Charles Patricius

Moving on from one conversation seemed easy enough, though Kazu was sure each girl involved had additional thoughts about the matter. He wasn't too worried about how things were going. Well... perhaps he was, but there were hidden reasons beyond hidden feelings; none of it was worth anyone's concern. Joy. Everyone should just experience a bit of joy for this two-year adventure between worlds. As such, a pleasant shift toward Angelica's Gaia experience was in order. What she noted about the feeling was something most just adjusted to. Kazu remembered the feeling of carriages being just as strange during his early experiences. "Smoother than horse-drawn though, right? Those things were terrible on countryside roads," he claimed. "The types are just as varied no matter where you go. It just depends on what you need them for. This one is public transportation for people who don't have vehicles of their own and aren't going far enough to need a train. If somebody's likely to carry heavy cargo, they'll probably get a truck instead of a car. Bigger families might get an SUV, and so-on. There are a lot more on Alaya than what Aincrad has too. You'll see carriages, chariots... whatever the hell that thing King Gilgamesh flies around on... lots of stuff!"

Soma knew Emirie would be joining his cause, regardless of her willingness to 'help' him. Their entire conversation thus far, to Soma, was more an orientation or rundown than an interview or recruitment. When his decisions were made, they were made firmly. This one had taken some time to form... but mere seconds into their chat, there was no turning back until cooperation began properly. Now was the beginning. Emirie officially signed herself up to become the third member of his little party. Temporary or otherwise didn't matter; everything was temporary in some respect. As for what he was climbing toward... "The top. There's only one, but I quickly realized something when I entered this world. Becoming the strongest as an individual is absolutely impossible. In that case, what I should do is obvious. Gather the 'Strongest Allies', and become their leader. The 'top' isn't an idea or a metaphor; it's something unquestionable and unachievable. It's an infinite ladder, and the only way anyone can claim they're at the top is when no one else around is any higher on that ladder."

Kazuhiko was quite right about the girls involved having extra thoughts. Even Miko maintained a few though she felt she had no room to speak given her own more comfortable upbringing in at least one of her lives. Regardless, there was talk of buses, cars and other forms of trasnport which apparently varied by use. Public Transportation as it was called, was useful for those who couldn't afford or have their on vehicles and he was right about the other thing as well. "Well, everything is better than horse drawn carriages, unless those have a lot of extras on them they are always horrible. I will say that it is quite interesting how people got over their travel needs though... this whole technology thing is kind of it's own form of magic in a way," she said happily. All the while Konomi was listening and a bit confused, well that wasn't right, she was coming to terms with the fact that at least one of these people was from a magical world that maybe the others had been to. She wanted to question it, but she would have felt so ridiculous doing so that it wouldn't have mattered regardless. And thus those calming headpats from Anya persisted as she aimed to held their newest member adjust to her new reality. "Also I have no idea what King Gilgamesh flies around on... I might be out of the loop on that," said Angelica. Most of these girls had no idea what he was talking about so he was definitely alone.

It seemed that with the confirmation that Soma would indeed have Emirie among his ranks, that he became much more comfortable telling her the depth of his ambition. It was interesting, hearing him speak of his understanding of this world only a few hours past him being born. "Sou ka, so you plan to go full speed ahead towards an infinite goal without cease... I will hand it to you, that is an interesting first decision," she mused though she couldn't hate him for his desire. She had no such ambition but she also didn't need it, hers were very manageable goals so she'd be pleased to extend a hand to someone else, while she made her way to her own goals by her own means. And who knew, maybe she'd find something even more interesting while tagging along. And thus came another call, as a cord was pulled for them to begin exiting. "Everyone make sure they pick up their bags. Someone please keep track of Anya-chan. We're exiting the bus at this next stop!" Miko mentioned. Theyw ere less than a few store fronts up from their next official stop, which was a store which specialized in men's wear called Diviner. But of course, she'd be one of the last to exit after the bus came to a halt if only to make sure nothing was forgotten or left behind.

"Well, I wouldn't say everything. It feels like running into terrible modes of transportation is destiny sometimes. I'll take a wooden carriage on a rocky path over being flung through a portal again," Kazu said, meaning every word. "But I guess you could compare it to magic. People will always find a way to make life easier, magic or no magic," he added. Regarding the vehicle often used by King Gilgamesh, he found it difficult to explain. What even was it? "Uhh... it's like a flying throne? It's full of weapons, it has wings, it's pure gold and... really, really fast based on the one time I've seen it. That's about all I've got."

One conversation was in a lulled state, and another seemed to be ending. Soma had no further information to offer Emirie at present, and it didn't seem to matter on her end either. Whatever the case, an announcement was made to initiate the group's departure. Soma was up and ready to move without hesitation. Hearing mention from Miko about keeping track of the child, however, he kept an arm extended low to offer his hand. All the while, Kazuhiko was sitting back. It seemed Miko wasn't the only one thinking to leave last and ensure everything was taken care of. Of course, he'd also become used to picking up the rear when involved in a group. "Already? Wow, I forgot how much quicker regular transportation was on this side. We should bring back a book and use it to invent cars or something," he said, stretching.

"I disagree. I don't actually mind the whole being tossed out of a portal thing. Well, as long as it isn't always happening," Angelica countered as one who'd actually been tossed out of a portal quite recently. Though the idea that humanity aimed to make things easier was quite obvious based on all the things she'd seen so far. Phones, money you didn't have to carry around in your hands. Bags which weren't magic but could still hold lots of things and a whole host of other things she'd barely had time to properly process. Like these buses which could carry them rather quickly from one point to another which would have taken quite a bit to walk to. Right now, Miko was mentioning they should be leaving so she got up and made her way out with her duffle bag over her shoulder. Other girls were filing out as well. Sena, Chika, Ai, Kei and Kaguya would make their way out at the announcement with bags attached to their persons.

Emirie at the same time didn't have to wait for anything as Soma was up first extending a hand to Anya after the announcement. Anya had a face of pure childish satisfaction as she took Soma's hand and left the bus with him, and Emirie waited and escorted off the Gaia side original Kohara Konomi. They'd exit together and Emirie made sure she had her bag as well in a forest green color. With all of the people making their way off, Miko was scanning seats of which Kazuhiko managed to be one of the last to file off as well. "I'm pretty sure we don't need a book, just materials. Apparently Olga was a mechanic on this side, and she'd probably be legitimately upset if someone else made a motor vehicle of this sort before her," Miko mentioned. With a scan done to make sure everyone had picked up all of their belongs, and that she had all her own as well. She'd slide off the bus right before Kazuhiko knowing he'd want to pull up the rear. With everyone off the bus and on the side walk, Miko's hand would extend into the air and she'd begin speaking again. "We are headed down this way, to the store called Diviners," she announced. Though she didn't know if any would know what the store was, she'd make sure to explain it an anything else on the way.

Of course Angelica would choose the portal route over carriages; she'd only been through one to his knowledge. Kazuhiko, on the other hand, had been launched through more portals than he could count. "In that case, you take all the portals from now on. I'm done not even knowing what I'm about to land on, or if I'll slow down enough before impact to avoid being maimed," he griped. With that complaint out of the way, Kazu began packing up the few cards he'd taken out in the past couple of minutes, sliding them comfortably back into his deck box. There would be more time to deal with organizing those later.

For now, Kazu was following Miko out to the pavement. Everyone else seemed to have fallen in place, including their newest addition. Before they all went on their way, Miko mentioned a comrade of theirs being a mechanic in this world. Perhaps she would be upset to learn someone else invented a car before her... though knowing about that vehicle of Gilgamesh's, such a thing was possible anyway. Regardless, Kazu's plan wouldn't change. "Olga's still one of us. I never said I was going to trust myself to put a car together, book or not. I'd still get the book, though. No telling when she's from on this side, or if she's forgotten ─ or if she knows everything she'd need to know for a full build. If she wants to make a car, we could at least give her some reference for a refresher," he said before hearing the name of their next destination. "Wait, DIVINERS?! Annie, your plan's full of holes! We need clothes, not designer fashion statements! People on this side
already think we're a group of ubermodels or something!"

Kazuhiko offered Angelica the portals of the future as he was tired of dealing with them. His gripes seemed very logical, "Yeah, I'm going to pass on everyone you, you know... moderation and all that~" she said in a joking manner. After exiting the bus, everyone else was outside and Miko and Kazuhiko were left to discuss cars and the one member of their group who would most enjoy building a vehicle of that type. "Those are all reasonable points, and I definitely wouldn't see her turning down reference materials. I'll add it to the box," Miko mused about the whole of it. Soon enough they were all off the bus and should have been headed for the men's clothing store which could see each of the males of this group outfitted almost completely but of course there was an issue.

What was this one? Well, Kazuhiko took issue with the type of store Diviners was. According to the leader of their group the men needed clothes not designer gear. He also claimed that their image was already in question and this would compound the issue. A sigh escaped Miko as she turned to look at Kazuhiko, "This isn't a hole, this choice is perfect. Diviners is men's apparel in most of its forms. Yes, it is fashionable but it also isn't as expensive as you are making it sound, it's not like the shopping we're definitely doing for us at Chioriya Boutique later. Besides all that you can get literally everything there, and in enough different forms that you guys won't end up looking exactly alike literally all the time, which I figured would be good if we are going to have multiples of these group outings," she said coming up with most of her justifications after the fact. "And if it's the price you're worried about I figure I could clothe all four of you in a more complete way for the same or less than I just spent getting just underwear for all of us," Miko finished. By the end of this minor tirade her face had gone a bit puffy as she pouted about the outcome. Getting four guys to shop at a reasonable place shouldn't be difficult.

