In the world of anime with the power to stop time.

The voice of the girl with pink bun-shaped hair suddenly broke in, instantly painting the quiet atmosphere of the Service Club with a faint sense of tension.

Yukino Yukinoshita appeared somewhat flustered, unsure of how to respond.

She had never encountered a situation where a girl cried in front of her.

"Yuigahama-san, don't worry for now. Please have a seat and drink some water. Let's take it slow."

With that, Yukino Yukinoshita stood up and walked toward the table five meters away, where her teacup and kettle were prepared. Lin Ye, on the other hand, pulled out a chair and gestured for Yui Yuigahama to sit down.

"Please."

"Th-thank you..."

After Yuigahama sat down, Lin Ye returned to his seat. By now, he had grown accustomed to Yukino Yukinoshita is demeanor.

You get used to it.

The more you see it, the more normal it feels. Yes, though he still acknowledged that Yukino Yukinoshita is fair and beautiful complexion was truly stunning, it was unfortunate that certain parts of her figure were, well, average.

Not to mention compared to Shizuka Hiratsuka-sensei or Hina Tachibana-sensei; even the classmate beside him, Yui Yuigahama, outshone her.

This one really was a "bunny"! In comparison, Yukinoshita was more like...

Lin Ye glanced briefly and immediately locked eyes with Yukino Yukinoshita is piercing gaze.

It was as if she had seen right through his thoughts.

"Yuigahama-san, have some tea."

Yukino Yukinoshita placed a cup of tea in front of Yui Yuigahama.

A faint white mist wafted from the teacup, carrying the refreshing fragrance of tea leaves.

"Thank you."

Holding the teacup, Yui Yuigahama calmed her sorrowful emotions somewhat.

"Um, President, where's my tea?"

Lin Ye glanced at Yukino Yukinoshita, who had returned to her seat, and felt that the empty table in front of him was missing something.

"There is none."

"Why?"

"Probationary members don't get tea."

"I'll fill out the club application form right away."

However, Yukino Yukinoshita did not take kindly to his next statement.

"President, if you wanted me to officially join the club sooner, you could have just said so. No need to use such methods."

"If it weren't for Shizuka Hiratsuka-sensei's repeated requests, I wouldn't have allowed you to join the club at all."

"Hiratsuka-sensei gets blamed again."

Yui Yuigahama blankly watched the exchange between the two, feeling that Lin Ye and Yukinoshita had a seemingly good relationship. She wasn't familiar with Lin Ye, but she knew Yukino Yukinoshita to some extent.

A second-year beauty in the international J class, known for her cold personality, excellent grades, always ranking first in her year, from an affluent family a prestigious household in Chiba. She was very popular in Sobu High and the dream girl of many male students. However, no man could get close to her.

But now... it seemed like there was one exception.

The pink-haired girl stared blankly at the two, her thoughts running wild.

"Yuigahama-san, have you calmed down?"

Yukino Yukinoshita decided to ignore Lin Ye.

"Yes, much better now. Thank you."

Yui Yuigahama blew on the tea and took a small sip before slowly beginning to speak. "Sabure has been missing for two days. My mother and I searched all day yesterday and also posted lost dog notices, but we haven't heard anything."

Thinking of her dachshund, she became sad and worried again.

"Today, Shizuka Hiratsuka-sensei noticed something was wrong with me and asked what had happened. After I told her, she suggested I come to the Service Club for help. Yukinoshita-san, can you help me find Sabure?"

She couldn't say no.

Seeing the eager anticipation in Yui Yuigahama is eyes, Yukinoshita couldn't bring herself to refuse.

"What do you think?"

Yukinoshita turned to Lin Ye.

"Me? As a probationary member, I don't have the right to express my opinion."

"You do now."

"Of course, we should help. A classmate in need comes to the Service Club for assistance. As a member of the Service Club, I must extend a helping hand. Isn't that right, Yukino Yukinoshita, President? From the day the Service Club was established, wasn't it meant to help others?"

Primarily, he wanted to use this opportunity to investigate whether there was any connection to supernatural phenomena.

Lin Ye had a hunch.

However, his enthusiastic and righteous demeanor almost left Yukino Yukinoshita visibly stunned.

This wasn't the Lin Ye she knew.

Could it be...

"Truth."

"Yuigahama-san, take a good look. You're a beautiful girl. This is a busy matter that must be helped."

