"Ina!" Elena waved enthusiastically at her group as we approached. If I hadn't known that she really didn't want to deal with a trio of jackasses, then I would have thought she was genuinely happy. Speaking of the trio of jackasses, they were easily noticeable.
Her group of friends and the trio all turned when they heard her voice, their eyes going wide as they saw the two of us. Our arms linked together with the distance between us being negligible.
"Ena!"
A blue-haired girl ran out toward us without the same surprised stare as the rest of the group. Her blue hair and blue eyes had a different kind of beauty to them, but she lacked compared to Elena. Not that this really mattered, but it was just so blatant.
"Ena and Ina…"
"She's my best friend since kindergarten, so of course we have matching nicknames!" Elena pinched my side but still didn't let go of my arm like I thought she would.
The blue-haired girl—Ina—stopped just before us with a radiant smile on her face.
"Who is this, Ena? Why didn't you say anything to me before?!" Her eyes lit up with stars.
She kind of reminded me of Meiomi but just less shy. There was something about her that had an innocent-like vibe. Despite just meeting her, I could tell.
"My name is Eiren, but feel free to call me Ren." I said with a bit of a happier smile than I usually would.
For the sake of Elena I wanted to make sure I left a great impression. If I did, then her friends might actually catch the hint about that trio still staring daggers into me.
"Okay, Ren! How did you two meet?! Especially when I talk to her every day…"
"Well—"
"First introduce yourself, Ina!"
"I can after Ena. I want to hear the story!"
"Listen here!" Elena separated from my arm and playfully stomped over to her blue-haired friend. She playfully punched her on the face with a gentle twist that really showed how close they were.
'Hahaha~ she really is like an older Meiomi!'
Unfortunately, my eyes couldn't keep appreciating this wholesome scene.
"Who do you think you are?"
'N-no way, right?' My lips twitched with my thoughts. It seemed that I might not have to wait to protect Elena.
"I'm me, so I'm me. I think, therefore I am, as they say." I said with a smile.
Was there other intent hidden within it? Absolutely!
"Tch! You know what I meant, bastard!" The taller of the idiots—who was only the same height as me—grabbed my collar while screaming at me with his horrible breath. My face couldn't help but scrunch up.
For a brief instant, I glanced at the short brown-haired thug with tan skin. Back to the one grabbing me with his disgusting blonde hair and pale skin. The other was a darker fellow with a nappy head, but I'll be honest—he didn't really fit with these other two. This darker fellow just felt like an unfortunate tagalong.
Anyway, I moved my focus back to the idiot at hand. My voice coming out harsher than I even thought I could let out.
"Unhand me, vermin." I felt nothing but disgust. A small heat sprouted in my chest, urging me forward. It was something that I hadn't felt back on Earth—it was like an urge to crush this idiot into oblivion.
"V-Vermin?! You mother—?!"
He moved to give me a right hook. I clenched my right hand into a fist, ready to retaliate.
[Host, it's best if you calm down.]
'Huh?' I pushed him away, not opting to bash his face in. The system's sudden interference wasn't what I was expecting. 'Why did you warn me?'
[Host, your body is three realms above him in refinement. If you struck like you planned, then you would've painted the place in blood.]
'Does he not cultivate?'
[Host, he does, but he has no talent. Also, you have to remember that there are adventurers, then there are civilians.]
"Tch. Lucky bastard." I clicked my tongue and tried my best to calm down.
The smell of citrus entered my nose, pulling my attention. It also helped calm me down a little bit. Of course, there was only one woman here with a citrus perfume.
"Thank you for not killing him. I do hate him, but I'm not too keen on seeing blood tonight."
"You knew I was about to?" I asked with a raised brow.
Elena slightly stuck her tongue out, "I'm a Rank 2 adventurer, after all!"
"Hah. If you are, then how is this jackass not dead yet?"
"I'm just a powerless Rank 2 against the law and his family."
"Wow. I feel so bad for you." I shook my head in disbelief at this dick in front of me. His luck was just wasted on him!
"Look at the bright side! Because I'm Rank 2, I do have some support. He can't risk harassing me too hard. It's a delicate little balance we have that's saving me!"
"Tch. That isn't any way to live though."
"I'll graduate and move so I'm not so bothered by it anymore."
I gave her a deep look without saying a word. Her head tilting a little, confused at my stare. Blinking, I just said what came to mind.
"I can't really afford you moving, so I'll think of something." There wasn't any romantic feeling behind my words. I resumed with my calm smile returned, "Meiomi really does need a big sister in her life."
Elena's mouth opened to form a small O-shape. Her golden eyes looking back into mine with an unreadable glint in them. Our little stare-down got interrupted before long, though.
"H-Hey, Ena, we are going to go buy tickets. See you inside?" Ina ran in with the rest of the group that hadn't approached. I had completely forgotten the five back by the fountain just watching.
Elena nodded without responding. As we watched her friend go, she turned back to me.
"I'll think about it, I guess~." Her mischievous smile returned as she teased. I could only chuckle without any other words of my own. She took the initiative to lock our arms again, the both of us definitely hoping that neither of us got pushed too hard.