kscans

Chapter 926 - Side: Team D

◇You have overcome the trial of the [Dao, Earth Demon]◇

◇Ninetieth Floor cleared.◇
・A reward has been granted────You have obtained [Verdant Gem of Covenant].

◇You have obtained a Title◇
・'Hidden Sage'

◇You have obtained a Skill◇
・"Demon's Favor"

"Well... that's about what I expected. It's just a gimmick boss when you already know the solution."

A deep, gentle tremor, one that seemed to shake the entire floor yet felt strangely serene, vibrated through the soles of her feet. The pure white kitten murmured to herself, completely unscathed in both body and status, her breathing even and calm.

And so, amid the trembling earth, the verdant light, and the lingering remnants of what seemed to be the final demon, shimmering threads of white snow danced in the air before melting away into nothing.

A complete victory—or rather, a perfect answer.

This was the result of unraveling the multi-phased riddle posed by the [Dao, Earth Demon].

"Hah, so there really was a special reward for the goody-two-shoes four-element clear."

"Well, of course. I figured there was no way they'd only give a reward for the brute-force route."

"Fufu... Good work, everyone."

"Though, Natsume and Hinayo-san were the only ones really working, you know."

"Hey, Teto-kun, I was trying my best, too!?"

"As the leader, I'd say your limbs moving however they pleased was a net zero."

"That's so mean!"

The six players who had gathered were a colorful bunch, but like the other teams, they shared a complete lack of tension.

Each of them casually ignored the fanfare celebrating the floor's conquest, their words betraying no sign that they had just been in the midst of a fierce battle.

In other words—

"Na-chaaaan! Teto-kun's being mean! He's not nice to me!"

"Ugh—ah, yes, I know..."

The only one with even a shred of tension was the little kitten leading the very seniors she was supposed to look up to.

Known for being 'surprisingly polite' due to her unfailing respect for her elders, Natsume, the [Thread-Weaver], would forgive them for almost anything, weighing it against the gratitude she felt for their past kindness.

The only time she got cheeky enough to try and strangle someone was when it came to impertinent juniors. For instance, if one were to aim a rushing chokehold at a vital point that would be fatal in the real world, her reaction would be, at most, a wry smile.

And so, with a strained expression, she endured the light-green-haired Lux, who had mercilessly leaped onto her.

"Good work—"

She turned her eyes to the great senior from another faction, who had worked tirelessly in every demon battle except the fire one. Natsume was about to offer her polite words of gratitude and praise when—

"Hm?"

"... ..."

A soft smile.

The [Fervent Gaze] silenced her with a bewitching smile that could captivate even someone of the same gender.

"...Good... work. You were a great help again, Hinayo...-san."

"Fufu, you're very welcome. You're so cute, Natsume-chan."

This was the reason. In accordance with the Southern Faction's 'Raid Leader Candidate Training Program,' she was literally lending a hand with a smile for the sake of her cute junior.

"Don't go teasing her too much, Hina. She's our precious third-in-command."

"Isn't this just another catalyst for growth?"

"You're just having fun, you black-bellied four-eyes."

"Ugh, you're all so loud...!"

Even the informal way Auerin and Fuji spoke to their great seniors from the same faction was part of it.

She was smart. Quick-witted, flexible in her thinking. She possessed courage and rarely lost her composure. She also had an incredible ability to understand and empathize with others, which made it easy to accept that she had manifested the unique ability 'Resonance'... The sole weakness of Natsume, who possessed an immense aptitude for command.

She was too respectful of others. At her core, she was too much of a 'good kid,' which made her struggle with giving swift, sharp, and undeniable commands. This was all a strategy to help her overcome that.

No formal language was the directive issued by the queen, Helena, who held high expectations for her.

"Fufu... It's all right if you just use my name, you know?"

"I'd rather not—... if that's... alright with you."

It wasn't that they wanted her to be arrogant. Everyone already knew she was a polite and pleasant person, so she didn't need to worry.

The idea was for her to practice 'entrusting them with her confidence' in a rational and unreserved manner, starting with her speech—an extremely clear and easy-to-focus-on form of behavior.

Though she was struggling a bit, she had made considerable progress compared to when she started—

"Agh, would you all stop looking at me with those lukewarm eyes! We're checking the battle results! Report in, everyone!"

Basically, she'd forgive them. Which meant, occasionally, she would get angry like a normal person.

The kitten, who possessed not only a natural talent for command but also a natural talent for being teased...

"She really is adorable, isn't she?"

"Not happening. We're not letting Istia get another brilliant commander. That would be the end of the Four Pillars."

"And she has perfect chemistry with a certain prince, doesn't she? Her coordination with him is unbelievable for someone from another faction."

"...Well, Natsume and Senpai are a good match, personality-wise."

"That's 'cause Na-chan loooves Har-kun!"

Today, as always, she was surrounded by kind seniors who doted on their junior.

"I said, stop it! Why does his name have to come up every single time?!"

And with a look on her face that suggested she didn't entirely mind, she continued to squawk and fuss energetically.

---

A supply of Nacchan's affection. More like 'nyah nyah' than 'waa waa'.