I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Upon seeing this, Amamiya was truly perplexed.

Huh? In Giwatos's era... do ninjutsu and ninjas still exist?

A ninja who can perform hand seals like in Naruto, then mobilize chakra to unleash various magic similar to Persona.

'...'

"Izumi Motoi-emi from the Special Phenomena Investigation Department came to Sensei to deliver a message for Department Head Himari..."

So what message did you bring? Why didn't you write it down?

"Aishi Kaede from Gehenna's food service has come specifically to thank Sensei for his previous help...?"

Who is this? Have I ever had any interaction with her?

After thinking it over, Amamiya could only conclude that the 'hostage' from back then might have made a special trip.

But how did she know that she was the one who helped those disciplinary committee members who were losing ground?

"..."

After glancing at the list of dozens of people, Amamiya carefully folded it up and put it away in the collar of her shirt in front of Sora.

"Yes, thank you for recording, Xiao Kong. This information is very helpful to me."

As she spoke, Amamiya casually picked out a few everyday items closest to the checkout counter and brought them there: "I'll buy something too..."

【~???~】

After shopping and paying, Amamiya finally returned to her residence in Shalai.

Instead of pushing the door open and entering the club activity room, he stood at the doorway and squinted as he scanned the room, noting the signs that it had been cleaned.

With the opening of the Third Eye, Amamiya immediately witnessed a somewhat shocking scene—the spotlessly cleaned room was filled with dozens of different types of listening and surveillance devices.

...Living in Xialai, don't we have any private space at all?

Or is the position of Sensei simply too sensitive?

After a moment of trepidation at the doorway, Amamiya still carried her suitcase and shoulder bag into the office. Then, using the investigative abilities of her "Third Eye" and "Hacker's Sense of Smell" (Chihiro's bond skill), she proceeded to destructively dismantle all the surveillance and listening devices she had found.

Still feeling a little uneasy, Amamiya decided to keep a third eye on her, scanning her room and other more private spaces, such as the bathroom.

Fortunately... these students with ulterior motives are still somewhat ethical; at least they haven't installed cameras and listening devices directly in his room.

"Alright, so... things on Abydos's side are temporarily settled."

"If I'm not mistaken, I'll be taking on all sorts of tasks assigned by the Federal Student Association, as well as paperwork from various colleges. I probably won't be as free as I am now... at least I won't be able to wander around Kiwatos all day long."

"There's still some time left... Should we consider inviting someone to help us out to see if we can deepen our bond or build some bonds that haven't been established yet?"

Speaking of which... I really need to deal with my relationship with that guy, Wakamo Kitsaka, who seems to have fallen in love with me at first sight.

I feel like if I leave this unresolved, the other person might develop into a yandere...

After packing her suitcase and personal belongings, Amamiya took a shower and changed her clothes, washing away the 'sand smell' she had accumulated over the past few days in the Abydos region.

Then, wrapped in a bath towel and drying his hair, he sat on the bed, took out his phone, opened MomoTalk, and clicked on Ruozao's private chat.

Considering the chat principle of "always starting with the clown if you're there," Amamiya skipped the small talk.

【Wakazama-kun...where are you right now? Do you have some free time? I have something I want to tell you...】

Considering that Wakazama might be a 'delinquent girl leader' and therefore wanted by the authorities, Amamiya estimated that she wouldn't be able to respond immediately, so after sending the message, he prepared to blow-dry his hair.

However, a response came almost immediately from the other side of momotalk.

【Wakazama: !!! !!! ! ...

[Wakazama: Hehehe... As long as it's my darling... Wakazama always has time...]

[Wakazama: My dear has something to say to Wakazama... I'm so happy! [Wakazama mask.jpg]]

Maybe the other person just happened to be free...?

After a moment of surprise, Amamiya pondered for a moment and typed back: "[If you have time... how about we arrange to meet somewhere?]"

[Wakazama: Honey, do you have time now? That's great...]

Wakazam initiated location sharing.

[Wakazama: Hehe?...Sensei, Wakazama is right here. If you have time, come find Wakazama here...]

Upon seeing the landmark message sent by Wakasa, Amamiya checked it on an electronic map and discovered that the landmark sent by Wakasa was actually in the Trinity area.

Moreover, it's actually a "Dimensional Culture Street" that's specially marked on the map.

Like... a special place like Akihabara?

This place has all sorts of weird and wonderful merchandise, and also traces of student activities related to various subcultures...

Amamiya had assumed that Wakasa's art style would lead him to an abandoned factory or a shrine or torii gate in a desolate mountain area, but it turned out to be a subculture street, which was quite unexpected.

However, considering the mask the other person was wearing and their strange, cosplay-like outfit... it seems quite reasonable for them to stay there.

In a subculture street, there are many students who like to cosplay subculture characters. When Ruozao blends into such a street and stands there, she naturally becomes a cosplayer.

After checking the time, Amamiya typed a reply.

"Then let's meet this evening, around 17 PM. I'll go to that cultural street to find you."

After turning off the screen, Amamiya began to consider her travel plans.

Speaking of which... he hasn't used the new features of the Velvet Room since receiving support from Lavenda.

Taking into account the art style of that 'Fox of Calamity', Amamiya stroked his chin and began to seriously consider something.

Should I... try using the new features of the Velvet Room... to prepare a "special gift" for Wakazama?

