Chapter 130 - Aquamarine and Crimson
My first victim—or rather, test subject—Sora, got used to it fairly quickly, so my transport technique had become rather fixed in its rough-and-tumble ways.
You could say I'd grown complacent, relying on Sora's adaptability. But after scaring Nia so badly this morning, I decided it was time to change my approach.
I even have a grand-sounding skill like [Guardian's Cradle]. From now on, I intend for my express delivery service to offer a trifecta of blinding speed, safety, and comfort.
—So…
"Just do me a favor and turn a blind eye to the 'blinding speed' part, okay?"
"LOOK WHEEERE YOU'RE GOINGGGGG!!!"
It's fine. I'm using [Fatal Leak], so I can clearly see all the attack prediction lines.
I held her slender avatar securely in my arms, focusing on smooth shifts in my center of gravity to avoid any unnecessary jolts or impacts, as I gracefully weaved through the crimson bullets raining down from all directions.
For any insolent fools trying to attack me from my blind spot, I offered them a polite refusal with my [An-ri Galta] shield. From the red lines of death flooding my vision, I instantly chose the shortest and gentlest route to break through.
And, of course, the main contributor to this high-speed comfort was the god-tier skill [Rabbit Run].
Its effect allows me to generate an absurd amount of thrust with just a flick of my ankle, letting me minimize the jarring motions passed on to my guest by eliminating the need for large, stomping steps.
The end result was me ascending the spiral while toying with the killer rabbits, my movements so light they resembled a dance.
And Nia, of course, was clinging to me half in tears, screaming every so often because the biggest problem—the sheer speed—remained unresolved.
Hmm… you know, seeing the second victim's reaction really makes me think—
"Sora really is super adaptable…"
"Your movements and the speed of your words don't match at alllll!!!"
As I mused aloud mid-high-speed-step, a dutiful retort flew from my arms. All things considered, this one seems pretty adaptable herself…
—Ah, that one's a bit in the way.
"Hup."
Without breaking stride, I summoned a [Parabellum Bullet] at my feet.
With a kick perfectly timed to my steps, the dagger shot forward and unerringly struck down the [Ruby Bullet] that had created the inconvenient line of death.
"—…I can't take this guy anymore! He's not human! A pervert! A ranker!!!"
"This girl says the meanest things…"
It might look insane, but since I can see the prediction lines, it's not actually that difficult of a feat. Even Sora could do it.
"Alright… hang in there, Nia. Only halfway to go."
"Fuguuuu…!!"
With the aquamarine-haired girl now reduced to burying her face in my chest and groaning, I pushed onward up the all-too-familiar spiral path.
Please bear with this escort drama, colored by countless crimson bullets, for just a little longer.
◇◆◇◆◇
"I said I'm sorry."
"I'm not mad."
That's the classic line people use to show they are mad.
We stepped into the familiar, bright-red goal room for what felt like the dozenth time. The blue hues of Nia's avatar were a striking contrast… even if she was currently collapsed on the floor.
I'd made an effort to drive safely, so our clear time was a little over a minute.
The effect of [Fatal Leak] wore off about halfway through, but I managed to force our way through the rest based on the memories burned into my mind from past clears.
"…Really, I'm not mad. And I think I sort of understand what Kagura-san meant by 'outside the realm of common sense.'"
"Well… this place is kind of an exception. When it comes to actual combat, my movements are completely different."
True to her word, Nia was gradually calming down. She held out a hand, saying, "Mm." I took it and pulled her up. She staggered but managed to stay on her feet.
"—So, did you receive my… gift?"
As she took a deep breath, I asked about the result. Nia's mouth twitched into an indescribable expression.
"…Uh, what kind of emotion is that?"
"Well, it's just… is this really okay? Something like this is an item that even top-tier combat players might not be able to get, even after struggling like crazy."
So you feel like it's cheating to get it just by being carried? That can change entirely depending on how you look at it.
"I told you, it's a present, right? Think of it like I gave it to you via the system. Don't overthink it and just accept it."
What I'm doing is exactly what I said. It's not some flimsy excuse.
"Okay… then, I'll accept it."
