Chrono Paradox

Are you awake? ???

Hold on. It looks like the shackles were applied a bit too tight.

It's simple. This is the Chronoscholar Magic Laboratory, and you're here as a test subject.

It's no big deal. Just like always—I'm going to borrow your energy to test my Time Interference Magic.

Of course. Are you saying you don't trust me, the master of Time Interference Magic and the Head of Chronoscholar?

...

In theory, the test is flawless. Of course, there might be some minor side effects, but...

Uh... nothing major. Like growing an extra arm, or getting another eye...

Th-That's...

...Those two have nothing to do with this.

...Well, Emily is an expert when it comes to the wind. More precisely, wind Elemental Magic.

I'll deliver that for you. It's in your pocket, right?

Mmm... is it this?

Oh? Then... how about this?

You'll just run away if I let you down, won't you?

Mmm... this shape is a bit strange for beef jerky...

What?

...Eek!?

You, y-y-y-y-you! What did you just make me touch?!?!

That w-was basically my own hand...

I-I got it... So... where is the beef jerky?

...Ah! Here it is. I'll... um... deliver this to her someday.

O-Of course I am! Who do you take me for? Whenever I... run into Claire...

W-What?!

No! We didn't fight! We just...

Had a slight... disagreement.

No, it wasn't!! Shut up, you're just a test subject! Keep running your mouth and I'll shove a tentacle down your throat!

A-Anyway. This will be over soon, so just count the patterns on the ceiling or something.

Let’s see... First, Phase 1: the time-axis securing magic circle and... phase stabilization...

Calibrating the coordinates and... W-What? What's on the ceiling?

Eek!? W-Where!?

Shut up! If you keep distracting me, something might go wrong. Be a good test subject and stay still!

A-Anyway! Phase 2... setting up the Time Distortion Magic Circle... pouring the elemental solution into the flask...

Transferring the funds to the M.A.D. acc... Wait, no!! Why do you keep breaking my concentration!!

That's not the point, is it?! Do you seriously want to see a leg grow out of your forehead?! Jeez...!

Just stay like that for a second. I'll let you down once the deployment is finished.

Heh... struggling won't do you any good. My control over my tentacles is absolute.

Now for the final Phase 3... activating the magic circles in order, and establishing the Time Fixed Axis...

Hnyaaah!?

Of course they are! These tentacles are derived from my mana in the first place...!

H-Heheh!? W-Wait! I'm... still in the middle of casting the spell?!

W-What are you doing!?

Ah... Ahahahahat! S-Stop tickling me! My mana control is, hehehe, going wild...!!

N-No!!! Ahahahahaha!!

Ah, the flask...

It shouldn't fall there—

Th-This is bad... the spell is reversing! At this rate...

I have to stabilize... the magic circle! At this rate...

Time Interference will connect the past and the future!

We won't just see it, they will get completely jumbled up!

Why are you thinking about something so stupid at a time like this?!

That's not the problem...

A Time Distortion is going to happen!!

...Cough! Y-Yeah... o-of course I'm alive!

U-Uh... hold on a second.

...Gather!

...

They're out of... control. I can't move them!

I can clearly feel my own mana in them, so why...?

W-What are you talking about?! They're basically my own limbs?!

How can tools without a will of their own rebel against me?!

Th-That... that wasn't my will...!

Aaargh! Shut up!

A-Anyway, these loose tentacles are not connected to me. It must be the aftermath of the experiment...

Huh!? Where...

Where do you think you're going?! Come back!! I am your master!

What? Th-This is...

Why... why aren't you listening to me? Stop! I said stop!

Don't come any closer to me!

At this rate? What's going to happen?!

What are you even talking about?! And why is it so unnecessarily detailed?!

Anyway, these tentacles... are really weird! They won't listen to me, but it's almost like they're being controlled by someone else...

W-What is that?

...I can't believe you can't even control this tiny amount of power. ???

There's a clear reason why the experiment failed. ???

...!

Of course not! There's only one of me in this world!

That's... That's...

That's right. I'm not the Yuria you know. ???

I've crossed over through the distortion created by twisted time... A Yuria from another time... ???

Well, for now, why don't you call me "Paradox"?

And to think you wanted to control time. It's absolutely laughable.

W-What?! What do you know about the "me" of this world!

I know. Because even if we're from different timelines...

I am still "you."

Don't make me laugh!

But even so, you're no match for me.

You can't move, can you? I'm sorry, but your "time" is up...

Because from now on, it's my time.

...I've missed you, test subject.

This time...

I won't let you run away♡

...

It was nothing. Just... growing wings, sprouting horns, developing a shell and breathing fire, that sort of thing...

Yet you were the one shouting, "Whoa! A bio-soldier hybrid!" and getting all excited.

Well... I thought it might be possible to split you like a planarian to create clones, and while I was trying to test that...

No! I was going to put you back together!

...By sticking you back together really well...?

...You know it too, don't you?

Once timelines become entangled, they lock in place—there's no going back. Which means...

One of us must be absorbed and disappear.

...Like I'd let you do that?!

With your current skills, you wouldn't be able to beat me in a million years.

Because... "I" am "you"—and from the future, no less.

Ugh...!