Chapter Thirteen: Ayane's Daily Life

In the early morning, the Abydos region was unusually blessed with favorable weather, unlike in recent days.

It's no longer the sweltering heat that makes people feel restless, but rather a cool breeze that accompanies the transition from autumn to winter.

"call……"

Amidst the rustling of clothes, the still somewhat drowsy girl was awakened by her biological clock and her plans.

"The original plan..."

Ayane sat up, instinctively picked up her glasses from the bedside table, and yawned as she prepared to get out of bed and slip on her slippers.

"..."

"...?"

Oh right... Abydos's predicament has already been resolved...

What will likely trouble them next are the signing, transfer, and handover of the land deeds, as well as the minor issues that will arise after the various disturbances in the college's self-managed area have subsided...

However, as long as Sensei is there to rely on, and with the combined strength of everyone...

I believe that no matter what difficulties we face, we can overcome them.

The courage to sever ties with the past, the resolve to embrace the future… am I now… perhaps more courageous than Sensei described…?

Still wearing her glasses, the girl stood there stunned for a moment before gradually suppressing the chaotic and complex thoughts surging within her.

Although we've only known each other for a few days, when we're together, it feels like we've been close friends for a long time, reliable 'seniors' you can depend on; adults you can't help but want to rely on, adults you want to give your heart to...

As her gaze slowly focused, Ayane suddenly noticed a seemingly inconspicuous piece of white paper that had been placed where her glasses had been.

Thinking it was a pre-processed file, she picked it up and took a look.

[A farewell letter to Ayane, who is earnest, cute, and hardworking.]

The large headlines that caught Ayane's eye made her brain buzz, and her heartbeat seemed to skip a beat.

Suddenly wide awake, she instantly dispelled all her drowsiness and looked down.

The debt problem that had plagued Abydos Higher Institute has now been resolved. From now on, Abydos should be heading towards a brighter future.

During the ten days or so I spent with you, I witnessed many things.

[Especially Ayane, in my eyes you have always been a diligent and hardworking good girl, shouldering many responsibilities and choosing an exceptionally difficult path.]

What the path you've chosen will hold... I will witness it all.

Thank you, Ayane. The ordinary yet thrilling daily life we ​​shared with these children will be the most precious treasure I've gained on this journey.

"Sensei..."

Why are you thanking me...?

Clearly, we are the ones who should be saying "thank you"...

[By the way... Ayane, you should know about the recent establishment of the "Federal Investigation Department - Sharai," right?]

[When I wrote this letter, I had not yet begun recruiting students for Challey.]

I anticipate that I'll face a lot more things to do in the future, and my available time will likely become increasingly limited...

[Ayane, this is a request I 'can't tell anyone else.' Could you join Xia Lai and lend me a hand in the not-too-distant future?]

Ayane's eyes stung as she tightly gripped the letter in her hand. She felt inexplicably depressed and wanted to cry.

Sensei... You've helped us so much.

Next... it's our turn to wholeheartedly help you.

No matter what... I will always stand firmly on your side.

Taking off her glasses, Ayane wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with the hem of her pajamas, then slowly exhaled before turning the letter to the second page.

—This is an invitation from Xia Lai. Simply sign your name and mail it to Xia Lai as a reply, and you will have completed the final stage of signing the agreement to 'join Xia Lai'.

Without hesitation, Ayane took out a pen and paper and signed her name neatly and decisively.

She wanted to run out and immediately find the mailing address on the envelope to mail it, but in the end she calmed down.

When I wrote this letter, Sensei hadn't even started accepting students yet... So, could I be the 'first'...?

And, 'you can't tell anyone else'...

The girl had her own little secrets.

If I rush out like this, my seniors will definitely find out...

No, no... I'll find a time when the seniors won't be paying attention and mail it then...

With that thought in mind, Ayane looked in the mirror to make sure she didn't have any tear stains or signs of emotional distress. Then she tidied her hair, changed her clothes, and went out.

And then... she almost bumped into Hoshino, who had been unusually energetic lately.

"...Hoshino-senpai?"

Ayane seemed a little guilty, her gaze shifting before she suspiciously looked at Hoshino, who was doing something.

"Today we still have various handover documents from the Caesar Group to confirm and sign. Regarding the regional autonomy of Abydos Higher Academy… Senior, what is this…"

Faced with Ayane's veiled questioning, Hoshino remained silent for a few seconds before suddenly scratching the back of his head and mimicking Hifumi's dry laugh.

"Ah ha ha……"

“Ayane is right… After all, there are many documents that I, as the nominal highest person in charge, need to review and sign today…”

"Oh dear... I really want you juniors to grow up quickly so I can resign and slack off sooner!"

Ayane didn't respond to Hoshino's words, which carried the expectation of an elder; she simply adjusted her glasses silently.

What's wrong with Hoshino-senpai lately...? Why is he so much more energetic and proactive than before...? Besides that, he seems to be increasingly thinking about 'stepping down' or something...

"What is Ayane planning to do?"

Feeling Hoshino's sharp, scrutinizing gaze fall upon her, Ayane couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

No, no... I absolutely mustn't reveal any flaws, I can't let my seniors find out...

"I'm going to the club activity room to prepare for the upcoming document handover and other matters that need to be handled."

"Oh my~ Ayane looks like she's in a lot of energy..."

...Why does it feel like Hoshino-senpai is having an awkward time, like he's forcing conversation?