Chapter 99 - Platonic
After leaving the Hostess of Fertility, Ryuu arrived at the city wall where Orsted waited.
"I'm here," Orsted smiled as Ryuu approached.
Ryuu nodded gently, stepping to a spot two meters before him.
Her nose twitched.
Orsted's expression turned complex.
'You look like a sniffing puppy.'
Ryuu snapped back, realizing her odd behavior.
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
Quickly, she handed him a prepared item.
"What's this?" Orsted asked, confused, but a magic sword appeared in his hand instead, deepening his puzzlement.
"A gift," Ryuu said, her face still red.
"Why a gift?" Orsted pressed, curious about her intent.
"Just take it," Ryuu insisted, avoiding explanation.
Seeing her resolve, Orsted hesitated, then nodded, accepting it.
'I'll return the favor later. Exchanging gifts isn't bad.'
"Let's begin," Ryuu said, pleased he accepted.
She drew her Alf's Justitia, assuming a combat stance.
Orsted unsheathed his old weapon, readying himself.
Instantly, both vanished, reappearing in a clash.
Without words, they unleashed full strength, controlling their battle's impact to avoid damaging Orario's city wall.
A Level 4 adventurer's fight could devastate, as seen when Bell, at Level 3 with Level 4 strength, wrecked part of Orario battling Asterius.
If Orsted and Ryuu fought unrestrained, the wall would be rubble.
After minutes of sparring, Orsted gauged Leap's improvement.
Its effect had shifted.
At Level 3, the boost against Ryuu weakened.
Against stronger foes like Ais, Leap could push him to Level 5, matching her without Excalibur Proto.
Orsted's status already placed him at Level 4 without Leap.
With it, he could rival Ais.
Previously, he matched Ryuu; now, he surpassed her.
Yet, sparring with Ryuu remained valuable.
Ryuu, aware of his superior strength, saw no reason to stop either—she improved by addressing her weaknesses through him.
Despite years apart from Astraea's Familia, she never ceased training, seizing this chance to grow.
They sparred for an hour before halting.
Ryuu lay panting on the ground, Orsted half-kneeling beside her, playfully poking her cheek.
"You okay, Ryuu?"
Ryuu rolled her eyes at his mischievous grin, turning away.
Orsted chuckled, delighted.
Their first spar left him exhausted, Ryuu poking his cheek, teasing his stamina.
He'd felt awkward, as if she'd called him a weak pup.
Their second bout ended in a draw.
Now, he'd reversed the roles, relishing the moment.
Next, he vowed to do the same with Ais, who'd teased him similarly in Rivira.
The "shame" demanded repayment.
Despite her irritation, Ryuu smiled at Orsted's joy.
Her soft laugh caught him off guard.
Their eyes met, sharing an unspoken spark, and they burst into laughter together.
Orsted flopped beside her, sprawling in a star shape.
They closed their eyes, savoring the gentle breeze, faint smiles lingering.
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