Who are you calling a lewd tentacle brat?! Yuria & Paradox

Hmph, whatever. Just stay quiet until I'm finished.

Now, the nuisance is out of the way. It's time...

Ugh... ugh!?

It's time to become one, "me of another time."

N-No...!

Don't be afraid. "You" are "me," after all. Soon, you'll understand me...

Aaaah!! No!!

Help me!! Emily, Claire!!!

Yuria! Are you alright?

High-priority protection target, secured. The hostile target is... Huh?

Who on earth would do something like this in the Chronoscholar Manor... Wait, what...?

Yuria...? Why are there two of her...

No, the mana fluctuations are different... That person is Lady Yuria, but also not Lady Yuria.

Heh... Heheh, Claire recognizes me right away. Is it because you're a homunculus?

Nice to meet you, you two of this timeline. And...

Let's get along from now on.

...!! Emily & Claire

Ugh... there's no end to this!

Mana is being supplied endlessly. At this rate, our chances of winning are slim.

Heh, are you curious?

The reason is...

I'm not telling.

...Who are you calling small-chested?!

My, you're as cheeky of a test subject as always. Do I need to 'discipline' you again?

Setting the chest talk aside for a moment...

Do you really think I'd let you? is my test subject!

She definitely is... way stronger than our Yuria. ...What on earth happened?

If the other Lady Yuria gets serious, our chances of winning are slim. We need to make a decision now.

In that case...?

Oho? What are you all whispering about? Leaving me out of the loop? That's so hurtful.

But that's fine, because I'll make sure we become one in body and mind soon enough... Heh.

What!? Smoking-hot and curvy!?

I'm counting on you, Claire!

Understood. Lady Yuria, hold on tight.

H-Hyaaaah?!

...

Sigh...

...They got away again.

What are you just standing there for? Bring them back. As fast as you can!

Whew, we barely escaped. Is everyone okay?

Y-Yeah...

...It's not over yet.

...All the way here?! We should be way out of the tentacles' control range by now.

Yeah. Something is clearly wrong. These tentacles aren't being controlled by mana.

They're independent lifeforms made of mana. Besides...

Whoa!? What is this... a tentacle?! Those Kinogarten jerks left their props lying around again...!!

No, it's not! I can feel mana from that tentacle... This is definitely a magical creature made for lewd purposes!

If we get caught, we'll have every inch of our bodies stimulated by slimy tentacle play and awaken to a whole new fetish!

You've been watching way too many Kinogarten movies!

The tentacles are already all the way here... We're clearly being overrun...

Claire, let me go.

I have to go back.

Yuria?! Don't tell me you want to go back to the manor?

Multiple tentacles and the evil Lady Yuria are at the manor... Dangerous.

But...!

It's my fault. If only I hadn't made that mistake...

Shut up!!

Sigh... No. I'm sorry for snapping... It's all because of my own shortcomings...

As the Head of Chronoscholar, I must remain calm and collected under any circumstances.

The fact that I let your teasing get to me... is proof of my own weakness.

So... I have to end this with my own hands. Before things get even worse.

Wait a minute, Yuria!

Are you trying to handle this all on your own again? Going back right now won't solve anything.

That's...

It's good that you want to take responsibility as the Head of Chronoscholar, but... don't go acting on your own.

After all, it seems like this whole mess started because you dragged in as a test subject in the first place...

Ugh...

I know the Magic Academy has been pressuring you to produce results, but you were way too hasty.

There's no need to let other people's words get to you and rush—

...ut up.

...Huh?

Yu... Yuria?

I know! I know that's what I should do! But do you think it's that easy?!

Those Academy jerks look down on me because I'm young, threatening to cut funding and whatnot... constantly picking fights over results!

And you, Emily, you never actually help me... You just wander off whenever the wind blows!

Saying stuff like "there's a good breeze today" or "feel the wind"... you wind-fetishist!!!

W-Wind-fetishist?!

And as for Claire... do you have any idea how much your food costs every month?

All you ever care about is meat, meat, meat... Did our ancestors make a homunculus or a meat vacuum?!

...Then I'll just hunt in the back hills.

Stop doing that too!! We got a warning letter last time saying the wildlife in the back hills is going extinct because of you!!

Anyway, you guys just don't get it! I'm trying my best here! I'm trying so hard... but...

Everyone always says... since I'm the Head, I have to do well... and that I'm not allowed... to make mistakes...

...Forget it. It's not like talking to you guys will change anything anyway...

You'll just say it's the Head's job anyway, that it's my responsibility... right?

We wouldn't—

So I'll do it! Me! As the Head... I'll handle this on my own somehow!!

Yuria!

...Lady Yuria might have been crying.

Um... . Could you go after Yuria?

Even if I followed her now... she's so emotional, I don't think she'd listen to a word I say.

I think... it would be best if you went.

Yeah... Thanks!

Why... are you following me...!

I-I wasn't crying!

It-It's just raining!

Shut. Up!

Who said... I didn't know that?! I know, I already know!

But... still... I'm the Head of the Chronoscholar family.

If I don't show dignity and have the ability expected of the family head... that won't do.

I shouldn't rely on anyone. I can't show any weakness. Once they look down on me, it's over!

...What?

B-But...!

...Grrr!!!!!

