| ARC IV | Chapter 9: Misunderstandings & Relaxation

 After having decided to go back to the hot spring again. Noel and Chely spotted a monkey-like creature. It was just relaxing in the spring. Casually so….

 "".....""

 This resulted in the two of them blankly staring at the bathing ape. Even though they wanted to take a bath, they had no reason to kill nor chase away the poor thing that just wanted to relax, as so did they. 'Should we just wait for it?' Noel quietly uttered while contemplating on what to do while eying the creature.

 Holding onto his coat, Chely tugged, asking, "Are… we going to chase it away?" with a dishearteningly innocent look.

 "...No," Noel reluctantly replied while shaking his head. "We can wait, or… we could try finding another spring?"

 Hearing his reply, her lips softly curved upwards, and with a soft smile, Chely reached out her hand, saying, "Hand." Had it been her in the past, she'd never ask him bluntly…. Well… asking was a bit of a stretch since it was pretty much a statement…

 Noel chuckled, thinking, (I would've held your hand even if you didn't say anything) while he gently grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers. 'Will this do?' he softly whispered.

 "...I like it when we hold hands," Chely shyly said. She squeezed his hand some more, and Noel found her gesture so adorable he averted his eyes and glanced to the side.

 "M-me too..."

 "...cute…" Chely voiced. Being all cute herself, Noel found it difficult to make a clever comeback.

 "You're cuter," was all he could say, trying to share the massive damage he'd taken with her. But… it was instead received with a bright and happy smile—not exactly what he'd expected…. Or hoped. He wanted her to be embarrassed or as bashful as he was, at the very least…

 Chely had acknowledged his compliment. "But I think you're cuter," she kept insisting.

 "..."

 (Sometimes I don't know what to feel…) Noel thought but decided to just accept it. (…if that's one of my charms that she likes, I guess I'm fine with that.) 

 "We're both cute… then?" Noel inquired—he'd not fully given up. At least, they'd be equals instead of one over the other.

 "Whaaat…? Calling yourself cute is a bit…." Chely teasingly remarked.

 Noel's left eye twitched, "...hey!" he retorted back.

 "Pff… Ehehe~, yup! You're cuter!"

 "What—" Noel didn't get to finish his complaints as the Toodo, who was bathing, had heard them and escaped. (…well, this works too, I guess…?) he thought.

 "...want to… soak in the spring…?" Noel asked.

 Chely squeezed his hand, nodding to his question, but… "I… I want to. But… can we hold hands for some more…?" Chely sheepishly asked.

 In a daze, he could only stare into empty space, thinking, (How can someone be this cute?) But he snapped back relatively fast as he needed some of that brain juice not to go completely stupid. "...then, how about just dipping our feet?" he later suggested.

 "...yeah, let's do that~," she gleefully replied.

 'Pff…' Noel let out a soft chuckle. (…yeah, no. You're definitely cuter.) 

 And so, the two of them walked up to the spring, tossing their shoes to the side to enjoy the warm and cosy water silently and wordlessly. With their hands intertwined, they began humming a rhyme.

 It was fairly dark, as the night sky brimmed with stars. And from this angle, the horizon sun was nowhere to be seen. Which was a sight Noel had gotten quite familiar with. Now… just for a moment, in its absence, he forgets about being in another world. He just wants to spend time with Chely.

 To be frank. He felt quite lonely at times. He was close to his family, but now they're nowhere to be found. Or rather… it was he who disappeared. He's a grown-up, independent at that. Yet he worries. Of course… it wasn't for silly reasons. (…I wish I'd at least have an opportunity to say goodbye and… introduce them to Chely…) he thought while watching the ripples in the water.

 Noticing Noel's reflection, she saw that he was in a daze. Leaning on his shoulder, she hugged his arm. 'What's on your mind…?' Chely inquired in a low and gentle tone.

 Hearing her soothing voice break the silence, Noel snapped back and saw her concerned look on the water's surface. "...I was just thinking," Noel replied. He leaned his head on hers before continuing. "...thinking…that… it'd be nice to introduce you to my family… you know?"

