Idol Daughter's Dimensional Group Chat

The lab was spotless and bright, lit by overhead lights. Steel counters lined the walls, holding neatly arranged tools and labeled jars. Shelves stretched high, filled with vials of colorful liquids. The air was cool, carrying a faint chemical scent. Machines hummed softly, their cables snaking across the floor.

Monitors glowed on the walls, scrolling streams of data. Despite the clean order, scattered test tubes and spilled powders hinted at recent work.

Despite the lab's appearance, just a few feet away stood a cluster of wooden furniture and cozy sofas, accompanied by kitchen utilities. The warm, homey setup contrasted starkly with the cold, sterile atmosphere of the lab, creating a space that felt entirely out of place.

Two identical figures were in the room. One lounged on the leather sofa, relaxed. The other sat on a steel table, surrounded by remnants of his experiments.

"Looks like she's getting the hang of it," the boy, no older than 13, muttered, eyes fixed on a floating screen like Ame's. He swiped it away, dismissing the holographic window, and returned to his work.

"You said she was a guy before, right?" he continued. "I thought there'd be issues with her gender change after the reincarnation, but she's handling it better than expected. What a shame, huh? You seemed to enjoy her reactions."

The boy on the sofa straightened up, a calm smile on his face. Despite sharing the same features as the one in the lab coat, his smile was simple, lacking the arrogance of his twin. "I'm not that upset," he answered.

The boy in the lab coat raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp. "Why do I have to meet her again? Even if we look the same, you said it yourself—I'm not you. I'm just a clone, not the original. Isn't that right, Yuuki Kagurazaka?"

His words lingered in the quiet lab.

"Don't say that," the other replied, a faint smile curling his lips. "A part of you is still me. Even if you deny being me, you're still living the life I gave you, aren't you? I even brought back your family. They still know you as 'Yuuki Kagurazaka,' don't they?"

"...You're not wrong," the boy muttered, his gaze dropping.

"Exactly. That's why I reincarnated him with a family he couldn't bear to leave. If I'd just handed him a new life, he might have ended it again, believing nothing else mattered."

"..."

"..."

The younger boy tilted his head, raising an eyebrow with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance. Breaking the silence, he asked, "By the way... why did you talk like that when you met him?"

"Hm? You mean like this: 'Kufufufu~ So, HuMaN, WhAt Is iT ThAt YoU dEsIrE WiTh ThOsE MuRkY EyEs~~✨'?" Yuuki mimicked with exaggerated flair, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"...Yes."

"Obviously! If I said those things normally, he'd think I was joking, wouldn't he? Besides! I only imitate that demon subordinate of Rimuru, it works perfectly like a charm!"

"Sure... but seriously, why did you reincarnate him with a different gender?"

Yuuki Kagurazaka froze for a moment, his previously somber expression melting away. A mischievous grin spread across his face, his eyes sparkling with playful energy.

"✨🌸Because I thought it would be interesting~~✨🌸"

The younger boy's face twisted into pure disgust. "Must be tough for her, having you as a friend. If you were my friend, I'd have killed you by now."

"Ah~? Too late for that! I'm already your friend! Aha-hahahaha!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself,"

The older twin stood up, brushing off the exchange with a light chuckle. He strolled to the lab's entrance, his expression shifting to one of quiet determination. "I'll be out for a while. It's time you reveal yourself."

"...And what about Shun? He's been trying to reclaim the system he gave that Amethyst kid. Are you going to deal with him?"

"Don't say it like that." Yuuki paused, his hand on the doorknob. "I've been the one interfering with his plans—or rather, our plans are overlapping when it comes to reviving our dear friend. That's all. And... he's my friend too."

"Even though he might kill you someday?"

"Yes. And if you meet him, don't call him by that name. He prefers his Korean name, at least from those he isn't close to."

With that, Yuuki opened the door and left, his figure disappearing into the hallway.

The boy in the lab coat sighed, his eyes lingering on the empty doorway. "He could've regressed and then rejoined the group chat, but no. He keeps insisting it's almost time for me to become an admin and won't stop pushing me to befriend that Amethyst kid..."

Shaking his head, he muttered under his breath, "I really can't figure out what's going on in that guy's head."

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--- Amethyst Hoshino's PO ---

[It pains me as well being mistrusted you know? Especially by a friend who won't even remember me.]

Well, you're not wrong that I don't remember you. First of all, I'm friendless.

[Damn straight.]

[That being said, you might want to look straight. The woman in front of you has been looking at for quite a while now.]

"Huh?" I glanced away from the screen and saw a woman in her 30s, her glasses reflecting the light as she looked at me. Her long black hair was tied in a bun, and her eyes held a curious gaze.

When I met her eyes, her expression shifted to surprise, but she quickly relaxed and approached with a friendly smile.

"Hi, can I ask you a few questions?" she asked softly, aware we were in a library.

I immediately activated my magic sense.

Translation: 'Maybe she was just picking hard books to stand out. But then again, if that was the case, why only medical textbooks? I suppose just because my son is a genius doesn't mean everyone I meet is one.'

This smell is familiar, is she what I think she is, Great sage-sensei?

«Report: Analyzed data indicates the individual's occupation as "Researcher."»

Hmm, close enough. Her dry hands and the faint smell of chlorine hinted at frequent lab work. The slight slouch in her posture sealed the guess.

"Why would a researcher like you want to talk to me?" I asked, curious.

"Ah, yes, um... little girl," she stammered, glancing at the book in my hands. "You've picked up quite a challenging read there—haven't you?"

Translation: I haven't even introduced myself yet, have I?

"How do you know I'm—?" I began, but her eyes betrayed her excitement. She seemed surprised, but not in the way you'd expect. It felt like she'd had this conversation before—like she was reliving something familiar.

Translation: Ah, this is it! There's no doubt now. This feels just like talking to my own son. She must be a prodigy too.

Instead of answering her directly, I raised an eyebrow, waiting. It was clear she expected me to explain how I knew she was a researcher. But I didn't.

"Can you please tell me? How do you know?" she asked.

Translation: First, I'll interview her. Then, I'll meet her guardians. That should be the next step.

"Why? You can continue with your first question..."

"Oh don't be like that. It's going to be quick."

Translation: And finally, I'll get her into the academy.

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To be continued.