Kazuhiko couldn't outright get behind the idea of collecting designer clothes using someone else's money. Even if he were the one paying, he would have chosen something a bit more cost-friendly. Even if Miko insisted that it could all be handled for the males of this group, even with greater ease than undergarment purchases for the young women present, it didn't seem like the best idea. The existence of variety didn't make it a simpler matter either. Worse still, Miko was still planning a trip to Chiyoriya Boutique ─ a very expensive place that was arguably the most popular designer in Japan during this time period.

"Annie, mind explaining when and why you became freaking loaded?! You're not talking human amounts of money. Aren't you seventeen?" Kazu questioned. He figured there was no getting out of this situation, but the endgame answer would probably just have to be... making up the difference later somehow. A sigh passed Kazuhiko's lips as he silently decided upon that future. "You know what? Fine. Fine, I'll make everything even weirder and take the expensive clothes. Happy?" he said as they encroached upon the shop.

Kazuhiko disliked the idea of splurging with someone else's money. Miko disliked the idea of not caring for her friends the same way she cared for herself. Beyond that the bender she'd been on wasn't all negative. Over the course of the last few days, back in a world that didn't treat her as badly as her previous life on Alaya did she was content to live and enjoy. That pouty nature of hers would remain for a few moments yet as Kazuhiko wondered when and how she'd become loaded enough to spend the type of money she planned to spend today. The answer to that question was simultaneously easy and difficult. "I am seventeen right now yes. And... I am independently wealthy. I did explain that I have a job here already, actually I'll be working tomorrow. But I also spent my second night back here in a casino where I won so much money that this shopping trip isn't even the first round." she explained, but there was still something vague about it. Anya was staring at her directly as she explained, but couldn't make sense of all the things going on in Miko's head.

Ah, but it seemed Kazuhiko after some thought was willing to take what she offered and Miko looked at him still chewing her puffy little cheeky as she glanced at him. She'd known him for far too long, she knew he was considering the methods in which to make up for such ridiculous spending and it wasn't necessary. Perhaps she could assuage his feelings about it a bit. "Yes, it will make me happy. I wouldn't treat my friends any differently than I treat myself. So, if I am buying cool stuff for me, I'll also buy cool stuff for all the other girls. And if I am doing that then I would also buy cool stuff for all the guys. Besides, it's closer to one stop shopping this way, and it'll get us to the card shop faster~" she said lightly. One could note that she'd not explained her job, one could also note that she was underage and gambling and one could note that she had no qualms spending her own money. But after three hundred years of being poor, she could enjoy spending her money on herself and her friends. "To Diviners~" she claimed the store front a few doors down would lead into a designer men's apparel store. "Alright guys, also make sure you get a duffle or a backpack. Make sure you grab underwear, and socks along with any pants and shirts you grab," she offered freely.

Miko may have answered Kazuhiko's question about her available funds, but having 'a job' could never cover such spending without existing wealth. Kazu would have asked half a dozen more questions, but he assumed most of her finances came from the gambling... which she shouldn't have been legally allowed to do, causing a very different concern. "Annie, how the hell did you get into a casino? Is it the MILF build? It's the MILF build, isn't it?" he assumed. She and most other girls in their group looked mature beyond their years, so perhaps it was that simple an answer.

The logic presented by Miko was fair as a way to treat one's friends. Being of a similar mind, however, Kazu wasn't going to let such favors go unreturned. If nothing else, he couldn't argue with a quicker trip to the card shop. It even seemed that part had been thrown in with purpose. It was, after all, one of the easiest ways Kazu could be convinced to drop something. "Are you exploiting my weakness, Annie? Because I might be into that," he said as they entered the store. Well... as most of them entered the store. Just as he'd done previously, Soma casually burst into the building as if it were his own bedroom. Seiichi teetered his way in a few people later, and Yuuya a bit behind him. Kazu would be the last to step inside, if not among them. Of those who entered, Soma spoke to the members of his personal group. "You've all spent enough time looking at me. Find me something interesting," he requested, albeit in a way this society might consider rude. Kazuhiko was still hanging around between Miko and Angelica, seemingly baffled by all the displays around them. "There are a lot more appearances of the word 'diviner' than I thought. This amount of branding is a little intimidating. . ."

Miko was the type of person who wouldn't allow her friends less than she allowed herself. This had an odd showing when she was making purchases, but she saw nothing wrong with it. She knew Kazuhiko was similarly minded, but also knew that he would likely never understand how she saw and understood him. He was a person who saved her from the darkness of her childhood in the magical world, she'd not been lying to Father An when she'd mentioned that she'd follow him anywhere. He had her devotion in a way few people would ever know. Ah, but as always there were quite a few distractions. In this case, Kazuhiko was wondering how she got into a casino to win the money he assumed she was spending now. He attributed it to her physical form but that wasn't entirely the case, "Well, the look was initially part of it, but not the whole of it. I know a guy who likes to gamble and he was feeling lucky so he wanted me to go with him. I wanted Kaguya to have a good night and brought her too. And got us both in, that's all," she explained of the situation at large. She wasn't the type to withhold information which didn't need to be held.

Moving on, Miko had mentioned their eventual trip to the card shop intentionally. She'd known that Kazuhiko was really into card games, and the previous day's teaching rounds proved it beyond a doubt. If distractions could be presented to keep him from focusing on the spending of funds that truly didn't matter to anyone, all could be well. But of course, the brown haired lad noticed this and pointed out that he might like the girl taking advantage of his weaknesses. 'That's fucking hot!' she decided in a singular moment. "Box it," she muttered immediately. Meanwhile, Soma demanded the group of girls who were attached to him find him something interesting and in this case both of the older women looked at him for a few moments longer, and strangely enough it'd be Konomi to speak, "If you are getting anything out of here, there are a few things to consider. I assume these clothes are magic, there is no logical explanation for how you fit in your pants otherwise," she said looking him over. She was pretty good at taking measurements, not perfect but she could get close enough. "If he's getting pants make sure he gets compression boxers too. Reds, whites and blacks look good against his skin as well," she mentioned for their group at large. Anya looked at the girl with wide eyes, that was actually good. "Anya knows what to do!" the little girl mentioned she turned to her elder sister and held her arms up, and Emirie took her without thinking too much about it. "Hai hai, I'll help you reach higher things then," she mused, "Arigatou Kohara-san," she offered to the girl as she went about shopping. Meanwhile, it seemed that Kazuhiko was intimidated by the amount of branding put all over men's clothes. "Kaya-sen," Miko started to have the black haired girl waving her hand away as she'd already begun her movements towards Yuuya. "I already got it~" she mentioned casually. As Sena walked up to Seiichi with a smile on her face, "Sena-sama is here to help her big brother pick some cool stuff too!~" she said knowing that men were less prone to such shopping. "No need to be intimidated, we can probably find you quite a few pieces that aren't so obvious, start from the inside out," Miko offered. "And don't forget the bags, it'll make it easier for us to keep everything organized," she said to the group at large.

The excuse behind Miko's casino trip had little to do with her new physique, actually. She had an associate who gambled, so she was dragged along. That same night resulted in Kaguya's company as well. Given the speed of Anya's birth after a single session, Kazu found himself looking toward Soma, then Kaguya. "Sou ka. That explains one thing, I guess? Must've been a really busy night," he commented. When he spoke of her exploitative behavior, Miko once again decided to box something mentally. He hardly had to wonder what she was talking about. "You know that wasn't an innuendo... but I guess there's that too. Sounds fun," he added. With that, he began focusing on the array of clothing options ahead of him. Kazu saw a great number of pieces he took interest in. He'd have to invest in some very baggy pants henceforth, but that was fine. He picked up a backpack, a shoulder bag and a body bag each, deciding to fill them all with different types of apparel. Underpants and undershirts were simple enough, so he filled the shoulder bag with those in equal numbers ─ adding a package of socks. "Not much point advising a start from the inside. It's not like guys have a ton of underwear options, or even styles," he commented with his smallest bag already full. His backpack was going to be in danger, based on the sizes of pants he'd have to look into. Either way, pants were more important, and would thus fill the largest bag he had. "Not sure if I can pull off the baggy look too well, but I'm willing to give it a shot," he mused while browsing.

Meanwhile, Yuuya didn't seem to have any intention of making a purchase, merely standing by and looking around. Seiichi had a single bag he intended to fill with simple items until Sena spoke. He nodded, accepting the offered kindness of assistance. Soma was having the easiest time of all, having most work done on his behalf already. There was even Konomi to give advice to the two who went browsing for his sake. "Oh? You think tight underpants are going to help? I should hold you responsible for the magic to make those work more easily, or maybe... you should be the one helping make sure it gets in. What's the harm in another dressing room scandal, after all? You were really excited during the last one."

The explanation of a night spent gambling made legitimate sense when one considered how Miko came to be in that situation. "Yeah, it was a very busy day. Though admittedly that doesn't seem to be slowing down much at all," Miko stated honestly. She'd decided Kaguya could use a good night and called her to join, but the truth of the matter was, she would have easily consumed all of that man's attention for way too long herself in any situation. Whatever the case, they were moving towards a different point in the conversation one which noted the lack of innuendo meant by Kazuhiko. "How you meant it doesn't matter, my brain took it one way... and since it sounds fun, I will casually take it as permission~" Miko said lightly, though she meant it with the full weight of such statements for her. 'She's still extreme.' Angelica decided but she wouldn't be commenting. Apparently there was something lamentable about men's clothing options and the lack of style choices presented by it. While Kazuhiko shopped Miko and Angelica tagged along. "No men don't get as many style choices, which is why the splurge for something non-standard is worthwhile, get some A-shirts too!~" Miko added knowing what he looked like under his clothes. And knowing she and all the women would appreciate the look. As for pants, apparently he didn't know if he could pull off the baggy look and Miko thought about it for less than a few seconds before deciding. "You can definitely pull it off. If you are worried about the excess fabric, just go for smaller t-shirts. You're fit enough to pull off that sort of look~" Miko mentioned, knowing that one other person she knew had such a look going for him her brows furrowed in confusion. "Box it," she murmured while shaking the thought away. That singular thought would find itself shoved into that ever building box concerned one Mikami Takao. Angelica seemed to think about it for a second and nodded her agreement. "Not quite sure about the language but these clothes will definitely make hiding it easier than the pants you are wearing right now..." she concluded.

