twitched the corner of her mouth. She didn't believe in any surprises. But at least it wasn't something like a corruption value—otherwise, her situation would be very delicate indeed.
The effects of these three cards were quite straightforward. Shirai Mio didn't hesitate much and directly chose [Yui Yuigahama's Ability to Read the Room].
The system had already mentioned that after completing this newbie task, there would be some activity funds. Though she didn't know how much, judging from the [Pocket Money] card's effect, it shouldn't be too little, so she didn't need to worry about money for now.
Most importantly, Shirai Mio didn't trust her own luck, nor did she trust this mischievous system. If she chose the pocket money, it would probably be the minimum of 100,000 yen.
As for the second card, she hadn't thought of anywhere she'd need to sing yet, and her singing was already pretty decent, so the best choice was undoubtedly the ability to read the room.
As Shirai Mio made her choice, time that had been frozen began flowing again.
She'd been thinking earlier that during this time stop, maybe she could move around—now it seemed she'd been overthinking it.
Although the time-stop genre was nice, even if she could move, there was no way she'd do anything weird.
While following behind Yui Yuigahama, she silently said to the system in her mind: "I say, aren't you forgetting something?"
"Hasn't the host noticed there's something extra in your hand?"
Hearing the system say this, Shirai Mio realized there was now a set of keys in her hand.
Since she had keys, didn't that mean she could slip away now?
If she continued staying at Yui Yuigahama's house, who knows if the system would suddenly pop out with another trap of a task.
"It's already so late today. I suggest you stay here for one night first. The host is a girl, and you're unfamiliar with the area—if you accidentally run into bad people, this system can't help much."
"Ah, this..."
Shirai Mio looked down at her slender, delicate arms, then thought about the data she'd set during character creation. Her current self was weak as a kitten—so fragile she'd probably fall over at the slightest touch.
Since she was already here, what harm could staying one night at Yui Yuigahama's house do anyway?
Following Yui Yuigahama to her room, Shirai Mio curiously observed her surroundings.
The room wasn't large, but everything was neatly organized, looking very comfortable. On the wall hung a school uniform that Shirai Mio found very familiar—it was Sōbu High School's uniform.
Since she'd met Yui Yuigahama, did that mean she might encounter Yukino Yukinoshita in the future?
She wondered what year Yui Yuigahama was in now. She'd find an opportunity to ask later.
"Sit down and rest for a bit. I'll go make some tea."
"Thank you."
Before long, Yui Yuigahama returned to the room carrying freshly brewed tea and a plate of cookies.
Judging from the cookies' appearance, they probably weren't made by Yui Yuigahama.
Though Shirai Mio didn't say anything, Yui Yuigahama somehow felt like she was thinking something quite rude.
But speaking of which, Shirai Mio was really beautiful. Even eating looked beautiful, and her figure seemed quite nice too—probably what they call having no bad angles.
If she were a boy, seeing such a beautiful girl would probably make her fall in love at first sight, right?
While Yui Yuigahama was lost in random thoughts, Shirai Mio suddenly spoke: "Can I ask you a question?"
"Mm?"
"Are you a high school student?"
"Yes, I'm a first-year student at Sōbu High. What about you?" Yui Yuigahama looked at Shirai Mio, curiosity flickering in her red pupils.
After hearing Yui Yuigahama's answer, Shirai Mio raised her eyebrows in surprise. Earlier, when observing the room, she'd seen the calendar showing September. According to Japan's school system, Yui Yuigahama should currently be shortly after the start of her first year's second semester.
In other words, it seemed the plot from the original story hadn't started yet.
"System, what exactly is my current identity?"
"What else could it be? Of course you're a cute female high school student. Isn't this what you set when you created your character? As for which school you're attending, this system conveniently chose Sōbu High School for you. You'll transfer in as a transfer student and can report the day after tomorrow. Isn't this system super thoughtful? If the host wants to praise me, I'll gladly accept."
The system's voice was sweet, and when it spoke, it was like a beautiful girl whispering in her ear. But somehow, listening to the system's tone, Shirai Mio felt inexplicably annoyed.
Too bad the system had no physical form—otherwise, Shirai Mio would definitely find a chance to lock it in a basement. A hundred times. A hundred times!
"Well, I really have to thank you for that."
The system acted as if it couldn't hear Shirai Mio's sarcasm, saying brightly: "Solving the host's problems is the system's job—no need to be so polite."
If Yui Yuigahama weren't sitting right across from her, Shirai Mio would definitely roll her eyes at the system.
Refocusing her attention on Yui Yuigahama, Shirai Mio smiled mysteriously and said, "I'm also a high school student. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be transferring to Sōbu High in a couple of days. Then we'll be classmates."
"Eh!? Really?"
"Yes, I just don't know if we'll be in the same class."