Kapitel 19: Chapter 18

Two days had passed since Ako asked me to accompany her to Comiket, and this was the promised day.

I picked up the perfume that was on the table as I looked at myself with a smile on my face.

"Hiroto, you're so handsome today"

I thought I was too narcissistic to praise myself, but why should I care about this? After all, living in a flower garden after my mind was freed from loli girls was something to be happy about.

Is this what life is all about?

I thought I would like this kind of time.

However, besides that I couldn't ignore the incident two days ago, when I showed my form as a spirit in front of Origami. That confirmed my suspicions about that girl.

If before it was all guesses and speculations that had no solid basis, now I was sure that Origami really was from the future. Even if I have to say, she knows more about the future than my current self.

I might just be looking at the current situation from a third-person perspective that sees this world as an ordinary harem novel story, but Origami is different. She sees everything from the perspective of a Regressor.

But still, keeping a calm expression in front of her to hide the secret that she was a Regressor wasn't easy, especially since she was always watching my every move.

If Origami was a Regressor, then there was a 90% chance that Mai was also a Regressor, although I had no proof for that, after all I was only guessing this from the strange behaviour Mei had been showing the past few days.

Trying to put this aside, I went back to making sure my appearance was perfect, after all today I was going on a date with Ako, a beautiful girl who could even compete with Origami and Nibutani in terms of charm.

After making sure everything was done, I grabbed a small bag containing essential items for Comiket such as my wallet, mobile phone, and drink bottle.

Not forgetting to bring a power bank, because we all know, Comiket is a battlefield, especially for signal and battery. I also slightly hoped that the place wouldn't be too smelly.

"Come on, time to go," I muttered to myself as I grabbed my jacket. The air this morning was quite bright, a little chilly, but perfect for a walk.

As I walked towards the meeting location near the train station, I noticed how a beautiful girl seemed to be waiting there quietly. Although she was only wearing casual clothes, the way the clothes matched made her exude her own unique charm.

On her shoulder I can see a tote bag with a picture of a cute little cat.

Ako! She's so pretty today!

But why does she keep putting on her make-up? I think this girl is quite nervous for our little date today.

Ignoring that little detail, I walked up to her as I waved my hand trying to get her attention.

"Hey, Ako! Been waiting long?" I said as I approached her.

Ako turned to me, her smile instantly brightening when she saw me as a reddish tinge appeared on her cheeks.

"Not really. I just arrived a few minutes early." she said as she glanced at her watch awkwardly.

"But, husband you look different today, very different from the casual clothes you always wore when ako asked you to go out on dates in the past."

I shrugged, smiling a little proudly but at the same time I was a little embarrassed when he said that.

"Well, about that, I'm honestly starting to think if I should pay more attention to Ako from now on? It's Comiket after all, right? There's nothing wrong with looking cool among a crowd of otaku."

"Really?!" Ako asked as I could see some small stars in her eyes.

"Yeah right, after all when did I lie"

She chuckled when I said that, besides I have to admit how the simple make-up on her face made her look even more graceful than usual.

Somehow I wanted to hug her and announce to the world that this sweet girl was mine!

"Shall we take the train straight there?" I asked, trying to break the ice.

"hm, Ako has all the lines written down, but..." She pulled out a piece of paper from her tote bag.

"Husband, we have to move fast if we want to get a place in the queue. Ako heard that the booth we're eyeing is famous, and it's selling out fast."

"The booth we're eyeing?" I raised my eyebrows slightly when I saw the note in her hand.

"Did you make plans for today?" I asked, after all Ako was always excited about things like this.

"Of course," she replied excitedly.

"This isn't just another exhibition. It's a battlefield of art and fandom. Ako doesn't want to go home empty-handed!"

I laughed a little when I heard her passionate explanation, after all Ako was also an acute Otaku who was interested in anime.

"Alright, captain. I'll follow your orders." I said as I grabbed her hand and led her away.

As we boarded the train, Ako pulled out her smartphone, showing me a list of booths she wanted to visit. I pretended to pay attention, but was actually more preoccupied with the way she spoke.

She was so excited, her eyes shining whenever she mentioned the name of an illustrator or franchise she liked.

When we arrived at the Comiket venue, the nostalgic sight that I hadn't seen in a long time really made me miss the past.

There were many people in various costumes, and the atmosphere was full of enthusiasm. Ako looked at me with a big smile.

