(Part 1)
Several days had passed since that chaotic awakening alongside Yuna and Melodía. Thankfully, Mr. Kazeharu had yet to send any alarming letters to Melodía's father… for now, I was safe.
During that time, we shared memorable moments, some of them genuinely fun. But even while laughing with them, I couldn't shake the feeling that this peace wouldn't last forever.
Yuna's father kept reminding me of the duel I was set to have with Hayate.
Even though I had the blessing of Lady Cherri, the confrontation felt inevitable. Mr. Kazeharu had been clear—the duel would be fought with swords. This meant I could only rely on Tempest Waltz, but I knew that wouldn't be enough.
Yuna had been a great help during training, correcting my stances and teaching me basic movements. Yet, despite her support, I couldn't ignore the nagging thought... I needed something more. If I wanted to win, I'd have to resort to my Plan B.
I decided to take the morning to be alone and organize my thoughts. I suggested that Yuna and Melodía enjoy a "girls' day" together while I focused on devising a strategy.
I walked to a secluded corner of the forest, where a clearing opened up like a secret sanctuary among the tall trees.
The breeze gently rustled the leaves, creating a murmur that seemed to tell ancient stories. Sunbeams filtered through the branches, illuminating a large rock where I finally sat down. It was such a peaceful place that it felt as though the entire forest was conspiring to help me think.
Simo skulked among the nearby plants, as if searching for something. Meanwhile, Kizuna flitted cheerfully around me.
—Olivia, are you awake?
The familiar virtual panel appeared before me, projecting Olivia's diminutive figure. As always, she looked drowsy, as if she had just woken from an eternal nap.
—Confirmation! Good morning —she responded in a languid voice, so devoid of energy that it made me smile despite myself.
—Good morning? More like good evening, don't you think? —I teased, raising an eyebrow as I tried to suppress a grin—. I need to ask you a few things.
With a flicker, Olivia materialized physically in her miniature form, similar to Kizuna but with a more relaxed and lazy demeanor.
She wore black shorts paired with dark stockings and a loose violet hoodie that matched her hair and eyes. A rebellious tuft of hair stuck out from her head, like a visual statement of her carefree personality.
It didn't take long for Kizuna to react in the most predictable way.
—Wow, I've got a gorgeous sister now, Kizu! —she exclaimed excitedly, launching herself to hug Olivia.
Olivia let out a faint sigh of annoyance, turning her face away from Kizuna with a slow but deliberate motion.
—Don't cling to me… —she muttered in her usual tone while trying to dodge her. However, she couldn't stop a small smile from slipping through.
It was impossible not to find the scene charming. Despite her seemingly cold demeanor, Kizuna's enthusiasm clearly disarmed her, just as it did to me. For a moment, I realized how much it meant to have them by my side.
—They really are like true sisters… —I murmured to myself, watching the little scene continue to unfold.
Eventually, Olivia refocused on me, straightening up with that professional air she tried to maintain, though there was still a trace of sleepiness in her gaze.
—Question! What can I help you with?
—You mentioned a while ago that I have a unique ability I don't fully understand. Could you explain exactly how "Manga Read" works?
Olivia nodded slowly, her expression taking on that characteristic calm she always carried.
—Information! The last time you used it, you passed out because you skipped key processes —she explained in her usual languid tone, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world—. That's why I manifested, to ensure it doesn't happen again.
—And what are those processes? —I asked, leaning forward a bit, intrigued.
—Answer! It's simpler than it seems. The goddess Mizuki granted you three unique abilities.
—First, "Manga Read". This ability allows you to access your mental library of manga, as long as you've read them from beginning to end. You can extract weapons or abilities from those stories, but there are limits.
—Second, "Kizuna", the ability to share powers with those you have an emotional bond with. —Olivia gestured toward Kizuna, who twirled joyfully in the air upon hearing her name—. Thanks to her.
Kizuna responded with her usual overflowing energy, spinning even faster.
—Of course, Kizu! Haruto wouldn't be as cool without me, Kizu! —she exclaimed, pointing at herself proudly with both hands.
Olivia let out a faint sigh, as though Kizuna's enthusiasm was something she had learned to tolerate. She then paused, as if carefully choosing her next words.
—Important information! I should also mention that I myself am a unique gift from Mizuki. Unlike others in this world, you're the only one with a Panel containing a being like me. In short, I'm like Kizuna.
—So you're unique just like Kizuna? —I repeated, surprised, as I tried to process what she had just said.
—Bingo! —Olivia replied, tilting her head slightly as her eyes flickered with a soft glow, as if she were processing data while speaking—. Everyone else only has basic panels, tools limited to displaying static information. I, on the other hand, was created to actively assist you, analyze situations, and, if necessary, advise you.
She paused again, as if measuring her next words carefully, before adding...
—For now, my energy is limited, but as you grow stronger, so will my processing capacity.
As she spoke, her usually drowsy tone took on a firmer edge, as if this topic stirred something deeper within her.
—The goddess Mizuki believed you'd need more than simple tools to fulfill your purpose in this world. That's why I exist. To be your support, your processor, and your companion in the most critical moments.
I couldn't help but smile at her explanation. Though Olivia always maintained that professional yet lazy demeanor, her words carried a weight I couldn't ignore.
—Lastly, "Lunar Blessing". However, I have no information about this ability in my database —she added with a light yawn, as if trying to downplay the gap in her knowledge.
