Chapter 44: Why Does the Old Crone Pretend to Be a Maiden?

Legs suddenly growing back was hard to adjust to. Rena's brain hadn't caught up yet. When Takumi tried to let go of her hand, she felt like she was going to fall. "Don't be afraid." "Take a moment to get used to it." Takumi patted the little girl's head, a faint smile on his face. What was there to be scared of? Hearing that, Rena nodded excitedly. She tried to move her feet—first lifting, then stepping down. Once she confirmed nothing was wrong, her joy soared. She slowly let go of Takumi's hand. Then cautiously began walking. After just a bit of movement, she had fully adapted. It was as if her legs had never been gone. But soon, as she walked, tears streamed down her face. "Uwaaah~!" Tears of joy. Her companions quickly gathered to comfort her. Seeing this, Takumi spoke up. "Alright. The rest of you come over." "I'll restore your bodies too." He motioned to the other disabled children. Hearing that, the others quickly rushed over. One by one, with Takumi's help, they returned to normal. After finishing, Takumi issued an order: Any child who had been injected with the gene serum but still had missing limbs—send them here. He would heal them directly. Once this was done, he wouldn't need to worry much anymore. Receiving his command, the robots administering the injections began scanning. Anyone with missing limbs was immediately sent to Takumi. He healed them, then sent them back. Takumi spent the entire day treating children. And still, he wasn't finished. There were so many with missing arms, legs, or even eyes. Just looking at them was overwhelming. But with his powers, they recovered quickly. That night, Takumi signed in to the group chat, then went to rest. The next morning, he continued treating the remaining children. After healing all of them, he could finally breathe easy. This chapter was closed. The children he had cured could now grow up healthy. With no physical defects holding them back, they would mature like any other child. Now they were "superhumans"—no longer cursed children. In time, Takumi even planned to release the superpower serum to the public. Let others awaken abilities too. Even if they didn't need to fight, it was better to be prepared. Takumi had a hunch. The spiritual revival of this world wasn't so simple. Something had triggered it. The appearance of monsters was too sudden. There had to be a reason. So it was right for humanity to gain strength. With all tasks completed, Takumi left the lab. If anything came up, the Holy Empress or Miori Shiba would notify him. At home, he collapsed onto the sofa and opened the group chat. As he rejoined, he noticed a new member had arrived. Houraisan Kaguya: [I'm just a seventeen-year-old beauty!!] [What's wrong with loving games?!] Seeing that name, Takumi was full of question marks. Wasn't this just that old purple hag? Takumi: [Why does the old crone pretend to be a maiden?] Houraisan Kaguya: [????] [Who is this rude man?!] [Say that again??] Takumi: [NEET-hime or purple granny?] He suspected this was just Yukari in disguise. Only she would shamelessly claim to be seventeen. Never trust Yukari's moral compass. But wait... A Touhou member? Even the outdated ones were joining now? Houraisan Kaguya: [Didn't you see my name?? (○`Д′○)] [I'm not that old hag!!] Fujihara Chika: [We already verified it's NEET-hime!!] Sagiri: [Yes, Takumi-oniichan. She's not the purple grandma!] Seeing their responses, Takumi finally believed it. So it really was NEET-hime. Takumi: [You verified it? How? (¬‿¬)] Did they check her legs or something? Curious! Houraisan Kaguya: [Picture] [Here! Enjoy this exclusive shot!] It was a selfie of Kaguya, clearly showing the chat UI. That confirmed it wasn't Yukari in disguise. Takumi: [No long legs? Disappointed!] Of course it was you. Everyone else in the chat was speechless. Fujihara Chika: [Are you finally done with everything?] [We heard Miori was busy treating the kids.] [Did you really finish that many cases?] Takumi: [All done. I'm finally free.] [Every child missing an arm or leg has been fully healed.] He was proud. It had been a massive task. But in just two days, he finished it. Himeko: [That's impressive.] [And fast, too!] Fujihara Chika: [That's great.] Sagiri: [Takumi-oniichan is amazing!!] Everyone who knew the truth expressed admiration. Those kids had suffered so much. What Takumi did deserved all the praise. Zhongli: [@Takumi, do you want Khaenri'ah's legacy?] The old man suddenly tagged him. Seeing that, Takumi's eyes lit up. Takumi: [Yes!!!] Why wouldn't he? Khaenri'ah's tech was still top-notch. Of course he wanted it. But how did Zhongli get it? Zhongli: [I'm planning to give the Gnosis to the Cryo Archon.] [In exchange, I'll ask for Khaenri'ah and alchemical tech.] He laid out his plan. If the Cryo Archon wanted the Gnosis—fine. But she'd have to trade for it. Takumi was stunned. Takumi: [Weren't you retiring?!] Had his plans changed? No more retirement? Zhongli didn't deny it. He wasn't planning to retire just yet. After all, he might be relocating. No point retiring now. Once resettled, then he could relax. He knew when to step back. If the Cryo Archon wanted the Gnosis, she could have it— As long as she paid up.