Comet Dragon, breaking into the gravity field

"Come to think of it..."

The room fell silent again. After a long moment, Sanjiao Chuhua finally asked, "Master Shen, like Xiaoxiang, is from far away, right?"

"Well, but I'm much farther away than Ms. Toyokawa, and it's far away in every sense of the word."

"I see..."

Sitting quietly in her chair, Sankaku Hatsuka seemed to be confirming something. She sorted out the notebooks and stationery on the table and gathered them in her arms. She left her chair and walked over to Naruse Ritsu.

"Before Lord God came, everyone on the island was easy to talk to, but they all had better friends. And the day Lord God showed up, I was still standing alone on the abandoned lighthouse, staring blankly."

"For me, God-sama's appearance is like magic, and I am very grateful to you. But now the time is almost up, should I also change back to my original appearance..." His delicate eyebrows suddenly frowned, and Sanjiao Chuhua revealed a smile full of self-blame and apology. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to blame God-sama."

"It's just that I'm not like Xiaoxiang, who has enough ability to decide what to do. Without God, I'm like Cinderella without magic... Where can I find you in the future?"

The girl's sincere words permeated the silence. As if she was seeking an answer that would reassure herself, Sankaku Hatsuka looked at Naruse Ritsu quietly.

11. Romeo and Cinderella (two-in-one)

As we all know, Cinderella's magic comes from fairies, and it is impossible for a big bad wolf with a bloody mouth to bring her a miracle.

However, Triangle Chuhua had never seen either the fairy or the big bad wolf. The only one she had ever seen was the ancient dragon sitting before her.

The cool moonlight shone on the silver scales, illuminating the charred burn marks and numerous wounds. After the initial wave of fear at the unknown subsided, she took the initiative to move forward, touching the area within her reach, gently caressing the scarred wound.

"...Does it hurt?"

Hearing her concerned words, Gu Long's blue eyes revealed a very human helplessness. Shaking his head, Mingse Ritsu transformed back into human form.

He once heard a saying: Men have had two eternal fantasies since ancient times.

The first is to burn his life for justice, to turn into firewood for his ideals, and to be willing to embark on a life-or-death journey with like-minded people; the second is to seek a warm haven and get the care and love he needs most after being bruised and battered from the girl's arms.

This situation wasn't incomprehensible, but for Ritsu Narose, seeking comfort from a young girl like Mikado Hatsuka... was simply impossible. Even if she took the initiative to show her kindness, he felt so embarrassed that he wanted to bury himself in the ground.

Out of dignity, Mingse Ritsu took the initiative to change the subject. Looking at the huge pit in front of him, he asked without looking up: "Have you made up your mind, Chuhua?"

The night before, Mikado Hatsuka's sincere words left him no room for retreat. After a day of reflection, Naruse Ritsu finally invited the girl to the place where they first met and told her his decision.

However, after hearing his words, Sankaku Hatsuka was not thinking about the feasibility of the plan, but became curious about the true identity of Naruse Ritsu.

Having come to this point, Ritsu Narose had no intention of continuing to hide the truth - hence the scene just now.

Back in the present, Sankaku Hatsuka's gaze kept wandering over Naruse Ritsu, seemingly still hesitant. After a moment, she suddenly asked the question that concerned her most:

"Is God-sama leaving?"

"Yes. To avoid arousing suspicion, I will leave here by boat tomorrow."

"But—so suddenly..."

Her tone rose, and many words burst out at once, but they were stuck in Sanjiao Chuhua's throat, leaving her speechless. Regret covered her ankles like a rising tide, and she began to wonder if her words yesterday were forcing Mingse Ritsu away from her.

"Can't we wait a little longer? If we leave suddenly, won't everyone else have time to prepare a farewell party?"

"It will be too late if we wait any longer," Ming Liuba asked calmly, in contrast to the girl's impatience. "Time is already tight. If we waste any more time, what will happen to Chuhua's wish? I've already promised you."

"If it's because of me, I'm willing to give up my wish—"

"Is that so..." Naruse Ritsu's tone was filled with regret after understanding what she meant. "Hatsuka is willing to give up, but I can't let the rewards be stored in the future."

