This is not the date I wanted.

"Come on! (God.)"

Meng Yue smiled and patted Shidao on the shoulder to show encouragement. The meaning was self-evident.

A drop of cold sweat broke out on Shidao's forehead. It was okay if it happened once or twice, but if he fulfilled wishes on behalf of God or Santa Claus every time there was a festival or event where people made wishes, it would be a bit too much.

"Ahahaha... Tohka, not all wishes can be granted by God, so don't expect too much."

"I know, God is also very hard-working."

Although he said something that was a bit disappointing, Tohka was still very interested in drawing Ema. The Yamai sisters also showed an eager expression, so Shidou went to buy Ema according to the number of people and gave them to them.

"Speaking of which, Shidou, those two over there are really good at drawing."

Looking at the duo who were a little further away, Meng Yue said with a bit of speechlessness and admiration.

"Ok?"

Following the direction that Meng Yue was looking, Shidao saw that at this moment, Nanashi and Nia were drawing ema with the momentum as if they were rushing to finish the manuscript of a comic book.

"This is really... amazing."

Shidao couldn't help but sigh.

How to say it, other people's ema are just a few words written on it, or at most a simple cute picture of Yoshino like Yoshino, but these two are using all kinds of colored pens to draw exquisite illustrations at the level of light novels.

"Oh, boy, there's Bili-chan too."

After noticing Shidou and Mengyue, Nanashi and Nia stopped painting and looked up.

"Hey, hey! What's going on? It's a rare first visit to the shrine. A cute girl should wear a beautiful kimono and dress herself up beautifully. How can you be so casual? Believe it or not, readers will send you a complaint letter for welfare fraud."

Looking at Mengyue's casual clothes, Erya shouted in disbelief.

"You are the only one among this group who has no right to criticize me."

Meng Yue angrily flicked Erya's forehead. The clothes this guy wore were not much better than his own.

By the way, except for Shidao Mengyue and Niya, the elves were all wearing various kimonos at this time, forming a beautiful landscape, attracting many people's attention along the way.

"Well... I'm wearing casual clothes for the interview so it's okay, but it's not the same for you, Bili-chan. Didn't you notice how disappointed the boy was when he saw you weren't wearing a kimono?"

"Shidou, is that so?"

"I, I'm not disappointed."

Seeing Mengyue looking at him, Shidao quickly waved his hand to deny it.

(Well, if I were to say it’s a bit regretful…)

"...I know. I'll wear it next time, okay?"

Meng Yue sighed helplessly and said.

"Everyone says I don't care."

"Stupid Shidou, your mouth is laughing."

Nanazin stared at Shidou speechlessly and complained.

"Cough-cough-"

Shidou coughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.

"Honestly, you two are really good at ema."

"Well, for now, I can only draw it like this. It's easier."

Nia answered proudly while spinning her pen. However, Nanashi reluctantly covered the figure on the ema.

"…I only drew this because Niya asked me to. It wasn't my own will…"

"Eh? You're still saying that even at this point. We just discussed that we wanted to move forward side by side on the road of comics, right?"

"When did I ever say that? What the hell is this comic book path?"

Nanashi couldn't help but complain loudly.

"Hey, Niya. Are you serious about this?"

"Hearing the conversation between the two, Meng Yue's face changed slightly, and she stood beside Erya and asked seriously.

"That's different from making your own doujinshi and selling it yourself. It's very difficult to become a professional manga artist."

"What? So that's what you're worried about."

Erya understood what Mengyue was worried about.

The business of drawing comics is no different from gambling. Among thousands of cartoonists, only a few can become famous. It is common for comics to be rejected at the storyboard stage, and it is not uncommon for a comic to be forcibly cut short due to lack of popularity. It is very painful to not get rewarded for the hard work you put in.

As far as she knows, many cartoonists have given up because of this reason.

Probably knowing that this was not something that could be brushed off as a joke, Erya's expression became more serious, and he patted his chest and replied,

"Don't worry, I can tell from the last comic contest. Xiao Qi has a talent for drawing comics. As long as he practices hard, he will definitely become a famous cartoonist. I can guarantee this with my professional vision."

"That's good. But remember, if Nanashi doesn't have this intention, you must not force her to draw comics. Also, if Nanashi really follows you to draw comics in the future, you have to take responsibility and guide her well, okay?"

"Okay, I got it. Don't worry, Bili-chan."

After instructing Erya, Mengyue turned her gaze to Qizai, held her hand, and spoke gently.

"Nana, if you are really determined to become a cartoonist, remember to discuss it with me. No matter what troubles you encounter, I will definitely help you."

"Um... although I haven't said I want to be a cartoonist yet... but thank you."

Unable to bear Meng Yue's overly serious attitude, Qi Zui lowered his head in embarrassment and muttered softly.

"Nanashi is planning to draw a comic. When Nanashi debuts, I want to buy a copy and read it."

"No, no! I haven't decided yet. Besides, it would be torture to let my acquaintances read a comic that could become a dark history. So you don't have to read it, stupid Shidou."

Hearing Shidou's words, Nanashi waved his hands hurriedly.

"Eh? Don't say that. I will support the Seven Sins when the time comes."

"Really... I'm impressed by you guys. Do whatever you want."

Nanashi couldn't help but purse her lips and looked at the two of them with an expression of unbearable pain.

