And so—let’s fast-forward straight to that evening.
When they checked out of the love hotel, Asakura Rinto was practically carrying the Yoshizawa sisters out in his arms.
These were two athletic, high-energy girls with the lean, graceful builds of elite gymnasts—BMI probably under 17. They looked like they could knock out two hundred push-ups and sit-ups without breaking a sweat.
But at that moment, they were completely wrecked—barely breathing, leg...
2025-06-07 06:19:47 +0000 UTC
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Asakura Rinto led the Yoshizawa sisters to the front of the castle—and found the main gate still sealed shut.
The corner of the wall where he’d escaped with Sumire yesterday still bore the marks of that explosion—an entire chunk of masonry blown clean off.
He knocked on the gate and said:
“A Palace is basically the host’s subconscious, turned into something real.”
“And since it’s subconscious, the structure reflects their cognition. I’d guess the reas...
2025-06-07 06:19:42 +0000 UTC
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Asakura Rinto wasn’t the type to brag about being some kind of legendary Phantom Thief.
He didn’t go around claiming to be a shadowy knight who’d stolen over a hundred hearts and prevented countless crimes and tragedies.
But objectively speaking… that was exactly what he was.
An irrefutable fact.
So to be honest, when he learned that Kamoshida really did have a Palace, Rinto didn’t feel any urgency.
This was small fry.
Back when he saved Yoshizawa...
2025-06-07 06:19:36 +0000 UTC
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It wasn’t until Yoshizawa Kasumi had finally laughed herself out, flopping back with a sigh of satisfaction, that she managed to calm down a little.
Asakura Rinto seized the moment—before she could start up with something else—and got straight to the point:
“Sumire, can I take a look at that phone app of yours?”
His well-behaved little sister-from-another-mister nodded and handed over her phone, both hands cupping the device in its lavender case.
By the way, ...
2025-06-07 06:19:31 +0000 UTC
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Asakura Rinto pulled out his phone to check the time.
Thanks to Momoka dragging her feet, it was already getting a bit late.
He still needed to pick up the Yoshizawa sisters after class—or they'd start getting anxious.
So he apologized to Awa Subaru, who had been waiting, and then quickly turned to Momoka with some last-minute instructions:
“There’s fresh yogurt in the fridge. If you want any, don’t drink more than two bottles or you’ll get an upset stomach. I...
2025-06-07 06:19:24 +0000 UTC
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Awa Subaru was, to Rinto, a bit of an enigma.
Like a gallery visitor admiring art from behind the rope, she kept just the right amount of distance—no more, no less. In that way, she was every bit his equal.
And she made no effort to hide it, either. That Mona Lisa-esque smile only deepened as she said:
“Observing humans is my hobby, after all. You and Momoka-san are both precious subjects for my case study. You’re definitely going into my end-of-term report. I really, ...
2025-06-07 06:19:19 +0000 UTC
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Awa Subaru efficiently smoothed out the wrinkles in Momoka’s discarded tights and hung them neatly in the locker.
Her voice, sweet and full of cheer, continued chirping along:
“Rinto-kun, how’ve things been between you and Momoka lately? I didn’t get to work the same shifts with you last week, so I’ve only been getting updates from her. Still under siege from the twin athlete girls? You end up in bed with them every day, right?”
“I was just prepping for the new...
2025-06-07 06:19:13 +0000 UTC
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Through her half-closed, sleepy eyes, Momoka watched as Asakura Rinto dropped off the Yoshizawa twins at their training studio before heading straight to work.
To keep their parents reassured, Rinto had discussed things with the sisters and agreed it was best to stick to their usual routine.
As for the sudden disappearance yesterday, they decided to explain it away with: “I hit a wall with my gymnastics training and needed to clear my head, so I snuck off to Rinto’s place....
2025-06-07 06:19:08 +0000 UTC
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“…”
While Rinto and her older sister were laughing and goofing around, Yoshizawa Sumire quietly bit her lip, pretending not to care.
Her senpai’s sunny smile was just as charming as ever, and now there was a hint of youthful boyishness that made it even more dazzling. She couldn’t look away.
…But ever since her sister arrived, she hadn’t gotten a single word in.
The entire mood had been hijacked by her lively older twin.
Even Rinto, without...
2025-06-07 06:18:39 +0000 UTC
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“Mmmnn…”
Yoshizawa Sumire stirred awake with a soft murmur.
She didn’t even open her eyes at first—her hands reached out instinctively, searching for warmth, terrified that her beloved senpai might have left.
Thankfully, Asakura Rinto was still there, ever thoughtful.
He gently patted the younger girl's back, and the moment her lashes fluttered open, he greeted her right away:
“Morning, Sumire. Sleep well?”
“…Senpai, I lo...
