CHAPTER 22

Madness

A day goes by. When I head over to the courtyard, I see Mash and Cerceus training together with wooden swords. With sweat dropping off his forehead, Mash gallantly rushes in to strike, but Cerceus easily parries, knocking the sword away. Mash groans.

…Wow, Cerceus! I’m impressed! You were pretending to be seaweed only a few days ago, but it turns out you’re not a complete idiot!

Seeing him like this has actually raised my opinion of him, even if only slightly.

“All right, let’s take a break.”

“Nah, I’m gonna keep going for a little while longer. You can go take a break by yourself, though, old man.”

“Okay, but don’t hurt yourself, kid.”

Leaving Mash to practice his swordsmanship by himself, Cerceus walks over to me.

“Rista, he’s a tough kid, that Mash. Brave, too. And he’s only going to get tougher.”

He smirks, brimming with confidence, while wiping the sweat off with a rag.

“I’m pretty tough myself. Fighting that super-berserker made me think I was weak, but after training with Mash, I figured out that Seiya was just the exception. I’m actually rather strong.”

“O-oh, wonderful.”

I mean, I don’t really care, but…I’m glad those two are getting along. I want to say hello to Mash, but as I’d rather not disturb his training, I retire from the courtyard.

Elulu is training with Hestiaca, so she’s in good hands. It’s Seiya I’m concerned about. Be that as it may, Seiya hates it when people come into the Summoning Chamber while he’s training, so my chances of checking in on his training are slim. In spite of that, I make Seiya some lunch and head toward the Summoning Chamber when I notice Adenela sitting in the darkness between two walls. Her legs are crossed, and she’s sharpening a sword.

“Adenela…? What happened to training?”

“I-I’m taking a break. Seiya is still t-training inside, though.”

Ha-ha… They’re kind of similar. Neither of them really takes breaks.

“So how’s Seiya doing?”

“H-he’s a unique one. Never seen a Hero like him. I’m a l-little surprised. And…”

“And…?”

“And… Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh.”

“Hey…! What’s wrong with you?! You’re laughing like you just lost your mind!”

“I-it’s nothing. I was just th-thinking about how f-fun it is training with Seiya.”

That was her laughing because she remembered something nice?! Should I be worried about her?!

Just when I start getting concerned for Seiya, the doors to the Summoning Chamber open. He walks out of the room, appearing no different than usual.

“Adenela, you done yet with your break? I want to get back to training.”

“I-I’ll be right there…”

Adenela cheerfully skips her way through the door, and it immediately closes behind her.

“…Oh.”

That’s when I realize that I forgot to give Seiya his lunch, so I end up sliding it under the door like always.

But after seeing Seiya, it looks like everything’s going according to plan, so I guess there’s nothing I really need to worry about…

Day two of training. Noon.

Feeling hungry, I make my way to the dining hall where I find two familiar faces sitting at a corner table together.

Well, if it isn’t Seiya and Mash.

Mash is nibbling a bit of bread, while Seiya drinks some water out of a cup.

“Whoa! I wasn’t expecting to run into you here, Seiya!”

Seiya looks annoyed, then says, “He suddenly showed up at the Summoning Chamber and begged me to meet him during the lunch break, so here I am.”

“Wait. Mash, really?”

“I—I just thought it would be nice to spend lunch with Master Seiya…”

Mash has really started to idolize Seiya. I understand how he feels, though. Seiya did save his life, after all.

“And he taught me how to mentally prepare myself for battle!”

“Oh really?! What’s the secret?”

The moment I sit across from Seiya, he gets out of his seat.

“I should be getting back. Adenela’s waiting.”

What the…? What a jerk. It wouldn’t hurt to just chat every once in a while…

I talk over Mash, who’s thanking Seiya as he walks away.

“Hey, Seiya! Don’t forget we’re going to Gaeabrande tomorrow!”

