Takakai had to admit—he'd underestimated his girlfriends' perceptiveness.
The fact that they'd deduced his secret plans simply from his uncharacteristic restraint during their date was impressive. He'd genuinely thought he could keep this operation under wraps.
Sitting across from the two girls—with an uncomfortable-looking Kaguya between them—Takakai struggled to find the right words.
"So let me get this straight," Maki sighed, her expression complex as she looked between Takakai and Kaguya. "Oba-sama's maid is trapped in a dungeon, so you two planned to sneak into a high-risk area on par with Fujisaki Academy... without telling me or Fujiwara. Is that correct?"
"It was my call. She just asked for help," Takakai replied, checking his phone to confirm they still had time before Kumami's recommended entry window closed.
"I see..." Maki's voice was measured. "Then can you explain why we shouldn't be involved?"
This was no petty argument. Maki's directness made it clear—convincing her to stand down wouldn't be easy. Though she often mocked Kaguya's stubbornness, the two were strikingly similar in this regard.
Chika offered an apologetic smile but remained silent. Unlike Maki, she trusted Takakai's judgment implicitly. She'd come along primarily to mediate and understand his reasoning.
"There are multiple factors," Takakai began calmly. "The dungeon's danger level is extreme, with unpredictable mechanics and severe information contamination. Unlike Fujisaki, external support isn't viable. And while rescue is the priority, you know I have to solve the core remnant to escape—which complicates everything. With my current abilities, managing Kaguya plus one rescuee is feasible. More people would risk compromising the mission."
Maki listened quietly until he finished, then met his gaze.
"So you hid this because I'd hold you back?"
The faint tremor in her voice was barely perceptible.
"...That's part of it, but not the whole picture," Takakai admitted after a pause. "This operation is fundamentally unnecessary and high-risk. Even veteran players avoid discussing ShirasawavElementary's secrets. Honestly, if not for needing Kaguya to identify her friend, I'd be going alone."
"I'm the one who dragged Takakai-kun into this," Kaguya interjected with a bow. "Involving Shijo-san and Fujiwara-san would be irresponsible—"
"We've faced danger before," Maki countered firmly. "If we're building a team, shouldn't we tackle challenges together? The mental link between Kai-kun and me allows faster information processing. Three people increase our odds significantly."
Her argument was logical, not emotional—which ironically made it harder to refute.
Takakai knew Maki would be an asset. Their tacit understanding was unparalleled; she'd been his first partner in the Sacrifice Game.
But this time was different.
Initially, his secrecy stemmed from wanting to avoid arguments. Now, after receiving the Bydos Academy ticket and glimpsing the KP's machinations, his reluctance had solidified into dread.
What if the KP has set a trap in Shirasawa Elementary?
The thought of Maki—his closest bond—entering that space triggered primal alarm bells. Though he lacked concrete evidence, instinct screamed that bringing her could lead to irreversible regret.
Yet voicing this would backfire. Maki's stubbornness would only intensify. He needed an alternative rationale.
Seeming to sense the impasse, Chika stood and gently guided Kaguya out of the parlor, leaving the couple to talk privately.
Alone, Takakai's mind circled back to the entity that delivered the ticket—the thing his blessings warned would kill on sight. The KP's "gifts" always arrived through plausible means. So why send an actively hostile courier?
Is this a probe from that shadowy player behind the Onna-men Group? The one using low-level test subjects?
"We're running out of time," Maki said, rising. "Oba-sama keeps emergency supplies here. I can be ready in two minutes—"
Takakai stood abruptly, gripping her shoulders.
"No. This time, you can't come."
His violet eyes burned into hers with rare intensity.
"After we enter, trouble will follow. If you're not here to intercept it, the next targets could be our families. Right now, you and Chika are the only ones I trust to handle this."