After the chaotic mess in the Shibuya shopping district, Sena brought us all back to the VIMS HQ.

  I quickly changed out of the cosplay outfit I'd scrounged from the wardrobe in the dance studio (why were there SO MANY anyway?!) and then flopped onto the couch.

  Sena tossed a can of orange soda over along with a donut. "Here. Take these and chill out a bit, Boss. You look like you need it, haha."

  I easily grabbed both and then shoved the donut in my mouth before grumbling. "It was going fine. But those creeps had to keep escalating..."

  The plan had been to just do a dynamic entrance, shout out some S*ilor Mo*n inspired lines, grab Hanako as back up and then dip.

  But those guys HAD to be proper creeps and force me to use my secret technique...

  [Help: Calling the cops as a secret technique is a bit...]

  What?! It worked, right?

  Cici cracked open a soda and plopped down on the couch next to me, giggling. "You've gotten even more shameless now, Onii-chan~" She smirked and said, "Are you finally embracing your inner cute side?"

  I finished my donut and then took a big swig of my soda. After that, I said, "In this world, it's do or die. And I might as well use what I have, right?"

  ...Well, that and the fact that doing so would reward a proper handsome physique instead of this waaay too feminine one.

  ...Right, Help-chan?

  [Help: Yes! If you complete the quest properly, you will definitely be rewarded with what you want!]

  ...This isn't just another scheme like a certain deceptively cute mascot from a magical girl anime who gave contracts to grant their wishes, right? And then end up cursing them to despair to become raw fuel?

  [Help: *gasp* Never! The System is designed to only help you! It's just... mostly tailored towards female users.]

  Right...

  Celes gently sat beside me and said, "I am happy you are being more heroic, Sen." She leaned against me and let out a content sigh. "It makes me feel even more in love with you."

  I blushed and scratched my cheek. "It isn't anything much, Celes..."

  Celes smiled. But then she paused and said, "But are you truly fine? I remember you being truly discomforted by acting feminine in the past... and you seemed quite out of sorts just earlier..."

  I pumped my fist and said, "A little discomfort goes a long way! I'll change soon! I'm sure of it! I'm still in the prime of my life, so there's room for growth!"

  [Help: There is! And I will help the best I can, Mister Sen!]

  You're the best, Help-chan!

  [Help: *blush*]

  

  Well, then you shouldn't have been so much of a system troll.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  

  True... but you also tried literally messing with my head to make me girly. And I haven't forgotten the system takeover.

  [Help: Yes, Senpai! That went against protocol and human rights! How dare you!]

  

  It is not!

  

  That's because pink is adorable!

  

  I decided to ignore Cici.

  

  Well, maybe I'm supposed to be since I'm your 'Onii-chan' now.

  

  Sure, sure...

  I ignored Cici and looked over at Yui.

  Yui held a jelly donut in her hands, gently nibbling on it. She noticed me looking over and said, "Are you okay, Sen? You were really shaken up earlier..."

  I gave her a thumbs up. "It was all acting! I'm great at it!"

  Yui blinked. "Acting?"

  I nodded. "Yep. Part of playing a girl online is knowing how to act the part."

  

  Only the objective reality of the situation... and why do you keep wanting me to be a girl anyway?!

  

  ...You're completely brainrotted, aren't you...?

  

  I let out an internal sigh.

  Yui blinked, as if still processing what I said. Then after a bit, she slowly nodded and said, "I... see."

  Wait. No you don't. Stop, Yui. Don't give me those judging eyes...!

  Hanako chimed in. "Yes! Sen is amazing! He's a great dancer too!"

  Thanks for the assist, Hanako!

  Yui blinked. "Really?" She tilted her head and said, "I didn't take you for the dancing type, Sen."

  I shook my head and said, "It's not that I'm the dancing type, but more that Hanako is a great teacher..." As I said that, I couldn't help but pull up my skill list.

  ===

  [Skills]

  > Talent Scouting

  > Manager's Eyes

  > Feminine Charm

  > Expert Singing

  > Expert Voice Acting

  > Expert Acting

  > Expert Dancing (NEW!)

  > Advanced Karate

  > Advanced Cardio

  > Yin Yang Physique

  > Ideal Form

  ===

  ...Huh. I forgot how many skills I had. But anyway, had been added to the list after just a few minutes working on dance choreography with Hanako.

  Although the fact that Hanako was literally an undead vengeful spirit brought back to life was creepy as all hell, she was a wonderfully talented and sweet girl.

  I honestly couldn't praise her enough, at least when it came to dancing.

  [Help: That's why Hanako-chan has an EX rating for support! She's perfect!]

  She really is!

  Cici rolled her eyes and chugged her soda. After finishing it, she tossed it into the recycling bin with a perfect arc before turning back to me. "So what now then? Our shopping trip is scrapped and it's Friday afternoon... Don't tell me we're just gonna hang out here all day, Onii-chan?"

  "Well, I personally don't mind doing that..." I hummed, thinking about it.

  Hanako and I had explored the building a bit, but there was still a lot to check out. But while it would be fine for me, Celes, and Cici to stick around, Yui and Hanako had their own lives too...

  I looked towards them and said, "What are your plans? Should we help you guys get home first?"

  Yui shook her head. "I'm fine hanging out." She paused and said, "I forgot to mention, but Uncle is busy sorting out, quote, 'various affairs', unquote." She sighed and said, "If I go home right now, I'll just be alone anyway."

  Oh, right. Yui's uncle was literally supervillain tier, and he was probably pissed off beyond belief that she almost got killed.

  ...Poor souls. I don't envy them.

  Hanako spoke up and said, "I'm living alone right now anyway too. And since I'm not in school, I'm really free!"

  Yui blinked. "You aren't in school, Hanako-chan?"

  Hanako blushed. "I never finished high school, and not that I'm an adult it's a bit too late for that..."

  Yui gasped. "How old are you, Hanako-chan?"

  Hanako-chan's eyes widened in panic and she looked over to me for help.

  ...What the heck are you looking at me for!?

  Wait, no.

  Hanako was technically my responsibility since the system... and I guess that meant I, brought her back to life. So... think brain...

  Ah, got it.

  I shrugged and said, "Hanako is eighteen, Yui. She's not much older than us. But she definitely missed the boat on going back to high school."

  Hanako let out a sigh of relief. But then she flinched and quickly nodded along with the explanation.

  Yui hummed. "I see... got it." She looked at Hanako and sighed. "That must be hard though, Hanako-chan."

  Hanako lowered her head. "It is..."

  I sighed. Problem averted. Now... to sort out the rest of the problems. Like what the heck we were even going to do the rest of the day, let alone the weekend...