Nobody said a word. They just stared at Sato's attempt at a sword.
This is interesting… Everything went smoothly at first, and then a spark of black mana erupted, taking control of the process and ruining the weapon.
Irina analyzed the failure silently, without commenting.
"Is it normal to end up like this?" Sato asked, raising the ruined sword slightly to show Killa.
Killa inspected it for a second, but even she was baffled.
"I haven't seen anything like this until now… Try to make it again."
As Killa suggested, Sato tried again… and again… and again. He attempted it numerous times, but each effort ended the same way. The handle would come out perfect, but the moment the blade began to form, the black mana would erupt.
"Strange…" Killa muttered, raising a hand to her chin. "Irina, do you have any ideas?"
"Hmm… why do you ask me? I already told you that I am not planning to help him," Irina replied with an evenly cold tone.
"Figures. I should have known you'd be useless."
But what could it be… Does it have something to do with that rose…? I am not sure.
Killa pondered as she watched Sato prepare for another attempt.
"Alright, that's enough."
Due to the massive amount of mana Sato spent on each attempt, sweat had formed on his forehead, and his breathing had become heavy and ragged.
"B-But, I can still…" He struggled to speak.
"Sato!"
His vision blurred. He blinked once, seeing the room tilt, but it wasn't the room—his legs had gone completely numb, and he was about to meet the floor.
Luckily, Killa caught him before he could crash down.
"You spent too much mana. You need to be careful with things like this, you know?"
"I guess I just got impatient," he whispered, weakened.
With Killa's help, he sat down on the bed, trying to recover.
"I am not sure yet what caused that interference, but I'm going to think of a solution. Until then, I should go. I have some things to do."
"Alright. I will walk you to the door."
Standing up from the bed, it took Sato a moment to find his balance, but he managed to walk Killa to the exit. Meanwhile, Irina remained on the couch, munching on snacks without showing any intention of saying goodbye.
"It has been fun," Killa said from the doorway, ready to leave.
"I am happy you liked it. You can pass by any time."
"Heh. You can bet I'm gonna pass by more often. I am still waiting for an answer to that question," Killa said with a mischievous smile.
"That question…"
For a second, he paused to think, until the memory hit him. 'Do you like what you see?' Her voice resounded in his head.
"That question," he repeated, but this time his cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
"I'll be waiting," she teased as she waved goodbye. "Also, keep trying to make that weapon. I am sure you will succeed in the end."
She was already walking down the hallway.
Geez, this girl... what am I gonna do with her?
He closed the door behind him.
She sure is nice, though.
Outside the apartment building, on the street, Killa stretched her arms, closing her eyes for a moment.
"Such a nice day."
Click.
The sound of a camera shutter caught her attention.
"Marvelous, Mademoiselle Killa! This smile is just marvelous!"
Further down the street, Trickster made his way toward her, holding an old vintage camera. A fresh photo was already sliding out of it.
"Trickster? What are you doing here?" She asked, her posture still relaxed, though she was confused by his presence.
"Just immortalizing this moment, Mademoiselle, don't mind me. I just happened to pass by and saw a flower in full bloom."
"Is that so? You really know how to talk. You know what? It just so happens I see a beautiful flower as well."
"Hmm?" Trickster tilted his head slightly, hiding his eyes behind the brim of his top hat.
"So I was wondering..." Killa's demeanor changed instantly. Her relaxed posture vanished, replaced by a sharp, predatory focus. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"What is the deal with the flower you gave Sato?"
"Mademoiselle, I assure you, that flower was merely a token of apology for my unannounced visit." Trickster bowed slightly, his tone dripping with exaggerated sincerity.
"I see. Even so, I don't think I need to remind you that an observer has no business interfering in the competition."
"But of course! I know my place on this grand stage perfectly well."
Sigh…
"As long as you understand. And that photo... what are you planning to do with it?"
"That is a surprise, Mademoiselle! Tell me, don't you like surprises?"
"Not really." Killa narrowed her eyes for a split second before relaxing her posture again. "But whatever. I am feeling too good to interrogate you right now. Just watch your step."
Putting her hands behind her head, Killa walked past Trickster, continuing down the street without looking back.
Trickster watched her go, his grin widening as he looked down at the developing photo in his hand.
"That is too bad, Mademoiselle Killa. Surprises are what make this life worth living," he whispered under his breath.
Back at Sato's apartment, he crashed onto the couch next to Irina, his body still heavy from the mana exhaustion.
"So, are you really planning not to help me at all?"
"..."
Irina didn't answer; she just kept her eyes glued to the TV.
"Even if I kneel in front of you and beg?"
"...I might consider it then."
"Luckily, I have some self-esteem left."
"Too bad," Irina said indifferently, popping a chip into her mouth.
I guess your ideal partner would be a living mana battery you can control completely. Unfortunately for you, I am neither of those.
"So, what is the deal? You seemed even quieter while Killa was here. Don't like her?"
"Do I look like the kind of person who would like someone who tried to shoot me?"
"Good point."
Even though it was a warning shot, I am sure she took that as a threat. Well, I bet Killa would protect me if it came down to it. It's not like I would snap at someone who can kill me in seconds without a plan.
Buzz… Buzz…
The sound of his phone vibrating against the table broke the silence. Sato checked the screen.
"It's Shigure."
Beep!
"Hello... Yes... Megumi went home... Yes, I am sure she will be fine."
For a while, Sato and Shigure talked over the phone. Irina appeared to be ignoring them, but her chewing slowed down slightly as she listened to Sato's responses.
"Yes, we can meet tomorrow... 12 is alright."
Beep!
Sato ended the call.
"He said..."
"We meet tomorrow with him and Eryon, right?" Irina cut him off without looking away from the TV.
"Yes..."
"Very well. That is everything I need to know."
Sigh.
Rude as ever…