"That's great~ Xiaoqi, two people will soon become your fans."

Seeing Nana Sin struggling under the attack of Mengyue and Shidou, Niya couldn't help but say jokingly.

"... Long-winded."

Muttering quietly, Nanashi picked up the blank ema to cover her face, leaving only a pair of slightly resentful green eyes staring at them.

That look reminds people of a squirrel hiding in the cracks of a fruit shell and peeking out, and it looks at everyone with a knowing smile.

"But I'm just giving Xiao Qi some advice. How can you be more serious than Xiao Qi himself, Bili-chan?"

Erya said a little speechlessly,

"What's so strange about that? This is a matter concerning the future of Nanashi's life, so of course I have to confirm it carefully."

"Bili sauce..."

Erya couldn't help but look at Mengyue with a somewhat subtle look and sighed.

"You are as nagging as an old lady sometimes."

Upon hearing this, Shidou and Nanashi's faces suddenly changed.

At this moment, the veins on Mengyue's forehead bulged slightly. She came quietly behind Erya and raised a paper fan that she had taken out from somewhere with a smile on her face.

——pong!

With a crisp sound, Erya's head suddenly made close contact with the table.

"Well...I need to tell you something...for Meng Yue, 'Mom' is a forbidden word."

"Young man...you should have told me about this from the beginning."

Covering his red forehead, Erya said with a look of grievance.

02 The Divine Eclipse and the Whisper

==============================

If you ask what in the world must be banned, it is not war or drugs, but elevator failures.

This is the wise saying drawn by the most powerful magician, Alan Mira Mathers, after climbing twenty-six flights of stairs in a row.

"Ha ha……"

Barely holding on to the handrail to prevent herself from falling, Ellen continued to gasp for breath. The air in her lungs felt as hot as an overloaded engine. Her light blonde hair stuck to her cheeks and neck because of sweat, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Why...why did it happen at this moment...?"

"…It's no problem, Alan."

"There are only four floors left to reach the finish line. Come on, Sister Allen."

In front of Allen, there were two women wearing the same uniform as her. They were the magician she had just recruited as a subordinate, the former ace of the British SSS, Artemisia Bell Ashcroft, and the retired soldier from the Celestial Empire, Ai Wulian.

Although they walked the same distance, they didn't sweat at all, which was in stark contrast to Alan who was sweating profusely.

Just about half an hour ago, Alan was doing physical training in the newly built swimming training facility.

It was a very difficult training.

As the strongest magician, Allen knows very well that if he wants his subordinates to become stronger through training, he must set an example and use the most rigorous training to temper his body and spirit, so that he can become a role model for his subordinates.

Therefore, after changing into his specialized water equipment (racing swimsuit) and the auxiliary weapon Puriduen (floatboard) inspired by the Name of the Virgin Mary, Alan entered the swimming pool majestically, challenging himself to break through his own limits so far.

——Thirty meters!!!

(Note: In the original book, Allen said that 25 meters is a very long distance, so I guess this is the limit.)

Although Ellen was already a little out of breath when she crossed the standard line, she still felt that it was all worth it when she saw the shocked expressions of her subordinates.

Unfortunately, just as she was about to get ashore to rest and recover her lost strength, she suddenly received a broadcast to go to the top floor. Even more unfortunately, the elevator in the building had just broken down.

"Are you really okay, Alan? You look like you're sweating a lot now."

Artemisia asked with a worried look on her face.

"It's okay... I just went swimming."

Allen answered stubbornly. However, judging from her knees that were shaking as if they were about to fall apart, it didn't look like she was okay.

Seeing Alan's expression, Wu Lian smiled knowingly, walked down the stairs and came to Alan's side.

"Sister Allen, I'm sorry for being so rude."

"Eh?"

Before Allen could react, Wu Lian bent down, held Allen's legs and back, and picked her up in a princess hug.

"W-What are you doing? Let me go!"

"Sister Allen, please understand. I did this without any malicious intent."

Ignoring Allen's insignificant struggle, Wu Lian replied in a sincere and honest tone,

"Just now at the training ground, your heroic performance has deeply moved me. You were able to complete such a difficult long-distance swim at such a fast speed. The physical exertion is also very exaggerated. However, even so, you still executed the order without stopping after receiving the notice. This kind of steel-like tenacious will is really admirable."

As she spoke, Wu Lian closed her eyes and said with a look of shame,

"I'm ashamed to say that I saved a lot of energy during the training just now because I was lazy and took shortcuts. Please let me lend you a hand here as a punishment for my negligence."

(……be lazy?)

Hearing Wu Lian's words, Artemisia's expression was a little strange. Just now, Wu Lian had swam with her for more than a dozen times without changing her expression.

"Is that so... Then there is nothing we can do."

Hearing Wu Lian's words, Allen's expression relaxed a little.

Although she had the strength to climb the rest of the stairs, her subordinate actually took the initiative to confess her mistake and wanted to make compensation. As her superior, she had to give her a way out.

"But... at least changing the posture... will bring back bad memories..."

"Time is running out. I have to sprint. Sister Allen, please don't talk. It's easy to bite your tongue."

It seemed that she did not hear what Alan said. After Wu Lian gave him some instructions, she ran at an astonishing speed that did not seem like she was holding someone in her arms.