Unlike Haramura's frustration, the chat group was anything but quiet after the livestream ended.
Most of the group members, aside from newcomers like Kaguya Shinomiya and a few others, were already among the strongest in their respective worlds. With no real threats to challenge them, there wasn't much urgency for them to increase their strength.
However, Kaguya was extremely eager to improve her power, especially now that she had the one million points gifted by Eriri. She couldn't wait to gain enough strength to overthrow the Shinomiya family.
A while ago, when Chika Fujiwara had proposed helping her escape the Shinomiya family's grip, Kaguya had been tempted.
"Don't depend on others. Use them. Don't accept others. Take from them. Don't love anyone. Don't do anything unnecessary."
That was the Shinomiya family creed. It was a cold, emotionless philosophy where everyone was a tool to be exploited.
Kaguya had never received even a shred of familial warmth from her family. Her own father had barely seen her, and her half-brothers were hostile, treating each other more like enemies than family. If given the chance, they wouldn't hesitate to kill each other. To them, the idea of "family" was a joke.
The Shinomiya family was patriarchal, treating women as mere tools, and believed that men should control everything in the world.
In their eyes, Kaguya was nothing more than a tool for political marriage—someone without any real freedom.
That cold upbringing was the reason behind her formerly icy personality.
Kaguya had no doubts about Chika Fujiwara's capability. She had personally witnessed Chika's overwhelming power not long ago, a strength so great that the Shinomiya family would be no match.
Even though the Shinomiya family was one of Japan's top four financial groups with assets worth 200 trillion yen, that was still nothing more than the realm of mortals.
A national-level powerhouse like Chika Fujiwara could easily suppress an entire country by herself. A mere financial group was nothing more than ants in her eyes.
Even a nuclear bomb wouldn't be able to harm Chika.
However, Kaguya was hesitant to let Chika help, mainly because of Chika's erratic personality. She worried that involving Chika might cause more trouble than it was worth. Plus, Chika had assured her that she would bring her into the chat group, so Kaguya decided to solve her family issues on her own once she had enough power.
The Shinomiya family would eventually belong to her, Kaguya Shinomiya.
After watching the livestream of her idol, Eriri, Kaguya decided to temporarily mute the chat group and focus on improving her strength. She wasn't even going to bother attending class.
[Kaguya Shinomiya (Level 1, Stage 3): I've finished watching the livestream. I'm going to go train now. See you all in two days! wave emoji]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Kaguya, are you planning on skipping class?]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 2, Stage 9): I want to skip too, but I can't. My mom would kill me. sigh emoji]
[Arche (Level 3, Stage 7): We don't have to go to school anymore, and we don't need to worry about money either. I've moved out of the house with my sisters, and life is pretty much perfect now!]
[Yuuki Yuuki Asuna (Level 3, Stage 3): I'm jealous. My mom's super strict, and our relationship is really tense. sigh emoji]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 7): Wait, is this turning into a family drama session?]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Eriri, are you heading home?]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Yep, I'm already home.]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Are you coming back to school later? If not, I'll just head home too.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): I'll come back after lunch!]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 2, Stage 9): Can you stop flaunting your relationship in public like this? flip table emoji]
[Yuuki Yuuki Asuna (Level 3, Stage 3): +1]
[Rias Gremory (Level 2, Stage 8): Umm... Are the group leader and Eriri from the same world? curious emoji]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): We weren't originally, but now we live together! And not just Arifureta—there are a few others from the chat group living with me too. @Kiss-Shot @Lala @Jibril]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 4, Stage 4): photo of everyone at lunch]
[Lala (Level 6, Stage 8): photo of everyone at lunch]
[Jibril (Level 3, Stage 9): Mistress~~~ blushing emoji]
The photos from Shinobu and Lala showed everyone having lunch together. Though taken from different angles, Eriri was clearly at the center of attention in both. To her left and right were Lala and Momo, while Nana sat beside Momo, glaring daggers at her.
[Lala (Level 6, Stage 8): Is this a new member? Welcome, welcome! Sorry, I've been busy, so I didn't notice. @Rias]
[Rias Gremory (Level 2, Stage 8): No worries at all! You're too kind.]
Seeing the name of the person who had just spoken and the strength level displayed next to it, Rias felt a chill.
Oh no, she's a powerhouse. Definitely not someone to mess with.
Level 6, Stage 8—that's someone who can destroy a planet with a single blow. She's the second-strongest in the group, stronger than even the ultimate beings in my world. And she's only fifteen!
Rias couldn't help but glance at her own profile.
Group Name: Rias Gremory
Real Name: Rias Gremory
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Race: Devil
World: High School DxD
Power: Supernatural (Level 2, Stage 8)
Nope, this is too depressing.
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Hmph, harem scumbag! smug emoji]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Jealous? Don't worry, Chika-chan, you're still a candidate for my harem. I still remember how nice your breasts felt. I wouldn't mind another try. grab emoji, rub emoji]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 2, Stage 9): ???]
[Yuuki Yuuki Asuna (Level 3, Stage 3): ???]