While Yuuya didn't seem to have any interest in making a purchase, Kaguya was soon at his side nudging him along. "Come on Yuu-kun, let's find you something nice~" she claimed in her typical way. She knew that Miko wouldn't be letting this go and would interject if need be, so better to find out if there was anything of interest to the lad before hand. Seiichi had Sena's help and all was well among those kids, but what bout Soma. Well, his shopping was being done by the girls in his group, mostly Anya and Emirie were picking out a few pieces he might enjoy. Anya chose a black bag which would sling over the body. And Emirie helped her decided on the graffiti snake motif as well as a few other more practical pieces as the young girl seemed infatuated with bright colors. As for Konomi she once again found herself in a strange position. She found herself shaking her head. "Still a human by my own account, can't just do magic. Though I could see that kind of thing being useful. I just know how fabric works because of my former job. Is it fool-proof, unlikely. Will it help a bit... probably. Also I try to limit my craziness to understandable things... can I take some time to continue processing. I am trying not to have a psychaoctic break here," Konomi mentioned earnestly. Even that bus trip hadn't actually calmed her nerves at all, she also still felt intoxicated as well, she needed some time.

"Yeah, same. At least it's fun instead of just hectic though, right?" Kazu replied about the ridiculous pace of life lately. At some point, he and Miko would probably be discussing all the craziness in detail again. Of course, that seemed to be something likely to come at a very specific time between them. As for his earlier statement, Miko would apparently take permission regardless of the original intent. Kazu thought that was fine; it was something he'd already gotten used to with Sakura. "Whatever works. Whenever you're ready to do that, just let me know," he commented casually. Moving on, Kazu was urged to acquire A-shirts in addition to his other purchases. He couldn't immediately get why that was a recommendation, but he did grab a pack anyway. "Not sure why, but... alright," he agreed. Kazu then moved on to scanning pants again. He picked up a few pairs of baggy breeches, mostly black as most articles in this store seemed to be. "Some cargos might be good. I could fit extra deck boxes!"

In the meantime, Soma was keeping a loose eye on Anya and Emirie while checking on Konomi's advancement once more. She was still so very human, almost rejecting the idea of deviance outright so close to the previous incident. Her alleged lack of ability to use magic was absolutely untrue, however. One of those two matters would not be allowed continuance. Either she advanced her magical ability to something tangible, or she fell to the more natural way of things as dictated by the will of souls. Soma did not accept stagnation of any sort. "You have two choices. Use magic, or have mana pumped into your body. I'm going to keep moving forward, and you're coming with me. There's no room for idling, but you can pick the lesser of two evils as long as progress is made."

Miko and Kazuhiko had more than a human lifetime worth of shared experiences, so she could definitely understand what he meant when speaking about the fun nature of the current rush of her life. "It is definitely more fun than hectic. And oddly enough every experience is helping me manage myself a bit better... which is kind of a miracle really," she stated honestly. She'd been off the rails basically since her fall from Aincrad. Even so, she'd been learning to manage her impulses, figuring out how she felt about herself and even making more friends, it was kind of odd if she was being honest. Whatever the case, she could let Kazuhiko know when she was ready to take advantage of his weaknesses, "Aye, sir♪~" she said in a voice that was ever so lightly teasing. Much to her own happiness there also wasn't a question about the nature of A-shirts, which she appreciated. 'Hm, I should make sure Soma gets some too,' she thought given she'd been close enough to have a light inspection of that young man's physique. Whatever the case, it seemed that Kazuhiko was fine with cargo pants due to the extra space it would allow his hobby. "You know what, I should have expected that one... but given my own oddities I understand the need for space. As long as you're happy Charlie~" Miko mentioned. At the same time, Angelica had been mentally understanding the limitations of human storage. "Right, I meant to ask, why are pockets on these shorts so small. Like my phone doesn't fit," she asked but that was a whole conversation which would lead to a massive gathering of the women of this world.

Ah, but now was Anya's time to shine. She'd been figuring out that she couldn't just listen to some people's thoughts, it made her quite dizzy. Still that very obvious thought from Miko after the A-shirts caught her attention. While Emirie picked out comfy sweatpants for Soma, Anya pointed to a package of maroon colored A-shirts. "Sou ka, that's a pretty good choice, very nice, Anya-chan!" she praised the girl, but her mind was still working. She could have had the same kind of hyper-hearing as Emirie's mother, but she also could have been mentally extrapolating the need for two people to have the same types of clothing. Or there was also a more magical option, she'd have to observe more to be sure... but she was betting on the latter considering the interest of Soma in the young girl. At the same time, Konomi was being told about her apprent demand for progress. "And I thought my bosses and professors were slave-drivers..." she mumbled. Still, if progress was the name of the game without her just being subject to more sex she supposed there was at least a goal in mind she could work on. "But, I guess with a clear goal, it's less terrifying than it could be..." she finally said.

"Lucky. I don't think it's helping me manage anything. No complaints still, but... yeah, you know," Kazu babbled. Enjoyable as life was lately, he couldn't say his life had been made any easier. Well, there was nothing wrong with a bit of chaos. Unexpected turns of events made things more exciting, and he was all for a bit of excitement. Such would come in due time again, as Miko agreed to state whenever she wished to... infringe upon his freedom, as it were. Doing so in the manner they had indirectly agreed to as a special exchange between them, she even essentially advanced their next 'outing' of sorts. "Right. Gonna consider that the first button press and move on," he said, deciding to bag at least three pairs of cargo pants for a reason he'd always consider valid. Angelica expressed her curiosity about pockets, or rather... women's pockets and their lack of size. "Guys get big pockets, girls get purses. Blame James... or Victoria... or whichever old English monarch it was. One of the not me ones!"

One thing Soma expected to come about eventually, particularly when dealing with Konomi, was a comparison to working bosses in this world. He had a minor sense for how such things worked, but the comparison she made was surface-level at best. "A slave-driver and a boss have one thing in common with each other, but not with me. You don't get to leave because you aren't up to par. You're going to reach and exceed expectation even if I have to personally quadruple your mana supply," Soma assured. While speaking, he extended one arm and raised one forefinger. "You felt me do something like that earlier, too, didn't you? My mana works like an alcohol ─ a strong one. You're not drunk now, at least not drunk enough to make decisions an inebriated person wouldn't think twice about, meaning you've processed it at an alarming rate. That means... you can evolve. You can use magic enough to ascend yourself instead of birthing that child, even. Unless the child is too much like me, that is."

Kazuhiko apparently wasn't learning from his rapid descent into debauchery. "Iia, I think that is probably more normal than anything... I am definitely the weird one here, but I am also not complaining, not yet anyway~" Miko said in a light tone. Whatever the case, that chime of 'aye, sir' was given acknowledgement as the first button push. It wasn't in Miko's original desire to push buttons but... she wouldn't avoid it either, since the outcome was in her favor. As Kauzhiko picked up more pants, the conversation would shift to one which seemed to be about the nature of pockets. Kazuhiko's grasp of history was a bit faulty, but he wasn't technically wrong or anything as he claimed it simply wasn't him. "Definitely King James fault, that guy is on an absolute no list for me. Everything about him says he hated women. Queen Victoria, just needed to lighten up a bit, at least that is what the books say," she gave more details while Angelica just sighed. "I really don't understand how a king can decide women can't have pockets, but apparently need to buy a different sort of bag to carry stuff in. And I feel like I'm going to get yet another answer I am not going to like..." Angelica mentioned while pinching the bridge of her nose. Well, if anything she didn't need to be told it wasn't Charlemagne's fault, that man definitely wouldn't do something as uncool as taking away people's pockets.

Meanwhile, Konomi was finding out how oddly Soma took her addition to his little group. Not only was he aiming for some unknown goal, apparently even if she didn't live up to his expectations he had no intentions of letting her walk away from this 'job' listing. No, instead it was his intention to force her development whether she wanted it or not. "That's excessive." she mentioned. This might have been one of the oddest things she'd agreed to in her life, but she definitely didn't understand what this boy's rush was, she was a 22 year old college student, who'd gotten enough credits to graduate on time, but still wasn't so certain of her own life's direction. Soma becoming part of her life, seemed to take away part of the equation, but it was so drastic a shift that she wasn't quite done mentally processing the change. "You know half the time it sounds like you're speaking a foreign language? It is taking all my mental processing power just to make sense of the crazy shit you are saying..." she said now also pinching the bridge of her nose. "Video game logic is being used most of the time. Mana is energy, but this is more like an erogame, so... bodily fluids and magical energy seem to be interchangeable. I can evolve don't quite know what that means yet, but it's somehow impressive? Going to ignore that part about potential babies, I am way too young to have kids," she was tryng her best to work through all he was saying but mostly she was just trying to take a normal amount of time to adjust.

"No, Annie. We're a gang now. The weird ones are the people responsible for this. Not that I'm pointing any elbows or anything," Kazu argued while very conspicuously pointing an elbow in Angelica's direction. "But, you know... certain types of people who think all the stuff we've been through is normal," he added. Another pair of pants was thrown into Kazu's backpack, totaling seven pairs. He'd soon move on to inspecting some shirts while determining the blame for lack of women's pockets. Miko insisted King James was to blame over Queen Victoria. Kazu gave it some thought, his hand hovering over a shirt he intended to claim. "Hmm. King James... was that James Stuart? That kid who latched onto me because we shared a name?" he wondered aloud, not even realizing no one present was there for the recalled event. "It can't be, right? That kid was Scottish. Was King James Scottish?" he wondered further.

