Chapter 440

The One Hundred Seventy-Fifth: Unspoken Love

“Click.”

The red visor on the right side of the Knight cracked and then shattered into pieces, revealing the closed eyes of a man inside.

If not for the energy field-like barrier constantly maintaining protection around Him, the actions of the gigantic goddess-like figure would have caused calamities akin to natural disasters.

As an enemy, enduring a punch that could demolish mountains left Ash surprised that he was still alive, or perhaps he had evolved to a point where thinking was still possible even when his body was as fragmented as minced meat?

“Am I not dead?”

After taking off the belt and transforming back to his original form, Ash opened his eyes in confusion, frantically patting himself, only to find no loss at all. Not only that, there wasn’t any pain or side effect, leaving him feeling strangely relieved as if healed entirely.

“Is this a reward from the Heart Tree? No, more than that, the discomfort from my body functions deteriorating after replenishing energy should have subsided now?” Evidence of this was seen in how the thing that had been constantly bouncing around inside him since the energy was replenished had now calmed down.

Ash was amazed to discover that, despite being hit, his internal state had improved significantly. “Has anything similar happened before?”

[Yes, but…] As Ash saw his screen display many ellipses, as if hiding some forgotten story. [It’s too late in this world; wait for the next opportunity, Ash.]

“So, what exactly do you mean?”

Without a response, the system’s interface dispersed before Ash could even grab hold of it. Having just experienced a thrilling battle and witnessed their growth, Ash felt a bit bewildered by the system’s cryptic behavior.

After gently placing Ash in front of the other four girls, the goddess formed by miraculous light dissolved with a mysterious and serene smile.

Facing four determined girls now looking straight at him as if they had something important to say, the pressure they exerted was greater than facing four final bosses.

Feeling rather awkward, almost embarrassing enough to want to dig out another set of Nasta’s café with his toenails.

In any case, he had been caught… Clucking, when had he ever felt so embarrassed? He couldn’t remember, it was indeed too embarrassing.

However, they now possessed ultimate power worthy of legendary warriors, which allowed him to see the miracle he had dreamed of… Although he had reached his goal, is this really his success?

Thinking that geniuses don’t always lead others, Ash somehow felt slightly comforted.

“Hey.” After much thought, Ash decided not to respond. “Well done, as expected of the legendary warrior you’re meant to be. Seems like my hasty cultivation efforts have yielded fruit; your flower is blooming quite vigorously… Hmm?”

Before he could finish, Ash felt a soft embrace tighten around his chest. It was the girls who had already hugged him tightly. Four familiar colors against his body, and the sound of sniffles from their hurried breathing, along with the gentle pounding of small fists.

“Fool, fool, fool—fool!” Erika’s fist hammered relentlessly against Ash’s chest, making his blood rush to his head. “Because of this, because of this!”

“Mr. Ash, Manager,” Rei removed her glasses, her bright pink eyes no longer shyly avoiding him. “You don’t need to answer quickly…”

But I’ll be waiting for it.

“Fine!” Wu-ki’s gaze conveyed questioning. “Are you satisfied now?”

“If… if… if you were still the manager…”

Winding her arms around Ash’s back, as if afraid he might leave again, Lily buried her face deeply into his chest.

“Do you still doubt me?”

“No, I just want, just wish for your one-hundred percent trust.”

Placing their hands over his heart, even though health didn’t quite return, at least his heart still beat.

“Is this enough?”

Just as a warm atmosphere began to settle in, a black light struck, sending the girls sprawling. The Dark Pretty Cure, nearly protectively, shielded Ash.

“Little Dark…”

“Don’t call me that name!”

Her previously calm face now twisted with anger, as if she wanted to reclaim something most precious taken away. Her voice choked with struggle. “Didn’t you say you needed me by your side? I followed your instructions, but you lied to me, didn’t you!”

“I’m not lying, Little Dark.”

Trying to touch her, yet repelled by the girl acting like a spiky hedgehog. “But, you aren’t alone in this; they are as important to me as you are.”

Despite knowing Little Dark’s deep-seated anger toward Lily, Ash tried anyway.

Facing Pretty Cures rolling in rage, the turmoil mixed with grief made seeing Ash only worse.

“Not necessary!” Little Dark screamed wildly, her voice like an animal’s. “What concerns Pretty Cures does not matter as long as I, Dark Pretty Cure, am here!”

“Haven’t you… also learned to say such things?”

“I don’t know—” Little Dark’s voice filled with sorrow, though Ash felt her miserable demeanor. “Love or such nonsense has never been taught to me by Dr. Shabak!”

What is love… I don’t understand what love means. How can enemies fight for love?

But if you insist, if you believe I must give you my answer… For the first time as friends, the first date, the first gift received, up until the happy feelings outweighing dissatisfaction when we spend time together, which is why I felt extremely happy when you said those things to me.

The Little Dark once living solely for commands, wanting nothing more than to defeat Pretty Cures has already changed, didn’t you realize this!

“It’s your fault! All your fault!”

In public, Little Dark unexpectedly scolded Ash with laughter.

From initial disdain to her heart increasingly agitated by you, it is perhaps what I couldn’t articulate—that kind of love.

Therefore, giving you to someone else—the choice that pains me—is never within my mind.

To you, I am only one of many; however, to me, you are my only one!

“Have you the right to decide such matters?”

While Pretty Cures rose slowly, each reaching for their transformation devices to regain control, a staggered figure joined them, causing chaos.

“Ash, what are you doing again? Indeed, your very presence is too dangerous for Dark Pretty Cure!”

Inconsistently steady, but Shabak ran from headquarters, hand holding his head while aiming for Ash, accumulating dangerous energy.

“Sha-Shabak!”

Dark Pretty Cure’s alarmed shout identified the newcomer. The sight of Shabak aiming for Ash made her even more frantic.

Subconsciously blocking between Ash and Shabak, unsure whom to aid, Dark Pretty Cure’s mind overloaded, paralyzed with indecision.

“What—what’s going on?”

Not only Little Dark, but even Rei struggled to comprehend the scene, too bewildering to consider transformations except for Tsukikage Lily.

“Dark Pretty Cure, you are misled by that man. But don’t worry, I will correct you later. Now, step aside!”

I must give this two-faced double-crosser a lesson they never forget!

“But!” Determined, Dark Pretty Cure shouted aloud. “I believe I’m not the one in error.”

For the first time, Dark Pretty Cure opposed the guidance of her creator, Shabak.

“What? For a man…”

Similarly, Shabak was equally shocked by this unprecedented defiance.

“Thank you, Little Dark.”

Even I felt moved.

As the situation turned strange, a gloved hand from behind placed itself on Little Dark’s shoulder. Calmly, Ash pulled her aside, facing the problematic Shabak.

“But I haven’t sunk to letting women take bullets for me.”

…