THE NEXT DAY – BLUEFIELDS CENTRAL STREET
7:30 AM
After a short but sufficient night, the group left the old warehouse before dawn. The air was still thick with urban fog, and the alleys still smelled of rust, steam, and the occasional animal that definitely didn't pay rent.
With silent steps and impeccable coordination, the Maidens guided Edward through hidden routes, avoiding any magical detectors or patrolling drones. Halfway there, a group of thugs tried to intercept them: one with a chain, another with a broken smile, and the third... without many brain cells.
They lasted exactly fifteen seconds.
Ikariel disoriented them all with a series of resounding slaps that, from the sound of them, should have been punishable by law. One of the assailants even shouted "My dignity!" before kissing the pavement.
Yukino, for her part, didn't bother to speak. He simply reached out and froze two more of them like decorative figures for a magical ice cream parlor.
Edward, still half asleep, only managed to murmur:
Edward: Not even coffee will wake me up more than this…
Finally, after crossing a semi-empty area of low-rise buildings and closed shops, they reached the heart of the district: Bluefields Central Street. A wide-open space with floating billboards, advertising screens, and early-morning pedestrians who weren't paying much attention to last night's chaos... At least not yet.
Now safely in the crowd, the group stopped next to a corner cafe with a red awning and creaking metal chairs.
Lena (looking around): Well... before we continue looking for a quiet spot, I propose a higher priority.
Sena: A tactical map?
Yukino: A place to hide from the officers?
Lena: No. Coffee. I need caffeine, or someone's going to end up slammed into a wall.
Ikariel (analyzing the menu with her eyes shining): Coffee detected. Roast level: acceptable. Risk of food poisoning: low. I recommend an entree.
Edward: Does this count as a breakfast of champions or a last wish?
Lena: Depends. If they don't serve me coffee with sugar, it might be the latter.
The group entered the café without further delay.
…
…
INTERIOR – MAID CAFE "LADY GEAR"
As soon as they walked through the door, Edward felt like they had entered an alternate dimension where fetish, luxury, and elegance celebrated together.
Floating chandeliers cast soft lights on walls decorated with magical engravings and portraits of ancient warriors in exaggeratedly seductive poses. The columns were adorned with spinning gears, and the air smelled of freshly ground coffee, cinnamon, and a faint hint of vanilla perfume.
But none of that mattered when he saw the Maids.
Tight uniforms, plunging necklines, short skirts that barely survived gravity. Heels, fishnet stockings, cat tails… and smiles that could give you heart attacks.
Edward (wide-eyed): …Holy mother of fetishes… this is Eden with air conditioning.
A maid walked past him, leaning over to pour a customer a glass of non-alcoholic wine. Her cleavage glistened with perfect sweat and a hairspray sheen.
Edward (thinking): I'm pretty sure I just fell in love… three times. With her, the corset… and gravity. Where in my entire life can I find this blessed place?!
Lena pushed him by the shoulder without looking.
Lena: Shut your mouth, you creep. You're going to hyperventilate.
Edward (laughing): I can't help it, this is like entering the wet dream of a millionaire otaku with self-control issues.
Ikariel: Detecting signs of increased blood pressure, heart rate, and emotional instability. Do you want medical help or... a glass of cold water?
Edward: And will a bucket of ice on your head help?
Yukino: Or self-control surgery.
Sena (looking for a comfortable spot to sit in a corner as she spoke): That's why I chose it. Nobody asks questions here. They're used to seeing guys with traumatized faces. You, Edward, look like you've just stepped out of intensive care.
Edward: Thank you. I'm trying hard to look like a functioning wreck.
A silver-haired, bespectacled maid elegantly lowered a tray onto a nearby table. Her dress looked like it was designed by someone with taste... and a hormonal crisis.
Edward (glancing sideways): …That lace should be illegal in six legal systems. And in my country, they'd probably fine it for provoking impure thoughts.
A maid with a double hairstyle and a thigh-high dress stopped near them.
Maid: Welcome to Lady Gear. Table for five? Or do you want a more... intimate space?
