Today is Saturday, and here I am, watching the storm pour down heavily. Maria's prediction about the weather was spot on. It's impressive how she has her own secrets.
Well, everyone has their own mysteries, I suppose. I should head to my room and play some games. Watching the rain has started to become a bit boring.
Although I usually enjoy the rain, I'm in the mood for some gaming during this type of weather.
However, as soon as I enter my room, I find Scarlet already engrossed in her NEET mode. I let out another sigh, feeling a bit annoyed.
"Scarlet, get off," I say, trying to get her attention.
"Shhhh," she hushes me, not taking her eyes off the screen.
"Huh?" Curiosity gets the better of me, and I approach her to see what she's playing.
Wait, is that the new horror game? I don't remember buying or installing it on my PC. Did Scarlet perhaps do it without my knowledge?
"Oi, Scarlet! I don't remember downloading this game!"
"I downloaded it myself!"
"Huh?! Whose money did you use?!"
Scarlet remains silent, fully engrossed in her game. I can't help but suspect that she might have used my card without my knowledge. If she did... I will have to resort this in violence.
"Did you... use my card by any chance...?"
Scarlet suddenly stops playing and slowly turns to face me. A mischievous smile creeps across her face as she responds, "Ehe~"
This girl...! I want to smack you right now... Wait no, I must resist, I have to resist... I really want to smack you!
As I was about to karate chop her head, a loud explosion could be heard outside. Scarlet immediately stood up, and I turned my attention to the noise.
"What was that?"
"I'll go check it." I walked out of the room and headed outside my apartment. As I stepped out, a sudden gust of wind hit me, causing me to stumble backward.
As I got up and walked outside, I saw Maria engaged in a fight with two familiar-looking guys in suits. Could it be...?
"Hey! What are you doing to her!?" I walked towards Maria, glaring at the suited individuals.
"Perfect timing." One of the men conjured a fiery phoenix and aimed it at both of us.
Maria swiftly positioned herself in front of me and cast a spell. "Mud Wall." A wall of mud materialized, blocking the incoming phoenix and causing it to explode.
"What the"
"Taneshima-sama, please step back. These men are after you."
"Huh?! What about you?!"
"I'll be fine. But Taneshima-sama, I want you to protect Scarlet-sama."
"Wait, I can't do that! If they're after me, I should be the one fighting!"
"They're not just everyday delinquents!" Maria shouted, gritting her teeth.
"...But."
"Are you two done?" the men in suits asked, surrounding us.
"Since when did they multiply..." I muttered.
"It's a clone illusion."
"Clone illusion?"
"Yes, clone illusion is a magic spell that creates copies of oneself."
"Then I really can't leave you here," I said firmly.
Maria stayed silent for a moment, then sighed. "Fine, but I won't be responsible if you get hurt."
"Yeah, I understand."
"Good. Let's give them a beating then."
"Yeah, let's do this!" My arms began to glow with a vibrant red light.
"I see that you can manifest your mana through the veins in your arm," Maria observed, her own mana taking on a brilliant white hue as she displayed it alongside mine.
"Let's go!" I shouted, rushing forward alongside Maria. As the clones charged at us, we prepared ourselves for the fight ahead.
Using my enhanced strength and agility, I swiftly dodged the incoming attacks, countering with powerful punches and kicks.
Maria utilized her magic, creating barriers to deflect and nullify the clone's assaults.
With each strike and spell, the clones started to dissipate, their illusions shattering under the force of our combined efforts. As the last clone vanished, the two original men looked shocked and bewildered.
"You underestimated us," Maria stated with a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Now it's your turn to face the consequences."
"Tch, Our turn now." the two suit-clad individuals summoned their magic circles, and a surge of energy filled the air.
Maria and I stood side by side, As we exchanged a glance. The magic circles glowed with intensity as the suit guys chanted incantations.
"Round 2 then."