Absolute Zone Zero: I am a Succubus in Six Points Street

(Does being a captain count?)

Jiayin looked at the ship not far away, asked Zhe beside her, and then continued to talk to herself.

"There are legends like that in the stories of old civilizations, of great heroes sailing their own ships to the end of the world...isn't that true freedom?

The destination is entirely determined by oneself, and whichever direction you head towards will become your new route..."

"But everyone's freedom and romance are unique. Jiayin isn't suited to this. I heard that long voyages are very tiring."

Zhezhen thought Jiayin might do such a thing, but the latter was surprised when he heard it.

"So pragmatic? Could it be that—you've really thought about it seriously?"

“I’ve only seen it in a documentary.”

"Hey, so you like this kind of movie~ Why don't you try acting in something similar...ah, just kidding.

When I was a kid, I could still imagine everything... Actually, I just longed for the feeling of being able to completely control my own life."

Jiayin paused for a moment, and Zhe didn't say anything, but just held the former's hand quietly for a long time.

"... Let's not talk about that anymore. Let's go to the lighthouse! That's where you celebrated my birthday with me~"

He and Jiayin arrived at the familiar lighthouse...

A gentle sea breeze blew past the two of them, and the scene before them made her sigh.

"Here we are again... Sorry, I was supposed to discuss the topic with you, but ended up dragging you and Ies along to relax..."

"It's good to relax. Besides, Jiayin has been thinking about the questions all the time."

Zhe spoke to comfort Jiayin, who was unaware of this at first.

"Hmm~ I can't help myself now that I'm here~ Eh... Eh? Is that so...?"

It was not until Zhe's words reminded her that Jiayin suddenly realized her surprise.

"But I did think about freedom... I was just thinking about [being able to control your own life] more than just looking good.

Perhaps this is true elegance... and true freedom. Even if it is very hard, even if it becomes embarrassing, it will not change this elegance. "

Jiayin's words revealed some emotions, and her eyes were quietly staring at Zhe in front of her, wondering what she was thinking.

"Is this what Jiayin longs for?"

"Well... sort of, sort of. I think I'm trying to do this, though I'm not very good at it yet..."

A look of loss flashed across Jiayin's face, and then she seemed to have made up her mind and spoke again.

"I'm working towards this goal! I think... I can do it, sooner or later. So it won't feel out of reach, nor will it feel a pity to lose it!"

At this moment, Jiayin deeply attracted Zhe's attention, and he never praised his beloved girl enough.

"...Jia Yin is so cute and dazzling in this kind of place."

"T-What are you saying all of a sudden?"

Jiayin acted very shy, covering the blush on her cheeks with her hands. The decision she had just made was temporarily suspended because of Zhe's words.

"Oh right... the topic! We've been walking for too long, there's no time to discuss it! I have to get busy with other things soon..."

"It's okay, I already have an idea."

"Hey, have you thought of it yet?"

Jiayin was a little surprised, and Zhe took her hand.

"Because this is a good place for thinking. Jiayin chose a good place."

"Hmm, hum~ Still so reliable... Well, I'll leave the [new clothes] to you then?"

"No problem. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah~ See you tomorrow~... Ah, wait a moment, I need to talk to Ies."

Before leaving, Jiayin suddenly called Zhe. When the latter was confused, she had already come to Ies, squatted down, and spoke in a low voice.

"Ies, could you please turn around for a moment?"

"Hmm? (Why?)"

"Don't ask so many questions, kid~"

Jiayin finished her explanation shyly, and Ies turned her head away obediently. Then she pretended nothing had happened and came to Zhe.

"Last time I celebrated my birthday here, you gave me a gift. I've already thought of a gift in return. Can you close your eyes?"

"Hmm? What's the gift?"

"Don't ask so many questions. If you tell me, it won't be a surprise anymore. Close your eyes quickly~"

Under Jiayin's repeated urging, Zhe obediently closed his eyes, but then he felt the person in front of him slowly approaching...

……

After parting with Jiayin, Zhe returned and began to make clothes that could show elegance and self-discipline while also reflecting design freedom.

However, when accompanying Ies to practice stage movements, Zhe accidentally noticed a person in the corner, and when he got closer, the other person also noticed him.

"Zhe? Why are you here?"

“That’s actually the question I wanted to ask.”

"Well, this might surprise you, but I came to celebrate the New Year. They said I needed some relaxation, and I wanted to look for you, but you weren't there.

So we came here, and they said that watching the round Bombu spin and bounce... was quite relaxing and perfect for celebrating the New Year."

Because of the Bangbu competition, Zhe has not been at home these days, but on the 11th he has no intention of contacting me by cell phone?

"Well, since you're not at home, you must have gone out for something, and I don't want to cause any trouble."

"Don't think like that. How can it be considered troublesome if it's number 11?"

"Um……"

No. 11 was deeply touched by Zhe's words. As if she had thought of something, she spoke again.