Edward (nervous and choking on his own saliva): …
Edward was going to answer this beautiful maid about that intimate part, until a certain maid had to answer for him.
Lena: Table in the back, and no weird games.
Maid: Oh, of course... as you wish, beautiful lady of the cuffs.
The maid had to leave to serve the other customers.
Lena: It's a miracle your nose isn't bleeding yet, you pervert.
They walked to the back of the room, where a quieter corner offered them privacy and a panoramic view of the beauty pageant. As they sat down, a firm female voice, with a murderous, joking tone, was heard from the bar.
???: Sena Kurogane! So you're coming back to my cafe without a reservation?
Edward turned toward the voice. A female figure was approaching with confident strides. Her blue-black hair was tied in a high ponytail. She wore the same maid uniform, but modified: a corset with decorative plates, reinforced gloves, and a short, shoulder-length cape with a cross-thorns insignia. There was something authoritative about her bearing, as if she could scold you and hug you at the same time.
Edward: Do you know her?
Sena (greeting her with a friendly smile): Her name is Vera. Maid of Shadows. Now she runs this place with an iron fist... and her whip hidden under her skirt.
Edward (raising an eyebrow): Was that a metaphor or a warning with a true story?
Lena (laughing): With Vera, everything is literal and dangerous.
Vera approached. Her presence was imposing. Dark hair tied in a high ponytail, eyes like glowing daggers, and her uniform had metallic details that made one suspect she had weapons hidden in the lace.
Vera: And you're the Summoner, huh? I was expecting something more... imposing. But hey, at least you're not dead.
Edward (looking at her with respect and fear): Still. But give me time, I've almost been killed like five times in less than 24 hours. Does that count as an achievement unlocked?
Vera: Count as a lucky idiot. What are you going to have?
Yukino: Iced tea. No ice. Same as always.
Sena: Coffee with a reality check.
Ikariel: Energy shake. Low in sugar. High in amino acids.
Lena: Bring me the strongest drink you have. And if you can, with magic alcohol included.
Edward: Do you have anything that will wake me up without killing me? Like a "resurrection latte"?
Vera: I have one called "The Last Coffee." It wakes you up... or drags you into the afterlife in your imagination.
Edward: Perfect. With double the sugar, in case I die.
Vera (winking): Right away, "champ."
She walked away with firm steps and a bounce that Edward preferred not to describe out loud.
Edward (shortly): Do these people train in secret gyms or do they build them in waifu labs?
Ikariel: Optimal genetics. Uniforms strategically designed to cause cognitive dissonance and tactical distraction.
Edward: …I love this planet.
Lena (leaning back with a smile): Enjoy it while it lasts, Romeo. Because as soon as we get out of here... the fun starts all over again.
…
…
MINUTES LATER
The trays arrived with the perfect rhythm of a studied choreography. Vera led the way, elegant as a queen in her own castle, followed by Melya, whose mere presence made the coffee shake... and Edward's pulse flutter.
Vera: (placing the cups one by one) Iced tea without ice for the princess of the North Pole.
Yukino: (taking the cup without looking up) Thank you.
Vera: Coffee with a punch of reality, fresh from the existential oven for the samurai.
Sena: (nodding with a half-smile) Just what I needed.
Vera: Energy smoothie, low in sugar, high in amino acids for our winged CPU lady.
Ikariel: Harvesting. Thank you, Miss Vera.
Vera: And finally, the liquid atomic bomb with magic alcohol for the bone-breaking blonde.
Lena: (immediately taking the cup) I'd love you if you weren't so intimidating.
Vera: Too late, doll. You already have me in your heart.
Melya: (smiling sweetly as she places Edward's cup) Here you go, sweetheart. "The Last Coffee," double the sugar, triple the luck... and a little spell to prevent nightmares.
Edward: (reverently taking the cup) If I die after this... it will be with a smile and caffeine in my soul.
His eyes, however, weren't on the cup... but on Melya's voluminous figure. Her corset barely contained her bust, her ample hips swayed with a dangerous cadence, and each step made the small bell around her neck jingle mischievously.
