Chapter 30
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Isteir (4)
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"Are you still wandering around like that without getting your act together?"
Actually, this was something I really wanted to say to him.
"Who...? Ah!"
Kai looked flustered by my words but recognized me anyway. I was secretly thrilled.
I gave Kai a long lecture. But the Kai I met again after so long seemed far more confident than I'd expected.
I didn't hate that side of him, but I figured he needed a firm talking-to if this pilot was going to grow properly.
"Looks like you're here to challenge the Colosseum, but shouldn't you be focusing on building your skills somewhere else instead of coming to a place like this right now?"
"I need to hit at least D-rank before I can bring six Valkyries with me."
Ha... This was exactly what I'd been worried about. The mistake most pilots made.
'I've made this mistake myself. Back when I first became a pilot and thought I was hot stuff... No, I have to lay into him hard.'
"Isn't it too much of a stretch to challenge it after just a week? You probably don't even have the resources to summon six Valkyries yet, do you?"
I meant every word, but Kai's expression started to sour a bit.
Did I go too far? He's someone I barely know...
"I think I can handle that on my own."
His sharp tone made me flinch without thinking. This wasn't why I'd approached him...
'Crap.'
"Well... it's still early days, so you probably don't realize how scary this world can be yet. Fine, go ahead and give it your best shot. Who knows how far you'll get."
It hurt that he didn't see my sincerity, but I didn't have the guts to face his angry expression, so I turned to leave.
Then Kai's voice came from behind me.
"Five in a row."
What?
I turned back, and Kai continued.
"I don't know if I can squeeze in five matches today, but I'm getting D-rank with a five-win streak."
He looked so cool, holding up his open palm with all that confidence.
"Pfft... You're saying you'll climb to D-rank in just a week since becoming a pilot? Look, there are people all over this scene who can't even hit D-rank after a full year. Don't take D-rank so lightly."
And yet, my words came out harsher than intended.
"What rank are you, then?"
I was caught off guard by Kai suddenly asking about my rank, but I kept my expression neutral as I answered.
"Me? I'm D-rank too."
Not all D-ranks are created equal. I'm nearly C-rank.
"I'll be D-rank soon enough too, so you can see for yourself then."
Even with my sharp tone, he kept that confident vibe going.
'This is actually a chance.'
"Pfft. Alright. If you hit D-rank by tomorrow, I'll buy you a meal. But if you lose even once, you apologize to me."
An excuse to meet again. Sounded pretty good.
"Of course. Just watch me."
He had this boyish image, but his bold attitude made him seem manly and cool.
I let out a quiet breath inside, then pulled out my Status.
"Scan my number."
I tried to act casual handing it over, but my hand was trembling so much I panicked.
Thankfully, Kai didn't seem to notice as he scanned it for me.
"See you tomorrow, then. I'll show up as a proud D-rank."
Ah... I didn't think I could keep up the nonchalant face much longer.
Wait, had my expression already softened ages ago?
"Got it. I'll be looking forward to it. Good luck today."
I gave him a shy bit of encouragement and left.
Then I bought a ticket for the spectator seats.
I was curious what kind of Valkyries this guy had.
In Kai's first match, I was noticeably flustered.
"Wha...? Why...?"
He'd picked four A-rank Valkyries in his selection.
It hadn't even been ten days since we parted, so Kai had no way to farm diamonds. That meant the initial 3,000 diamonds were all he had.
"No way..."
His first match gave me chills. He dominated like no E-rank newbie should.
What was weird was that he kept using the Spear Knight I'd seen with him at first.
But that made sense. With an 11-pull, he'd only have 12 Valkyries total.
Pulling four A-ranks out of those was insane talent already.
But I had to rethink him all over again.
In his match against Koyuz, he unveiled an SR-rank Lussera.
The crowd around us jumped to their feet screaming when Kai picked Lussera.
My legs were shaking so bad I couldn't stand.
'Four A's and an SR out of 12? Is that even possible?'
I'd been drawn to this guy's face at first, but he had skills too.
Not just skills—insane skills. The kind of talent I'd always craved.
If it'd ended there, that would've been fine... But in his final match, overwhelming emotions made goosebumps erupt all over me.
Seeing his second SR was shocking enough, but his match strategy gave me chills too.
I wanted to see him right now, even if we'd planned for tomorrow.
So I kept checking my Status, but no call came.
As his match time approached, I got anxious.
I wouldn't be able to take calls once my match started.
Then, right as I thought that, my Status rang—Kai calling.
I snatched it up in a frenzy, not even caring if he could tell my mood from my voice.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd had such a fun phone call.
I'd thought I couldn't control my expressions over the phone, but I didn't realize my voice was giving it all away.
Kai said he'd wait for my match. E-rankers played during lunch hour, so he had to be starving, but the fact he was waiting for me touched me a little.
I felt like I had to put on a dazzling show in my match to repay him for waiting.
I won my two matches in high spirits and came out to the Colosseum plaza, where Kai was waiting.
Kai under the bright sunlight was breathtakingly beautiful.
I'd never realized a man could look this gorgeous.
Ah... I can't hide my feelings anymore...
Even at the restaurant we went to, our conversation never stopped. Just looking at his face while we talked made me happy.
Gathering a bit of courage, I suggested a bar, and he happily agreed.
For some reason, standing in front of him made the emotionless mask I'd worn for so long crumble away.
Even at the bar, I spilled stories from deep inside me—things I'd never told anyone.
He'd seemed so sloppy when we first met, but now he felt more reliable than anyone. I could feel him growing bigger in my heart.
Talking about myself like this, I started feeling drunker and drunker.
I barely knew what I was even saying anymore. That's what happened around him.
"Let's head out. Some fresh air will help."
His words sounded perfect, so I stood up—only for my legs to give out.
Kai caught me. Being in his arms, I realized his body was firmer than I'd imagined.
'Ah... I just want to sleep like this...'
That thought hit me, then the film cut out. When I opened my eyes again, I was in an unfamiliar room.
I sat up and looked around, realizing I was lying on an incredibly luxurious bed.
My coat and shoes were off. Kai must've carried me here.
'Did he... bring me here to do something?'
The thought made me suddenly embarrassed. Rather than anger at him bringing me here, I felt excited and nervous.
And from the shower room next to me, I heard someone showering.
My heart pounded.
I gently pulled back the blanket Kai must've tucked over me.
Then I lifted one knee, exposing my leg a bit. I hoped my temptation worked, even just a little.
The shower ended, so I quickly closed my eyes and waited.
I felt movement beside me. Kai was looking at me.
I could hear my heart thumping in my ears.
I wanted to swallow, but I was afraid it'd give away that I was awake.
'What do I do? If Kai pounces on me... Do I pretend not to notice? Keep pretending to sleep? Wake up?'
My head swirled with thoughts and emotions. Rejecting Kai never even crossed my mind.
Then I felt Kai climb over me.
His breath was closer now.
I could sense his trembling in his breath.
Even with my eyes closed, I felt exactly where his gaze lingered.
His hot stare fixed on my face, then moved to my chest.
A moment later, I felt his hand heading toward my chest.
But then Kai pulled away from me.
He straightened my leg and tucked the blanket back over me.
Then he turned off the light and headed for the door.
I felt baffled.
'Am I not attractive enough?'
All kinds of thoughts raced through my mind, but ultimately, this guy had protected me and shown incredible manners.
Still, separate from that, I couldn't help feeling a little annoyed.
And I didn't want to just let this moment pass like this.
I sat up and said to Kai.
"You... idiot?"