Riko's breathing stayed steady as she continued demonstrating more advanced Kidō.
The disc-shaped flame from Hadō #54: Haien traced a perfect arc through the air, lighting up the entire training ground.
The tornado summoned by Hadō #58: Tenran roared past with destructive force, kicking up dust and fallen leaves from the ground.
As expected of Riko. A normal person would have collapsed under this much continuous casting.
Suguru watched quietly, admiration flashing in his eyes.
Finally, she unleashed the most oppressive of them, Hadō #63: Raikōhō.
"Beast bones scattered everywhere! Spires, red crystals, and steel wheels. The moving ones are the wind, the still ones are the sky. The sound of spears clashing with each other resounds throughout the hollow city!"
With deafening thunder, energy cannons wreathed in lightning slammed into the distant barrier, sending a powerful shockwave rippling across the field.
The lightning lit Riko's face, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
Perfect, it's really perfect. This presentation will definitely earn Satoru-sensei's approval.
Riko looked to Satoru expectantly, secretly delighted.
Contrary to her hopes, Satoru only nodded and said flatly, "Your fundamentals are solid. Keep it up."
Then he turned and walked toward the veranda, leaving Riko standing alone.
The bland remark made her heart sink, and her excitement plummeted to the bottom.
Is it not good enough? Why was Satoru-sensei's expression so cold? Did I do something wrong?
She lowered her head, trying to hide her disappointment.
No, I have to get stronger. I have to earn Satoru-sensei's recognition.
As the sun set, the training ground was wrapped in a golden-red glow. Riko sat alone on the veranda, staring blankly at the falling cherry blossoms.
The evening breeze carried a slight chill, but it did nothing to ease the heaviness in her chest.
Shoko came over with two cups of hot tea and sat down beside her. The steam coiled in the fading light, warm and soothing.
"Riko, you were excellent today."
Shoko spoke gently as she handed Riko a cup.
"Ever since Satoshi spread Kidō, I haven't seen anyone else master intermediate Kidō this well."
"Shoko-sister..." Riko took the cup, hesitated, then spoke in a trembling voice. "I feel like... Satoru-sensei wasn't satisfied. His expression was so cold..."
"Ah." Shoko chuckled. "You don't understand Satoru. He's just like that. The more he cares, the colder he acts. Honestly, I can tell you clearly, he cares about you."
This child is really naive. She didn't notice how gentle Satoru's eyes were when he looked at her.
"Really?" Riko looked up doubtfully, anticipation flickering in her eyes.
Is Satoru-sensei really like that? Then how does he usually treat me...
"Of course it's true."
Shoko patted her shoulder, her tone turning serious.
"I've known Satoru for years, and I've never seen him instruct anyone this seriously. Even when we were students, he wasn't this earnest."
Riko's cheeks warmed. She lowered her head and took a sip of tea, trying to hide her shyness.
With the weekend approaching, Shoko's eyes lit up.
"By the way, Riko, is there anywhere you want to go? You deserve a break. You've been training hard, it's time to relax."
A hint of expectation flashed in Riko's eyes.
"Actually... I've always wanted to go to an amusement park. I heard a big new one just opened in Tokyo, with lots of fun rides... But is that too selfish?"
"Amusement park?"
A mischievous glint appeared in Shoko's gaze.
Isn't this the perfect chance for Satoru and Riko to get closer?
"That's a great idea. I've heard about the new park too. Sounds amazing."
When the proposal reached Satoru and Suguru, Satoru's reaction was immediate.
He frowned, incredulous. "An amusement park? That's too childish. A place like that..."
This idiot didn't consider Riko's feelings at all.
Shoko shook her head inwardly.
"I don't think it's appropriate."
Satoru continued, a hint of impatience in his tone.
"Shoko, you go with her. I have other matters to handle."
This blockhead. He's obviously shy, but he has to make excuses.
Seeing through him, Suguru stepped in at the right moment.
"Satoru, did you forget something important? Protecting the Star Plasma Vessel is our shared duty. Are you shirking it now?"
"That's right,"
Shoko chimed in immediately, reproach in her eyes. "Things have been calm, but danger can strike anytime. And Riko's been training nonstop. She needs to unwind a bit.
Do you want her to stay tense forever?"
Satoru opened his mouth to argue, but under their stares he could only sigh.
"Fine, we'll go together. But remember, protecting the Star Plasma Vessel comes first. The park will be crowded, we stay vigilant."
This idiot. He obviously wants to go, but still needs a pile of excuses.
Shoko and Suguru exchanged a knowing look.
"Then it's settled."
Shoko clapped her hands, smiling with delight.
"I'll tell Riko right away." She turned and left, leaving Satoru and Suguru alone.
Noticing Satoru's complicated expression, Suguru said, "You really don't need to be so tense. It's good to relax sometimes."
"I'm not tense." Satoru looked away, still stubborn. "I just think places like that are a waste of time."
He clearly cares a lot.
Suguru laughed inwardly.
That night, Riko lay in bed, both excited and nervous at the thought of going to the amusement park with Satoru over the weekend.
I wonder if Satoru will think I'm childish... but I'm really happy I get to go with him.
(To be continued.)