There were still eleven hosts who had broken their previous contracts. The Three Magi of Kamijou remained in their own world, while Evangeline, Serika, Sayaka and Lilith hadn't returned to Gensokyo. Of those remaining in Aincrad without emerging from seclusion, only Misaka, Tohsaka, Senjougahara and Index were left. Naturally, the magi Kuroyukihime, Nero and Akame couldn't be ignored either.

By potential alone, the magi would certainly fall short of the hosts' capabilities. It's understandable that those three Saber-class spirits remained secluded for so long. So which two would emerge next? Judging from CC's tone, it definitely wouldn't be any of the magi.

Misaka's power level had already been confirmed as near-Heavenly Stage. As for Lady Tohsaka, with her indomitable will and ability to break limits effortlessly, her current strength within Aincrad was likely second only to Misaka's.

Comparatively, Index and Senjougahara probably lagged behind slightly. Based on the combat power gaps between other hosts, they were likely at around Earth Stage Intermediate level. So which two would emerge first?

Lin Luo found himself both anticipating and exasperated. That damned Youko had been missing for days, giving him no warning about whatever nonsense she was up to - truly maddening.

This anxiety didn't last long. Just as the sun set on another day, with Lin Luo dining in the grand hall alongside his maids, two elegant figures descended the staircase.

The first bore a slender frame and exquisite beauty, golden hair cascading down her back like liquid sunshine. Star-shaped pupils shimmered beneath delicate eyes, her Academy City uniform paired with white stockings and gloves bearing intricate spiderweb patterns. The aura of refined charm radiating from this once-LPS esper was unmistakable - Misaka Index. Years had only heightened her appeal, her presence now exuding a captivating, undulating grace.

The second figure stood tall and poised, cascading chestnut hair flowing to her waist. A striking face framed by an arrogant gaze that exuded sinister charm. Her ensemble combined tasteful casual wear with alluring tights, subtle aristocratic elegance woven into every movement. This was Senjougahara Shana from the Toaru world - another LPS esper whose curves rivaled Misaka's intensity.

Their descent caused Lin Luo to glance up sharply. While their appearances had changed little, their aura now carried a distinct transformation.

Noticing Lin Luo's gaze, both Index and Senjougahara instinctively turned heads in unison before swiftly approaching the dining table, passing by him without acknowledgment as they took seats on either side.

"Yui, bring me ten servings of cod rice - the most nutritious variety. Hurry, I need to replenish energy immediately." As soon as seated, Senjougahara commanded her maid with characteristic directness.

"Oh my," Yui seemed momentarily taken aback by this brisk demeanor before nodding in assent.

Meanwhile, Index beckoned with a hand. "I want desserts - cakes, creams, anything you can bring. You know I'm currently immune to weight gain anyway."

"Of course." Yui nodded and hurried toward the kitchen. One exuded commanding authority while the other displayed self-assuredness; though their usual dispositions remained unchanged, something felt different today.

"What's with you two? Why not even acknowledge me?" Lin Luo was perplexed beyond belief. These two had shared intimate moments together - they should have been overjoyed at his presence! This wasn't logical... it was utterly illogical!

But more illogical things were yet to come. Though Lin Luo spoke in a normal tone, both Index and Senjougahara acted as though suddenly deafened. No response, no glances - they completely ignored him.

"..."

Lin Luo's mind filled with question marks while instinctively waving his hand before their faces yielded the same result - complete disregard for his existence.

Hello? It was just a matter of making you wait in line longer! Was this really necessary?

Lin Luo felt both bewildered and thoroughly frustrated. They weren't blind to him - they were deliberately treating him like invisible air!

What the hell is going on?!

Though he wanted to lash out, their formidable presence compelled caution. What had he possibly done to offend these two beauties so gravely?

With clinking noises echoing through the dining hall, Yui soon arrived with both women's requested meals. Without hesitation, they immediately began devouring massive portions at breakneck speed while maintaining an absurdly elegant demeanor.

