Profiteering from Magical Girls: Chapter 4 (Patreon)

Cake with Friends?

With Utena by my side, the [Dark Forest] was ours for the taking. It was inevitable given the sheer utility that Utena's [Schiavo] brought to the table, being able to summon an army and all, but it was still quite the sight to behold. Sitting atop Utena's [Treant], the very same one that she summoned when I first recruited her, I oversaw the clearing of the [Eastern Fringes] of the Forest.

"Just leave those for now," I ordered the [Nymphs]. Before this, I would have balked at the idea of leaving anything behind, but after Utena and I stripped parts of a forest, I learned my lesson. For now, I simply marked them on a map. "We'll harvest them later," I told them and the Nymphs nodded back as they left the Reagents alone.

One of the weird things about the [Dungeon] was how none of Utena's summons had yet to "despawn". Yes, there were some casualties, but for the most part, we still had our original entourage. Not even Utena powering down seemed to break her connection to her minions.

There was something about the forest that kept them going but as far things were concerned, they seemed permanent. The only way they could despawn was either by accumulating enough damage that they can't keep their form, or by Utena's will. That does bring with it a whole new host of problems. Turns out, there was a hard cap to Utena's minions.

Glancing over at my companion as she gritted her I told her, "I think we should rest for now." She had been pushing herself hard to keep all her minions going and they had been at this for quite sometime so it was as good a time as any for a well deserved break.

Blinking, Utena replied, "N-no! It's fine! I can still keep going." Flustered, she rubbed the back of her head as she complained, "I'm just a bit frustrated at how long it takes to get between each pan. W-why are they spaced so far apart?" Shaking her head, she muttered, "It would be easier if they're all in one place."

"You know, you do make a great point, Utena," I nodded, considering the matter, "I wonder if we could farm them…" I wondered out loud. It was a pain having to comb through entire sections of the forest. Things would be easier if we could just gather everything in one spot and take care of the plants. It would mean having to take care of the plants, but we do have an army with literal green thumbs.

Of course, with an army of [Nymphs] following us, it wouldn't take long for the Mobs to make themselves known. "Kill the witch! Kill her before she makes more monsters!" Cried an [Orc] as they burst out of the tree line, leading a small warband to meet our party.

[Orc Raiding Party!]

Unlike the goblins who were a pathetic bunch, these monsters actually posed quite the challenge. "Protect the Mistress!" cried one of the nymphs before they were cut down by the crude stone ax wielded by the brutes.

Despite their comical appearance, with their pot bellies and pig-like snout, they were a formidable bunch. Underneath all those folds of fat were rippling musculature, they were bred for war; Barbarians in all sense of the word. While only possessing the most basic of tools, their strength made up for their lack of it.

With savage swings, they hacked and slashed their way through our minions. While only numbering a dozen, they still far more than what the [Nymphs] could handle. They might have succeeded at getting close and personal if not for an elephant sized problem in the room. "T-tulip!" Utena shouted, rousing the giant into action.

Tulip
Vengeful Treant​

"You will defile our forest no longer," the giant shouted as they raised their pillar-like arms, "Die!" With a thunderous crash, they slammed their fist against the orcs, splattering them all over the ground. Seeing the living embodiment of the forest's wrath in action, the Orcs scattered. Tulip however was not feeling merciful as they gave chase.

For a creature as tall as a house, Tulip could move surprisingly fast. Their long strides eating up ground and their massive feet trampling any Orc unfortunate enough to be caught. Was it cheating that I brought someone stronger than I was into the dungeon? Probably. Then again, I was allowed to do so, so why not?

Any gamer worth their salt would take advantage of an exploit given the chance. Why would I handicap myself by playing "fair"? I was making money, not farming achievement! So long as my wallet is happy, I was happy.

With the Nymphs, armed with my recently brewed [Poison Vials], corralling the stragglers into a clearing, their fates were sealed. With the huge blighted trees and monolithic stones cutting off all avenues of escape, they had nowhere to run. Their screams echoed in the forest as Tulip burst into the clearing, turning all these poor souls into mush. Soon, the last of the orcs would be stomped and we were left to gather the remains.

[Orc Leather], [Iron Ingot], [Broken Stone Axe], [Orc Skulls]. ...

"Trash," I muttered, kicking the Orc head away. While harder to fight, they didn't drop any loot worth my time. Not really worth the effort to do so. Maybe if I decided to hone to focus some more on [Transmutation], but I was far more focused right now on [Potion Brewing].

