Dual Souls, The Other Half is Bronya

Then Bronya gently lifted White Night, resting him on her pale, slender thighs, her delicate fingers softly pressing at his temples.

It's just me, after all~ White Night didn't bother with pretense, closing his eyes to enjoy the massage. "Of course I know what Ning Yin's like—after all, that's the [Yaksha Princess]!"

"If you know, then stop complaining."

"Can't help but complain."

As he spoke, White Night slowly opened his eyes, wanting to catch a glimpse of Bronya's silver-pink irises. But, emmm... a pair of full, rounded breasts blocked the view entirely—he couldn't see a thing!

"What's wrong, White Night?"

Though they hadn't established a mental link, Bronya still sensed something faintly, leaning down slightly to look at him.

White Night raised a hand, gently brushing Bronya's cheek. "Haven't you noticed? Every time someone dies, it's me! That's sex discrimination, right there!"

( ? ? ? )

Just then, the massaging hands stopped. "So, by White Night's logic... does he want to see Bronya die too?"

"Huh? Wait, wait! I didn't say that!"

But it was too late. Bronya set White Night aside and walked off. "Bronya thinks White Night needs some time alone to clear his head."

"Come to think of it, it's been a while since I last saw Ikki. White Night can just lie here and play dead for now."

The dorm door slowly closed. Light was swallowed by darkness, leaving White Night alone. "...Well now, that's made me a little angry~"

"Long time no see, Ikki. By the way, who are these people..."

Ikki had already started the Kurogane Training Class? Bronya had a rough idea, but she asked anyway.

"Bronya! It really has been a while. As for these classmates, they're temporarily training under me~"

Ikki didn't act like a master at all, remaining very humble. Then he looked closer. "Hey, is White Night not here?"

"He's dead."

Bronya declared White Night's death in a calm tone, unilaterally. "Training is harsh. White Night died. Repeatedly."

"...Ahaha~"

A brief silence. Then Ikki snapped out of it, scratching his head with a chuckle. "What are you saying, Bronya? How could anyone in this world die repeatedly?"

"Exactly. So that guy's still alive."

Bronya nodded and flatly corrected herself. She had told the truth earlier, but no one believed her~

"So is White Night injured?"

Aside from injury, Ikki couldn't think of any other reason that would separate the two, who were almost inseparable.

"Not at all. Just a little tired. Let him rest, and he'll be fine."

Bronya's gaze swept over the crowd present, but she didn't spot Ayatsuji Senka... Looks like it hasn't started yet? The Swordsman Killer incident.

After a day of basic training, the sun set, leaving only the afterglow on the horizon. The group walked back along the dormitory path.

"Brother, are you very tired?"

Shizuku seemed even more aggressive now. Relying on their sibling bond, she naturally took Ikki's hand, her soft little fingers rubbing against his calluses, offering a sister's concern.

As for Stella? Emmm... a weakling, too timid to make a move, left to envy from behind.

Having endured Ning Yin's beatings and returned to daily life, Bronya felt as if she'd stepped into another world. But this... wasn't bad~

"Ikki, aren't you going to do something about that one over there?"

Bronya walked to the side, shifting her gaze slightly to spot two peculiar "broccoli stalks" sprouting from a large tree behind them.

The disguise was quite unique: a little purple-haired head poked out, and below... a rounded curve was exposed. Neither head nor tail was properly hidden!

(Superb camouflage technique.jpg)

"Ah, I know. It's been almost a week now?"

Beside Ikki, Arisugawa nodded. "Since Ikki didn't react, she hasn't said anything either."

"But this can't go on. No matter what, we need to try talking to her first."

"Alright, I'll ask her."

Ikki nodded, then looked toward Ayatsuji Senka's position. "Hey! You hiding over there—is there something you want from me?"

"!!!"

Called out, Ayatsuji Senka seemed flustered, then stumbled backward and tripped over herself.

(White.jpg)

"Th-this is a misunderstanding! I-I-I'm..."

Ayatsuji Senka dropped the two twigs in her hands, stammering explanations as she slowly backed away. With a splash, she fell straight into a puddle.

Emmm... kind of cute~

Bronya roughly knew what came next. After weighing things, she finally took her leave from the group. "You handle this here. Bronya needs to go take care of White Night."

"I see. In that case, Bronya will take her leave first. Also, please give my regards to White Night."

"Mm, Bronya has noted it." Bronya nodded, turned around, and walked away alone.

"Back already? Where's Ikki at now?" White Night leaned back on the sofa, his complexion largely recovered.

—Possessing the [Life Chronicle], he had absorbed the advantageous traits of numerous organisms. Though no longer in the original world and unable to exert its full potential, his regenerative ability remained extraordinary!

"Just got to the Swordsman Killer part."

"Ayatsuji Style? That's worth referencing."