 "....." Chely was surprised and felt jittery, but it all came crashing down too soon as she realised the weight of those words. She knew that he, too, was close to his family. Perhaps closer to them than she was to hers. "I would've wanted to meet them too," Chely responded, sounding a little sad.

 "....."

 Feeling happy about her genuine sentiment, there was still nothing they could do. And not finding the right words, he remembered something.

 (…Al told me that there was this thing called 'Divinity' and that it had been sealed. If… I kill that Alester guy. Then maybe that's a possibility…. 

 Right…

 that's a bit too selfish. He has a reason for doing what he does, not only that. In this case, there wouldn't be any malicious summoning. Only unlucky fellas like us who fell into the spatial quake… but…) 

 Noel glanced at the girl to his side. Even if it was a reflection, the concerned look on her face made his heart flutter.

 (Maybe this is fate… instead.) 

 After some time had passed, he finally spoke. "...I'm sure they'd love you, Chely," he said with a soft smile.

 "Eh-hehe~, I'm glad to hear that."

 And so… they fell silent again. Chely wasn't the most talkative person, and Noel…. He was cheerful but could be quite reserved at times. And… this was one of those times. He just wanted to be with Chely, even if no words were spoken. He felt comfortable.

 Then—all of a sudden, Chely spoke, asking a rather unexpected question. "...what were they like…. And, what were you like…?" He gasped in surprise for a moment before chuckling. "I see… I never told you about them, now did I?"

 Chely shook her head. "No…" she softly replied. "I want to know about them… and more about you as well. But… I'm… fine if… you don't tell me."

 "...if you're fine with it, why does it look like you're about to burst into tears…?" Noel teased.

 'I'm not…' Chely responded with a hushed tone—she was sulking, and it wasn't hard for Noel to notice, even if she was a little expressionless at times.

 (…I've gotten to know a lot of people like this as of late… huh?) Noel thought, considering that Alum and Luna were like this as well, expressionless and somewhat easy to read—though not everyone can tell as easily as he can….

 "Aha-haha…" Noel chuckled. He was reminded of some fond memories. It wasn't anything special per se, but… just things he cherished. "We were just a normal family and a family of five. Me, Mom, Dad, Freja and Matias."

 "...you did mention you had siblings… what they're like?" Chely curiously asked.

 "They're twins, though… complete opposites? Matias has always been an oddball, but he's nice to everyone and is hyper-focused on one thing at a time. He's a sweet brother, and… there was this one time he forgot my PSP on the bus. He begged Mom to get a new one for me, telling me he'd accidentally deleted my game data…" Noel chuckled with a smile on his face while telling Chely the silly story. "He probably thinks that I have no idea until this day."

 Seeing Noel happily reminisce, Chely smiled, asking, "I see, but what is a PSP?"

 "Ah…." For a moment there, Noel forgot he was in another world. Of course, it could be easily mistaken, but this world does have arcade machines, but not portable handhelds or communication, for that matter. "Hmm, it's similar to the pocket computer we brought with us."

 "Those tiny rektangels?" Chely inquired. "Hmm~, it does baffle me you use a complex communication device as entertainment…" she later commented.

 "...ahaha… well. Where I'm from, there's not a lot happening. At least for ordinary people like me."

 "Hmm. Right, speaking of communication devices, we've not gotten them to work. And they are quite fragile…."

 Noel pondered in silence for a moment before realising that—(Maybe… it's due to radiation? When we first got here, they weren't working properly either…. Well. It's speculation on my part, but… is mana radioactive? Or is there something else?) 

 "This world may perhaps be hazardous towards electronics…" Noel said. It was a guess, but. He felt like perhaps it wasn't so far off.

 "...that may be true," Chely agreed. "...wait, we got a bit off track…."

 Noel squeezed her hand, saying, "Perhaps, but… it really does feel like I can talk about anything with you."

 Chely could feel her face heating up, but Noel wouldn't notice… perhaps…. Even though she'd gotten more comfortable and relaxed around him. Sometimes he just says things that make her incredibly happy.