"Husband, are you ready?" she asked as she grasped my hand tightly.

"It's going to be a long day, but I promise, you won't regret it."

I looked down at her hand holding mine, then back up at her. The smile was so infectious that I nodded without thinking.

"Yes, let's do this!"

....

While Hiroto was enjoying his sweet date with Ako, at the AST's military facility, inside the personnel changing room, a teenage girl sat quietly, staring at the smartphone screen with rapt attention.

"So handsome," she muttered under her breath, a tinge of redness appearing on Origami's face as she looked at the photo she had secretly taken yesterday, while Hiroto was in Spirit mode.

Although she knew this kind of stalker behaviour was bad, but why should she care?

To her, every angle and behaviour Hiroto took was the epitome of perfection that she should photograph.

However, that expression of happiness soon faded as Origami read the message that appeared on her mobile phone, replacing her cheerful face with a glum look, as if she had just lost her way in life.

"Why does it have to be like this? I should have stopped that idiot before all this mess happened," she thought, massaging her temples in contemplation. How could she have been so careless, giving Hiroto access to his power without checking the location first?

As a result, the AST detected extremely high Reiryoku energy centred on where Hiroto was. She who happened to be there, had to report to her team captain.

However, even if she had to face all sorts of torture, there was no way for Origami to leak information about the man she loved so much.

Even if the information about Hiroto leaked out, it would not be catastrophic. After all, Origami had seen Hiroto's strength before, and she was confident that if Hiroto was caught in the siege, he would be able to get out safely.

When all those complicated thoughts were spinning in her head, a soft voice sounded from the door.

"Sergeant Tobiichi, preparations have been completed!"

"Hm? Ah! Yes! I'll be right there," Origami replied while nodding in confirmation.

The sudden sound of the technician's voice took Origami by surprise, her face that was originally staring at her smartphone immediately lifted up to stare at the front.

Quickly, she focused her attention on the newly given command.

The commands flowed through the cables in the suit wrapped around her body, until they reached the thruster mounted on her back, and finally activated the Realizer embedded inside her body.

Although the suit did not seem designed for flight, Origami's body began to float in the air.

At the Japanese Self-Defence Force's Shibuya Base, in one of its corner hangars, Origami followed the technician's instructions carefully.

Slowly, she landed gracefully on her personal dock as if sitting down, re-stowed her weapons, then took a deep breath before finally switching off her entire Realizer system.

As soon as he did so, the weight and pressure that had previously gone unnoticed, immediately fell on his body with tremendous weight.

The sound of the engine echoed behind him, while the thrusters attached to him disengaged quickly.

However, it was only after about three minutes that Origami managed to lift her body back up from that position.

This was the sensation one always experienced after using the CR-Unit. The change from a superhuman back to an ordinary human made her body feel very heavy.

CR-Unit, or Combat Realizer Unit, is the name for a tactical combat equipment that relies on a magical technology called Realizer, which was invented by humanity after the great spacequake thirty years ago.

By manipulating the laws of physics through computer calculations, this technology is able to manifest things that were originally only imaginable in reality.

Although it has some limitations, it is a technology capable of creating 'magic' within a scientific framework.

And at the same time, CR-Unit was the only way humans could fight Spirit, a terrifying human-shaped creature.

At first glance, Origami stared at the CR-Unit she had just released, taking a deep breath while glancing up.

Her mind flew back to yesterday's battle.

A great threat that could destroy the world, Spirit.

But, even if they were the ones she hated, it was ironic that Origami had fallen in love with one of them.

Origami sighed for a moment before looking at the sword slash scar on her wrist, a consequence of yesterday's battle.

"I think I should recover some energy after all this, I'm going to hug Hiroto for hours after this" with that Origami walked away before the memory of yesterday's battle flashed back into her head.

The seemingly humiliating battle with AST's crushing defeat that had to end with their retreat from the battlefield, at first glance it made origami even more furious for some random reason that came to her heart.

"Tsk!"

Clucking her tongue, Origami did not change her expression at all.

However, Origami bit down hard on his back teeth.

"Origami!"

The voice coming from inside the hangar broke Origami's thoughts.

"..."

Without making a sound, she turned to face the voice. His body was probably still not used to it, as his head felt very heavy.

There, he saw the figure of a woman in her mid-20s looking at him with a serious gaze

She was Captain Kusakabe Ryouko. The officer in charge of the AST where Origami was located.