Tomorrow will only be the third day of training, so I doubt Seiya’s going to be able to learn her special move by then. But I’m kind of worried about staying here too long and being summoned by Ishtar again. Temporarily returning to Gaeabrande tomorrow is what I decided after hours of worrying.

“I’m really sorry about this. I’m just concerned about Gaeabrande, you know? But I don’t mind if you want to come back to train again after going to the Dragons’ Den and getting that really powerful weapon.”

But Seiya doesn’t even look back as he says:

“That’s fine. I’ll be done by tomorrow.”

“You’ll be…done? Seiya…?”

The Hero briskly walks off alone.

Th-there is no way he’s going to learn that move with only one day left…

With Seiya gone, only Mash and I remain. I approach him while he picks at his bread.

“Hey, about that thing you mentioned a second ago. How did Seiya tell you to mentally prepare for battle?”

His eyes suddenly light up.

“Oh man. The way he thinks blows me away! Listen to this, Rista. Like, for example, when you’re walking in a field, you want to make sure you’re always keeping an eye out for monsters. First, look right, then left, then up, down, behind you, and then right again. Then you continue doing that until you reach your destination!”

“Uh… Would you ever even make it to your destination like that? And wouldn’t you get kind of dizzy or nauseous?”

“I dunno. I mean, it might take a little longer to get where you’re going, but it’s safe. Anyway, what impressed me the most was when he said, ‘Doubt everything you see. Everyone is the enemy, even your family.’ Is that cool or what?!”

What in the…? Does he want Mash to be jumping at shadows because he’s so scared?

But Mash cheerfully smirks.

“But you know what, Rista? I haven’t even told you the coolest part. After that, he looked at me and said, ‘Listen, Mash. I don’t trust you, either.’ What a badass thing to say!”

“How did that not piss you off?!”

“Why would that make me angry?”

“Well…if you’re fine with it, then that’s all that matters.”

I let out a small sigh while watching Mash happily eat his bread.

And just like that, Seiya’s church of caution gains a new member…

Bringing Seiya his dinner that night, I coincidentally run into Adenela as she’s exiting the Summoning Chamber.

“Oh! Adenela, how’s…the…?”

I stop myself from asking her how the training’s going because I’m taken aback by how she’s dressed. Her ragged clothes are now gone, and she’s wearing a pure-white dress. Her unkempt hair is now beautifully brushed, and her dead-fishlike eyes are now glittering and full of life. She’s adorable.

“Wh-wh-what happened to you?! You look like a new person!”

She blushes.

“I—I couldn’t meet Seiya in the clothes I had before. Th-that’d be so embarrassing…”

Ew?! H-has she fallen for Seiya or something?! Aria was acting weird around him, too… What a playboy! I knew he was a goddessizer! He doesn’t have a Seduce Goddess ability, does he?!

I shake Adenela’s shoulders as she stares off into space, no doubt thinking about Seiya.

“Adenela! Pull yourself together!”

“Huh…? Oh.”

“A-anyway, we’ll have to postpone learning that special move of yours, since we’re going back to Gaeabrande tomorrow.”

“Eternal Sword? S-Seiya can already use that.”

“What…? Whaaaaaat?! No way! But I thought you said nobody’s ever been able to learn it?! What happened to it exceeding the limits of human movement?!”

“Yes, I said that. B-but Seiya was able to do it. He’s a ge-genius. He’s quick to grasp new concepts. H-he’s the only human who’s ever earned my trust. A-and…”

Adenela aimlessly gazes up at the ceiling. Drool drips slovenly from her gaping mouth.

“Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh… He’s truly…heh-heh-heh…s-so amazing…!”

Urgh! I’ve got a really bad feeling about this!

Seeing her reaction tells me I made the right decision to return to Gaeabrande tomorrow.

It’s the third day since training started. Though originally planning to leave a little after noon, I advanced the schedule and decided to depart the unified spirit world in the morning. I made sure to tell everyone beforehand, so when I go to the courtyard, I find Mash already thanking Cerceus.

