When we returned from the zoo for a late night mission, we took a short nap. My father is a manga artist and my mother is a picture book author, but neither of them stays up all night very often. According to my dad, staying up all night results in inefficiency. The act of not sleeping dulls your ability to think and distracts you from your ability to concentrate. Mom says it also makes my skin rough.
　It would be a waste of time if we had to break down our bodies to get the job done. We are able to work only when we are healthy. I think so too.
　That said, though, the situation where you have to stay up all night to make it in time is something that can happen unexpectedly. Sudden revisions, for example.
　If I remember correctly, the deadline for my father's work was the other day. As long as it hasn't changed. If things hadn't changed, I'd be sleeping normally today.
　My parents live next door to the town where my grandfather's house is located, just fifteen minutes away by train. It takes fifteen minutes from station to station by train, but it takes thirty minutes from my grandfather's house to the station, fifteen minutes by train, and another fifteen minutes from the station in the town where I lived to my parents' house, which takes roughly an hour.
　Since the time was the time, of course the trains weren't running. Well, we didn't want to go there by train from the beginning, though. If we were walking lazily in the middle of the night with such a number of people, we would be guided for sure. I have no intention of taking such a risk.

"[Gate]

　Using the divine energy through my phone, I open the door of transition directly from my grandpa's house to my parents' house. It's my home that I know is self-serving. It can be opened anywhere.
　I took the lead and I was the first to go through the 【Gate】. It's dark because the lights aren't on, but beyond that, there's a familiar living room. It's not that different from the state I last saw it in. Oh, the TV is new.
　I miss it..... Oops, this was not the time to get lost in sentimentality.

''Invite the Darkness, Restful Sleep, Sleep Cloud.''

　A magic circle spreads around my feet, and the light purple cloud that arises from it drifts across the house. It's a cloud that lures everyone in this house to the world of sleep. It's possible that my fathers are awake. We don't want to get in trouble if they think we're thieves and call the cops. There's no need to worry about waking up from a noise.
　Passing through the [Gate], Yumina and the others appear one by one in the living room.

''So this is Fuyao-san's home, huh........''

　Linse scurries around the dimly lit fifteen-mat room. Does she think it's too small or something? Ya, this is a normal house, right?　You can't compare it to a castle or something, you know?

'So, what are you going to do, darling. You were talking about giving your parents the illusion that you're dreaming, but are you going to use [Mirage] or [Hypnosis]?
No, no. The connection between us and your father's consciousness is mediated by divine energy. It makes it feel less real, more like a dream.

　At first, I was thinking of the method Lean said, but I received a text message from Hanakoi's sister just now that this is safer.
　 It was too late now.
　Of course, it's possible because it's my phone, which is a divine instrument, but it's impossible for Yumina and the others to do it on their phones.
　In other words, instead of making them think it was a dream, let's really meet them in a dream. This way I can be in front of both of them instead of being a child, and I can be more flexible.
　Yumina asks with a small tilt of her head.

''Sharing consciousness with a summoned beast.......is that like that?''
'Well, I guess it's close enough. More accurately, it's like bringing everyone's consciousness into another closed space?　I'm not going to let you look into my mind, so it's okay.

　Connecting everyone's consciousness to a space created by the power of God it's like logging into an internet game world. I don't want to explain it to you because I don't think you'd get the message from the word "internet game".
　My dads' bedrooms are upstairs. Let's just designate the entire house for now. The apprentice Pei Pei God can't control his divine energy any further.
　I'll have everyone sit in the living room and relax on the sofa or something. I stand in the middle of the living room and focus my attention on it. Let the tentacles of divine energy crawl over the entire house.
　I take a slow, deep breath. ........Okay.

''Then let's go. [Connect]

　Swoosh, everyone's consciousness fell as if they were going to sleep. As the lines were connected, everyone's consciousness was guided into the server-like pseudo-world created by the divine power.
　Finally, I let go of my consciousness and slowly lay down on my side on the carpet.




''Where am I...?''
"A miniature otherworld made of divine power..." I guess. There's nothing, though. Well, just think of it as being inside a [storage].

　While answering Yae's questions as she scurriedly looked around, I was delighted to see myself back to normal for the first time in a long time (although it's only been two days). It's nice to have high visibility!
　Since it's a pseudo-world, my clothes didn't get torn, and I was wearing my usual coat. Well, this is the image I subconsciously imagine myself with the most.....

It's fine, but... why is there a fog floating around underneath your feet like this, and it's so dim upstairs?
Oh, no, I'm dead, for one thing. I thought I had to make it look like a ghost.

　As Linze pointed out, this space that was created with divine power was an empty, dimly lit space where fog or rather smoke could be seen underfoot. See, it had a kind of 'spirit world' feel to it, right?　Well, I've never actually seen it, so I used old movies and TV dramas as a reference. I've been to the God Realm quite often.