"Yeah. So, what kind was it?"
Sora got a choker, but I had a feeling that—
"Um, it's… a bracelet, I think? It's called [Crimson Rabbit Bracelet]."
"Ah, just as I thought."
That probably confirms it. The normal clear reward for this dungeon is likely a different type of accessory selected for each player.
Whether it's random or the system picks something that suits the player, I can't say for sure… but the fact that the first-clear reward, the [Crimson Rabbit Ornament], can be crafted into whatever you want is likely what makes it so special.
"Muu… It's frustrating, but it's beautiful."
Nia took the bracelet out of her inventory and placed it on her palm, muttering to herself.
I did hesitate a little, wondering, "Is it okay to give a finished accessory to a master jeweler?" but judging by her expression, she doesn't seem to mind. All's well that ends well.
"Are you pleased with it?"
I wasn't sure what kind of material it was, but it had the hard luster of a crystal yet was as flexible as a leather bracelet. A small, familiar rabbit-shaped gem glittered as a charm point. It was a piece that would make even a first-rate jeweler hum in appreciation.
This was the greatest token of my gratitude I could offer at this moment—
"…………Yeah, thanks."
At last, a genuine smile appeared on her profile.
I guess… yeah, I'm relieved.
I really am grateful to her in more ways than I can express. To be able to give those feelings a physical form, even if it's just one accessory, is a weight off my chest—
"…Mm."
"…Yeah?"
—And right then, she held out the present I'd just given her.
I tilted my head, feigning confusion, and Nia quickly looked down, as if to hide her face that was gradually turning red.
…………………………Well, saying I don't know what she means is a lie, though.
"……………………"
You can put on a bracelet yourself. That's what I can't bring myself to say. What kind of guy does that make me?
Even if I've decided not to get too involved.
My most important partner is of the opposite sex, so it's probably not a good idea to get too friendly with other women—
"…You wear bracelets on your non-dominant hand, right?"
Sorry, I can't.
I'll just admit it—one way or another, I like this girl.
She's easy to be around, she's fun, and we can be rough with each other without it turning into anything more than playful banter. It's only natural that I'd want to cherish someone like that.
And this is after only meeting a few times. This is undoubtedly a precious connection.
My willpower isn't strong enough to be cold to someone like that now.
"You're weirdly knowledgeable again… Have you given one to someone before?"
"Stop trying to fish for information. So, which hand?"
I dangled the bracelet to urge her on, and she timidly offered her right hand.
"Oh, so you're left-handed."
"Actually, I'm ambidextrous, so either is fine…"
Such a dexterous one. You must be a lump of pure talent, huh?
"Hey, Nia-chan."
"What is it now…! You talk so much…!"
"How do you put this on? Where's the clasp?"
"Are you that clumsy!?"
If you're going to go that far, you should have just done it yourself. Her slender fingers took hold of mine, guiding my fumbling hands.
And then, with a soft click, the bracelet fastened around her thin wrist—and we both let out a huge sigh at the same time, each taking a step back.
"…Hey, if you're going to get that embarrassed, you should have put it on yourself."
I deliberately teased the aquamarine-haired girl, whose face was red all the way to her neck.
In response, she seemed to get over her embarrassment, puffing out her chest with a defiant, smug look as she held up her right hand.
"Ah, geez, shut up, shut up! H-O-W-D-O-I-L-O-O-K!!"
"Ah, cute, cute. As expected of Nia-chan, you're really being Nia."
To say that the vivid crimson looks beautiful against her aquamarine hair and eyes would be too much of a lip service.
But the problem is, it wouldn't exactly be just a lip service, either.
The hilarious joke I'd deployed to cover my own embarrassment seemed to have settled the mood nicely.
As I dodged the pokes from the aquamarine-haired girl who was giving me a look colder than anything I'd ever seen, I was aware of a smile on my face, one that was different from the kind I showed Sora.
—From an outsider's perspective, I probably look like a player, but at this point, I'll just give up.
Because in my heart, she has already found her place in the category of a 'precious friend'.
They're flirting so endlessly the plot isn't moving, so I felt I had no choice but to post consecutive chapters.