“Thank you so much, old man! I feel like I’ve gotten a lot stronger thanks to you!”

“I should be the one thanking you! You saved me from that nightmare!”

They exchange a manly handshake.

I have no words, but hey, as long as they’re having fun.

I suddenly find my curiosity getting the best of me, so I look at Mash and use Scan.

MASH
LV: 16
HP: 1,381	MP: 0
ATK: 921	DEF: 877	SPD: 790	MAG: 0	GRW: 47
Resistance: Fire, Ice, Poison
Special Abilities: ATK Boost (LV: 5)
Skills: Dragon Thrust, Dragon Slash
Personality: Brave

…What?! He’s leveled up a ton! He even has over 1,000 HP now! He won’t be having problems against the average monster from here on out! Mash really has potential. Or is Cerceus just a really good teacher?

After bowing to Cerceus, I take Mash and head over to the reflective pond where Elulu and Hestiaca are.

When we arrive, I find Elulu squatting by the pond by herself. I haven’t seen her since the first day of training when I told her the plan.

Mash cheerfully greets her.

“Yo, Elulu!”

“Ah… Mash.”

“Good morning, Elulu! Ready to go?”

“Y-yep!”

Elulu looks at Mash and me, then smiles like always. I feel like there’s something a little awkward about her smile, though.

I secretly use Scan on her.

ELULU
LV: 8
HP: 384	MP: 220
ATK: 101	DEF: 172	SPD: 88	MAG: 196	GRW: 38
Resistance: Fire, Water, Lightning
Special Abilities: Fire Magic (LV: 4)
Skills: Fire Arrow
Personality: Optimist

Uh… What? Did she gain only one level…?

As I stare at her status, I feel somebody suddenly tap me on the shoulder. I turn around to find Hestiaca, and she whispers into my ear.

“Rista, can I have a word with you?”

“Su-sure.”

We head to a spot a short distance away from the pond so we can be alone. Then Hestiaca lets out a sigh while confiding:

“I’m going to be honest about Elulu. She’s terrible at fire magic.”

“What?! S-seriously?!”

“You used Scan on her, right? You saw. She barely leveled up at all.”

With a solemn expression, she continues.

“At first, I thought I was just a bad teacher, but after three days, it became clear to me. Fire magic simply isn’t for her. No question about it.”

The shocking truth pains my heart. Hestiaca looks pained to admit it as well.

“Elulu is a good girl. She practiced extremely hard, too. But as you know, the talents you’re born with greatly affect magic. It’s hard for me to say this, but she doesn’t have it. She’s better off giving up on fire magic and cutting her losses while she’s ahead. This is for her own good. At any rate, I don’t know what it could be, but maybe there’s a different type of magic that would be a better fit for her.”

After returning to the pond alone, Elulu rushes over to me with a remorseful gaze.

“Ristie… I’m so sorry.”

“Huh? Wh-what’s wrong, Elulu?”

“I didn’t improve much, did I? Right? That’s what you were just talking with Hestiaca about, right?”

After seeing the tears well up in her eyes, I just can’t tell her the truth. In fact…

“Wh-what are you talking about, Elulu?! Yes, you’re a slow starter, but you’re doing just fine! You don’t have to rush things! Hestiaca told me that, too!”

I try to encourage her, and immediately, she smiles back at me adorably.

“Really?! Okay! I’ll keep at it, then! I’ve tried so many types of magic, but fire magic is the only one I’ve ever been good at, so I’m gonna work really hard on it!”

“Y-yeah! That’s the spirit, Elulu!”

Ugh… I’m the worst… I’m a terrible goddess…

I may hate myself right now, but it’s still better than telling her the truth. If I’m going to tell her the coldhearted truth, it’ll have to be at the right moment. I have no idea what the “right moment” even is, though.

At any rate, I still can’t believe this happened. I mean, I thought Hestiaca and Elulu were going to be fine, but…I guess sometimes things don’t turn out the way you want them to.

Nevertheless, I take Mash and Elulu with me and head to the Summoning Chamber.

