Rising through the Omniverse as a Herrscher

Chapter 21: Chapter 21



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Meanwhile, at Masachika's house, the quiet atmosphere was briefly disturbed as Yuki and Ayano began to stir from their slumber. Their breathing, slow and steady, gradually quickened as consciousness returned to them.

A faint rustling of sheets accompanied Yuki's small movements as she shifted under the blanket. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing hazy eyes still clouded with the remnants of sleep. She blinked a few times before taking in the familiar ceiling above her.

"Where… is this… my room?" she murmured, her voice hoarse from sleep.

Pushing herself up into a sitting position, she groggily scanned her surroundings. The sight of her room confirmed her suspicions—anime figurines neatly lined the shelves, posters of her favorite series adorned the walls, and even the stickers on her desk remained exactly as she had left them.

She let out a relieved sigh.

'Yeah, definitely my room.'

Her gaze then shifted to the side, where she noticed Ayano also beginning to stir. The girl's soft breaths turned into a light mumble as she, too, started to wake.

"Yuki-sama…" Ayano's voice was quiet yet filled with warmth as her eyes slowly opened.

Yuki tilted her head slightly. "Ayano…?"

Ayano blinked a few times before fully registering where she was. Sitting up, she turned toward Yuki with a calm expression, though a faint trace of drowsiness still lingered.

"It seems we fell asleep for quite a while," Ayano remarked, adjusting her position.

Yuki stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small yawn. "Yeah… how long have we been out?"

Ayano glanced at the clock on the bedside table before answering, "It's already night."

Yuki blinked in surprise. "Seriously? We slept that long?"

Ayano gave a small nod. "It appears so."

"I see… Well, I guess it's understandable, considering what we went through in Hell," Yuki muttered, her voice laced with exhaustion.

As the words left her lips, a shiver ran down her spine. Her mind drifted back to the horrors they had endured—the suffocating heat, the relentless waves of monstrous entities, the unending battles that tested both their strength and sanity. Even now, she could almost hear the distorted screams echoing in her ears, feel the overwhelming pressure that threatened to crush them at every turn.

Ayano, sitting beside her, fell silent. She, too, was remembering. Her normally calm expression darkened slightly as flashes of that hellish battlefield surfaced in her mind—bloodstained ground, unholy creatures clawing their way toward them, and the sheer desperation of fighting against forces that should not exist.

"…Yes," Ayano finally murmured, her voice quieter than usual. "That place… it was beyond what words can describe."

Yuki let out a tired sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah. I thought I was prepared for anything, but that? That was something else."

For a brief moment, the room fell into an eerie silence, as if the weight of their memories had seeped into the very air around them. Neither of them spoke, lost in their own thoughts.

Then, Yuki suddenly shook her head and slapped her cheeks lightly. "Alright, enough of that. No point in dwelling on it now. We're back, we survived, and I'd rather not let those memories ruin my night."

Ayano blinked, then offered a small, understanding smile. "You're right, Yuki-sama. We should focus on the present."

Yuki grinned. "That's more like it. Now, let's get something to eat. I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Ayano chuckled softly. "I'll prepare something for you, then."

With that, the heavy atmosphere slowly lifted as they turned their focus back to the present. Stepping out of the room, Yuki stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small sigh, while Ayano followed closely behind her.

However, before they could take another step, a familiar voice greeted them.

"Oh, Yuki-sama, Ayano-sama. You're both awake."

The two turned to see Belfast standing gracefully in the hallway, her usual composed demeanor intact. She carried herself with the elegance befitting a head maid, her sharp eyes observing them with a hint of concern.

"Belfast." Yuki gave a small nod. "Yes, we're awake." She glanced around the house, scanning for a certain someone. "Where is Brother?"

Belfast, ever attentive, immediately answered. "Ah, Masachika-sama is currently out at the moment. He went to buy some groceries."

"I see," Yuki muttered, her expression shifting slightly.

Without another word, she made her way toward the living room and plopped down onto the sofa with a small huff. The exhaustion from earlier still lingered in her body, but it was more from mental fatigue than anything else.

Ayano, as always, remained standing by her side, though she did relax her posture slightly. Belfast, noticing this, gave a slight bow before disappearing into the kitchen for a moment. When she returned, she carried a tray with an elegantly prepared tea set, setting it down in front of them.

"Please, help yourself, Yuki-sama. And you as well, Ayano-sama," Belfast said gently as she poured the tea into the delicate porcelain cups.

Yuki took a moment to admire the calming aroma of the tea before lifting her cup, blowing lightly on the steaming liquid. She took a careful sip, letting the warmth spread through her, and her body starting to calm down from the tension.

"…As expected from you, Belfast," Yuki murmured, placing the cup down with a satisfied expression. "Your tea is as amazing as ever."