 Chely squeezed out her tiny voice, "...I feel the same," she uttered. But it was audible enough for Noel to hear.

 "Sometimes you feel like a small and cute animal, you know?"

 Taken by surprise, Chely separated from him to see what kind of face he was making. And… she was greeted with a grin. (He hasn't changed. He still teases me…!) She crossed her arms. "T-then… please take good care of me, kruu~…." For some reason, she thought she'd imitated the sound of a small animal, thinking that it would suffice in dealing damage to Noel. But… un(expectedly) it was way more embarrassing than she thought.

 And despite that, the attack has been proven to work as Noel was locked in place. He had no comeback but the word, 'cute…'. He was blushing and covering his mouth, thinking that she was just too precious. (…is that even allowed!?) he cried in his mind.

 …..

 …

 Meanwhile, while taking a stroll in the luminescent forest, Alum and Amethely held one another's hand while sightseeing. They'd received permission from Luna and were told that she'd be responsible were something to happen on the ship.

 "Al, isn't it pretty?" Amethely commented while pointing at the vast flora that gleamed under the moonlight.

 But seeing all the colourful luminescent plants reminded him of the time he was out hunting beasts with Hilos since… it wasn't his first time being in a forest like this. But… unlike on their anniversary, he was now here with her. On place and seeing the actual thing.

 Even if he hadn't been grounded that day, he knew it would be difficult to sneak Amethely out of the city.

 "...I'm glad…" he replied.

 Amethely was confused, at least… those weren't the words she expected to come. "You're… glad?" she inquired as she tilted her head.

 "Yeah, I'm glad I was able to see this with you. I… wanted to take you to a place similar to this, but… at that time, we had to do with [Sustained World]—"

 "I loved it, though! Even if it wasn't the real thing, it… was very sweet of you, Al."

 "Ame—"

 (—Hostile presence, sorry to ruin yer fun, brat, but there's a Merelon eyeing you.) Hilos abruptly said.

 Seeing Alum go silent, Amethely realised that there was some hostility directed at them. "...you noticed as well…?" Amethely asked in surprise.

 "I didn't, but… Hilos did," Alum replied.

 In response, Amethely wryly smiled, thinking that they sometimes had little privacy…. Even though Hilos wasn't able to make out what they did, he could still feel the presence of things around them. It was necessary not to completely cut him off since he was supposed to be Alum's bodyguard, even though he's mostly asleep when they're inside the city….

 Amethely didn't fully trust Hilos—especially after Alum told her that he was the one tearing the world apart in the distant past. Regardless… they've gotten close, and she just had to trust Alum. Trust that his bond with the void spirit is a friendly one. Even if he had the celestial contract bound to him.

 (…I don't even know his threat level. But when we first met inside the ruins, he was around AA-3—perhaps even more powerful?) Amethely shuddered at the thought.

 (…he had almost no mana at the time—at least compared to what he could've had. It was as if he was starving for mana at the time—now he depends on Al for mana…. 

 And I don't want to sound naggy. 

 But…

 I really hope Al doesn't give him a sizable amount of mana…. Since he didn't seem too concerned when the contract was made. I have this lingering feeling that he knows how to free himself…. And… he knows the owner of The Celestial Construct. How's that…? Did he know a Celestial Angel?)

 There are so many things Amethely didn't know about Hilos, and perhaps the contract was a mistake. For all she knows, Hilos might as well be an SS-rank being. But if he's like Alester, perhaps things aren't so bad….

 (But he did tear up the world in the past, the sight inside of the ruin… was that how the world used to look when he was alive? And he was the cause…) 

 Amethely shook her head, ignoring her worries for now. "I see," she replied. "In that case… I'll take—" Before she could finish her sentence, Hilos had materialised.

 "Ahh… fresh air," he said while stretching. He glanced at the two lovers and smirked. "Enjoy your date, young ones," before tearing the space, in reality, to pull out his trusted Enders Blade.

