Boom!!!
Another deafening boom rang out, accompanied by a flash of light.
"Master, if that wasn't thunder, what else could it be?"
"Since we're standing in a classroom, I ought to teach you a little science. Your teachers might ask you about it someday."
"Science?"
"Yes, science. Light travels faster through air than sound does, so you see the lightning before you hear the thunder. In reality, lightning and thunder occur at the same time."
"Really? I never noticed."
"I wouldn't feed you nonsense in a classroom. This is all stuff you'll learn when you go to school."
"Oh, so what does that have to do with Reze disappearing?"
Boom!!!
Another boom rang out, and light illuminated the world outside.
"Wait, the sound outside clearly happened at the same time as the light."
The booms outside drew Denji's attention.
He paid particular attention to the timing of the light and sound.
"That's why it isn't thunder. It's the sound of Reze exploding."
"Reze exploded!!!"
"Master, hurry and save her!" Denji was just about to charge outside.
Out in the hallway, a figure was walking toward them.
Lightning streaked across the sky.
The woman's face came into view.
"Reze." Denji immediately went to meet her. "My master said you exploded, but you look fine."
"Denji, there's something I need to tell you."
Reze looked different from her usual self.
A trace of guilt appeared on her face.
Denji had spent quite some time with Reze.
He could tell at a glance that she seemed unhappy.
"Reze, it's okay. We don't have to do it. I can hold out for a long time."
"It's not that."
"There's something else?"
"Actually... I'm an assassin from Bear Country. I came to the Island Nation to take your heart."
"What?! You're after my heart too?"