Wh-Wh-Who said I didn't know that?! Do you think I'm doing this because I don't know?!

Seriously... it's just... not that easy!

I... I want to tell them too! To ask them to help me, to stand with me... but...!

I'm just afraid I'll disappoint Emily and Claire if I do...! I'm scared!!

And saying that to their faces...!

It's way too embarrassing...!

...Huh?

Hyaah!?

Ah... Ah...!

Ugh... Ngh...!

Wh-What?

Are you... wiping away... my tears?

Are you actually... comforting me?

This tentacle... I can feel my own mana from it. It's an independent entity, but it doesn't seem to be a minion of the other Yuria.

But why wipe my tears... Maybe it's sharing my thoughts and feelings through our shared mana...

H-Hold on a second, my tentacles aren't some kind of summoned beasts...

I mean... uh...

I'll just call you 'Tentacle' for now...

W-What is that supposed to mean?!

Ugh...!

Take that back!! I don't even know this thing!!

Ugh...! I-I take back taking that back! It's not like I don't feel that way at all... Aaargh! What are you making me say?!

Yeah. It seems like a temporary manifestation caused by the spell that failed back then.

Besides, since it's basically a clone of me... it possesses a considerable amount of mana.

Y-Yeah... I don't know why, but she was definitely a 'grown-up version of me'.

I can't say for sure, but... that might actually work.

But I can't control these Tentacles. Like I said before, I can't control—

Huh?

Y-Yeah...

Another... way?

As...queen for help?

R-Really? Are you sure you're okay with that? If you help me...

R-Really...?

...Yeah! Thank you, Tentacle.

...Ahaha, that tickles.

Square one...? ...Ah.

Ugh...

B-But! It's different, it's totally different!

I don't know why either. Every time I try to be honest with them... I get too embarrassed to say a word...

...! Yuria, behind you...!

Tentacle spotted. Eliminating for safety.

...? What do you mean?

...The mana fluctuations are different. This is close to our Lady Yuria's mana...?

Fine. This one is... well, how should I put it...

A good tentacle!

I'm sorry, Yuria. I haven't been looking out for you enough, have I?

Keep it up, Head. I'm always cheering for you. Good job, good job...

No, I'm serious!? This thing is basically my clone!

Really? Hmm... It's hard to tell just by looking.

...It doesn't feel like it's being controlled by anyone. It might indeed be different.

If Claire says so...

Then why did this tentacle follow us?

Well...

Gather the tentacles scattered around the city?

Yeah! This one has almost as much mana as I do.

And thanks to the accident earlier, there should be a few more tentacles with my mana out in the city.

Which means if we gather them all, we can unleash a power that rivals Paradox's!

The tentacles' mana is perfectly compatible with Lady Yuria. It's theoretically possible.

...In other words, it's close to the ultimate emergency ration.

....

Mana fluctuations detected. Those tentacles are clearly being controlled by the evil Lady Yuria.

Hmm... This is literally a city of tentacles...

...Can I eat it?

How can you say that when we have no idea what kinds of side effects there might be!

Who are you calling a rowdy brat!!! That's so rude!! I know how to get along with people too, you know?!

*Sniff* *sniff*... Hmm. Those tentacles have weak mana. And too much external mana has already mixed in.

They only have a tiny fraction of Lady Yuria's heart, so their vibe is different.

I-It's not like that!!

I said it's not!!!!

Ahaha! When you think about it that way, it makes sense how they blended into the city!

Yuria has always been good at everything, and she wanted to be the best at everything too!

Argh!!! I can't see! I can't hear! That is NOT me...!!

No. As I said before, their mana is too weak.

We need tentacles with mana that's on par with, or at least close to, Lady Yuria's.

Yes. Over there.

Oh? That way leads to Kinogarten's...

I sense strong mana coming from here. Follow me.

Yep, I knew it. This is Kinogarten's studio.

Kinogarten?! No way... You mean those people who shoot those weird videos?!

"Weird movies"? How rude! They're just regular adult films.

B-But... the movies they make here have, you know, tons of lewd scenes. That's why the Vermont Ethics Committee...

Ah... Uh... Wait, what?!

Yuria...?

Ahhh! I-I just heard about it! I just heard it from someone I know on the Ethics Committee, okay!!!

...?

Y-Yeah, let's drop it for now.

Senior, I... I don't think office life is for me. I make mistakes every day... and I'm always causing trouble for you...

(Wiggle, wiggle)

Hehe, are you trying to comfort me? But... I'll never be as good at this as you are, Senior.

Project presentations... data sorting... even sales and customer service. No matter how hard I try... I can never be like you, Senior!

If that's the case... I'd rather... just quit...!

Even so... you say it's fine? That everyone starts out that way?

Senior...

A-Ah...?! W-Wait a second, Senior. Not there... Not there...!

Ah... Ngh! What did you say...? That you'll "discipline" a bad junior who doesn't listen to her senior? That's so...

Take this foolish junior with your kind, gentle tentacles...

And discipline me until I rank first in the performance review!♡!

Cuuut! Clear the stage, please!

How was it, Director? I think that shot turned out pretty well.

...Phew.

(The director seems to be in a good mood, doesn't she?)

