White: I had an inkling of your strength, but this classification is beyond my wildest imagination.
Sword Princess: I agree.
Time Eater: Ara~ ara~... it seems the title of the strongest member definitely belongs to Tatsuya now.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Not necessarily. We still have Makoto, after all.
White: Makoto is certainly powerful—his mana is so vast it surpasses even a Demon Lord—but he lacks an EX-rank skill. You, on the other hand, possess equally immense magic but with three EX-rank skills to boot. From this, one can only conclude that you are the strongest.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: That's a logical point. What about the rest of you?
Testarossa immediately shared her character window with the group. As expected of the White Primordial, she possessed several S-rank skills, though the majority were still A and B ranks.
Sword Princess: Amazing... I wonder when I'll ever be that strong?
Time Eater: Forget about ranks one and two; you are clearly the third strongest among us.
White: I won't be sure of that until the rest of you show your character windows.
Sword Princess: Please, take a look at mine. I'm fairly certain I'm the weakest here.
Ais's skills averaged at B-rank, focusing primarily on her swordsmanship and wind magic.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: In a one-on-one duel, these are exactly the kind of skills one needs.
White: He's right. S-rank skills are mostly suited for large-scale annihilation. In a direct duel, they aren't as effective.
Sword Princess: I suppose so. What about you, @Time Eater?
Time Eater: Mine is a bit peculiar. See for yourself.
The group turned their attention to Kurumi's character window. A moment later, a stir broke out, led by Testarossa.
White: Pseudo-EX? Such a rank exists?
Sword Princess: Incredible. Just as expected of Kurumi.
Time Eater: You're overestimating me. I'm not that powerful; there must be something wrong with my character window.
Sword Princess: Really? What do you think, @Tatsuya Yotsuba?
Tatsuya Yotsuba: There is nothing wrong with the window. The reason Zafkiel is classified as EX-rank is undoubtedly due to its ability to manipulate time.
White: Then why is it labeled Pseudo?
Tatsuya Yotsuba: It must be because of Zafkiel's inherent weakness. Kurumi, what do you think?
Time Eater: It seems you've hit the nail on the head.
Sword Princess: What kind of weakness does Zafkiel have?
Time Eater: That is—
Tatsuya Yotsuba: Don't hesitate to answer. No one here is your enemy.
Time Eater: You're right. Regarding Zafkiel's weakness, it is actually...
Kurumi went on to explain the issue of time consumption to the group. Tatsuya had known this from the beginning, but some details had become fuzzy since it had been a long time since he revisited the Date A Live series.
White: If your goal is to gather time and return to the past, simply come to my world. I have plenty of subordinates who can be sacrificed for your sake.
Time Eater: ...
Sword Princess: ...
Tatsuya Yotsuba: How ruthless. Truly what I'd expect from the White Primordial.
White: Huh?!
Tatsuya Yotsuba: No, it's nothing.
Time Eater: Thank you, but my current goal is to perfect Zafkiel. After looking into the details, it turns out I can refine it using points.
Sword Princess: I'm curious—how many points would that require?
Time Eater: About one billion points.
Sword Princess: ...
White: ...
Tatsuya Yotsuba: ...
Time Eater: Don't worry, I'm sure I can gather enough eventually.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me.
Time Eater: Ara~ ara~... are you trying to make a move on me? Regardless, I'll gladly accept the offer. Thank you.
Tatsuya Yotsuba: You're welcome, I suppose.
...
The first period ended, and Tatsuya was suddenly approached by Morisaki.
"Hey, you got a minute?" Morisaki's tone was incredibly hostile, his demeanor a sharp departure from his usual self.
Tatsuya activated his Elemental Sight, instantly noticing a dark mist that had taken hold of Morisaki's body. A cold glint flashed in Tatsuya's eyes.
'Just as I suspected. This is exactly why I must defeat this man without killing him.'
On the surface, Tatsuya maintained an unreadable poker face.
"Oi! Answer me!" Morisaki snarled, grabbing Tatsuya's collar and forcing him to his feet.
'Terrifying physical strength... Is this the effect of that black mist?'
"Do you have ears?! Answer me!"
Whoosh!
The temperature in the classroom plummeted. Miyuki approached them, her expression radiating a dangerous aura.
"Take your hands off Onii-sama..." Miyuki's voice was sharp enough to cut, echoing with a terrifying chill.
Morisaki let out a wicked smirk. "And if I refuse, what are you going to do about it?"
"You—!"
"Stop, Miyuki!"
Miyuki froze, slowly turning her gaze toward Tatsuya. "Onii-sama... why?"
Tatsuya gave her a reassuring smile and then forcibly pried Morisaki's hand off his collar.
"Don't dirty your hands. Let me handle this."
"...Miyuki understands, Onii-sama."
If it was Tatsuya's decision, Miyuki would never go against it. Tatsuya then fixed a piercing gaze on Morisaki.
"You want to talk? How about behind the school building later?"
"Kukuku... fine. Don't forget to dig yourself a grave." Morisaki smirked maliciously and sauntered out of the classroom with an air of indifference.
Miyuki's body continued to pulse with magic as she glared at Morisaki's retreating back with pure hatred. Honoka and Shizuku rushed over, their faces etched with worry.
"Tatsuya-san, are you okay?"
"Mm, thank you for asking, Honoka."
"Hehehe." Honoka couldn't help but let out a happy giggle just from hearing Tatsuya call her name.
Shizuku let out a soft sigh, looking at the door where Morisaki had vanished before turning back to Tatsuya.
"Something is wrong with Morisaki. Do you know what it is?"
"...I have a guess, but it's not something I can easily explain to others."
To be continued...