Chapter 27: Is Isshiki Iroha Starting to Doubt?

[Red Ponytail Bracelet] One of the upgraded versions of the tactical suit. It allows free switching between combat suits, greatly enhances physical abilities, has strong combat power, and can consume 40 spirit points to use the Illusory Spirit Flame Pillar. Its effect is to freeze everyone except the user within a two-meter radius centered on themselves for 10 seconds, or freeze everyone beyond two meters for 10 seconds. (Made-up feature) Note: No adverse effects on first use; minor side effects start from the second use. Price: On top of purchasing the tactical suit, only 300 spirit coins! Fair and honest — definitely a conscience product! ...... Recalling the information about the bracelet purchased earlier from the store, Hachiman Hikigaya looked at the people lying all over the floor and couldn't help but think this money was well spent. Although the 300 spirit coins drained his wallet again, the bracelet's Illusory Spirit Flame Pillar skill really did what he wanted. Now, in the space, besides himself and Isshiki Iroha, only the evil spirit without puppets remained. At this moment, the evil spirit, seeing Hachiman slowly approaching, frantically collided with the invisible two-meter boundary wall trying to escape. Although it was a mid-level evil spirit, its upgrade was solely due to the desire in front of it. Its own strength was at best upper-mid-level of a basic evil spirit. This strength was enough to bully ordinary people but facing Hachiman, who silently freezes time, the evil spirit cursed repeatedly in its heart. Isn't it just continuing the habit from its previous life, playing with women on the train? It didn't kill people like its peers, it was "just playing." So, for such a minor thing to attract a bug-like human like Hachiman? But because of the language barrier, Hachiman didn't understand what the evil spirit was yelling. Of course, if he did understand, he probably wouldn't let this evil spirit die so easily. With one slash, Hachiman cut off the evil spirit's head. The system's crisp and pleasant notification tone sounded in his mind, and his wallet balance rose from 0 to 200. "Phew, although it was easy to deal with, I still lost 100 spirit coins..." Looking at the obviously female-style red bracelet on his wrist, Hachiman shrugged helplessly. Although he lost 100 spirit coins, at least he saved someone. If Hachiman hadn't stumbled upon this today, what that girl would have suffered is unimaginable. Just 100 spirit coins to save a girl's future — Hachiman felt it was definitely worth it. However, the follow-up handling was a bit troublesome... His eyes glanced over at the girl behind him, and Hachiman raised his eyebrows — her mental resilience was really strong. Instead of fainting on the spot from the scary events, Isshiki Iroha was holding her backpack carefully and looking at him with a mix of caution and curiosity. After putting the demon-slaying sword back into the storage space and the black tactical suit slowly changing back to his school uniform, Hachiman gestured for Isshiki Iroha to stand with him near the edge of the Illusory Spirit Flame Pillar. Seeing Hachiman's clothes change, Isshiki Iroha's eyes lit up. Though Hachiman's face was dull with his signature deadpan eyes and not particularly handsome, the outfit change looked really cool! "Hurry up and come over!" The 10 seconds were about to expire, and seeing Isshiki Iroha still standing dumbfounded, Hachiman couldn't help but urge. "Ah? Oh oh..." Hearing Hachiman's words, Isshiki Iroha finally realized the circle of office workers lying around her. She carefully stepped past several middle-aged men and came to Hachiman's side. Just as she reached him, the effect of the Illusory Spirit Flame Pillar vanished. Immediately, the carriage became noisy again. Suddenly, a woman screamed. She was the first to notice the strange situation in the carriage. With the woman's scream, more and more people noticed the eerie scene in this train car. Seeing those around suddenly collapse, the surrounding people backed away. A four-meter space was cleared in the crowded train car. Hachiman and Isshiki Iroha blended into the crowd, observing the situation. Soon, several security guards on duty on the train hurried over after receiving reports. Coincidentally, the train arrived at the next station. No one dared to stay on the train after seeing the scene; they all crowded toward the exit onto the platform. This startled those waiting to board. Hachiman weaved through the crowd, calculating how far the station was from home while thinking about which transportation to take next. Since being saved by Hachiman, Isshiki Iroha had been following him like a little tail. "Why are you following me?" Finally, after leaving the station, Hachiman turned around with a helpless expression toward Isshiki Iroha, who had been trailing behind. "Well... thank you for saving me..." Fidgeting with her hands in front of her, Isshiki Iroha blushed shyly as she thanked Hachiman. "Hmm, you're welcome. If there's nothing else, just hurry home." Hearing her thanks, Hachiman nodded and then urged her to go home quickly. Wandering the streets at night makes it easy to encounter evil spirits. "Huh?!" Isshiki Iroha looked up at Hachiman in surprise. The way things unfolded wasn't how she imagined it. She, a cute junior, just experienced a terrifying attack; at such a fragile moment, shouldn't the hero who saved her comfort her and maybe develop a follow-up? Am I not cute anymore? Isshiki Iroha fell into deep doubt. If not, why would Hachiman tell her to hurry home like that? Normally, at this time, he should have seen her scared look, been attracted by her cute face, and taken the initiative to escort her home. Then, smoothly get her contact info, and after a series of events, their feelings would deepen, leading to a happy ending. Well, even if she wouldn't choose that route herself, Hachiman's indifferent reaction still made her feel a bit defeated. "Why aren't you leaving?" Seeing Isshiki Iroha frozen in place still thinking about how to get home, Hachiman looked at her in surprise. She already said thanks, but the girl still hadn't left. Could it be that she still wants to...