Chapter 493 - The Dragon, The Fox, and Their Masters
"—…Um, you understand what I'm trying to say, right?"
"I have a vague idea, so you don't have to say it."
"Then I'll say it anyway. Haru, you really are Haru, no matter when or where."
"I told you not to say it…!"
After enjoying our stroll through the sky until Sora was satisfied, we landed by a nameless little stream. We sat down by the riverbank and were leisurely exchanging stories from our time apart.
It was less about sharing information and more about casually recounting memories, like 'this happened' and 'that happened.' Every time Sora heard about my various exploits, she'd make her usual exasperated face, but this time, her own 'adventure story' was quite something as well.
"You're one to talk this time. What level is your little fox, Ruby, again?"
"Th-that…! That's… because Lux-san…!"
Ruby, the little fox that Sora tamed, a [Stardust Beast], is level 24. While not quite reaching Sapphire's 31, it's a number high enough to be considered close.
That means she acquired that many [Stardust Relics]. Unlike me, who fought through the event with a full raid of thirty-six people, she did it on a journey alone with Lux.
While I did go on a rampage every night, my friends also put in a good effort during the first two days of daytime hunting. This great reward was by no means my achievement alone.
Considering that, Sora's kill score during this event is likely not much different from mine, and might even be higher.
Therefore, I'm saying that she's one to talk, but—
"He just kept giving them to her! I told him over and over again—no, I scolded him, saying that's his share so he can't!"
…is what she said. Hey, number one of the Northern Faction, don't go getting scolded by a fifteen-year-old.
Whether he was smitten by Ruby's cuteness or not, it seems Lux fed his share of the spoils to her at a pace that puts my own sharing with Tiger Star's puppy to shame.
In other words, her level was reached by pouring in the spoils of nearly two people… Well, even considering that, it's still an astonishing score.
Incidentally, Lux himself unfortunately didn't succeed in his first taming attempt. He apparently declared at the end that he would catch a 'big dragon' next time.
His reaction would likely be annoying… and scary in many ways, so,
"I think I'll hold off on introducing him to Sapphire for a while."
"Ah, haha…"
Sora-san just smiled faintly without admonishing my heartless words. I see, it seems they got along quite well. Excellent.
Sora becoming a little sharp is a sign that she's comfortable with someone. Good for you, Traveler.
Anyway, that aside…
"—What is that supremely healing space over there?"
"May I take a picture…"
We both turned our eyes to the sight of the starry creatures playfully frolicking together. The little fox was energetically scampering all over the giant dragon, which would have a wingspan of nearly ten meters if it spread its wings.
I thought it was just Ruby who was excited, but Sapphire was also extending its neck, stretching its tail, and spreading its wings to the left and right, creating one 'course' after another for her.
What is this preciousness? Friendly interspecies communication is just unfair. It's a cheap shot.
I mean, their forms are different, but maybe they're the 'same species'? Still, a giant dragon and a tiny fox frolicking about is just too cute. It could cure any illness.
She was probably asking her owner for permission. When I gave a thumbs-up to Sora, who had been glancing at me anxiously, the girl began to stare at the beasts with single-minded focus.
She's probably spamming the screenshot button at an incredible speed.
"The number of people whose virtual lives get turned upside down by this is going to skyrocket…"
Good grief, the pet feature is a rabbit hole.
Although they are an unusual breed, all of one starry color, their gestures and behaviors are as genuinely animal-like as any in the real world. And with a wide variety of mythical creatures that don't even exist in reality, the appeal is truly endless.
It wouldn't be surprising if some players were to throw everything away just to admire this sight—
"—…They get along so well, don't they?"
"Ugh…! …Yeah, they do. Maybe I should join in too!"
"Ah… honestly!"
Perhaps seeing the two of them as stand-ins for ourselves, which I guess makes sense for masters and pets, Sora started to snuggle up to me with a 'sliiide…' I stood up from her side.
—Is this fifteen-year-old really a middle schooler until last year?
Sometimes she puts on expressions and uses tones of voice that are surprisingly alluring, and it leaves me with no time to rest my heart. It's truly a predicament.
I can't just keep being on the receiving end anymore.
After this, the two of them and their two pets frolicked around like crazy.
※Miscellaneous Notes Below
This has absolutely nothing to do with the main story, but today marks the achievement of 365 consecutive days of updates. That's amazing.
Due to a reservation mistake on the third day of posting, the one-year anniversary didn't coincide with 365 consecutive posts, and I didn't quite reach a nice round number like 500 chapters, showing a distinct lack of fighting spirit, but let's call it good.
I have achieved the goal I set for myself on the day I decided 'alright, I'm going to do this.' I am great.
Along with that, I was originally planning to end the daily updates at this timing, which would have marked one year of consecutive updates, and switch to an 'every other day' or 'weekends off' schedule, but I've decided against that as well.
When I thought about it, even if I set up breaks, I'd probably just end up writing because I want to, so it would be meaningless. With that, I look forward to your continued support.