After the first casualty of the tournament appeared, the committee started watching the following battles closer. Fortunately, no other battles were even remotely close to having a casualty. During the afternoon matches, Wan Li's battle was the most eye-catching of all. With her fine control abilities, her enemy was defeated without being able to take even one step.
Later that night, at the guest house's dining table, the three of us sat eating while peacefully chatting. After I brought up the topic of Aster to the sisters, Wan Er only smiled bitterly.
"I know that I stand no chance against him. I also know how risky it is, given his temperament. However, giving up before trying will embarrass me as a tamer."
I guess she herself felt pressured. Her energetic actions from yesterday were nowhere to be seen. Seeing the almost self-pitying smile on her face, not only I but Wan Li looked concerned.
"Rather than that, your battle seemed pretty amazing! It felt like my blood was boiling in excitement just listening to the announcer's narration!"
In an attempt to return to her usual vibe, she forcefully changed the topic. However, her energy was definitely a level lower than yesterday. Still, considering her feelings, I decided to just let it go.
"Yeah. Honestly, all I can say is that we were quite lucky."
Although it may sound like me acting humble, it was my genuine thought. Luck probably played the largest role in that battle.
"Well, since that was only the second time [Rupture] was used, and given you haven't seen the first time it was used, there's no way to know how long the stiffness would last."
Wan Li commented.
"In my opinion, if the Emerald Dragon's stiffness was removed even a tenth of a second faster, then you would definitely have no chance of winning."
"Ah~! I wish I could see how Ember dodged that [Rupture]! I heard that she flew to the sky! How did you do that?"
The sisters quickly showed their curiosity regarding my last battle. Although we may end up as opponents later on in the tournament, I don't mind letting them know. Honestly, I doubt I would be able to use the same trick again.
"Wan Li's judgment is completely on the mark. If I was late even an instant later, I would have lost. Regarding how Ember flew to the sky, it was by using a propeller. It's like a set of curved blades rotating rapidly to create lift..."
We spoke for hours on end after that regarding various things and stories. Of course, since tomorrow's first match is mine again, I decided to tuck in early. Saying goodnight to the two, we headed back to our room and slept.
---
"Xiao Er, tell me honestly, are you really going to fight that Aster?"
After Will and Ember went up to sleep, Wan Li quickly asked her sister.
"Sister, please forgive me. However, I don't want to throw a fight even if I have no chance of winning."
Wan Er shook her head as she responded solemnly.
"Well, given Xiao Huo's endurance, I doubt she'll get done in after a single hit. However, there's still the danger of earning permanent damage."
"For that, I'm sure God Zeshion would be willing to help my Xiao Huo if it ever happened."
"What a stubborn girl..."
Wan Li ended up shaking her head in exasperation. It seems that no matter what she says, Wan Er decided to fight against that brutal Aster and his Shadow Wolf.
All Wan Li could do for her now is just pray for her sister's and her tamed beast's safety.
---
Suddenly, I woke up in the middle of the night. Of course, it was due to my stomach churning. I quietly exited the room and headed to the nearest comfort room. It was hard to find given that there were no lights in the hallways at this time.
In this world, I was actually thankful that toilets were closer in look and function to their modern counterpart. If the bathroom were around the level of the middle ages, then I'm confident that my sanity wouldn't last as long.
I guess since magic existed in this world, with help from beasts and monsters, there was never the need to have an industrial revolution.
After following the walls of the hallway, I finally found the light coming from the gap under the door of the comfort room. Feeling the "need" coming closer to the surface, I quickened my pace. Then, I quickly grabbed the knob and swung it open.
"... Eh?"
Inside was a girl who was still pulling up her underwear. Her movements stopped as we stared at each other in surprise. My eyes were quickly drawn to the silvery-white bush hidden under, the same color as her long hair. A few moments passed and, as if her time started moving again, her face quickly turned red in embarrassment.
"!!!"
She quickly moved as she pulled her underwear up. In an instant, she moved her right hand and it formed a claw, scratching toward my face.
"Woah!"
I let go of the knob as I dodged to the side and caught her wrist, but since I was leaning forward after opening the door, I lost my balance and fell. The girl, having no space to dodge, ended up getting pushed back to the toilet seat but with me pressing right above her.
What can I say, it was extremely awkward. Our current posture is like I am attacking a girl seated on the toilet seat while restraining her hand above her head. What's more, since it all happened too fast, she didn't have the time to wear her underwear properly and ended up with several parts peeking out conspicuously.
After gaining my bearings, a voice echoed from behind as I was about to let go and ask for forgiveness for the accident.
"Will, what are you doing?!"
It was Wan Li's voice. Surprised, I involuntarily turned my head. However, before I could fully turn, the girl's other hand was closing in on my face with a shocking speed. The girl's fist was so fast that I had no way to evade it. I received a punch on my jaw, which quickly took my consciousness.
I don't know how long I was out, but after I regained consciousness, there was only a note from Wan Li placed beside me. There's not a single presence anywhere nearby anymore. Although my jaw still hurt, since the "emergency" was suddenly rushing out once more, I quickly entered and locked the comfort room's door. After finishing my business, I washed my hands and decided to read the note.
[Ying Yue admitted that she forgot to lock the door, however, she said that she still hasn't forgiven you for peeking. -Wan Li]
'Although I'm not necessarily at fault, as a gentleman, let's just apologize to her tomorrow.'
While thinking that, I went back to my room to sleep. It took me longer to return to my room since I forgot the path I took and ended up reaching it 30 minutes later.