(She must really like the new actor they brought in.)

(Tell me about it! During the first audition, the director looked like she was thinking, 'Where have you been all my life?')

Alright, tell the actors to take a break. We'll shoot the next cut in fifteen minutes.

I'll review the next script in the meantime.

Understood! Actors, please take a break!

(W-Well, who knows...? I got the director's business card, but this is my first time actually coming inside too.)

Uh, excuse me. I'm sorry, but this area is off-limits to outsiders. If you're fans, please visit the merchandise shop downstairs.

Coming in without permission is a violation of the rules. Censorship has gotten really strict lately, so we don't want any trouble, okay?

Hmm? What's this? I know I've seen you somewhere...

Yes, ma'am!

So, what brings you here?

Don't tell me you came here because you want to be an actor—

I came to get my... my tentacle back. You were shooting something with it just now, weren't you?

Oh? So... you're its agency?

Agency?

Hmm... So it was a talent that had already been scouted. No wonder its skills were so impressive.

It makes sense, considering it's an actor with acting skills brilliant enough to turn the disadvantage of being unable to read lines into a strength.

"It"? Watch your mouth!

That fluid, natural movement, and that sleek body capable of playing any role.

On top of that, its ability to not just understand acting, but to embody it with its whole being.

The moment it slithered in for the audition... I was completely captivated by its overwhelming talent.

It is a genius! A rising star that will bring a breath of fresh air to Vermont's cinema!

Oh...

Hmph! What do you mean "good for me"?! It's not good at all!

I don't care about Kinogarten's situation. I don't watch your movies anyway!

Shut up!

Anyway! It's my tentacle in the first place. I have ownership of it! Hand it over right now so we can go back!

*Sigh*...

I know people like you all too well.

Always claiming ownership, demanding rights, and trying to control everything.

I'm sorry, but rebelling against that kind of authority is my philosophy and my art.

It's our actor. Even if the Vermont Ethics Committee came after us with everything they've got, I wouldn't hand it over.

...Fighting here will deplete our strength. Not good.

Hmm? Yes. I've finally found the perfect actor for the role.

Oh? Flaws in my script...?

Go ahead and speak, ... because I have no doubt that this will be my masterpiece.

Yet you're saying... there's room for improvement? That we can elevate its artistic value even further?

Hmm, quite confident, aren't you? Very well.

Does that mean you can fill in whatever is missing from my movie?

...

But be prepared. If I hear nothing but hot air...

You'll have to star in a movie of your own. I'll call it, 'The Demise of Those Who Didn't Know Their Place'.

Oh, quite an adaptation... You're better at this than I thought, .

Seriously...?! Just what did you say to her...?

What is it?

It's simple. In the movie we're shooting right now...

We're going to add a few more characters and scenes.

Alright! Moving on to the extra shoot! Actors, to your marks!

Camera and audio are set! Standby!

A-Are we really doing this?!!! Are we really doing this?!

B-But...

Alright... Roll camera, and action!

Senior... I... If it's with you...

W-Wait a minute!

Y- y- you thieving cat!

S-Senior is mine! I'm not letting a girl like you have him!

...(Wiggle, wiggle)

What am I missing?! I... I worked so hard! My last performance review was excellent, and my sales record was number one!

I did everything I could just to make you look my way... So why do you only pay attention to this plain girl?!

Cuuut! Great work, everyone!

Yes! This is it!

A sensual love triangle between a senior and his two juniors in an office... You were absolutely right.

Simultaneously showing cooperation and competition to win the senior's heart... Where do you get these ideas?

Will do. By the way, how about coming to work with us at our studio for good?

...

Hey, I have a quick question.

What is it? I'm in a great mood today. I'll tell you whatever I can.

Well, it's nothing major, but...

You aren't seriously planning to cast the Head of Chronoscholar in an adult film like this, are you???

...Tch.

...Hey, you. Don't tell me?

What do you mean "ready"?! You swindler of a Fixer!!!!

The flow of mana is stabilizing. Our power is rising...

But it's still not enough to stand against Paradox. Her power is...

...

Heh, hehe... Yuria?

It's useless to struggle. Time... is already ticking away. Yuria?

As the entangled time marches on... Yuria? The moment we become one draws closer and closer.

...!!

You're... Paradox!! How did you... Yuria?!

Hehe, I'm hurt, Emily... 'I' am Yuria too, you know. It makes me so sad when you hate me like that.

But that's alright... because soon 'I' will become the Yuria you know...

...What? You guys are...

...!

Ah, hyat!? Ah, ahhn♡!? W-Wait! What on earth are you...!?

My strength, my mana...! It's draining away...!

Mmm...

What... on earth... was I doing?

Mana signature confirmed... It's the good Lady Yuria. Paradox has retreated.

(Nod)

Maybe... there's something more to them that we don't know about.

Yes... We're slowly going to merge with each other. I can feel it.

We just need to solve the problem before that happens.

It looks like... I've just found where the next tentacle is.

Yes... It's at...

Feelharmony Cathedral.

I sense Lady Yuria's mana. It must be in here.

Welcome, . And the members of Chronoscholar.

...Did you know we were coming?

Not at all, but I did expect it.

There aren't many places capable of causing this kind of phenomenon, after all.