"Hehe."

Yukino Yukinoshita now believed it. This man wasn't hiding his desire for beautiful girls at all.

Yui Yuigahama, on the other hand, blushed slightly at what Lin Ye said.

Although she knew she could be considered pretty, being told so directly in front of herself and Yukino Yukinoshita still made her a little embarrassed.

What's more, Lin Ye didn't seem worried at all that Yukino Yukinoshita might misunderstand!

But if she remembered correctly, hadn't Lin Ye confessed to Yukino Yukinoshita before? Was she mistaken?

Yukino Yukinoshita shifted her posture. Her slender hands clasped together, her navy blue eyes landing on Yuigahama's face, her gaze steady.

"Yuigahama-san, we can help you search for your lost pet dog, but we can't guarantee we'll find it."

"Yes, yes, I understand, Yukinoshita-san. The fact that you and Lin-san are willing to help me is already the greatest support. I'm really grateful."

"For two or three days, we'll help you search for three days after school until 8 p.m."

Looking for a dog indefinitely wasn't realistic. Rather than suddenly stopping later and creating unnecessary resentment, it was better to set a time limit from the start.

This was Yukino Yukinoshita is way of thinking.

"Thank you, really, thank you so much. Three days is already a lot. If... if we still can't find him in three days, then Sabure might never come back."

The pink-haired bun girl spoke with a tone of sorrow.

She knew that if Sabure wasn't found within three days, the chances of finding him alive were slim.

But for now, she didn't want to give up and wanted to hold on a little longer.

Although her mom said they could adopt another pet dog, it wouldn't be the same. Sabure was family to her, and she didn't want to give up searching just like that.

Yukino Yukinoshita accepted Yui Yuigahama is request, and the three quickly set off from Sobu High and headed to Chiba Mall.

After taking the train for more than half an hour, Lin Ye and the two girls arrived at Chiba Mall.

The tall mall stood by the plaza, with pedestrians coming and going and vehicles honking non-stop.

At 4:30 p.m., the Chiba Mall was already crowded. Students wearing Sobu High uniforms could be seen shopping, enjoying the bustling city vibe.

"This is the place..."

Lin Ye and Yukinoshita followed Yui Yuigahama to the spot where Sabure was last seen.

Surrounded by stores, some of them already had lines forming.

"Let's split up and ask the store employees around here."

After saying this, Yukinoshita walked toward a candy store. She asked the shopkeeper, pointing to a picture of Sabure on her phone.

"Sorry, I didn't notice anything yesterday."

Yui Yuigahama and Lin Ye also started asking the staff at various stores.

However, whether it was bad luck or something else, after going around, they couldn't find a single clue.

After some thought, Lin Ye spoke up.

"Let's check the surveillance cameras."

Yukino Yukinoshita had already considered this and asked about it, but unfortunately, the store managers directly refused. They needed to run their businesses and weren't willing to retrieve footage of the entrance surveillance just to find a lost dog.

"Lin-san, the manager probably won't agree to that!"

"We'll see," Lin Ye replied.

He approached a sushi shop with a surveillance camera at the entrance.

After buying a sushi set, he directly made his request.

"Excuse me, manager. My friend's dog went missing near here the day before yesterday. Could we take a look at the surveillance footage from the evening two days ago?"

The manager immediately wanted to refuse. However, faced with a paying customer, he chose to decline politely.

Persuasion Level 3: Activated.

"Please, my friend's pet is very important to her. It's like family she's had him for years and is deeply attached to him."

Yukino Yukinoshita thought Lin Ye had no chance of success. The manager's refusal was already written all over his face. After all, she had asked this very sushi shop herself without success. How could Lin Ye succeed?

And yet...

"Alright, but since more customers will be arriving soon, you won't have much time. Please make it quick."

"Thank you."

Yukino Yukinoshita was left stunned, while Yui Yuigahama exclaimed in amazement.

The computer monitor displayed surveillance footage from the evening two days ago.

"What time, roughly, Yuigahama-san?"

"Around 5:30 p.m."

"Got it."

Lin Ye operated the video skillfully, like a professional.

After fast-forwarding to the specified time, the three of them watched the footage, their eyes scanning for the dachshund.

"There..."

Lin Ye paused the video. On the screen appeared a small dachshund.

"Is this your dog?"

"Yes, yes, that's Sabure! That collar is definitely Sabure's collar."