Belfast gave a small smile, bowing her head slightly. "It is my duty and pleasure to serve."

Ayano took her own cup, sipping quietly, her eyes briefly flickering toward Yuki, who seemed deep in thought.

After a moment of silence, Yuki spoke up again, her fingers idly tapping against the cup.

"…Did he say when he'd be back?"

Belfast shook her head. "He did not specify, but I assume he will return shortly. It should not take long."

Yuki hummed in response, leaning back against the sofa. "I see…"

As they sat in peaceful silence, sipping their tea, the soft sound of the clock ticking filled the room. The weight of their earlier experiences still lingered at the back of their minds, but for now, they allowed themselves this brief moment of rest.

After a few moments, Masachika heard a familiar voice echo through the house.

"I'm back!"

"Ah, Brother! You're back!"

Masachika smiled at the sound, following the voice into the living room. He found Yuki and Ayano already up, sitting on the couch, looking much better than when he'd left them.

"Oh, Yuki, you're awake," he said with a small grin. "And Ayano too. How are the two of you feeling?"

He took a seat nearby, his tone filled with genuine concern. He knew that after what they'd been through in Hell, it must have been a rough experience. The weight of their recent actions was evident on their faces, but he hoped they were doing alright.

Yuki stretched slightly, the remnants of exhaustion still visible in her eyes. "We're fine, Brother. Just... a little shaken, I guess."

Ayano, on the other hand, gave a soft nod. "It was... a lot. But we're alright now Masachika-sama."

Masachika looked at them, his expression softening. "I see, If you're still shaken up from everything, come here," he offered. "I can use the Authority of Consciousness to calm you down, or if it's too much, I can erase that memories entirely."

He understood how overwhelming it could be. Even in his previous life, when he was sent to the battlefield, the weight of the violence and the constant need to survive had left a deep mark on him. The thought of having to kill to survive, knowing that if he hesitated for even a moment, his life would be the price—he knew that kind of burden.

Yuki and Ayano exchanged glances, both seeming to contemplate the offer. It wasn't easy to let go of the things they'd experienced, but Masachika could sense their struggle. He wasn't forcing them into anything—he just wanted them to know that they had the option to find peace, even if only for a while.

"You don't have to make a decision now," Masachika continued, his voice calm and steady. "Take your time. I'll be here whenever you're ready."

Yuki shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, it's fine, brother. This feeling... It will be useful for me when I grow up and take the role as the head of the Suou family," she said, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination.

Ayano, nodding beside her, added, "Me too. It will be useful in the future."

Masachika looked at them, his smile gentle but filled with understanding. "Alright, I understand. But remember, if it gets too difficult for you, don't hesitate to come and find me, okay?" His voice was warm, reassuring them that they didn't have to carry their burdens alone.

Both Yuki and Ayano nodded in agreement, their resolve firm but accompanied by the quiet acknowledgment of the challenges ahead. "Un," they both responded in unison.

"Well then," Masachika said, standing up from his seat and go to the Kitchen. "Since you two are awake now, how about I make something for you? I think a little food might help."

With that, he began pulling out the groceries he had picked up earlier, preparing to cook something for them. The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, the tension easing as the siblings looked forward to a brief moment of comfort amidst the storm of their thoughts.

"Ooooh, you can cook, brother?" Yuki asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. The tense atmosphere from before faded away, replaced by a sense of normalcy as the conversation shifted.

Masachika chuckled, rolling up his sleeves. "Of course I can cook. In my previous life, I worked in a high-end restaurant, so I'd say I'm pretty decent at it." His tone was casual, but there was a quiet confidence behind his words.

Yuki and Ayano, who overheard this, were both taken aback. While they knew about his memories from his previous life, the fact that he also worked for a High-End Restaurant was nothing short of impressive.

As he tied an apron around his waist, Belfast smoothly stepped in, already assisting by preparing the vegetables and meat. Her movements were precise, efficient, as if she had done this countless times before.

"Shall I handle the cutting, Master?" she asked, glancing at Masachika.

He nodded. "Yeah, that would help. I'll handle the seasoning and cooking."

Yuki and Ayano watched with interest, their earlier worries momentarily set aside as they observed the seamless teamwork between Masachika and Belfast. The rhythmic chopping of the knife and the sizzle of ingredients hitting the pan filled the air, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to the room.

After a few minutes of cooking, Masachika and Belfast finished preparing the meal and set the dishes on the dining table. The aroma filled the room, making Yuki and Ayano's stomachs growl in anticipation. However, what caught their attention the most was the fact that the food was literally shining. A soft, almost ethereal glow surrounded each dish, making them look like something straight out of a fantasy feast.

