Sky

After enduring several more arduous hours of training, my stamina was utterly depleted, leaving me on the verge of collapsing onto the ground.

However, just as I teetered on the brink of exhaustion, gentle hands cradled me, offering support and solace.

My head found respite on his lap, cushioned by his unwavering care.

"...You did not sweat" I uttered, my voice laden with fatigue and slight irritation.

Despite my newfound style, and even successfully urging Ren to unleash the prowess of a level 2, surpassing him still remained an unattainable dream.

His level, perception, and reaction time had been restricted to that of a level 2 adventurer, but his vast experience remained an insurmountable obstacle. Though I occasionally landed a strike, it was solely due to the discovery of my unique and undeniable style.

However, adapting to this new approach proved to be quite challenging, as it required rejecting years of ingrained training and embracing an entirely different path.

As I glanced at the proud expression adorning Ren's face, a sigh escaped my lips, my gaze shifting elsewhere.

Though his gaze no longer felt heavy, it still stirred unfamiliar sensations within my heart...

But I chose not to dwell on these feelings, instead, my attention fixated on the expanse of the sky above.

While I had never been particularly captivated by its allure before, now a single thought dominated my mind as I stared into the boundless azure.

I want to stand where he stands.

Unconsciously, my hand reached out, attempting to grasp that aspiration, even though the gesture might have seemed rather awkward to Ren.

"...Do you wish to reach the sky?" he inquired, his words drawing a faint smile from me.

How naive, I thought to myself, for what I truly desire is to reach you.

The sky is but the place you occupy.

Nonetheless, I nodded, recognizing the truth within his statement.

"In that case," Ren continued, his voice filled with amusement, "May I accompany you there?"

Perplexed, I tilted my head in confusion.

"Take me...to the sky?"

My initial confusion dissipated as Ren offered a clarification.

"Yes. However, before that, take some time to rest," he advised.

I nodded, fully aware that attempting to protest my readiness would be futile.

After granting myself ample time to recuperate and freshen up, I rendezvoused with Ren once again, my gaze brimming with curiosity.

His smile in response elicited a shocked expression from me.

With an air of utmost naturalness, he stepped up on empty space, extending his hand as an invitation for me to join him.

Although a twinge of unease fluttered within me, I held steadfast trust in Ren's unwavering commitment to my well-being.

Taking his outstretched hand, I too ventured onto this ethereal "air."

Or perhaps, it would be more apt to say that something beneath us offered unwavering support, preventing our fall.

"One step at a time, we can ascend high enough for you to "reach" the skies. I assure you, the view is breathtaking," he assured me.

Thus, in this enchanting manner, we continued to ascend, while Ren disclosed his employment of an illusion to render us invisible to prying eyes.

Once we had reached a sufficient altitude, Ren settled into a seated position, prompting me to do the same.

Before my eyes sprawled the grandeur of Orario, teeming with bustling life.

The jubilant cheers of its citizens resonated even from this lofty altitude, likely a result of prosperous endeavors.

Towering majestically, Babel stood resolute, its pinnacle obscured from view even at this elevated position. Yet, it was the horizon that truly captivated me—a radiant sunset painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.

I took in this panorama, my mind unlocking a newfound realization.

Though I had been gazing up at Ren, the truth bore a subtle distinction.

He represented the boundless sky I aspired to reach, yet he also stood by my side as an equal. There was no need for me to constantly view him as superior.

At this moment, he was simply a man, and I was just a woman.

The thought warmed my heart, prompting an instinctive gesture as I rested my head upon his shoulder.

No words were necessary, for in this silent communication, our connection grew stronger, symbolized by the gentle intertwining of our hands.

I smiled.

If Ren were absent from my life, I pondered, how would I perceive this vast expanse of a sky?

Maybe, without him, I couldn't find the same delight in it.

My heart remained entangled with the pursuit of vengeance, a goal I was determined to achieve at any cost.

Yet, I sensed that once I had finally attained that long-awaited wish, my heart would be unshackled, able to reciprocate his emotions freely.

The intricacies of love eluded my full comprehension, but in this very moment, his mere presence bestowed upon me a tranquility that no one else had ever evoked.

In essence, isn't that what one experiences when they are in love?

I made sure to cherish this sensation, for in what seemed like an instant, the sun had completely descended beyond the horizon.

Though it was time to resume my role as the dependable level 6 executive of the Loki Familia, upon whom many relied in the midst of an ongoing war, my heart remained cheerful.

The weight of others' expectations paled in comparison to my personal quest of ascending to the heights I currently stood with my own strength.

"You're absolutely adorable, Ais."

His words echoed once more, never failing to ignite a fiery blush upon my cheeks.

With a swift strike, I landed a punch on his arm, eliciting a hearty laugh from him.

"...Idiot."

Must he always ambush me like this? It was not fair...

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Author's Note:

And with this, Ais' POV has concluded. We'll return with our MC's POV from the next chap!