After having lunch, I sit close to the water and rub Seren’s tentacles for no real reason. Underwater is Seren’s domain, so I’m sure it will run wild.
So how are we going to hunt rares and where will the powered up one spawn? I look at the map as I think about the route, when Aira comes to me.
“Master, I am done selecting the members.”
“Ooh. So?”
“The four that were training with you, including myself… will stay. Please take all the others.”
“And then they’ll be split into middle and back defense group, and grappling group. Okay.”
“I assume I do not need to explain the selection.”
“Yes, I think I get it.”
The three I didn’t touch.
“Well then, give it your all.”
“I already said I got it without you saying it!”
Why is she saying it? Well, it’s on purpose.
“Well then Shouta, come on!”
“Nishishi, an underwater date battle.”
“Let’s go!”
“Wai… I can’t fight with you clinging like that.”
Aki and Maki are to the left and right, and Ayane is hugging me from behind. The swimsuits mean their touch is even softer.
It’s a happy feeling, but I can’t swing a sword underwater like this.
“You have things like Magic Missile and Hand of Sorcery. You should check if they work underwater!”
“Well, I can’t imagine it will be a problem with Seren here.”
‘~~♪.’
I peek back, and see Renka warming up, Irina taking nervous deep breaths, and Izumi…
“Let’s go already.☆”
She says clad in bubble armor as she jumps into the water. It doesn’t look like she’s feeling pressure.
“Okay, let’s go too.”
We walk underwater at our own paces as we head to the fish area.
After having fun with it yesterday, the girls don’t have a problem walking underwater with bubble armor. This is different from playing around, but only Irina seems a little nervous.
“Are you okay, Irina?”
“Ah, I’m sorry. Did I worry you?”
“Don’t worry about that. It’s your first time in this environment, so it’s natural to be scared.”
“…I heard this is your second. Were you nervous the first time?”
“Ah…”
I look around, see Renka not trying to hide her excitement, and Izumi looking casual. Renka likes fighting, so this reaction is normal, and considering what Izumi is like, she probably feels safe knowing her opponents are lower rank.
“I think I was excited like Renka.”
“Really? I guess you really like to fight!”
“I probably lean towards that.”
“Yes! You definitely look happy when you’re fighting strong opponents in all those videos!”
“Do I?”
I haven’t really had a look at my face in the records of when I fight strong opponents, but looking back, I guess I did feel happy.
“Yes yes, you get more fired up the stronger the opponent, Shouta.”
“You always have a very nice look on your face when you fight dungeon bosses.”
“I really like darling’s face!”
“Me too!”
“So do I!”
“Ah, thanks.”
‘~~♪.’
Seren raises its voice like it’s feeling well, and when I look up, I see it using its tentacles to have fun swimming. I typically imagine jellyfish floating, but Seren moves like a squid or an octopus.
“Hyu hyu.☆”
“Hot hot.”
“It’s love.”
“…Aki, can we really get in on it? I feel bad about jumping in when you’re all friendly…”
Aki peeks at me and Maki.
“It’s necessary. I’d feel worried about not being able to leave him with trustworthy people if the time comes.”
“I see, and you big brother?”
“I… Well, the girls have my best interests in mind, and I know it’s necessary, so I accepted it. I can accept you too if you don’t have a problem.”
With Kasumi and the others, we confirmed that just before doing it. Everyone came ready, so I accepted them too.
“Whether you like me or not is a difference story, but for appearances sake, I’m your business partner and lover.☆”
“Is that how it works…? Well, I had preconceived notions that you must be good if you were Kasumi’s partners, but I like you as individuals too.”
“Really? That’s great.☆”
It’s all been lightly brushed aside.
I didn’t have any proper experience with love before all this, so I don’t know what to say, but it looks like I didn’t offend Izumi.
Hm, it’s tricky.
‘~~♪.’
“Yes, can you handle it?”
‘~~♪.’
It looks like Seren senses monsters nearby, and is going to start hunting first. I want to go after it, but I have to check how the girls feel.
“Are you okay with me, izumi?”
“There is not a man better than you.”
“R-really?”
I don’t think that’s true…
“Renka?”
“I don’t really understand what makes a man good. But I think it’s fine if it’s you. Ah, and I want to know the secret behind your power one day.”
“If I tell it, it will be to all of you.”
“Yes, I look forward to it!”
“Irina?”
“I’m with Renka. I’m not too good with men, but I can do my best if it’s with Renka.”
“Ah… You can back out if you want. I don’t want to force you or anything.”
“No, I’m not good with men, but I had a mysterious feeling when I saw you take down the boss monster.”
“That’s love! My starting point was close to that too.”
Ah, yes, Ayane started falling in love when I protected her from the General Goblin. That feels nostalgic.
“So that really was it. Then I have no worries about being with you. Look after me and Renka.”
“Nice to be on board, big brother!”
“Hey, don’t forget about me!☆”
Izumi and the others cling to me, turning the seven bubble armors into a giant one. I’m happy that I’m popular, but I can’t move like this.
As I think that, Seren comes back with a noisy fish.
‘~~♪.’
‘Gyogyogyo!!’
“Uwah, what is that!?”
“Gross!!☆”
“Fish body, old man face, and limbs…!?”
That’s right, the rare monster Man-Faced Fishman was like this. I guess I’ll have Seren take it down after filming it a bit.
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