When we arrive, we find Seiya leaning against a wall by the door.

“Seiya, are you ready to go?”

“Yeah. But Adenela said she wanted to give me something, so…”

Sh-she wanted to give you something? I can’t imagine what.

“She did teach me a lot, so I’m waiting for her out of obligation. She is really taking her time, though. If she isn’t back here within the next minute, we’re leaving.”

But just as he finishes that sentence, Adenela comes jogging over. It goes without saying that she’s well-dressed again, but it looks like she also put on some makeup.

She runs and jumps right into Seiya’s arms.

“What the…?! Adenela?! What are you doing?!”

As I watch in a stupor, she looks up at Seiya with puppy dog eyes and speaks to him in an affectionate, needy voice.

“Seiya… T-take me with you o-on your journey…”

“Adenela?! I’m his goddess, you know!”

“Th-then let me c-come as one of the Hero’s party m-members…”

“But you’re a goddess! You can’t do that!”

“I-I’ll quit b-being a goddess, then! I don’t ever w-wanna be away from Seiya!”

Her surprising confession of love almost makes me faint. Somehow keeping myself together, I look at Seiya to see how he’ll react. However, he doesn’t say anything and appears as indifferent as always. Adenela then takes out a small package to hand to him.

“I made th-this for you! It’s a c-cake! It t-took me five hours to make, but I want you t-to have it…!”

A homemade cake?! Wait! If he takes that cake, does that mean he accepts her love?! S-Seiya, don’t! Hold up… Cake…?

The events from three days ago when Seiya harshly criticized Cerceus’s cake flash across the back of my mind.

H-he wouldn’t say that to a lady, right?! Seiya, you don’t need to accept the cake, but…but you better not say anything rude!

But Seiya replies without missing a beat.

“Disgusting. Get that away from me.”

He said it agaaaaaaain! He called the cake “disgusting” without even tasting it agaaaaaain!

I look back at Adenela, and as expected, she’s gone white as snow.

But Seiya doesn’t stop there. He immediately starts pouring salt into the wound.

“I appreciate you training me these past few days. However, that’s all our relationship will ever be. I have no interest in you, and I don’t want your cake. Farewell.”

Then Seiya swiftly turns on his heel before walking straight down the marble hallway, not looking back for a second. Mash and Elulu follow closely behind.

“Yeah… I get it… I’m u-unwanted…heh-heh-heh-heh…just like this cake…heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh.”

“A-Adenela?! …Ahhh!”

The instant I look at her, I reflexively let out a scream.

Tears of blood run down Adenela’s cheeks…

I dash after Seiya and scold him when I finally catch up.

“Seiya! You should feel bad for what you did to Adenela!”

“Feel bad for what? She helped me train to save Gaeabrande. What’s so bad about that?”

“I’m talking about what you did after that! You didn’t have to be so rude! Think about how she must have felt! You made her cry, you know! Tears of blood!”

“That’s not my problem. More importantly, create the gate, Rista. And, you two—hold my stuff.”

Seiya hands them rucksacks full of items.

Sigh… What a jerk. He may have told the truth, but how he said it was just awful… If he ever finds out that Elulu doesn’t have a gift for magic, I don’t even want to imagine what he’ll say.

As soon as I create a gate to Gaeabrande, I hear screams coming from outside the sanctuary.

“Ahhh!! Adenela is beating the statue in the courtyard with her sword!”

“A-Adenela! Please stop!”

“I beg of you! Calm your anger! Somebody stop her!”

“Easier said than done! Do you know how strong she—? Gwaaah?!”

The courtyard is thrown into an uproar, but Seiya acts as if it has nothing to do with him. He combs back his glossy black hair, then says:

“I’m perfectly prepared.”

Nobody asked! What are you going to do about the trouble you caused?! Ugh! Unbelievable! This better not turn into my problem!

…I swiftly follow Seiya through the gate, leaving the unified spirit world like a fugitive.