Landing behind me, Utena's leg buckled before she caught herself against Tulip's legs. I was about to ask her if she was ok, until I saw how she paled at the sight of the Orc corpse or what's left of it. Given that the corpses were in the consistency of strawberry jam, I couldn't fault her for feeling a bit faint. "You'll get used to it," I chuckled, patting her on the back.

It was a disturbing sight, yes, but eventually, I got numbed to the sight. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or bad thing, but best not to think much on it. There lay the path to madness. It's not like these Orcs would hesitate if the tables were turned. Tulip and the Nymphs hated these Orcs for a reason; They were probably assholes.

Taking a breather from the fighting, we took a break inside the clearing. There might be only one entrance, but it was guarded by Tulip. Nothing should be able to get through as they have to overpower several tons of angry timber.

As I looked around, I noticed a notch upon one of the stones strewn about. Curious, I got closer and inspected the strange ident. Feeling it beneath my palm, It was far too smooth, too regular to just be natural. Looking around the monolith that surrounded us, there was definitely something I needed to do here, but what? I'm not exactly sure what I could fit inside.

"I need something round," I muttered, mildly frustrated at my game's lack of useful tips. Feeling a bump at the bottom of the ident, I frowned. "What's something round with a socket?" I asked out loud before my eyes wandered to the other stones. There were five in total and in the middle of them was a stone platform. It was roughly hewn, but clearly one, sporting crude letters in the shape of a star.

"No, it can't be." I grinned, chuckling as I noticed it. The blighted trees, monolithic structures, an altar, all pointing to something pagan or perhaps satanic in nature. Glancing towards the Orc head staring back at me, I shrugged, "Might as well?" It was round if you squint and the base of the skull does have a socket.

Picking up the surprisingly heavy lump, I lugged it over the socket before placing atop the hole. As soon as the neck touched the bottom, the thing burst into fire. "Gah!" Taken by surprises, I jumped back as the Orcs head was reduced to ashes, leaving only the grinning skull which glowed with baleful green fire.

"Mizuki!" Having noticed the commotion, Utena rushed to the scene with her minions, but I was quick to raise my hands to stop her.

"Stand back!" I shouted, kicking myself for the boneheaded move. In my defense, how the hell did I expect that to work! Pulling out some potions, I braced myself, expecting for the worst. Thankfully, it seemed that I was too cautious as the skull just floated there.

"What happened?" Utena asked, helping me back to my feet as she glanced towards the altar wearily. The skull kept floating there, its unseeing eyes staring at the center of the altar stone. Thankfully, it seems that I haven't summoned whatever it ever was this structure was meant for.

"I might have found a field boss of sorts," I replied, making the magical girl gulp nervously. Given that we were in a dungeon, it was inevitable that we eventually stumbled upon something stronger than a simple mob. It was one of the reasons why we haven't gone deeper. The [Heart of the Forest] was a far more daunting set of woods, one darker than what we have access to.

We could leave, play it safe, but there was an opportunity here. A boss room that could be accessed without having said boss jump on them the moment we stepped in? I found myself smiling as I turned to my trusty companion. "Say Utena," I asked, "Remember that spell you've been testing out? How about we do a test run before we call it a day?"

"E-eh? Wait, you're not suggesting we fight a boss now, right?" Utena asked as a look of horror dawned on her face.

"Not the final boss of the dungeon, something lesser," I replied, trying to assure her. It would be weird if the boss was here rather than in the middle of the forest. It could be an extra boss, but I had faith in Utena. If all else fails, we could run.

"I-I'm not sure Mizuki," Utena replied, still clearly nervous about the possible encounter, "Orcs and Goblins are one thing, but we're not even sure what we're facing!" Yes, it was dangerous, possibly even suicidal, but I can't let this opportunity pass by; the chance to turn a boss room into a Bosnian minfield.

"Not even if I treat you to some cake?" I offered, making the girl pause; She was interested. "We did talk about going somewhere one of these days so how about I sweeten the deal and offer to buy you anything on the menu. Anything," I offered, dangling the reward in front of her.

The girl whined, torn between the two choices, but it would be her body that would decide. As if on cue, Utena's stomach rumbled, making the girl squeak. Puffing her rosy cheeks and glaring back at me as I chuckled, Utena reluctantly agreed, "I guess we could try?"