2025-06-07 06:18:34 +0000 UTC
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Inside the villa—
Su Qingxue was in her room, on a video call with her mother.
On the screen, a stylish and elegant woman with the refined look of an urban elite smiled warmly. “Xiaoxue, how have you been these past few days?”
Su Qingxue answered with a smile, “I’m doing great, Mom. What about you?”
“Any progress with the Flying Eagle Gang situation?”
At the mention of the Flying Eagle Gang, Ye Qing rubbed her temples, visibly troubled.
“N...
2025-06-07 06:18:29 +0000 UTC
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If it had been before—
When Su Qingxue made such a suggestion, Uncle Ye would’ve considered it lucky just to avoid objecting. He certainly wouldn’t have gone so far as to encourage it.
But things were different now.
With Nidoking and Nidoqueen under his command, Guo Yi had more than earned Uncle Ye’s respect and attention.
That was the change power could bring.
Sure, this world wasn’t purely ruled by the law of the jungle—even without powerfu...
2025-06-07 06:18:25 +0000 UTC
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Uncle Ye hadn’t expected the so-called intruder to be a Trainer commanding a Quasi-Elite Four tier Pokémon.
Because, let’s be honest—
His strongest Pokémon, Ursaring, had just reached that level.
If the other side had another Pokémon of that caliber… things could get dicey fast.
“Uncle Ye, wait—don’t attack!”
Just as he was about to order Ursaring to strike, Su Qingxue suddenly stepped in.
“I think… that’s my teach...
2025-06-07 06:18:20 +0000 UTC
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Outside the villa, in the open clearing, all the bodyguards had gathered, their expressions grim as they kept their eyes trained on any movement from the east.
At the same time—
Uncle Ye wore a solemn face as he turned to the head of security. “Xiao Wang, are you confident?”
As soon as Uncle Ye heard from Xiao Lin that a powerful enemy was approaching, he had rushed over without hesitation.
The head bodyguard replied confidently, “Please rest assured, Mr. Ye—...
2025-06-07 06:18:14 +0000 UTC
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Seeing this—
Guo Yi stood up and made his way to the muddy marsh, scooping up a bottle of sludge he had prepared in advance.
Then, using the system’s [Device] function, he crafted several batches of perfect-grade energy cubes.
“Nidoking, Nidoqueen—no need to busy yourselves. I’ve got food over here.”
He called out to the two Pokémon, then brought out the freshly-made energy cubes.
In an instant!
An aroma unlike anything Nidokin...
2025-06-07 06:18:09 +0000 UTC
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“Iono, as a supporter of August, I assume you’re rooting for him to win this match, right?”
On the commentary platform, the host continued grilling Iono.
Iono shrank into himself. “…..”
Stop talking—Lance is looking this way!
Well, he wasn’t. Lance’s eyes were laser-focused on August.
"Both trainers are in position. The match begins now!"
As the referee declared the battle underway, August and Lance threw out their Poké Balls simultane...
2025-06-07 06:17:05 +0000 UTC
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"Just a little bit..."
Lance turned to look out at the battlefield, where Leon was clearly suffering under the torment of Cynthia's relentless tactics. He stayed silent for a long moment before suddenly muttering:
"Just promise me you’ll make it quick tomorrow, all right?"
August blinked in confusion. "Huh? What are you talking about?"
I really only gave Cynthia a suggestion, that’s all!
...
The battle had finally come to an end.
Under Ga...
2025-06-07 06:17:00 +0000 UTC
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The moment Mega Charizard Y appeared, the entire battlefield shifted. The clouds above evaporated in seconds.
Scorching sunlight blazed down, baking the arena floor.
Aside from a few water puddles left behind by [Surf], the entire field transformed from wet and damp to dry and sun-scorched in an instant.
Commentator: "It’s the [Drought] ability! Drought has changed the weather to harsh sunlight!"
Under this weather, Water-type moves ...
2025-06-07 06:16:55 +0000 UTC
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After sending out Aegislash, Leon threw himself fully into the battle.
“Aegislash, [Shadow Ball]!”
In an instant, Aegislash shifted into its Blade Forme. A [Shadow Ball] formed at the tip of its blade and launched toward Milotic as the Pokémon surged forward at high speed.
“Milotic, dodge it—then [Water Pulse]!”
Milotic twisted its body with graceful precision, evading the attack. A ripple of water energy th...
2025-06-07 06:16:51 +0000 UTC
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Cynthia and Leon stepped into the battlefield with poised, deliberate strides.
As the two Champions took their places, the stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.
Up in the spectator’s box, August was enjoying himself immensely—arm cradling a massive bucket of popcorn, munching away without a care in the world.
Lance glanced over at him, something finally clicking in his mind. “Hey... why don’t I see your little Mew today?”
