[MHCISQD] Chapter 328: Ambush

Waking up early in the morning, it was finally the 25th, the day of Christmas.

Although Renault didn't leave the school yesterday, he was certain that the hotels everywhere were fully booked for the night, and this morning, there would be plenty of lovey-dovey couples on the streets.

"Of course, that's not my concern, anyway."

Yawning, Renault changed into his regular clothes and prepared to freshen up.

Since yesterday was the start of the holiday, and the Christmas party was over today, it was natural to head back home.

After freshening up and going downstairs, Yaoyorozu was already having breakfast with Mikoto.

Seeing Renault coming down, both Yaoyorozu and Mikoto gave him an examining look.

"Why are you giving me that look?"

Renault felt a bit uneasy, but he remained composed and sat beside Mikoto, taking a bite of a slice of bread.

"What do you think?" Mikoto spoke directly since there was no one else around. "You must be quite pleased with yourself, huh? And Mikumo, you really shouldn't be so straightforward like this. It'll make him too cocky!"

Mikumo's face was now completely flushed, and she kept her head down, sipping her porridge.

Looking at Mikumo, Renault knew that she couldn't have hidden what happened last night from Mikoto.

Turning to Yaoyorozu, Renault asked, "Did Mikumo sleep in your room last night?"

"Yeah, Yuriko went to bed early last night, and Mikumo said she didn't want to disturb her, so she came to our place. But I didn't expect she had gone to your room before coming to ours."

Yaoyorozu had no objections to Mikumo staying in her room, and Mikoto shared the same sentiment. Moreover, after they found out about it, they approved of Renault's actions.

If Renault had directly agreed or taken action last night, although it wouldn't have caused any real problems, they might have been a little resentful.

Yuriko was now eating and observing Renault across the table.

She couldn't believe that she had merely gone to bed early last night, and so many things had happened already.

However, she had no objections to it; in fact, she had anticipated this day would come sooner or later.

Sipping her coffee, Yuriko murmured, "Isn't it just a matter of time? Novels and TV often depict the impact of a hero saving a beauty; there's a reason for that."

"Tsk, you really are unreliable. You should stick to being closer to your younger sister than your elder brother." Mikoto glared at Yuriko, looking displeased.

"I'm just stating the truth."

Yuriko paid no attention to Mikoto, wearing a faint smile on her lips as she calmly looked at Mikumo.

Yuriko had become more and more fond of watching these harem shenanigans, and she was curious to see how it would develop.

Since Yuriko ignored her, the topic couldn't go further, and everyone finally settled down to enjoy their breakfast.

After a while, everyone finished their breakfast and started heading home. They would rest until the new year was over and then come back for classes.

After leaving school, Renault, Yuriko, Mikoto, and Mikumo took a taxi together. However, they didn't choose to go straight home but made a stop at the department store.

As the new year approached, they hadn't prepared anything for the festivities yet, so today was the day for a massive shopping spree.

Groceries, snacks, beverages—you name it. They grabbed whatever they could, opting for home delivery from the supermarket to make it easier.

After finishing the shopping, the four of them had a nice lunch outside before heading back by car.

However, when they stopped at the shopping street, something seemed off.

"It's kinda empty..." noted Yuriko, who had been going out a lot lately.

Normally, on Christmas or nearing the end of the year, the shopping street should have been bustling with people, but there were surprisingly few around.

At the entrance of the shopping street, Renault squinted and scanned the few passersby. "Yuriko, take the girls back... No, forget it. Let's stick together for now."

Though Yuriko's abilities were formidable, they couldn't be sure their home was safe if there were anomalies here.

Yuriko nodded, focusing her attention.

"Mikoto, take care of Mikumo."

"No problem."

As they stepped into the shopping street, all the random passersby and even the elderly neighbors from the shops turned to look at them simultaneously, then started walking towards them in unison.

"They look lifeless... controlled huh..." Renault concluded.

"Can you find the one controlling them?" asked Yuriko, who flanked Renault on one side, while the other two people stayed close, observing as well. "With such widespread control, the person can't be too far away."

"Indeed, I've located them," Renault said. He raised his hand, sending a blade of energy slicing through the shopping street's ceiling, creating a hole.

Following that, a man in a suit with black hair dropped down from above and landed in front of them.

"Finally, I've been waiting for you two demons."

His limbs were slender, and he didn't look like the typical martial arts type. It seemed he was the one responsible for the current situation.

Renault glanced at him and asked directly, "Are you from the Meta Liberation Army?"

"Exactly," the man smirked and replied, "I am Chikazoku Tomoyasu, a member of the Meta Liberation Army, codenamed Skeptic. Now, would you mind coming with me?"

Renault turned his head and exchanged a glance with Yuriko before looking back at Chikazoku. "What makes you think we would go with you?"

"Do you see these people here?" Chikazoku responded. "Even though Re-Destro sent us to just give you some trouble, I believe that once we bring you into the Meta Liberation Army, with your demonic powers, our dreams will undoubtedly come true!"

Chikazoku gestured, and the people around him closed in.

"You see, I've thoroughly investigated your background, Renault. I know these people here have watched you grow up, and your relationship with them is very close. If you don't want to see any harm befall them, it's best to listen to me carefully! Otherwise, with a mere thought, these puppets will have no future."

"Your Quirk can control these people's actions?"

"Of course, they are all within my control now, devoid of their own thoughts, merely my marionettes! So, listen obediently to my commands!"

Facing the confident guy in front of him, Renault scratched his head and looked at Mikumo beside him.

"Mikumo, I leave it to you."