Oh no! Two more gluttons added!

Lin Luo felt his jaw twitch.

After over fifteen minutes of nonstop consumption, both finally finished their enormous meal. Index remained composed as she lifted her gaze to Senjougahara. "How's your recovery progress?"

"About seven or eight tenths. A few preliminary preparations should restore full stamina." With a nod, the two locked eyes.

What now? Was this going to turn into a fight? Observing their exchange, Lin Luo wondered if another host battle was about to unfold - after all, it wasn't uncommon among them. Just recently hadn't Kuroyukihie challenged Muneoka?

With sudden motion!

Right as he mused thusly, both women abruptly stood from the table and marched toward him. Seizing his arms on either side, they hoisted him up like a sack of potatoes before striding upstairs.

Ah?

Lin Luo blinked in confusion - something felt off script here.

"H-Hold it! What are you two planning?" Only upon reaching the staircase did he finally comprehend what was happening and hurriedly interjected.

"No comment!"

The maids watching their retreating figures were equally baffled.

Upstairs, Index and Senjougahara easily found Lin Luo's room. With a casual push of his unlocked door, they stepped inside and immediately flung Lin Luo onto the bed before slamming it shut behind them.

Lin Luo was completely stunned.

"Psychic Binding Threads," Index announced as he attempted to sit up. She kissed her index finger before pointing at him. A visible thread shot from between her fingers, ensnaring him tightly in shimmering restraints.

"What?!" Lin Luo struggled - though the threads appeared mundane, their strength defied his near-Earth Stage capabilities! Instinctively reaching for Destruction Black Flames to burn through them, he refused to simply surrender to these two women's intentions!

"Trying to use destruction? Not so simple." Index suddenly pounced forward, shoving him back onto the mattress as she pressed both hands against either side of his head. Golden hair cascaded across his face while a sinister smile played on her lips. "Stellar Eyes!"

Suddenly Lin Luo found himself trapped in a maelstrom - Index's star-shaped pupils spun wildly before his vision blurred completely. Billions upon billions of stars coalesced within her eyes, their radiant light converging into an overwhelming surge toward him.

Before he could react, the world snapped back into focus... but something was wrong. His Destruction ability had vanished entirely!

"Perfect," Index giggled with satisfaction as she leaned closer. "Your most dangerous abilities have been removed from your memory for now - all that remains is Creation..."

Well of course this power needs to stay intact, though you'll find resistance impossible at this point."

Lin Luo tested her words and confirmed the truth - indeed, only Creation remained accessible.

"I see... so why go through all this trouble just to strip me of my powers?" Lin Luo sighed in defeat. If this were anyone else robbing him of abilities, he'd be panicking beyond measure. Yet with Index and Senjougahara doing it...

"Didn't I tell you last time?" Index's smile widened.

Lin Luo blinked in confusion. "What?"

"I told you - someday I was going to conquer you. Now when your power is at its weakest, this is the perfect opportunity! Though personally I wouldn't fear a one-on-one match, since we share such harmonious intentions with Senjougahara here, it's only natural to do this together. That's why Creation remains untouched - for our little... experiments."

"Wha-?!" Lin Luo was no longer just shocked but completely stunned into silence.

"Won't you even consider that maybe there's a misunderstanding?" His eyes widened as he stared at them in disbelief.

"How would you know?" Senjougahara met his gaze with an evil smirk before beginning to disrobe while heading toward the bathroom. "First, let me take a bath and restore some energy."

Index descended from the bed with practiced grace, tossing her hair back with a regal flourish as she smiled at Lin Luo one last time.

"Anyway, we're going to force you tonight. You might as well start anticipating it... anything Creation leaves behind will be entirely your own responsibility if damaged!"

"Hehehehe,"

With an imperial chuckle echoing through the room, Index followed Senjougahara into the bathroom.