Firm and well-proportioned.
Her spine was straight as a sword, her shoulder blades drawn slightly together, as though she could unleash a vicious slash at any moment.
Even in a few inconspicuous spots on her back.
He could still make out several faint, old scars that seemed to have been left by some sharp blade.
These were the medals she had earned through practicing her swordsmanship day after day.
As Haimo gazed at this body full of stories, a flicker of appreciation crossed his eyes.
Without another word.
He straddled her.
Blood gathered at his fingertip.
"Drip."
Crimson divine blood fell.
"Hum-"
The red glow rose again.
This time, the patterns etched into the girl's back looked especially intricate.
A moment later.
The light faded.
Haimo picked up a fresh sheet of parchment and copied the data onto it.
[Name]: Onigawara Rin [Race]: Human [Level]: Lv.1 [Ability scores]: Strength: I0 / Endurance: I0 / Dexterity: I0 / Agility: I0 / Magic: I0 [Development abilities]: None [Magic]: None [Skills]: "Clear Mirror Sword Heart," "Sealed Heart Sword Soul"
As he looked at those two skills, the corners of Haimo's mouth curved upward.
"Just as I thought..."
"Where the heart leads, the body follows."
"This is the path that suits you best."
Haimo pulled up the nightgown to cover Onigawara Rin, then handed her the parchment.
Onigawara Rin quickly dressed and accepted the parchment, still a little nervous.
Her gaze fell on the two skill descriptions.
The next second.
Her pupils abruptly contracted, and she froze.
Skills: "Clear Mirror Sword Heart" A sword heart as clear as a mirror, untainted by dust. In battle, the calmer and more focused the mind, the greater the bonuses to [Dexterity] and [Agility]. When the mind reaches the ultimate realm of emptiness, the power of slashing attacks increases dramatically. "Sealed Heart Sword Soul" The mask is both a seal and a switch. "While wearing the mask": The mind closes itself off through autosuggestion. [Strength] and [Endurance] increase dramatically, granting [Mental Immunity]. "With the mask removed": The seal is released, and all senses are fully awakened. [Agility] and [Dexterity] increase dramatically, granting [Supersense] and doubling the ability to track attack trajectories.
Chapter 23: Hanabishi Warabi's Fangs of Coordination, an Agreement with Hephaestus
"When your mask is no longer a shackle from the past, but a trump card you can wield."
"Then this time, you get to decide for yourself."
"Whether to defend or attack is entirely up to you."
"Don't let form constrain you. Stay true only to the sword in your hand."
"As long as you make the choice you believe suits you best, that is the swordsmanship best suited to you."
Seeing how distracted Onigawara Rin looked, Haimo gently reminded her.
At this point.
Only one person in the room had yet to receive a falna.
Everyone's gazes instantly swung like searchlights toward the figure huddled behind the black bear.
-Hanabishi Warabi.
"Ruff?"
Hanabishi Warabi was trying hard to curl herself into a ball.
But.
Apparently sensing everyone's attention converging on her.
As Hanabishi Warabi's closest comrade and the companion who had grown up alongside her.
The black bear being used as cover rolled his tiny, beady eyes, glanced at all those watching eyes-especially that terrifying man's-and then looked at his owner's cowardly expression.
And so.
This black bear, who had spent years among humans and knew the art of survival inside out.
Made a decision that betrayed his ancestors!
-Better you than me!
Without a moment's hesitation!
Fierce Man immediately made his choice, abruptly shifting his massive body to the side!
And then-
"Off you go!"
As if to wash his paws of the whole affair.
He even casually gave Hanabishi Warabi a hard shove with his broad, sturdy backside.
This backstab from her own teammate!
Came fast and hard!
"Ouch!"
Hanabishi Warabi was completely unprepared.
The sudden [Bear-Bottom Impact] sent her flying out like a bowling ball.
"Waaaaah-!"
Hanabishi Warabi let out a shriek.
She tumbled out, stumbling over her feet.
To avoid falling flat on her face and making a spectacle of herself in front of everyone.
She had to flail forward several steps before finally managing to steady herself.
As a result.
When she looked up.
She realized she had stopped right in front of Haimo's knees!
Less than ten centimeters away!
"..."
The air froze for a second.
Hanabishi Warabi stiffly turned her head toward the black bear, her face twisting with anger.
"Fierce Man!!!"
"You sold me out!"
"And I even shared a piece of steak with you at dinner!"
"You traitor!"
"Awooo..."
Fierce Man covered his eyes with his paws and gave an aggrieved whine, looking as though he hadn't noticed a thing.
At the sight, Haimo helplessly beckoned to her.
"All right, stop putting on an act."
"You're already here, so hurry up."
"Everyone else is waiting to go to sleep. Don't waste time."
"I still have to take you all to the Guild tomorrow to register as adventurers."
"Oh..."
At those words, Hanabishi Warabi instantly deflated.
Her head drooped.
Since that stupid bear had already shoved her into the spotlight, backing down now would be truly embarrassing.
"Hmph... w-who's afraid of you!"
With that thought, Hanabishi Warabi snorted, trying to salvage a little dignity.
Then.
She dawdled over to the bedside.
Looking at the large bed, which was rather tall for her petite frame, she clambered onto it with some difficulty, using both hands and feet.
After finally managing to climb onto the bed.
Hanabishi Warabi sat back on her heels.
Her gaze wandered restlessly, flicking between Haimo and the sheets, never daring to look him straight in the eye.
"Um... well..."
"Could you... be gentle?"
Hanabishi Warabi's voice was barely louder than a mosquito's whine.
"..."
At her words, the corner of Haimo's eye twitched involuntarily.