"This is completely one-sided..."
Sakuya hadn't expected this outcome at all.
From her perspective, Nagi-chan had become terrifying, effortlessly slicing through the floating ice on the sea.
However, the tricky part was that the split ice quickly froze back together.
Even in this situation, she could see that Kaguya had the upper hand due to the terrain.
"Shinomiya's abilities are already strong, and she still has the advantage of terrain."
"So this morning exercise wasn't meant for Shinomiya, but for Sanzenin and Miss Maria instead."
Ren pointed at the two who were still struggling.
"If they weren't pushed to a near-desperate state, their Visions, wouldn't be able to extract elemental power according to their own will."
"The key for Sanzenin and Miss Maria is learning how to better convert external power into elemental power through their Visions."
"Additionally, the long-term conversion and use of elemental power will also affect their physical fitness."
"It will make their bodies more accustomed to elemental power."
This was the reason why the original gods were known as 'substitute gods' in the other world.
Each original god could grow stronger—not just remain as star-level figures like in the game.
And what fueled their growth was elemental power.
More precise control, stronger elemental power, and a more adaptable body, these were all factors that allowed the original gods to surpass substitute gods.
However, the true driving force behind the growth of an original god was their will.
Original gods existed because mortals' wishes were recognized by the divine—that was why Visions existed.
Pure wishes could fuel the growth of an original god.
Likewise, pure wishes could also strengthen a Vision.
A completely one-sided battle was more likely to trigger the growth of Sanzenin Nagi and Maria's Visions.
And in fact, that was exactly what was happening.
Compared to when they started, their elemental power was more focused, and their control had improved significantly.
"Hmm, oppressive-style training? Well, I guess it does fit the definition of morning exercise."
Though it seemed a bit extreme, Sakuya had gained a new perspective on what 'morning exercise' meant.
From an observer's point of view, Nagi was truly giving it her all right now.
But there was something else Sakuya was more concerned about.
"Isn't Shinomiya being a little too ruthless?"
Right now, Shinomiya completely dominated the fight. This so-called morning exercise was something else entirely.
It made her wonder if Shinomiya was going too far.
"Not really."
Ren immediately denied it.
"Shinomiya may seem cold on the surface, but she wouldn't be cruel to others."
"If that were the case, she would have attacked the Shinomiya clan the moment she obtained her power."
"...That's true."
Sakuya thought about it and agreed.
But just then, she saw three massive ice hands rise from beneath the ice and quickly grab the three struggling figures.
Crack!
In an instant, the three were encased in ice.
"???"
Sakuya was dumbfounded.
"...This is supposed to be mercy?"
Ren was also a bit surprised at the scene before him.
There was no real danger to Nagi, Maria, and Isumi just as he had said earlier, Kaguya wouldn't be unnecessarily cruel.
The ice was transparent, indicating that the freezing wasn't severe.
And through his spiritual vision, he could tell that only their etheric states had weakened slightly—they were merely immobilized.
Still, even with that reassurance, Ren found himself surprised.
Because in his estimation, Shinomiya shouldn't have been this impulsive.
Besides, Nagi had helped her before. It didn't make sense for her to act so aggressively.
This went against the restraint she had been taught.
What had provoked Shinomiya?
Ren couldn't help but wonder.
She had been perfectly fine these past few days—neither excited nor particularly emotional.
Even if this was her first major battle, it shouldn't have made her react this way.
Had she not been provoked before but rather... just now?
That would mean...
Was it Chika? Or me?
There were only two possible answers, but that only made Ren feel even more perplexed.
He glanced sideways at Chika, who was still covering her mouth in amazement while recording the scene.
Then, he shook his head slightly.
It shouldn't be Chika.
She hadn't done anything that would irritate Shinomiya.
Her earlier reactions had only been responses to Ren's brief explanations of her situation.
That left only one possibility.
Was it me?
After ruling out other possibilities, that was the only answer left.
Ren quickly thought of something.
Could it be that... Shinomiya really likes me?
That conclusion left him momentarily stunned.
Seriously?
Wasn't Shinomiya supposed to be completely ignorant about relationships?
Could she really accept a boy getting close to her so easily?
Knowing her personality and circumstances, Ren found this thought even more confusing.
When he first met Kaguya, she had been as cold as ice.
But now... had that ice melted so quickly?
Had he done something to break through her defenses?
As Ren pondered these questions, the three massive ice hands slowly lifted the frozen figures onto the deck of the cruise ship.
Bang!
The loud impact snapped Ren out of his thoughts.
One of the ice hands unfurled, and a sphere of ice rolled to the ground, gradually revealing Kaguya once more.
"..."
Looking at the three she had frozen, Kaguya's expression flickered with a trace of unease.
She slowly walked over and dispelled the freezing energy.
Crack!
The ice shattered instantly, and the three freed individuals instinctively began rubbing their hands for warmth.
"H-Hiss—!"
Nagi, whose body was naturally weaker, had been frozen directly against her skin.
"You're too ruthless!"
Seeing Nagi, who had helped her earlier frozen like this, a faint trace of guilt appeared on Kaguya's face.
"...Sorry, Miss Sanzenin. I lost control for a moment."
Lost control, my foot! You were clearly taking out your frustrations on us!
Knowing full well what had happened, Nagi could only grumble internally.
She rolled her eyes at Kaguya, who was offering a slow apology, and could only accept her bad luck.
"I'll accept the apology, but now's not the time for that."
"Just pour us some hot water already, we're freezing!"
(To be continued.)
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