One more person would own the moniker of 'excessive' without a second thought. Demons and their ilk relished in such descriptors, and Soma sought all manner of notoriety as a source of his own strengthening. Regardless, Konomi was encroaching upon a proper understanding of the world whether she realized it or not. Comparing magical mechanics to video games was an excellent start. "I am speaking a foreign language. Mana is energy, and bodily fluids carry it. How do you think children are born? By the way, it's not something you should ignore. My soul achieved consciousness while being ignored, and eventually... I didn't give my mother much of a choice. You're many years older than me, but given what a lack of experience seems to cause... I'd suggest finding a way to convert it into evolution instead of letting it become conscious. It could kill you."

"Hehehe! Together again♪~" a giggle escaped Miko. If nothing else, Kazuhiko was good at lessening a bit of tension and doubt. At the same time, Angelica was picking up on subtle hints, and at least one of them made her gasp. "Hey, I'm not weird!" she stated as if it was an absolute fact. Of course Miko could only laugh more, because quite frankly goddesses as she'd met them were all very odd individually. She saw nothing wrong with this, but she was certain all of them fell far away from the category counted as normal. As for Kazuhiko's commentary about the normalcy of their current situation, Angelica could only scoff. Miko had a little something to add, "I mean... growing pains in a lot of things are normal. I just don't think it's normal at all to have a human two decades of sexual maturation in a week. I've become way too comfortable, at a speed I would have considered way too quick even last week," she mentioned almost casually. Eventually though they were oddly discussing 'King James' the one who advocated for the newer version of the bible that was used in the Church of England according to historical texts. "Chuck, we have no idea what you're talking about... you're aging yourself," Angelica mentioned. "King James is James Charles Stuart though... King of Scotland as James the Sixth. King of England as James the First... European history is full of ruler swaps across countries after the Church became a power that could declare a king," Miko said, it was a rather hard sticking point of one her more annoying teachers. "Ah, shit... it's not just fantasy stuff either, real history is different too..." she said slapping her hand against her forehead that was going to be annoying.

While the oddities of history were being discussed between Kazuhiko and his camp, a discussion of magical biology was happening between Soma and his human recruit. Soma admitted to speaking a foreign language to her, and explained the nature of mana, claiming that i made babies. Konomi was trying to remain open-minded, given the already outrageous things she'd been witnessing and part of, but there was still a level of difficulty to be taken into account. "Wait wait wait... I am 22, I can't be that much older than you. And I know how babies are made and what you are describing is horrifying for multiple reasons. Like you are sounding like you consciously chose your own birth which is fucking crazy. And... I really need someone normal to explain this to me right now... " she said pinching the bridge of her nose. Why were all the answers and explanations coming out like a language she'd never heard and every set of words more ridiculous than their previous ones. Konomi had already committed to a lot of craziness in her future of this she was certain. But she was Japanese and would do her best regardless but things still needed some kind of rationale and what was coming out of Soma's mouth was breaking her brain.

"Like always," Kazu confirmed. A close bond of approximately 300 years was nothing to take lightly. On the other hand, neither was a disagreement that transcended millennia. Angelica insisted she wasn't weird, while Kazu would continue to claim she was. "Well you're not the most weird one. The 'princess in the castle' trope does some heavy lifting... but does that make you not a weirdo? Nope," he countered. Moments later, he'd be agreeing with Miko again. The amount of sexual deviance they'd both been thrown into over a short period of time went well beyond even expectations based in dreams. "Mm, yeah. And there's the taste of everything. That part's been getting even crazier recently," he mused absently before starting an entire mental tangent regarding King James. Angelica didn't know what he was talking about aloud. Maybe he was too old. Whatever the case, Miko had some facts to give about King James as history understood him. "Wait, those were the same James?! I thought those were completely different guys when I heard the lectures..." he mumbled. Kimura Kazuhiko was one who very much struggled through history classes in his current school. If that was the identity of King James, though... "So that was him after all. Unless something happened to him afterwards, I don't think he hates women at all. He seemed really appreciative of them when we met," he commented thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, Konomi decided to state her own age as if she didn't believe a massive difference could exist between herself and Soma. She had no idea how wrong she could be. She may have known how babies were made, but certainly not the whole of it. As a prime example of the supernatural, Soma's birth was 'allowed' lest he produce himself by whatever means necessary. What she needed wasn't someone 'normal' explaining these things, in Soma's opinion. She needed to experience ridiculousness firsthand, to be thrown straight into the fire, as it were. "You're 22 years my senior. The same goes for those two over there," he said, nodding toward Emirie and Anya. "And those two," he added with another nod toward Sena and Seiichi. One more nod went in Kaguya's direction to complete his clause. "That might look like my sister, but she's my mother. If it's too much to believe, you should just think back to that dressing room. I was using magic the entire time. Did you ever notice?"

A small smirk came to Miko's face. Together like always... that was a rather comforting thought. The more Miko gave it real consideration, the more she realized that Kazuhiko in the form of Charlemagne had been one of the most present individuals in her life for most of what she remembered of it. Given this face, it only felt right for it to continue, in whatever manner it did. Angelica for her part in this refused to be described as weird, but she was quite weird nonetheless. The talk of tropes and the like which covered her 'issues' seemed to only be a basic cover. "Definitely not weird... you're projecting," she said her nose turned up in the air. Speaking of Kazuhiko's weirdness, there was the matter of the boy he remembered only partially between this world's history lessons and actually meeting him in the other world. "Yeah, they are the same, it was some weird succession thing... he ended up in charge a bit after Henry the Eighth," Miko mentioned. She remembered those two for the opposite reason that she remembered people like King Solomon. Beyond this, Kazuhiko claimed that James hadn't been bad when he'd known him, "I was just thinking I might have to withhold a bit of judgement... history is a bit more complex than just the fantasy stories," she said while wondering if her list would be growing or shrinking when actually meeting certain people. 'Doesn't matter, Seimei-sama is still supreme!~' she thought in a manner of pure devotion.

In the meantime, Konomi was getting way too much information about the nature of birthing children in the magical context. According to Soma himself and five others in this group were apparently all born today. And a girl who by Konomi's best approximation was a bit younger than her, was apparently his mother and not his sister. She was 22 years old, and this young man was apparently, only a few hours old. The moral implications of having this information was a bit too much for her heart to bear. "So... she's your mom. And you're a literal infant along with five other people in this group. And I am supposed to just... roll with that?" she said while holding her head. There was a headache developing and it felt like a hangover. "Did I pass out... is this the weirdest fever dream ever? I'd be willing to believe that..." she murmured. "Believing anything else means, I got seduced by a magical infant into quitting my job and becoming a member of whatever random goals he has going on... Probably magically seduced, because why would I notice magic being used, that doesn't make sense. I mean it's a bit weird that I went against everything normal to me, but I am young enough to make a few bad decisions in my life... maybe working all those extra hours broke me? That's be pretty reasonable. I'd be far from the first person to crack under pressure..." she said building a logical explanation for the outlandish while she processed way more information than she needed to, but if course, she could see it now. The likeness between that little pink haired girl and the guy talking to the other two. And the likeness between the blonde lass with the glasses and the dark haired boy with the purple haired girl. Also the likeness between Soma and his mother was a bit too... linear. He was beautiful as a man that wasn't normal. And obviously that dick of his wasn't normal either. Actually looking at that brown haired lad who'd introduced himself as Kimura Kazuhiko he was also attractive beyond reason... if he wanted to do something she'd... "Those thoughts are invasive," she said while shaking her head from left to right. If that wasn't magic then she was definitely on drugs or something.

According to Angelica, Kazu was projecting his own weirdness onto her. She would say something like that, but the rule of majority said she stood no chance of winning now. "You're outnumbered, Ang. Give it up," Kazu insisted. Angie would learn of democracy over time. Perhaps then, Kazu would retain some facts from history class... though that was all but impossible with Saori as his teacher. How anyone with the slightest interest in women paid attention to her lectures, he didn't know. King James Stuart was between one and three people in his memory, and less of a reasonable individual in history than what Kazu as Charlemagne knew thus far. Was it even worthwhile to delve into history lessons from this world? Perhaps... but Kazu's thought process combined with Miko's words produced the idea of a healthy middle ground. "I can attest to that. It's usually better to take things in the other world as a new experience. Besides, it makes the journey more exciting if you don't have a version of the whole story already. Anyway... this one?" he asked at random, holding up a black splash-art shirt with a few pinks, whites, blues and the like in its splatter-like pattern.

Six individuals in this group were born mere hours ago, and a woman who could have been Soma's twin visually was actually his mother. Konomi had to understand this fact. She wasn't having a dream of any sort, as he'd definitely assure. "You're less in a dream now than you were working a dead-end job with no knowledge of magic. And you weren't seduced by me. The idea of trying something that should be impossible took precedence over your sensibilities. That's just human nature, and the type of being I am... feasts on that aspect. I took control a few times, but what you did was something you were going to do regardless. One room over, and you would have been caught-up with those three," Soma said while glancing in the direction of Kazuhiko, Angelica and Miko. "He was almost my father. Almost," he added. "But none of that matters. You made a decision. Now, you have to act on it. Here is your first order: Grow. By any means necessary, you are to develop more as a magical being. Which method will you choose? The choice is yours... basically."

