[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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In Fraxinus, the base camp of Ratatoskr, Shido Itsuka finally arrived after receiving a detailed briefing from his sister, Kotori. She explained the situation thoroughly, and Shido understood his newfound responsibilities.
However, understanding didn't mean he was entirely onboard.
"Wait, Kotori. You're telling me I have the power to seal spirits just by kissing them? And that doing so can suppress their abilities?" Shido stared at his sister incredulously, struggling to process the revelation.
"That's exactly right."
Kotori, now fully in her commanding persona, sat confidently in her chair, her expression firm as she addressed her brother. "The target has been identified, Shido. Now it's your turn to shine!"
"Huh? But… I don't even know what I'm supposed to do!" Shido protested. He had been plucked from his everyday school life and brought 15,000 meters into the air. To suddenly be told he needed to "seal" spirits felt overwhelming and surreal.
"You don't need to know anything. Just answer me with a firm 'yes' when I give an order."
"Uh… well, fine, I guess."
Shido relented. It wasn't like he had much choice. Besides, Kotori was his little sister—he couldn't exactly refuse her.
Satisfied with his response, Kotori gestured to Murasame Reine, who promptly activated the surveillance system. On the screen, two figures—a man and a woman—appeared, walking together.
Kotori pointed at the display and patted Shido on the shoulder. "Those two are your targets. Go make them fall for you, Shido. Make them blush! You've got this!"
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Shido squinted at the screen. The pair in question—Alexander and Kurumi—were strolling hand in hand, their affection for each other plain to see. Even someone with poor vision could tell they were a couple.
"Uh, Kotori… their relationship seems pretty solid. Don't you think it's inappropriate for me to… you know, interfere?"
Shido's face flushed with embarrassment. Approaching a girl already in a relationship? That wasn't wooing—it was just wrong!
Kotori rolled her eyes. "Who said you needed to go after the Nightmare? She's a literal killer. At your level, you'd be dead in minutes. Even if she agreed to your advances, the guy with her wouldn't let you off the hook."
"Then… why are you showing me the two of them?" Shido asked, perplexed.
"Because your target isn't the girl—it's Alexander. He's also a Spirit, and a guy. It shouldn't be too hard for you to kiss him."
Shido froze, his jaw dropping in disbelief.
"What?! Did I hear that right? You want me to seduce… a 'man'? Are you even my sister?!"
Kotori's response was nonchalant. "So what if he's a guy? He won't suspect your intentions, and it'll be easier to get close to him."
Before Shido could protest further, Kotori pulled out an assortment of "study materials" that made his eyes widen in horror—romance manga, BL novels, and anime DVDs. All of them were… questionable, to say the least.
"Here you go. Study these thoroughly and get to work."
"No way! I can't do this!" Shido's face was pale, his voice filled with despair.
Kotori's only reply was an encouraging smile. "Kannazuki, escort Shido to meet Alexander. Let's see what happens."
"Yes, Commander."
Before he could utter another word, Shido found himself being escorted away, tears in his eyes. His mind echoed with one thought: 'This Kotori… is the absolute worst!'
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Meanwhile, in Tenguu City, Alexander and Kurumi were enjoying a peaceful stroll.
Such moments were rare for the two of them. Alexander was often busy, and whenever he stepped outside, he was quickly recognized. This quiet shopping trip, filled with snacks, window shopping, and plans for a movie later, felt like a refreshing change.
As Alexander silently plotted the rest of their day—'and maybe a hotel stay later,' he thought with a cough—Kurumi suddenly broke the silence.
"Alexander, if we keep searching aimlessly, we won't find any Spirit. Maybe we should split up and cover more ground."
Her words caught him off guard, and his expression fell. Their date was ending before it had even begun.
Seeing his disappointment, Kurumi chuckled softly and leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "I'm sorry, Alexander. We have a mission to complete. Let's make this quick so we can get back to our date."
Reluctantly, Alexander nodded. Though they had to part for now, he appreciated her determination.