Since the tournament has concluded, we decide as a group to visit the girls and congratulate them on their victories.

Actually, Reginald likely brought up the idea specifically to catch a glance at his new crush, but he played it like it was for our group as a whole. Aaron and Nathan tagged along, probably to see Nerah, and Jackson simply followed along with Reginald.

I don't mind at all. I want to see Sylvia and Lyra anyway to congratulate them. I also mean to speak to Tessa about her brutality on her poor opponent.

On the way, I overhear a conversation between two participants in the tournament on how death had felt. The one who had actually died claimed that he couldn't remember anything involving the death, describing it as similar to a nap. That intrigued me a bit.

"Raine…" Nyx nervously speaks from beside me.

"Hmm?" I turn my attention toward her as we're walking, "What's the problem?"

She fidgets a bit, her eyes darting back and forth, "I-uh, I'm not feeling too good. I should probably go back to our room."

I tilt my head in thought.

Could she have been overworking herself during the tournament? She did pull that all-nighter with me before her battle, perhaps that's the case? However, the immortality field cast around the ring should have rejuvenated her completely, so I doubt that's the case.

I lean in closer to her face and place my hand on her forehead.

Nyx pauses for a moment, staring blankly at my hand. After a second or realization, her face immediately flushes bright red and she pulls away in surprise.

"W-what was that for?" She exclaims while bringing her hand up to her forehead.

"You said you weren't feeling well, so I thought you might have a fever," I explain in reply.

"N-no, that's not it…" She looks down for a moment.

"You're nervous about something?" I pry with an inquisitive expression, "Or someone…"

Nyx looks away with a sheepish expression. I could tell that something was bothering her the moment we decided to visit the girls, yet she still came with us. Well, she's trying to back out now though, but at least she made an effort to come with us.

"I-I don't want to admit it, but Tessa makes me nervous…" Nyx lets out in a hushed tone, "She's scary."

"I see," I nod in understanding.

Indeed, Tessa is quite the handful to be around, having read the entirety of the novel I understand completely. She's rash, hot-headed, violent, and all around a crazy person. If I had a choice in a romance option, it would certainly never be her.

To begin with, she was violent toward Aaron and the other members of his harem, much to my dismay. She was also a tsundere type character, which made her actions even more annoying because she never actually confesses to Aaron, she just plays dumbass little games.

I reach out and put my hand on Nyx's shoulder and try my best to give her a reassuring smile, "It's alright Nyx. There's nothing to be afraid of. Even if she does try anything, I'll protect you."

She looks up with a surprised expression, and a small smile slowly forms on her mouth, "Thank you, Raine."

We arrive near the door to the girls locker room to find girls funneling out through the door in groups.

Reginald notices Analisse exiting, however, she leaves together with a group of Azure girls so he decides against approaching.

Analisse notices him and her eyes widen slightly, her cheeks reddening a bit before she averts her eyes and waves with a little smile before leaving. This small action alone was enough to cause a big grin to appear on Reginalds face.

"Did you see that?" Reginald whispers over to Jackson, "She waved at me!"

Jackson rolls his eyes with a smile as he pats Reginald on his shoulder.

We notice our group of five girls walking out. Tessa walks out first, followed by Lyra and Nerah. Finally, Sylvia and Jeanne exit together.

When they notice us, they wave and begin making their way toward where we're at.

"Congratulations on your victories." I step out in front, flashing a smile.

"Yeah, great job guys," Nathan also chimes in from behind me.

Lyra lets slip a nervous expression when she sees me, but it's almost immediately overtaken by a bright smile, "Hey guys! Nice work out there."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Yes," Sylvia nods at Lyra's words, "You all did great."

"Cept those two!" Tessa exclaims with a pouty expression while pointing at me and Aaron, "They didn't even have to fight!"

In response, I playfully raise my hands in defense and Aaron averts his eyes with a small grin.

"Tessa, it's not their fault," Sylvia responds from beside Jeanne, "The program simply recognized that the two of them already have sufficient ability."

"Hmph," Tessa looks away while pouting, "Still, it's not fair."

I roll my eyes at her words. How ironic for her to be talking about 'unfair' after what she just did to her opponent. Speaking of which, I didn't see her opponent exiting the lockers, perhaps she's still inside?

I turn my attention to Lyra, who seems to be lost in thought as the group begins talking about their battles.

"Hey, Lyra," I take the moment to speak with her, "I see you mastered your geas pretty quickly."

"Eh?" Lyra quickly snaps back to reality at my words, wearing a flustered expression, "Oh, right! Yeah, I guess it just came naturally hehe."

I observe her facial expressions while she speaks. I guess that confirms my suspicions, she definitely has the 'Weapon Mastery' skill. But I wonder why she's so hesitant to tell me about it.

"I-I uh, sorry Raine, I'm not feeling that great right now," Lyra gives a nervous smile while putting her hand to her forehead, "I think I'll head back to my room."

"Oh, alright." I reply dejectedly, "Um, hope you get better…"

She nods with a sad smile and turns away to leave.

I wonder what that was about? She couldn't have been tired, could she? She hardly did anything in her fight, although she could've had a long night…

"Raine." Sylvia calls me over to chat, seeing as she had nobody else she was talking to.

"Hey Slyvia," I give her a warm smile, "you looked great out there."

"Thank you," She replies with a smile as well, "What happened with you and Lyra?"

"Ah, I have no idea."

Lyra's behavior was really surprising to be honest. I didn't expect her to be so shaken after her match. Although I am concerned about her, there's nothing I can do at the moment other than hope she's alright.

"It's fine," Sylvia shrugs nonchalantly, "We live in the same dorm, so I should be able to ask her later."

"Oh?"

How interesting, those two are in the same dorm. I wonder if they're getting along well. It doesn't seem like their personalities would mix very well.

From what I've seen, Lyra has a more extroverted personality in contrast to Sylvia's cold and distant personality I always see. However, maybe they'll find something to bond over. They seem like a great pair anyways.

"You seem concerned Raine, don't be." Sylvia tilts her head and looks into my eyes.

She read me like a book. But how can I not be concerned? One of the people from my group is unwell and I don't know the reason.

"Fine," I sigh, "I'll drop it for now."

"Good," Sylvia flashes a relieved smile, "Please, let me know if something is a bother for you in the future. I'll be here for you."

"Thanks, Sylvia," I nod at her words with a smile. It's nice for someone else to have my back.

"Hey, do you guys want to check that cafeteria that the pamphlets told about in celebration?" Reginald suggests.

Hmm…

So that's what Analisse must've signed to him. How cute.

I look around at the rest of the group nodding in agreement, including Sylvia. However, I take the moment to speak up.

"Ah, sorry guys. I have something to do. I'll meet you there."

The rest of the group flash equally confused glances to each other, but after some reassurance from me, they all nod in agreement and begin to leave.

"Take care of it quickly, alright?" Aaron speaks before leaving, and Nyx nods in agreement.

"Yes, don't take too long." Sylvia says before leaving with the rest of the group.

I nod and wave the group off.

I wait for a moment until they finally disappear from sight before turning around and heading toward the girls locker room.