"Wow! This is amazing, brother! Belfast! The food is actually shining on its own!" Yuki exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Ayano nodded, equally astonished. "It looks… unreal. Almost like something from a high-level magic dish, Masachika-sama."

Masachika, on the other hand, just stared at the glowing food with a blank expression before sighing. "Anime logic… That's the only explanation."

Belfast, as composed as ever, simply placed her hands together with a small smile. "I only followed the proper techniques, Master. If the results are extraordinary, then it must be due to your skill."

"Huh… really?" Masachika muttered in disbelief. No matter how much effort he had put into cooking in his previous life, not once had his food glowed like this. Even in the most high-end restaurants he had worked at, the best dishes were judged by taste, aroma, and presentation—none of them ever shined like something out of cooking manga.

"Well, enough talking! Let's dig in on this bad boy, alright?" Yuki declared enthusiastically, already grabbing her utensils with sparkling eyes.

Ayano, ever composed, silently picked up her own utensils as well. The contrast between the two made Masachika and Belfast exchange amused glances before shaking their heads with a small chuckle.

With everyone ready, they clasped their hands together.

"Thanks for the food!" They said in unison.

Just as the four of them were about to eat, a sudden knock echoed from the front door.

"Hm? Who could that be at this hour?" Masachika muttered, glancing toward the entrance.

"You three go ahead and eat first. I'll check who it is," he said, standing up.

Yuki and Ayano, without hesitation, began eating the dinner that Masachika and Belfast had prepared. However, the moment they took their first bite, they suddenly froze in place, eyes wide in shock.

Meanwhile, Masachika made his way to the door, adjusting his posture slightly before unlocking it.

"Hold on a sec," he called out as he turned the knob and pulled the door open.

Standing outside was Mei, her usual composed expression slightly tense. The dim glow from the hallway lights reflected in her eyes as she looked up at him.

Masachika raised an eyebrow. "Mei-san? What's wrong?"

Mei stood at the doorstep, her usual calm demeanor present, yet there was a subtle hesitation in her posture. "I want to talk with you."

Masachika leaned against the doorframe. "Oh? Then what is it?"

"It's about this afternoon you see."

He immediately understood. A small smirk formed on his lips as he crossed his arms. "Ah, is it about Salted Tuna?"

Mei blinked in surprise before letting out a small chuckle, covering her mouth with the back of her hand at the nickname Masachika had given her.

"Fufu, yes," she said with a gentle smile. "But seriously, I'm sorry about Kiana's behavior this afternoon. She can be a bit much at times."

She bowed her head slightly, apologizing on Kiana's behalf.

Masachika waved a hand dismissively. "I see. About that, you don't need to worry. It's already expected from her personality to be like that, so it's fine." His lips curled into a mischievous grin. "What's more, I already got my payment this afternoon."

Mei tilted her head. "Payment?"

Masachika smirked. "Yeah. Watching her get frustrated while we were playing was satisfying enough. You could say it was my reward."

Mei sighed, shaking her head with an amused smile. "You really have a bad personality sometimes, Masachika-kun."

"Maybe," he admitted with a shrug, "but you can't deny it's entertaining."

Mei chuckled again, noticing the playful glint in his eyes. "Well, as long as it doesn't go too far."

"No promises," Masachika replied casually, making Mei sigh again.

"Honestly…" Mei muttered, shaking her head with a small sigh. Then, she glanced toward her house, her expression softening. "Well, I guess that's all I wanted to say for now. I just didn't want you to think Kiana meant any harm. She's just… well, Kiana."

Masachika chuckled, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I know. She's like an overgrown cat with too much energy and no self-awareness."

Mei giggled at the comparison, a faint smile playing on her lips. "That's one way to put it."

For a moment, a comfortable silence passed between them before Mei straightened up. "Anyway, I won't keep you any longer. See you later, Masachika."

"Un, see you later, Mei."

Mei gave him a small wave before turning toward her house. With a graceful motion, she opened the door, stepping inside. The soft click of the door closing echoed in the quiet night air, leaving Masachika standing at the entrance for a brief moment.

Turning back, he walked toward the dining room, where the faint clinking of utensils echoed. As he stepped inside, he immediately noticed something unusual—Yuki and Ayano were sitting frozen, their chopsticks halted mid-air, their eyes wide in shock.

"…What's with those faces?" Masachika asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yuki was the first to move, slowly turning her head toward him. "B-Brother… what is this food?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Masachika blinked. "Uh… food?"

Ayano swallowed hard, staring at the glowing dish in front of her. "No… this isn't just food, Masachika-sama. This… this is divine."

Yuki nodded rapidly, tears welling in her eyes. "It's… it's too good! My tongue is experiencing enlightenment!"

Masachika's lips twitched. "Oi, you're exaggerating."