Yui Yuigahama was so excited she nearly jumped up.

Finally, they had a lead on Sabure.

She was so emotional she almost cried.

"He went that way," Lin Ye said.

After thanking the store manager again, Lin Ye, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama followed the direction Sabure had gone in the video.

After repeating this process three or four times, the trio had left Chiba Mall and reached its outskirts.

The sky had darkened, and a cool evening breeze brushed past them.

Growl...

Suddenly, someone's stomach growled.

Lin Ye turned his gaze to Yui Yuigahama.

"It wasn't me... Sorry, how about... we eat dinner first?"

None of them had eaten yet.

"If you're not picky, let's grab some sushi to tide us over."

"But..."

Yui Yuigahama hesitated.

"Don't be shy."

Lin Ye handed some sushi to Yui Yuigahama. Left with no choice, she ate two pieces and passed some to Yukino Yukinoshita.

The eight small pieces of sushi were quickly finished between the three of them.

"Let's search along this street."

The street was much quieter, incomparable to the main road in front of the mall.

Wearing their school uniforms, the trio stood out.

Lin Ye walked ahead, with Yukinoshita and Yuigahama following behind.

A middle-aged man in a suit walked toward them. He glanced curiously at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama but quickly looked away and continued walking.

"There's not even a shadow of a dog here."

Lin Ye turned his gaze to a narrow, deep alley.

"For safety, I'll go in alone to check. You two wait here. Don't enter the alley alone. If there's danger, shout, and I'll come immediately."

Although it wasn't very isolated, Lin Ye still gave necessary precautions.

"Alright," Yukinoshita nodded.

When it came to safety, she was serious.

"Lin-san, be careful. Shouldn't we go together? Three of us might be better."

Looking at the narrow alley, Yuigahama swallowed nervously. She wouldn't dare enter alone.

"No need. I'll be fine. Whether I find something or not, I'll call Yukinoshita-san in five minutes."

With that, Lin Ye stepped into the alley.

Compared to the street outside, the alley felt darker and narrower. Without the moonlight, it would've been even gloomier.

Soon, Lin Ye's figure blended into the shadows, and his footsteps faded away until they disappeared.

"Lin-san is amazing. He's so good at persuading people, and even the managers were willing to show us the footage. He's also really brave," Yuigahama couldn't help but exclaim.

"Mm, he's showing off in front of you, a beautiful girl."

"Uh!"

Yui Yuigahama waved her hands vigorously in denial.

"No, no, it's definitely because of you, Yukinoshita-san. You're way prettier than me. You're the school beauty of Sobu High. I can't compare at all."

In front of Yukinoshita, Yuigahama's confidence disappeared entirely.

"You shouldn't belittle yourself, Yuigahama-san. You have your own strengths."

"I... I don't think so..."

Yuigahama's voice weakened.

As the two waited outside, time ticked by. Five minutes later, Yukinoshita's phone rang.

"It's me, Yukinoshita."

"Okay. Yuigahama-san and I are still at the alley entrance where you went in."

...

After hanging up, Yukino Yukinoshita shook her head at Yui Yuigahama.

"No useful clues."

"Mm."

Suddenly, Yukinoshita noticed something about ten meters ahead under the streetlight. It seemed like the shadow of a dog.

"Yuigahama-san, is that it?"

She pointed hesitantly and asked.

"Hmm?"

Yui Yuigahama looked in the direction Yukino Yukinoshita was pointing.

"Sabure..."

The words slipped out instinctively as Yuigahama noticed the small figure running quickly ahead. She immediately followed after it.

"Sabure, wait for me..."

"Yuigahama-san, don't run."

Yukino Yukinoshita hurriedly chased after her.

In no time, Yuigahama saw the small figure dart into an alleyway and vanish completely.

"Sabure, come back!"

But her hand was tightly grabbed by Yukino Yukinoshita.

"Yuigahama-san, calm down. You can't go in. Let's wait for Lin-san to return."

"But, but..."

She felt as though Sabure was right ahead, and if she went in, she could find him.

"Calm down. You're acting impulsively because you care, but you can't be certain that the shadow you saw was Sabure."

Yui Yuigahama pursed her lips in silence.

Indeed, as Yukinoshita said, she couldn't be sure.

"When will Lin-san return?"

"Very soon."

The two of them waited in place for about two minutes before Yukino Yukinoshita received a call from Lin Ye. Soon, Lin Ye joined the two.