(No... not really...)

Our Feelharmony simply spreads the love of Harmonix. There is no reason for us to quarrel with anyone, including Chronoscholar.

For Harmonix has commanded us to love all of our neighbors with all of our bosom.

However... things are a bit different when a situation like this arises.

Time is, after all, the divine law that protects this world.

Interfering with that law and bringing about chaos is, without a doubt, a 'sin'.

Ugh...!

...Yes, ? This matter has nothing to do with . It is strictly Chronoscholar's...

...I see. I understand.

Oh, right! Yes. Chronoscholar will solve this problem. So...

I hope Feelharmony can help us out, just a little.

No way... Yuria is actually bowing her head and asking for a favor...! That stubborn Yuria...!

Claire... I'm dreaming right now, aren't I? Right???

...No, this is real. Even if it's hard to believe.

W-What's that look for?! I know how to ask nicely too! And besides... it's true that we caused trouble.

I'll issue an official apology to Feelharmony if necessary. I'm truly sorry for the trouble we caused.

Fufu.

I heard that the Head of Chronoscholar was a strict and sharp person... But it seems rumors really can't be trusted.

Or is this perhaps your influence, ?

W-Who are you calling strict and sharp? I was just...

Very well.

Huh?

Feelharmony will help you as well. To be honest... that was my intention from the start.

Chronoscholar is also our precious bosom... neighbor, after all.

Yes... but I did need to make sure. Because...

Things have piled up a bit...

Yahoo! , are you here for confession too?

Yep! The new sister is super popular.

Yeah! Isn't it amazing! A tentacle sister!

But she's super popular! She gently and softly embraces even the pain of your body and mind...

Oh! Then do you want to do a confession?

Oh, come on, don't be shy! Since is our special guest, I'll let you go right in without waiting!

...(squirm, squirm)

...Welcome... lost lamb... Harmonix knows your desires...

Well, that's because Sister Tentacle can't speak... Hey! You're ruining the immersion, so can you please stop talking nonsense?

Sister Tentacle's full-body confession aromatherapy is a very popular course!

So you didn't come to repent because of all the sins you usually commit?

Hmm... From what I heard, you did XX to Ines, and then did XX... and...

Mmm, but... there are so many lost lambs waiting for confession right now...

...!!

E-Eh... Really? Okay, fine. I guess we have no choice...

She says she'll naturally come help, following the teachings of Harmonix!

Everyone! I'm sorry, but that's it for confessions today! Apologies!

Ah... hahaha...

It'll be fine! P-Probably...

Please, Tentacle, leave this to us and go. This is... a very important matter, right?

...(nods)

Fufu... In that case, both Harmonix and the believers will surely forgive you.

Go, everyone, quickly! And don't look back!

Fufu, may the grace of Harmonix be with you...!

Mana at maximum... With this power, we can take on Paradox.

...Yuria. Are you okay?

Emily... Claire... Why...?

Huh?

Lady Yuria?

Why... aren't you coming...? Why... aren't you looking at me...?

What do you mean? Yuria, I'm right here!

Lady Yuria is looking somewhere else. Those... are not our Lady Yuria's memories.

No... No...! I don't want... to be alone... anymore...!

Yuria!

The Head Butler of Chronoscholar does not leave their Head behind.

Haa... haa...

Let's get back to the mansion quickly. This time, for sure...

No, not yet.

Why? Now that the Tentacles are gathered, we can take them on.

Calm down, Lady Emily.

Even if we face the evil Lady Yuria, we must first break through the mansion covered in tentacles.

...!

We need a plan. A way for us to break through the mansion safely.

Ugh...

Yes. But with our current forces...

Create them...? But from where...?

Pump! Pump!

Whew, whew... My muscles are really responding well today. Is it because of the new trainer?

That's not all! Once you get a massage from the trainer... you can feel every muscle in your body getting excited!

Today is the day I break my personal record...!

Aaaah!?

...!!

W-Wow... I-I'm sorry! I know lifting too heavy can cause injuries...

I was just in such great shape thanks to you, Trainer... I ended up overdoing it without realizing!

W-What? You'll loosen my muscles with a massage...? Ah... Ah♡ Trainer, doing it here might be a bit embarrassing...♡

If possible, I'd love to get a private lesson from you in the locker room...♡

Hey! No fair... I was promised a massage from Trainer too!

You already got one earlier! Your moans were echoing through the locker room and all over the gym!

I-I know... I'm reflecting on that! But Trainer's massages are... the absolute best!

...Then... should we get it together?

Hehe... What do you think, Trainer?

...(nods)

Then... shall we head to the locker room together!?♡

Excuse us!

Whoa!? Who are you?!

What's going on all of a sudden?!

Target acquired. Capture.

Whoa!?

Tr... Trainer!?

Sorry about that! Bye-bye!

H-Hey, stop right there!!

...So I was really shocked when Master broke out of prison.

Did you know? Back then, Master did something to the Head Maid... (whisper whisper)

What? Really? My goodness... I didn't know even that scary Head Maid had a side like that...

While she's always giving our butts a Slap Slap...

What? Really? Are you saying her personality completely changes depending on the person?

As expected of an expert, you really know your stuff, Tentacle! Kyahaha!