"Many years ago, I experienced the deepest regret. Back then, I was too naive, placing what I thought was a reward in the not-too-distant future. Little did I know that humans were more fragile than I imagined, and that even a fraction of a second could change the world."

Staring at the bottom of the pit that looked like a black hole, Ritsu Narose's tone was exceptionally calm, as if he was telling a story that had nothing to do with him.

"Regret is the most terrible curse in this world. Even a rock weathered by time will be worn down by it. This is the lesson I've learned: I shouldn't leave promises for the future, but should do them now, as soon as they can be achieved."

"So, now I ask Chuhua to allow me to fulfill your wish, even if it only lasts for one short night."

The moonlight streamed down quietly, and Sankaku Hatsuka stared at Naruse Ritsu in silence. After a long moment, she finally understood the meaning of his story. Lowering her eyes, the girl whispered, "But I didn't do anything for Kami-sama."

"Really? In my opinion, Chuhua is a very competent guide. Not only did he lead me out of the forest, but he also found me a place to live and then helped me deal with many trivial matters in life..."

"That's also——"

It was precisely because she was aware of the loneliness that would follow the disappearance of magic that Sanjiao Chuhua was so resistant. But when she saw the figure standing beside her, her resistance quietly softened...

……

Coming from the quiet and peaceful island to the big city, Sanjiao Chuhua stared at the surrounding streets shining with neon lights in a trance.

"Is there anywhere Chuhua wants to go?" Mingse Ritsu glanced at the girl sideways as he walked beside her. "Let me make it clear in advance, I can't plan a ball, nor do I have the ability to conjure up a pumpkin carriage and crystal slippers for Miss Cinderella."

"I think that's enough."

Although she was studying out of town, Sanjiao Chuhua had never strolled through the city streets at this time of year. The Ferris wheel in the distance shone brilliantly, causing her eyes to sparkle slightly as the light moved around.

"Shall we go to the amusement park?"

"Eh? But the tickets..."

"It's still within the validity period of the wish, Chuhua, you can be more direct."

With a slightly red face, Sanjiao Hatsuka gently stroked the golden hair that was caressing her earlobe, and followed closely beside Mingse Ritsu as they walked through the unfamiliar streets.

Even after receiving permission, she had no intention of asking for anything in return. Whether it was gorgeous and exquisite clothes or delicious food, she politely declined them one by one, as if all she enjoyed was the process of strolling with the people around her.

Arriving at a wide intersection, a tall building at the corner of the street hung a giant screen, showing promotional videos of several cute idols. Standing on the zebra crossing, Sanjiao Chuhua stared at the dazzling display in a trance.

"Chuhua is interested in idols?"

"I... am just a little envious."

Just like Cinderella, who had just finished rough work and was covered in dust, watching her stepmother and two sisters leave for the ball, the girl, feeling ashamed of herself, sighed and said slowly in a self-deprecating tone: "I'm not as cute as them, I'm not as good at singing as them, and I don't even know how to play instruments very well..."

"It's natural to feel envious, right?" Sanjiao Chuhua's smile was a little forced, with his hands crossed behind his back.

"I don't think there's any need to be so envious." Thinking of what he had witnessed, Naruse Ritsu said with considerable certainty, "Hatsuka will definitely become a very outstanding idol in the future. By then, no matter where you are, you'll be able to see her on the big screens in the streets."

As if sensing something unusual in Naruse Ritsu's attitude, Sankaku Hatsuka cautiously probed, "Master Kami... do you want me to become an idol?"

"No, I'm just saying this from a bystander's perspective. Chuhua should plan his own future."

When Sanjiao Chuhua heard Mingse Ritsu answer her with the same words she used to treat those elementary school students, she felt a little unhappy at first, and then it turned into grief and indignation, saying, "I hate you for being like a piece of wood."

"If I become an idol in the future, will God support me?"

"I will definitely support it, and maybe I will even use Chuhua's popularity to attract traffic to myself."

