Chapter 112: Party Formation — The Little Sister's Pressure
Lala vanished around a corner, and Franklin and Bulma hurried after her.
"Ah!"
As soon as they entered the alley, they saw Lala sitting on the ground. Opposite her sat a purple-haired girl holding a scythe, who had also fallen.
"I didn't see you there—really, I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine. I should be the one apologizing for not paying attention."
After helping Lala up, the purple-haired girl was also helped to her feet by another girl with long chestnut hair. The moment Franklin saw the girl's face, he froze for an instant—then quickly looked away, forcing down the sudden stir in his chest.
Bulma rushed over to stand protectively beside Lala and offered a sincere apology. "Sorry for the trouble we caused."
The purple-haired girl waved her hand lightly. "It's really no trouble. I'm fine."
Then, taking Asuna's hand, she said, "We should go. Maybe we'll talk again if we meet later."
Seeing that she was about to leave with Asuna, Franklin hesitated for a moment but then stepped forward. After all, she was one of his favorite anime characters since childhood—it'd be a pity not to meet her properly.
"Um, we were planning to head out to the fields before everyone else gets organized, to fight some low-level monsters and level up. Since things have already turned out this way, the best thing to do is to get stronger first.
But, well… it's our first time playing this kind of game, and you look like you know it pretty well. Could we maybe ask you two to guide us a bit?"
At nearly one meter ninety, Franklin's tall figure stood like a wall in front of the two girls. The purple-haired one stopped, hesitating slightly as she studied the three of them.
Seizing the moment, Franklin continued, "We're all in our school's athletic clubs, so our reflexes and stamina are decent. We're just new to the in-game monsters.
If we team up, we'll be safer and level faster. But if you're uncomfortable with me being a guy, you can just party with the two of them—I can solo on my own."
Something flickered in the purple-haired girl's eyes, and then she nodded lightly. With a tap of her fingers, a notification appeared before them—party invites sent.
[Party: Mith, Asuna]
[Party: Franklin, Bulma, Lala]
Seeing the names, Mith gave Franklin a deep look.
Catching her doubt, Franklin chuckled. "Yeah, they're our real names. It's our first full-dive game, so we didn't know what to call ourselves. Using our real names—kind of regretting it already, huh?"
Seeing Mith's widened eyes, he added with a grin, "Just kidding. We're not total newbies. If you think we're too useless later, feel free to kick us. No hard feelings."
Mith didn't reply. She just pulled Asuna along and led the way. Lala, full of curiosity, followed and started peppering them with questions. Seeing how quickly Lala fit in, Franklin relaxed.
Then Bulma leaned close and whispered, "Look at Asuna's expression—don't tell me she's already fallen for you?"
Her calm voice hit Franklin like a thunderclap. His expression stiffened.
"Impossible. I'm pretty sure I kept my face in check—"
Before he could finish, Bulma gave him a knowing look. Franklin groaned, slapping his forehead.
"Bulma, no, it's not like that, I swear—"
The more he explained, the worse it sounded. Finally, he took a deep breath and forced a smile.
"I just know her… kind of. She doesn't know me, and I don't have any thoughts like that, honestly."
Bulma smiled faintly and pressed her finger gently against his lips. "No need to explain. Just act normal.
I don't want you chasing her—but if she starts chasing you… that's not really my business. If it comes to that, I'll leave it to you."
Seeing Bulma's serene, unbothered expression, Franklin relaxed. He pulled her into his arms with a grin.
"Alright, that's enough hugging. Hurry up—we're falling behind," she said, pushing lightly against his chest.
—
Outside the game, Momo and Nana both looked sour.
"Momo, are we just making trouble for ourselves? It feels like we're helping him build a harem."
Momo sighed helplessly. "More than that—it feels like instead of helping Sister Lala's relationship with Franklin, we're actually pushing Bulma closer to him."
Franklin's real body sat behind them, chuckling softly as he patted their shoulders. "Don't overthink it. I'm very loyal, you know."
At that, Nana jumped up in outrage. "Loyal!? You already have my sister, and now you're flirting with other girls! And your affection levels are the same for both!"
Fuming, she swung a fist at his head—but Franklin caught it easily, pulled her down, and seated her beside him.
"I didn't lie," he said with a teasing smile. "I am loyal—loyal in giving equal love to every woman I like."
Nana trembled with fury, her face red. "You—! You'd better not get cocky! Once my dad comes to Earth, you're done for!"
Cold sweat instantly broke out on Franklin's forehead. He had completely forgotten about that particular problem—until now.
"Uh… your father's not… opposed to, uh, multiple relationships, right?"
Seeing his nervous expression, Momo burst out laughing. "I thought you feared nothing, Franklin. But it turns out you're terrified of our dad.
Too bad for you—Dad always listens to Mom. And Dad only ever married her. He's very narrow-minded. He was already furious that you stole Sister Lala, and now you've got another woman who likes you back…
What he'll do to you when he finds out—I honestly can't imagine."
Franklin wiped the sweat from his forehead and began pacing nervously.
"It's fine, I'll just—no, wait, it's not fine! Damn it—uh, Momo, Nana, do either of you know when your father plans to come to Earth?"
Nana turned her head away with a huff. "You're dead meat. He'll flatten you with one slap."
Getting nothing from her, Franklin turned desperately to Momo. Seeing her smirking lips and the way she playfully twirled her hair, he realized this information wouldn't come cheap.
"Momo," he said, sighing, "alright. Name your price. As long as it's not too outrageous, I'll agree."
Seeing him surrender so decisively, Momo gestured for him to sit closer.
"Franklin," she said sweetly, "I have a way to not only keep Dad from killing you—but also make him stop interfering in your affairs altogether. Want to hear it?"
Looking at her genuine, mischievous smile, Franklin felt a chill crawl up his neck. He swallowed hard.
"What's… the condition?"
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