The Confucian scholar pondered for a while and then said solemnly, "Currently, there are about less than a hundred thousand. For you, Master, the dream avatars are definitely enough."
"Is that so?" Hoshimi smiled, a very radiant smile.
He stood up and stretched, "Two final questions. First, can 'Revival' only be used on myself?"
"Yes, because we are your possibilities, we can only bear your calamities."
"Second, how do I use 'Revival' actively?"
"Just recite it silently in your heart."
"Got it." Hoshimi looked at the Martial Artist, "Take me out of here."
It was enough; the information he had gathered tonight was enough to digest for a while.
"Yes, Master." The Martial Artist drew his sword and slashed an exotic portal in the air.
Hoshimi walked towards the portal without saying another word. Just before stepping through, he paused and turned slightly.
"Do you have anything else to tell me?"
The Confucian scholar thought for a moment and then smiled, "Master, we dream avatars are born from your subconscious. In a way, we are also your subconscious."
"If you need help, don't hesitate to borrow our power. Although limited by your physical foundation, we cannot exert supernatural abilities, but we can still be quite effective."
The Confucian scholar pointed to the Martial Artist and smiled, "For example, the Martial Artist. He is a pure warrior, skilled in both hand-to-hand combat and weaponry, and will never fail to deal with any threat."
"Hmm." Hoshimi nodded slightly and then stepped into the colorful portal, leaving the deep dream.
...
In a cold, narrow single apartment, Hoshimi suddenly appeared.
He rubbed his chin and sat on the old single sofa, lost in thought.
"... don't consider it for now..."
"... limited by your physical foundation..."
The Confucian scholar's reminder was indeed straightforward.
Hoshimi spread his arms, leaned back on the sofa, and stared blankly at the ceiling.
One needs to be strong to see the vast world?
"Hoshimi, when did you come back?"
Hoshimi turned towards the voice and saw Yukino standing at the door, watching him.
He stood up and walked over to Yukino without a word, looking down into her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Yukino asked, looking up at Hoshimi.
"Phew~" Hoshimi took a deep breath, opened his arms, and hugged Yukino tightly.
Smelling her familiar scent, Hoshimi's expression unconsciously relaxed.
He smiled lazily and gently bit Yukino's warm earlobe.
"Ah~ Hoshimi, what's wrong with you..." Yukino shuddered, trying to suppress the tingling sensation in her body.
"Nothing, just realizing that happiness is indeed the most important thing."
Yes, happiness is the most important thing; everything else is secondary.
Getting stronger? Sure, he would think about becoming stronger, but he wouldn't prioritize it.
After all, with 'Revival' as a backup, he could take it one step at a time.
"What did that person say to you earlier?" Sensing something unusual, Yukino gently hugged him back.
"Something important, but not very important." Hoshimi released Yukino's earlobe and affectionately rubbed her soft cheek.
"Ugh~ you're so annoying..." Yukino pushed against Hoshimi's cheek with one hand.
Hoshimi smiled, let go of Yukino, and asked, "Are you planning to continue reading tonight?"
Seeing that Hoshimi didn't intend to talk about what had just happened, Yukino didn't press further.
She thought for a while, then looked at Hoshimi coldly, "Hoshimi, how do you plan to deal with that junior, Iwanaga?"
"..." Hoshimi's expression froze almost imperceptibly.
"Ahem~" He cleared his throat and said evasively, "How about the three of us play a card game?"
"Card game?" Yukino was puzzled.
"A card game for three people."
"..." Yukino silently watched Hoshimi.
After a moment, Yukino said coldly, "Okay, but how will we punish the loser?"
"Let's find Kotoko first and decide the rules together."
"Alright."
"Then let's go."
Hoshimi held Yukino's hand, and with a thought, the two instantly appeared behind Kotoko Iwanaga.
Hoshimi let go of Yukino and quietly approached Kotoko, tapping her shoulder.
"?!"
Kotoko, who was mentally focused on observing her surroundings, swung her cane behind her.
"Kotoko, it's me." Hoshimi caught the cane and flicked Kotoko's forehead.
"Eh? It's you, Hoshimi. I thought it was some wandering spirit jumping out from that corner to scare me." Kotoko wrinkled her cute nose, hinting at her slight dissatisfaction.
Hoshimi didn't mind and ruffled Kotoko's hair with a smile, "Kotoko, want to play a card game with us?"
"Card game?" Kotoko tilted her head, looking past Hoshimi to see Yukino not far behind him.
So, it's this again?
When she and Siesta appeared in the dream together before, Hoshimi would pull this trick, turning their conflict into one between her and Siesta, while he watched from the sidelines.
But this time, it won't be so simple.
Kotoko thought for a moment and then nodded, "Alright, but how will we punish the loser?"
"Let's decide the rules together."
"Okay."
Hoshimi turned to Yukino, "Yukino, come over. Let's discuss together."
Once Yukino joined them, Hoshimi, with a thought, transported them all to a luxurious hotel suite for an not-so-pleasant card game.
...
Hoshimi: "I propose that the loser removes a piece of clothing, how about that?"
Yukino: "Don't even think about it!"
Kotoko: "Hoshimi, if it's just the two of us, I'd agree. So, how about..."
Kotoko puffed out her chest, glancing meaningfully at Yukino.
Yukino looked at Kotoko and sneered, "Shameless!"
"Huh?!" Kotoko straightened up, crossing her hands over her abdomen, "Why such a strong reaction, Yukino-senpai? This shouldn't be a big deal. Unless..."
Kotoko covered her mouth in mock surprise, "Unless you and Hoshimi are in such a pure relationship that you haven't even kissed?"
Yukino's face turned cold, "What's my relationship with Hoshimi to you!"
"Of course it matters!" Kotoko puffed out her chest proudly, "Hoshimi and I are already committed for life! And we're married in the dream. So, I have every right to question your relationship with Hoshimi."
"Committed for life?!" Yukino's expression grew colder. She turned to Hoshimi, "Hoshimi, is what she said true?!"
"..." Hoshimi maintained an awkward yet polite smile.
Oh no~ it seems like he's been exposed...
What should he do now?
===
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