"That's all I ask," I chuckled, cracking my knuckles as we prepared a nasty surprise for our would-be opponent. It would be rude not to give them a welcoming gift.

-x-x-x-

A few more orcs later, and the last of the skulls were ours. Holding the last head over the final pillar, I asked, "Ready?" The preparation was set, the trap rigged. Worst case scenario, it fails to kill them, but that was what Tulip was for.

"Ready!" Utena nodded as he clutched her whip close to her chest, her Nymphs ready to protect their mistress. We were as ready as we can ever be. It was now or never.

Nodding, I placed the last of the skulls and ran, climbing up Tulip's offered hand as Utena hauled me up the [Treant]'s shoulder. Almost immediately, the ground started to shake as the clearing glowed green, the runes carved into the altar lighting up.

Warning!
A Challenge Approaches!​

"Let's see what you got," I whispered as a ring of fire blazed into life around us, trapping us inside the clearing. "Making sure we don't run away huh?" I grinned, feeling sweat drip down my brow as a figure slowly rose from the altar.

Gobgor the Mighty
Demon​

"Finally, a challenge worthy of Gobgor the Mighty!" The figure booming laughter echoed out in the forest as the brighted trees seemed to groan and wither even more in his presence. With curved horns, a caprine set of legs, red skin, and clad in armor reminiscent of the Orcs, this demon was a sight to behold.

Taller than the already imposing orcs and wider as well, the huge boss wielded a sword fitting for someone of their stature. Armed with metal tools, they were a clear step above the mobs we have encountered so far.

Eyeing us as she sat atop Tulip, the demon snorted in amusement. "So, a pair of would be sorcerer's thought that freeing me would earn you my favor?" They asked, laughing as he taunted us, "Hah! Only someone like the Warboss who bested me in combat can dare lay claim to my power!"

As much as I hate to admit it, I was afraid. I could feel my heart racing, my blood pounding against my ear, yet at the same time, I was starting to feel excited. It had been quite a while since I last faced something that could possibly harm me and possibly Utena. We had a challenge, but I wouldn't be that much of a Gamer if I didn't tip the scales in my favor, would I?

Spreading his arms wide, he shouted, "Come little warriors, show Gobgor what you got!" Grinning, the man offered, "I'll even give you the first strike." Oh, how I love villainous monologue. It makes it easier to sneak some stuff on them.
"Utena, you know what to do," I told my companion before she raised her whip.

"I'm sorry Mr. Gobgor," She apologized much to the demon's confusion. [Flamenco!], she shouted and the star in her whip glowed with an ominous black light.

"Wha-?!" was all the Demon could reply before the roots beneath the ground rose up and came alive, reaching up to the heavens like the clawed fingers of a giant, before clenching hard, crushing them in their woody grasp.

I winced at the sound of bones crunching and black blood splattering all over the clearing. "I think you overdid it, Utena," I whispered as we stared in muted horror and fascination at the gruesome aftermath. As the roots slowly untangle, the broken remains plopped down unceremoniously on the ground, still twitching but very much dead.

Congratulations!
Gobgor the Mighty has Defeated​

The sound of fan fare echoed in our sense as the fire died down and the blight that afflicted this part of the forest disappeared, leaving ruined trees similar to those after a forest fire. The boss was dead and so comes the best part of any fight; Looting.

"Still, great job Utena!" I congratulated the girl before noticing how pale she looked. "You ok there?" I asked in concern before the girl raised a thumbs up and gave me a shaky smile.

Ruffling her hair, I jumped down, rooting my hands through their remains as I performed the grizzly task of processing the carcass. Most of their flesh was turned to mush, but the important bits remained intact. Holding the [Demon's Heart] above my head, I cheered. I was going to turn this into a potion, that's for sure!

There was also their armor and tools, but that was of lesser concerns to the various reagents I could harvest from a Demon. Rooting inside their remains, I found a large globe and pulled, before recoiling and dropping the fleshy orb.

[Demon Testicles]

"God damn it," I grimaced, rubbing my hands on the ground. I could leave it to rot… but it looked like a reagent. Fuck it, into the inventory they go. I wasn't sure what to feel now in possession of some questionable reagents, but I wasn't about to throw out perfectly good material. "Waste not, want not," I reminded myself before perking up at the familiar sound of a quest box appearing before me. As I read its content, I raised a brow.

