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Chapter 122: A Big Transformation

After receiving a message that the other four had returned from the Ruins of Silence, I moved to the core room of the Fore Noir dungeon using the inter-labyrinth teleportation. Ars, Shinku, Drake, and Nelfie were already there.

「Welcome back everyone! …Huh? Where’s Kinu?」

「Well……」

When I asked about Kinu, Shinku responded with a slightly flustered, confused, uncharacteristic response.

Similarly, Drake and Nelfie also seemed to be at a loss for words.

「What happened to Kinu?」

I asked again. Looking at Shinku’s reaction, I knew something had happened in the Ruins of Silence.

Anxiety and impatience swelled in my heart, but it’s exactly at times like this that I should try to be as calm as possible. Even if something bad had happened, it is my responsibility… It would be wrong to blame them.

「The battle with the Arch Chimera was tough, but we were able to defeat it. But right after that, Kinu-sama’s evolution began…and after that, she didn’t wake up for about 3 hours…」

「Where is Kinu right now?」

「In Aun-sama’s bedroom.」

After hearing her reply, I immediately went to my bedroom, forgetting to reply.

I have experienced evolution several times myself, but I don’t know exactly what happens during the process.

I couldn’t help but worry that the worst had happened.

While keeping a tight grip on my mind, I opened the bedroom door as quietly as possible.

I slowly walked towards the bed where Kinu was supposed to be sleeping, but… she was nowhere to be seen.

「…Kinu? Is she awake?」

I imagined that Kinu hadn’t woken up from her sleep after evolution, so I was feeling a little more secure not seeing her on the bed.

「Nn. Aun, this way.」

I heard Kinu’s usual voice from the other side of the bed.

As I turned around, completely relieved by the usual voice…I completely lost my breath.

「Aun, I… evolved.」

Standing before me was a … true goddess…

Her almost transparent blond hair swayed in the soft breeze blowing in through the window, her gentle eyes directed at me.

She, who was only supposed to be my chest high, had now grown taller, is probably around my nose height.

And perhaps because she was wearing children’s equipment, her feminine figure was clearly visible.

The swelled double mounds of her chest and buttocks, and her thin waist created a bewitching voluptuous look. She was no longer a small, child-like “girl”, but was about 18 to 20 years old in human age and had a physique appropriate to be described as a “woman”.

「Kinu… right?」

「Nn. Don’t stare too much…It’s a little embarrassing.」

「I… sorry…」

「Aun, do I look weird? Am I… disgusting?」

Before I knew it, I was hugging Kinu.

Because I felt like her voice was trembling.

「There’s no way I would ever think like that. Kinu is Kinu no matter what you look like. Moreover, you’re so beautiful that I was charmed.」

「……thank you.」

When I came to my senses, embarrassment suddenly dominated my mind.

It was something I did unconsciously, but this was probably the first time I had hugged her.

「Well, I’m going to get new equipment from Ars!」

I immediately tried to make an excuse and leave, but Kinu put her hands around my back and stopped me.

「Stay like this… just a little more.」

「……kay.」

The ears on her head twitched and rubbed my neck gently. Her fluffy tail was swaying left and right. Perhaps because of the close distance, Kinu’s sweet scent made my head go dizzy.

Kinu is the best, after all;… Isn’t she just the embodiment of all that is “cute” in this world?

And Kinu isn’t just cute right now, she’s also beautiful.

It’s not just about her appearance and atmosphere. The very existence of Kinu is adorable.

I probably wouldn’t doubt it at all if someone told me that she is actually a goddess. In fact, I have already started believing, worshiping, revering, and shall propagate her splendor. Yeah, maybe we could start a religion with Kinu as the goddess… No, absolutely not! I won’t be able to keep Kinu all to myself!

Oh no, my thoughts are heading in a strange direction… Come back to reality!

Oh, I have to tell Shinku and the others that Kinu has woken up. But maybe just a little more… Ah! What is this addiction!

「Nn…thank you. I’ve calmed down. It’s time to go meet everyone else.」

「Yeah… that’s right.」

「Will you… hug me again at night?」

「Of course! For now, I’ll send Ars here, so please choose the equipment that suits your current form.」

「In that case, send Shinku and Nelfie too. I want to choose with them.」

「Okay. Drake and I will wait outside until you’re done changing.」

As I left the bedroom and headed outside, I saw Shinku and the others sitting there with worried looks.

I feel a little guilty…

「Aun-sama! H-How is Kinu-sama? Is there anything in her status…」

Ah, right. Only I can see other people’s status. They must have been worried if there was some kind of status ailment. Or rather, I forgot to check Kinu’s status…

Let’s check everyone’s status later.

「It’s okay. Kinu’s has woken up. There is no problem with her physical condition either. Though, it might surprise you in a different way. Ars, Shinku, Nelfie, please go to the bedroom. I want you to help choose Kinu’s new equipment.」

「…Equipment? Okay. We’ll head to the bedroom.」

Shinku looked puzzled, but she seemed to give priority to my instructions. Ars and Nelfie nodded and followed Shinku into the bedroom. I have to explain things to Drake.

Loud noises such as “Kinu-sama!?” or “What happened!?” came from the other side of the door. That’s probably the appropriate response.

「Um, Bro… how was Kinu-neesan?」

「After evolution… her body has grown.」

「Your body also grows through evolution, right? Was the growth to a surprising degree?」

「I was so surprised that I can’t explain it in words…」

「So, why did you send only the girls inside?」

「Well, how do I put it… the clothes don’t fit anymore. You understand, right?」

「Ah… that’s what it is! I’m sorry!」

「No, you don’t need to apologize. They’ll call us after changing clothes, so you can be surprised to your heart’s content then.」

「Alright!」

About 30 minutes after that, Shinku called me and Drake inside. It seems that the new equipment has been decided and the clothes have been changed.

When I returned to the bedroom, I found Kinu dressed in her new equipment, looking at the mirror.

「Kinu-neesan, you’re kind of mystical looking… You’re seriously pretty…」

「I know right. I can’t hide my surprise even now.」

And the new equipment really suits her. Should I try appraising her armor first?

≪Yukata Dress (Flower): Defense 18. A mid-term work made by a certain craftsman of Wano Kingdom. It can reduce a fraction of the damage caused by magic. Possesses automatic repair function.≫

A simply insanely good red-rarity armor. On top of that, the yukata was beautiful enough to fascinate onlookers. It’s no exaggeration to say that this was made exactly for Kinu.

「Aun, what do you think……?」

「It suits you very well. I think you’re beautiful from the bottom of my heart.」

「Thank you…Everyone helped choose it, and I really liked it too.」

「That’s great! Speaking of which, how does it feel to move your body? It should feel a little strange growing bigger so suddenly.」

「Nn, it feels a little strange, but I’ll probably get used to it soon.」

「I see. Please move your body a little and get adjusted before departure.」

「Nn. Okay.」

Drake’s mouth was still open in surprise, and for some reason, Shinku was making a triumphant face next to him. As if saying, “We chose it!”… But they certainly did a really good job. Thumbs up to Shinku, Nelfie, and Ars! I pay respect to your excellent work!

Alright. Now that everyone has calmed down, it’s time to check everyone’s status.