In this anime crossover, who stole my module?

Chapter 42: Still a Master Architect!

"Then how do we tell the difference?"

Kurashiki Reika asked the most crucial question.

"If they can perfectly disguise themselves as humans, how can we know if the person next to us is still the same person?"

"There are naturally ways to distinguish them."

Ryo Natsume continued, “Although parasites possess human bodies and high intelligence, their core nature is cold and devoid of emotion.”

"They can mimic human behavior, learn human language, and even exhibit some seemingly logical emotional reactions. But that is ultimately just imitation, a disguise based on the needs of survival and hunting."

"If it's a close family member or friend, you can definitely detect something amiss from subtle details."

"For example, a person who was originally enthusiastic and cheerful may suddenly become unusually indifferent, lose interest in things they once cherished, have a vacant look in their eyes, or exhibit inappropriate reactions in situations that require empathy..."

"These could all be flaws that reveal the parasites' inability to perfectly mimic human emotions."

After Natsume Ryo finished explaining.

Kurashiki Reika and Kurashiki Reina nodded, looking thoughtful.

Miura Yumiko, on the other hand, felt a strange sensation and unconsciously thought of Natsume Ryo himself—

His usual calm and indifferent demeanor, as if he were uncaring about everything around him, perfectly matches the characteristics he described as "cold" and "lacking in emotion."

"So……"

"Is there a more definitive way?"

Rena Kurashiki couldn't help but press further, "Relying solely on feelings is too unreliable!"

What if I admit I made a mistake?

"Yes, I have."

Natsume Ryo nodded.

"There is also a simpler and more direct physical method of identification."

"What method?" Kurashiki Rena blurted out, her voice urgent.

Natsume Ryo extended a finger, his movements slow and clear: "Plucking a single hair from the other person's head."

"Hair?" The three of them were taken aback, clearly not expecting this answer.

What kind of method is this?

"Yes, hair."

Ryo Natsume nodded firmly, "The body cells of parasites are highly active, including their hair."

"When a hair detaches from the parasite's body, it will change in a very short time because it loses its connection with the host cells. It will become dry, curly, or even break and disappear. It's like it has instantly lost all its vitality."

“Normal human hair, after falling out, is still hair and does not undergo such a change.”

"So, if you suspect someone is a parasite, you can easily identify them just by plucking a single hair?"

Kurashiki Reika, Kurashiki Reina, and Miura Yumiko quickly grasped the idea, their eyes lighting up as they eagerly asked further questions.

"Theoretically yes."

"However, I do not recommend trying this method."

Natsume Ryo nodded, but then changed the subject.

"why?"

Kurashiki Reika, Kurashiki Reina, and Miura Yumiko were puzzled.

"It's very simple."

"Because once you try to verify whether someone is a parasite."

"That's basically equivalent to gambling with your own life."

"A smart creature that is extremely vigilant about its own safety would certainly be equally sensitive to any factors that could potentially threaten its existence."

"Think about it, if the person you're testing really is a parasite, and it senses your intentions, discovers that you know the secret of their existence, and even knows how to identify them..."

What do you think it will do?

Natsume Ryo paused slightly, letting them imagine the consequences for themselves.

The three of them felt a chill run down their spines just imagining the grotesque form and cruel methods of the parasites. They didn't need Natsume Ryo to answer this question.

……

"Parasites are not creatures that can reason with humans."

"They will only eliminate threats in the most direct and violent way."

"Even if you're lucky, the person you're testing might not be a parasite, but just an ordinary person."

"But if a real parasite witnesses your actions, you will also be listed as a priority target for elimination."

"Because you know the secret of their existence, and you also know how to distinguish them."

"Then for the safety of the entire group, they will never allow you to continue living."

"Therefore, regardless of whether the object you are testing is a parasite or not, as long as your actions are exposed, the result is very likely to be a dead end."

Natsume Ryo's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the little bit of hope that had just risen in the hearts of the three.

Is it verified by pulling out a hair?

It sounds simple, but in practice it's no different from playing Russian roulette.

The price of losing a gamble is your own life.

