Yui Yuigahama had originally been on her bed in her own room. After she fell asleep, she suddenly appeared here.
She thought it was a dream and curiously looked around, spotting a cute, soft Slime.
Just as she was about to approach it to pet it, Natsuo's anxious voice rang out behind her.
She had been surprised that she was dreaming about the new transfer student, only for him to tell her that this wasn't a dream.
"Natsu-kun, what exactly is going on?" Yui Yuigahama asked, looking confusedly at the serious Natsuo.
"I'm not sure either," Natsuo replied, shaking his head and keeping a sharp eye on the Slime.
He truly wasn't sure now. The person appearing here today had turned into Yui Yuigahama.
It can't be that everyone has a responsibility to protect this world, can it?
Moreover, today's Slime looked different. Yesterday's was white with a blue tint, but today's was pure white.
And its destructive power was astonishing; it shattered the stone pillar directly.
If Natsuo had encountered this Slime yesterday, he would have likely died instantly from that hit.
"You're not sure, Natsu-kun? But you seemed to know so much just now," Yui Yuigahama clearly remembered Natsuo's actions and words.
"I only came here once yesterday. This is my second time, so I know a little bit," Natsuo replied honestly.
"Natsu-kun came yesterday? Why? Are you some kind of amazing person?"
"You actually believe me so easily?" Natsuo looked at Yui Yuigahama, his expression odd.
"Eh?"
Yui Yuigahama paused, then replied, "When you tackled me just now, I really felt pain. This shouldn't be a dream, right?"
"W-what? 'Tackled' (撲倒)... Is that the appropriate word choice?"
"Ah! I-I'm sorry..." Yui Yuigahama realized her phrasing, lowering her head in embarrassment.
"It's fine. Anyway, let's complete the mission first. Just stay hidden here."
Natsuo still planned to handle the Slime alone. He walked slowly toward it.
Although this Slime was different from yesterday's, its speed seemed the same as before. He could easily dodge it.
"Natsu-kun... please be careful," Yui Yuigahama whispered, huddling nervously.
The Slime's destructive power made her afraid to move, so she could only leave it to Natsuo, who had previous experience.
Regardless of whether this is a dream or not, it would be bad if I messed things up.
Natsuo slowly approached the Slime, picking up a small stone pillar fragment, which the Slime had broken, to use as a weapon.
As Natsuo got closer, the Slime reacted, locking onto him and looking poised to attack.
When Natsuo was less than a meter away, the Slime suddenly moved, leaping up to crash into him without hesitation.
As expected, the speed wasn't fast. Natsuo stepped back and easily dodged it.
The moment the Slime landed, Natsuo plunged the stone pillar in his hand straight into it.
The soft body was impaled, and the core inside was destroyed.
Instantly, the Slime dissolved into a puddle of water on the ground.
[Successfully eliminated the intruder. Reward: One Attribute Point.]
"Hmm?"
This time, the reward was different.
Is it because the Slime was different, or is it simply a random reward?
Attribute points...
Natsuo checked the data panel in his mind.
Natsuo: 16 years oldStrength: 5 (Upgradable)Intelligence: 8 (Upgradable)Spirit: 9 (Upgradable)Speed: 5 (Upgradable)Charm: 8 (Upgradable)Skills: Writing
The panel was slightly different from yesterday, now listing the attributes as "Upgradable."
Natsuo immediately chose to increase Speed. Sure enough, Speed changed from 5 to 6.
This data panel was only available here, and Natsuo didn't want to risk losing the ability to upgrade after leaving, so he acted immediately.
Speed was what he needed now. Although the Slime's attack power was high, its speed was slow and easily manageable. He only needed to improve his reaction speed.
"Um... Natsu-kun, is it resolved?" Yui Yuigahama cautiously walked over.
"It's resolved," Natsuo nodded to her.
"That's good... But was there only one?" Yui Yuigahama asked worriedly.
"Probably. There was only one yesterday..."
Natsuo wasn't certain. He looked into the depths, staying vigilant. Since the situation was different today, a second one might appear.
But no second one emerged. Soon, Yui Yuigahama's body began to dematerialize.
Her nice figure, clad in a pink nightgown, became transparent, slowly spreading upward from her feet.
"Natsu-kun, what is this?" Yui Yuigahama watched her body change, becoming nervous, her voice trembling slightly.
"Don't worry, we're about to leave this place," Natsuo soothed her.
"I see... that's good," Yui Yuigahama sighed in relief.
"Bye-bye," Natsuo smiled and waved goodbye to her.
"Bye-bye~"
Yui Yuigahama smiled and waved back, murmuring softly, "I hope this wasn't a dream..."
Morning Run with the Angel
The next day, Natsuo woke up at the same time as yesterday.
He got out of bed and checked his body. Nothing seemed different.
The data panel was gone.
He wasn't sure if the speed increase affected his movement speed or his reaction speed.
He would have to test it tonight.
Natsuo changed into his running clothes, quickly washed up, and headed out for a run.
He had planned this yesterday, and a healthy body was too important to neglect.
Passing by his neighbor's apartment, Natsuo glanced at the Shiina nameplate, but the door remained closed until he entered the elevator and the door closed.
Leaving the apartment building, Natsuo arrived at the nearby small park and began jogging along the lake.
On this first day, he wanted to gauge his physical condition and stamina before adjusting his exercise plan.
The small park was man-made, but the environment was beautiful, and the air was fresh. It was a good place for a morning workout, and there was no one around to bother him.
The lake was quite large. After a few laps, Natsuo started to feel it; his breathing became shallow and rapid.
This body probably hasn't been exercised much.
The plan to improve his fitness was clearly a good one.
After two more laps, Natsuo began to sweat heavily—on his back and forehead.
Just as he was about to stop and rest, his peripheral vision caught a flash of a flaxen figure.
The girl's long flaxen hair was tied back in a single ponytail that bounced, captivating his attention.
Natsuo hadn't expected his neighbor to be out running too. She wore a red tracksuit and a headband, looking both energetic and radiant.
The girl also noticed Natsuo. She paused her steps momentarily but didn't stop, nodding in acknowledgment, and continued her run around the lake.
Natsuo nodded in return and resumed his own run.
Resting was out of the question. He could only slow down. Running alongside this "Angel" was an opportunity not to be missed.
Fortunately, his neighbor wasn't running too fast. Natsuo kept pace with her, staying a few meters behind, running at the same speed.
Following her and watching her ponytail sway left and right, Natsuo felt his fatigue vanish. He continued running for over half an hour.
When his neighbor stopped running and prepared to head back, Natsuo stopped as well and returned with her.
Natsuo was more motivated than ever about exercising, given that he got to run with his neighbor today. He hoped to continue their morning runs together in the future.
Back at the apartment, Natsuo and his neighbor didn't exchange greetings and went their separate ways into their homes.
After taking a shower, Natsuo returned to typing his novel. The top priority now was to finish the first volume quickly and submit it for publication.