Edward (thinking): "Is this coffee... or paradise in disguise? Is that maid legit? Where do I sign to be kidnapped by her?"
Melya leaned toward him, giving him a motherly... but mischievous smile.
Melya: If you need more milk... just say "moo."
Edward (choking on his own coffee): Huh?! I- I mean, thanks, yeah, right! Milk! I mean, no, I already have it! ... I love black coffee!
Lena: (whispering to Sena) He's an inch away from convulsing from the heat.
Sena: (with a soft laugh) It's okay... I like the idiot.
Vera walked firmly away. The atmosphere calmed for a few seconds. Everyone was sipping their drinks. Edward watched as even the local maids walked by in exaggeratedly revealing outfits: lace, corsets, impossibly short skirts, and necklines that defied gravity. Some with more curves than a mountain road, others flatter, but just as lethal with their charming smiles.
Edward (thinking): "Where was this place in my previous life? Paradise exists, it has frilly skirts, and it serves you coffee..."
Then he lowered his cup, and something on his face turned serious.
Edward: "Hey... there's something I didn't tell you."
Everyone looked at him. Even Yukino raised her eyebrow, which for her was the equivalent of an alarm bell.
Edward: "During the attack... when she activated the gauntlet... that voice, Lyra, started spouting information like it was a video game tutorial. But the weird thing is... she mentioned their names."
Lena: Ours?
Edward: Yes. It said "unit connected to Lena Feralis's biosignature," then Ikariel, Sena, and Yukino. But nothing else. No other names, no other weird words... just the four of you.
Ikariel: Confirmed. The M.A.N.A. Glove interface only syncs with preselected units.
Sena: Which means our connection isn't accidental.
Yukino: It was predetermined. Planned. Forced.
Edward: So... I'm not just a "lucky guy"?
Lena: (leaning her elbow on the table, with a half-smile) You're the guy who got four personality bombs with curves and magical powers... because the world is about to go to hell.
Edward: ...Great. My life is a harem anime on a movie budget.
Melya: (from the bar, carrying a tray) All that's missing are the hot springs and the towel scene! ♥
Edward: Don't give me any ideas, they'll bring me bad luck!
Melya: (winking at him) You'll get used to it, sweetie.
Yukino: I recommend not allowing him any ideas. His thought pattern oscillates between "hero without dignity" and "functional pervert."
Edward: Hey! Functional at least!
Everyone laughed. Even Ikariel let out a sound resembling a laugh.
The calm didn't last long.
A loud argument from another table broke the mood. Four guys were arguing with a light-blue-haired maid. One of them, the loudest one, was demanding that she "sit on his lap or he won't pay her."
Maid: Sir, if you don't want cordial and elegant service, you can leave.
Stupendous Customer: Cordial is when If you let me touch your ass, right?
Edward (standing up): ...No.
Lena: Hey, sit down.
Edward: No. I'm not missing this.
He walked over confidently. The other customers turned to look.
Edward: Excuse me, but I think you mistook a maid cafe for your favorite porn.
Dumbass: Who are you? Her boyfriend? Or... her Simp?
Edward: I'm the guy who's going to punch you in the balls so hard you'll be singing soprano for a week.
And just like that...
BANG!
A direct kick to the male pride. The guy fell like his battery had been removed.
Dumbass 2: This son of a bitch!
Three of his friends pulled out their hidden weapons: two rune knives and a magic gun.
Before they could raise their arms, Melya jumped down from the bar with an adorable smile... and a huge Milkbuster in her hands.
Melya: Milkshake time, baby! ♥
BOOM!
An Udder Bash right to one of their chests slammed them against the wall like a cartoon character. The other tried to flee, but this idiot slipped and fell to the floor, right into a pool of... magic milk?
Vera appeared like a whirlwind behind the last one, grabbed him by the head, and slammed him against the wall.
Vera: (calmly) Get out of my place.
She magically opened the door to the place... and with a combined spell, they launched the four idiots through the air, straight into the magic trash.
Vera: Maids: one. Morons: zero.