"Speaking of New Year's, there are a few customs that have always puzzled me. For example... [People who kiss in a hole at the moment of New Year's Eve will spend the rest of their lives together.] Do you believe this?"

"I've never heard of this custom."

Didn’t No. 11 also watch some weird movies?

"It's astonishing. I've heard that every year since I was born."

Well, it seems that I heard someone say something strange, Zhe thought to himself, then shook No. 11's hand and spoke again.

"That doesn't sound very scientific. Besides, there's no need to do that."

"Well, now that you mention it... it's true. Recklessly exposing your mucous membranes in a cavity and engaging in actions like kissing will increase the risk of erosion.

...Why didn't I think of this before? The power of custom is truly terrifying."

"So there's no such custom at all..."

Zhe emphasized again helplessly that he really didn't know who was spreading this kind of thing, and didn't know that this rumor would bring trouble to others?

"Whether it's a custom or not, I can judge for myself. Let's go, Zhe."

Chapter 375 No. 11 is satisfied

"where are we going?"

"Go to the Hollow."

No. 11 responded to Zhe calmly, but this answer inevitably caused the latter to misunderstand.

"Are you going to verify the rumors?"

"Well, your words always inspire me. I would like you to help me verify the authenticity of the second New Year's custom."

Although he knew that the rumors were definitely lies, Zhe still agreed to accompany No. 11, who was very happy to see that he agreed.

In a certain void not long after...

"Just ahead."

"No. 11, what are you looking for?"

"I hope you like it. I loved it as a kid anyway."

As No. 11 spoke, he drew his weapon and was about to go forward to deal with the Yi Hai who were blocking the way. Seeing this, Zhe followed closely.

"New Year's Eve always comes with an explosion, right? The ethereal shockwaves from the exploding skeleton are enough to wash away all the weakness and regrets of the previous year.

Well, don't tell me you haven't heard of this New Year's custom, it would confuse me."

After dealing with Yi Hai, No. 11 told Zhe the reason, but the surprise on the latter's face made her realize that something was wrong.

"Believe me, I'm more confused than you are. Who told you these... customs?"

"them."

The "they" mentioned by No. 11 should be her teammates. I don't know if Trigger knows about this. I'll ask her later.

"Well, regarding the first rumor, I still want to give it a try..."

No. 11 suddenly spoke on the way. Although she tried her best to appear calm, her shyness was still evident.

"Yeah, no problem."

Zhe smiled and put his arm around No. 11's waist, then lowered his head. Based on the other person's personality, he chose to tell him about this matter instead of taking direct action.

It was obvious that he hoped that Zhe would take the initiative in this matter, and he naturally satisfied this.

During the kiss, No. 11 was very passionate, even more so than when it was about to reach its climax. Could it be because of the rumors?

After their lips parted, No. 11 pursed her lips, looking a little unsatisfied.

After accompanying No. 11 to eliminate many corpses in the cave, the other party was finally satisfied and returned to the Star Ring with Zhe. However, even at this time, the former was still a little puzzled.

"Unbelievable. You just told me... hacking and killing exploding corpses for fun isn't a traditional New Year's custom in New Eridu?"

“There is no such custom on Takujin Day.”

Although such a direct denial is somewhat harsh, it is more important to correct No. 11's mistakes in a timely manner. Moreover, it seems that No. 11's past is indeed suspicious...

"Really? How could that be? Without the crackling of the corpses, your New Year's Eve would be so quiet and silent. It would be so boring."

"There are regular firecrackers, and then there are beautiful fireworks."

"...This kind of toy has nothing to do with combat..."

After hearing this, Zhe spoke again to correct No. 11's thoughts.

"Takujin Day is not a holiday for fighting. The New Year should be spent peacefully."

"...Not going to fight...? Not even once? No need to face any danger, just hide away in a safe place and enjoy peace?"

No. 11 was puzzled and surprised at the same time, so he couldn't help but sigh.

"This is really—how lazy... and how wonderful. I've never experienced a New Year like that. Compared to this, it's like...

All the customs I know of are just to trick us into going down to the cave to kill more monsters."

At this point, No. 11 couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. Zhe had indeed grasped the key point in the other party's words.

"[you]……?"

"Surprising? I have Silver too... I mean, I have siblings, just like you. Maybe we have more similarities than you think."

No. 11 deliberately avoided certain topics. It wasn't because she didn't trust Zhe, but because she didn't want to cause trouble for him, so she changed the subject.

"...I still have a mission to complete. By the way, do you have any New Year's resolutions you'd like to fulfill?"

"Why are you asking this?"

"That's all. This is related to the third [New Year's custom] I know about..."

No. 11 didn't say directly what it was, but Zhe also had an answer to his wish.

"I want to live a peaceful life with the person I love, free from illness and disaster."

"……Well."

No. 11's face looked a little rosy. Although she was a little surprised that Zhe would make this wish, since she had already made the decision, she would definitely try her best to help it come true.