Her chest tight with frustration, Nekomata longed to smash her fist into this man who twisted the truth into lies.

Her tiny hand balled into a fist—but when she remembered this was the same man whose Bangboo had once cleaved through Ethereals, all her courage slipped away. She unclenched.

So… what should she do?

The Cunning Hares were such a good place. She didn't want to leave.

Head bowed, eyes dim, she asked softly:

"Just say it… what do you want?"

Sol wouldn't go to such lengths without a reason.

Whatever it was, she'd probably have no choice but to agree.

Even if it meant… wet or dry, rough or tender, that kind of thing—she couldn't refuse.

Why did her eyes get wetter the more she thought about it?

But Sol didn't answer directly. Instead, he hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her face up, admiring her teary kitten expression.

"Nekomata, you don't want Nicole to see these photos, do you?"

"Just think—if she saw them, what would she believe?"

"On the surface, you're her loyal informer. But secretly, the very first to sneak into my bed. That betrayal… that hypocrisy… it would crush her."

His voice was low and mesmerizing, like a devil whispering from hell.

"P-please… don't let Nicole see those pictures, meow!"

Nekomata shivered, bowing her head, begging.

If Nicole saw, she'd look like a pervert cat—not only lusting for Sol, but even a Bangboo.

Traitor. Pervert. Either label would ruin her forever.

It was terrifying just to imagine.

"Good. Then become my wingcat."

Sol clapped cheerfully, revealing his true intent.

"Wingcat?"

Nekomata blinked, confused.

She'd half-expected him to demand something indecent. After all, she was such a cute kitten.

"Help me charm girls. Cover for me in front of Nicole—and others too. When I'm making friends with them, give me an assist." Sol listed matter-of-factly, grinning. "If needed, show off—'Look, my cat can backflip.'"

"You can handle that, can't you?"

"You're asking me to betray Nicole!" Nekomata glared straight at him, brave for once. "To put a green hat on her—I can't!"

She could already picture it—one green hat after another, until the mountains turned emerald, piercing the sky.

Horrifying.

"You really are loyal." Sol chuckled, patting her head. "But think. If you refuse, she'll still end up with a green hat. If you help, you'll actually soften the blow. I like her. I don't want her hurt."

"Really?" Nekomata wavered. "But if you love her, why not just love only her? Isn't this twisted?"

"That's not twisted." Sol shook his head. "If you had my power, maybe you'd understand. In one moment, my love for Nicole is infinite—I want to give her everything."

He sighed. "But life is long. There are so many other beautiful souls. Like you. Like that Miss Ellen this morning. Each one makes me want to gather them together. And in that moment, my desire is infinite too."

Nekomata frowned. "But desire is desire. Reality is reality."

Sol's hand curled into a fist, his smile sharp.

"But with a single thought… I can make desire into reality."

His strength was simply too vast. With a flick of his hand, he could seize anything—or destroy it.

A tiger among sheep.

When his Stellaron powers had first awakened, he'd been overwhelmed by the urge to rampage freely.

Wealth, women, power—mere playthings. But long-ingrained morals had held him back.

Even now, he was holding back—teetering between protecting the world and guarding only what was his.

Would he always restrain himself… or fall into darkness with a single whim? Even he didn't know.

That was why he chose a path—a path of joy.

Breaking suffering was joy. Achieving ideals was joy. Playing and joking was joy. Fulfilling desires was joy. Healing regrets was joy.

Through joy, he'd refine his spirit, elevating his heart to match his power.

"…"

Nekomata stared, shaken.

She'd never found him this terrifying—not even when he'd held those photos over her head.

He had the power to break the world, and a soul that wavered.

He could take whatever he wanted. Destroy whatever he hated.

A carp leaping the dragon gate. A man clad in Godzilla's hide. Infinite power—yet lost and searching.

This was a god in the making.

Every thought, every whim could shake the world. A single palm could erase countless lives.

So why—why did such a being have to be here, in the Cunning Hares? Why did she have to cross his path?

So terrifying…

"Well then, will you be my wingcat? Or my greatest enemy in love?" Sol leaned close, smiling slyly. "After that last round, I feel clear-headed. Whichever you pick, tonight never happened."

Yes—he meant it.

Just teasing this little cat had vented most of his morning fury.

And whether she became his ally or his rival, the game would be fun.

A smooth road was pleasant. A steep mountain climb had its own rewards.

"…"

Nekomata gazed at him, overwhelmed by his sincerity.