Hearing the scene described by Naruse, a sense of pride and mission suddenly emerged in Sankaku Hatsuka's heart. However, before she could figure out the reason for this sense of mission, the two of them had already arrived at their destination.

Even though it was his first time at the amusement park, Sanjiao Chuhua had already demonstrated qualities that were enough to challenge the unscrupulous businessmen who built and operated the amusement park projects.

From the souvenir avenues flanking the entrance to the rest areas selling specialty foods—those shops that forced countless adults and minors into their homes—none of them made her linger for even a second. She looked at the map, using her calculating skills to forcibly find the most convenient route among the colorful patterns.

When Ritsu Naruse asked her if she wanted snacks or drinks, or to buy a character headband like other tourists, Mikado Hatsuka showed a rare firm attitude and refused him.

She didn't want to waste this precious time waiting in line, nor did she want to be treated like a fool and blackmailed by accepting food that was several times more expensive but still tasted mediocre. This time was extremely precious to her, and she had to cherish every minute and every second.

However, this situation did not last long.

Seeing another couple in love walking by wearing matching accessories, Sanjiao Chuhua's tone suddenly became a little unsure: "Am I... too boring?"

“Frugality is a virtue.”

"God, you don't have to comfort me like this every time..."

As the parade began, the number of visitors in the park gradually increased. As the crowd gathered, Sanjiao Chuhua instinctively reached out and gently grasped the fingers of the person walking beside her.

She seemed oblivious to the suspicious glances from those around her, staring intently at the ground in front of her, as if searching for a wide enough path for her legs. What reassured her was that the other person didn't mind her rude behavior, nor did they actively shake off her outstretched right hand.

Only after they were far away from the crowd did Sanjiao Chuhua let go of her hand. She gently patted her clothes and pretended nothing had happened, lamenting that the number of people in the amusement park was almost greater than that of tourists on the island.

His trust in Mikado Hatsuka outweighed the suspicion she had just had from her reckless behavior. Naruse Ritsu didn't bring up the embarrassing topic, but instead looked around: "Hatsuka, don't you have anything you want to play?"

Many of the daytime attractions were closed at night, so as latecomers, they were at a disadvantage in terms of queuing speed compared to those who stayed in the park for the whole day. They had seen many open-air performances and parades along the way, but until now they had not played any of them.

"Want to play..." Repeating Ritsu Narose's words, Sankaku Hatsuka's eyes lit up slightly.

The next moment, she pointed behind Ritsu Narose without any hesitation, towards the glittering Ferris wheel.

Unlike during the day, getting on the Ferris wheel at night meant waiting a long time. In stark contrast to his previous attitude, Sanjiao Chuhua now appeared extremely patient.

Finally, as the couple in front of her disappeared, she finally got into the Ferris wheel cabin as she wished.

The machine started, lifting her to a higher altitude. As she watched the crowds and buildings gradually shrink on the surface, and then the view gradually widened in the distance, an inexplicable feeling of emotion lingered in Sanjiao Chuhua's heart.

"It's so beautiful..."

Pressing his fingers against the window, feeling the coolness coming from his fingertips, Sanjiao Chuhua looked at the night sky in the distance and murmured, "From here, it seems like I can catch the stars."

Looking through the glass, she saw the stars twinkling in the night sky. The next moment, she saw the person sitting opposite her through the reflective glass.

Without worrying about the awkwardness caused by eye contact, Sanjiao Chuhua looked at his reflection in the mirror with the same open eyes as when they first met, as if he wanted to imprint the scene deep in his memory.

Just as Ritsu Narose refused to admit that he was the "prince" in tonight's Cinderella story, she never considered herself a "princess" from beginning to end.

The princess only needs to sit quietly in her room, and naturally her servants will knock on the door and tell her that the prince of the neighboring country has come to visit. Her happiness is like a crop planted in fertile soil, which only needs sunshine and dew to thrive.

The happiness that knocks on her door every day will make her dull, and she will eventually become a doll placed in the room. Of course, the doll will receive the love of the people who watch it, and this love will never disappear until a new doll appears.

This is the sad part. If the projected love is quietly transferred one day to another doll, what can the princess who has become a doll do?