Angelica was apparently outnumbered and she should give up on pushing weirdness onto Kazuhiko. She found herself looking at Miko to confirm this. "Gomennasai, Princess... I think we are all weird," she said with big and imploring eyes. "Hm, this won't be the end," Angelica confirmed making Miko glanced towards Kazuhiko. "You might be digging yourself a hole here Charlie," she warned as any good friend would. Whether Kazuhiko fully understood future implications or not, teaching the strength of numbers when you were on your own in the numbers game was... dangerous. The healthy middle ground about historical figures they could both agree on but for slightly different reasons, "Hai hai, I don't really like spoilers either, but I seem to have a pretty good track record so far... I am trying to maintain my streak," Miko said of her choices in historical or mythological figures. Right now, she'd managed to choose right about Charlemagne, King Solomon, Emperor Qin and Sun Wukong... as far as continuing her choices to interact with them. As for his choice in shirt, "I'm into it," Miko agreed while Angelica nodded. Given this... she could believe in her natural inclinations. While this happened there was a different kind of conversation taking place that tickled Miko's ears a bit.

Soma's understanding of life, technically made more sense knowing that he was only a few hours old. His takes on the nature of her life before were sensible for one who never had to do anything else but what they wanted to with their life. "Yeah, well... doing impulsive, impossible things is human nature. ," she said. Hearing that one dressing room over she would have ended up involved with that other group, she looked at that trio, a cute little brunette, a blonde goddess, and that brunette boy with a dazzling smile... "That doesn't sound like a bad idea..." she murmured. "Wait, no... why did I say that?" she said frowning deeply. Miko's eyes shifted towards the girl and she smiled apologetically. She understood what it was like to try and make her human brain agree with her body and soul. That brown haired male was apparently almost Soma's father, that was as weird thing to here, she found herself looking at Kaguya who smiled at her with similarly glowing red eyes. Maybe she just hadn't noticed exactly how magical this group of teens looked when they'd first entered the shop. She was given an order to grow as a magical being, while Soma spoke of her choices and how they were hers. "Uh, I've seen too much anime for you to talk to me like that. You are talking like a whole villain," she said still pinching the bridge of her nose. Given what everyone else was like, she assumed he wasn't actually a villain but he was definitely acting like one.

Angelica wouldn't be letting this matter go, and Miko believed Kazu was digging a hole for himself. No; he was doing no such thing. "Not happening, Annie. There's a pretty big hole waiting for me, but this isn't it," he said without thinking much about it. Either way, the numbers game remained in his favor as it always did. Kazuhiko, Charlemagne ─ whatever name he went by was never the name of a man operating alone. Regardless, he'd soon be dumping another shirt into his second-largest bag since both girls seemed to approve of it. He'd go on to make a personal choice by adding a pink and black piece to the collection.

All the while, Konomi was continuing to babble about... human nature. If Soma had a bit more equipment handy, he would have already proved multiple points and made some great progress. "It's more than that. It's tied to humanity's ability to evolve beyond all perceived limitations. That was one of the first things I learned before I emerged," he said. Upon looking at the trio who sullied the dressing room right next to them in the previous shop, Konomi finally came out with the truth previously unspoken without prompting. Of course, she then wondered aloud why she'd even mentioned that. Soma had another answer. "You said it because you meant it. The way things are, you're going to have sex with at least one or two of them ─ maybe at the same time. But, you knew the possibility of that before we got here," Soma stated, recalling the random outburst of Kazuhiko upon the woman's arrival. As for the villainesque approach of Soma's previous claim, he had a response that connected directly to the 'truth' Konomi accidentally spewed. "It's the truth. Choice is an illusion. No matter what path you take from here, you'll reach the same end. You're going to be my ultimate mage, and there's going to be a lot more of what you felt earlier, because your soul has already decided it's a necessity. Go; find the one in charge of this group and figure out what you need. I'm about to be busy. You know where to find me when you're ready to report."

According to Kazuhiko he wasn't digging himself a hole, there was another one waiting for him but this wasn't it. Perhaps he was right or perhaps... he would find out what it was like to be properly outnumbered at some point... whatever the case, Miko could only shrug. "If you say so..." she said. Though Miko thought he didn't really know the problematic nature of a group of women with logic and your own words on their side. The shirts being chosen were ones which Miko and Angelica both enjoyed as he picked them another thing would be happening pretty soon.

Konomi was being given weird logic which was far outside of her normal understanding, from a relative infant with an apparently magical beginning. "Not going to point out that evolution of individuals is weird. I can kind of use anime logic to justify that... I was a kid once," she murmured. Ah and more answers were present. She'd said what had fallen out of her mouth simply because she meant it? Well, maybe a little but she wanted to say she had more self-control than that. "I'm pretty sure I'm straight," that was the part she settled on, given her own downfall this day she wasn't sure she would say anything else. She wasn't planning on having sex with anyone today, she wasn't a prude but it'd not been part of her day. She definitely wasn't committing to a threesome with a guy she'd barely had a conversation with nor was she trying to put herself out there like that. Well, that much made her normal she was sure. What was more Soma claimed she was to be his ultimate mage and choice was an illusion as she'd already chosen a path. That sounded ominous, but there was at least time to think. "Uh... I... am going to go talk to some humans," she said walking away. If nothing else, she figured if she needed to, she'd find Soma in a dressing room trying to have more sex in public for reasons she didn't understand. For now she was walking over to Kazuhiko and the two young women he was with and looking between the two brunettes of the group with minor confusion. "Sorry to interrupt," she started in a casually respectful manner. "Is this like an MOD/Supervisor combo, or like is one of you absolutely in charge? I need someone to explain this magical stuff to me in a way that isn't going to make my head explode, including how evolution works, and why Asakura-kun thinks I will be his ultimate mage. Also I keep having crazily invasive thoughts, so like I apologize ahead of time for anything weird that falls out of my mouth in the next few moments," she said laying out the whole of her current issues. To Miko this sounded oddly familiar but while she was in charge of the shopping trip, she wasn't in charge of the group. Angelica took a look at this girl with a raised eyebrow, were all people from this place this weirdly polite and so apologetic over nothing? "Hm, I hadn't thought of this situation like that but it's an accurate human approximation of the dynamic," she mused.

Soma also believed using the logic of anime and the like would help Konomi's situation. As for her situation on a more personal level, the notion of being 'straight' was presented. Soma shrugged, thinking that sort of specification was completely irrelevant for numerous reasons. "Then be straight. That changes nothing about what I just said," he claimed. Konomi would have to find out the truth somehow; his advice was simply to do so from someone else. She agreed to do so, claiming she was off to talk with some humans... as if anyone in that direction could be counted as such. "Good luck with that," Soma said as if he knew something more. Whatever the case, he expected a return relatively soon. Emirie and Anya had been shopping for some time now, so he turned toward the last place he'd seen the pair.

Moments later, Konomi was approaching the trio as Kazu stuffed another shirt into his bag. "Not too sure about this one, but... eh?" His thought process came to a halt as another voice entered the fray. Their newest addition from the previous stop was seeking the attention of their leader, was she? He didn't really catch the notion of managers and supervisors in their functional system, but he knew one thing for sure: he didn't want either title. "It's her," he said, pointing one finger at Angelica. Soon after, he heard the blue-haired woman's reason for the initial question. It seemed she hadn't been given the proper introduction to their strange version of life. "Oh. Is that all? Nexus brain might come in handy then. I can give you the rundown of that, easy. Don't actually take Angie's advice; she's weird. What do you have for starters on magic mumbo jumbo?"

According to this man, her being straight changed nothing about what he'd just said. Did he not know the meaning of the term? Two of the three people she was being pointed in the direction of were women... there was no way she was having sex with multiple members of this group while having a fixed sexuality. A sigh escaped her but it wasn't worth arguing as she was wished luck she held her hand up in the air and waved as she headed over to the group. At the same time, Anya and Emirie were looking at accessories. Wallets with chains, belts and other such items to spruce up the wardrobe already assembled. They had sweats, jeans, and even cargo pants for the young man along with a package of maroon colored A-shirts, and an over the shoulder backpack, they were placing items into. Anya for her part in this was pulling on Emirie's shoulder as she could hear the wandering mind of Konomi going elsewhere and knew that Soma was now unoccupied. Emirie cut her eyes to the smaller girl when she was tapped but fully acknowledged the movements of Soma. "Asakura-kun, welcome back," she said as she looked up to a beaming Anya.

Meanwhile, Konomi was now meeting with the group which had humans present by her own approximation. "I think it's got a moment, maybe you just haven't gotten to it yet," Miko said of that shirt choice. She didn't actually think anything would look bad on Kazuhiko at all, Angelica was in much the same boat, but soon they were being approached by the blue haired girl from the lingerie shop. Here and now, she was looking for the leader and comparing it to something called an MOD. "What is an MOD?" Angelica asked. Which Koonomi's eyes widen. When it was pointed out that this one was the leader, she simply shook her head in disbelief. It was soon cleared up though and she was advised not to take the words of 'Angie' as she was being called. "I am not weird!" Angelica mentioned. "I am also not in charge though... so whatever," she said turning up her nose. "Yeah, I am going to skip past that part, because I definitely assume the person in charge is one or both of you... " she said pointing between Miko and Kazuhiko. Still since Kazuhiko had offered her information she'd see what she could total up her understanding to, "Magic exists and I am supposed to accept that. That kids who are physically only a couple of years younger than me physically were born this morning... and I can apparently evolve magically whatever that means," she said immediately pinching the bridge of her nose. "In all honesty I am still just trying to wrap my head around the fact that I impulsively quit my job today and I am a college student tossed into some weird reverse isekai situation," she said. All the while Miko had taken to listening to this girl, she understood how she felt, she'd felt much the same way even in her other form a short while ago, she'd see how far the conversation got into magic, and explain the fun aspects of this new life from the girl's perspective when the timing was right.

