As Rito and Mikan stepped off the plane, a warm sea breeze greeted them. The sky stretched endlessly, a flawless shade of blue, while the scent of saltwater lingered in the air.
The airport itself, though not as large as some of the world's busiest hubs, was sleek and modern, showcasing the cutting-edge architecture that reflected the island's ambitious development.
Through the towering glass windows, the city beyond revealed itself—an awe-inspiring blend of urban sophistication and natural splendour.
Skyscrapers lined the streets, their mirrored surfaces reflecting the golden sunlight, while carefully planned green spaces softened the steel and glass landscape. Wide, immaculate roads stretched out like veins, bustling with electric trams, self-driving taxis, and pedestrians enjoying the well-maintained walkways.
"This place is huge," Rito muttered, adjusting his backpack as he took in the sheer scale of the city.
Mikan standing beside him nodded in agreement. "It's like stepping into the future... No wonder Mom wanted us to visit."
The island, though not an independent country, was rapidly becoming a major international hub.
With various nations investing in its development, the region had transformed into a premier tourism destination, boasting a mix of luxury resorts, high-end shopping districts, and entertainment centres that rivalled the most famous cities in the world.
Despite the rapid urbanisation, the island had preserved its natural charm. Beyond the cityscape, lush forests covered the hills, and pristine beaches stretched along the coastline, their golden sands meeting the sparkling turquoise waters.
As they moved through the airport toward baggage claim, Rito couldn't shake off the feeling of being in a completely different world. The place was alive with travellers from all over, their conversations in various languages creating a rich tapestry of sounds.
Mikan smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "By the way... that was quite the performance back on the plane, Mr. Playboy."
Rito sighed, already sensing where this was going. "What are you talking about?"
Mikan folded her arms, her knowing expression making it clear she wasn't letting this slide. "Oh, don't play dumb. Helping out those foreign passengers, impressing Yuiri with your English skills... I bet she thinks you're some kind of worldly gentleman now."
Rito groaned. "I was just being polite. Besides, it's not like—"
"Not like what?" Mikan interrupted, grinning mischievously. "Not like you enjoyed the attention?"
"I—" Rito opened his mouth, then closed it, realizing there was no winning this argument.
Mikan chuckled. "See? You're already losing."
Rito exhaled and shook his head. "I just helped a few people. That's all."
"Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that," Mikan teased before grabbing her suitcase.
With their belongings secured, the two made their way toward the exit, where a private car was already waiting for them. Their mother had arranged for a chauffeur to pick them up, and from the looks of it, they were about to experience the city's luxury firsthand.
As they stepped outside, Rito glanced back toward the airport entrance. Yuiri and Shio were exiting as well, the former giving him a friendly wave while the latter simply shot him another silent glare.
As Rito and Mikan stepped out of the sleek black car that had driven them from the airport, they found themselves standing before a grand, luxurious hotel that towered over the surrounding cityscape. The island, though technically part of Sakura Country, was far from a simple rural getaway.
Wide, immaculately paved roads stretched out in all directions, lined with towering skyscrapers, vibrant billboards, and digital advertisements that painted the streets with a kaleidoscope of neon colours.
The infrastructure was seamless, a blend of cutting-edge technology and aesthetic finesse, making the entire place feel like something out of a futuristic metropolis.
Despite having travelled before, even Mikan couldn't help but admire the view. "This place is amazing," she muttered, eyes wandering over the dazzling cityscape. "Feels like a different world."
Rito, however, was more preoccupied with something else—the growing sense that something about this island was... off. The air carried an unusual crispness, not in temperature but in sensation, as if something invisible was woven into the very fabric of this place.
Their attention shifted when a sharply dressed concierge approached them. "Mr. and Ms. Yuuki, your mother is expecting you. Please, this way."
Without hesitation, they followed him inside.