"No, we're not!" Yuki and Ayano shouted in unison before quickly stuffing more food into their mouths.

"Whoa, calm down you two, or you'll choke, you know," Masachika said, trying to rein in their excitement as he took his seat.

Yuki and Ayano, too excited to listen, continued eating at a pace that could only be described as frantic. Their eyes were practically sparkling, but they did pause momentarily to shoot Masachika an apologetic look.

Masachika, finally able to dig into his own meal, took a bite. As the flavors hit his tongue, he had to admit—it was delicious, maybe even better than he expected. Yet, despite the praise-worthy taste, something about it still felt slightly off. There was a flavor, a note, that he couldn't quite place, as if the dish wasn't complete.

"Huh…" Masachika muttered, tapping his fingers on the edge of the table as he chewed thoughtfully. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something missing…"

Belfast, ever observant, looked at him curiously. "What do you think is missing, Master?"

Masachika paused for a moment, then sighed. "I'm not sure. Maybe it's the seasoning… or something in the balance of flavors. It's almost there, but not perfect."

"Huh? Seriously, Brother?" Yuki leaned forward, narrowing her eyes as she zeroed in on him, clearly baffled by his words. "Even though it's already divine, you still think it's lacking something?"

Ayano, standing beside her, remained silent but fixed her gaze on him as well, her curiosity evident. She, too, was waiting for an explanation.

"Y-Yeah, it's just missing something, you know," Masachika replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable." Yuki sighed dramatically, slumping back into her chair as if Masachika's perfectionism had drained her energy.

Ayano nodded in agreement. "I don't know what else to say Masachika-sama. This is already the best meal I've ever had."

Masachika could only chuckle at their reactions. Maybe he was being too particular, but to him, cooking—like everything else—was about striving for improvement, no matter how good something already was.

After a few minutes of dinner, the four of them could be seen sitting around the dining table, completely satisfied yet exhausted from the feast.

"Phew… That was a divine dining experience, Brother," Yuki sighed happily, leaning back in her chair as she rubbed her stomach, clearly having eaten more than she intended.

"Un, thank you for the dinner, Masachika-sama," Ayano added softly, lowering her head slightly in gratitude.

waved his hand dismissively. "No need to be so formal. As long as you two enjoyed it, that's all that matters."

Yuki leaned back in her chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Still, I don't think I can move for a while… I ate way too much. It was just too good to stop."

Ayano nodded slightly, "un, just like what Yuki-sama said, it is way too delicious."

Masachika chuckled, glancing at the empty plates stacked on the table. "Well, I'm glad you liked it, but next time, pace yourselves. Otherwise, you'll end up falling asleep at the table. Though, considering how long you both slept today, I doubt that'll be an issue."

Yuki stretched her arms above her head, her energy practically radiating off her. "Yeah, I feel super awake right now! There's no way I'm falling asleep anytime soon."

Ayano, though not as outwardly energetic as Yuki, gave a small nod. "I suppose I do feel more awake than usual… though I don't think I'm as restless as Yuki-sama."

"I see. Then I'll tell you to watch the house once I'm done cleaning the dishes," Masachika said as he rolled up his sleeves and began scrubbing the plates. The sound of running water and clinking dishes filled the kitchen.

Yuki, lounging nearby, perked up at his words. "Where are you going?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

"I want to have another spar with Belfast on the moon," Masachika replied casually, rinsing off a plate and setting it aside.

"Hee~," Yuki hummed, intrigued. A playful glint flashed in her eyes as she leaned forward slightly. "Then, is it okay if I come and watch?"

Masachika paused for a moment, already knowing exactly why she wanted to come. Without missing a beat, he firmly replied, "No."

"Ehhh? Why?" Yuki pouted, frowning at his immediate rejection.

Masachika sighed, shaking his head. "Because you'll just laugh every time I get beaten by Belfast, right?"

At that, Yuki's eyes darted to the manga she had brought, using Honkai Energy to make it levitate toward her. Without missing a beat, she grabbed it midair and casually flipped through the pages, all while whistling innocently, pretending as if she hadn't heard Masachika's words.

Her expression, however, completely gave her away. Guilt was written all over her face, yet she made no effort to deny his accusation.

Masachika narrowed his eyes at her, unimpressed. "…See? This is exactly why."

Yuki simply kept up her act, whistling the same off-key tune as she lazily reached for a rice cracker, taking a slow bite as if that would somehow erase the conversation.

Masachika sighed in defeat, shaking his head before returning to scrubbing the dirty plates. At this point, there was no use arguing with her antics.

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this will be the third Chapter of the Day, and also tell me if it's good in the comment, and also should i speed up the pace or not in the next next chapter?

that's probably it from what i want to say and as always thank you for reading my Fanfic 

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