With the addition of two new followers, Lynn’s strength surged once again. He had a feeling—his next breakthrough was close at hand.

The Demon Contract skill was absolutely worth it.

Just by crossing into another world, he’d managed to gain two new members for his family. Coupled with this experience-farming dungeon, the gains were tremendous. A perfect deal, really.

After Shizuka Marikawa finished tidying her clothes, Lynn gave the two women a simple overview of what being part of his “Family” entailed.

A short while later, Saeko Busujima nodded thoughtfully.

“I see. So the Family’s main base is located in another world?”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help glancing at Lynn. A man who could even cross between worlds—he truly lived up to the title of “Master.”

“Eh? Another world?” Shizuka blinked, eyes wide with curiosity. “I’m so curious!”

“Don’t worry,” Lynn assured them, smiling. “If there’s a chance, I’ll bring you both along.”

“Yes, yes!” Shizuka nodded furiously like an excited puppy, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

“But first, let’s finish what we need to do in this world.”

Saeko’s expression turned serious. “Master, please give your instructions.”

“There’s no need to be so formal, Saeko.” Lynn chuckled lightly. “I’m thinking of turning this world into a permanent training ground for our Family. A place to grind experience. What do you think?”

Saeko was momentarily stunned, but quickly fell into thought. “Given the current state of our world… it is quite suitable.”

The undead weren’t very strong, but they were numerous—ideal for low-level family members to gain experience quickly.

“Then it’s settled!” Lynn clapped his hands, sealing the decision. “First, we need to set up a secure base of operations.”

“Not only can it serve as a residence for you and Shizuka,” he continued, “but it’ll give other members a place to rest when they arrive. We don’t need a large facility for now—just enough rooms, basic amenities, and comfort.”

Saeko nodded and made mental notes of every requirement Lynn listed. She already knew from their earlier conversations that the other family members were also girls. That eased her mind considerably. Since they might all be living under the same roof, it was definitely better if everyone was female.

One man was enough—as long as that man was the Master.

“Ah! I just remembered something!” Shizuka suddenly raised her hand. “The house in Nankaori! It fits all your requirements!”

“Nankaori?” Saeko looked at her in confusion.

“Mm-hmm!” Shizuka nodded energetically. “My friend lives there. She’s a police officer, super capable!”

Lynn made the call immediately. “Alright, let’s head there first. Shizuka, lead the way.”

“Yay~!”

Lynn remembered the place as well. The house was well-built and, if he recalled correctly, even had a stash of firearms hidden somewhere.

Though… they probably wouldn’t be of much use now. Demons should fight with demonic methods.

With their plan in place, the three of them prepared to leave Fujimi Academy and head for Nankaori. On the way, Saeko planned to kill as many undead as she could—not just to test her current strength and refine her skills, but also to satisfy certain personal urges.

“Nankaori is quite a ways from here,” Shizuka said. “Why don’t we drive?”

As she spoke, she reached into her cleavage and pulled out a car key.

“Weren’t you just undressed? How are you still pulling stuff out?” Saeko couldn’t help but complain.

“Hehe!”

Saeko was about to add something when a sound suddenly echoed from the far end of the corridor.

“Wh-why did the stairs disappear?!”

“Shh! Quiet, Takagi-san! Do you want to attract them all?!”

“Ugh…”

Girls?

Saeko’s ears perked. One of the voices sounded familiar.

“Master…” she said quietly.

Lynn caught the message in her eyes and nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s go take a look. We’re leaving anyway.”

They approached the ruined stairwell—the very one Lynn had obliterated earlier—and looked up.

Saeko’s eyes widened. “Miyamoto-san?”

“Busujima-senpai?” Rei Miyamoto stared down in surprise.

Both women froze in mutual disbelief. Neither had expected to run into a familiar face under such chaotic circumstances.

Lynn looked up as well. Just as he thought, they were characters from the original protagonist group.

Although… there were two missing.

If he remembered correctly, the male protagonist and the chubby sidekick weren’t with them. Had something changed the plot?

Lynn glanced around the devastated surroundings and quickly put the pieces together.

That lightning strike earlier—could it have killed them off?

A targeted strike? Maybe not. It could’ve just attracted an overwhelming number of undead, more than the original story, leading to the group being separated. Even if those two were still alive, surviving this many zombies wouldn’t be easy.

Not that it mattered. Lynn wasn’t interested in men anyway.

From his position below, he had a clear view beneath the skirts of Rei and Saya.

Pink and white.

“Ugh—!” Both girls immediately realized there was someone below and hastily held down their skirts.

“Um… Busujima-senpai, what’s going on?” Rei asked quietly, her eyes darting nervously around the wreckage. “How are we supposed to get down without the stairs?”