Chapter 358

Chapter Ninety-One:接待反派BOSS

“What lies on the other side of this sky is a dream.”

“Trusting the continuation of endless future, reaching out with one’s hands.”

Serving as Ayush’s ringtone, the song of a certain popular idol came through, drawing strange looks from others as Ayush answered the call. He felt something was amiss, as it was unusual for someone to call him at this time.

After all, in this world, there were only a few who knew his phone number and had the means to use it.

“Hello, it’s me, um, oh, ah.”

Facing the odd looks, Ayush calmly put away his build phone, changed out of his uniform, and put on his frequently used leather jacket before heading out the door.

“Manager, are you going out now?”

“Oh, I have some things to take care of.”

Ayush replied without looking back. Watching his departing figure, Guki’s worried gaze traveled to the roof.

“Maybe they’ll fight again. Is it really okay to do that?”

“Manager, no matter what your reason is, wouldn’t it be better to care about them?”

This time, it was Lili’s voice trying to hold him back. But Ayush paused slightly, then continued, only adjusting the corners of his mouth into a smile when looking at the girl.

“No, this is their own business, better to let them decide it themselves.”

“But…” Hearing what Ayush said, even Lilith frowned and shot an unapproving look. “What if they actually break up? Aren’t you their supporter?”

“Don’t you say you like the Pretty Cure a lot? Isn’t causing a crisis for them something you want to see? Are you really okay with watching such a thing happen?”

“Lilith, saying that means you don’t understand me enough.”

The indifferent tone in Ayush’s voice carried an inexplicable trust.

“Believe.”

“Believe… What do you mean?”

I can sense the conflict between them has something to do with me, but more than the disturbance caused by my unexpected presence, I firmly believe in their friendship.

“Do you believe in them? I believe in them, you know?”

Leaving behind a nonsensical remark, Ayush waved goodbye and left, leaving behind just a silhouette.

“Really… puzzling.”

Watching the man leave, Tsukikage Lilith furrowed her brows deeply. He could comfort himself wholeheartedly but, after doing something so cruel, he could walk away guiltlessly.

Lilly recalled her months with him and couldn’t help but sigh. Maybe, as he said, she still didn’t fully understand him.

Still, which one is truly you, then?

“Manager Ayush is indeed free-spirited.” Guki, whose palm moved nervously over his knees, sighed sincerely. “It’s just as if…”

Just like Timons.

“Hey! Little Dark, did you miss me!”

Jumping off the shark-shaped skateboard he used as transportation, Ayush spread his arms wide for a hug but was easily avoided by the Dark Pretty Cure.

“Just as cold in greeting as always, unique indeed.”

“This isn’t a greeting,” Dark Pretty Cure responded as usual, though her tone suggested more of a habit rather than a cold rebuttal.

“Look, we’ve worked together many times, right?” Leading Ayush further into unknown areas, she continued, not minding that he kept talking. “So, in tradition, we should form a team. How about we name ourselves the ‘[Evil Duo]’?”

“Please don’t classify me in your funny group; I don’t remember establishing any natural relationship.”

“Ha-ha, you’re right like you said, our friendship doesn’t need to be repeatedly stated in bad taste!”

“Rocket Head is right—friendship is formed through the unnoticed interactions!”

Predictably, Ayush’s monologue met with a glare from Dark Pretty Cure.

“Timons.” Calling out Ayush’s name among the Desert Apostles, Dark Pretty Cure suddenly halted, her single gray eye locking onto his half-concealed mask face while he detected a flicker of worry in her usually cold demeanor.

“Timons… Be careful later on.”

“…..What?” After a moment of silence, Ayush quickly resumed his playful and teasing manner. “Didn’t expect you’d care, oh Timons, grateful!”

“I’m serious!” Seeing Ayush exaggerate, Dark Pretty Cure intensified her tone. “I don’t plan on joking around with you, you—!”

“I’m also serious.” Ayush’s preemptive response stopped her words mid-sentence. “In fact, whatever I’ve done until now, I’ve been serious.”

His words left Dark Pretty Cure standing in place, stunned. Without experience in human relationships, her only thought process was instinctual. But upon combining his words with actions including ‘dates’, she realized there was something odd yet significant in her instincts.

“I’m glad you care, but don’t worry. Normally, I won’t fall easily until the last lesson.”

“Timons—what exactly do you want from me?”

Facing Dark Pretty Cure’s inquiries from behind, Ayush turned his head, returning a heartless smile to the girl, not concealed by the mask.

“Little Dark, Dark Pretty Cure, you’ve always followed others’ commands, fighting for Shabak and the Desert Apostles.”

“Now, why not think for yourself? This might be a rare opportunity to stand from your perspective, a valuable experience. Hah!”

Without waiting for a reply, Ayush laughed heartily and stepped into the Desert Apostle’s main control room for the first time.

“Huh… surprisingly advanced technology.”

Gazing at the mechanical console and large overhead monitor in the room, Ayush genuinely marveled.

No wonder it’s a base for alien invaders; true to form, black technology. Pity there’s no like Space Police force or anything in this world, can’t play my fishing-for-truth tricks then.

“Timons.” Dr. Shabak, wearing a steel mask, approached Ayush, who was unsurprised as it was his call that got him out here.

“Hello, Shabak, your complexion looks good today.”

Ignoring Ayush’s jibes, Shabak looked at the person bowing respectfully to him and conveyed orders without any emotion.

“Lord Doon wants to meet you.”

On Shabak’s steel mask, reflected was Ayush’s sly grin.