kscans

Chapter 624 - Their Respective Flames

And so, one hour later.

"—...Nggh, kahyu... S-Sorry, I can't go on..."

"Nah, you did great. Nice guts."

After endlessly dodging, being toyed with, and getting showered with sand by the relentless onslaught of dust, Kanata collapsed as if a switch had been flipped. At that moment, the magic swords, which had been flying around with tireless innocence, came to a sudden, simultaneous halt.

The name 'little fox' brings to mind the image of a 'mischievous' creature from a famous children's song, and Ruby does indeed have a strong streak of that... but perhaps it's a gift of Sora-san's education.

She is learning the very commendable consideration of showing concern for her playmate, and the partner of my partner is in the midst of growing into a clever, good child, much like my partner, Sora. But that's beside the point.

"You don't have to reply, as usual, so just listen while you rest."

I had joined the infinite evasion attraction to serve as both an example and for my own practice, just as I had declared I would, but frankly, even I get tired from this. It was no wonder he was at death's door.

"You managed to keep moving for an hour while surrounded by a thousand swords. You must have felt a clear, dramatic improvement in your stamina, right? In other words, your progress is excellent."

So much so that it was beyond excellent. Frankly, it had leaped beyond my expectations.

His talent was a factor, of course, but his overflowing enthusiasm was the key. In a virtual world where feelings become strength, it's no exaggeration to say that the level of one's motivation is directly linked to their growth rate.

"So, you're good to rest with a clear conscience. We'll start again when you can move."

"..., Yes...! Thank you... very much...!"

Even though I tell him he doesn't need to reply, I don't dislike how he almost always says 'thank you' when I praise him. He's an overly perfect junior, full of enthusiasm, dutiful, serious, and with plenty of grit.

And so, it was time for a short break... —well, my destination was obvious.

"Good work, Sora-san."

"Good work to you. ...Though, it was Ruby who did all the hard work."

"Was she really working hard...? I think she probably just thought she was playing."

I headed to my partner's side at the edge of the training room, where she had been idly spending her time, aside from consuming MP to generate and maintain the magic swords.

I couldn't just leave my collaborator and precious partner to herself indefinitely. As I walked over and sat down beside her, the white fox ears on Sora's head twitched.

She probably hasn't noticed her habit of them moving on their own with changes in her emotions—because we around her haven't told her.

Even if we did tell her, it's a mystery whether she could learn to control a part of her body that isn't originally there and is treated as a semi-effect... but we are determined to continue this secret, as allowing this to be corrected would be a loss for the world.

When she finds out, I'll be scolded along with several other notable accomplices.

"W-What is it? Staring at me like that."

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking your tails look extra fluffy today."

"...You're not allowed to touch them."

Sora-san hugged her tails as if to shelter them from me. Although they had no collision detection in a combat sense, you could apparently touch them and feel them if you tried.

In this manner, I have yet to touch them even once, but a single, supremely cute gesture from the personification of cute makes the net result infinitely positive. I won't be greedy and say I'm infinitely envious of the fact that Nia and Ashe have been allowed to touch them.

"Anyway, that's some impressive coordination, as always. I don't think I could win against you in that form."

"Says the person who didn't even get grazed once in an hour..."

"That's only against Ruby's controls, you know? In a real battle where your own controls and you yourself are added to the mix... the matchup is just too bad. I wouldn't stand a chance unless I went for a suicide attack."

"If you resorted to a suicide attack, then I'd be the one who wouldn't stand a chance."

Well, that's what you call a broken counter, I guess.

Her Starlight Magic, Lightning Gale's extreme speed that transcends the realm of time is one thing, but more than anything, my Atiomart -Sakura=Memento- eats up magic swords with a magic-based judgment...

We've both come a long way, haven't we?

"But well, it looks like you're still working on your own challenge, Sora."

"Ahaha... yes. Ruby won't get into it unless I'm in my Trance form."

In the 'training room,' which has the same basic settings as the 'dueling system,' there's no need to worry about MP consumption. The reason Sora changed to her alternate form, which is even more MID-focused than her primary one, is simply because they can't coordinate well otherwise.

The little fox is still in the process of growing into a good child. Ruby is fundamentally a creature of moods, and her performance fluctuates wildly depending on her level of excitement.

However—is it because they're both 'foxes'?

Her good mood lasts longer only when Sora is in her Trance form, so when using 'Possession' like this, it's necessary to activate Trance.

It's a matter of personality... and by extension, individuality, so I don't want to force or correct her.

I called it a challenge, but honestly, there's no solution. We can only hope to deepen our bond over time and that she'll eventually respond with her full strength at any time.

"...Kanata-kun is amazing, isn't he?"

After a few minutes of comfortable, painless silence, where the conversation had died down from both sides, Sora spoke quietly.

I turned to my side and saw a beautiful girl buried in her own tails like a cushion or a body pillow. Resisting the temptation to take a mental screenshot, I nodded in reply.

"Yeah, he is. Besides the rankers and the top-tier progression players, there are probably a lot more guys like Kanata in Arcadia."

In a world without end, endless growth is promised.

As long as an unquenchable fire is lit in their hearts, like Kanata's, the number of 'special' individuals in this world will literally increase without end.

Just like us, who have sworn to keep walking, hand in hand with the partner by our side.

"—...Sora-san, we're in front of someone. Restrain yourself."

"...! I-I wasn't doing anything."

For no particular reason, our eyes met. That was all.

Just from that, my partner, who can read the color of my heart, seemed to be influenced by my vague, sentimental mood and gently extended her own warmth to me.

When I stopped her, her small hand hastily withdrew... was it an unconscious action or not? Probably due to her agitation, both her ears and tails were trembling.

From the day we first held hands, my partner has remained as adorable as ever.

And because of that, I can't stop the feeling of wanting to spoil her.

"Well, you know—later."

I took my left hand, which her warmth had just approached, and, avoiding the 'no touching' fox ears, placed it on the girl's head. I stood up and quickly left Sora's side, taking emergency refuge by the still-collapsed Kanata for both our sakes.

The body heat I felt from my palm was a searing, soaking warmth, but,

"Yo, Kanata. How you doing?"

"A-A little longer, is that okay...?"

"Not at all. Rest up."

—I'm sure the temperature I conveyed was something similar.

It was a stroke of luck for a senpai who must always maintain his cool that Kanata, who was still locked in a passionate embrace with the ground, was unable to look up.