Chapter 75: The True Golden Finger! (Part Two)
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[Eye of Allure: System task reward. Passive attribute: Charm +10. Active skill: Enchanting Gaze: Upon activation, player’s charm increases by 20. If anyone looks directly into the player’s eyes, they will be briefly enthralled by the player’s allure (duration: 10 seconds, each person can only be charmed once per day), no cooldown, no cost. (Use with caution.)]
The more he read this description, the more unsettling it seemed. Haruhide Arano suppressed his excitement and turned his attention to the flickering small words nearby.
[Eye of Allure current status: Can be equipped.]
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. If he equipped the Eye of Allure, his charm would break through all limits, and he would become the ultimate heartthrob!
Now was the time—here and now—to surpass himself!
A breeze drifted past, cooling his fevered mind.
What would it feel like to equip the Eye of Allure? He wanted to be mentally prepared.
[Equipping Eye of Allure: no sensation, no special effects, no duration, instant installation with a single click. Please use with confidence.]
The system thoughtfully explained, dispelling any lingering doubts.
Indeed, if equipping it triggered some sort of glowing-eye effect, it would be over for him. He’d likely spend the rest of his days in a research institute, perhaps crossing paths with a group of troubled kids, or befriending some weirdo who could absorb others’ superpowers.
But was his love-aid ability considered a superpower?
He shook his head, casting aside the jumble of thoughts like an alarm clock ringing. Haruhide Arano silently murmured, “Install.”
No one else could see what he saw.
The words “Eye of Allure” transformed into a faint golden cluster of particles, slowly merging into Haruhide’s eyes.
The process was smooth and oddly pleasant; in fact, he felt great.
He opened his eyes, and the world seemed to be renewed. Though nothing had changed, everything in his field of vision appeared to upgrade from standard to high definition.
The world outside the window was vibrant and fragrant. Haruhide propped his chin on his hand, observing every blade of grass, every bench lining the path, and even the occasional teacher passing by, all with crystal clarity.
Colors seemed a little brighter as well.
He withdrew his gaze and looked at Seiryo-san, who sat in front. Her white shirt bore faint marks from the week, with a bandaged pattern across her back, tempting him to reach out and touch.
He resolved that during lunch break, he’d finally get a closer look, perhaps even switch seats with the girl behind Seiryo-san for the next class.
At that moment, Yuriko Ogata, seated in the front row, suddenly turned to glance at Haruhide. Their eyes met, and her adorable face flushed red.
It seemed Arano had become even more handsome, especially those eyes—so captivating, with an inexplicable charm.
Only when Haruhide looked away did Yuriko come to her senses, her delicate legs crossing tightly together, her cheeks rosy as if she were feverish—utterly adorable.
[Yuriko Ogata’s current state: Happy (strong) from eye contact with Arano; Excited (strong) from eye contact with Arano; Physically thrilled (strong!!) from eye contact with Arano…]
Was the Eye of Allure really this powerful? Without even activating its skill, it had such a devastating effect.
One cause, three feelings, three states—this was Haruhide’s first encounter with something like this. Excitement and extreme excitement?
He glanced over. Those white-socked legs entwined like two little snakes—subtle, but he caught the movement perfectly.
That gesture, that expression—so familiar. He’d seen the same from Mrs. Uehara and Seiryo-san before.
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Could it be? A wild and daring thought flashed through Haruhide Arano’s mind.
[Event triggered: Ambition in the Classroom]
[The scenes this morning left Yuriko deeply hurt, but how could loving someone be easily defeated? You’ve noticed this problem, and unexpectedly, a mere glance changed Yuriko’s entire state. Now, she seems to love your scent—so you consider comforting her in the classroom:]
[A. During lunch break, invite Seiryo Miron to the rooftop for lunch, while you and Yuriko Ogata stay in the classroom… Task reward: Title—Ambition of the Scoundrel.]
[B. Right now, right here, stand and comfort Yuriko Ogata in front of the whole class! Task reward: Title—Generous Sharer.]
[C. A true strongman accomplishes meaningful things in limited time: give Yuriko a hint during any break and invite her to the unused storage room on the top floor, completing her stage one task in one go! Task reward: Title—Please, I’m Super Brave.]
