Chapter 139

Thirty-Third Chapter – Ai Aida Who Refuses to Give Up

LovelyForceArrow penetrated through the Great Adventure, its momentum not dissipating, slicing through the sky like a rainbow that struck the veil of the dark domain, shattering with a crisp sound that broke through the darkness entirely.

As the dark domain was shattered, the forced teleportation effect also lost its efficacy; everyone’s vision flashed, and the familiar surroundings they came from returned to their sight once again.

“Qbi~!”

The infant Ai-chan flung herself into Ai’s arms. Everyone had vanished during an unpleasant fluctuation just moments ago. Flying around for so long but unable to find anyone, she nearly cried out.

“It’s okay, I’m here.”

Gently patting the child’s back, Ai Aida quickly activated her nurturing “Mother” mode as she hugged Ai-chan.

“To some extent, you’re even more impressive than some adults.”

Quickly transitioning out of battle mode without being affected, she seamlessly switched to another state. Even someone as experienced as Ash couldn’t help but marvel at her mental resilience.

One could say she’s really the one who told him he would change, right?

Though that transformation isn’t going to happen.

“Oh, disappear.”

Hearing Arisu’s voice, the Pretty Cures turned to look at themselves—those lights that boosted them to their peak were now dispersing in the air.

It seems these unseen powers were merely temporary; reliance on others does not ensure longevity. True strength can only be attained through one’s own efforts.

“There’s no problem, I believe we will become much stronger than this in the future!”

She didn’t feel sorry about losing power but was inspired by possibilities for improvement, setting a goal to strive for. That’s just how Ai Aida is.

“Where do you get your confidence from?”

The habitual joker among the group, Rikka turned serious upon seeing Ai turn her attention to Regina, reflecting on the light that earlier came from Ash and his ambiguous stance, she too felt doubt toward him.

He surely wasn’t good, yet he seemed approachable despite being a bad guy…

Right, he knows about the Princess! But in the end, that战队 beat me in their deal.

Reluctantly, Makoto tightened her lips, then, facing the still smiling man, she resolved herself.

Unlike the rest pondering over Ash, Yotsuba Arisu meticulously recalled the information they exchanged previously.

“Is the reason for joining the Selfish Organization due to Regina’s generous contributions?”

Regina seemed to have escaped Ash’s grasp. Seeing her face flush due to being caught looking, Arisu calmly observed Ash pretending not to see Regina’s desperation while stroking the Princess’s golden hair.

An idea sprang to mind.

On the other side, finally breaking free from Ash’s hold, a blushing Regina slapped away his hand and, with a false sense of authority, shouted at him.

“How dare you, don’t you know girls hate having their heads touched? Don’t do that anymore!”

“Yes, yes, I remember.”

Seeing Ash paused his actions, Regina finally relaxed. Being held by others and having their heads rubbed just wouldn’t feel right!

“Ahem!” Ending the playful exchange, clearing her throat, Regina faced the Pretty Cures. “This time you won, but it doesn’t end here. Next time—”

Next time, I’ll win!

“However, Regina, Mr. Ash, did you see?”

Despite suffering quite a bit in the battle against Ashley’s Great Adventure, Ai showed no grudge. Wiping dust off her face, she walked towards them slowly.

“This power, something originally out of reach for Pretty Cures, but when true friends’ hearts unite, such miracles emerge; therefore—”

“Please become my true friend!”

The girl sincerely reached out to them again, and the other three behind her cast determined gazes without hesitation.

No one, however, responded to her call.

“What’s this, unreasonable!”

Unwilling to show her concern outwardly, Regina slightly panicked, turning her back. Yet hearing Ai’s words made her reflect on the girls shining radiantly before.

If becoming true friends allows such acts, can it truly bring happiness?

I’m confused, nobody taught me!

“I’m done with her, Ash, go back soon.”

“Was I too nice to her?”

Leaving instantly, Regina returned to base. Unable to teleport, Ash scratched his head, contemplating whether he had been too indulgent lately—enough money earned, too many pleasantries.

But he honestly admitted: this wasn’t unpleasant.

Yet for now, another matter demanded his attention—responding to Ai’s words, facing those innocent, unwavering eyes of the young girls.

His resolve faltered under their earnest gaze since honesty was impossible to resist.

Earlier, good or bad, he just fought his way through. Now, facing such straightforward appeal, he found it hard.

Just like after mending things, a period of “not interested” follows for the wise. After the intense group and giant battles, he wasn’t ready for fighting anymore.

Maybe tomorrow?

“Yare yare, if I refuse, will you give up?”

“No, I won’t give up, no matter how many times!”

Now, Ash felt more troubled.

“Miyana is such a person; now, Mr. Ash understands, right?”

Arisu, sensing Ash’s inner struggle, gently explained Miyana’s situation, though Ash still wasn’t persuaded much.

“Exactly because I understand, it feels difficult. So let’s put it this way.”

It’s your decision whom you want to save in your world, irrelevant to me, so don’t involve me.

Ash hates being tied down. He can be an enemy or ally, speak harshly, or kindly. Yet, he doesn’t believe in becoming true friends.

And, this kind of rogue doesn’t need redemption.

Throwing out the frequently used Diego Swift Motorcycle, Ash wiped his hand on his black vest, instantly turning cold.

“I don’t need your pity or rescue, abandon that idea and make friends with your peers; I’m neither guest nor match.”

How many worlds have I traveled, how many deaths have I faced collecting Dark Echoes?

Unless constantly traveling, there’s no chance to meet again, hence I don’t need friends.

That’s how I walked, right? Anything wrong with that?

“Nobody lives alone, precisely because you say you don’t need it, I want to make friends with you more!”

“Don’t think you understand everything!”

Hearing Ai’s words stirred unsettling feelings into immediate frustration.

Ash burned up wordlessly.