kscans

Chapter 312 - Battle Report, Once Again

—'You got a minute?'

It had been a little while since that message arrived right after I logged in.

"A high-grade split type... Yeah, that's what this is."

As she examined the materials brought before her, Kagura thought to herself, a perfect victory in a duo-raid, honestly... The fact that a rank like this even appeared for just two people is surprising enough.

Kagura shot him a look that was even more exasperated than usual... The familiar face puffed out his chest with an unconcealed, smug expression, while the girl, who still couldn't be called 'warmed up' to her, shrank back apologetically.

Their timing had never aligned, so this was only the second time they had met face-to-face.

She was aware that her appearance in this virtual world was rather flashy, so perhaps it was inevitable that the quiet-looking girl would be reserved around her.

"—So, what'll you do? The materials are top-notch, no complaints there... but it's not like you two are hurting for equipment right now, are you?"

"Hmm..."

The young man folded his arms, his gaze fixed ahead.

Lined up on the workbench were two giant metal lumps, each large enough to require an embrace. These were the official drops from the [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King] that these two had just defeated.

The nature of that armored knight was to grow stronger in response to its opponent, which raised its rank as an enemy. And that 'rank' was directly tied to the quality of the rewards one could obtain.

This time's haul—these two metal lumps of 'white' and 'blue' were...

Well, upper-tier, I suppose. Since I've handled the absolute best myself, my evaluation is inevitably based on that standard.

"Like always, prioritize something interesting and whip up whatever—"

"I could, but if you end up shelving it because 'it's a pain to use,' you'll have me to answer to."

In any case, purely as materials, they were of the highest quality.

On top of that, for these two, they were a memento of settling a score with what was, in a sense, a 'fated rival.' She couldn't just prioritize her own tastes as she usually did.

With that in mind, her words were a warning. The young man (Haru) folded his arms with a troubled look and began to groan—it was probably rude to ask if he even intended to add yet another weapon to his arsenal.

"Sora, how about you? Anything you want?"

"H-Huh? Ah, umm..."

Setting one partner aside to address the other, the girl (Sora) gave a cute reaction and began to desperately wrack her brain, her expression showing it all.

Really, how on earth did she end up partnered with this guy?

Not that I'd say they're mismatched anymore, but... how to put it... her aura is that of a 'young lady' from a different world.

—Well, if they're happy, it's not an outsider's place to say anything.

Seeing the two of them, whose trust values seemed to have reached bugged levels, inevitably brought to mind her junior, who had apparently started 'running wild' recently... but that was another story.

"I have my weapon, this little one (Cradle), and... armor... it's a bit late for that, isn't it?"

"True."

"You should realize it. That thing of hers is being corrupted by you."

When I shot a glare at the other partner, who had shamelessly chimed in on Sora's murmur, the young man swiftly turned his face away and started whistling.

...What's with that? It's annoyingly good.

"Ah... right... In that case, Sora, can I decide?"

"That's fine. I think it would be best if you used it, Haru—"

"No," he said, cutting off his partner's words with a smile.

"This time, let's make it equipment we can both use."

He casually... almost affectionately, placed his hands on the two gleaming lumps.

"Something modeled after them—that'll be the most powerful, right?"

No one present could object to his declaration. The order was decided, and the fate of their spoils was sealed.

...In any case, as always.

I wonder if he ever looks back on the theatrical way he acts so naturally and feels embarrassed—and with that thought,

Kagura swallowed her exasperation and accepted the order, putting her own role-playing aside.

◇◆◇◆◇

"How was [that Gravidon]?"

"It was amazing. I landed a full-power uppercut with it."

"...Even with the boost, you're probably the only one who can launch something up like that so casually."

After seeing Sora off, who logged out early 'to prepare dinner,' the artisan and her client returned to their usual one-on-one dynamic.

Their casual chat while hammering out the details of the order dragged on, and before they knew it, they had settled into a relaxed time, each holding a cup.

Once the business was done, they'd promptly part ways—that was usually how it went between us, so this was honestly a rare occurrence. I never thought Kagura-san would refrain from saying, 'Alright, you can head home now.'

—Such were my inner thoughts, but honestly, it was just a way to hide my bashfulness.

"...Well, anyway. I'm glad to see you seem to have calmed down a bit."

Just like that.

Because I, of all people, knew best that this person was one of the most considerate friends I had in the virtual world.

"Thanks to you—no, really. Thanks to everyone."

"Hah, you're blessed with good people. Starting with that cute partner of yours."

"Again and again, truly..."

She's been the 'reliable big sister' type lately, so it's been a while since I've seen her gentle side. It's nostalgic, a glimpse of the supposedly older, serious, polite, and well-mannered young woman's true self—

"I don't know what you're thinking, but I can tell it's nothing good."

"I'm sorry."

Everyone around me, are they all mind-readers or something?

It's scary. Huh? Am I really that easy to read???

"Am I really that easy to read?"

"At least, more than you think. In fact, I thought you were intentionally being open about it."

When I asked her straight, a straight 'Yes' came back.

Seriously...? The same me who was constantly told, 'Kasuga-kun, it's hard to tell what you're thinking,' back in high school...?

"Since we're on the topic, there's something I want to ask."

"Ah, yes. If it's something I can answer—"

"How are things with Nia?"

"That's not just on topic, that's a blow that gouges me out, isn't it?!"

As I recoiled, Kagura-san, with a cool expression, said, "If you don't want to talk, I won't force you," in an equally cool voice. It was like she was showing off her adult composure, which only fanned the flames of my own embarrassment.

"How, you ask... um... from the sound of it, you've already heard all sorts of things from her, haven't you? No doubt."

"A little? That girl has other people to talk to, so she just gave me a simple report."

"This may be rude, but are girls... are women like that? Is it normal to 'report' on your love life just because you're senior and junior members of the same clan?"

Girls' networks are scary—I shivered at the thought that information about me could be circulating anywhere at any time. Kagura-san just laughed heartily and said, "You've got it wrong."

"I was the one who poked first. Nia turned bright red, like she was about to explode. It was obvious from the start, you know."

"You struck first?!"

Obvious... so her feelings really were that obvious.

Well, I guess so—even a dunce like me was able to notice.

"It's not my place to say, but..."

"Then please just swallow those words."

But a simple request like that wouldn't be enough to silence her amused smile—that much was clearer than day.

I threw up my arms in a defensive posture, and,

"She's cute when she's honest, isn't she? Suffer in bliss, you lady-killer."

"A-Agh...!"

My vital spot was pierced through and through. I collapsed pathetically and died a noble death.