[D. To play it safe, you decide to wait until after school; Seiryo Miron won’t be by your side then, truly the best strategy. Little Yuriko will be yours to tease. Task reward: Title—Cautious Gentleman.]
Haruhide pondered the task rewards—four titles, a first for him.
Today, the system was clearly here to broaden his horizons.
But that second title—what nonsense was that? How was it any different from being the class do-gooder?
He had no desire to even check that one; the other three, however, he was eager to see.
[Ambition of the Scoundrel: Equip for Charm +2, Stamina +2, gain the ability Early Warning.]
Early Warning: When two candidate partners are about to meet, the player receives an alert.
(Comment: Are you worried about your ‘fish’ meeting in the pond? Anxious about surprise inspections? Tongue-tied when caught off guard? Now, there’s no need to worry! With this, you’ll master every situation—even act until girls cry! Even Sincere-san recommends it.)
Early warning, huh? Haruhide doodled absentmindedly on his paper. Perhaps he didn’t need it now, but he might in the future.
Though, the requirements for this task were a headache—it was a bit scoundrel-like.
He needed to think it over—Seiryo-san…
Ignoring the second title, he focused on the wildest one:
[Please, I’m Super Brave: Equip for Stamina +2, Looks +2, gain the ability Golden Middle Finger.]
Golden Middle Finger: Yes, exactly as it says.
(Comment: No comment.)
Haruhide nearly spat blood upon reading this attribute. What did it mean???
Literal meaning? Or was he supposed to think deeper?
What kind of bizarre skill was this—was it practical?
He could only say: There are no wrong names, only wrong nicknames. Please, it’s really super cool!
Truly, the unbeatable golden finger!
His heart raced, fully captivated; compared to this, the other titles seemed lackluster—at least for now.
He glanced at his fingers and fell into thought.
The fourth title seemed ordinary, offering no real temptation.
[Cautious Gentleman: Equip for Stamina +3, gain the ability Thorough Deliberation.]
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Thorough Deliberation: Whenever an event is triggered, you receive an extra option to choose from.
(Comment: One more choice, one more path, one more… In all things, caution is key to avoid tragic endings. Sincere-san: Had I possessed this, I’d have been called Itou Shidou!)
An extra option? That sounded decent, but… compared to the golden finger, it paled.
No hesitation—these task rewards were tempting. Haruhide didn’t want to miss this event.
After all, he had no titles yet; this might be his first.
All right, it’s decided—conquering Tokyo begins with earning a title!
“Haruhide Arano, please recite Kawabata Yasunari’s ‘Snow Country.’”
The language teacher adjusted her glasses and called his name.
Well then—conquering Tokyo starts with reciting ‘Snow Country.’
The lesson passed quickly. The teacher, still engrossed, put away her textbook, while the classmates relaxed, joking and chatting across their seats.
Yuriko Ogata, seated in the front row, wasted no time; soon after the teacher left, she walked out alone.
Haruhide Arano glanced at her briefly, put away his phone, and after a moment, nonchalantly followed.
The break lasted just ten minutes—every second was precious; time was money.
Seiryo Miron glanced over out of habit, but paid no mind, scribbling idly on paper.
At the top of the page, a few large characters seemed to spell out: Seiryo’s Recipe.
“Haruhide…”
On the top floor of the school building, the corridor was lined with labs, seldom visited, quiet and peaceful. At the end stood a storage room, unused for ages, somewhat shabby and lacking surveillance.
“Haruhide… what did you want to talk about?” Yuriko Ogata lowered her head, cheeks flushed. Her feet, clad in black leather shoes, traced circles on the floor.
Just after class, she’d received a text—from [Haruhide Arano (heart)]—inviting her to meet during the break on the top floor.
Haruhide Arano looked around, seeing no one else, and relaxed.
Gazing at Yuriko’s adorable face, he reminded himself repeatedly, “This is for a happy future, yes, for a happy future!”
It was a decision born from inner struggle, though a little unscrupulous.
“Yuriko, there’s something very important I’d like to ask of you.”
Haruhide Arano fixed his gaze on Yuriko Ogata’s face and spoke earnestly.
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