The customers applauded.
Edward (returning to the table): ...Can we stay and live here?
Lena: Only if you promise not to kick any more people without warning. Although... that was a good technique.
Sena: "Broken Eggs of Justice" style. Very Latin of you.
Yukino: Effective. But unnecessarily dramatic.
Edward: Hey, this is my life now. At least I want the epic soundtrack if everything's going to explode every three days.
…
MOMENTS LATER
After the problem customers were evicted, the atmosphere in the café returned to normal. The air smelled of vanilla, toasted sugar... and eye candy. The café's warm lights shone off velvet lace, decorative holograms, and skirts too short to be legal in eight planetary systems. Maids walked back and forth with perfect smiles, flirting unintentionally or wanting too much... while floating trays handed out dishes with names like Milky LoveBomb or Café Excalibur.
Suddenly, the doors at the back of the café opened with a soft ding, and three figures walked toward their table: Vera at the front, with her commanding demeanor, followed by Melya, the voluptuous bovine, and behind her, a young maid with lilac hair and a double bun and huge turquoise eyes, holding her hands together in front of her, nervous and the same one Edward had defended.
Vera (crossing her arms with a feline smile): And here are my heroines... and the knight with the broken testicle. I mean... unexpected savior.
Edward (shrugging): I just did what any cultured man would do.
Melya (laughing sweetly): Oh, my goodness... it was glorious. Straight to the DNA kit! The guy screamed as if he'd been given a combo of Mortal Kombat and an express divorce at the same time.
Lena (raising her cup): You lowered his dignity by 12 generations. That deserves a toast.
The lilac-haired maid stepped forward and bowed awkwardly.
Lilac maid: M-Mr. Edward... thank you for protecting me. My name is Komi. As a thank you... I offer you our special service for senior customers.
Edward (frowning): "Senior"? I'm 32. I'm not a grandfather, huh?
Vera leaned in very slowly, lowering her voice as she leaned closer to his ear. Her breath was warm and her scent carried notes of danger.
Vera (in a sensual whisper): "Senior"... as in, more experienced... More intimate.
Edward choked on air. Yukino didn't even blink as she automatically tapped him on the back.
Edward: "Intimate?! What do you mean, intimate? Do they give you breakfast with a happy ending here or something?
Melya (with a honeyed voice): If you want, yes. And with a refill.
Before he could react, Melya picked him up as if Edward were a stuffed animal and shamelessly hugged him against her cleavage.
Melya (stroking his hair): I'm offering myself, my life. Whatever you need. Anything. However. Whenever. You're skinny... you need lots of love, more protein, and a good cow to cuddle you at night.
Edward (with his face in her breasts): Help! I'm dying happy! But help anyway!
Sena (recording with her Scroll): This has already exceeded my expectations. The blackmail file is going to have its own folder.
Yukino (taking notes): New weakness detected: breast compression on frontal contact. Emotional reaction: euphoria, dizziness, and desire to become a citizen of this city.
Ikariel: Confirmed. Edward has 96.4% compatibility with "pechogenic" phenomena.
Edward (still holding her): Don't rescue me. If I die, write on my tombstone: "He fell in combat... against two kilos of heavenly glory."
Lena (slamming the cup down hard on the table): Stop it! Melya, let it go, or I swear on my glove, I'll punch you so hard you'll squirt condensed milk out of your nose.
Melya (looking at her without letting go of Edward): And what are you? The jealous girlfriend or the one afraid the kid might prefer a cow to a beast?
Lena (standing up and cracking her knuckles): I'm going to turn you into a lard-cow fairground cow.
Melya (challenging her with a smile): Now or after I put him to sleep with caresses? I mean... after I take good care of him.
Vera, enjoying it all as if it were a triple-X soap opera with war ratings, placed a hand on the table.
Vera: If one isn't enough for our new hero... we can organize something group-based. There are maids for every day of the week. Threesome? Foursome? A full combo with a uniform change?
The entire cafeteria froze. Spoons fell, glasses shook... and one guy fainted.