"No can do~"

Bronya lowered her head, manipulating her handheld console, her flat tone carrying an unyielding edge. "White Night's had his fun for so long; it's Bronya's turn now."

"Huh, but..."

"I said! It's Bronya's turn!" Quite rare, Bronya used the word "I."

To that, what could White Night say? "Alright, alright. Then what about Ning Yin's tutoring afterward?"

"Isn't it enough for White Night to handle it?"

"Emmm... fine~"

The next day, Ayatsuji Shizuka indeed joined the tutoring class. Ikki corrected her movements, but... the whole process was somewhat...

How to put it? Ambiguous, or rather, sensual? Bronya quietly activated Heavy Armor Rabbit Camera Mode, recording everything. "Pretty interesting."

In the video, Ikki pressed down bit by bit on Ayatsuji Shizuka's fair thighs and slender arms... adjusting her sword-holding posture based on her physical characteristics.

"Ikki, this is widely recognized as molestation~" Bronya slowly emerged from the shadows, waving her deep blue camera.

"Huh? Wait, I'm helping..."

"Mm-hmm~ Just kidding." That said, it was hard to read any change in expression on Bronya's face.

Ikki finally breathed a sigh of relief, his expression tinged with helplessness. "That's not funny at all, Bronya."

"But at least Bronya laughed."

Emmm... Did she? Couldn't tell at all!

With that, Bronya joined the training as well. Compared to Ning Yin's sessions, it was far easier—quite relaxing~

Day by day, time passed uneventfully. A few selection matches were mixed in, and as for the results... needless to say, Ikki and the others won decisively.

At a small restaurant:

"Thank you so much, Kurogane-kun! Today's on me—order whatever you like."

Ayatsuji Shizuka sat directly across from Ikki, her demeanor very composed as she thanked him. "Ever since Kurogane-kun started teaching me, I can feel myself improving every day."

"Gradually, I feel like I'm drawing closer to my father. I don't know how to thank you enough, Kurogane-kun."

"No, it's mainly Ayatsuji-san's own effort. I think even without my help, Ayatsuji-san would have realized it eventually."

"...Eventually, huh?"

Ayatsuji Shizuka lowered her head slightly, her voice dropping so low that even Ikki couldn't make it out. But he could roughly guess there was some story behind it.

Bronya wasn't interested in that. She spread her perception subtly, enveloping the small restaurant.

"Clatter clatter~"

A messy set of footsteps; a group of thuggish-looking people approached their table. "Isn't this Shizuka?"

"Little Shizuka, long time no see~"

The lackey led the way, and just from his voice, he didn't sound like a good person. "Was wondering where you'd gone~ Really missed you."

"..."

A moment of silence. Ayatsuji Shizuka hung her head low, her purple bangs naturally falling, casting a large shadow over her face.

"Excuse me, but you seem to be upsetting my friend. Could you please leave us alone?"

Ikki maintained his politeness. However... the other party had no such manners. "Hey, kid, who the hell are you? Say one more word and I'll kill you!"

"...You're a swordsman, aren't you?"

It was then that Kurashiki Kurato spoke up. This guy was also dripping with non-mainstream vibes: a leather coat, a beast-tooth necklace, a skull tattoo on his chest...

Emmm... let's just say he had personality~ He grabbed a bottle of liquor from a nearby table. "Sorry, bro, for disturbing your meal."

"This is proof of my apology—take it." With that, he leaned down slightly to pour Ikki a drink.

But in the next instant, Kurashiki Kurato suddenly swung the bottle in his hand, aiming to smash it down on Ikki...

"!!!"

Yet halfway through, it abruptly changed trajectory—a metal fork whizzed past his wrist! With that, he turned his gaze to Bronya.

"Didn't notice you before..."

A flicker of excitement seemed to stir within Kurashiki Kurato. A piece of Inherent Gear, shaped like a spine of bone, manifested before him. "Woman, let's fight. Show me your Inherent Gear!"

"No need. This is enough."

A flash of blade light. Bronya brandished a dinner knife, the glow of Magic Power coating its edge. "Bronya is a good student. She wouldn't break school rules."

"..."

(╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻

After a moment of silence, rage erupted. Kurashiki Kurato swung his blade fiercely, slashing down at Bronya.

"Ting--!"

Only a blur remained. The thin dinner knife flickered past, striking at the point of his exertion, casually deflecting the attack.

In the next instant, the knife traced an arc of light, stopping at Kurashiki Kurato's throat in the span of a breath...

--Victory was decided!

"Completely without form."

The small dinner knife twirled between her fingers. Bronya precisely pinched the blade by its edge, turning the sharp side toward herself as she withdrew it. "Swordsman Killer, it seems you rely on nothing but reflexes."

18. Sorry!

The duel ended before it had even begun. With that, Kurashiki Kurato, unwilling to stay any longer, flicked his coat and stormed out of the small diner.

"Oh my, that was quite impressive."