Chapter 41: Preparing for the Competition

Theresa and the others successfully checked into the Goethe Hotel. Auntie, overjoyed to have the Nameless as her guests, prepared an extravagant dinner for them. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal, not daring to waste a single bite of Auntie's heartfelt effort, and practically cleaned their plates.

Seeing how much they ate, Auntie beamed with delight. She hugged the adorable Theresa tightly, reluctant to let go. Theresa glanced awkwardly at March 7th, Stelle, and Dan Heng for help, but none dared to provoke the formidable Auntie. They simply shrugged, implying that being hugged wouldn't hurt her.

Fortunately, Auntie didn't overstay her welcome. She reluctantly released the soft, fragrant Theresa, admitting that such a sweet and obedient "daughter" was simply too endearing.

"You must be tired, girls," Auntie said with a warm smile. "I'll arrange excellent rooms for you. Would you prefer individual rooms or to sleep together?"

"Do you have a larger bed?" March 7th asked playfully, still hugging Theresa. "The four of us girls love to sleep together!" Stelle nodded enthusiastically, while Theresa resigned herself to becoming a human pillow for March 7th and the others once again.

"Of course, of course! We have a kunmi-wide bed—that should be spacious enough for you girls to rest comfortably. Just let Auntie know if you need anything else!"

The auntie smiled warmly at the young women, admiring their graceful figures.

"What exactly is a kunmi?" Bronya asked, puzzled.

"It's two and a half meters," the auntie chuckled. "Sampo came up with that term. He says 'kun' represents the universe, and using it often brings good fortune!"

[ I never thought Sampo, with his thick eyebrows and honest face, would turn out to be such a sneaky guy, ] the Homu System grumbled in Theresa's mind. Theresa ignored it; the girls were eager to freshen up and relax on the soft beds for a chat.

(TL Note: Sry the joke is lost in translation, but its based on a chinese idol i think, just making fun of height.)

Dan Heng, ever the pragmatist, said he'd be content with any spare room. The auntie hesitated—after all, he had accompanied these lovely young ladies, and it wouldn't be right to treat him differently. She assigned him a room diagonally across from Theresa and the others. Dan Heng nodded indifferently; he could sleep anywhere, even on a rope if necessary.

With goodbyes exchanged, Dan Heng retired to his room to rest.

Meanwhile, Theresa and the others were curious about whether the Underworld held any unique sights of its own. Bronya, however, seemed lost in thought, oblivious to their conversation.

March 7th regaled Bronya with the hilarious tale of how she and Stelle had scared away a ghost, with Theresa chiming in. Bronya blushed, astonished that the adorable Theresa could be so brave.

"After all, Theresa may be small, but her abilities are top-notch!" March 7th chuckled, affectionately ruffling Theresa's hair as she held her close. Bronya and Stelle also poked Theresa's soft, bouncy cheeks, making her pout indignantly and only adding to their amusement.

[Next came the time for the "old perverts" to wash up, but unfortunately, the oppressive hand of censorship kept the author from getting too frisky. ]

After half an hour of candid exchanges and mutual appraisals in the steamy bathroom, the young women emerged with rosy cheeks. Stelle and Theresa happily licked their lips, savoring the experience, while March 7th and Bronya glared at them, their faces flushed with embarrassment.

The girls changed into their nightgowns and began grooming each other. They took turns drying each other's hair and applying various moisturizing and beautifying skincare products. Theresa, who had initially planned to go straight to bed, was dragged into the beauty routine by the others. She felt her remaining shred of self-restraint slipping away.

Theresa felt her feminine charm growing stronger with each passing day.

[Little Cutie, don't fret so! You've already lost your KunKun. Do you really want to bind your chest, shave your long hair, and wear trousers just to deceive yourself into thinking you're still a boy?]

[Free your mind, embrace your new identity, and cherish the wonderful moments you spend with everyone. Only then can you experience even greater joy, right?]

The Homu System continued its mental conditioning of Theresa. Meanwhile, Theresa, her face still twisted with conflicting emotions, allowed March 7th and the others to pamper her, applying skincare creams and gently blow-drying her long white hair. She sighed inwardly, finally understanding: she was no longer Hua Ling, the man of the past, but Theresa, the world's cutest girl.

Homu System, I get it now. I'll never suppress my true nature again. Restrained joy isn't true joy at all. From this day forward, Hua Ling is a relic of my past. I am now a completely new Theresa.

Lastly, I wish you, Homu System, the best of luck in becoming a cute girl when you finally take human form. Though my body has changed, my heart remains the same. I still have no interest in men! I'll always prefer adorable girls!

Theresa confessed her thoughts to the Homu System, which remained silent. The System was uncertain whether its future humanoid form would be male or female, but if it meant getting closer to Theresa, perhaps being female wouldn't be so bad after all?

Later, the girls lay on the bed, chatting about girly topics. Bronya curiously asked March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa if they had any interest in Dan Heng.

The three girls clearly stated that they only liked each other, viewing Dan Heng merely as a fellow crew member on the Astral Express.

In turn, they asked Bronya how she felt about Gepard.

Bronya pondered for a moment. She felt she knew Gepard too well to harbor any romantic feelings. She shook her head, declaring she had no interest in men.

Theresa understood perfectly. After all, Bronya X Seele was practically a global obsession. She knew Bronya would meet Seele tomorrow, but this version of Seele was unusually straightforward and bold.

Theresa couldn't help but recall a meme from her previous life: Duckling pulling on Seele's sleeve, declaring it was Seele's turn, only for Seele to stubbornly counter with "No, it's my turn!" and "Still my turn!" repeatedly, teasing Duckling until she was red-faced and flustered.

They chatted until nearly midnight before drifting off to sleep. The next day dawned.

The girls, having finished dressing and applying their makeup, fluttered out of their rooms like a flock of songbirds. After enjoying breakfast with Auntie's warm hospitality, they followed Dan Heng on a leisurely stroll through the Underworld.

Their arrival caused quite a stir among the Underworld's young men. Spellbound, they watched Theresa and her companions pass by, their ears filled with the girls' melodious laughter, which made their mining work feel less grueling.

The group slowly made their way to the Fight Club. Dr. Dig, practically vibrating with excitement, ushered them inside. The club's rough patrons erupted in thunderous roars, eager to display their prowess before the beautiful visitors.

"Are they all behaving like baboons?" March 7th muttered, blushing in embarrassment.

"Ladies!" Dr. Dig shouted enthusiastically. "Whether you want to watch or compete, spectator tickets are fifty Shields per match. To compete, you'll need to pay a hundred Shield deposit, and the club takes no responsibility for injuries. But the rewards are staggering—we offer a cascading prize system! For example, you can bet on yourselves. Win the first round, and the prize pool grows! The more you win, the bigger the payout!"

Dan Heng narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss.