Chapter 54 Ange’s changes and heading to Arzenal

The sun rose brightly in the sky, casting its warm light upon the earth. Small animals began their search for food, marking the start of a new day. Inside a cave, two girls lay asleep in their beds. The white-haired girl, Lucia, slowly sat up, but found herself unable to break free from the embrace of the other girl, Ange, who clung to her even in sleep.

With a gentle touch, Lucia managed to pry Ange's hands away. She planted a tender kiss on Ange's forehead, observing the smile that adorned Ange's sleeping face. Lucia gracefully slipped out of bed and ventured outside the cave, where she took in the beauty of the bright morning sky.

Lucia scanned her surroundings, but Tusk was nowhere near the cave. It seemed he had ventured out, likely in search of food or other necessities. However, considering the ingredients neatly arranged on the table, it appeared that there was no urgent need for him to gather provisions. Moreover, the absence of sizable game in the vicinity ruled out the possibility of a hunting expedition.

As Lucia pondered Tusk's whereabouts, her attention was drawn to someone slowly approaching the cave. Turning to face the newcomer, she discovered it was indeed Tusk. He balanced two wooden buckets filled with water, indicating that he had set out to replenish their water supply. 

"Oh. Good morning…eh…" Tusk greeted, then hesitated as he realized they hadn't exchanged introductions before.

"It's Lucia Kurayami." Lucia replied.

"Then Kurayami-san. My name is Tusk, just Tusk." Tusk said as he smiled.

Lucia nodded in acknowledgment, her attention momentarily shifting to the wooden buckets Tusk was carrying.

Noticing her curiosity, Tusk explained, "This water isn't from the sea. I fetched it from a river stream within the island. The river isn't far from the cave." 

"I will cook for now. You can wash your face using the bucket." Tusk offered, hoping to make a positive impression on the girls and erase any memories of his accidental perverted encounters from the day before. With that, he set to work on the ingredients, focusing on the task at hand.

Suddenly, Ange emerged from the cave, rubbing her eyes in the morning light. Lucia decided against using magic for now and welcomed Ange's presence.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" Lucia greeted her friend with a warm smile. 

"Umm..." Ange hesitated for a moment before walking over to Lucia, wrapping her arms around her in a comforting hug. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, paying little attention to Tusk, who had graciously provided them with a bed and was currently preparing breakfast.

Noticing the connection between the two girls, Tusk felt like a peripheral character, unsure of his place in the scene. Lucia, however, took charge, suggesting, "Let's go wash at the river steam. Want to join?" Ange blushed at the thought of seeing Lucia's naked body during the wash.

"We will go wash at the river, Tusk," Lucia explained, casting a glance at Tusk that subtly hinted he shouldn't accompany them. Tusk, catching the unspoken message in Lucia's eyes, nodded in understanding. 

"Okay, I'll be cooking here," Tusk replied, turning to head back to the cave. However, an unfortunate slip caused him to lose his balance once again. This time, his body twisted at an unbelievable angle, and he found himself unintentionally reaching out towards Ange's thigh.

Lucia, quick on her feet, swiftly moved Ange out of harm's way and delivered a well-aimed kick to Tusk's chest. Tusk tumbled and rolled on the ground, eventually coming to a stop against the cave wall. Ange, still unaware of the near-miss, clung to Lucia, her eyes tightly shut.

Lucia, with a shake of her head, looked at Tusk in a mix of exasperation and disbelief. Realizing that it was an accident, she decided not to dwell on it and guided Ange to the river for their wash. As they walked, Ange questioned, "Tusk?" Lucia explained that it was his name, leaving the incident behind as they continued to the river. 

"Ahh! Now that you mention it, I don't even know your name yet," Ange exclaimed.

"Ahaha... that's right. Sorry for being late. My name is Lucia Kurayami. Call me Lucia," Lucia introduced herself with a warm smile.

"I'm Ange. Just Ange now," Ange replied, offering a somewhat subdued smile. Lucia sensed Ange's desire to return to her previous life in the empire, but she had accepted her new reality as a Norma. Abandoning her princess-like mindset, Ange chose to live simply as Ange.

"Then Ange, can you go out with me?" Lucia asked.

"Please, take care of me from now on," Ange replied with a giggle, expressing her willingness to move forward with Lucia.

As they chatted, they reached the river, preparing to wash after removing their clothes. Ange, normally unfazed by the sight of a naked body, found herself feeling a bit embarrassed when attempting to look at Lucia. She would quickly avert her gaze, blushing as she turned her head to the side.

If Salia and the other Norma girls were to witness Ange's current demeanor, they would likely be taken aback, wondering, "Who are you?" Ange had shed her previous reservations, becoming shameless and carefree about such matters. Back then, Ange viewed Norma as nothing more than insects, and her mindset served as a self-defense mechanism to safeguard her sanity.

Now, however, Ange found herself acting differently, feeling shy and adopting a more stereotypically feminine demeanor, especially in the presence of her crush. Lucia shook her head with a smile, assisting Ange with the washing. As Lucia's hands touched Ange's skin, a blush spread across Ange's face, accompanied by subtle moans. Despite her embarrassment, Ange didn't resist Lucia's touch, instead relishing the bath session with a mixture of happiness and shyness.

As they returned to the cave, they found Tusk patiently waiting for them, seemingly unperturbed by the earlier accident. Tusk had completed the meal preparation, and Lucia resumed a conversation with him, deliberately avoiding any mention of the earlier accidental perverted incident. Tusk skillfully served the food, arranging three bowls with portions for each of them.

Taking their seats, Lucia and Ange sat side by side, and Tusk settled into the chair opposite Lucia.

The meal consisted of a vegetable mixture resembling a soup. Ange observed the food, not expressing much, but determined to eat whatever it took to survive. She cautiously brought a spoonful to her mouth, finding it to be neither exceptionally tasty nor distasteful. Tusk, accustomed to such fare after surviving alone on the island, ate the food with ease.

Meanwhile, Lucia stood up and made her way to the table where the ingredients were placed near the stone stove. Tusk and Ange exchanged glances, noticing that Lucia hadn't touched her meal. They wondered if Lucia disliked the food, a sentiment they shared to some extent. Despite its mediocre taste, they understood it served the purpose of filling their stomachs.

To their surprise, Lucia conjured chicken and beef out of thin air, transforming their simple vegetable soup into a more savory and appealing dish. The atmosphere shifted as Lucia skillfully and elegantly prepared the ingredients. The rhythmic sound of the knife hitting the cutting board became a melodic backdrop, and the enticing aroma of the cooking food had Tusk and Ange drooling in anticipation.

Curious, Tusk asked where the additional ingredients came from, and Lucia nonchalantly replied with "magic." Tusk, however, didn't press further, already captivated by the idea of devouring a delicious meal. Ange, too, couldn't help but smile brightly as she eagerly awaited the outcome of Lucia's culinary magic.

The bowls in front of them were forgotten, as they shifted their full attention to the mesmerizing display of Lucia's cooking. Ange found herself looking at Lucia with newfound appreciation, realizing that watching someone cook could indeed be an enjoyable experience, especially when it was Lucia showcasing her culinary skills.

"Wait a second. The food is almost finished," Lucia interrupted, glancing at Ange with a soft smile. Ange, with a red face, nodded in agreement, inwardly thinking, 'She is too skilled.' Tusk, too, blushed at Lucia's culinary expertise and infectious smile, even though she wasn't directing it specifically at him.

After some time, the cooking was complete, and Lucia conjured a few plates from a golden ripple that appeared beside her. Tusk and Ange were taken aback by the abnormal occurrence, something they had never witnessed before in their lives.

Although thoughts about the unusual appearance crossed their minds, the anticipation of tasting the delicious meal took precedence. The aroma alone was driving them to the brink of impatience. Lucia's A-rank cooking skill was no joke, surpassing the realm of normal human abilities. In their world, even the best cooking skills would only be considered E-rank, making Lucia's culinary prowess akin to the divine.

As soon as the plates landed on the table, Ange and Tusk dove into their meals with unabashed enthusiasm. Ange, unconcerned with the etiquette expected of a princess, devoured her food as if there were no tomorrow. The meat melted like clouds on her tongue, offering an unparalleled and delightful texture. Tusk, overwhelmed by the heavenly flavors, found himself tearing up, deeply moved by the experience of savoring such exquisite cuisine for the first time in his life.

Lucia observed Ange with a smile, occasionally refilling the golden cup she had conjured from the Gate of Babylon. Ange, too engrossed in the feast before her, didn't spare a glance for the intricately designed gold cup.

Once the meal concluded, not a single morsel of meat remained on the plates. Ange and Tusk gazed at Lucia with a mix of gratitude and awe, as if ready to worship her culinary skills at a moment's notice. The transformative power of Lucia's cooking had left them both deeply impressed and appreciative.

"What? Want more?" Lucia asked with a smile, noting Ange and Tusk's eager nods.

"Well, eating more than your body can handle isn't good," Lucia advised, looking at the array of dishes already on the table.

"I will cook more later, okay?" she reassured Ange, who appeared disappointed but brightened at the prospect of another delicious meal.

Tusk had initially entertained thoughts of a tranquil island life with two beautiful companions, but those dreams were dashed when Lucia spoke again.

"We need to fix your para-mail and go back to Arzenal," Lucia declared.

Ange, absorbed in thoughts about Lucia, had completely forgotten about their situation at Arzenal.

"Luckily, Tusk could fix it. Right?" Lucia turned to Tusk.

"Ah, yes. It wasn't much difficult," Tusk replied, nodding. He had briefly entertained the idea of living with two beautiful girls on the island, but it seemed that wasn't to be. After finishing the meal, Lucia stored the plates back into the Gate of Babylon, once again amazing Ange and Tusk with the golden ripple that appeared out of thin air. Ange tentatively touched it, feeling a liquid-like substance that didn't wet her hand.

Later, they headed to the shore to inspect the Villkiss, and to their surprise, Tusk discovered multiple pieces of underwear inside the Villkiss's engine. With an embarrassed expression, he pulled them out, showing them to Ange, who erupted in anger and began cursing at the unexpected discovery.

After removing the underwear, Tusk commenced with the repairs. He diligently worked on fixing the para-mail, the Villkiss, and returned when it was time to eat. While he managed to repair them to some extent, certain essential components were lacking due to the severe damage inflicted by the dragon. Lucia, understanding the limitations, instructed Tusk to at least fix the radio for communication with the base.

Lucia's intention was to provide some peaceful time for Ange. The plan was for both of them to return to Arzenal, where Ange needed to confront the harsh realities of her empire, exposing the corruption within her family. This revelation would eventually lead to an order from Julio, Ange's brother, to attack Arzenal and eliminate the Norma girls. Lucia had every intention of assisting Ange when the time came to expose the truth, ensuring that Ange wouldn't face humiliation as depicted in the anime.

Two days passed, and the radio was successfully repaired. Ange connected with the rescue team via the radio, mirroring events from the anime. However, unlike the animated version, there was no dragon attack on Ange, and the island didn't catch fire. Originally, the scenario would involve a skirmish with a small dragon and a few aircraft carrying a large dragon corpse back to the empire, resulting in destruction and fire on the island. Tusk would be forced to leave, as higher-ups would send a team to investigate the island.

A few minutes after the radio connection, a large helicopter with four horizontally spinning rotors appeared, its door sliding open. Two Norma girls who didn't harbor any resentment towards Ange emerged from the helicopter, ready to welcome her. However, their surprise was evident when they noticed Lucia standing next to Ange, her arm around Ange's waist. Tusk was notably absent, having run into the forest upon seeing the helicopter.

Lucia pondered why Tusk hadn't proclaimed something like "I'm Ange's knight!" as seen in the anime. Reflecting on it, she realized that there hadn't been a suitable moment for Tusk to showcase his reliability to Ange. In the original scenario, he was meant to save and nurse Ange when she was bitten by a snake and fell ill. This act of kindness would have endeared him to Ange, despite the occasional lucky pervert incidents. However, Lucia's appearance overshadowed Tusk's reliability, and Ange ended up disliking him more than liking him, contrary to the events in the anime.

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The large helicopter with four horizontally spinning rotors headed back to the base where the Norma lived. Inside the helicopter, the girls frequently glanced at Lucia, captivated by her beauty and feeling an inexplicable sense of superiority emanating from her. Despite Lucia's soft smile as she received a cup of tea from a pink-haired girl, the others couldn't help but be awestruck by her presence.

Even more surprising for them was Ange, who leaned on the shoulder of the silver-white-haired girl—Lucia—and smiled. It was an unusual sight, as Ange wasn't known for smiling, and it left the other girls feeling perplexed. Ange seemed to be unaffected by the normative dynamics among the Norma.

Vivian, a girl with short scarlet hair, initiated a conversation with Ange, expecting the usual response. However, to everyone's shock, Ange responded with a genuine smile. Ersha, a girl with long pink hair, was taken aback by Ange's changed attitude as she served a cup of tea to Ange and Lucia. The mysterious atmosphere surrounding Ange intrigued the girls, making them wonder about the unexpected transformation in her demeanor.

Salia, a girl with blue twin tails, couldn't help but glance at Ange and the mysterious girl frequently. Her attention, however, shifted toward Lucia, and she found herself blushing as she observed Lucia's cool demeanor in an unknown black military coat. In Salia's eyes, Lucia resembled a prince charming, and the unexpected eye contact with Lucia made her blush even more. Lucia, in response, smiled at Salia, who turned her head in a slight panic.

Beside them, a little loli girl who sat at the pilot seat stole occasional glances at Lucia as well.

Meanwhile, Vivian bombarded Lucia with questions, and Lucia responded with ease. The three of them—Vivian, Ange, and Lucia—engaged in friendly conversation, with Ersha occasionally joining in. Salia, on the other hand, paid particular attention to Lucia, frequently glancing over from the pilot seat. The helicopter journey became a mix of curiosity, blushes, and friendly chatter as they headed back to the Norma base.

Lucia informed the girls that she needed to meet with their commander to discuss important matters, leaving Salia and the loli girl speculating that she might be affiliated with the rebellion group called 'Libertus.'

After half an hour of flight, they arrived back at Arzenal, landing in the hangar. The side door of the helicopter slid open, and the girls disembarked. As Lucia descended from the helicopter, a hush fell over the area, and many of the Norma girls stopped what they were doing to gaze at her.

The loli girl, acting as the leader of the maintenance team, promptly called her team together to begin the repairs on Villkiss. Lucia, meanwhile, headed towards the commander's office, prepared to discuss the important matters that had brought her to Arzenal. The atmosphere in the hangar remained filled with a mix of curiosity and awe in the wake of Lucia's presence. 

"Hey! What are you all doing? Villkiss needs fixing," the girl in charge of the maintenance team shouted, snapping the others back to reality. They resumed their tasks but couldn't help stealing glances at Lucia from time to time.

"Ara ara, the girls seem to be interested in Kurayami-san," Ersha joked with a giggle.

"Kurayami-san is beautiful after all," Vivian added, laughing along.

"Kurayami-san, I will guide you to the commander's office. Ange, you can rest for now; you must be tired," Salia offered, smiling. She instructed Ange to rest in her room.

Lucia nodded in agreement, but Ange pouted, not wanting Lucia to leave her side. She was aware of the many lustful glances directed at Lucia. Lucia reassured Ange and placed a comforting hand on her head, as if consoling a little sister. Salia looked on with a hint of jealousy as Ange, satisfied, returned to her room under Lucia's guidance. The lingering attention from the Norma girls did not go unnoticed. 

