GalaxyTL
Taking the initiative, Asuka attacked. He called out Shaio’s name, so is it a Light magic blinding attack? I instantly gave instructions to Fuu-chan and Ryoku-kun.
“Wow, he’s fast.”
If I relax my whole body and let Fuu-chan’s wind carry me, then there’s no need for me to move. Because Fuu-chan will help me dodge! So I closed my eyes tightly, trusting Fuu-chan, so I wouldn’t be blinded. We managed to smoothly avoid Asuka’s attack. Fuu-chan’s words, saying that it won’t let me be hit, made my heart feel warm. Oh, no, no, I can’t be spacing out now! We’re in the middle of a match.
After confirming that the light had subsided, I opened my eyes, checked Asuka’s position, and then threw seeds at his feet. Ryoku-kun’s magic then caused them to rapidly grow, and the vines stretched out, trying to capture him.
“W-Woah… a counterattack with extras!? Hmmm, you’re good, Meg. But I’m not gonna let myself be caught!”
But Asuka easily avoided the vines, using just his physical abilities. It’s probably easy for him, since he’s so athletic, unlike me. It even looks like he has the energy to talk.
It’s disappointing that he dodged, but I wasn’t expecting to win that easily! He’s honestly a tough opponent, using magic as support and then attacking me directly. But I won’t lose! I’ve trained with Gil-san too, you know!
My weapon is nature magic, that I can freely manipulate. I know I could easily win if I use a lot of magic power. But that’s incredibly dangerous. Because I have such a ridiculous amount of magic power, I’ll end up scorching the earth if I’m not careful. Or rather, the spirits won’t be able to handle it, and it’ll go out of control. And that would mean hurting them, so I have to be extra cautious.
I’m so glad I released my magic power in the High Elf Village. Because I was able to experience it, how dangerous it is. I’m incredibly grateful to Schel-san.
That’s why I’ve been focusing on controlling my magic output. Because I don’t want to hurt my spirits! I’ve talked about this with everyone. I repeatedly made them promise to not accept my magic power if they think it’s too dangerous. Sadly, my control is still a bit shaky, no matter how much I train….
But they believed in me. They even said they’d cover my weaknesses! They’re all incredibly good kids! It made me realize once again that I’ll cherish them forever!
“Homura-kun, Rai-chan!”
『Got it! 』
『Okay! Leave the power control to me!』
I used Fire and Lightning magic, after using Fuu-chan to avoid Asuka’s attacks and get some distance. These two are basically exclusively for attacking, so I have to be extra careful. But they’re confident because we’ve practiced countless times during training. Repetition really is important. They released flames and lightning, just the right amount, like we always do during practice.
“W-Woah… ugh.”
I’d told them to surround Asuka in flames, and then shock him with electricity the moment he stops moving. It worked, because he was surrounded by flames and stopped, and then was shocked. I then immediately closed the distance and pushed him down.
“I got y—hyah!”
“I-It’s not over yet…!”
Just as I thought I’d captured him, I felt myself being lifted into the air by wind. It’s his wind magic. Ugh, I was easily lifted because my body’s so light, and he ended up on top of me. I can’t break free, not with my lack of strength. …But!
“Shizuku-chan!”
『As you wish!』
“Uwah, it’s cold!”
I’m not going to give up! I had Shizuku-chan attack his face with water. I immediately took advantage of his surprise and got out, creating distance with Fuu-chan. Phew, that was close!
“You’re good, Meg!”
“You too, Asuka!”
His face and upper body were soaking wet, but he instantly dried his clothes and hair using life magic and wind magic. Hmm, his magic’s gotten better. It is a bit rough, though. He’s compensating with his athleticism.
“I’m attacking this time!”
“Come at me!”
We continued to spar, and after about fifteen minutes, I finally managed to corner him, and it ended. It was a fruitful practice match, Ronny, Kei-san, and Juma-nii, who were acting as judges, gave us a lot of advice.
“Ugh, I’m so frustrated! I was so clooose!”
“That was close. Fufu, but I won!”
“Hmm, Meg, you’re getting cocky, you know! It’s fine, I’ll definitely win next time!”
We shared our thoughts as we caught our breath. Asuka’s of course, frustrated that he lost. I’m sure I’d be saying the same if I’d lost. I’m going to do my best during the actual tournament too, and not let this victory get to my head. Just as I was giving my spirits words of praise, and magic power, they happily accepted and then flew around. So cute.
“Meg, Asuka, you’ve both gotten incredibly strong.”
“Yeah. Your movements have gotten so much better that I thought you were different people.”
Ronny and Juma-nii also praised us. And then they gave us detailed advice, like, “You should have done this at that time,” and “This would be better in situations like this.” I’m always surprised by Juma-nii’s advice, aside from Ronny’s. He might be a bit… much, usually, but he really is first-rate when it comes to combat.