But doesn't that make you look like you've wandered off with a crush?　You're here to tell me you're happy and doing well, aren't you?
Oh.

　....Indeed. Else is right. With this, it's as if she came to say something bitter. Was it too easy for me to say that it was a ghost? On reflection.
　Then, what kind of stage would you like it to be?

"Bright sunshine and white clouds and a field of flowers...." I thought to myself. I thought to myself, "Wouldn't such a beautiful natural scene be better?　And they seem to live happily ever after.
Yes. If you want to keep up the appearance of a happy life in heaven, that's the one.

　Leanne also gave a small nod to Hilda's suggestion. I see. Is it that way.
　I solidify the image and snap my fingers. A moment later, the fog blows away and soft, bright sunlight falls on the dimly lit space. Above my head, a clear blue sky spreads out, and underneath my feet, instead of the blown-out fog, beautiful flowers bloom like a bunch of flowers.
　This world is a pseudo-space that I have created. Just like the "holodeck" rooms that create virtual spaces with holograms, as often seen in foreign science fiction dramas, I can remake it however I want. Let's make a little fresh breeze, too. The scent of fragrant flowers wafts through the air.

It's amazing..... It's just like the real thing.

　Youmina poked the flower under her feet. You can also recognize the sensation of touching it, so it may not be so different from reality. Unfortunately, I still don't have the strength to hold it for long, though. I've held it for an hour.... It's just a bubble dream.

Where are your father and mother?　Have you already called me into this world?
''Yeah. I've connected the consciousness of everyone in that house, so they must be somewhere in this world... but...

　I returned it to Sue, but stopped speaking when I saw a figure advancing toward me over her head, zunnily through a field of flowers. From behind, another person comes chasing after the person pushing forward as if in a hurry.
　The former appears to be a woman in her late twenties with her hair pulled back into a bun from her shoulders, actually a woman in her early thirties. And the one chasing me from behind with a troubled look on his face is a kind-looking tall man in his forties, wearing round glasses.
　Needless to say, they are my parents. My father's name is Fuyuichiro Mochizuki, a manga artist by profession. My mother's name is Mochizuki Tsuzuri, a picture book author by profession.
　The picture book author blasts towards me with a blank expression.
　I've lived with her for many years, and I know what it's like. Whenever my mother makes that expression, she's in a very bad mood. Could it be that she was angry even if she wasn't?
　Huh?　Isn't that an emotional scene where he meets his late son, I guess?
　Mom stopped in front of me. Due to the silent pressure that Mom exerts, Yumina and the others around her also slowly move away.

Hi, hello, mom. How have you been?

　After stating my bland conversation with a cramped smile, my mother reaches out her hand to my face. A thin hand touches my cheek. It's cold. I didn't know I could even feel this kind of sensation.
　My other hand also touched my cheek. My mom in front of me smiles slightly. It's a nostalgic smile I used to see when I was a child.
　As I'm immersed in such nostalgia, my mother's hands are gradually filled with strength. ........Huh?
　Mom's height is the same as mine. I've been a model in the past, so she is very tall for a woman. I'm not sure what kind of power she has in her slender body, but her hands hold my head firmly in place.
　The smile I saw earlier is gone, but my mother's face has changed to a stern one and she gives me a big head-butt.

"You stupid son of a b*tc*!
Ouch!

　A myriad of stars will fly before your eyes!　I fell backwards and rolled around in a field of flowers, writhing in agony at the pain in my forehead that seemed to crack. Wait a minute!　You can feel the pain and other sensations too!　No, I think my brain is actually deluding itself into thinking it had that kind of impact!　Oh, I see. Well, I guess it won't hurt...!
　No pain, no pain, no pain.... Oh, the pain is gone. That's my world. But it still feels like it hurts.........

'You're finally showing your face by now!　Isn't the least you can do for your parents is to stand in your dream pillow on the day you die!　And just when you think you're finally here, you've got nine wives!　You look like you're having fun if you don't know what we're up to, man!
'Wait a minute!　How did you know that!

　I scream in surprise as I fold my arms and look up at my mother, who is standing in a kneeling position. I haven't said a word about Yumina and the others being your wives yet. Telepathy!　He was a person with a keen sense of intuition to begin with, but........that's ridiculous.

''Wait a minute, Tsuzuri-san!　Isn't that too much?　Are you okay, Fuyao-kun?
I don't care if it's a dream or not.

　Dad called out from behind Mom, looking worried. Apparently they both think this is a dream. It's exactly what they were aiming for, but that doesn't mean they would have expected to be attacked like this.... Isn't this usually the kind of case where it's like a hug or something?　You're still relentless in real life and in dreams!

'No, I mean, how did my mom know about everyone!
'A week ago night, I had a dream about this weird old man who called himself God. He said he was sorry he took your son away from you.
I saw that too. An old man with white hair and glasses.

　No way, world god...?　You were here in your mother's dreams first. She apologized for getting me killed. ...and I don't like the sound of that.

