Chapter 57 - Welcome back Seia?!
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[Seia POV]
Sai, Akari, and Me were currently at the front of a cabin owned my beloved mother who passed away not too long ago. Apparently, my mother left me a parting gift before she passed as a proper way of sending me her farewell. Unfortunately, looks like my mother likes to add some spices to her gift that she even sent out a giant knight as my trial for my sake at experiencing the real world.
But it was also the day for me that I decided to change myself. Receiving the support of Sai and Akari, I took the challenge and decided to fight the trial head on.
In the midst of fighting, even I know how reckless I move while fighting such a tough opponent. I was supposed to be scared but—just the thought of Sai being here makes me confident which is very uncharacteristic of me.
But I don't know why, aside from being reckless—I was enjoying it. The excitement of letting myself loose and beating this enemy in front of me feels so good...
Is this why Sai wanted to be the strongest? If so, I can now finally see why.
Everytime I'm with Sai, everything becomes very exciting. That's why I've also decided.... I will become the strongest gunslinger and continue my mother's legacy, and so that I can stay close with Sai... And Everyone.
(Ugh... I want more...)
Is I wanted to say but the Golden Knight already fall before I fully enjoy it. It was quite challenging though—aside from being reckless, it took full of my energy just to dodge those quick and heavy punches from that knight.
But setting that aside, the current situation just now tells me that it's bad.
Right now, Sai just created something that emits a very dangerous feeling. By putting those 4 swords in that weird looking monster thing surrounded by countless teeth inside. A sword was created that let out these ominous feelings that I can't describe.
Its appearance is of a broad sword that looks very demonic. Its black hilt has some spiral on its guard with a skull design at the center—with the black blade that looks very menace. Judging by its structure, my instincts is telling me—
(That sword is very different from others)
Even Akari was showing some complicated expression. I guess it's really that bad huh... Then—Sai, what will you—
While I ponder such things, Sai just casually took the sword like it was nothing.
"S-Sai?!"
"Aruji-sama...!"
T-this guy...! I-is it really okay to just casually touch that? N-nothing will happen to him like being possessed by that sword right...?
After a while and Sai noticed our appearance of discomfort under his carefree attitude. He realized it immediately after taking a glance at us which he spoke a word of reassurance.
"Ah, it was about this sword, right?" Sai said. "Don't worry, I don't feel anything of some sort."
I'm glad there was none. I was feeling worried, so I breathe a sigh of relief when Sai gave us a confirmation.
Mission complete, I guess...? Well, more than that—it seems Sai is getting ahead of us once again. I won't get left behind!
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[Sai Crimsonheart POV]
I finally attained what I need here. But well, for some reason—it kind of emits some grim feeling. There was never anything mentioned like this in the game, so I guess that's just how this sword is.
This sword I'm holding is called, 『Imperfect Demon Blade』 and is supposed to be the strongest sword before the 『Chaos Mode』 began. But although it got dethroned right now, this weapon can actually last well amidst my journey into this 『Chaos Mode』 and you'll know why.
This sword had a whacking base damage of 80 Melee damage and a 24% Crit Chance which is a bit overkill... Not really, since the monsters was probably too tanky right now. There's also one more thing that makes this sword sits on top of every weapon before it got dethroned.
I took a stance and swung my sword two times into an arc. Yes, similar to the other sword who had projectile, this sword also has one. When you swing this sword, it emits a black arc slash projectile that slightly moves forward and gets larger.
"W-what is that...?!" Seia cried. "T-that's so cool!"
I paused and inhaled a deep breath. "LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
I shouted in joy caused of overwhelming happiness I'm feeling right now. The two who was watching me cried in enthusiasm displayed a delightful smile in response to my accomplishment.
"Seeing Sai this happy brightens my mood for some reason." Seia shared.
"So am I," Akari agreed. "I'm happy as long as Aruji-sama is also happy."
All this solicitude coming from these beautiful girls makes me want to cry in bliss... I wanted to enjoy this moment, but it's getting pretty late now.
"Let's go back you two, we've been staying here for a long time so we should head back now." I started walking but stops for a moment, remembering something. "Ah, before that, Akari"
"Yes?" Akari tilted her head.
"You can mimic the [Demon's Tusk] functions and properties, right?"
"Ah," Akari paused, finally realizing. "Please wait a moment Aruji-sama."
Akari started approaching the [Demon's Tusk] and raised her hand over it. After a moment, a light started to emit from the [Demon's Tusk] and is being sucked into Akari's palm.
"Finally done, Aruji-sama." Akari mentioned. "Shall we go back then?"
There's nothing we can do here in this place anymore as we've accomplished what we need here. So—the three of us decided to leave the place and head back into the Villa. Before we head back, Seia finally said her goodbye and left the place finally freed of regrets she has from her mother.
* * *
After we left Seia's former house, we decided to ride a carriage on our way back to the Villa since Akari and Seia were feeling a bit tired after all those moving at the underground—especially Akari who looked very slumped inside the carriage.
"Mhm......" Akari groaned, then muttered something. "...I'm hungry."
