Chapter 188

Episode 85 Transition Before the Turmoil

“Hey, System, do you think the Dark Echoes are about to max out?”

Ash grabbed the virtual panel in front of him and shook it, causing the text on it to scatter chaotically. He grinned playfully at the mess.

\[Dark Echo Collection… Almost Complete.\]

“It’s fine, I know already, no need to tell me.”

In truth, the Dark Echoes that Ash had collected were not sent directly to the system like other System Streams. Instead, all the collected Dark Echoes were stored within his body, a fact he could feel. The system merely helped balance the energy within him and distributed rewards based on certain stages and lotteries according to collected data. This system used a unique algorithm for these processes.

What happened to the Dark Echoes inside him when he respawned after death, Ash did not know.

Perhaps the darkness was still lurking within him? Who could say?

For months here, whether during battles or truces, interacting with villains from the [Selfish Organization] and heroes like the [Pretty Cure], Ash had enjoyed himself immensely.

And…

Strangely, whenever he closed his eyes now, he could almost see their smiles. Maybe he had lost his mind from all the fighting.

“I know I keep dying and respawning, but honestly, I don’t want to leave this world anymore.”

Ash wondered if his previous selves in other worlds had felt the same way. But he believed they had, just forgotten over time.

\[…\]

“Whatever, face things as they come. Water by the water, land by the land, bend when the bridge meets!”

I’ll be content living for today!

\[…\]

“Hey, you’re actually self-aware, right? Stop pretending, I’ve known for a while!”

\[…\]

“Ha, always trying to be dumb. Never mind, say what you will later when you’re ready.”

After all, we’re in this together.

“Ash!”

Hearing his name called, Ash casually tossed the panel aside and stuck it into the sand nearby.

“What?”

Kentaro, Ai’s father, approached. Though he hadn’t faced any trouble from housing Regina, his spirits remained low due to past events. After much consideration, Ai planned a beach outing with her friends and Regina.

To ensure the girls’ safety, Kentaro followed as their guardian.

As they drove halfway, they coincidentally ran into Ash riding a motorcycle. Familiarity took over, and he joined them in their beach activities.

“Ash, aren’t you joining us?”

Ash pulled off a pair of sunglasses he had scavenged from the Gobusters and looked over. The girls, dressed appropriately and engaging in activities like building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or strolling in the sea, seemed genuinely happy.

Unlike them, Ash simply set up a lounge chair and umbrella, adopting a lazy demeanor fit for retirement.

“Let the girls have their fun.”

Other times, I prefer enjoying the moment—rare moments of idleness.

Furthermore, who knew how much longer he might be around? Might as well enjoy the break while it lasts.

After chatting briefly with Kentaro, Ash remained behind. Suddenly, he noticed a familiar figure approaching.

“Oh, Madoka!”

“Madoka? …Oh, it’s you!”

Here was Yashiro, the elementary student he knew, carrying something. She turned upon hearing her name and saw Ash. Blushing, she avoided eye contact.

“Why are you here, Madoka?”

“Gathering seashells,” Madoka replied earnestly. She lifted her rolled-up sleeve to show the beautiful shells she carried.

Ash nodded, taking a coin from his pocket and tossing it toward her shells.

“Buy me a coke.”

“Huh—you want me to run errands?!”

Another coin landed in her hand.

“You should get one for yourself too.”

“Hmph… Alright then, don’t complain about the wait!”

With her errand fee, Madoka placed her collected treasure with Ash and instructed him to watch over them before skipping away to buy drinks from a vending machine nearby.

As Ash removed his glasses, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and nearly dozing off to the girls’ laughter, another voice snapped him back.

“Mr. Ash?”

“Ah, it’s you again.”

Sitting beside Ash was Ai, looking purposeful.

“Won’t you join everyone else? This is a rare moment.”

Recalling the last time playing beach games, Ash felt nostalgic about the old days with Jinras and Junlan, although he felt sad over Hirovaldo’s absence.

“No interest.”

Lazing around was more amusing than getting involved.

“A shame.” Ai sat in another lounge chair next to Ash, closing the distance slightly.

She continued for her own purposes. “Mr. Ash, given our strong bond, shouldn’t we try being friends?”

“Not likely.”

More interesting to relax.

“Well.” Ai moved closer to Ash. “Since we’re good enough, can we be friends?”

“Ash, why though?”

“Ash?”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Ha!” Ash chuckled at her sudden Kansai accent. Seeing his smile, Ai couldn’t help but laugh. “If anything, it’s because you’re the type to forget old friends once you make new ones, isn’t that true?”

“Too far, Ash!”

“No, it’s not me talking.” Ash glanced at the blue-haired girl walking by the beach. Sensing his gaze, Rikka smiled and waved.

“That came from Rikka.”

“Heavy blow!” A heavy-hearted Ai, struck by Rikka’s words, frowned intensely.

“Don’t think someone like me would settle for just any friend—only those truly special.”

Special—could it be… Ash is hinting at me?!

These thoughts heated her cheeks.

“These feelings are too early. As president, I must set a good example. No early romances!”

“What?”

Puzzled—I never thought such things.