So what's the matter with you?
I got mad, so I slapped him.
Whoa!
''Well I was going to do it, but Fuyuichiro-san stopped me in my dream, so I gave him a break.

　It's a dream, but it's also a reflex to slap someone who claims to be a god.

It's a reflex to slap someone who claims to be a god, no matter how much it's a dream. It's a good thing that you have a cramped smile on your face.

　Dad replies with a bitter smile. ...I'll apologize when I get home.

I think I have a right to be angry at you for murdering my son. I think it's your fault, too!　I'm not going to die from lightning!　You'd better avoid that!　It's pathetic!

　Don't be ridiculous. This isn't just a thunderstorm, this is divine lightning. It's the divine thunder to drive out evil.

What kind of a prophecy is it that God says, "Your dead son will bring his nine wives to you in your dreams.　I woke up even though it was my own dream and I just tsked, 'Hey!'
Strangely enough, I've been having the same dream. But Tsuki-san and Fuyao-kun both look like the real thing. Is this really a dream?

　Well, Dad and Mom, you think everyone else is a dream but you. You're just going to pinch my cheeks. Oops. Secretly trying to block the pain.

"It doesn't hurt. So it was a dream. I thought so. But I'm glad to see you again, Fuyao.
Dad....

　Dad laughs, haha. You're still going at your own pace........ Laid-back or insensitive..... Mom also pinches her cheeks, just like Dad. Naturally, I did the same thing with my cheekbones.

...Huh?　I was a little sore earlier.
"Kinoseijanai?
Okay.

　Mom tilted her head as she rubbed her forehead, but she stopped thinking about it deeply. I'm thankful that she's as simple as ever, or rather, she doesn't get hung up on the details.

You haven't grown a bit taller, have you? Oh, it's my dream, that's exactly how I felt when I was dead. It's a shame I won't get to see you as a man.

　Mom laughs a little sadly. My body is divine, so I'm growing slower than others. Still, I'm sure I'll have an adult body someday. Maybe I'll come back to see you again at that time.... If I can get permission from the World God, though.

''But.........''

　Suddenly, Mom's gaze turned to Yumina and the others. Everyone is slightly taken aback by our rather shocking reunion. It's understandable. The headbutt at the beginning of our meeting was a shock to me, too.
　Still, Yumina mustered up the courage to step forward to say hello to her parents-in-law.

It's a very good idea to have a good time.
You must be Yumina, right?
What?

　Yumina stops moving with a pouting expression after her mother guessed her name. You even know his name? World God, you've told her that much?

'That silver-haired girl with long hair is Else, the short one is Linse, and the ponite is Yae... I think it's Yae... or was it Fuyuichiro?'
'Yeah, I'm pretty sure. I remember the little blonde and the little girl with the twin-tailed hair over there. Sue and Leanne, I think. Those girls also became Fuyao-kun's wife, didn't they?

　Dad gave a small nod as if he was trying to phase me. Hmm?　What's going on here?　I knew Yumina, Else, Linse, and even Yae, but I didn't know that Sue and Leanne were my wives... like...?

'I don't know about the other three, but.... Oh, I'm sorry!　I haven't read that far yet!

　Lou, Hilda, and Sakura's faces turned to tears as if they were shocked by Mom's words, and a flustered Mom ran down to them.

''........What do you mean by 'not reading'?''
Himura-kun. You know, my classmate.

　Huh?　Yeah, I know. He's a friend of mine from junior high school that I used to hang out with. ...why's his name come up?

He's an assistant at my place right now.... He's had many dreams about God appearing to him too.

　Huh?　World God, you've gone to the dream of Himura-kun!　Your footwork is as light as ever!

''In that dream, I heard that God's grandfather showed me your activities, Fuyao-kun. It was about your great success in another world.... And he made a name for the story and showed it to us.
What?

　What's that!
　The name is the blueprint of the manga, which simply shows the composition, frame layout, character movements, and dialogues when drawing the manga. It is not an exaggeration to say that the quality of the work is determined at this point in time by the draft of the draft.
　You can tell what the story is going to be about by looking at the name.......which means my actions over there were going down the tubes!
　Of course, you're aware that it's a weird dream you had, Himura-kun. I didn't hear that, World God!

I mean, what part of that...
'Well as I recall the one I brought last week had a turtle and snake monster as a companion.

　Coral and obsidian.... So that's right before we find Babylon. Then Lou and the others shouldn't have come out.

'I was surprised to hear from God that there were nine wives. How did that happen? I've been having a lot of strange dreams lately. It's fine because it's funny, though.
Sourdough.

　Like with Dr. Babylon and God's, aren't there a lot of people spying on me and what I'm doing...?　I don't know what kind of shame-playing is going on, like having your friends see you and then letting your parents know about it in a comic book!　Himura, go ahead and call it off right now and draw something else.
　I mean, I'm sure no one has seen or read this situation right now either...?