This time.

The only and most effective method of identification has been completely eliminated.

That concludes the discussion.

The atmosphere grew increasingly heavy.

"So... there's nothing we can do?"

"Is this the only way... to live in constant fear?"

In the end, it was Kurashiki Reika who managed to regain her voice with great difficulty.

"Yes, for ordinary people."

Natsume Ryo nodded, responding calmly.

"Any attempt to uncover the truth is extremely dangerous when one's own safety cannot be guaranteed."

"That's why sometimes ignorance is a form of protection."

"So you don't need to think about these things for now."

"At least for now, it's absolutely safe here."

"and."

"It's getting late. After what you've been through, you must need to rest."

"I will send you back to the ground first thing tomorrow morning."

"There are guest rooms and private bathrooms here. Please feel free to help yourself if you need cleaning or to rest."

After speaking, Natsume Ryo slightly raised his hand and gestured towards a corridor that extended into the depths of the base.

The lights there were bright and soft, clearly leading to a more private living area.

Natsume Ryo didn't say anything more.

Now that the crisis has been resolved.

It has been confirmed that Rena Kurashiki, the holder of the [Parasyte Module], is safe.

There's no need to rush to activate the [Parasyte Module].

Let them sort out their own situation first.

Enough information about the parasites has been revealed; further discussion would be pointless except to exacerbate their panic. We can simply wait and see how things develop.

……

Hearing Natsume Ryo's words, especially the mention of being able to wash and rest, Kurashiki Reika, Kurashiki Reina, and Miura Yumiko's tense nerves finally relaxed a lot.

Although countless questions still linger in my mind like a tangled mess.

However, they do need some time to calm down. The near-death experience, the physical exhaustion, and the huge mental shock are real, and the sticky feeling on their bodies is equally unbearable.

Being able to cleanse one's body and calm one's nearly collapsed emotions is undoubtedly the most pressing need at this moment.

"Thank you very much, Natsume-kun."

"If you hadn't shown up in time today, we would probably be eaten by the parasites by now."

Thinking of this, Kurashiki Reika, Kurashiki Reina, and Miura Yumiko quickly expressed their gratitude.

……

finally.

The three successfully located the bathroom.

A seemingly ordinary frosted glass door,

The three of them gently pushed open the door.

The sight that came into view stunned them, making them almost think they had gone to the wrong place.

A spacious stone wall space.

It is estimated to be at least ten meters high.

A huge circular bathtub occupies the center position, with wisps of steam rising from the water. There are even separate shower stalls, sauna rooms, and shelves with various toiletries and clean towels next to it.

Such a scale.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a small hot spring resort.

"Wow……"

Kurashiki Rena and Miura Yumiko's eyes lit up instantly.

Chapter 43 Mrs. Kurashiki's First Attempt

Shortly after.

The sound of water in the bathroom gradually subsided.

The first one to emerge was neither the energetic Rena Kurashiki nor the preoccupied Yumiko Miura, but their mother/aunt—Reika Kurashiki.

Not long after that.

A series of footsteps, carrying a damp scent, approached.

Natsume Ryo looked up.

Then, Kurashiki Reika walked over.

They didn't mind that Kurashiki Reika didn't look for a guest room to rest, but instead came to the living room on her own initiative.

but.

This outfit worn by Reika Kurashiki.

This made Natsume Ryo raise an eyebrow slightly.

Kurashiki Reika simply wrapped a thick, white bath towel around her mature, voluptuous, and curvaceous body.

The bath towel barely covered the key areas, the snow-white and soft fabric clinging to the damp skin, further highlighting the breathtaking fullness of the curves and the faint outline of the long legs visible from the edge of the towel.

……

Natsume Ryo looked at her.

Kurashiki Reika seemed to have made up her mind. Ignoring her slightly indecent attire, she let her freshly washed golden hair fall wetly over her shoulders. Water droplets slid down her smooth shoulders, rolling over the hollows of her delicate collarbone, leaving wet streaks that added to her languid yet stunning sexiness. She walked straight to the sofa in front of Natsume Ryo and stood there.