Dimensional Descent

Leonel gave Anared one more look before turning away and following Aina.

He realized that he was even more sensitive about Aina compared to how he usually was. Of course, he somewhat understood why this was and inwardly kicked himself. The more he acted like this, the more subconscious Aina would be. He wasn't doing her any favors by being like this.

If others heard Leonel's thoughts, they would realize that he seemed to be far more introspective about himself in relation to Aina than he was about himself alone. It was quite an interesting phenomenon, but Leonel, of course, wouldn't notice this.

Sael led the two away. Somehow, likely through a teleportation pad, they disappeared and reappeared in a hidden room that oversaw the first floor. However, Leonel was certain that no one could see them as though they were standing behind a one-way viewing pan of glass.

Once they reached this point, Leonel subtly put up his guard. This had long since become a habit of his. In truth, if he could have refused Sael's invite, he probably would have.

Unfortunately, the environment only became more constrained over time because Sael didn't speak immediately. In fact, she seemed to be hesitating.

After a while, she somewhat awkwardly puffed out her chest as though gathering her courage.

"… Be honest with me, why have you come here?"

Sael looked right at Leonel, ignoring Aina. In truth, the only reason she had called Aina here was because she hoped that whatever feelings Leonel had for Aina would cause him to go easier on her.

"Uh …"

Leonel stood in confusion before he suddenly 'understood'.

"… I know I'm from Earth but I didn't hear anything about being unallowed to participate because of this. Was I not allowed?"

Sael froze.

What was that supposed to

of Earth before… it's a new world the higher ups are really invested in, but what does that have to do

answer as well. After

Terrain

that the only reason Leonel would ever come to Terrain was because of Aina. And, the only reason Aina

couldn't join the organization behind Brave City, she would

to join

couldn't understand

bad taste in his mouth. Plus, he had just rejected Old Hutch's offer just a few months ago with the excuse that he didn't want to be under someone else's umbrella. If he joined another organization so quickly after this, he would feel

That said…

Leonel looked toward Aina.

to join them?"

Aina blinked before nodding.

smiled. "Then I

that he was only doing so for Aina, yet it also seemed this was enough to firm his resolve to an immovable degree. It sounded like even if Sael tried to reject him now,

a moment

about that? Of course, how could I not think of

herself like a madwoman. She nibbled at her red

is about that then this could either be a great opportunity or a catastrophe… I can't make this decision on my own… Forget it, when the time comes, this will have little to nothing to do with me, anyway. I might as well reap some benefits now and worry about

took a deep

you

Leonel started as they caught two glistening pieces of metal out of the air. When they flipped over their palms, they found that these metal pieces were actually