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.

was

new world the higher ups are really invested in, but what does that have to do with this

quite invested in Sael's answer as well. After all, she was from Earth

a ticket to Terrain in the first place was because she

the only reason Aina was sent to Terrain by Leonel in

City, she would

want to join us?"

understand what Sael was getting

one he had to this point had left a 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.

That said…

Leonel looked toward Aina.

want to join them?"

Aina blinked before nodding.

smiled. "Then I do

reply was simple but it held quite some sharpness to it. It was very obvious 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, he would fight her

was stunned for a moment before her eyes

Of course, how could I not think of

mumbling to herself like a madwoman. She nibbled at her red lips, lost in

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

took a

you

started as they caught two glistening pieces of metal out of the air. When they flipped