 —However… as he did, they all felt uneasy. And it wasn't because of the massive amount of unknown energy surge out of Enders Blade—it was because they felt an intoxicating amount of mana descending from the sky.

 Hilos clicked his tongue, tearing up the space in the lower atmosphere. His void ate and redirected the lethal beam of light, scattering into different directions while also amplifying the effect back towards the origin.

 But right after that moment, it was as if the world was torn apart, and reality cracked as if time had stopped. Space scattered, and a figure appeared before them. It was a man with white hair and cold blue eyes. An all too familiar face to all of them—it was Alester.

 Hilos's eyes widened in surprise, but as surprised as him were Alum and Amethely.

 "Alester…" Hilos frowned. But… for some odd reason, he saw that Alester had a bewildered look.

 "...why are you here, World Tearer? I thought you were long gone…" Alester inquired. This was the first time in a very long time he'd felt genuine surprise.

 "Tch… I could say the same about you. Why haven't you returned to your world? Well… not that I care." Even if he didn't show it, Hilos felt the extreme killing intent directed toward him.

 (This individual is extremely dangerous. Get out of here, brat! Take the girl and run!) he yelled, telling Alum to run with Amethely.

 But… 

 They just stood there in a daze, wondering how and why Alester was here…. "Little one and… boy, stay away from this individual," Alester said with a harsh tone.

 "Huh…?" Hilos questioned in surprise.

 It was then Amethely snapped out of it, crying, "M-Master! Don't attack him!" Even if she distrusted Hilos, she didn't want him to get killed, especially when he'd formed some sort of mutual bond with her lover.

 "...Little one…?" Alester questioned in surprise. He glanced at Hilos, lowering his killing intent. "Do you know them?" he coldly asked.

 "Bastard, that's my line, but why are you even here?" Hilos replied with a question instead.

 "Hmpf, one of my satellites were obliterated, but before that, it detected an enormous amount of divinity—your blade, that is."

 "Tch…" Hilos clicked his tongue.

 "...Milena is looking for you."

 'Gasp' 

 Hilos's eyes shot wide open. "...what did you say…? Milena? She's… alive?" Hilos inquired—he was starting to lose his cool. It was the name of his wife. They were separated when they died.

 (—Perhaps I was the only one who died…) 

 "I do not know her current whereabouts. And I suppose I could tell her we've met the next time I see her," Alester casually said.

 Hilos gritted his teeth and clenched his firsts. "Bastard… why is that she's involved with you?" His tone was filled with resentment, after all. Alester caused him and Milena quite a headache in the past.

 "...we're allies, to say the least. Time's changed, Hilos."

 "Tch… you even know my alias. Did she tell you?"

 (…Milena…? As… in Sage Milena?) Amethely pondered. But she shook off the notion, as there were many people called Milena, and Sage Milena was definitely human….

 "What if she did?" coldly asked. "Anyways, this was a waste of time," he remarked and turned to Alum and Amethely. He softly smiled, saying, "I'm happy to see that you two are doing well. If you'll excuse me, I'll have to go." and disappeared.

 They all were left speechless. And all the divinity stored up in Enders Blade was gone. 'Tch…' It was his last resort, in case of emergency, to use the divinity he had left. And he didn't even plan on using it this time around. However… the presence of it alone caused all of this.

 And due to Alester appearing before them, the Merelon that had eyed them disappeared. He felt extremely pissed. He wanted to move around some. But now… he felt hopeless.

 (So… Milena is alive….)

 Yet… he softly smiled. He was relieved. "Well, the Merelon isn't going to appear. I'll go back to res—"

 And at that moment, people appeared from the sky. To be specific. It was Chely and Noel. "Huh…? Ame? Al?"

 "...sis…? Noel? What are you doing here?" Amethely questioned.

 "...there was a beam of light that was abruptly scattered in the sky, so… we went to see what it was. However, I didn't expect to run into you, Ame. But… who is the man with crimson eyes…?"

