Chapter 502

The Thirteenth Complex Gaze

Without a doubt, Ash likes heroes. He occasionally becomes an obstacle, sometimes a partner, but never hinders them from pursuing their own path.

However, throughout his journey, Ash also understood one thing.

Not every story is about a “hero.” There are stories that do not require a hero.

At least now, he cares more about the four girls angrily staring at him than his own “interest.” For their sake, he’s even willing to become an “evil dragon” if needed…..heh, it’s all your fault, so Heart and Blossom, you can understand me too, right?

Seeing someone brave enough step forward, Ash curled his lips into his signature smile.

Unless… they could surpass their resolve and see what true hope is!

Becoming hope that transcends even this “evil dragon” of his!

“We’re not princesses; we’re Pretty Cures!” Even though she lost her transformation powers because of the person in front of her, Akane stepped forward from behind and stood beside Naoko. “We fought as Pretty Cures not because of the help of fairy tale dwarves but because we chose to. Even without a fairy tale-like story, it doesn’t matter! We still have to protect the people around us and this world!”

“Then, it’s your turn to keep spouting nonsense and doing such outrageous things while acting smugly!” Akane, with her energetic personality, grew increasingly heated until she exploded in anger in front of Ash. “Have you had enough of laughing at us? What exactly does this self-proclaimed dragon intend to do?!”

“If we’re going to say these things, we might as well be clear about it.”

Ignoring Miyuki’s muttering of “It’s your fault for saying incomprehensible things,” Ash pulled out something with his hand, instantly captivating their attention. It was the “cure ornament” obtained from separating it from the Clown Monster inside.

“Ahhh, that cure ornament! That’s Sugar’s item, give it back to me quick, Kururu!”

“No way, Sugar! Don’t act on impulse!” Rihua quickly held onto Sugar, who was about to jump onto Ash’s head. Just as everyone was quite anxious, Ash’s tone suddenly changed, causing them all to focus their shock on him.

“In fact, if you want it, I can return this to you.”

“Eee—then please, return it! That’s what Sugar needs!”

“I’m your enemy, dummy! Don’t bow to your enemies lightly!” Under everyone’s tense gaze, Ash forcefully patted Miyuki’s bowed head in front of him, nearly knocking her to the ground. “Besides, will a bad person comply just because you beg? Be serious; this isn’t a fairytale world.”

“However, if you do need it back, I can certainly return it to you.”

Ash flicked the cure ornament high with his thumb and caught it accurately.

While everyone except Miyuki hadn’t noticed yet, Ash had already covertly observed their battle. Through this, he concluded that they possessed far greater strength than they believed.

Thus, Ash formed a plan: Dark Sword Moondark, a sword capable of reacting with different power swords, would open new paths when dark and different energies intersected. To accomplish his goal, transforming the world into a beautiful and correct one, he needed the actual power of the Pretty Cures to assist him.

“The fate of the world lies in our duel next time.”

“We…”

“We accept!” Miyuki, who initially hesitated, finally agreed to Ash’s challenge. Her eyes then shifted to Ash’s shoes resting on the edge of the table.

“However, before that, Mr. Wang Jian should take his feet off the table!” said Lihua, who looked sternly at Ash. “This posture is not appropriate for any conversation. How would others perceive you? Even if you’re a villain, it’s too disrespectful! Put your feet down!”

“…” The action froze as Ash removed his hands from behind his neck. Initially, he thought you were about to tell him something important…but it’s about this?

“Generally, I don’t care much about what others think. Though.” Despite his words, Ash lowered his feet. “But, if Pretty Cure-sama requests it, I can’t refuse.”

“Don’t mention it, next time I’ll enter through the main door.” With that, Ash laughed at Miyuki’s direction.

“Next time, please don’t enter a lady’s room uninvited.”

“At least knock…” Miyuki added weakly.

“You women are still a bit short of being proper ladies.” Facing the crack newly drawn by the sword, Ash mocked, causing each girl to clench their fists.

“If you’re unwilling to accept it, make me surprised in the next fight.”

“I won’t disappoint you!”

When they confirmed Ash truly left, everyone sighed relief simultaneously. The massive pressure left from previous battles almost suffocated them, but they couldn’t afford to show fear in front of such characters. Even people were sitting on the floor, completely drained.

“Lihua.” Miyuki walked up to where Lihua was, witnessing how her fingers holding the makeup box trembled in force. Clearly, she was also tense but didn’t want to show it.

Noticing this, Miyuki raised her own hand to gaze at the smiling makeup case in her palm, decorated with golden symbols of the fairy kingdom, appearing dull due to the complicated emotions.

“Lihua, are we doing the right thing?”

“Miyuki, I know you don’t want to fight someone like this.” Lihua shook her head; assuming fear, she decided to become stronger and comfort her companion. “But we have no choice now. For us and Sugar, we must defeat him and reclaim the cure ornament and our transformation opportunity!”

“No, I am probably not afraid now.” Closing his eyes, the pitch-black eyes directed towards them remained vivid.

Why did he feel so concerned about those eyes?

“That gaze.” Miyuki, who had never seen such a gaze, instinctively felt something. Like someone enthusiastic about smiling wants to share optimism, Miyuki sensed… sorrow, back then?

“Gaze?” Lihua tilted her head unconsciously and didn’t comprehend.

“When saying goodbye, he was smiling, yet his eyes weren’t smiling at all. Unlike smiles displayed genuinely when pleased. His smile wasn’t for genuine joy!”

His reason for becoming our enemy and enjoying oppressing us… at least for now not.

“That gaze is wrong.”

I don’t understand exactly why.

That gaze is free from sorrow and anxiety, yet seeing it feels the same.

So, even if he’s our enemy now, I wish those eyes wouldn’t be sad anymore.

I wish he could, for a moment,

smile together with us—