kscans

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 won't hold back. Haru, you really are Haru, anytime, anywhere."

"But I said you didn't have to say it…!"

After enjoying our stroll through the sky until Sora was satisfied, we landed by a small, nameless stream. Sitting down by the riverbank, we began a thoroughly relaxed exchange of travel stories.

It was less about sharing information and more about simply reminiscing, 'this happened,' and 'that happened.' Every time Sora heard about my various exploits, she would give me her usual exasperated look, but this time, her own 'adventure tale' was just as wild.

"You're not one to talk this time. What's the little fox's, Ruby's, level?"

"Th-That…! That's… well, Lux-san…!"

Ruby, the little fox that Sora tamed, is level 24. While not as high as Sapphire's 31, it's close enough to be considered impressive.

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 comrades also worked hard during the two days of daytime hunting. This massive reward wasn't my achievement alone.

Considering that, Sora's kill score in this event might not just be on par with mine, but could even surpass it.

Hence, why I'm saying 'you're not one to talk'—

"He just kept giving them to her! I told him over and over again, 'Those are your share, so you can't do that!' I kept scolding—I mean, telling him!"

…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 her his share of the loot with an intensity that put my little offering to Tiger Lucky's pup to shame.

In other words, her level was the result of pouring in the spoils of almost two people… Well, even so, it's still an astonishing score.

Incidentally, Lux himself unfortunately didn't succeed in taming a beast on his first try. At the end, he was apparently fired up, vowing to catch a 'big dragon' next time.

His reaction, in many ways, sounds like it would be annoying… and scary, so…

"I think I'll hold off on introducing him to Sapphire for a while."

"Ah, haha…"

Sora just laughed faintly, not even chiding me for my heartless words. I see, it seems they got along quite well. That's great to hear.

When Sora gets a little harsh, it's a sign she's warmed up to someone. Good for you, Traveler.

Anyway, that aside…

"—What is this, this ultimate healing space?"

"May I… take a picture…?"

We both turned our gazes to the sight of the starry creatures playing together. A little fox was energetically scurrying all over a giant dragon whose wingspan would reach ten meters when spread.

At first, I thought only Ruby was playing, but Sapphire was also stretching its neck and tail, spreading its wings to the left and right, creating one 'course' after another for the little one.

What is this? So precious. Interspecies friendship is just unfair. Too unfair.

I mean, they might be the 'same species' with different forms, but a huge dragon and a tiny fox frolicking together? That's too cute. It's a cure for all ailments.

Probably as a courtesy to the owners, Sora glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. I gave her a thumbs-up, and the girl began to stare intently at the beasts.

She's probably taking a rapid-fire series of visual screenshots right now.

"I bet a lot of people are going to have their virtual reality lives ruined by this…"

Good grief, the pet feature is a deep, deep rabbit hole.

Though they're an unusual starry type, their gestures and behavior are as genuinely animal-like as any real creature. With a wide variety of mythical beasts that don't even exist in reality, their charm is surely infinite.

It wouldn't be surprising if some players were to cast everything aside just to admire this sight—

"—…They're getting along so well."

"! …Yeah, they really are. Maybe I should join them!"

"Ah… Hey!"

As if seeing ourselves in our two pets, Sora leaned in and snuggled up to me. I quickly stood up from her side.

—This fifteen-year-old, was she really in middle school until last year?

Sometimes she pulls out expressions and tones of voice that are surprisingly alluring, and it really keeps me on my toes. It's truly troubling.

I can't just let her get the better of me anymore.