Ah, look at the time. We should head out soon.

True, we bought the Vermont Coffee so we should head back. We'll get scolded if we're any later.

We don't want the rookie Tentacle getting scolded because of us.

Target secured.

Whoa!? Rookie...?!

Who are you people!?

I'm Yuria of Chronoscholar. I'll be taking that tentacle you have there.

What!? Do you think we'll just stand by and let you?!

Making an enemy of a Maid means making an enemy of Panoticon... I'm sure you're well aware of that.

Ugh...!? P-Please wait just a moment, Rookie!!

Even if we have to gather all the Maids in Vermont...!

Yahoo! Tentacle, are you ready for today's performance?

(nods)

I was really surprised when a Tentacle suddenly barged into our practice room, but...

Tentacle, your passion for music came through loud and clear to me.

Let's write a new page in the music history of Vermont together!!

Got it.

Whoa!? Are you poaching our member?! What are you planning to do with our Tentacle Sis!

Booo!!! This is corporate tyranny!! Free our Sis!

In that case, I'll start a livestream...! Everyone, please help us!

Give her back! Give our Sis back!

Yuria... I didn't know you were surprisingly talented as a singer?

...I don't even know how to respond to that anymore...

...We're back. Why does it feel like so much time has passed?

Mana response confirmed... The mansion is already filled with tentacles, and the evil Lady Yuria... seems to be in the laboratory.

Are you okay, Yuria?

...Yeah.

W-Who's scared?!

I'm the Head of Chronoscholar and a master of Time Interference Magic.

And since this situation is the result of my mistake, I have a duty to resolve it. So...

I-It's not like that!

I understand now. Perhaps because I saw myself from another timeline...

...So I'm asking you. As the Head of Chronoscholar, and as Yuria.

To resolve this situation... to stop the me from another timeline.

Lend me your strength, .

For the two of them... first, I have something else to say.

Something else to say?

If it is Lady Yuria's command.

No, no. I didn't mean it like that...

Emily, Claire.

I'm really, really sorry!!

Lady Yuria, I don't understand the reason for this.

I-I... I have to apologize to you.

I knew all along. That your actions were actually for my sake.

But I... couldn't accept it. Obsessed with the thought of being the Head of Chronoscholar. And...

...I was too embarrassed to honestly open up my heart.

So... I'm sorry. For letting you down.

Yuria...!

Whoa!?

What are you talking about?! Letting us down?

I've never been disappointed in you, Yuria! ...Ah, well, though it's a bit of a shame that you keep leaving bell peppers behind...

Same here. Lady Yuria is doing just as well as, no, even better than the other Heads in my memory.

...Of course, there is a physical difference between you and the past Heads.

C-Claire! No being mean! I'm going to grow big soon!

...Is that all?

Hehe... You really are a bad test subject.

If this is resolved well... I will positively consider upgrading you from test subject to assistant.

Why, you don't like it?

There it is!!! There's a tentacle over there!!

Come back, Trainer! My muscles that you bulked up... are crying out for you!

Over here! Those Chronoscholar jerks kidnapped our rookie!

How dare they attack Panoticon... Let's teach them a lesson!

Give us back our crew member! We're going to succeed underground and make history!! We're even entering the Vermont Song Festival at the end of the year!!

Yeah, yeah! Give us back our Sis!

Scattering bait... With this many people, even the mansion's tentacles won't be able to handle them all at once. Excellent tactics.

I just hope the mansion doesn't get completely trashed.

...Will this be okay? Even if we do this...

...Mmm...

Uh... what?

Huh? You guys are... from the Vermont Fitness Club...

Ah! You! The one who kidnapped our Trainer!

Give us back our Trainer!

That entity was created from Lady Yuria's mana... Strictly speaking, the ownership belongs to Lady Yuria.

Ugh...! If only we hadn't fallen into this trap!

...By the way, did our mansion have a trap like this?

W-What is it? What's going on?

Sensory...

Deprivation?

Eek...!?

H-Heeek!?

R-Really...?

Just from a breeze... you'll feel pleasure!?!?!?!

I'll be right back!!!

Leave this place to me and go on ahead! This time, I'm going to feel the absolute limit of the wind!!!

...Lady Emily is exactly the same as always.

...How did the Chronoscholars end up like this...

That much!? No, this is all for wind magic research—

Wh-When you put it that way, it's actually a little scary...

But now that we know there's a trap ahead, we can just go the other way.

Leave this place to me and go on ahead... Is that what I'm supposed to say?

Phew... Seriously. Since it's come to this, I'll...

Lady Yuria!?

Because Lady Yuria has no chest to catch her.

No way... Yuria... If only you hadn't been a picky eater and had drunk your milk...!

...Hmph!!!!

Below this is just a normal Chronoscholar basement!!

I purposely chose a hole to climb down, and what did I hear?? No boobs??? A picky eater????

The Chronoscholar mansion has a long history... but that also means it's old.

You think you can just gloss it over with that!?

I'm going through!

Throwing out bait is really effective.

Whoa... There are so many members...?! At this rate, we're not a band, we're going to turn into a group...!

Argh...! If it's come to this... listen to my song!

W-Whoa!? W-Wait... not there!? Ahh♡!?