"Captain"

Seeing how all the annoyance was visible on the face, Origami knew how or the specific reason behind the anger of the woman in front of him.

"You were too implusive in the fight yesterday" Ryouko

"..."

'Damn it! How could I not implausibly think of the fact that that girl would be my obstacle to monopolising Hiroto!' Origami thought irritably in her mind, but she didn't show anything on the outside.

"Origami! I don't know what got into you yesterday, but fighting with a rampaging Spirit is the stupidest thing I've ever known, after all haven't you seen how all of our Team members were easily slaughtered by that Spirit?"

"I know that, it's just that-"

"And didn't you get overwhelmed and almost die just a few seconds after entering the battle? If I hadn't shown up in time, I don't know what would have really happened to you" Ryoko cut off origami's words before she even finished her sentence.

"..."

"You, do you understand what kind of opponent you're facing or not? Seriously, that girl is a monster! Being able to summon a typhoon with just a wave of the hand is a terrible thing! but whatever it is never jump into danger in vain. You understand!"

"Sorry, I was wrong"

Origami bowed her head, hiding the tight feeling that was churning inside her. Shame and frustration were mixed together, but she knew that this apology was only to calm the situation. If she wanted to move forward, she had to remain calm, even though those feelings continued to gnaw at her.

Ryouko looked at her sharply, as if judging whether Origami's words were sincere. A few seconds passed before Ryouko finally let out a long sigh.

"Don't make me worry like that again," she said, softer this time, though there was still tension in her voice.

"You have great potential, Origami, but don't let your emotions or hatred get the best of you. Yesterday's battle was a valuable lesson."

Origami nodded, feeling that Ryouko's words should have been motivating. But for some reason, it only added more weight to her chest.

All she wanted now was to return to Hiroto. She wanted to feel the warmth of his embrace, soothing her stormy heart.

"Yes, Captain," she replied simply.

Ryouko watched him for a moment before finally averting her gaze.

"Don't forget, we all fought together. I hope you remember that," Ryouko said in a softer, yet still firm voice.

"You are not the only one struggling here." Ryouko continued

Origami was silent. Ryouko's words touched her more deeply than she thought. However, despite this, that feeling of anxiety and disappointment still lingered in her heart.

She wanted to be stronger, not only for herself, but also for Hiroto. And for that, she had to abandon any reliance on personal hatreds and feelings that stood in her way.

"I'll be more careful," Origami finally said, trying not to let emotions dominate her thoughts.

Ryouko nodded in satisfaction, before turning around and walking out of the hangar.

"Remember, Origami. We're all on the same team. Don't forget that."

Origami stared at Ryouko's retreating back, then looked back at the wound on her hand. After all the battles she had been through, Origami knew that she was still too weak.

Letting out a sigh, Origami also left the hangar.

....

"Husband! Look at this! I got it!" As Ako approached me, she showed me a novel with the author's signature on the cover.

Although I wasn't familiar with this novel, but seeing how enthusiastic Ako's reaction was, I thought this was her favourite novel.

After all, I don't know much about romantic novels like this.

"Ako is great, being able to get it just by queuing for a few minutes" I praised her as I patted her head gently, looking affectionate.

But seeing how long the queue was, I was quite curious how this little girl managed to get through it all so easily.

"Hehehe..."

"So, where are we going after this?" I asked as I glanced at the clock on my mobile phone that showed lunch time.

"Hmm, how about we go to this place first before lunch?" Ako replied as she glanced at the Comiket map in her hand.

But when I saw the place she wanted to visit, I thought this girl just wanted to buy new figures for her collection.

"Alright, let's go there," I said with a smile. It's hard to resist when she has a smile like that on her face, after all.

As we walked away, the sound of the hustle and bustle of visitors, the stunning cosplay, and the aroma of snacks from the various stands brought the atmosphere to life.

Every now and then Ako would stop to take photos, be it with cosplayers or just documenting the scenery.

But one thing that caught my attention was how Ako was only interacting with female cosplayers, I think this girl was paying enough attention to me not to make me jealous.

"Husband, look at this!" Ako called out as she showed me a keychain with a little cat on it.

"Isn't this cute?"

"It's cute. If you like it, buy it," I said, after all being a royal for a girl like Ako wouldn't do me any harm.

"Really? Can I have it?!" Ako asked excitedly, her eyes seemed to have little stars in them like a child who just got a present.