"Is it this alley? I'll go take a look."

Unlike the alley he had walked through earlier, this was a completely different one. Lin Ye walked in while using his ability to scan his surroundings.

However, even after reaching the end, he found no trace of anything.

"But this feeling... it does bear a slight resemblance to something strange."

Yet the 'Eerie Game' had not provided any prompts.

Was it just his imagination, or was it that this strangeness was not recognized by the Eerie Game as a "real-world routine task"?

As he pondered, Lin Ye returned once again to the two girls.

"Sorry, I didn't find anything."

"Sabure..."

Yui Yuigahama looked disappointed. She gazed toward the deep alleyway as if she still wanted to investigate further.

"I'll search the area again."

"No, it's fine, Lin-san. Let's call it a day for now!"

But Lin Ye had already stepped back into the alley, circling it thoroughly, though he still found nothing.

Yui Yuigahama had no choice but to accept this reality with disappointment.

"We can come back and check again tomorrow."

"Alright."

"Ahhh!"

At that moment, a sharp cry came from another direction a middle-aged man's voice.

"What happened?"

Yukinoshita and Yuigahama both turned their gazes toward the source of the sound.

"I'll go check it out. You two stay here and don't wander off."

Lin Ye dashed toward the sound.

Within moments, Lin Ye saw a man slumped against the wall, clutching his right leg with his hand, hissing in pain.

"Hey, what happened to you?"

"I got... bitten by a stray dog. Damn it, there are stray dogs around here... All stray dogs should be caught and put down."

The middle-aged man grumbled angrily.

"Go to the hospital quickly to get a rabies shot."

"I know, but damn it, it's going to cost me."

The thought of the vaccine expense made the man grimace in pain.

"By the way, do you remember what the dog looked like and which direction it ran?"

"It was pretty small, dirt-yellow, looked like a dachshund or maybe a Shiba Inu. I didn't get a clear look, and I don't know its breed. It ran that way."

The middle-aged man pointed in a direction.

Lin Ye jogged a few steps in that direction to check the surroundings, using his ability to scan, but he still found no sign of the dog.

Where did it hide?

After pondering for a moment, he decided not to keep searching and returned to the two girls.

"It can't be Sabure. Sabure is very obedient and would never bite anyone."

Yui Yuigahama immediately explained.

"I didn't say it was Sabure. It's getting late. I suggest we end it here for now and come back to search the area after school tomorrow."

Yukino Yukinoshita naturally had no objections, but the decision ultimately depended on Yui Yuigahama, who was the one who had asked for their help. Would she be okay with ending things for today?

"Alright."

Yui Yuigahama sighed.

That was all they could do for now.

However, the three didn't part ways just yet. Instead, they went to a burger joint near Chiba Mall to have dinner.

Although they had eaten sushi earlier, by this time, they were all hungry again.

Yukino Yukinoshita suggested splitting the bill, but Yui Yuigahama firmly insisted on treating them this time.

"Alright, then I won't hold back. One beef burger and a cola, please."

"And you, Yukinoshita-san?"

"A pork cutlet burger and an orange juice."

"Okay, okay."

Yui Yuigahama went to the counter to place the order.

Meanwhile, Lin Ye and Yukino Yukinoshita sat by the window, waiting.

The silence between them was palpable, with no conversation exchanged.

'Ding-dong…'

The bell chimed as a new customer entered.

"Eh?"

A surprised female voice sounded.

"Isn't that Yukino? Out so late at the mall?"

A woman dressed in beige casual wear quickly approached. She had shoulder-length black hair, a faint smile, and a delicate face that bore a striking resemblance to Yukino Yukinoshita.

Before long, Haruno Yukinoshita was standing by the table, her gaze filled with an even deeper smile.

"Yukino, who is this? Having dinner so late with someone it must be your boyfriend, right? It must be! I never thought Yukino would have a boyfriend in high school. I'm so jealous! I haven't even had a relationship yet!"

She spoke as she casually sat down next to Lin Ye, prompting him to shift inward slightly.

"Sister, please don't say misleading things. He's just a classmate."

"Oh, a classmate? Yukino having dinner with a male classmate? I don't believe it. I know you too well, Yukino. You must be shy and trying to hide it. Don't worry! I won't tell Mom."

Yukino Yukinoshita trembled slightly. To her, their mother was an insurmountable figure.

