kscans

Chapter 130 - Aquamarine and Crimson

The first victim—or rather, participant—Sora-san, got used to it pretty 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 thoroughly terrifying Nia this morning, I decided it was time to change my approach. I even have a grand-sounding skill called [Guardian's Cradle]. From now on, my super-speed transport service aims to provide the trifecta of explosive speed, safety, and comfort.

—So,

"Could you just close your eyes for the 'explosive speed' part?"

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOINGGGGGGG!!!"

Don't worry, it's fine. With [Fatal Leak], I've got a clear lock on all the attack prediction lines.

Holding her slender avatar securely in my arms—and making sure to avoid any unnecessary jolts or impacts with smooth shifts in my center of gravity—I elegantly weaved through the crimson bullets assailing us from all directions.

For any rogue projectiles coming from my blind spot behind me, I had my [Angalta, Prologue: Wedge Fragment Singing of Eternity] shield to send them on their way. My vision was filled with crimson lines of death, and I instantly selected the shortest and gentlest route through them.

And of course, the star of the show, the god-tier skill that made this high-speed comfort a reality: [Rabbit Run]. Its effect allows me to generate an insane amount of thrust with just a flick of my ankle, eliminating the need for big, stomping steps and minimizing the vibrations my guest feels. The result was me, ascending the spiral tower while teasing the killer rabbits with movements as nimble as a dance.

And then there was Nia, who, because the biggest problem of 'speed' remained unresolved, was clinging to me half-sobbing and letting out the occasional scream.

Hmm... seeing the reaction of my second victim really makes me appreciate something new—

"Sora really does adapt to things fast, huh..."

"The disconnect between your movements and your words is insaneee!"

As I murmured my thoughts while executing a high-speed step, a witty retort flew from my arms. All things considered, this one seems pretty adaptable too...

—Ah, that one's a little in the way.

"Hup."

Without stopping, I summoned a [Parabellum Bullet] at my feet. Kicking the dagger in sync with my step, it shot out and unerringly took down the [Ruby Bullet] that had drawn an inconvenient line of death.

"—...I can't take this guy anymore! He's a monster! A pervert! A ranker!"

"She's saying whatever she wants now..."

I know it looks pretty crazy, but since I can see the prediction lines, it's not actually that difficult of a trick. Even Sora could do it.

"Alright... hang in there, Nia. We're halfway."

"Fuguuuu...!!"

Having finally resorted to just burying her face in my chest and groaning, I carried the blue-haired girl onward, pushing through the now all-too-familiar spiral path.

This escort mission, painted with countless crimson bullets, would be over shortly. I just needed her to bear with it a little longer.

◇◆◇◆◇

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not mad."

That's exactly what people say when they're trying to show they're mad.

I stepped into the familiar, bright red goal room for what felt like the umpteenth time. The blue of her outfit was a stunning contrast... even if she was collapsed on the floor.

Since I'd aimed for 'safe driving,' our clear time was just over a minute. The effect of [Fatal Leak] ran out halfway through, but I brute-forced the rest of the way using the memories seared into my brain from past clears.

"...Honestly, I'm really not mad. I think I finally understand what Kagura-san meant by 'outside of common sense.'"

"Hmm... well, this place is kind of an exception. In an actual fight, my movements would be completely different."

Just as she said, Nia was gradually starting to calm down. She held out a hand with a small "Nn." I pulled her up, and she stood, albeit a little unsteadily.

"—So, did you receive your gift?"

As she took a deep breath, I asked about the results. Nia's expression was hard to read as her lips twitched.

"...Eh, what's with that face?"

"Well, I'm just... wondering if it's okay. Normally, something like this is an item that top-tier combat players might not even get after tons of hard work, you know?"

It feels like cheating to get it just by being carried? That's just a matter of perspective.

"I told you, it's a present. Think of it as something I sent you through the system. Don't overthink it, just accept it."

I was being literal. That wasn't some flimsy excuse.

"Okay... then, I'll accept it."

"Good. By the way, what did you get?"

Sora got a choker, but if I had to guess—

"Um, it's... a bracelet, I think? It's called the [Crimson Rabbit Bracelet]."

"Ah, just as I thought."

It was probably confirmed, then. The reward for a normal clear of this place was likely a different type of accessory for each player. Whether it was random or the system picked out something that suited the player was unclear... but the fact that the [Crimson Rabbit Decoration] was the first-clear reward must be because it could be crafted into whatever you liked.

"Muu... It's frustrating, but it's beautiful."

Nia held the bracelet she'd taken from her inventory in her palm, muttering to herself. I'd been a little hesitant, wondering what a master jeweler would think of being gifted a finished piece of jewelry... but seeing her expression, she didn't seem to mind. All's well that ends well.

"Does it meet with your approval?"

What kind of material was it? It had the hard luster of crystal yet was flexible like a leather bracelet. It was a fine piece, adorned with a small, familiar rabbit-shaped gem that would make even a first-class jeweler hum with approval. It was the greatest token of gratitude I could offer at the moment—

"............Yeah, thanks."

Finally, a genuine smile graced her profile. What a... well, what a relief. I really am grateful to her, more than I can put into words. Even if it's just an accessory, I'm relieved I could give my feelings some form—

"...Nn."

"...Hm?"

—and just as I was thinking that, she held out the very present I'd just given her.

I tilted my head, not understanding her intention, and Nia quickly looked down, as if to hide a face that was slowly turning red.

..................Okay, saying I don't understand her intention is a lie.

"................"

You can put on a bracelet yourself—the fact that I can't bring myself to say it... what does that make me as a man? Even if I've decided not to get too close.

When your partner is of the opposite sex, getting too friendly with other women probably isn't something to be proud of—

"...Bracelets go on your non-dominant hand, right?"

Sorry, I can't do it.

I'll just admit it—one way or another, I like this girl. She's easy to be around, she goes with the flow, and no matter how casually we treat each other, it never turns into more than playful banter. It's only natural to want to cherish someone like that.

We've only met a few times and it's already like this. This is definitely a precious connection.

My willpower isn't strong enough to be cold to someone like her now.

"You're strangely knowledgeable about this... Have you given one to someone before?"

"Stop trying to fish for information. So, which hand?"

I dangled the bracelet I'd picked up, urging her on. Nia timidly held out 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 prodigy, huh?

"Hey, Nia-chan."

"What is it now...! You're so chatty...!"

"How do I put this on? Where's the clasp?"

"Are you that clumsy?!"

If you're going to go that far, you should just do it yourself. Her slender fingers took hold of my hand, guiding me as I fumbled.

Then, with a soft click, the bracelet snapped onto her thin wrist—and we both let out a huge sigh at the same time and took a step back from each other.

"...You know, if you're going to blush that much, you should have just put it on yourself."

I deliberately teased the blue-haired girl, who was now red up to her neck.

In response, as if she'd decided to just own it, Nia held up her right hand with a defiant, triumphant look.

"Oh, just shut up, shut up! H-How does it look?!"

"Yep, cute, cute. As expected of Nia, you're looking very Nia today."

The brilliant crimson really stands out against her aquamarine hair and eyes. It's beautiful—to say that out loud would be going too far with the lip service. The problem is, it's not exactly just lip service, either.

My side-splitting joke, delivered to hide my own blush, seemed to calm the atmosphere nicely. As I dodged the blue-haired girl's ice-cold glare and half-hearted pokes, I was aware of a smile on my face, one that was different from the one I showed Sora.

—From an outsider's perspective, I probably look like a fickle guy, but I'll just give up on that for now.

Because in my mind, she has already entered the category of a 'dear friend'.