Customer 1: That guy...
Customer 2 (biting his fist): He's going to fuck all the girls in the multiverse!!
Customer 3 (crying): Why didn't I stand up for the maid?! Damn it, my principles weren't worth that much!
Customer 4 (cursing): Damn that asshole... he's... the man of all men!
Customer 5 (checking his bank account): How much does it cost to change my legal name to his?
Customer 6 (raising his glass): To that man... I'll donate my kidney, my ex, and my Netflix password!
Customer 7 (hits Customer 6 on the head): Don't be stupid, dude. I'd give him my graphics card and my PS100 if he asked for it, with all the games already installed and purchased!
Edward (raising a finger from Melya's breasts): I want to be buried here... Literally. No, dig me out.
But Edward was still trapped in Melya's arms (and breasts), a goofy smile plastered across his face, as if his soul were already writing letters from the afterlife.
Edward (thinking): So this is paradise... warm, soft, smells like vanilla milk... and I want to cry because it's so beautiful.
Melya (stroking his hair): Are you comfortable, my sweetie? Because you can stay like this as long as you want... or until the milk cools.
Edward (half-mumbling): Can I apply for political asylum in your tits?
Sena (raised eyebrow): At this rate, he's going to apply for citizenship. With a passport stamped in the mountains of love.
Yukino (emotionless): Recalculating mission priority. "Avoid death by erotic heart attack."
Ikariel, who until then had remained aloof with her "I'm an AI, I have no emotions" expression, pursed her lips slightly. An almost imperceptible microexpression... except for the trembling in her left wing.
Ikariel (neutral voice, but with a cooler tone): Prolonged exposure to another's chest pressure can alter the Summoner's emotional chemistry. Requires evaluation.
Edward (still trapped): Huh...? Ikariel? Are you jealous?
Ikariel: Jealousy isn't a registered parameter. But if prolonged breast contact continues... I could apply Protocol Omega.
Lena (arms crossed): What's that protocol? Are you going to hug him dry?
Ikariel (with a dangerous robotic smile): No. It would simply... self-destruct the glove's system. With him inside.
Edward (screaming): WHAT?! No! My dreams! My waifus! My sensual toys! Don't mess with my isekai!
Melya (giggles): Oh, honey, you're surrounded by jealous women and yet you still want to stay. That's courage... or stupidity.
Vera, who until now had only watched while she got a manicure with a folding razor, smiled like a cat watching mice fight each other.
Vera: Okay, okay... girls. Don't fight me. There's something for everyone if you get organized. And Edward, if you're going to have a harem... first learn to control it. Don't be like those dense anime protagonists who can't even touch a hand without stuttering.
Edward (raising a finger dramatically): I won't be like those herbivorous bastards who don't eat the flesh of beautiful waifus... I'll touch! I'll touch and hug and bury myself if necessary!
Random Customer from Another Table: That's my president!
Customer 2: That man isn't a hero, he's a religion!
Customer 9 (crying): Give him a stainless steel medal for being a man!
Edward (standing on the chair): And I declare this day... National Breast-... Maid Day! And free milk for everyone!
Lena (slowly standing up): Okay, enough. Time to get out of this Sin Club, Romeo.
Edward (still excited): But I'm in my developmental arc! The waifu route is just beginning!
Ikariel (crossing his arms): End of route detected. Forced restart in 3... 2...
Melya (grabbing and holding Edward tightly): No! Leave him! I haven't pumped him full of happy hormones yet!
Lena (pulling on Edward's arm): Let him go, Hot Cow! I'm taking him before he melts like flan in the summer!
Melya (not giving in): He's my VIP client, angry little fists! He has a coupon for unlimited hugs!
Edward (stretched between them): Mom! I'm in the middle of a goddess fight! And I'm the prize!
Vera (laughing): This is better than the soap opera Love Between Swords and Bras... Let's settle this the old-fashioned way!
Random Customer: What do you mean, "the old-fashioned way"? Mud wrestling? Bikini wrestling?
Vera (glaring): Arm strength, beast!
