"So… that's how it is."
The black cat lay sprawled across the table, arms stretched out limply like a corpse.
"I have no idea how to get out of this situation. And I don't know how to get that cat off me either."
Under normal circumstances, when faced with a problem like this and having no solution, the obvious answer would be to log out.
But the black cat couldn't bring herself to do it.
This was a hard-won adventure clearly an exclusive storyline meant just for her. How could she simply abandon it?
The city guard standing nearby also looked troubled.
"That cat-type monster is at least Level 2 in our jurisdiction. We can't allow it to roam freely within the city. Although Your child claims that they've restrained it with magic, we can't fully verify its safety."
After listening to the full report, Astraea thought for a moment, then spoke decisively.
"I understand. This child will be handled by the Astraea Familia. You may return to your duties."
"But..." the guard hesitated.
"It's fine," Astraea said gently. "Even if I handed it over to you, you wouldn't be able to deal with it properly. Besides, Mud Dog is still here. I'll submit a report to the Guild later."
"…Yes."
After the guards withdrew, Astraea turned her gaze back to the black cat.
"What should I do?" the black cat asked anxiously, tugging at her cat ears.
"There's nothing wrong with it," Astraea smiled. "It's very cute."
Cute… sure. But was that really okay?
The black cat frowned.
"I heard that cat itself is actually dangerous."
"Isn't it being perfectly restrained by Ruri-chan?" Astraea teased.
"But I can't stay in this form forever!"
"Well," Astraea said warmly, "you simply don't know the incantation to undo the spell yet. Once your Falna is updated again, you'll naturally understand how to control it."
She paused, then added with clear surprise:
"Still, Ruri-chan, it's remarkable that you activated magic without even knowing the chant."
That could only be described as luck.
About Magic and Chuunibyou
In truth, neither the black cat nor Sanae Dekomori lacked magical aptitude.
According to Shaka's theory, the chuunibyou mindset, a firm belief in one's own "identity" makes it extremely easy to awaken magic or skills.
For example:
- Riveria, due to her royal lineage, possesses sign of the Elf King
- Bell Cranel awakened his own desire after a chance encounter
In DanMachi's world, chants are rooted in a person's experiences, heartbreak, and obsessions.
Therefore, the more deeply immersed a chuunibyou is in their own narrative, the higher the probability they will naturally awaken magic or skills.
That was precisely why Shaka allowed the two chuunibyou to enter the "game" first.
Compared to the four basic stats that simply increase strength, those with potential for magic growth provide far greater long-term value when introduced early.
In the early range (0–200), ability values are easy to raise.
More magic means more players.
More players mean a stronger Shaka.
That said—
The black cat's magic and skills hadn't fully manifested before because only a half-body projection had received Falna updates.
That didn't mean the abilities didn't exist.
Today, she had simply, by pure coincidence spoken her own incantation.
Or rather, she had recited one of her pre-loaded chuunibyou lines.
It was only a matter of time.
Soon after, the black cat face still smudged with dirt followed Astraea into the shrine.
She tried to suppress her expectations, but it was impossible not to feel excited. Even if she suspected her magic involved fusion, seeing the actual information made her heart race.
Gokou Ruri Lv.1
- Strength: I3
- Endurance: I5
- Dexterity: I13
- Agility: I5
- Magic: I20
Magic
[Sacred Curse · Celestial Body]
- Enchanted
- Curse Fusion
- Black Cat Form: Transforms curses on the body into personal magic. If equippedwith a cursed item, the curse can be converted into temporary magic and released at range.
- White Cat Form: Switches to a Holy State, releasing the fused curse with the opposite effect.
Chant:
A fateful encounter, a meeting in the eternal night.
Following the oldest covenant of the Night Banquet,
let us forge a new pact here!
Familiars of the Night Demon
my other half, return to the embrace of the eternal night!
Symbolize. Materialize.
Breaking Condition:
Free yourself from the collar of the virtuous (from your previous life).
Skill
[Night Kin]
- Resistance to poison, corrosion, and curses
- After being cursed, restores mental and physical stamina
A black-and-white duality half angel, half fallen angel.
It perfectly embodied the black cat's chuunibyou fantasies.
To fully reproduce that persona in such a realistic world…
"Cool, cool, cool! World await the arrival of the Fallen Saint of Chiba!"
"Pfft sorry." Astraea covered her mouth, smiling. "I couldn't help it."
"Alright," she said gently. "Let's try dispelling the spell now."
"Mud Dog, please stand guard."
Lulu nodded eagerly, clearly curious as well.
Backyard Training Ground
Dekomori had long since collapsed on the ground, completely exhausted. Prolonged training had finally caught up with her.
Cecil, on the other hand, continued practicing patiently. Knowing how dangerous this world was, she trained with exceptional diligence.
When the black cat arrived, everyone froze especially Dekomori.
She pointed at the cat ears with a trembling finger.
"F-Fallen Saint?! You—you!!"
"Hmph!" the black cat declared proudly, hand on her chest.
"I have already manifested half of my body. Foolish mortal, I permit you to worship me!"
"What?! Ugh! Dekomori is going to die too!"
"Hmph. Then witness the rest of my form!"
She raised her hand and began chanting.
Free yourself from the collar of the virtuous.
As magical power surged, her ears and tail vanished
and a dark-furred cat appeared, sleeping soundly in her arms.
Master Meow smacked her lips, still munching dried fish in her dreams, until
The black cat plopped her down in front of everyone.
Several pairs of eyes stared.
"Meow?!"
"Who dares interrupt the great Lord Meow Meow's feast?! I'll eat them alive!"
Lulu was the first to react.
"…Female. Is this the monster that slaughtered the mercenaries in the underground wine cellar?"
"Strange. Looks like a new species."
She flicked Meow Meow's forehead.
"Yow!"
"You insolent cur! How dare you ambush the great Cat King!"
Meow Meow looked up and recognized a familiar face.
"Oh no! I'm doomed! That terrifying, smelly dog again! What do I do?! Master! Master, save me!!"
She instinctively clung to the black cat.
The black cat stared at the kitten nestled against her chest.
It was impossible to connect this adorable creature with the murderer from the cellar.
And
"My magic is supposed to be curse fusion," she muttered.
"So why are monsters also fusing with it?"
Lulu smirked.
"You'll have to ask the one in your arms."
"…Her?"
"According to shaka-kun's speculation, this thing is extremely intelligent," Lulu said, hands on her hips.
"It started planning its escape the moment it was captured. A real old fox."
She grabbed Meow Meow by the scruff and lifted her up.
"Talk. Who are you? Still planning to play dumb?"
"Oh no! Exposed!"
Master Meow broke into cold sweat, then tilted her head innocently.
"Meow~?"
What are you talking about?
I'm just a cute little kitten.
You must be mistaking me for someone else.
BONUS CHAPTER