"Sister, I'm serious. He's not."

"Really?"

Haruno turned to look at Lin Ye, who had remained silent until now, her expression filled with curiosity.

"Lin-kun, right? If I'm not mistaken, you've confessed to Yukino several times before, haven't you?"

So you already know everything but are pretending not to?

Indeed, just as in the original story, she loved teasing her younger sister, Yukino Yukinoshita a classic case of a sister complex.

"Yes, I did, but Yukinoshita-san has rejected me every time."

"You still have a chance. Yukino went out to eat with you if you confess again, I'm sure it'll work out this time."

"No, I won't."

"Why not? Are you shy? Afraid of failure?"

"No."

Lin Ye turned to Haruno and said seriously.

"Yukinoshita-san, who rejected me, has become a girl I liked in the past. People need to look forward, face the future. There will always be better girls waiting for me."

Haruno was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.

"That's so interesting! You're really interesting, Lin-kun. Saying something like that while looking at me are you hinting that I'm the 'better girl' you're referring to?"

"Could it be... Haruno-san doesn't have confidence in herself?"

In response to his question, Haruno's smile grew even brighter.

For the first time, she found a boy around her sister who was this amusing.

Why hadn't she noticed him before?

"If you say that, Yukino will be hurt."

"Sister"

But Haruno ignored Yukino's interjection and growing discontent.

"I really like you, Lin-kun. I hope you succeed in winning over Yukino and becoming my future brother-in-law."

That's way too direct. I'm definitely getting sentenced to death here.

Lin Ye thought to himself.

"Or maybe I should"

"Nope! If you say that, Yukino really will be upset."

Haruno raised her finger and made a "shh" gesture.

"Um… excuse me, the burgers are ready."

Yui Yuigahama hurried over with the food and drinks.

From afar, she had already noticed the new face.

Yukino Yukinoshita is sister, who looked so similar to her.

"Sister, we're about to eat dinner. If you have nothing else, please leave."

"Oh, so cold. Yukino, you're so cold. I came today to invite you to join me on an adventure to Chiba Shrine."

Yukino Yukinoshita took the hamburger, unwrapped it, and spoke, "I don't have time these two days."

"Is that so? After all, you have to accompany your future boyfriend's family, so of course, there's no time for your elder sister. How about... inviting Hayato-kun to explore Chiba Shrine with us? It's thrilling! There's said to be a smiling statue at night."

Was it because of the rumors about Chiba Shrine?

Hayato Lin had already visited Chiba Shrine late at night last week, but he hadn't found anything.

"Onee-san, enough."

"Oh dear, Yukino isn't happy. Alright! I won't say more. I won't disturb you anymore."

Haruno patted Hayato Lin's shoulder with a mischievous smile full of hidden meaning. She then stood up, her gaze falling on Yui Yuigahama.

"This female classmate... don't fight Yukino for her boyfriend, alright?"

"Ah!"

Yui Yuigahama was shocked and was about to refute when she felt a force on her leg it was Yukino Yukinoshita is hand.

"Goodbye, have fun tonight!"

Haruno came in a rush and left in a rush.

The lively atmosphere quickly returned to silence.

Yukino Yukinoshita broke the quiet atmosphere, speaking up,

"Don't mind what my sister just said. Especially you, Lin-kun, don't overthink. Not much of what she says can be trusted."

"I see. I was kind of inclined to believe it."

"Don't. That's all there is to say."

The three began eating their hamburgers.

Ten minutes later, after finishing their meal, they left the hamburger shop.

Hayato Lin initially planned to escort the two girls home, but when he saw Haruno waving from a distance, he realized they could hitch a ride today.

"Onee-san..."

"Come on! Get in the car, I'll drive you home."

The luxury car was undeniably comfortable, offering a completely different feeling.

However, why was Yui Yuigahama in the front passenger seat while he sat in the back, with Haruno Yukinoshita in the middle seat, her smiling gaze fixed on him? It made Hayato Lin inexplicably uneasy.

It seemed he'd really been targeted by Haruno.

Thinking carefully, it made sense. Ever since Shizuka Hiratsuka had placed him in the Service Club, he had likely entered Haruno Yukinoshita's sights as a sister-obsessed figure.

If not today, then maybe tomorrow they'd meet again.

April 17th.

Early in the morning, Hayato Lin received a short message from Ren Nanase.