Once Konomi separated herself from him, Soma had plenty of attention to share with Anya and Emirie. The latter female being his most recent acquisition was particularly worth keeping tabs on, as it seemed she was shifting toward a new understanding. He had a glance at the items they'd chosen and bagged for him, not disapproving of anything he could see thus far. "You two have been busy enough, unless one of you plans to become busier," he said coyly, eyes shifting toward Emirie specifically. Soma could somewhat feel the results of his earlier session with Chika, and had taken to wondering what a more directly-formed connection would be like. "Either way, I'll take the bag. It's time to try things on," he concluded, an air of mystique in his tone that would make his intentions clear to mind-readers and sharp-witted individuals alike.

If Kazuhiko ever wanted to assign Angelica a position of power in this world, it wasn't likely to work. It had taken only seconds for her to question a human phrase, discrediting Kazu's claim immediately. "Right. Never gonna work. M.O.D. is an acronym for manager on duty. It's the person in charge of a work shift," he explained quickly. "And yes you are," he added for Angelica's sake. Moving on, he did intend to be helpful to someone else randomly thrown into this magical reality. While waiting for Konomi's full explanation of her understanding thus far, Kazu gestured toward a rest bench that he proceeded to sit upon, gesturing for the woman to join him. He didn't think it strange that she thought Miko was in charge initially, but did find strangeness in her assumption that he was; he did try to avoid that.

Regardless, Konomi alleged a very basic understanding of what was going on. He could work with that. "Sou ka. Alright. Magic does exist. It's pretty jarring, I know, but... if you're this far, you've already got reason to believe, right? Keep that belief for now. You're not weird for freaking out about it, though ─ trust me. It feels like such a dream at first, but you've got the light end of it. You know that franchise Age of Eternity by Industrial Illusions? There's a parallel world out there somewhere, and a lot of people fell right into the isekai life over there. Life is long, there's magic instead of technology, and you might even find yourself being a historical figure with a whole different perspective. The most confusing part might be the grown children though, huh? Well..." Kazu took a long pause, sighing deeply before continuing. "That part's really new to most of us too. The way people work in the magical way is how we, from this world, would see characters in a game ─ not just video games, but card games, tabletops, the whole shebang. Those kids are all so old because... well, they were born in their primes. Souls and mana are everything. You put a lot in, you get a lot out is basically how that part works. As for the evolution thing... that's where the game mechanics come in. Apparently you can make a kid or another version of yourself, like making a character, as long as you've got enough stuff to work with. Making sense so far? Interim questions?"

The appearance of Soma near Emirie and Anya was exciting for the youngest of the group and something expected by Emirie herself. The coy statement of Soma hadn't gone unnoticed either, but Emirie wasn't exactly the kind of bite at such a provocation. No, her standards were a bit different at present, and based in logic. "You and I both know that we are far too magical for you to nudge me towards completion with timing like this," she stated clearly. "Also I've figured out what is going on with this one," she said pointing at Anya. "She's an interesting choice, but likely a great long term investment..." Emirie mentioned aloud. While Anya's eyes widened immediately as she realized that her older sister had figured out she could read minds. "Whoa!" Anya said looking between the two. Both of them had very complex minds, ones she wouldn't purposefully try to read, but she'd not picked up on Emirie figuring out how her abilities worked.

Passing Angelica off as the leader of this group would have never worked, she was also a bit too out of normal experiences to pass as human. Even someone like Konomi realized that in an instant given that she didn't know what an MOD was. According to Kazuhiko, Angelica was weird, but she got an explanation. "I've never managed anything before, but that doesn't mean I couldn't be good at it," she said turning her nose up in the air. Of course she felt that way... but that would only cement for Konomi the oddity of that individual. "And just like that, next outing organization on you, Princess~" Miko said firmly. In all honesty she found being in charge a bit stressful, but found the alternative to be more stressful. Oh well, Konomi was busy getting a crash course in magical world mumbo jumbo.

"Finally someone is talking sense," she said the pressure between her eyes finally relieving. Ah, there was magic, and another world based on that game AoE which everyone in this world was playing right now. Well, except for her but she was busy with work and school. Making characters, powering up, gaming logic, all things she could get behind and understand. He even explained why babies were born at such a ridiculous age, and the isekai scenario. "Okay, okay... I get this... i think. But you said long life? Like how long? And like this other world, like what's that like besides the magic not tech? Asakura-kun seems to think I'd make a good mage, that does sound fun but like that's the kind of thing you give up on once you become a teenager to avoid being weird. I haven't thought about it much until now..." she asked wondering about the specifics. Beyond that point, putting a lot in, getting a lot out, made more than reasonable sense. She could understand this logic and be able to work with it.

"Ho?" Soma replied when Emirie presented her logic. There may have been some sense to her thought process ─ he assumed there was. On the other hand, Soma had yet to be entirely forthcoming about what he brought tot he table. Perhaps a casual mention of something would lead to more thought. First though, Emirie revealed her discovery about Anya. A sly grin appeared on Soma's face in that moment. "Commanding the strongest requires a lot of care. Power of any sort can come with, or from, ambition. Clashing ambitions and different beliefs bring treachery. I intend to cover all my bases," he stated. Holding a hand out to receive his bag of clothes, Soma blurted out the notion he'd been holding since Emirie's earlier clause. "By the way... my type is Synergist ─ Class Talker," he whispered.

Miko thought it best to put Angelica in charge of their next outing. Though he believed it would be absolute chaos incarnate, Kazuhiko agreed simply because he thought Angelica would enjoy the freedom. "That'll be a wild adventure. Dibs on helmsman," he said swiftly. As for Konomi's understanding of things, it seemed she'd finally located some sense. Kazu understood exactly where she was coming from. She did have questions, though. That was fine; he had answers aplenty. He'd start by addressing the length of a life. "It varies, but it's usually a lot longer than lives here. I've been around for over a thousand years. That's another thing determined by soul strength and all that. As for the magic without tech... well, it's not too different depending on how you look at it. You won't see cars, but you will see carriages moved by horse-sized chickens. Instead of a supercar, you'll probably see someone riding a Pegasus or a Hippogriff ─ or using teleportation devices. The world itself isn't too different. Before we left, we were basically walking around in the magical version of old Kyoto. The weird thing is, you'll see a lot of places really scattered. Like... three different parts of Japan, but in three different corners of the world," he explained. "And yeah, you'd probably make an awesome mage. There's a thing that's always been said about witches and hair. Besides that... there's the part people from here aren't so comfortable with right away. Remember earlier when you bent over, and I was all like 'Woah!'?"

Emirie knew her logic was sound, though not the aggressive awaking version of a consciousness that Soma had been, she'd been with her mother for a couple of days. She knew the magical implications of sex between two existences that were closer to even than not. She also mentally had some understanding the fun of the situation and as such she knew that a quick romp in a dressing room wasn't the sort of thing she was going for. If a connection of the sort he spoke about was being established it would be done in the way that Emirie found most beneficial to her own potential. Still, she handed this young man his bag and smiled as he reached for it. Emirie's understanding of Anya's powers was apparently appreciated, maybe... Anya couldn't be sure she looked to Soma for a surface level reaction, wondering if there was something there. At the same time, Soma spoke of covering his bases, "Hai, wakarimashita. Honestly, I don't think many would expect that outcome," Emirie agreed. The ambitions of many were his concern, after all, he'd asked her about her own. She also was given more information, about the classing and type of Soma. Such information was to be shared, she'd yet to determine those things for herself, but she was sure he realized that already. "Sou ka," she said to those whispered words. There were several implications of that combination of class and type. There was a high likelihood of them not coming with built in physicality and instead higher end mental and magical abilities. Though many of those sorts of things could be worked around by various other things. It gave her a lot to consider. Especially given his desire to have her along his his adventure.

Meanwhile, Angelica had basically just volunteered herself to be in charge and Kazuhiko wanted to be part of that overall head of the group in the next situation. Miko raised her hands and grinned. "Hai hai... I will gladly just be one of the crowd in such a situation," Miko said while Angelica turned her nose up. "It'll be great, you'll see!" she said not faltering at all from the potential challenge. Being student council president she'd gotten used to be in charge of her friends. With them present, she'd fallen back into that sort of organization but she'd be happy to see the chaos of a shut-in making group decisions. Meanwhile, Konomi was getting a crash course in isekai life. She was gawking, the brown haired lad had been alive for over a thousand years according to his words and she had no reason to think he was a liar. Apparently magic did wonderful things for you. Magic without technology lead to some interesting comparisons. Instead of super cars he claimed special magical beasts would be ridden by those who could afford them, presumably by the magic or other necessary skill cost. "Actually, that is a really good comparison. I actually rode in a supercar for the first time the other day and it's like a like a hippogriff," she murmured, having had a ride on two fronts before. With the general geography of the place being spread out by a lot but some places still seeming familiar Konomi could at least understand the comparisons. "Okay, I can work with that, kids born at prime. Strong magical bodies stopped around there... that seems useful. It's manageable as expectations. I could live a long time, see some random magical beasts... and see places like home that aren't exactly that, anime style scenarios are easy enough to understand," she mused making sense of things after that first explanation.

Beyond that point she'd apparently make a good mage, because of her hair. Soma had said something similiar but given he was only born today she figured it had to be left over magical world information or something. Witches and their hair were mentioned and she supposed even this world had some understanding of that sort of thing if media was to be believed that. "Okay, I can work with that I guess..." she said there was a certain comfort that came from the idea of actually being able to live up to expectations. He mentioned his earlier outburst and paired it with the idea that something was coming that she wouldn't be comfortable with, she looked at him directly clever enough to assume it had something to do with what Soma was saying about mana and all of that so she'd keep her ears open. "Hai, i do remember that," she mentioned almost skeptically.

