The battle raged on. Ariana and the giant mole clashed with unrelenting intensity, her flames scorching the air while the monster roared in defiance. Meanwhile, Viola and I were locked in our own fight, cutting down the swarm of smaller moles that threatened to break through and reach Ariana.
Despite our differences, our teamwork was seamless. Viola's teleportation allowed her to reposition quickly, eliminating threats before they got too close, while my ice attacks kept the battlefield under control, slowing down the enemy's advance. As much as I disliked Ariana's attitude, I had to admit—letting her go all out alone was probably the best strategy for this fight. She fought like a berserker, throwing everything she had at the enemy without hesitation.
Minutes passed like seconds, the fight stretching on for what felt like an eternity. But finally, after a gruelling ten minutes, Ariana delivered the final blow. A massive burst of fire engulfed the giant mole, and with a final shriek, it collapsed, turning to ash in the wake of her flames.
The moment the monster perished, a force surged through the air. Without warning, the dimensional crack trembled before violently pulling us out. Everything blurred, and in the next instant, we found ourselves ejected back into reality, the rift snapping shut behind us like it had never been there.
Panting slightly, Viola stretched her arms above her head. "You know, it's weird how only Espers are aware of dimensional cracks, considering how huge and loud they are," she mused. "Like, seriously, normal people don't see this at all?"
"Maybe because the cracks only appear in secluded places?" I shrugged before turning toward Ariana, curious about her thoughts. "What do you think?"
Ariana barely spared me a glance before scoffing and walking off, her long red hair swaying behind her.
"Oi… seriously?" I blinked, watching her retreating figure. "This girl… what's her problem?"
Viola chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't let her get to you, Irana. Let's just head back and report the mission."
I opened my mouth to agree but then paused, realization hitting me like a brick.
"Wait… hold on—she just ditched us!" I exclaimed, pointing after Ariana. "That girl totally left the mission report in our hands!!"
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
Viola placed a firm grip on my back, and in the blink of an eye, the world around us distorted. A split second later, we reappeared at the Esper Association HQ. No matter how many times I experienced Viola's teleportation, I could never get used to the sensation—it felt like being yanked through a tight space, leaving a brief moment of dizziness.
We quickly filed our mission report, listing the details of the battle and, of course, noting that Ariana had ditched us before the debriefing. The clerk barely reacted, just nodding as if it was a common occurrence. So she has a habit of doing this, huh? Well, at least that meant I wouldn't have to deal with her excuses.
Once we were done, Viola and I parted ways, and I headed home. Sunday should be a day off, but somehow, I'm still working… I sighed, stretching my arms above my head as I walked. I wonder what Onee-chan is doing right now?
As I approached the house, I saw an unexpected scene—Onee-chan standing at the entrance, dressed casually, looking like she was about to head out. Beside her, that stupid brother of mine, Yuji, was practically bouncing with excitement. The two of them seemed ready to go somewhere.
"Onee-chan?" I called out, stepping closer. "Are you going out? Can I come along?"
Before Aria could respond, Yuji suddenly shouted, "NOOO!!"
His voice was so loud that I flinched. Geez, what's his problem?
He quickly stepped in front of Aria, spreading his arms as if physically blocking me. "It's my time with Onee-chan now! You had her the entire week!!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What does that even mean?"
Yuji pouted, his expression sulky and dramatic. "You were always around her! You live in the same dorm, talking to her, eating with her—now it's my turn!"
I blinked at him in disbelief. "…Are you serious?"
"Yes!" he huffed. "Go do your own thing, Irana! This is sibling bonding time, and you're not invited!"
This little gremlin… I sighed, rubbing my forehead. There was no winning against Yuji when he got like this. I could already tell that arguing would only make him more stubborn.
Maybe I should just concede this time…
After all, Onee-chan and I had been living in the school dorm for the entire week. Yuji probably felt left out since he didn't get to see her as much.
"…Fine," I muttered, crossing my arms. Then I turned to Aria and gave her a half-serious, half-exasperated look. "Well, Onee-chan, have fun… but don't spoil that little brat too much!"
Yuji immediately gasped, as if personally offended. "I am not a brat!"
"Yes, you are," I shot back without hesitation.
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are."
"I'M NOT—"
Aria cut him off by placing a hand on his head and ruffling his hair, which made him flail in protest. "Alright, alright, both of you, that's enough," she sighed. Then she gave me a small smile. Thanks for understanding, Irana."
I shrugged. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't let him drag you into anything too stupid."
"I HEARD THAT!" Yuji protested.
I smirked. "Good."
With that, I waved them off and watched as they left, Yuji practically bouncing with excitement next to Onee-chan.
Haaah… what am I supposed to do now? I stretched my arms, looking around. Maybe I could go out myself. Or… maybe I should check on Mom and see what weird Vcuber things she was up to.
"Irana, you're home?" I heard my father's voice from the living room.
"Yeah, what's up?" I responded, making my way over.
As I entered the living room, I saw him lounging on the couch, sipping tea like he had no worries in the world. He looked completely relaxed, like a man who had already retired from life's responsibilities.
This father of mine… He really has such a free-spirited nature.
I crossed my arms. "Why are you home, Dad? Shouldn't you be busy with work?"
"Well," he said, setting his cup down with a small smile. "All my paperwork is done, so I decided to come home early. Gotta enjoy the quiet when I can."
"Must be nice to have such an easygoing job," I muttered.
He chuckled. "So, how was your mission today?"
I plopped down onto the couch across from him, stretching out my arms. "It was fine, I guess… Just met a fiery friend. Though, I wouldn't exactly call her a friend. She's kind of a jerk. I don't like her attitude."
"Oh?" My father raised an eyebrow, amused. "Sounds like she left quite the impression."
I sighed and leaned back into the cushions. "Yeah, she's strong, no doubt about that. But working with her was a nightmare. She just did whatever she wanted and ignored teamwork completely."
"Sounds like someone else I know," he said with a teasing smirk.
I shot him a look. "I am nothing like her."
"Uh-huh. Sure."
I rolled my eyes and began recounting the mission details—how we entered the dimensional crack, the fight with the mole monsters, and how Ariana handled the boss almost entirely on her own while Viola and I kept the small fry at bay.
My father listened intently, occasionally nodding or making small comments. He didn't say much, but I could tell he was paying attention. That was one of the things I liked about him. He wasn't the best father—definitely far from perfect—but I always enjoyed talking to him.
Maybe it was because, despite everything, I knew he listened.