Chapter 24

Extra Case File 24 Flame’s Declaration to the Flower

“Clang—!”

In the clash of sharp blades, the shrill ringing and explosive sparks erupted once again. Under his helmet, Ash’s smile widened with each pulse he felt, knowing his life was still in check.

Himizuki, hidden in the bushes, gently pulled at the sleeves of her two unusually subdued friends. Her gaze was fixed intently on the battlefield that raged without pause.

Timefire stood like a mountain, striking like fire. Even without his terrifying mechanical dinosaur, the Red Warrior’s combat skills were enough to terrify them. Each slash, punch, or kick seemed capable of shattering everything, including their lives.

Until now, they realized how lenient Timefire had been.

Facing such a formidable assault, the familiar CureYell held fast against the storm, her figure fading among the blazing swords. She reappeared behind him, delivering a slide tackle with the dazzling “Tomorrow Energy,” slapping the Man from behind.

Yell kept pushing; Yell kept delivering power!

“Indeed worthy of being our guardian deity, CureYell!” Himizuki embraced her admiration as she crossed her arms. “Too bad Forehead Flowers aren’t here; I’d love for her to see Yell-san in action!”

“Did Yell-san save us?”

“Her hand… Could it be…”

Yell’s friend Yu frowned in confusion, but the others were invigorated—trusting CureYell for eight years, who needed more reassurance?

Not only them, but as people emerged from shelters after the Final Monster disintegrated and dissipated, they were shocked to witness their battle.

The majority of people didn’t hesitate to support Yell.

“Keep going, CureYell!”

“Don’t let that bullying red scoundrel underestimate you!”

“We’re always behind you, YELL! Truly, only you are the true hero!”

“Heh, CureYell uses retreat as advance, sending that red scoundrel flying!”

“Yaey, long live CureYell!”

Occasionally, Timefire’s supporters chimed in the crowd.

“Rubbish, how could CureYell push Timefire back? He controlled him last time!”

“Great Timefire! I’m your fan. Keep it up, this city needs you!”

But before Ash could speak, Yell moved in quick, blocking his view.

This woman… trying to protect commoners? It’s supposed to be our one-on-one fight… why all this extra interference!

“CureYell, what do you fight for!”

As their swords separated, Ash faced everyone, extending his arms toward Yell as if to embrace her.

Ash was unfazed. He chose another form of confrontation.

“Is it for everyone’s expectations? For the world’s beauty? ” Facing Ash’s emotional words, the girl lowered her spine slightly, swallowing hard. She gripped her slick sword handle tighter. “To protect the most important person? For justice and survival? Or… because you want to play the role of a savior?”

“You’ve done it for eight years already! There isn’t anyone better suited!”

“I don’t know…”

“Ha—” Not expecting such a gentle reply, Ash’s words faltered. Was he hearing wrong? Yell continued, unperturbed.

“I don’t know!” Yell’s resolve wasn’t shaken. In fact, her eyes reflected the lion within, as she countered Ash. “When I first got this power, I asked why me? There are plenty more suitable candidates with more talent than me. But I understood gradually!”

“It was not the power that chose me… It was I who needed it!”

Sometimes, after defeating the Final Monster, I think perhaps I’m closer to the mature big sister I admire.

Facing Ash, who hesitated to speak, Yell and Wild Flower declared loudly, “I fight not because of these reasons, just because I choose to. Whether for protecting the world or the important ones, that’s it.”

Not for gain; not for anticipation!

“Think me selfish, mock me an idiot! I believe I can do what others can’t—must do!”

Wild Flower’s sincere declaration echoed throughout the sky, witnessed by the astonished crowd and the dissipating mechanical dinosaur. Ash slowly lifted his head. Then came applause and open-mouthed laughter.

“This is a reason… hahahaha!” Ash clapped repeatedly, slapping himself on the face.

“Sorry, sorry. Not to mock you, how could I call you an idiot, but really—hahahaha!”

Amid the hearty laughter, Wild Flower speculated whether Ash had gone mad, but then heard Ash declare oddly.

“I truly—”

“Find myself liking you more and more!”

“What!”

A sweatdrop rolled down the woman’s forehead.

What was this? With such provocative words, I didn’t feel any malice?

Could this… be genuine?

Flower’s stitched wounds reopened due to combat. Holding up a nearly drained arm, she pointed tremblingly at Ash’s nose with the Melody Sword.

“Who are you? Why do you fight?”

“Again, I am Timefire.” Ash swept his DV Guardian, sheathed it, and bowed elegantly, withdrawing his hand back to his chest. “A man enchanted by your beautiful visage.”

“My fighting goal.”

Facing Wild Flower’s flushed face, Ash raised both middle fingers, gesturing at her together.

“Of course, you! My love!”