S-Stop it! Scandals between members are the starting point of rumors about a fallout...!

Wow... That's wild...

Ugh, what are you talking about!!

But thanks to that, the path is open!

Infiltration, begin.

Welcome. You're later than I thought, 'me'.

That was close. If you had been even a little bit later, we would have become one.

I won't let that happen, 'me'

I'll stop you and untangle the twisted flow of time.

How?

That's...

...I'll find a way. Somehow.

Haha, how pathetic. Is that the best solution you could come up with?

Yes.

It might be foolish, pathetic, or even embarrassing...

But I was told that it's okay. They told me that it's okay for 'me' to be like this!

With Emily, with Claire... and with , together! We'll find it!

A way to untangle the twisted timelines! And...

A way to send you back to your original timeline!!

...Ahaha.

Haha... Ahahahaha!!!

!?

Do you really think that's possible?! Something that 'I' couldn't do, that 'I' couldn't find... you!?

...I'll do it! For myself, and... for everyone!

Because... 'I' am not alone!

Fine... Let's see how long that baseless confidence of yours lasts before it crumbles...!

...! This is...!?

Their mana... is canceling each other out.

Since the tentacles' mana is on par with Yuria's... with this, we can!

Haha... Well, this is a bit unexpected.

...Don't move.

Hmm...

Looks like the match is decided, Paradox. Withdraw your tentacles immediately.

Heh... Hehehe...

No!! I will never back down!!

!? Ugh...!? Th-This is...!? Memories are... flooding in...!

None of you know. What I've done... what happened to me!

And... what I did to all of you...!!

...To us...!?

!? Mana level spike...!

Decided? Ha!! Don't make me laugh!!

Time... collapses here...!

(My body...)

(Won't move...!?)

Heh... Heheh, ahahahaha!

How is it? The feeling of not being able to lift a single finger...? The feeling of being trapped in a world where only thoughts exist!?

(The absolute peak of Time Interference Magic... Targeted Time Stop...!? No way, my future self...!)

I'll show you... what's possible when Time Interference Magic reaches its absolute pinnacle.

...? What do you mean, "is that all"? Of course—

...Wait, more importantly, you— how are you speaking when time is frozen—

That makes no sense—

...? My plan? What are you talking—

?!! W-What!? What are you talking about!!!

...What?!?!!! Yuria & Paradox

That is not what's happening here!!! Yuria & Paradox

Wh-What??

...It's undone.

Alright, now—

Not so fast!!

Honestly, whether in the future or the present... you're nothing but a perverted test subject.

Fine. Since Time Magic doesn't work on you, I'll just have to shackle you in another way.

Do you really think you can keep us shackled with just these tentacles??

I only lost my focus because that test subject flustered me. If I freeze time again—

I can easily handle this.

(...Again!? Is there no cooldown on that!?)

(This is bad... At this rate, we can't even get close!)

Shut up, test subject. Just stand there and watch quietly. As 'I' and 'myself' become one...

Ugh...! Break free, break... Huh? What's this? Where am I...?!

Since the other 'me''s tentacles have no ego and very little mana, maybe we were able to absorb them... Hmm...

Ugh... It was probably only possible because she was flustered. Under normal circumstances, it would be completely out of the question...

I'm not entirely sure either... but it seems the Tentacles injected mana into to create a mana path between us.

Maybe that's why... ugh... I can feel 's energy... overflowing. It's like... being swallowed by a massive torrent of water...

S-Shut up!!! It's not like that...!!!

I-It's just... something massive keeps pushing inside me... ahh...

The balance between mana and energy is off... mmm... hnnngh...!!

...?! Y-You guys are??

Along with the memories of times gone by.

Along with expectations for the future to come.

To protect what is precious.

To reclaim what is precious.

M-My mana is boiling over, and my wavelength is starting to align with 's energy...!!

I-If I raise the synchronization rate even higher, I can definitely...!

....

P-Place your hand... on my chest.

And then... visualize injecting your mana directly into me...!

Ah, whatever it is, just do it already!!

Mmh, ahh...!!

Hyaaaaaah!!!!!

*Cough, cough*! Time... has started moving again...?!

Overwhelming mana detected... This is...!?

*Cough*...! *Cough*! W-What is this mana!!

...

Y-You...! What is that ridiculous mana?!

No, it's not!!!!!

H-Hmph! Even so, what can you possibly do once I freeze time again!

Time... collapses here...!

It's useless!!

...?!!!!! ...!!!!

There's no need to shackle the time of the world.

Now that I have... shackled yours alone.

...!!! *Gasp*... Huh? I can speak...!

I can unfreeze the time of your vocal organs separately. How does it feel to experience a much higher level of time shackle?

Urgh...!!!

I-I can't accept this!!!

I walked a far rougher, far harsher path... to barely, barely master the essence of Time Magic...!!!

For you to reach it... so easily and ridiculously?!!

It's all thanks to everyone's help.

Don't give me that cliché garbage...!!

...

Well... it's not like I can deny it...

...Tsk.

Wh-What. What is it.

Eh...!? What! Get your hands off me! Don't come any closer!!!

...? What? I don't feel anything...

I-I mean, doing this to 'myself' feels a bit weird, but...