Last night, the emergency department at Chiba Municipal Hospital received a patient bitten by a dog.

The patient, bitten by a dog last night, had received rabies immunoglobulin at a nearby hospital. Compared to vaccines, immunoglobulin takes effect faster and better prevents the rabies virus.

However, late at night, the patient's family noticed the patient was acting abnormally and called for emergency services. They were taken to Chiba Municipal Hospital, but unfortunately... the patient could not be saved, and the hospital concluded the cause of death as rabies.

Hayato Lin replied to Ren Nanase's message, advising her to be cautious around dogs and minimize contact.

"Given Ren's age and the description of the middle-aged man from last night, there's an 80% chance this is connected to something supernatural."

His suggestion for Ren to monitor "rabies patients" at the hospital had been more of a trial, considering there were many hospitals in Chiba. Yet they had still encountered something.

Whether it was luck or the idea that something supernatural existed in Chiba, anyone heading to the hospital seemed to end up at Chiba Municipal.

After school.

Hayato Lin went to the Service Club. Yui Yuigahama arrived even earlier, a rare occurrence.

"Now that everyone's here, let's get going!"

"Wait a minute, I have something to say."

Both girls looked at Hayato Lin.

"Today's search, let me go alone."

"Why?"

"That's not right. How can I let Hayato-kun go alone? If we find Sabure, he might not listen to just you."

"It's dangerous. There have been reports of stray dogs attacking people in the area. A friend at the hospital told me someone died last night from rabies."

"Uh! That... could it have been that middle-aged man?"

Yui Yuigahama speculated immediately.

"Unlikely," Yukinoshita denied. "From being bitten by a dog to the onset of rabies, it typically takes at least seven days. If treated with immunoglobulin in time, there shouldn't be an issue. These two are unlikely the same person."

"It's highly likely they're the same person. My friend mentioned a middle-aged man who first received immunoglobulin but later acted abnormally and was sent to the hospital by his family. Ultimately... he died."

Yukino Yukinoshita pursed her lips, thinking.

"In that case, let me handle the search today. I'll take care of it."

"No way. I can't allow Hayato-kun to face danger alone. I'm going too."

Yui Yuigahama stood in front of Hayato Lin.

"As the president of the Service Club, I can't stay behind while the members are on the front lines."

"Generals are always in the backlines."

"I'm Yukino Yukinoshita."

"I'm just a provisional member."

"You are now an official member."

Yukino Yukinoshita clarified.

Realizing their determination, Hayato Lin understood that even if he refused, the two would still join the search on their own.

"Alright, but on one condition."

"Say it."

"Change clothes. Skirts aren't suitable. Wear something to protect your ankles. I'll provide protective gear."

So far, the injuries have all been around the ankle area.

Yukino Yukinoshita was surprised by Hayato Lin's caution but didn't object.

"Alright."

Yukino Yukinoshita agreed. Yui Yuigahama, of course, had no objections.

"We'll meet at Chiba Mall in an hour, at 4:40."

The three left Sobu High School and parted ways at the station.

However, Hayato Lin had already prepared and immediately headed to Chiba Mall after parting with the two girls.

He had already prepared clothing.

He intended to use the time before their meeting to deal with the lurking supernatural dog.

"Although it only appears at night, that doesn't mean it won't during the day."

Hayato Lin put on gloves and made basic preparations.

But as he left the mall restroom, he saw a calm, long-haired girl standing quietly. Her gaze landed on him, as serene as a still lake, yet with a hint of faint emotion.

"Yukinoshita President, you changed so quickly?"

"Hmm?"

Change quickly?

She hadn't even changed.

"Were you planning to sneak off alone, Hayato-kun? Do you think that's appropriate?"

"I'm just trying to make use of the time instead of waiting around."

"Together."

The single word expressed Yukino Yukinoshita is determination.

Knowing refusal was pointless, Hayato Lin figured protecting one person was easier than two. If both were present, saving them might be difficult in case of danger.

"Alright, let's go. Take this."

Hayato Lin handed her ankle guards from his backpack. These included metal reinforcements for added protection.

Whether they'd hold against a supernatural dog's bite remained uncertain.

"Better than nothing."

"Let me buy some clothes."

Rich girls were different.

Hayato Lin realized Yukino Yukinoshita hadn't even changed.

After all, in his eyes, Yukinoshita was always the same.

Ten minutes later.