August was usually never without her....
2025-06-07 06:16:47 +0000 UTC
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The moment the semifinals ended, August had barely stepped out of the tunnel before he was swarmed by a wall of reporters and microphones.
“Mr. August, this is your first time competing in the World Championships and you've already made it to the Masters Eight semifinals—how do you feel?”
“Pretty happy!”
“Mr. August, any thoughts on your upcoming battle with Lance?”
“I’ll give it my all and be in the best condition possible.”
“Mr. August, so...
2025-06-07 06:16:42 +0000 UTC
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The two behind-the-bush spectators had no idea what the people they were spying on were really thinking—just as Gu Sanqiu was completely baffled by Eula’s thought process.
“You want me to take your shift?”
Gu Sanqiu pointed at himself, incredulous. “Weren’t you the one who just said I was a Liyue outsider? And now you want me to help with the Knights of Favonius’ internal affairs? Does that sound right to you?”
“Oh, come on. After the spectacle you...
2025-06-07 06:16:34 +0000 UTC
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Eula turned and led the way. Gu Sanqiu followed without hesitation.
There wasn’t any trace of Abyssal energy on her, and her speech and mannerisms were unmistakably Eula’s—so there was nothing to worry about.
Even if Lumine decided to send another one of her "Grace Brothers" to ambush him again, did she really think that man sitting in the tavern was just a decorative piece?
As a god capable of getting drunk, Venti had merely sealed his power in order to savor that fle...
2025-06-07 06:16:29 +0000 UTC
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Though his words were as unreliable as ever, Venti’s promise came from a place of genuine concern. That much, Gu Sanqiu had to admit.
“By the way, since you know what this seal is... can you tell me what it actually is?”
Gu Sanqiu asked curiously, “Honestly, I think this thing in my head is one of a kind. I’ve never met anyone else with a seal inside their brain.”
“Well, that’s hard to say. It’s not like you go around cracking people’s skulls ope...
2025-06-07 06:16:24 +0000 UTC
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So that’s what he meant.
Gu Sanqiu understood now. It was a fair question, really.
Your parents letting you play video games was one thing—but being able to decide on your own when to play? That was entirely different.
Even the most open-minded parents who didn’t set many rules were still fundamentally different from true autonomy.
“To be commanded by a god to be free—can that really be called freedom? If I declare that Mondstadt is...
2025-06-07 06:16:19 +0000 UTC
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The farce had come to an end—or rather, the Knights of Favonius had once again thwarted an enemy plot and made a major contribution to Mondstadt’s peace and stability.
At least, that was the official line.
Gu Sanqiu and Venti, two people who had nothing to do with the paperwork, were already drinking at the tavern. The rest were too busy taking over industries and clearing out secret strongholds to join them.
But ordinary citizens weren’t bound by such duties. Especial...
2025-06-07 06:16:14 +0000 UTC
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This—was by far the most humiliating scolding Schubert had ever received.
In the past, even when faced with the contempt of Mondstadt’s citizens, Schubert could still comfort himself with his noble lineage—as a descendant of Mondstadt’s old aristocracy.
But Jia Changjiang’s words? They didn’t just strip away that last shred of pride.
They ripped the veil off completely—and then stomped on him while he lay exposed.
“Pest of the nation!...
2025-06-07 06:16:09 +0000 UTC
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“Alright, I’ll continue looking into this,” Jia Changjiang said with a wave. “Wait for good news from me.”
“Mr. Jax.”
Just as he was about to leave the Grand Master’s office, Jean suddenly called out to him. “Why is it… you’re always so willing to help Mondstadt?”
Jia’s footsteps paused just before the door. He turned to look back at her.
“Let me think…” he said after a moment. “Actually, Jean, that’s not quite the right way to put i...
2025-06-07 06:16:05 +0000 UTC
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“Mr. Jax… you seem to care quite a bit about the Lawrence clan,” Jean said, her gaze tinged with curiosity as she looked at Jia Changjiang.
“It’s not that I care about the Lawrence clan in particular,” Jia replied, frowning. “I just can’t stand seeing descendants disgracing the name of their ancestors.”
He shook his head. “Where I come from, we call people like that unfilial heirs.”
“If they really wanted to restore the prestige of House Lawr...
2025-06-07 06:16:00 +0000 UTC
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“So… another friend just like that, huh…” Paimon muttered, clearly itching to make a comment.
“What’s wrong with having friends all over the world?” Lumine replied with a grin. “When you're out traveling, isn't it all about knowing the right people?”
Then she turned to Eula. “Since we're friends now, I should properly introduce myself.”
“I’m Lumine, traveling through the Seven Nations in search of my sibling,” she said. “And this is Paimon, my t...
2025-06-07 06:15:55 +0000 UTC
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