Quest: Free the Forest

The Dark Forest wasn't alway the dark and twisted realm that it is today. Liberate the Forest by defeating the tyrant that claims it as their own. Liberate the forest, free inhabitants, become its savior.

Reward: The Dark Forest becomes the Fairy Gardens

It seems that our actions kicked off a chain of quest, one with a tantalizing reward. The mere implication that the forest could become peaceful was quite the reward. Still, as much as I wanted to keep going, I couldn't. The forest was huge and we're just two people. This would take weeks and we still have our lives to live outside the dungeons.

"It's still a quest worth doing," I nodded, pulling out some [Bath Bombs] before turning to Utena. "So, ready for that cake, Utena?" I asked before wincing at the sight of the girl throwing up her lunch and perhaps her breakfast as well.

"S-so much blood," Utena whispered shakily as she leaned against Tulip's leg for support. She looked like she was going to pass out at any moment.

Beckoning one of the Nymphs forward and having them hold some water bottles, I approached my friend. "There there," I whispered as rubbed her back, holding up her short hair as she threw up once more. I really couldn't blame the girl as the stench was slowly getting stronger.

After a few more dry heaves, Utena finally calmed down. "Do you want me to make you some [Healing Tea]?" I offered as the Nymph handed her some water. It wouldn't do much, but perhaps some soothing and calming tinctures would do her some good.

"Y-yes please" Utena replied, unable to glance towards the altar stone. I made a mental note to give her some extra reward on top of the meal we'd be having later. She deserved it.

-x-x-x-

Savoring the lovely aroma of my macchiato, I took a sip, sampling the rich flavors of my drink. Medium roast, the perfect balance between flavor and strength, just the way I like it. Sinking into the plush seat of the cafe, I sighed out in contentment. "We should go out more often," I whispered, enjoying the soft music playing in the background while people passed by outside.

It was a school day and just after the mandatory clubs. I was tired from today's practice, but I promised Utena cake. I would not deny my magical girl her reward. That I needed something to take our minds off the dungeon. Glancing back to my companion, I watched her squirm as she tugged on the collar of her uniform.

"U-um Mizuki?" She asked as she cradled her own drink, a lovely cup of tea. She picked white tea I believed. I wasn't quite familiar with the drink, but it smelt quite fragrant. I should probably try some myself.

"Yes Utena-chan?" I asked as I set my cup down before picking up my fork to take from my chocolate cake. Ignoring the painful cries of my wallet, I enjoyed our after school meal. It might be expensive, but it was well worth it. What was a little bit of indulgence between friends?

"I know I asked for some cake," She replied, cheeks burning as she refused to meet my gaze. "B-but do we really have to eat at this shop in particular?" She asked, doing her best not to spill her drink.

I wasn't quite sure what her reservation was with the place, but she did keep on glancing towards the board filled with photos of customers. There were an odd amount of pairs there, but I paid it no mind. I liked this place.

"They make good cakes," I replied, glancing at the carrot cake she ordered. Chuckling at the sight of the plate which was picked clean, I took a piece from my own cake. "You should try it!" I offered with a smile. The girl does love her sweets.

The girl let out a keening sound, almost akin to tea kettle as she stared at my fork. "Not a fan of chocolate?" I asked as I raised a brow at her.

"N-no! I like chocolate," She sputtered out, waving her hands in front of her before she started wringing them. "It's just…" She whispered, licking her lips before asking, "H-has someone asked you out y-yet? I've seen Minikami talking to you and I-I don't want t-t-to be a bother."
Frowning at her odd question, I replied, "Honestly, no." I haven't paid much attention to school as much as I would have wanted. I was still adjusting to the city. Was she asking about adding another girl to our raiding partner? "Perhaps I should? Minikami would be hard to convince since you know," I replied, gesturing at our name tags, "But think I have a chance?"

"D-definitely!" She replied as she nodded. "Y-you're b-bright and c-confident. Any g-girl would say yes if you asked them," She told me, making me chuckle.

"Come on, if you wanted another slice, you could have just asked, not butter me up," I replied as a light dusting of pink graced my cheeks. Maybe I should try and recruit more girls. It was getting harder exploring the dungeon and we're only at the starter dungeons.

"N-no, it's true!" Utena argued despite how red her cheeks were, "Y-you should at least try?" She replied as she glanced down on her lap.

