For a long time now, I have been talking about how I am now compared to what I used to be. I am very different in some ways. It is a fact that people change day by day, but there are important changes, good and bad. However, there are also changes that one does not want, forced changes from which there is no turning back. Once you change, you just move on, even if you cry as much as you can, even if you get depressed. That's the point, isn't it? There are people who move on, but what about the others, what do they do, do they stay there, just living or, rather, surviving?
What happened, Tiana-san, where are you?!
"Hey, Yuzuru, how have you been? You really slept a lot. It was at least about 8 hours."
"Wait a minute, didn't I faint? You hit me!
"Did I hit you, don't worry, you just got tired from all that training and fell asleep. You told me to take care of your body."
"Yes, that's what I said... but wait, was it a dream? If I remember correctly, Tiana-san knocked me out. But what was I seeing? I remember an explosion or something, but I don't remember much else. But come to think of it, Tiana-san would have no reason to knock me out. She wouldn't do that."
"Sorry, Tiana-san."
"Don't worry about it. You're probably tired. Do you want to eat something?"
"Did you prepare food, Tiana-san?"
"Yes, I did. I'm really good at cooking. I'll serve you some."
"I'm really very hungry. Yes, I should eat."
"Yes, please. I'd appreciate it."
"Okay, wait a moment. I'll warm it up again."
She looked at me with a smile. What am I thinking? She wouldn't knock me out. I must be really tired. These last four days have been very different from what I usually do. I knew they were expedition days, making it all the way to the 10th floor. Each floor is huge, like a mini-city. Each floor is too big. From the 10th floor up, they say it's like whole cities. But how did the explorers get there in the beginning? The story tells of something that happened 100 years ago, when the tower was discovered. The first adventurers had to face great difficulties, I can tell you that. But if I'm not mistaken, 35 floors have just been discovered. It is not yet known exactly how many there are. The tower spans the heavens, it is so high that it is unimaginable. Maybe if I eat that special apple and level up, I'll be able to explore other floors. I might even be able to join Laquesis on missions. That would be really exciting. But now that I mention it.
Tiana-san do you know Laquesis?
"Yes, I know her. She is the youngest girl in the S-class. She broke a record and, despite her age, she has the level of the most experienced adventurers. I lost a battle against her."
"You lost to her, Tiana-san?"
"She actually defeated me that day. I could say I didn't even put up a real fight for her. She's special in a way, she has a rather unique ability and her swordsmanship is impressive. Although, if I can mention one small "flaw", which can't really be considered as such, it's that she's very childish. Sometimes he pushes me to unsuspected limits. The day he beat me, he acted very childish. Of course, what else can you expect? She's just a kid. I guess it's okay for her to act like that and have fun. These years are to cherish and, I say to you, Yuzuru, enjoy these years to the fullest. Don't regret it, because regret is too painful a thing afterwards."
"I know, Tiana. I really know I should enjoy it. I try day by day."
"But, Yuzuru, why do you ask about her, do you... like her?"
"She catches my eye a lot. Is it love? I don't know, but I want to be with her. I want to walk beside her, I want to know how she feels, I want to listen to her, I want to be by her side in difficult times."
"Yuzuru, well... go get her. I know you can do it. You are a wonderful person."
"Thank you, Tiana. That helps me a lot."