Princesses in fairy tales are always loved and protected, as fragile and beautiful as a flower in the mirror and the moon in the water, and like the most cherished rose in the garden. If anything, Sanjiao Chuhua felt more like a maid who never appears in the story, but is always by the princess's side.

Although she was no longer at the age where fairy tales could help her fall asleep, she still used them to explain the reasons that motivated her actions, as if only in this way could she have a sufficiently reasonable reason.

"Come to think of it... Spending nights like this, leisurely and yet not alone, began the day I met Kami-sama."

When the Ferris wheel reached its highest point, the courage that had been scattered within her heart gathered again. She stopped staring at her reflection in the mirror and looked directly across at the person in front of her and said slowly, "If possible, can we ride this again in the future..."

……

Sanjiao Chuhua could no longer remember what the final answer was.

At that time, she had neither a tape recorder nor a mobile phone, and the only thing she could keep as a souvenir was the modified little water gun.

As time passes, memory inevitably reacts with it.

But as the two touched, the memories that should have weathered into powder like rocks not only did not disappear, but instead continued to grow from top to bottom like stalactites in a cave, and finally pierced her heart on every lonely night.

Will I find you? Where will I find you?

The questions that had never been answered in the past were answered on another completely different summer.

Looking at the figure that appeared with Toyokawa Shoko, Sankaku Hatsuka was sure that he had found the answer.

12. Some people sneak away, some warm up, and some play with the sword (two in one)

It was dawn early, and Shoko Toyokawa, with many things on her mind, stared blankly at the light that came into the room through the gap in the window.

It was only a little after six in the morning—earlier than she usually woke up, but she didn't feel tired.

Her body had undergone a tangible transformation, but it was subtle and invisible. There were no flashy special effects like in the animation, nor were there any strange changes. The only noticeable change seemed to be a slight increase in strength.

Everything that happened yesterday was still fresh in her mind. Shoko Toyokawa first felt a chill, and then she remembered the time she spent in the illusion under the influence of the virus.

The warmth dispelled the chill of the early morning, and she stood up to tidy up her appearance. After taking care of her personal appearance, she put on her headscarf and apron and began the final cleaning.

By the time she finished all this, it was almost noon. Only then did she have time to look at the suitcase she had packed and placed in the corner of the room after returning last night.

It was unclear whether the Crazy Dragon virus would have a deeper impact on her, so further observation was necessary—this was what Ritsu Naruse had told him yesterday. At the same time, he had also issued an invitation called "close observation," which was actually an invitation to "live together."

Toyokawa Shoko had no intention of accepting it at first, but it was unlikely that she would not accept it.

Because suppose she turned down the offer…

"I will stand at your door every morning waiting for you to show up. I will lie on the upper floor and observe you while you are in class. I will come to the store as a customer and watch you when you are working. Even when you go to bed at night, I will fly to the window and watch you fall asleep."

"Are you a little...perverted?"

Because it was so absurd, Toyokawa Shoko thought Naruse Ritsu was joking. But when she asked about it, she saw Naruse Ritsu shaking his head righteously and saying, "This is a necessary sacrifice."

At that moment, she knew that she probably couldn't convince Ritsu Narose about this matter, and she herself knew that some incredible things had indeed happened to her.

Remaining humble in the face of unknown circumstances, she believed that the proposal put forward by Ritsu Naruse was based on reason and was not a spur-of-the-moment vote in the House of Commons.

The scene of stroking the handle of the suitcase and bringing it to this small house appeared in Toyokawa Shoko's mind, making her sigh.

This place was shabby and old, and there was an indelible smell of alcohol - but this was indeed where she lived. Turning around and seeing her self-indulgent father still lying there snoring, Toyokawa Shoko had the urge to pick up a beer can and throw it at him.

But...if my father knew that I was actually living with a man, he would probably collapse, right?

To protect this adult's sanity, Naruse Ritsu had suggested yesterday that he seek help from Wakaba Mutsu. Having this girl, someone Toyokawa Shoko had known for a long time, pick her up should be enough to reassure her father.