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Aoba And Fairy Series

After parting ways with Minato, Aoba was thinking about what had just happened.

"Don't say such things..."

Her face still blushing, she mumbled, "Ugh...".

"Well, if you don't want to be together, I won't just hug you..."

Ignoring her lack of romantic experience, she sighed, "Ugh.".

She was firmly pulled closer by the thread's movement inside the cave. In battle, he remained as reliable as ever, effortlessly defeating formidable opponents.

His heavy breathing and his triumphant expression were undeniably cool.

Her heart raced without a doubt.

"No, no, no... he's just a student. It's just that he has this side to him, well, okay, I suppose..."

Even if she thought that Aoba wouldn't readily admit it.

Shiozaki Minato was an average student, neither too noticeable nor too invisible.

Except for English, as they both found themselves summoned to this world as heroes after school for supplementary classes.

For Aoba, Minato was nothing more than an average student A, for better or worse.

"I don't want to hold Minato-kun back..."

While Minato said he was helping, there would be times when she became a burden due to the situation.

Aoba decided to prepare her equipment at an equipment shop she had visited before.

Luckily, she had extra funds.

Aoba had only used her skills from behind, and Minato had done everything important. So she felt a little guilty about the split-in-half rewards.

"Um, do you have equipment for beginner Curse User?"

"Yes, yes, a Curse User, huh? That's a rare profession, isn't it?"

"It seems so."

She informed the shopkeeper of her budget and had several pieces of equipment prepared.

"You won't learn any attack skills. So, you'll contribute to the party with physical attacks, right? How about this one?"

――――――――――

Iron War Club

Attack +15, Agility -3

――――――――――

"Was there such a thing?"

Aoba couldn't help but slap her knee and took the weapon from the shopkeeper

"It's heavy!?"

"It's a matter of getting used to it."

"I-Is that so?"

"The price is 4,000 Lin."

"N-no... my agility decreases..."

On their way back from the cave, Minato had claimed that thanks to the Fairy Boots, she could dodge attacks more easily. Aoba thought the same. 

So, she decided not to use equipment that would reduce her agility. 

She had been in her suit the entire time, with the changed Fairy Boots being the only exception. 

Hence, she decided to focus on her armor.

The magicians walking around the town all had unique and cute outfits, and Aoba had always wondered if she could wear something like that too.

"Do you want something to match the Fairy Boots? Do you want the complete Fairy series?"

"What's that?"

"The Fairy Staff, Fairy Pointed Hat, Fairy Cloak, Fairy Gloves, and Fairy Boots. You get a status bonus only when you equip all of these."

"Oh, I see." 

Aoba marveled at the idea.

"I'm out of the Fairy Gloves, but the price is..."

150,000 Lin. It was ten times her budget for the day.

"Expensive!?"

Aoba was about to burst into tears at the shock.

"Look, at just the right moment..."

The shopkeeper made a small gesture, and someone who was coincidentally wearing the complete Fairy series walked into the shop. Aoba stared at them discreetly so as not to be noticed.

They had an overall sophisticated black-and-white appearance, with the pointed hat serving as an accent and conveying a magical feel. 

It was cute.

Aoba had expected a fancier look, so this was a pleasant surprise.

"Nice. Very nice...! Shopkeeper, I want to look like that too."

"It's about working hard on your adventure."

"Yeah, you're right."

Even for Aoba, who had only been clinging to Minato, this goal of acquiring the complete Fairy series gave her a sense of purpose.

Suddenly, Aoba's eyes caught a necklace displayed on a side counter.

――――――――――

Magic Stone Necklace

SP +3

――――――――――

Aoba ran out of SP during the Arachne battle. 

If this were to continue, she wouldn't be able to meet Minato's expectations.

"It costs 30,000 Lin."

"I'll buy it. Please."

"You're exceeding your budget, but it's okay?"

"Yes, it's fine."

"Is it for a man?"

Suddenly, Minato's image flashed through Aoba's mind, and she blurted out her response to drown it out.

"N-No, it's not!"

"Alright, alright."

The shopkeeper grinned.

Aoba paid for the necklace and equipped it. 

She believed it would serve as her protective charm for Minato.

As she left the shop to search for Minato, she quickly spotted him. 

Aoba couldn't help but smile.

"Minato-kun!"

"Oh, sensei. I'm glad you found me quickly. We didn't set a meeting place, so I was worried I wouldn't find you."

"I just suddenly went off on my own. I'm sorry."

"No problem. Shall we have a meal?"

"I was thinking the same thing."

"We get along well, don't we?"

"...Maybe."

Trying to hide her relaxed expression, Aoba turned to face the opposite side of Minato, who was standing beside her.

"I'll treat you today."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Thanks to my Hard Lucker and Minato-kun, every success adds money to my pocket."

"Come to think of it, that's true."

"Plus, I don't think it's very mature to ditch with my students every time."

"You don't need to worry about that. But if you say so, I won't hold back."

As they debated what to eat, they strolled through the town. 

Aoba realized that she hadn't spent time like this since coming here, and simply walking around felt fresh and enjoyable. 

It made her feel like she was on a foreign trip.

Strolling through an unfamiliar city felt like a date. 

It made her heart race.

When she mentioned the Fairy Series to Minato, he wholeheartedly agreed.

"Collecting equipment is also an adventure. I'll help you with it."

"Thank you."

While there were times when the enemies were unpleasant or smelled bad, Aoba had started to enjoy this life with Minato.