The cafe buzzed with excitement. Within seconds, a long table was cleared with military precision by the other Maids, and two reinforced cushions were placed to serve as armrests. All the while customers, already holding drinks, surrounded the area as if they were in a combat arena.
Customer 1 (shouting): "Come on, Lena! Show her who's boss, explosive fists!"
Customer 2 (excited): "Go for it, Melya! Crush her with your milk-filled biceps!"
Customer 3: "You bet?" I'm betting 200 credits on the sexy cow!
Customer 4: 300 on Lena! She's got more power in one arm than my ex has in his entire character!
Vera (taking out a personalized betting scroll): Welcome to "Tits vs. Tension." Bets are open. Pays double if the table breaks!
Both competitors sat opposite each other. Lena craned her neck, cracking her knuckles. Melya tied her braids in an extra bun, as if she were going to church... or war.
Melya (looking at her with dangerous sweetness): When you lose, I want you to admit you'd like me to hug you... just a little.
Lena (with a half smile): When you lose, I want you to swallow that frilly apron and swallow your desire too.
Edward (with a drop of sweat): Why do I feel like this is the final fight of the waifu version of the Tournament of Power?
Their hands came together. The collision was so strong that a dry thump was heard, followed by a slight tremor in the table. Vera placed her hand between them.
Vera: At the first "CLACK!" I release my wrist, it's over. Understand?
Lena and Melya (at the same time): Yes!
Vera (raising her hand): NOW!
The tension was immediate. The veins in both of their arms stood out. Melya had the initial advantage, her bovine strength slowly pushing Lena's hand toward defeat... but the blonde wouldn't budge.
Customer 5: Come on, Lena, don't let them make you skim milk!
Customer 6: Melya, give it to me with the strength of your blessed udders!
Melya (struggling): Aren't you thinking... of giving up?
Lena (gritting her teeth): Not even if you offer me a combo with large fries.
Her arms trembled. A small spark of aura began to surround Lena, and the table creaked slightly. Melya was sweating, her breasts bouncing slightly with the effort, prompting a wave of male sighs around her.
Edward (wide-eyed): This is illegal... emotionally.
Sena (arms crossed, smiling): Welcome to the true test of female will. Level: "Who gets the man?"
Yukino (writing in her notebook): Accumulated tension: 9.8 out of 10. Collateral mammary pressure: high. Suppression of male screams: zero.
Melya gave one last effort with a powerful scream.
Melya: I'VE WINNEE-!
But just at that instant, Lena closed her eyes, took a deep breath... and activated her full power. Her arm glowed with a faint red spark.
Lena (screaming): NOOOO, MILKFACE!
CLACK!
Melya's hand slammed against the table with a loud bang. There was such a silence that even the coffee stopped dripping from the vending machines.
Edward (looking shocked): Lena won!
The crowd erupted. Some celebrated, others cried over lost bets.
Customer 7 (throwing his cap to the floor): Damn! That cow was my hope!
Customer 8 (crying): I sold my hoverboard for this!
Customer 9 (clinking his glass): I knew Lena couldn't lose! That girl is all muscle and sarcasm!
Customer 10 (checking his scroll): Okay... did you bet too?
Vera (counting wads of electronic bills): Only the one who never loses. And the one who knows how to break wrists like she breaks egos.
Melya, still with her hand in pain, looked at Lena with a surrendered smile.
Melya: You're brave, huh...
Lena (patting her on the shoulder): And you're soft... like a dangerous pillow.
Melya (joking): You left me so weak... that now I really need a hug.
Customer 11 (raising her hand): I'll offer!
Customer 12: Me too! And I'm bringing milk!
Customer 13: That sounded really bad, asshole!
Edward (stepping down from the platform): Well... uh... thanks for almost ripping my arms off. And for the emotional trauma. Can we go now?
Lena (glancing at him): Only if you promise not to let any curvy cow carry you around.
Melya (winking): Not just any cow… no. But this cow… is special.