"And that is why there can only be one at the top. Those who don't expect, don't prepare. Those who don't prepare, fail. It's why I chose you. I'll prepare even for the potential of my own oversight, and everything else along the way," he said. All the while, Soma's attention was taken by Anya, who decided to focus on him. Was she attempting to read his mind again? Well, he happened to be waiting for such an opportunity. 'The sky is... if I wonder strongest... this works, easy, it'll... mix the blue... can’t read them, she—this will make me... is it working?' he thought, keeping five clauses concurrent. Now that he had his bag of clothes in hand, Soma took into account Emirie's lack of progression toward the most favorable outcome. He figured she was more one for the romantic, but didn't anticipate a lack of connection to mention of his Class. No matter; Soma intended to have his way in time regardless. "Hai. To my knowledge, it's something I invented in the womb. Its features... well, there are a lot to figure out," he said casually. Soma wouldn't be visiting the dressing room just yet, but he seemed ready to move at a moment's notice. First though, there was something he had to figure out about Anya. . .

Meanwhile, there was a more volatile topic to address with Konomi. She'd been following along nicely with the explanation thus far, even seeming a little bit enthused deep down. That was good, but skepticism loomed nonetheless. At the very least, Kazu had an existing example to use as a segue. "Well see... you know how there's that whole belief in soulmates and all that? It's not unfounded at all. There's... mana transfer, and it's exactly what you think it is. Bodily fluids conduct mana, and well... you can take the whole 'you are what you eat' thing a little more literally too. That thing I let slip earlier was like seeing something delicious and immediately getting a craving for it. Depending on what you've done by now, you might already know about the whole flavor thing too. Still onboard?"

According to Soma he'd be making sure that he stayed active in life covering even for things he couldn't think of himself. "Those are fair points. Admittedly, it seems like a lot to under take on your own, but I do respect the ability to work through that much," Emirie agreed in that moment. If it was Soma's plan to use a mind reading baby and another clever person to work through all his potential recruits. He seemed to push this sort of thing, by texting everyone all the time. One such test was occurring right now, as Anya tried to figure out the current climate by reading Soma's mind, she found the most confusing sentence of her life in his head. 'The sky is... if I wonder strongest... this works, easy, it'll... mix the blue... can’t read them, she—this will make me... is it working?' None of that made sense to Anya. She began thinking about it, and the more she tried to work it out, her eyes began to swirl. She got wobbly on her feet and the only thing she took from the entire set of sentences was, the sky is blue. "Ugh, Anya can't with this, too swirly..." she mumbled as she wobbled in place trying to mentally work through stuff. Emirie looked down at the small girl and assumed that she was going through some kind of testing by trying to read the mind of the man who was leading them. Poor thing, she was actually young and the machinations of a teen plus individual were likely a bit complex for her. Moreover there was the matter that Soma had created his own class while in womb, the one he mentioned wasn't one she would consider standard. "Sou ka, I'm sure you've already figured out quite a few uses for it. You've at least demonstrated the ability to use something even your own mother recognizes as outside of the norm. Still if you made it, I'm sure how it works will be up to you and your creativity, that is an interesting prospect," Emirie claimed. If nothing else, it would be reason enough to stick around for a while to see what he did with his new found magical ability and to make sure people like Anya reached a reasonable place of understanding without it being a problem.

While Anya tried to keep her body from swirling along with her mind, Konomi was learning the whole of magical world basics in a short conversation all so she could determine how to grow as dictated by her apparent overlord. But what was Kazuhiko talking about now? Soulmates weren't completely unfounded. There was mana transfer, which was apparently actually the innuendo it sounded like. And how taking things into you, made you more like them. "This is way too much for a life change," she said immediately. Such was the nature of a human on Gaia. Angelica watched and now understood fully that the odd actions of Kazuhiko and Miko weren't exclusive to them and the people who were more open were the oddities in this side of humanity. Skill Konomi would be looking sheepishly away and nodding her head without admitting to anything specific, well this was still public and she was still Japanese and this was still a very embarrassing sort of conversation to have, even with her being an adult. "I follow the logic, that makes sense... I guess," she said quickly. "We won't judge you. I do that sort of thing a lot more often than I feel comfortable admitting. You aren't alone in feeling like it's a lot more than it should be. Also omedetou, being able to make magical sensing work before fully understanding is really great!~" Miko added with thumbs up which made the other girl look at her directly and see the sincerity of those words. Girls were complex sometimes and she'd recently had a coworker who would have pretended to be jovial while actually being quite toxic in general, as such it was actually a bit shocking for them to all have been so nice.

The immediate reaction from Anya was all Soma needed to confirm. If he could prevent having his own mind read, he could prevent others from using his own ultimate tactic against him. Anya was a child mentally, and therefore ignorant and impressionable. He could not gamble on her remaining faithful whether she intended to or not presently. One more contingency plan could be counted among the growing list. "Right into danger," he commented absently. With that confirmation gained, Soma had no further business here. He turned on his heel, choosing to leave both Anya and Emirie behind in the moment. "Peer Support," he whispered first to strengthen the mental fortitude of Anya and perhaps do something about her lost mind. "You know where to find me," he added while walking toward the back.

Konomi had about the reaction Kazuhiko expected, even with his more careful approach to explaining things. "Yeah, it is. But..." he started. Despite Konomi claiming things made sense, he could see the skepticism and... embarrassment? Yes, that seemed to be it. That much was also to be expected. Miko spoke then, silencing the idea of judgment while adding congratulations for Konomi's existing ability. "What she said. We get how things are viewed here, but I promise there's nothing to worry about. In the other world, the more you... you know... the better you are for it, as long as it's with the right person... or people. There's a wannabe god out there trying to be the one true God of the world, and he's been pushing values on mortal species for a while ─ probably to keep us weak. Don't worry about him; we're taking care of it. Long story short... Rule 1! Never get involved with each other's private affairs. That's the main focal point of the group we're going back to eventually. Whoever you're doing something with is your business and theirs ─ no one else's. Well... unless any overlap happens by choice. Some of us are on a bender lately," he explained, rubbing the back of his head. A moment later, something struck him. "Oh, and infections aren't anything to worry about! Well, as long as you don't have a go at some cursed person or anything."

The commentary of Soma often seemed a bit misplaced. Emirie decided that such details would need to be tracked for future endeavors, but understood given how her own mother processed things that many wouldn't be completely obvious all the time. Whatever the case, it seemed that Soma was done talking with them for now, but not without fully acknowledging that the young girl had at least tried to read his mind. Whatever she'd tried, she'd not found it an easy thing to do. Emirie felt no need to hide her thoughts from this child and found herself casually wondering if an older mind was even the kind of thing she could easily pick through. Still, whatever he'd said, seemed to perk up Anya a bit and made her concentrate a bit more. "Ah, swirlies stopped. Emiry," she held her hands up to the other girl and she rather easily picked her up. "Hai, ja ne," she said as Soma made his way towards the back of this establishment. She and Anya by association would be migrating towards her twin brother, simply because she'd not intended to leave him hanging in the clothing department either, though he was getting some help.

At the same time, several more things were becoming obvious to Konomi. This group was operating as a large friend group with people in charge of individual processes. That no one here was judgmental or directly underhanded in their person to person dealings and that there was a strong underlying sense of justice and comfort. Those last two were weird to note given the fact that they were discussing their sexual behaviors, but apparently there was even coverage for that. Rule One, as it was called claimed for those involved to stay out of the private matters of others unless it was already agreed upon. "Sou ka, this is that kind of group then. Thank you for the help, I think I understand a bit better now. It is at least comforting to know some new weird instinct I have won't necessarily lead to new social suicide or anything like that. Also don't worry about benders, I understand those a bit myself, freshman year is always terrible for college students and all of that. I get it..." she confirmed. If he said she didn't need to worry about whatever false god they were talking about, she wouldn't, she didn't count god slaying as a particularly strong attribute of her own. "I guess that explains why the choices aren't really choices as well," she said sighing only lightly. Miko understood that kind of thing too but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing either.

"That's a relief I am definitely one of those on a bender, but also... there are a couple of other really good things. Like once your body is fully caught up bathrooms and the like become basically not necessary, especially if you have a soul or mana manipulation that is strong enough. And as a mage you likely won't have to experience girl time either... you'll need the mana, so long as you cycle it properly it won't stagnate inside you and feel the need to cause an escape. Also... take this," she said reaching into her bag to fish out the Peach John gift card since this one had missed out on the early shopping and because Miko saw them as particularly similar. "I couldn't," Konomi said quickly. "But you should, because it'll be fun, you'll be able to buy the sets, because mana density is present in all secondary sex characteristics," Miko mentioned with a huge grin. It took a moment for Konomi to process those words as Miko pushed the card into her hands properly, "Wait, really?" she said, she'd gotten used to the idea that she'd not ever do that... getting used to navigating her new social dynamic said, perhaps this wouldn't be so bad. Actually, looking at everyone present, that bit made a lot of sense, she could grow and understood how to make that happen so... "Arigatou gouzaimasu, I'll let you get back to your shopping. And really thanks for this," she said quickly knowing there was only one place she could go now.

In the midst of their explanation about magical world knowhow, Miko decided to share something else with the group's newest member. Those of the female persuasion would quickly be in need of new undergarments due to the obvious growth of certain assets. Miko herself was a shining example, as he'd now seen twice. A gift card to the place Konomi so recently worked, where their group had been shopping for the first leg of their journey, seemed about perfect with all its variety. "Why didn't you use that when we were there?!" he uttered, aghast. "... Anyway! I've got everything I need. Looks like Asakura's on his way to change. Before you go, though..."