"You two also go back and rest," Salia instructed Vivian and Ersha.

"Okay," Vivian and Ersha replied, nodding before heading back to their respective rooms.

"Then please follow me," Salia said to Lucia, who nodded in acknowledgment. The two walked side by side toward Jill's office, and the atmosphere between them was notably cold as they refrained from speaking. Salia wanted to initiate a conversation, but her mind was a whirlwind of confusion. Since encountering Lucia, Salia's heart had been racing, and the normally composed girl found herself at a loss for words. Despite having read numerous romance novels, she was unable to decide what to say.

'Should I say hello? No, no. Arrgh! I should have said something on the helicopter! Where should I start? Say something!' Salia's mind raced with self-imposed pressure as they continued their silent walk. The internal struggle to find the right words persisted.

"Are you the team captain of Ange?" Lucia suddenly asked.

"E-eh? Ah! Yes! I'm the captain of the team," Salia replied in a panic.

"No need to be nervous. Am I that scary?" Lucia said with a smile.

"N-no! You are beautiful and cool! A-ahh…" Salia stammered, becoming shy.

"You are cute," Lucia complimented.

"C-cute!" Salia mumbled, stopping in her tracks and lowering her head with a red face.

"I-I. M-my name is Salia," she managed to say as she raised her head.

"My name is Lucia Kurayami. Just call me Lucia," Lucia said.

"Understood! Lucia-san!" Salia exclaimed, as if meeting a higher-up.

"Okay, okay, let's go," Lucia said, and Salia nodded, taking the lead once again. Soon, they reached the front door of the commander's office.

"This is Salia," Salia announced, knocking on the door.

"Come in," came the reply from inside. The door opened, and Salia walked in, bowing to Jill and reporting on the successful rescue of Ange and the ongoing repairs to Villkiss.

"Good work. You can leave," Jill said, but Salia hesitated.

"There is someone who wants to meet you, Commander," Salia added.

Jill's right eyebrow raised slightly as she listened to Salia, indicating that she was encouraging her to proceed. Salia explained that someone on the island, accompanying Ange, wished to meet Jill urgently. The person in question was Lucia Kurayami, and they needed to discuss a matter of great importance. Jill took a moment, pondering who Lucia might be.

'Is she one of the survivors from ancient humans? But isn't everyone dead, with only a kid named Tusk remaining?' Jill wondered.

"Where is she now?" Jill inquired.

"She is waiting outside right now," Salia responded.

"Okay, let her in. You can rest for now. Good work, Salia. I'm proud of you," Jill praised with a smile.

Salia beamed, pleased with the acknowledgment, but she still harbored a desire to prove her leadership capabilities. For now, she left Jill's office and rejoined Lucia outside.

"Commander said you can enter. Should I wait for you?" Salia asked Lucia.

"It's okay. It might take some time," Lucia replied.

"I see..." Salia nodded, understanding that Lucia might need a moment alone with the commander. 

"Don't be down. We will meet again anyway," Lucia reassured Salia.

"Ah. That's right," Salia replied with a smile.

As Lucia entered the office, she found herself face to face with Jill. Jill had black, long hair tied into a ponytail, and a cigarette dangled from her hand. Her most noticeable feature was the artificial right arm. Jill, once an individual who attempted to revolt against Embyro, ultimately succumbed to his persuasive words. She fell in love with Embyro and became his lover.

In an attempt to rescue Jill, ancient humans put forth their utmost effort, leading to the total destruction of all ancient humans. Jill couldn't escape her guilt for her friends who had tried their best to save her. Eventually, she managed to break free from Embyro's influence, but not without losing her hand in the process, much to Embyro's disappointment. The meeting between Lucia and Jill marked the beginning of discussions on matters that carried a heavy burden of the past.

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