Yukinoshita finished swiping her card and changed into a black tracksuit. Looking at her reflection in the store's mirror, she noticed her new appearance.

The black tracksuit was loose, her long hair tied into a single ponytail. The overall look exuded a sense of coolness mixed with a lively energy.

"Let's go."

"Alright."

The two quickly started searching nearby.

After two rounds of searching without results:

"Let's rest over there for a bit."

"Alright."

'Shush!'

A shadow swiftly darted into the alley ahead.

Hayato Lin and Yukinoshita exchanged glances and quickly followed.

Around the corner, a dark-yellow dog ran to the end and turned toward another side.

"It's a dachshund. I didn't catch the color of its collar."

"Let's go closer."

They hadn't gone far before stopping.

Ahead, a large dog appeared.

A Tosa dog, its eyes fierce, mouth growling, drooling slightly tinged with dark red.

Hayato Lin shielded Yukinoshita.

"You leave first."

He pulled out the stick he'd prepared from his backpack.

Tonight, he'd use this dog-beating stick to teach this supernatural dog a lesson.

Without hesitation, Yukinoshita left. She couldn't handle dogs touching them was out of the question, let alone facing a ferocious one like this. It could likely already be a rabid dog.

Just as she turned to leave the alley, she found that two more dogs appeared behind her Akitas.

Not very big, but their bared teeth and fixed stares emitted an unending aura of menace.

Yukino Yukinoshita took a step back and bumped into Lin Ye.

"Why haven't you left yet?"

"There are dogs."

Yukinoshita's voice sounded slightly trembling, a genuine emotion of fear.

Lin Ye glanced behind with his peripheral vision and immediately noticed the two Akitas.

Caught in a trap.

"Even dogs are playing tricks now; this world is really unkind."

"Please be serious, Lin Ye."

Yukino Yukinoshita looked at the three dogs slowly closing in from both sides, her fear surfacing uncontrollably, overwhelming her mind and heart.

"Don't worry. As long as I stand, nothing will happen to you."

"Save the jokes for later."

"So hurtful. I'm actually being serious here."

He guarded the girl with one arm as they slowly backed away from the Tosa Inu. Compared to the two Akitas, the Tosa Inu posed the greater threat.

"Listen carefully, Yukinoshita. In a moment, you'll run out of here. Don't worry about the Akitas. I'll handle them. Nothing will happen to you. All you need to do is run as fast as you can."

"…"

Yukino Yukinoshita pressed her lips together in silence.

"At least trust me this once. Worst case, I'll just get bitten a couple of times. I won't die."

But what came to her mind was the case Lin Ye had mentioned after school.

"I'll count to three. Don't let me down."

"Three..."

Yukinoshita froze as Lin Ye dashed straight toward the two Akitas.

What?

By the time she realized what was happening and began sprinting with all her might, all she heard was the pitiful howls of the two Akitas ahead.

The two Akitas collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably as they howled.

She didn't have time to think further, so she quickened her pace and ran faster.

Meanwhile, Lin Ye turned to face the charging Tosa Inu.

"Roar!"

The Tosa Inu roared furiously, opening its blood-stained mouth, its strong body bursting forth with unprecedented power.

The next moment,

It felt a heavy blow to its head, followed by intense pain radiating from all over its body.

Fifteen seconds.

For twelve of those seconds,

Lin Ye repeatedly swung a solid iron rod, striking the Tosa Inu's head, body, and other critical areas with relentless force.

In the last three seconds, he pulled back to maintain a safe distance, avoiding the Tosa Inu's desperate final struggle.

"Roar… Roar…"

The Tosa Inu lay on the ground, howling incessantly, completely confused about what had happened. Why was it suddenly subjected to such heavy blows, with its head and body beaten mercilessly?

Why?

Why was this happening?

"Roar…"

The Tosa Inu went berserk, its body creaking with crisp sounds. As a medium-large breed, its body suddenly expanded in size, and its bleeding wounds healed rapidly.

"Roar… Roar…"

It howled toward the sky, its voice carrying waves of resonance.

At this moment,

It seemed like the king of all dogs.

This was definitely a monstrous dog.

Lin Ye observed the now twice-as-large Tosa Inu.

But why hadn't the "Strange Game" issued any prompts?

"Could it be too weak, unworthy of being designated as an official real-world mission target?"

Or was there some other reason?

In any case, he had to act.

Beating it to death was the only solution.