The last point left me with more questions than answers, but I decided to focus my mind on the practical aspects.
—So, how exactly do you use Manga Read?
Olivia raised a finger, her usually drowsy demeanor adopting an unusual seriousness.
—First, you need to use Index to search for the specific manga in your memories.
—Then, Image, where you select what you wish to extract—be it a weapon, ability, or combat style.
—And what if I choose an ability? —I asked, leaning slightly forward, curiosity pulsing within me.
—Answer! It will automatically attach to your skill table and be available according to its element. But beware—if you don't have enough mana, the process will fail, and you'll lose the information —Olivia clarified, though a small yawn interrupted her explanation, as if all this information were trivial to her.
—Understood… —I replied, trying to organize the pieces in my mind.
—Finally, Connection. That's the final step to link the knowledge and materialize it. Once completed, that manga will be locked, and you won't be able to access it again.
I nodded slowly, though I couldn't help frowning at that limitation.
—What important restrictions should I be aware of?
—That depends on what you're trying to do. The key is whether your body can handle it —Olivia replied in a tone that implied this should have been obvious.
I reflected for a moment on the steps, letting the implications settle in my mind.
—Sounds complicated, but it makes sense… —I admitted, scratching the back of my neck.
Without warning, Olivia raised a hand with an unexpectedly energetic gesture, and her tone carried an unusual hint of enthusiasm.
—Suggestion! Would you like to create a skill called Skip?
—Skip? —I repeated, puzzled, staring into her eyes, which now seemed to shine with something more than simple determination.
—Answer! —Olivia interjected, her usual sleepy professionalism tinged with a spark of excitement—. It's a new skill I can develop alongside Kizuna. It will allow you to accelerate the processes, eliminating the need to recite the incantations.
Before I could fully process the idea, Kizuna floated excitedly around me, radiating her usual overflowing energy.
—With this, no one will be able to stop you every time you use a power! And we could share it with Yuna, Kizu!
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, as contagious as ever.
—I'll leave it to you, Olivia. Create the Skip skill.
—Understood! —Olivia replied as she flew toward Kizuna with an unusual sense of determination.
Focused, Olivia pressed her forehead against Kizuna's and took her hands in a solemn gesture.
—Developing unique skill… gathering data… process complete —she announced in a mechanical tone that contrasted with her usual laziness.
Both of them began to glow. Kizuna radiated a bright yellow light, while Olivia was enveloped in a soft lilac glow. The blend of colors illuminated the clearing as if the entire forest were silently watching, captivated by the display.
—Skill Skip created and added to non-elemental skills. Confirmation of success. Process complete, initiating cooldown mode —Olivia declared as the glow surrounding them slowly began to fade.
—Information! You will no longer need to recite incantations aloud. Simply thinking them will activate them without interruptions. Mana consumption will be applied as normal —she explained in her professional tone, though a hint of fatigue crept into her voice.
—Fantastic! —I said with a mix of excitement and relief, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
Olivia floated back slowly, while Kizuna couldn't contain her excitement.
—This is going to be amazing, Kizu! Now no one can stop us—not even that arrogant elf! —Kizuna exclaimed, spinning excitedly in the air.
I couldn't help but smile at her infectious energy. Standing up from the rock, I clenched my fists with determination as the image of Hayate crossed my mind.
—Now, onto the next topic. Sword techniques. When it comes to sword combat, we Japanese are the best, right?!
The thought of the upcoming duel filled my mind, pushing any lingering doubt deep into the background. It was time to take things seriously.
I knew my Manga Read ability would be key, but I was also painfully aware of its limitations. Every choice would be final; every decision had to be made with care.
That's why I couldn't afford any mistakes. Every mana stone I used had to be calculated—my future was at stake.
A confident smile spread across my face as I struck my best dramatic pose, one that would've fit perfectly in a shonen manga.
—Showtime! —I proclaimed, letting my inner otaku shine without restraint.
Kizuna and Olivia reacted in unison, as if they had rehearsed the scene.
—That's right, Kizu! Let's teach that arrogant elf a lesson, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, spinning with her trademark enthusiasm.
—Confirmation! We'll be supporting you, Master —added Olivia, her sleepy but unmistakable tone conveying an unshakable calmness even in the midst of everything.
I couldn't help but laugh at the unique combination of their personalities. Kizuna, with her overflowing energy, filled the air with an impossible-to-ignore vitality, while Olivia floated beside her, serene and calculating, yet with a glimmer in her eyes that reflected her own style of support.
The spark of emotion they both exuded ignited something within me—something I thought I'd lost long ago: genuine confidence. It wasn't arrogance or false bravado, but a strength born from the certainty of not being alone.
My eyes followed Kizuna as she twirled through the air with lively, vibrant movements, radiating enthusiasm with every spin. Meanwhile, Olivia observed everything with her characteristic calm, as if even the most chaotic moments were all part of her plan.
With both of them by my side, I felt like any obstacle could be overcome, no matter its magnitude.
For the first time since arriving in this world, I didn't just have a plan—I had hope. A hope that enveloped me completely, transforming uncertainty into a determination I couldn't ignore.
I took a deep breath, feeling the surge of renewed energy coursing through me.
—It's time to set my master plan in motion! I can't lose! —I said softly, as the clearing seemed to brighten with a new promise.