But the laughter and shouts still echoed through the cafeteria as the group prepared to leave. Vera stowed her shares of the physical earnings in a hidden compartment in the counter with the efficiency of a criminal banker. The customers, still processing the spectacle of both female forces, said their goodbyes with exaggerated bows to Edward, as if he were a living legend.
Customer 14 (crying): Goodbye, Lord of the Blessed Arms!
Customer 15: I wish my taxes went to you!
Customer 16: Come back soon, master of the harem!
Edward, not understanding how he went from being a kidnapped maniac to the protagonist of other people's fantasies, could only scratch his head as he adjusted his gauntlet.
Edward (walking toward the door): How did it come to this? A magic arm, Maidens, flying tits, illegal gambling...? What's next? A dragon with marital problems?
Just as they were about to cross the exit door, a soft but determined voice sounded at their side.
Melya (touching his shoulder): Wait, Edward... before you go, I want to give you something else.
Edward (half worried, half excited): More hugs? An artisanal cheese? A petting voucher?
Melya (smiling): No, silly... a bond.
Before he could answer or ask what it meant, Melya took his hand and placed it carefully but firmly on the gauntlet, right on the glowing gem in the palm.
The gem reacted instantly. A pulse of energy ran through Edward's arm, illuminating the room with a soft, almost warm red glow. A mechanical sound followed by a flash made everyone stop.
Lyra (automatic, echoing voice): Bond complete. You have captured Maiden Melya Braunhorn. Class: Maiden of Fury. Emotional synchronization in progress...
Edward (blinking): Captured?!? Excuse me!? What is this, Pokémon with fan service?!?
Before he could complain or even understand, Melya grabbed both of his cheeks and started planting kisses all over his face with total enthusiasm and zero shame.
Melya: Muak! Muak! Muak! My sweet little summoner! We are now one! I'm going to fill you with milk, love, and power!
Edward (stunned): One what?! What is this nuclear bomb-level kissing ritual?! You didn't kiss me on the mouth, but you left me in an emotional coma!
Lena (covering her face with her hand): No way... Did she already get it? Really?
Sena (laughing): Well, he officially has his fifth Maiden... And tongue-optional.
Yukino (taking notes): Sync energy: stable. Edward's kink levels: critically elevated due to excessive physical contact from the busty Cow.
But while everyone laughed or reacted in disbelief, one figure said nothing. It didn't move. But it vibrated. Literally.
Ikariel.
Standing with her wings slightly taut, eyes half-closed... and a barely perceptible aura sparking around her with dark pink hues.
Ikariel (voice soft, but dry): ...Sync confirmed. Log updated. Melya Braunhorn... attached as primary Maiden.
Edward (confused): What does that mean? Is it bad? Am I going to get a bill?
Ikariel: No. It just means you now share an intimate magical connection with a hyperactive, hormonal cow with explosive impact abilities... and excessive clingy affection.
Edward (laughing nervously): Are you... jealous?
Ikaiel:...
Edward (more nervous): I-Ikari-
Ikariel (neutral smile): I have no emotions that can be categorized as jealousy. But if that cow touches me with her war tits again... I'll recalibrate her skeleton.
Melya (hugging him again): Oh, the AI got jealous! That means I'm special! Right, baby? I'm going to guard your glove like it's a sacred thermos!
Edward (with half his face in her cleavage): Oh, God. They're fighting again. Is this heaven or hell with a romantic bonus?
Lena (throwing a napkin in his face): Get out of here, Tarzan of affection! If you stay two more minutes, they'll clone you in this cafe to make you a calendar.
Vera (laughing sarcastically while counting her money): If they're going to clone our hero, give me five. This guy saved my place and made me a millionaire. He deserves a portrait on the wall... and maybe a cult spot.
As the group finally left the Maid Cafe "Lady Gear," the air felt lighter, as if all the chaos had left a trail of sweet perfume and hormonal sweat.
But Edward, red-faced and in full "what the fuck was that?" mode, stumbled along, the gem on his gauntlet still glowing softly… and the words "Maiden of Fury" etched into it like a good fan service conquest.
Edward (whispering as he walked): ...And to think it all started with breakfast.