Chapter 429

Episode 164 – A Date for Just the Two of Them

“Lei, you live in a gentle world, truly gentle — even though I have experienced countless worlds, there are few that can be compared to it. Almost everyone here genuinely understands each other, just like you… it makes one feel at ease.”

Ash spoke in a tone uncharacteristic of himself, with profound intent.

“However, precisely because of this gentleness, humans in this world can maintain their kindness and determination even when faced with evil. But they lack the rebellious spirit of human nature, which is why I said you can’t escape from being slowly submerged by the warm water of Qijiera.”

Otherwise, the people of this world wouldn’t have fallen so quickly.

The origin of Ash was very mysterious. Before Eddie came out and exposed his identity, as a living example of a time traveler, people had speculated that Ash might actually be a traveler from another world, and that’s why he seemed somewhat out of place in some ways.

Receiving confirmation from Ash himself was shocking, but Lei understood many things in an instant, with many questions answered.

“However, in that case!” Lei couldn’t help but speak up excitedly after gaining her answer. “So you’re just judging our way of life based on your own standards?”

This kind of thing would be too strange if it were only about personal interests in a selfish world!

The motorcycle swerved through the streets filled with people lying in all directions, heading towards a direction familiar to the girl when she goes to school.

“Is it the triumph of naive miracles over a terrible reality, or the tedious desires breaking dreams once more? Who is right between us? Let me see this — this is your mission, isn’t it?”

For something like this…

“Do you mean to say that humans can’t surpass their fate?!”

In front of Mingtang Private Academy, Ash performed a skidding drifting move nearly throwing Lei off. The black eyes under which the suppressed feelings regressed, turning the man’s gaze once again into a piercing, invasive one, directly facing Lei’s cherry-colored eyes.

“The decision always lies with yourself.”

“I—!”

Lei looked like she wanted to speak more, but Ash’s big hand landed on her head, causing her to sob quietly under his rough handling.

“But the answer should wait until you really understand it.”

“Okay, let’s end this. It’s a date today, don’t mention any depressing things for now.”

The expression on his face switched quickly from serious to a mischievous grin; without giving her any choice, he pulled Lei’s hand and rushed into the grand opening of the academy together.

“Seriously! Your thought pattern is too bizarre!”

Just moments ago, they were discussing the life or death of humanity and the conflict of hearts and wills from different worlds in a serious topic. Now, he was dragging her into a nonsensical “date.”

Her neatly groomed hairstyle was disheveled by Ash, and she hurriedly adjusted her glasses, following closely to avoid being dragged down by her exuberant companion.

At this moment, Lei realized that their palms had been touching, and the warmth on her cheeks grew. However, despite wanting to break free or verbally protest, Ash showed no signs of releasing her.

Under such circumstances, she could never enjoy this long-awaited “date,” but now, thanks to Ash, she didn’t feel tense at all.

“Hold on, hold on! We should go this way…”

Before Lei could finish, Ash interrupted her attempt at being a tour guide with practiced action, “No need. When Timons was around, he often climbed over to play with Wuki; I’m pretty familiar with the path.”

“… ”

Lei thought of a lot. She recalled Erika’s natural interactions with the manager, Wuki’s familiarity with Timons, and Lily receiving the most attention.

Wait, so in fact, am I the last and latest one?

Female dissatisfaction seeped through Lei with an acidic flavor.

Then Lei remembered how she had imagined dates with Ash numerous times in the past, even in those days when he was just the manager, and there wasn’t even a hint of anything. Now, as enemies, it seemed to proceed naturally and smoothly.

Her original sour feelings gradually turned into a melancholic loneliness.

“What kind of date is this under such circumstances…”

Lei decided to discard her inner turmoil and embrace this absurd date since she couldn’t oppose it.

“Mmm… indeed, the festive atmosphere is quite thick.”

Days before the school began preparations, students spontaneously organized and posted promotional banners. Traditional booths selling food and games were set up everywhere, and balloons representing the festival floated high in the air.

Yet, the lively atmosphere remained silent; it was only natural, as both students and teachers were asleep due to Qijiera’s effects, finding comfortable positions and relaxing deeply.

But looking at their faces, they might be having wonderful festivals in their dreams.

“Oh, what’s this?”

Entering a certain classroom, Ash stumbled upon something that caught his interest. Inside, he discovered female students wearing the battle attire Lei transformed into, revealing this as cosplay. To his surprise, there was also someone cosplaying him in cardboard armor.

Hmm, judging by the posture, he seems to be playing the role of the beaten villain.

Flipping through some student notes left on the bulletin board, Ash unexpectedly found his popularity was surprisingly high in the boys’ discussion range.

“Mr. Ash, this is evidence of you being accepted in this world.”

“Maybe so.”

As if unaffected by Lei’s subtle hints, Ash slowly slid his hand off the note and shifted his focus to something else.

What piqued Ash’s interest even more was a small pamphlet next to a male student. Upon flipping it, he found it contained doujinshi of Pretty Cure, his character appearing in it as well. Seeing Tsimons taunting Pretty Cures only to get beaten, Ash nodded in recognition.

Mm, my cool appearance in the drawings was well reproduced. Although it’s doujinshi, it doesn’t feel OOC at all; good job, he thought.

“I’ll take this.” Without a hint of shame, Ash placed the doujinshi in the inventory; Lei tried to stop him, but it was too late.

“Wait, wait! Money, Mr. Ash needs to pay money!”

Grabs the little wallet to place some money next to the sleeping student, Lei obediently followed Ash’s lead, enjoying this date with him.