As these words were spoken, the surrounding environment shifted dramatically. First, within Mikoto's body, the World Heart, which had been shrouded in dark mist, gradually cleared, restoring its original crystal-clear, snow-white appearance. Then, the space around them, while not brightly illuminated, was no longer engulfed in darkness, now filled with vitality and hope.

Finally, the dozens of Misaka Sisters beside her—well, the Misaka Sisters—faded away expressionlessly within this mental realm... These were the true Misaka Sisters; their blank faces were precisely their most charming feature.

Watching her sisters "depart," Mikoto offered a knowing smile. She was no longer lost or confused; she knew what she had to do. Whether her sisters hated her or loved her didn't matter—there was only one path forward... provided she could return to her original world, but she believed she could.

Yes, she certainly could! Mikoto held that conviction firmly.

"Thank you, Little Brother Lin."

"Well, no need for thanks," Lin Luo shrugged, then continued, "Mikoto, if you would allow it, I hope you can entrust your heart to me."

"W-What did you say?" Mikoto thought she must have misheard.

Didn't catch that? Let's try again.

Lin Luo took a step forward, placing both hands on Mikoto's shoulders, his expression solemn. He spoke with utmost seriousness, "Mikoto, please give me your heart. In return, I will also give you mine. From this day forward, no matter what happens—even if the heavens collapse and the seas run dry—I hope you can be my firm support. Mikoto, will you?"

Just then, Lin Luo had heard the notification chime from the Contract Tome: the 'Sister's' favorability level had finally reached 90. Right, this was a moment worth commemorating. Now, for the signing.

The contract ritual was simple: once both parties agreed, touching the World Heart on the 'Sister's' body would automatically activate the Heart Contract within the Tome.

Although reaching 90 favorability meant he could just blurt out the Contract Tome now, suddenly proposing something straight out of a risqué visual novel might scare the 'Sister.' Despite being called 'Sister,' she was practically a loli who had just endured immense mental trauma. How could a caring person do something so unfeeling?

Besides, her elementary school teacher had always preached: speak indirectly, ensure smooth phrasing, and keep the intent clear.

And so, Lin Luo used smooth language to subtly convey his very clear intention... at least, clear to him.

Upon hearing his words, Mikoto froze, eyes wide, face flushed crimson. Her 'heat index' soared without limit, soon emitting visible plumes of steam from her head. Flustered and at a loss, she stammered, "Y-You... What nonsense are you spouting! Something like this... how could you say something like that so casually, and... and..."

Mikoto trailed off, struggling internally... A proposal? Was this a proposal? It had to be a proposal! It was definitely a proposal! But it was too sudden! What should she do? Should she accept? No! She was only fourteen, not even of legal age, and this guy was way too precocious and bold... So, refuse...

"Aaaaaargh...!!" Suddenly realizing that there was hardly any resistance deep in her heart, Mikoto blushed furiously, clutching her head and crying out in anguish.

"Mikoto, what's wrong? Is it acting up again?" Lin Luo was startled, thinking the 'Sister' had suffered another mental attack, and quickly leaned in with concern.

In his view, Mikoto's answer should be limited to acceptance or rejection, perhaps with a touch of tsundere attitude at most. He hadn't anticipated she would leap to such distant conclusions... marriage? While he had daydreamed about it, it felt premature by any measure. After all, he still had a hidden, large harem waiting.

Well, as for the World Heart, hopefully, its value would surpass three digits.

"Don't suddenly lean in like that, get away from me!" Mikoto suddenly noticed his face was less than ten centimeters away, his hot breath washing over her, making her sway delicately. Her face instantly heated up again, and she violently shoved Lin Luo away.

Ah, tsundere activated!

Though Mikoto used considerable force, this was a mental world. As long as her subconscious didn't resist him, no harm could be done. So, Lin Luo merely took a small step back, looking at her expression with an amused smile, "Sister, you're being tsundere."

"Tsundere your head!" Mikoto was infuriated with embarrassment. She was not a tsundere. "Suddenly saying such inexplicable things, is your brain functioning normally?!"

"Perfectly normal," Lin Luo replied, feeling slightly wronged. "And everything I said just now was completely sincere."

"S-Sincere?" Those four words made Mikoto blush deeply again. With her face red, she mumbled, "Even if... even if that were true, I... I'm in a difficult spot, it's still too early to discuss this..."

"It's not too early, Sister! Once this village is passed, there won't be another shop like it!" Lin Luo stomped his foot. If the contract wasn't signed in the mental world, he wouldn't get another chance.

"But, this... this is really sudden."

"Sister, your adaptability still isn't enough. As an A-Level 5, you can't be this timid. Moreover, if you don't agree, we might not be able to leave this mental world."

Mikoto blinked. "W-What is going on?"

"Well, that's a long story. Just agree quickly, or our bodies might start decaying before we get out."

"How could that happen?"

"And I think if you agree, I might actually find a way to send you back to your world."

And so, under Lin Luo's coaxing and trickery, Mikoto finally agreed in a hesitant, awkward manner. Of course, the process was a bit tsundere, but then again, dealing with the tsundere 'Sister,' that was unavoidable.

In truth, Lin Luo wasn't entirely lying. During his battle with Liu Ziwen, he had heard talk of 'ascending to a higher world,' and the other hosts of World Hearts were also in different dimensions... Perhaps if the Contract Tome leveled up, this possibility might materialize.

Hm, the journey should be named: A Trip to Another World to Woo Girls...

Of course, discussing that now was premature. The most important thing currently was signing the contract with the 'Sister'!

"Alright, Mikoto, close your eyes now."

Close her eyes again? Mikoto's face flushed, perhaps thinking of something inappropriate. After hesitating for two seconds, she decisively closed her eyes. However, her slightly trembling eyelashes betrayed her extreme inner turmoil... This was her first kiss!

Alas, why wasn't it sealed with a kiss!

Lin Luo felt conflicted. The ritual for signing the Heart Contract wasn't like those in manga or novels where a kiss was required. Simply touching the World Heart would automatically initiate it.

Although, on a personal note, Lin Luo did favor the kiss ritual, this current method wasn't bad either... To touch the World Heart, he had to make contact with the 'Sister's' little V5—how did that term go again... Ah yes, chest-pounding!

Thump! When his palm landed on the 'Sister's' little V5, a massive sound echoed... it was the sound of Mikoto's heartbeat.

"Y-Y-Y-You..." Mikoto's face burned with boiling water again, a mix of shame and anger, rendering her almost speechless. Instinctively, she tried to push away the hands of this pervert currently on her.

But before she could make a move, a shocking voice resonated in her mind, and her body froze.

"Contract Tome Master Lin Luo, World Heart Host Misaka Mikoto. All conditions met. Heart Contract officially signed!"

"Nani???!!!"

Mikoto's delicate body convulsed violently!

P: I spent the whole afternoon busy signing the contract with Dianniang (Qidian); it was exhausting. Finally sending the contract off has lifted a great weight from my heart, offering great relief... Also, asking for votes!