 …Amethely hasn't told anyone or reported that Hilos was inside Alum's sword. And it appears like Alum hasn't, either. They both knew that Hilos's presence was quite a delicate one.

 "Can I tell you later…?" Amethely replied.

 Chely nodded, eying Hilos with a wary gaze. "Then… later it is," she said, letting her guard down a little. Hilos shrugged and disappeared into Alum's sword—now Chely knew for sure that he was a spirit.

 The mood was quite… awkward as they didn't think they'd run into Alum and Amethely. Noel and Chely were about to bathe in the springs, but… they felt the presence of a Merelon. Soon after, they saw a bright light in the sky shattering.

 Amethely noticed that Chely's and Noel's clothes were a little messy. Both of them glanced at one another and started to chuckle.

 Noticing why the two had started to chuckle, Chely and Noel became flustered as they saw one another's appearance. It looked like they'd dressed in a hurry. And… it was quite the suggestive look the two had.

 "You two sure get along," Alum teased. Despite his voice being monotone, they both felt that he was doing it on purpose, trying to hold his full-blown laughter.

 Noel stuck out his chest, hitting it. "Of course!" he proudly exclaimed—he was trying to play innocent. But… felt it to be extremely embarrassing when he noticed Alum's judging gaze. But it also failed as Chely panicked. "N-Noel!?" she exclaimed, exposing them. Not only that, but her face was practically burning up due to the embarrassment. 

 (To think Ame and Al saw Thiiiis…!)

 Amethely giggled, asking, "Were you two perhaps bathing in the cleansing springs?" with an innocent look.

 Chely was dying on the inside. To think that she'd be caught… by her innocent little sister!

 Well… 

 She failed to notice her sister's lack of reaction. Typically, she'd flail around, being embarrassed, thinking it to be indecent. But Little did Chely know that Amethely was ahead of her in the intimacy department. Then again, from Chely's point of view. Alum and Amethely were just precious and innocent.

 …Alum turned to Noel and softly grinned, "By the way, Luna is very mad at you for kidnapping Chely."

 Noel let out a nervous 'gulp' before jarringly turning his head to the side. "Uh… well… she must be—I'm getting lectured when I get back, ain't I…?"

 Using this as a scapegoat to change the subject, Chely grabbed Noel's hand despite feeling shy about her actions, especially in front of her own sister. "Noel! Let's not head back yet. We'll be scolded anyway, so let's just stay here!"

 Neither Alum nor Amethely expected Chely to suggest that. Heck… even Noel did. "Umm…" Noel contemplates before saying, "Screw it! She'll be mad either way!"

 """"......""""

 """"Pff, ah-hahaha.""""

 They all let out a burst of laughter before heading to the springs together. Of course, as much as Noel and Chely wanted to bathe together again. Amethely and Alum were with them, so they separated.

 …from a distance, Noel and Alum could hear Chely and Amethely play in the water. Meanwhile… they relaxed. Even Hilos was out bathing in the spring.

 "C'mon, look more alive, younglings!" he commented while soaking, looking blissfully fulfilled.

 Noel wasn't sure how to reply, but… he and Alum hadn't said much since a while ago. He felt like it was sort of awkward. Some would brag about it. But Noel didn't feel comfortable with it, but he also didn't want to embarrass Chely by bringing it up.

 Alum knew that, and he didn't want to say anything as well. So… both of them found it difficult to talk about anything at all.

 "Hey, Al… you know, I know. And… let's just keep it at that," Noel suggested. He has had a suspicion for some time. But Amethely and Alum were flirting in a more… mature way than before. Though it was subtle, people who were close to them and who paid a keen eye knew something was up. Judging by Amethely's behaviour, it all but confirmed it.

 "Agreed," Alum softly replied. "Still… to think you'd really end up with Chely."

 (…is this what youngsters usually talk about nowadays?) Hilos pondered.

 Noel fired back, saying, "...what? She's very pretty and my type. Besides that, I never thought you'd end up with anyone at all!"

 Alum chuckled and softly smiled. "I never thought that as well," he replied and turned his gaze up to the sky.