Akari has been mumbling the same since we've rode a carriage. I asked that we stop in a restaurant to eat but she wearily refused my offer saying she doesn't want the food. I asked what she wants but she just reluctantly ignores my question and let the conversation end there, as if she's hiding something. Man, girls sure are hard to understand...
As for Seia, perhaps she's tired but she is mostly quiet throughout our ride way home.
Regrettably, the carriage broke down, so we had no choice but to walk it out on our way back the Villa. Based on what I saw, looks like the carriage passed through some small pit which damaged its wheels. Fortunately, we're already at the suburban so we'll just need a small walk to reach the Villa.
Since Akari isn't feeling well, I carried her on my shoulder and paid the sorry coachman before we left the place. Looks like the sword I received earlier took our luck which left us in this situation.
We were currently walking on a road beside the lake on our way the reach the Villa. Everything was silent and feels like we were on a state of tranquility. The only thing I can hear is our footsteps as it treads on a dirt road and a peaceful blow of wind coming from the willow trees—then suddenly, Seia wrapped her arms on mine without uttering any words. I'll be lying if I said that I didn't understand her intentions. I can see that her cheeks we're flushed red when she did it. I'll take back what I said earlier, looks like luck is still on my side today.
But well, I'm feeling some kind of Déjà vu here since I felt like something similar happened like this before... And setting that aside—Akari is heavily breathing on my neck for some reason.
After a minute of walking and the Villa can finally be seen within our location. Furthermore, we can also see Rina-san, Lily, and Luna vigorously moving swiftly near the pond. I see, they're probably doing some sparring—Energetic, aren't we?
While I ponder seeing the sigh of the girls, a tug from my arms diverts my attention away from the girls and was changed to the girl who wrapped herself from my arms since earlier, that's right, it was Seia.
"What's wrong, Seia?" I asked, bewildered.
"Hey Sai," Seia started, then came a bit of paused. "Thank you for everything you've done to me."
"Huh...?" I was left baffled to Seia's out of nowhere gratitude. Her words felt a bit awkward, but I can feel some steeled resolve coming from her voice. She probably wanted to say something. "What's with that all of a sudden?"
Seia ignored my question and continued her words. "Ever since my grandmother died—The time before I met you and the girls, I had lost all hope in dreaming of living a happy life," Seia paused for a moment. "But ever since the time you saved me from those bullies, life started to become light and happy. And now, you even gave me the chance to finally see my grandmother's proper farewell into me." Seia raised her head and stare at me straight in the eyes. "You know everything, do you?"
I'd be lying if I said I didn't know it. Well, I do but—only half of it. There was never anything like a proper farewell in the game. Much so because Seia in the original timeline passed away before she even saw it. Moreover, my actual aim for inviting Seia to come with me is to give her some experience in combat.
"Who knows," I dropped the subject. "It might be a coincidence, but all I know is that," I shot back and look Seia in the eyes. "All the things you've accomplished to attain your happiness is mostly on your hard work that made it happen."
Seia let out a gentle laugh. "You really are so kind."
I doubt it, I killed my own family for my own gain. And I even plan to do some mischief just to accomplish what I wanted—to become the strongest.
"Hm?" Lily who turned her sight to our direction finally sees us. "Hey, they're back!"
"Really? Then, shall we take a rest for now?" Rina-san replied.
Lily and Luna left Rina-san cheerfully and hurriedly came to us.
"Master!" Luna joyfully waved her hand as she closes herself to us. "Welcome back—Eh?" Luna expression split into concern and confusion. "Did something happened to Akari?!"
"I don't know, she only said she's hungry, but she doesn't want to tell me." I gently put down Akari on my back and gave her to Luna. "Please take care of Akari."
"Yes Master!" Luna started to put Akari on her shoulder. "Careful... Careful..."
"What's wrong with Akari, Sai—wait..." Lily runs alongside with Luna asked her bewilderment, she then look into Seia who was embracing herself at my arm. "D-did something happened to both of you...?"
Lily and Luna let out a perplexed expression to Seia's action. Can't blame them though, it's their first time seeing this uncharacteristic part of Seia.
"Well, something happened." Seia replied before I began to talk. "I made a vow to change myself and to strive for the better." Seia continued, voicing a tone of confidence. "I will become the strongest gunslinger."
""Ehh?!"" Both of them widened their eyes in surprise to Seia's declaration. But it didn't stop there.
"Of course, I plan on getting ahead to both of you." Seia let out a mocking grin.
"What are you—"
Suddenly, Seia kicked me at my feet, staggering me in the process. She then pulled my collar close to her and then—
"Chu!"
Without warning, Seia gave me a kiss to my lips. It was only for a moment, but I felt the aggressiveness coming from Seia's tongue. Albeit a brief second, it was enough to make me feel dizzy.
"Wha—?!"
"Nuh—?!"
Finally satisfied, Seia let out her hands to my collar—dropping me into the ground, visibly stunned due to overwhelming surprise that just happened right now. My face was probably flushed red the way I feel it.
Seia quickly run inside the house but stops midway at the door entrance. "You girls better hurry up or I'll left you, Fufu."
The three of us was left dumbfounded and was frozen in place. Particularly me who felt the most surprise out of the tree.
What do I do about this...