Seeing her crestfallen look, I grinned. "Oh, are you jealous that someone else would come and swoop me off my feet?" Almost immediately, she turned beet red, sputtering as she shook her head. Laughing, I replied, "Nah. I'm just messing with you."

As she pouted at me, I leaned back before taking another sip. "I can try, but too much effort," I told her. "Besides, why would I look for any other girl when I already have you?" I asked, making her freeze as I told her, "Smart, strong and absolutely adorable. I'm lucky to have you as mine." She was the best magical girl any would-be capitalist could ask for.

"M-mizuki!," She blurted out as she cupped her cheeks and smiled, "A-are you asking me out? But I-I already have Kiwi. A-are you sure y-you want to share?" She asked, covering her face.

"Hmmm?" I replied, tilting my head at her. What does this have to do with our dungeon diving operation? As I mulled over her words, I blinked. "Ohhh, that's what you meant," I laughed, feeling my cheeks burn. "I mean, either way, I'd still hit on you if it wasn't for Kiwi," I admitted. It was hard not to look at Utena and feel attracted. Despite her shy disposition, she had a passion that I couldn't help but admire.

As a gust of cold air blew passed by, I felt the hair at the back of my head stand up. It was getting rather chilly here. Maybe I should have bought that school jacket, but we were already here. Best to just suck it up and move on.

"M-mizuki! Stop teasing me~" Utena replied, her voice muffled by the hands as she buried her face in her palm. No matter how she hid it though, I could still see the edge of her lips as she smiled.

"Come on Utena, have a bit more faith in yourself," I replied, "You're a beautiful girl and Kiwi is lucky to have you." Despite how different they were, they complimented the other and made them stand out. The two were just lovely together.

Taking a peek out from her hands, Utena asked, "Y-you think so?" Her voice, hopeful as she gazed back at me with those big doe eyes of hers.

"Would I really lie to you, Utena?" I asked her as she leaned forward and whispered into her ears, "Just between you and me, I think you just might be my favorite Magical Girl."

"O-oh stop it you!" Utena chuckled as she batted at my arms playfully before covering her lips.

"Cute," I replied, leaning back to my seat as I took another sip from my cup. "Speaking of, who's your favorite Magical Girl?" I asked, changing the subject at hand. For all of Utena's passion, I actually didn't know which she liked the best. It'd make it easier for me to find her a gift if I find out.

The girl paused as she frowned, pursing her lips as she pressed them against her clasped her hands."That's a hard question," Utena admitted as she took a sip before gazing longingly at her empty plate. "A-all magical girls deserve to be admired and praised but if I-I have to pick one, I-I say Magenta," She answered, taking me by surprise.

"Oh?" I replied, gesturing to the waitress for another plate "Thought you'd go for Azul," I told her. Given how much the girl focused on the teal haired girl, it was hard seeing her as anything other than Utena's favorite.

"Don't get me wrong, Azul is really cool since she's willing to risk herself for others, but Magenta… Oh Magenta," Utena sighed out, gazing out to the window longingly, "She's the pure hearted heroine that anyone can look up to. A symbol of all that is good in this world. If there's anyone that I would admire the most, it would be her."

"She's sweet, tooth rotting-ly so," I nodded, making the girl chuckle. Magenta was as cute as a button and as innocent as one could get. She also might be the least likely of her group to fall to despair, traits that would definitely get Utena's attention.

Perking up at the sight of another cake, she gave me a quiet thanks before asking, "So, aside from y-your favorite, who do you like best?" She asked, looking up at me curiously.

"Hmmm, I say Sulfur," I answered easily. I really didn't know any other magical girls as I haven't looked too much into the scene, but amongst those that I know, the pint sized firecracker was the most memorable.

"O-oh, why so?" Utena asked, shifting on her seat as she scooted a bit closer.

"It's hard to explain," I replied as I stroked my chin, "She has this playful air to her smile. Like the moment you give her the chance, she's going to tease you like crazy." I replied. Maybe it was my poor taste, but I do love a girl with a lot of spice.

"S-she's not that bad," Utena replied with a small smile on her lips.

"She also looks like the girl that wouldn't be shy about making you know what she likes. that air of confidence is just something else," I added as Utena nodded, taking a bite out of her new slice of cake. "Honestly, she reminds me of Kiwi," I replied. At a closer glance, they were both fiery, loyal to a fault and all too willing to beat down their opponents to a pup. It was almost scary.