I-I got it. I'll do it, okay...

N-No way. D-Don't...

N-No!!!! Stop!!!!

Kyyaaaaaah!!!!!

Ah... ahh♡ haa, haah...♡!

N... Nooo!

Haah, haah...

Every sensation in my body is...! So sensitive...! I-I can't move...

Eek...!

No, I think that's enough.

The mana that the Tentacles gave us is completely drained now...

And it seems like the other 'me' is out of mana too.

...Hmm, is it over now...?

The other Lady Yuria made some really wild noises.

Stop talking about that, it's embarrassing...

N-No way!!! You perverted test subject, seriously!!

... (Everyone)

Even if she's me from another timeline... she's closer to an anomaly created by mana.

A future me that might or might not have existed... a possibility of myself...

It's only logical that she'll disperse and vanish as her mana runs dry.

Since she already went against the world's time flow... it's like the laws of physics correcting themselves.

...If she disappears, will she vanish from our memories too?

Even though she caused so many problems... that might be a little sad.

...Vanishing alone and lonely, remembered by no one.

That's harsh.

But there's no other way...

Hmph. Cut out the useless sympathy.

I'm not supposed to exist here anyway, am I?

All you have to do is quickly disperse the rest of my mana and make me vanish, right?

Why are you hesitating so much, Head of Chronoscholar?

Without even that much resolve, how do you expect to restore our family?!

As the Head, it's only natural to handle everything on your own!!

Clear out all obstacles! Bury all useless emotions!

Without wasting a single second hesitating, you should only think about moving forward!!

You're wrong.

What?!

I said, you're wrong about that.

You don't really mean that.

...

Since I am you, and you are me... I know.

The memories that flowed into my mind... All of your words and actions until now...

Now, I understand everything.

Ha! Don't make me laugh.

What could a 'me' like you, who spent such useless time laughing and playing, possibly know—

It wasn't useless!!!

You... pushed yourself to the brink until everyone in the family turned their backs and left, all to perfect Time Magic, didn't you?

In the end, you came here because you hated being alone, didn't you?

No—

I told you, I saw all your memories. It's no use denying it.

You wanted to apologize, didn't you...? You wanted to say you were sorry, didn't you...?

But too much time had passed, and you missed your chance... because you were too embarrassed and scared...!

Sigh... Don't act like you understand everything. It's irritating.

A bad guy should just suffer and disappear like they're supposed to.

...What's the point of denying it.

No matter what I do here, they aren't the Claire or Emily I know anyway.

In the end, I was just trying to sacrifice others again... for my own self-satisfaction.

There's no point in a 'me' like this staying around. So... just let me disappear.

Please.

W-What...?

...?

Uh... huh?

Yeah, Yuria. What do... you want to do?

Lady Yuria's feelings and decision... That's our top priority.

I...

I'll become one with you.

?!!

What did you say??

In the end, you just wanted to come to a timeline where you could 'live happily together' with everyone, right?

Then you can just do that. Not by consuming me, but by living together inside of me.

That's ridiculous...!

What about the countless variables that'll occur in the merged timeline...?!

It'll be fine.

Because in the end, I'm you, too.

If I had walked down the wrong path, I would've ended up just like you.

But it's okay now.

Thanks to you, I can make sure I don't go down the wrong path.

Sigh...

I really am stubborn, aren't I.

Same here, me.

Huh? What do you mean?

Well, that's because...

You're a test subject?

...

Th-That's rude! The Head of the Chronoscholar family isn't that weak, you know?!

...?! H-How...

...Ugh! It's n-none of your business!

N-No, I'm not!

Sigh... Fine, I'll admit it. I do have something on my mind...

...My future self said she treated Emily and Claire terribly. So much so that they left...

So... if that's my future... I can't help but worry that I might end up like that too someday...

What's with that vague answer?!

A different route...

...Yeah.

...What?

W-What nonsense are you talking about?! How could you treat those who sacrificed themselves for us as mere batteries?!

And besides, you couldn't even use it if I didn't cast the spell in the first place!

Ugh, shut up! We're wasting time on your nonsense!!!

Maybe I should start by shutting that motor-mouth of yours up!!

Hmph! Why should I?

Instead, I'm extending your experiment time for every extra word you say!!!

(The director seems really angry...)

(Shh, she's been like that ever since then.)

(Well, she did lose her rising star in an instant...)

What are you whispering about? We're starting the next shoot right away. Get ready!

Y-Yes, ma'am!

...Are you okay, Valentina?

Hmph... Mid-shoot actor changes happen all the time.

Uh... Oh? Excuse me, Director... Someone outside says they want to audition...

An audition? We're about to start shooting right now. Tell them to scram.

W-Well, the thing is...

...What are you doing here? Why did you return after already leaving?

(Shakes head)

Huh? That's your problem. Why should I take you back—

Oh ho...

Since you're late, you brought a bunch of rising stars with you?

(Nods)

...Ha. You have a busy schedule later, so just make sure you get off on time?

Since we're late, it'll be an intense shoot. Will you be okay?

Heh... Mwahahahahaha!!!

...Director?!

Scrap all the footage we've shot so far! We're filming again from the very beginning. Got it?!

Yes, ma'am!!! Staff A & B