[Elaina (Level 3, Stage 7): ???]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 3, Stage 9): ???]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 3, Stage 9): You groped Chika-chan's breasts, but you won't touch mine? Even though I was the first one...]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Alright, cut the act.]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 3, Stage 9): As you wish.]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Eriri, when did things between you and Chika-chan escalate like this?]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): I'm innocent! Don't spread false rumors! You can't just ruin my reputation like that.]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 4, Stage 4): Oh, from that reaction, it sounds like Eriri is telling the truth!]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): ...]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): I must admit, Chika-chan's breasts are top-tier in terms of size, shape, and softness. Plump and perfectly rounded, they give the most satisfying sensation when squeezed. Definitely one of the best I've felt! thumbs up emoji]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Uh... How many breasts have you felt?]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Do you remember how many slices of bread you've eaten?]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): As expected of you!]
[Elaina (Level 3, Stage 7): As expected, you're still a scoundrel.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Ehehe! tongue out emoji]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 2, Stage 9): Damn, are you guys always like this?]
[Haramura Nodoka (Level 1, Stage 2): ...]
Haramura Nodoka, who had been silently lurking and watching the conversation, couldn't help but feel her image of Eriri shatter a bit. Could it be that the person she admired—the beautiful, cute, cool, and strong Eriri—was actually someone who shamelessly targeted pretty girls?
As this thought crossed her mind, she subconsciously crossed her arms over her chest, pushing her large, five-kilogram breasts together into an extremely enticing shape.
However, contrary to how she should have been feeling, she didn't seem disgusted by the idea. In fact, she felt a slight sense of anticipation.
Before she could process this feeling any further, she noticed that the chat was still going.
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Oh, isn't this our newcomer? Welcome, Haramura-chan! Why so quiet? @Haramura Nodoka]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Welcome, welcome! celebration emoji]
[Lala (Level 6, Stage 8): Welcome, welcome! celebration emoji]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Welcome, welcome! celebration emoji]
[Yuuki Yuuki Asuna (Level 3, Stage 3): Welcome, welcome! celebration emoji]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 3, Stage 9): Welcome, welcome! celebration emoji]
[...]
[Haramura Nodoka (Level 1, Stage 2): Thank you, everyone!]
[Haramura Nodoka (Level 1, Stage 2): Umm... I actually spoke a few times earlier, but I think you all were just too busy to notice.]
Feeling somewhat relieved, Haramura's spirits lifted. This time, she wasn't completely ignored like before, and the first person to notice her was none other than Eriri herself, the one she admired so much.
The rest of the group also seemed far friendlier than she'd expected, which eased the nervousness she'd felt when she first entered the chat.
At least it had been worth staying in the classroom during lunch break instead of going to the mahjong club room.
The mahjong club had only recently gained her as a new member. Cleansing High School wasn't known for its emphasis on the national mahjong tournament, and very few skilled players ever chose to attend the school.
In fact, including her, the entire club had only five members. Without even mentioning the sole male member, there weren't enough people to form a full team for the national tournament.
Despite being a powerhouse who had won the individual national championship in middle school, Haramura had chosen to attend Cleansing High School to stay with a friend rather than going to a school known for its mahjong prowess.
But she didn't regret her decision. After all, playing with her childhood friend was something she found joy in, even if the club wasn't the best.
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Ah... that's my bad. As the group leader, I should've welcomed you sooner. Sorry, Haramura-chan!]
[Haramura Nodoka (Level 1, Stage 2): It's fine, I don't mind!]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Wake up, you fake group leader!]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): You've got a lot of nerve, Chika. Keep talking, and I might just remind you how it feels to be silenced. Maybe it's time for you to experience the banhammer again, huh?]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Seriously? Always picking on me, the poor innocent one! If you're so tough, why don't you try banning Eriri instead? It's been ages since you did anything cool, and everyone knows the chat practically worships her!]
[Yuuki Yuuki Asuna (Level 3, Stage 3): Chika's at it again, huh?]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): It sure looks like it.]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 2/Group Leader): Good luck, Chika. I wish you a peaceful journey.]
[Elaina (Level 3, Stage 7): I'll offer a moment of silence. prayer emoji]
[Kiss-Shot (Level 3, Stage 9): Poor Chika...]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5): Wait, wait! What's going on? Why are you all acting like I'm in trouble...]
[Ding! Chika Fujiwara (Level 3, Stage 5) has been muted for one hour!]
[Heh, even if the chat adores Mistress, that doesn't mean you get to say it out loud!]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 2, Stage 9): Whoa... That wasn't a system notification, right? Did Little Skirt just speak in the chat?]
[Haramura Nodoka (Level 1, Stage 2): ???]
[Luo Hao (Level 5, Stage 4): ???]
[Rias Gremory (Level 2, Stage 8): ???]
[Luo Hao (Level 5, Stage 4): Eriri, does the chat group have a consciousness?]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 5): Yep, it does. Don't worry, though, Little Skirt is very obedient. Right?]
[Absolutely! Little Skirt listens to Mistress's every word! proud emoji]
The group members were speechless.
The avatar displayed along with Little Skirt's messages was a small white-haired girl, standing tall with a puffed-out chest, looking extremely proud.
Although most of them already knew that the chat group had a consciousness and that it was very much loyal to Eriri, seeing it in action like this felt a bit overwhelming. They hadn't realized just how deep Little Skirt's devotion ran.
And now, they could guess that this little girl avatar was most likely what Little Skirt's consciousness looked like.
They couldn't help but wonder if this version of Little Skirt had ever appeared in Eriri's world.
[Luo Hao (Level 5, Stage 4): Since you say so, I'm relieved. smile emoji]
This statement fully conveyed Luo Hao's trust in Eriri. Given her usual nature, she would never allow an unknown consciousness to exist in her mind.