The five of them each paid for their own meals and got different dishes. They found a table with six seats, set down their utensils, and began to eat.
Perhaps because it was their first time eating together with so many people, it felt a bit unfamiliar, and no one spoke, leading to a bit of a lull.
Seeing the heavy atmosphere, the little angel Mahiru activated her affinity ability. As soon as she spoke, the mood lifted, and Alya and the others joined in the conversation.
On the contrary, Shiraishi Shin couldn't get a word in and just focused on burying his head in his food.
"This Mapo Tofu is actually really good."
At that moment, Chitoge Kirisaki's eyes lit up. It wasn't just the Mapo Tofu; the other dishes were quite good too. Having grown used to gourmet meals at home, eating cafeteria food felt like a nice change.
Shiina Mahiru agreed wholeheartedly, scooping some up with her spoon.
"The Mapo Tofu is indeed good. I got some too. The tofu is smooth and tender, the spiciness is moderate, and it goes well with rice."
"Is it really that good?"
Alya looked at the bright red Mapo Tofu. It certainly looked appetizing, but she usually didn't eat spicy food, so she had never tried it.
"Kujou-san, so this is where you were. It turns out you didn't eat with me today because you had so many friends. You don't mind if I sit here, do you?"
Just then, another female voice drifted over.
Shiraishi Shin and the others turned to look and saw a girl with a sweet appearance.
She had waist-length hair with bangs on both sides of her face, and part of her hair was tied into a ponytail. Her features were very refined, and as she stood there, she exuded an elegant and ladylike grace.
"Suou-san, please, have a seat."
Since the other girl could call Alya by name, Alya naturally knew her as well.
Shiina Mahiru looked at her and then said,
"Alya, this is Suou Yuki-san from Class 3, right?"
Alya nodded.
"Yes, Suou-san is also in the Student Council with me. She's in charge of public relations."
Suou Yuki smiled and greeted them.
"It seems my reputation isn't so bad if even the Angel knows my name. And this must be the transfer student, Kirisaki-san, who holds the title of the Golden Rose Princess."
Chitoge Kirisaki was stunned for a moment and said sheepishly,
"Eh? You know me? And what's this about the Golden Rose Princess? How come I didn't know about that?"
"Of course I know you. I've heard classmates talk about a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty as stunning as Kirisaki-san. As for that title, the boys came up with it, of course."
Suou Yuki maintained a friendly smile throughout, giving off a sense of approachability.
Tsugumi Seishiro was impressed that the Young Mistress had such a title and then asked,
"Then, Suou-san, do you have a title?"
Alya replied,
"Her title is the Deep-Seated Young Lady."
Good grief, every single one of them has a title.
The Angel, the Golden Rose Princess, the Aloof Princess, the Deep-Seated Young Lady.
Shiraishi Shin couldn't even be bothered to complain about these titles anymore. They were all just things bored boys came up with based on these beauties' personalities.
"This one is a girl, right?"
Suou Yuki looked at Tsugumi Seishiro. Although she was dressed in men's clothes and her voice was quite heroic, her facial features didn't look like a boy's.
Chitoge Kirisaki introduced her.
"Her name is Tsugumi Seishiro. She's a girl and just transferred here today."
Suou Yuki nodded in understanding. Seeing Shiro call Chitoge Kirisaki "Young Mistress," it seemed their relationship was one of master and servant.
Finally, she turned her gaze toward Shiraishi Shin, her eyes showing a softness that was different from how she looked at the others.
"Class 1's class monitor, the most popular person in Seirei Academy, Shiraishi Shin-san. You've even become a couple with the Angel—it's truly enviable. Your reputation precedes you."
Shiraishi Shin was a bit puzzled by Suou Yuki's expression just now. It was as if she knew him, or rather, as if they were meeting again after a long time.
Shiraishi Shin smiled and said,
"Suou-san, you flatter me. By the way, have we met before?"
Suou Yuki paused for a moment. She thought Shiraishi Shin had remembered something, but seeing that he was just asking casually, she shook her head.
"No, I've just seen you in the crowd before."
Shiraishi Shin nodded and didn't say much more.
Just as he was about to use his chopsticks to eat, a Monster reaction suddenly flashed in his mind. He put the food in his mouth and stood up.
He immediately said to Shiina Mahiru and the others,
"I have something to take care of and need to leave for a bit. You guys go ahead and eat, don't wait for me."
"Okay, be careful."
Hearing him say that, Shiina Mahiru, Alya, and Chitoge Kirisaki—who knew his identity—naturally understood that he was going to fight.
Even though they knew Shiraishi Shin was very strong, they couldn't help but worry.
Only Suou Yuki and Tsugumi Seishiro, who had just met him today, were left with puzzled faces. They didn't know where Shiraishi Shin was going or why Shiina Mahiru told him to be careful.
After leaving the school, Shiraishi Shin brought out the Eternal, put on his helmet, and rode toward the location he sensed.
"How are there so many? Dozens... and the number is still increasing?"
Shiraishi Shin was full of doubt.
The number of Monsters he sensed was constantly growing. He didn't dwell on it and focused on weaving through the traffic.
In a relatively old five-story apartment building without an elevator, a defensive battle was currently underway.
A large number of mass-produced Ant Amazons were crowding around a door, baring their fangs and claws in an attempt to get inside.
However, there was an electric fence blocking the doorway, and specialized anti-Amazon bullets were being fired from inside the room.
Despite their numbers, the Amazons couldn't squeeze in.
"Damn it, I didn't expect the entire residential building to be full of Amazons. A total of 182—they really want us dead!"
Extermination Squad member Misaki Kazuya stood to the side, sweat on his forehead.
The sheer number was terrifying.
Fortunately, the levels of the 182 Amazons weren't high. One was a Rank B Queen Ant, and the other 181 were the lowest Rank E Ant Amazons, making it impossible for them to break in for now.
Squad leader Shido Makoto stood with his hands on his hips, panting.
"They said they're sending gas to be installed on the rooftop to wipe out all these Amazons in one go. Everyone check your gear. As soon as their people arrive, we break out!"
"Got it!"
The Extermination Squad currently had two fewer members than before.
Two days ago, during a hunt in the forest, one of their members turned out to be an Amazon. He lost control on the spot and devoured one of their comrades.
Thus, the original seven-person team was now down to five.
However, besides the five members of the Extermination Squad, there was also a green Amazon who was a stranger to them.
According to headquarters, this green Amazon was here to help them, and his combat power wasn't weak.
Faced with so many Amazons outside, however, he seemed to be struggling alone.
The only female in the Extermination Squad, Takai Nozomi, said worriedly,
"Let's just pray these Amazons don't burst in all at once, or we'll be in big trouble."