"N-Now that you mention it, she kinda does," Utena blinked as she got that look in her eyes. I silently prayed for Tenkawa, hoping that Utena would go easy on her the next time they met.

"Maybe if those two get to know each other, they might enjoy each other's company," I snickered. Oh those two already met. With my proximity to Utena, it was a common sight having the two bicker. Perhaps it was how they were so much alike that they hate each other.

"T-they-d tear each other apart before they even got to know each other's name," Utena let out a small laugh as she smiled back at me. Now with the floodgate opened, we freely chattered, sharing stories about our days and making light of our recent dives in the dungeon.

Seeing her laugh instead of turning pale had him sighing in relief. It would be disastrous if she grew to dislike the intense actions inside the dungeon. It was gruesome, grizzly, but it was far too profitable. It helped that so far, they'd be hostile so far… but a non hostile mob wouldn't be that bad thinking about it. Perhaps one of these days, he'd find out.

As we enjoyed each other's company, Utena suddenly asked, "H-Hey Mizuki… do you want to come over to my house one of these days?" Quickly flustered, the girl hastily explained, "N-not that I want you over for a date because that would be awkward with m-my parents around!"

Letting out a sigh, she muttered, "But it's just because you live alone and it's kinda scary." Glancing away, she told me, "I… I just don't want you feeling lonely."

I smiled, feeling warmth fill my chest as I replied, "So long as your parents are ok with that." As much as I wanted to keep things professional between us, I was glad that the girl cared enough to wonder about my well being. "I wouldn't want to impose," I added.

"I-I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind" Utena assured him as she happily recalled, "She was happy when I brought Kiwi over for the first time. She kept teasing me about it." Oh you sly dog, already introducing her to your mother? And here I thought you were the shy one.

"When are you two getting married?" I teased, making Utena's smile fall as she let out a long suffering groan.

"Oh god, not you too!" She cried, laying her head on the table. I rolled my eyes at her theatrics. While same sex marriages were a taboo in Japan, it looks like Utena's mother was supportive of the girl. "W-were not that serious yet!" She complained as she straightened up and threw her hands over her head.

Sighing, she shrunk back into herself as she muttered, "We're just dating and stuff…" Despite how close they were, she was still quite in denial.

"I'm surprised to agree to this "date" then," I replied, curious at how she even got Kiwi to agree to this little get together without her all over them. Kiwi can get a bit possessive about her Utena and here she was, sharing some drinks with someone else in a cafe.

"I-I asked Kiwi if I could go actually," She replied as alarm bells started ringing inside my head, "She said "Sure, go ahead"… which was kind of a surprise really. I thought she'd say no," She trailed off as she pressed her thumb against her chin.

Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grabbed her by the shoulder, making the girl jolt before she froze. "Utena," I said, trying to get her entire attention for what she would do next might be what separates a dead me from a roughed up one. "I want you to pick a cake, any cake from that menu, and bring it to her." I instructed her, pointing at the board, specifically their speciality menu.

"B-but those are expensive!" Utena replied, still quite in shock. She wasn't understanding the gravity of the situation she accidentally put us both in. Wait… was that the reason why I've been feeling cold?

Feeling the pressure on me, I insisted, "Just pick one, I'll cover it." What was a few thousand yen to the rest of my life, unmaimed? "Just think of it as a gift for a cute couple," I replied, doing my best not to startle the girl. As much as I wanted to explicitly warn her, I didn't want to scare the girl too much. "You wouldn't want to disappoint Kiwi by being the only one to eat cake, right?" I asked, hoping she'd at least listen to some reason.

"O-of course not! I don't know what'll I do if I make Kiwi unhappy," Utena shook her head. It looked like I was going to live for another day.

"Good girl," I replied, giving the confused girl a pat on the head. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep this hand, but she deserved a head pat for not being that suicidal. Unsure if this cafe was safe, I asked the girl, "Say Utena, want to explore Nerima with me?"

Perhaps I could shake this feeling of dread away if we take a walk. Kiwi wouldn't kill someone out in public right?

A/N:

I'm sorry it took me longer than usual. Been feeling like shit lately and having to deal with scratchy throat, sneezing and sluggishness is a bitch and a half. Good news is that I still have enough left over dialog to churn out a chapter. The next one should be a bit faster though not sure if I should do it now or do a quick breather.