Chapter 86: Actions of Amagi Ryuto (Part 1)

"Oh, isn't this the first edition of War World? The one that was recalled a week after its release due to its excessively violent content, and its subsequent versions disappeared because they were too bland. Ah, and this one, it should be from that certain series, known for its controversial storyline that was considered overly melodramatic. I can't believe they even have this, yes...!" Ryuto exclaimed as he discovered the treasure.

Indeed, where Ryuto currently stood was the legendary gathering place of ACG treasures – the second-hand video game store. The second-hand store could be considered as a treasure trove for anything, where you could find precious items that were already out of print. Being the god of ACG, Ryuto understood this very well. That's why he would make a trip here every once in a while, and today was that day.

"Every time Ryuto-sama sees this, he always looks so happy, although I don't really understand it. Hehe..." Hiyori said, standing by his side, looking around.

"Oh, this one, and this one. They're all good stuff. It seems like I'll be busy tonight. It's really a headache... Oh? What's in this box, boss?" After hearing Ryuto's words, a middle-aged man who was the store owner walked over.

"Oh, this? These are some very old things. I recently cleaned them up and was planning to dispose of them when I find the time. Of course, if there's anything you're interested in, you can buy it. After all, it's always good to have one less thing to get rid of," the boss explained.

"Well, thank you very much, boss." Ryuto thanked him and continued his treasure hunting journey.

"These are some quite unfamiliar and historically significant things. This one, and this one, I've never seen them before, sigh...?" Perhaps feeling a little strange about Ryuto's reaction, Hiyori asked him, "Ryuto-sama, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Ryuto denied it, causing Hiyori to look away. Ryuto looked at something in his hand, his face displaying a solemn expression.

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The scene switches to the First General Hospital in Kanagawa City.

In the lobby of the hospital...

"Miss Seto, you're a bit late today!"

"Well, something came up."

After giving a brief answer to the nurse's question that wasn't really a question, Seto Saori walked straight past the reception desk and headed inside.

Her destination was room 305. After parting ways with her classmates, Seto Saori came directly to the hospital. It was her routine every day, after all. Although a few things had happened in the past couple of days, she couldn't just not come.

With this in mind, she quickly arrived at the door of room 305. However, no matter how she felt, her emotions were still complicated.

After hesitating for a while, she finally pushed open the door as usual.

The atmosphere was just like yesterday – somber. Seto Hokawa, her mother, was sitting on the bed, looking at her with the same serious expression. How should she start the conversation? After all, she used to work in a not-so-good place.

Well, for now, she just sat down, following the usual routine.

Seto Hokawa finally spoke when he hesitated.

"Well, the school called this afternoon and said that the theft was just a misunderstanding."

"Really?"

"Furthermore... I want to say 'thank you' first."

"Huh?"

Seto Saki was very surprised by her mother's response.

"I really like the music box that Saki bought, and I will cherish it. I believe your father would be happy too, after all, this music box is just like the one he gave me back then."

"Huh...?"

Seto Saki was still astonished, as it was different from what she expected.

"Also, I won't ask where you got the money to buy the music box."

"Why?"

This should be the most surprising thing for Seto Saki.

"Because I trust my child. Even if you did have it, I believe you obtained it through your own efforts, and there is no need to question that."

"Huh? Mom, what's wrong with you today?"

Saki couldn't help but wonder about her mother's unusual reaction.

"Is that so? Is it strange? Maybe it seems a little unnatural to trust too much, but it's understandable, especially after being told that way by that child..."

"?"

This answer confused Seto Saki even more, while Seto Hokawa slowly started to remember what happened yesterday.