The interior of the hotel exuded class. The polished marble floors reflected the dazzling golden chandeliers above, and soft classical music hummed in the background. Every guest who walked by seemed important, whether they were business elites, high-class tourists, or individuals with an air of mystery about them.
They were led to a private lounge on one of the higher floors, where Ringo Yuuki awaited them. As they stepped inside, they saw her seated gracefully on an elegant sofa, deep in conversation with another woman.
Rito's breath hitched.
The woman sitting beside his mother was someone he recognised—someone he shouldn't have been able to recognise.
Fujibayashi Kyouko.
His mind raced. What the hell?
This woman was a character from The Irregular at Magic High School, a powerful military officer specialising in magic technology and intelligence. But this wasn't an anime—this was reality.
As if sensing his gaze, Kyouko turned toward him, her sharp, calculating eyes scanning him for a brief moment before she gave a small, knowing smile.
Rito gulped. He was certain of one thing now.
This world was far more complicated than he had ever imagined.
Rito's mind spun as he took in the presence of Fujibayashi Kyouko.
First, I meet God. Now, magic is real? Honestly, at this point, nothing should surprise me.
He had already been given a system, which was something beyond the laws of reality itself. Compared to that, the existence of magic was... well, it wasn't exactly normal, but it also wasn't impossible anymore.
Maybe magic isn't even the craziest thing in this world.
His thoughts drifted to Yuiri Haba, the blonde girl from the plane, and her partner, Shio Hikawa. Something about them felt off. They were young—probably middle schoolers or first-year high school students at best—yet they acted far too mature for their age.
They weren't just students. They were working. For whom, exactly?
The way Shio reacted to him, the sharp look in her eyes, and the way Yuiri had carefully picked her words while talking to him... It didn't feel like an ordinary encounter.
Are they also part of some organisation related to magic?
And then, there was himself.
His Growth System had already hinted that he possessed a mysterious bloodline. Could it be related to magic? If this world had magic woven into its society, was it possible that his family wasn't ordinary either?
He glanced at his mother, Ringo Yuuki, who remained elegant and poised, effortlessly discussing something with Fujibayashi Kyouko.
What if she also knows something?
Rito took a deep breath. He would have to take things one step at a time.
For now, he had to focus on the conversation ahead.
As Rito and Mikan approached, Fujibayashi Kyouko turned her gaze toward them, a composed yet curious expression on her face.
"Hello," she greeted them with a small smile, her voice calm yet carrying an air of authority.
Mikan, being well-mannered as always, responded properly. "Hello, nice to meet you." She bowed slightly, her tone polite and respectful.
Kyouko blinked, then let out a soft chuckle before stepping forward. "Oh my, what a polite young lady."
Before Mikan could react, Kyouko gently pulled her into a hug, patting her head lightly. "You're absolutely adorable. I bet you must be the one managing everything at home, aren't you?"
Mikan, caught off guard, stiffened slightly at first but soon relaxed, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. "W-Well… I do take care of things since my brother is kind of hopeless." She shot Rito a teasing look.
"Hey!" Rito frowned. "I'm not that bad."
Kyouko smirked. "So, the older brother is the unreliable one, huh? Sounds familiar." She gave Rito an amused glance.
Mikan giggled. "You have no idea."
Ringo, watching the interaction with a small smile, finally spoke up. "Kyouko is an old friend of mine. We've worked together on several projects, though she tends to keep a low profile."
"Oh? So, she's also in the fashion industry?" Rito asked, trying to keep his voice casual, though internally, he was analysing every little detail.
Kyouko shook her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Not quite. My expertise lies in a... different field."
Her cryptic response made Rito's thoughts race again. Definitely something related to magic...
Mikan, unaware of the deeper implications, simply nodded. "I see. It's nice to meet one of Mom's friends."
Kyouko chuckled. "Likewise. And if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to find me. You seem like a responsible girl."
Mikan smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you."
Rito, however, remained on edge. This meeting wasn't just a casual gathering—it was something more. And he was determined to find out what.