After we finished, we walked back to our next destination, a figure stand in one corner of the Comiket area. It was quite popular, judging by the crowds of visitors crammed in front of it.

When we got there, Ako immediately shouted excitedly.

"Ah, there she is! Figures of my favourite characters!" She pointed to one of the shelves filled with figures of various poses and sizes. Her eyes lit up as she gazed at the small figure beautifully displayed behind the glass.

The figure in question was a female character with long blue hair, wearing a short blue dress that looked like Aqua.

Eh? Isn't that Aqua? How could that girl be an anime character in this world?

"Wait here for a moment, I'll queue up!" Ako said determinedly before immediately joining the long queue.

Before I could even say anything, she had already left me alone standing here.

A few minutes passed and Ako was back.

"Look at this, Husband!" Ako came over to me while hugging her figure box tightly.

"I finally got this!"

"Very good. So are there any other places you still want to visit?" I asked with a gentle smile, my hand automatically ruffling her hair.

"No, let's go have lunch, also Ako knows a good restaurant with good and cheap food"

Cheap? That's the second thing I like after free stuff.

With that, I let Ako lead the way.

....

I swear that if we ever go back on a date, I'll be the one to choose the restaurant.

I felt like I would sound bad if I said it directly, but I couldn't help but be curious about how Ako looked so excited, waiting for her ramen to arrive.

Why would we go to a bad place that looks like the headquarters of various bad bacteria like this just to eat?

After all, the chef in this place looked a bit strange, even his son looked strange.

That hair of theirs, although it's not a rare thing in a world where one's hair can even have two to three different colours naturally.

I just feel like I've seen them somewhere.

Are they also from anime?

I tried to distract myself from that strange thought, looking at Ako's face which was so full of enthusiasm. But, even though she looked so excited, I couldn't help but feel a little worried about this one eatery.

Although we were quite hungry after wandering around Comiket for a day, but that doesn't mean I'm going to eat at a place that doesn't seem to keep its hygiene well.

When I took one more glance at the place, I could see how run-down it was, with an interior that looked unkempt, and the pungent smell of spices.

Even the tables and chairs looked a bit old and broken, adding to the impression that this place was a bacteria haven.

Still, Ako smiled enthusiastically as she waited for the ramen she had ordered with great enthusiasm.

I tried not to be too suspicious of this place and tried to enjoy it for Ako's sake. I looked at the waiter who had just come out of the kitchen. A man with a stained apron.

He looked like he didn't care about his appearance at all, but his attitude while cooking was very serious.

Wait! Why is this man so handsome? Is it a special charm or something normal?

I glanced at Ako beside me with some concern.

This girl... there's no way she's falling for someone else, right?

Shit! If that really happens I'll sink the whole of Japan under the sea!

"Ako, are you sure the ramen here is good? The place is a bit... weird?" I said softly, trying to sound casual even though I was inwardly hesitant.

"This is the place my friends suggested on the forum! They say it tastes amazing, even better than ramen from fancy restaurants!"

A forum? Does this girl really believe everything people say on the internet?

It didn't take long for our order to come, I could honestly see how this ramen looked so shiny.

How did they make the ramen look so pretty like this? There was even some sparkle in it.

"Husband, eat up, you'll be surprised" Ako's voice woke me up from my brief reverie, as I looked at the almost empty bowl in front of her.

Eh? When did this girl finish her ramen?

Besides, why did I never know that Ako could eat so fast?

Taking the chopsticks from the table, I slowly ate.

When the ramen first touched my tongue, I understood why Ako seemed enthusiastic about eating here.

I must admit that the food here is good, maybe even the best food I've ever eaten.

"Husband, what do you think?" Ako asked as she looked at me expectantly.

"Yes it's good" I said in response.

After eating at this strange place, our date went quite well without much trouble, to be honest I quite saw many new sides of Ako that I never knew.

Right now, lying on the bed in my room, I stared at the ceiling of my room with a blank stare.

Seeing how the black cube in my hand floated calmly while following all the commands I did, I seemed to understand how limited this Angel of mine was.

Although I don't know how strong it is compared to the first Spirit that appeared 30 years ago.

After all that girl is one of the three pure Spirits including myself that exist in this world right now.

Besides, I want to know the limit of"Neutron" in controlling gravity.

Waving my hand, I dispelled "Neutron"before trying to sleep.

"I think I'll find out soon" with that I closed my eyes

======