Most things had already been addressed for the sake of Konomi's transition. As always however, there were a few additional matters ─ some of which could be addressed right away. "The growth is one thing, but the craving might be another. The way I understand it, it's got a lot to do with what direction you lean in between making and breaking. Either way still results in... well, becoming a total degenerate. By the way, if you let that happen and are looking for a guy, offer's on the table. Just saying~" he added. Kazu's shopping was actually complete by now. It seemed others were wrapping things up as well. Even Yuuya was hesitantly moving toward the changing room, despite his belief that clothes were still unnecessary in his case. "I really don't see the point of this. I have plenty of clothes that fit well enough. . ."

Konomi was learning the of the healthy friendship between these people and while it may not have applied directly to Soma she figured he couldn't be bad at all hanging out with them, regardless of his villainous tactics. She also after trying to push that card back into Miko's hands a couple of times, ended up resigning herself to keeping it, with the idea in mind that she shouldn't actually turn down this girl's kindness. Speaking of, apparently Kazuhiko was upset that she hadn't used this gift card before now, "It only has enough for one person on it. And I ended up not using it my first day because I had a run in with an employee that time and felt the need to assert myself by making sure it was obvious that I was paying for it myself. I hadn't expected to encounter a problem like that while being human. I forgot what that kind of girl could be like," she said with a sigh. "But don't worry, my aunty will appreciate a cute girl buying cute things with it as intended. She got it for me even though she knew I didn't need it either to make me go there," she covered quickly. Ah, Konomi knew exactly the girl she was talking about in that moment, and understood why she'd felt the need to assert herself, she shot her an apologetic look as Kazuhiko went on to explain something else.

He made the claim that she might become some sort of degenerate and offered himself up to her on an odd basis if she found herself in need of him after fixing herself up. She looked at him a bit sheepishly, "I'll remember that... arigatou," she said. No way was Konomi going to admit she'd already been thinking it. Soon after, it was Miko's turn to look at Konomi with slightly upturned lips. Oh well, there was nothing wrong with any of that as she went off to join Soma. "I thought you guys were too formal," Angelica said having heard more thanks in a couple of minutes than she had in her entire life. That same boy's mother was ushering a different young man into get clothes. "Yuu-kun, it's a part of the group dynamic when you have a friend that likes to give... everyone is all together and doing some shopping. And maybe you have some stuff already but there isn't any harm in getting a few other things. Besides, Mi-chan would argue that you don't have to get everything but getting a few things as a treat and as thanks for letting us completely crash your place and way of life isn't a bad idea~" Kaguya mentioned. "Besides, it's healthy to change your style up as you grow and change a bit, right? Consider it a sample," she said as if it was completely logical. She knew of his childhood in a bit more detail than the others, she figured he'd have a hard time accepting the pure kindness of certain individuals, so she'd help him along and maybe help him find his confidence as well.

Apparently, Miko's gift card was only enough for a single person. Kazuhiko still didn't understand why she saved it instead of splitting payments, but... he also didn't have so much money to blow on group shopping trips. "No less weird, but you know what? I live in a different dimension," he claimed with a sigh. As for the reason she didn't use it originally, it seemed about the right kind of impulse for her. "No idea what you're going on about. Honestly, I only grasped girl and cute panties... because that's the kind of guy I've turned into," he said. Many times lately had Kazu acknowledged himself going native. This was just another time he'd have that thought.

Ah, but he was having other thoughts. The visual memory of Konomi's backside hadn't left him, as such things never would. She'd be keeping in mind his offer, but he also had a separate request. "Hai hai. If not though, I've got loads of phone storage now and... I may or may not have been making a collection lately," he added before they went their separate ways. All the while, Yuuya was being all but pushed toward a purchase by Kaguya. She argued the group dynamic and a logic behind his acceptance of a few articles. A reasonable person couldn't argue against her words, though Yuuya believed offering his house to the group was the least he could do. "The house isn't even enough for everyone. It's not something worth paying back," he pleaded. Much like Kazuhiko, he would be reluctantly accepting the offer... despite thinking he'd be paying it back somehow. "If I take any of this, it definitely shouldn't be more than an outfit or two. These are too many," he insisted. So close to the dressing room, Yuuya was heard by Soma. The red-eyed male scoffed internally; that one wasn't going onto his list any time soon. Oh well; he'd busy himself with listening while picking up one of those maroon tops selected by Anya ─ something he'd soon be covering his otherwise bare form whenever he selected a pair of pants.

Miko wouldn't have bothered splitting payments for something so simple. It was just unnecessary work for the staff. Still it was interesting with Kazuhiko claiming to live in a different dimension. "Wait I thought you were both from here," these were the words of Angelica who was lightly confused by this part of the conversation. If one asked her to summarize, she would say, Miko decided to spend her own money for cute things for herself. But all else was pretty much in one ear and out of the other, and it seemed her and Kazuhiko had that in common as the brunette claimed that all he heard was girl and cute panties. "That's pretty much all that was necessary. And we are, that was a commentary about my supposed frivolous spending," Miko said to clear things up for Angelica.

Beyond that, Kazuhiko made a hint to Konomi about maybe getting some pictures of her if she didn't want to accept his offer of himself at some point. That was a rather direct request in the modern age, she might have been skeptical of his desire for it, but she'd witnessed him directly. She wouldn't outright say yes to something like that but she'd at least consider if it she happened to take some pictures from the angle she knew him to like. At the same time, Yuuya was trying to argue against the good he'd done for the group at large, 'Not the issue, it was still all you had. How people like Mi-chan measure kindness is different, she doesn't think about reciprocity, for her it's about effort, " Kaguya mentioned. "Besides, there are intangibles to consider, like the hundreds of years it'd been for Mi-chan since she'd even talked to her parents. You opened the door for that literally," she explained knowing how her friend's heart worked beyond all else. "Maybe I'm being too pushy, but at least you agreed to take something in this case. Pick your favorites and and let me see. I'll help, since us Yuu-people are still sticking together. But know that this isn't going to be one of those things she asked for repayment for, nor would she even accept it~" Kaguya said in a teasing tone, even while speaking absolutely the truth. While she spoke to Yuuya, she noted Konomi headed towards the back, she pointed towards the dressing room her son was in and gave the girl the thumbs up. People having parents younger than her was something she didn't expect to have to get used to until she was a settled adult. Still, Konomi gave a respectful bow before heading towards it. "Still need help, Asakura-kun?" she asked tentatively.

Another interjection from Angelica presented another need to explain casual conversation amongst humans ─ at least an aspect of it. "It's just another saying. Living in different worlds, being on different pages ─ it all just means we don't have the same kinds of experiences. It's nothing so serious," he explained with ease. Kazu didn't think something like that would be the simplest explanation he offered today, but it all felt so normal now. Regardless, there was something else he thought was worth adding. "We better live in the same actual dimension. I'm still not done doing... uh... stuff," Kazu said while scratching his cheek.

More forcefulness was something Yuuya didn't know how to deal with. He hadn't done much of anything, but these people insisted they did. He couldn't even be sure how to feel about it all. He watched Seiichi emerge from a dressing room, clad in dark skinny jeans and a large, white hoodie. He figured that was something he could maybe pull off, albeit without the large hoodie. Since Kaguya wanted to give her input, he reluctantly took a step toward the emptied changing room."I guess it can't be helped," Yuuya said, knowing he wouldn't let go of the thought to repay these kindnesses. Meanwhile, Soma stood nude in his room, hanging several pairs of pants on the wall. The timing was perfect; he had five selections hanging when Konomi spoke from outside. His muscled form seemed to glisten lightly as he turned toward the door just to ensure his groin ─ which was presently gaining stiffness by will alone ─ was on full display in a matter of moments. "Of course. There are so many options, you know?" he said teasingly. "Maybe you'll know what to start with."

Human sayings were odd and indirect. Angelica understood them better than Sakura but some were still a bit beyond her, like acronyms and things like what he'd just said, but apparently it was quite simple. "I see... that does make sense. Don't think I'd use it but... " she let that little statement hang in the air. All the while, Miko couldn't help but chuckle. Ah, but soon her chuckle would be turned to admiring eyes that landed upon Kazuhiko to dance in deviance. "Still on a bender, Charlie. You'll get a different me looking like that♪~" Miko sang happily. Of course, whenever someone was ready to make purchases, she'd find herself waiting near the cash register waiting to swipe for another one. Of course, there was a bit of time left for such a gathering, with the young men in question still trying on clothes and at least one planning something very different.

Apparently the pushy nature of these girls and accepting of the gifts they gave wasn't something which could be helped. "Hai hai, resign yourself to the depths of friendship, Yuu-kun we're in this together~" Kaguya mentioned once more. Of course she felt that way, she understood his sheepishness and knew what her and her friends were like. There was no reason for tallies to be kept among friends and no reason for anyone to not accept anything offered. At least a few of them made offers without expectations. Meanwhile, Soma had expectations and his were very different from anything humans would consider normal. Even no, Konomi was resigning herself to what she figured she was about to walk in on, "Shitsureishimasu..." she muttered finding herself staring at Soma's growing erection directly for the second time in a relatively short time span. Ah, but there were also muscles present on that form that were worth a second look at least. "You know what? I expected this, you didn't even try did you?" she said scoffing lightly. She looked at his choices in clothing and figured he'd likely enjoy the black cargo pants, which would look pretty good combined with that maroon colored a-shirt. "Shirts like that are suddenly very interesting to see," she muttered. "Didn't know they came in that color," she said as well, but after closing the door behind herself she was once again alone with this boy and his erection. 'My life is really over...' she thought absently. Oh well, she was still Japanese, if her new job revolved around becoming an ultimate tier mage, she supposed she should put in the ground work.