Chapter 93 - A Vow to the 'Moon', a Feeling for the 'Sky'
"—Ugh… To think that after mustering up a decent amount of courage, I'd be subjected to even more public humiliation…!"
"D-don't say that… I'm embarrassed too, you know…!"
Although I managed to get a favorable reply from Sora… as long as this world is a game governed by a system, words alone can't give form to a 'relationship.'
Having grasped the outline of the required ritual for the partner system contract, I stood across from Sora, trembling with mutual embarrassment.
"Um, well… w-we both know it's embarrassing, so it's okay. Let's just get it over with quickly!"
"R-right… Yeah, since we're both embarrassed, let's just say it cancels out and does zero damage…"
—Well then, shall we proceed?
"Okay… Sora."
"Y-yes…"
Sora placed her hand on mine, which I had extended after shaking off my embarrassment.
Next, I initiated the partner contract ritual through mental commands—at that moment, a magic circle predictably appeared at our feet. A faint blue light of magical energy welled up, causing our black and golden hair to sway together.
Thread-like streams of magical light raced through the air, winding around our joined hands as if to bind them… and their color shifted from blue to red.
That was the signal—I was first. Time to cast aside my shame and resolve myself.
"—In the name of [Haru], I offer this body to become one half of a whole."
"A-and… in the name of [Sora], I offer this body… to become one half of a whole."
I forced myself to be decisive, while Sora couldn't hide her timidness.
As if to lead her, to reassure her, I gently squeezed her hand.
"To the 'Moon,' I swear, that we shall always be together."
"…To the 'Moon,' I swear, that we shall be together, wherever we may go."
Her hand squeezed back, ever so slightly.
It took all my effort to keep my cheeks from breaking into a smile.
""With this vow, we engrave upon our very souls:""
"This person, [Sora]—"
"This person, [Haru]—"
""To be the one and only companion with whom I shall walk this endless journey.""
Our exchanged words were recognized by the world's system, and the torrent of magical energy that overflowed from the brilliantly glowing circle—enveloped both me and Sora, who couldn't bear to look at each other in the final moments.
And so, as the two of us screamed internally in pure humiliation, Hurry up and end, end, END, we were subjected to a ridiculously long and drawn-out cinematic, as if to mock us. Finally—
◇ A contract has been formed with player [Sora] ◇
・Your inventories and Lunas will now be shared.
・Partner Skills have been unlocked.
◇ Your title has been updated ◇
・'One Who Weaves Bonds' ⇒ 'Inseparable Wings'
That final, finishing blow of a system message completely shattered my mental state. Released from the cinematic's hold, the two of us collapsed to the ground simultaneously.
"………………………………This is brutal."
"…! …!!"
I muttered weakly at the sheer, overwhelming demand for embarrassment, while Sora covered her face with both hands, writhing with inexpressible emotions.
Honestly, wasn't that more exhausting than any unconquerable dungeon?
"It even used the word 'companion'…"
"P-please don't say it…"
See, Arcadia? Look what you did. Sora-san's making expressions I've never seen and sounds I've never heard. Give it a rest, will you?
And stop trying to deliver a finishing blow with my first-ever "Title Update."
Don't think I'll be fooled just because 'Inseparable Wings' sounds cool. That's an idiom about the deep love between a man and a woman, isn't it…!
The system benefits from the contract are what they are, but there's no doubt the ritual's content is also why people treat this like a marriage. Do two guys who are just friends have to do that? Seriously? What kind of vision of hell is that?
Afterward, it took us some time to recover our mental fortitude—
"F-for today, I think that's enough…"
"Roger that."
Though she had calmed down, the blush on Sora's cheeks showed no signs of fading. She spoke wearily, and having recovered a bit sooner, I nodded back, finding the whole thing rather endearing.
I have a feeling one of the reasons she can't cool down is that we've been stuck together like this even after the ritual ended… but according to her, she's grown quite attached to me.
It's not that I don't feel a bit embarrassed myself—but thinking of it as her being "attached to me" just makes the fondness win out.
"So, um… I know we just became partners, and I feel bad about this, but it looks like things are going to get busier than I expected in the real world…"
As she said this before logging off, she let out a sigh, her eyebrows knitted in a way that clearly expressed her inner thought: I am thoroughly displeased with this.
"I really might not be able to come here properly for a while."
"I see… Well, real life always comes first, no matter the era."
Wanting to make sure my own feelings of "I'm thoroughly disappointed" came across, I let the unconcealed regret tinge my voice as I smiled and said, "It can't be helped."
At that—no longer was it a note me gesture. My officially recognized system partner gripped the hem of my clothes, as if to clearly convey her loneliness.
While my brain was being fried by how utterly precious she was, Sora mumbled quietly.
"Haru-san."
"Y-yeah… what is it?"
"Um… I have a request, or rather, a hope."
As I tried to swallow my agitation from her cuteness overload, she looked up at me with eyes that held a slight hint of anxiety.
Anxiety, or maybe… something like a small resolve, as if she was about to take a plunge.
"Go ahead and say it. I think you know this, but I'm pretty much a yes-man right now."
Only for Sora, though. Sora, who correctly picked up on that nuance, looked at me with an expression that was half-happy, half-embarrassed, her eyes wavering—
"—… … …Haru."
She said my name, simply, with no extra sounds.
"…is what I'd like to call you."
Her neck, adorned with the little rabbit jewel, flushed a shade of crimson deeper than I thought possible.
"From now on, um… I want to be equal partners… so…!"
Knowing Sora, she must have mustered every last ounce of courage just to say that.
After rushing through her words, she seemed to lose all her energy, and her delicate avatar swayed—I caught her with one arm as she was about to collapse.
I really hope you can forgive me for looking away, unable to meet her gaze.
"…Uh, Sora."
"Y-yes…"
What should I do? Seriously, what should I do about this?
"I'd be happy if you called me that, too."
"…Yes!"
My feelings for Sora aren't romantic, at least not yet, but…
"I look forward to working with you from now on—Haru."
"Likewise, I'm counting on you—Sora."
As these fond feelings for this irresistibly charming girl continue to pile up… I have to wonder if that's a good thing, or a bad thing.
Atop the crimson tower, in a landscape known only to the two of us.
As I shared a laugh with my one and only partner—I simply chose to turn a blind eye to the smoldering confusion in my heart.
Sugar!!!
――――――――――――――――――
◇Status◇
Name：Sora
Lv：100
STR(Strength)：100
AGI(Agility)：200(+10)
DEX(Dexterity)：200(+10)
VIT(Vitality)：100
MID(Mind)：400(+50)
LUC(Luck)：50
◇Skills◇
・Magic Sword Aptitude
《Optimized Alert》
Telekinetic Swords
Homing Projection
Magic Sword Generation Efficiency
・Light Magic Aptitude
《Qualia Veil》
・《Scareless》
・《Observer's Eye》
・Healer's Precept
・Parry Precept
・Telepathy
――――――――――――――――――
I was a bit hesitant to post this, but it seems like it'll be a while before I can fit it into the story, so here are Sora's current stats.
The mysterious skill that stands out will make its appearance eventually.