“But… Meg’s magic… how she uses it… it was good practice… for me.”
“Hmm, I think your control’s even better than mine?”
Lastly, Ronny and Kei-san said that. Eh, really? I’m sure Kei-san’s exaggerating, but I couldn’t help but giggle shyly because I was praised. Asuka, hearing that, puffed up his cheeks and said, “It’s hard to imitate her though.”
“Meg’s nature magic’s way too special. It’s transmitted to the spirits just from her thoughts. And their bond’s incredible!”
“Yeah, I know. But I’m not losing… in terms of bonds.”
“Th-That’s true… for me too, though.”
This is a conversation between those who use nature magic. It made me happy, knowing they also love their spirits, just like me. It’s nice to be close!
“Now then, let’s all train on our own. You kids, take a break, and then you can stop.”
““Okay!””
Asuka and I energetically answered Juma-nii. I’m sure Ronny, Juma-nii, and the others are now going to do some serious training. And it seems like Kei-san’s going to be training with Ronny for a while. “Thank you for training with us,” we properly thanked them and saw them off.
“Well then, let’s train for a bit longer.”
“Yeah. And then, after that… let’s go to those food stalls! We’ll ask Kei too, later.”
“Okay! If he’s not busy!”
And so, we trained and took breaks, repeatedly, for the rest of the morning. Phew, I’m tired!
“The food stalls? Hmm… I’d love to take you…”
When we returned to the plaza, waiting for the adults to finish training, I asked Kei-san. He apologized, looking troubled. Apparently, it’s because he wouldn’t be able to protect us if anything happens. It’s true that we can fight, but I’m sure he’s worried about taking two children to a town where the public order’s not very good. Kei-san might be strong, but he’s not really suited for that.
“Well then, how about we come with you?”
Just as I was feeling disappointed, someone cheerfully spoke up from behind. I was startled and turned around, and saw two people with creamy, curly hair.
“Rune! Goot!”
“Ehehe, it’s been a while! Meg!”
“H-Hey, Meg. You seem to be… doing well.”
They’re the twins from the Special-grade guild, Annulus! I’m so surprised! Apparently, everyone from Annulus arrived in this town this morning. And they called out to me because they saw me. Wow, wow, I’m so happy! I took Rune’s hand, and we jumped around. Rune’s twintails were bobbing, it’s so cute! I feel healed.
“We overheard your conversation. You want to go to those food stalls, right? We were also planning on going. So we thought it would be nice to go together.”
“Eh, really!?”
Rune said this, her eyes sparkling, so I quickly looked at Kei-san. It seemed like he was thinking about it, resting his chin on his hand.
“Is he your only chaperone?”
“Yeah, Ashley-san. He never talks, but he’s one of the strongest in Annulus!”
Rune energetically answered and then pointed at a man. He’s incredibly tall. Probably about as tall as Nika-san. He looks a bit lanky, because he’s slender, but I could instantly tell that he’s fit and that his magic power quality is good. I’m sure he’s incredibly capable, just like Rune said.
His gray hair is streaked with green, like he’s gotten highlights. And his mouth, like Gil-san, is hidden by a mask. He really must not talk much because all he did was nod slightly at us. It’s hard to read his expressions, because his eyes are narrow.
Come to think of it, I’ve heard his name during the meeting. I think Diega, the head of Annulus, said that he’s the accountant. It must be this person. If he participated in the meeting, then he must be trustworthy! I could also tell that he’s a good person, because Rune was clinging to him. They must be very close. I’m sure he loves her, how sweet. …I wonder if that’s how I look when I’m with Gil-san.
“Well then, we’ll come with you. Is that okay?”
It seems like Kei-san also thinks he’s a good person. When he asked that, Ashley-san just nodded. Rune was ecstatic beside him. I’m happy too!
“M-Meg!”
“? What is it, Goot?”
Goot called out to me, so I turned around. But huh? His face is red? That’s right, he’s shy. Apparently, it’s fine if you’re close to him, but I’m sure he’s still shy because it’s been a while. How cute.
“I-I’m happy that… we’ll be able to fulfill our promise…”
“Ah, that’s right! You said we should go out together in your letter. I’m also happy!”
“It’s… disappointing… that we’re not alone…”
It seemed like he mumbled something, but I couldn’t hear him properly. He said something was disappointing? Just as I was about to ask him to repeat, someone suddenly hugged me tightly from behind. Eh, w-wah, Asuka?
“Nice to meet you! I’m Asuka, Meg’s future mate! I’m also an elf, just like Meg!”
“Eh, wh-what, m-mate… !?”
“Let’s all be friends, okay? Goot?”
“Wh-What, y-you, get away from Meg!”
“No way! I’m always like this with Meg!”
What—!? What’s going on—!? A tense atmosphere had suddenly appeared between Goot and Asuka. Eh, why? Why? What happened—!?