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A few days of exams later, they were free once again.

The snow of early December was starting to fall on the streets.
The depressing days were over, and all the Morinomiya High students leaving the school were filled with hope, looking forward to their winter break… And Kou’s group was no different.

“I really thought it was doomed the first day…”
“Hahah, you did well, prez.”

Kasumi looked exhausted, and Subaru offered a bit of comfort.

“Hmm… It’s not as satisfying as I’d like, but I’ll take the win this time.”
“Oh yes, it sure is nice to have plenty of time to study. Lucky b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲.”

Just thinking about the result rankings in a few days made everyone depressed, everyone except for Reo.
They had all taken time to study together in preparation, so at least their grades had not dropped by much…but Kou and Subaru’s goal of beating Reo had been a bit too difficult to accomplish this time, leaving them frustrated…

“…It sounds like your bout with the Holy Kingdom was quite stressful.”
“It sure was. Their leadership is back under control so they are keeping low for now, I just hope it stays that way.”

Reo and Subaru began discussing recent events. The Holy Kingdom had not done anything after the battle, likely as Theodolite assumed full command, and those who pulled the strings before scurried away.

“Oh yeah Kou, good thing you only grew wings in-game.”
“Yup… Just thinking of that made me scared to log out that night.”

Hijiri walked alongside Kou, holding hands. Her comment made Kou reply meekly, who would have become a full-time shut-in if she ended up with wings in real life as well.

Not to mention that she had a strong feeling that if she consulted with her mother, she would say, “You could get them here if you really want to,” the possibility of which made Kou remain silent about the matter.

Luckily, that change had no effect in the real world, alleviating some of Kou’s stress.

“Okay okay, that’s enough gloomy talk! We’re done with exams so it’s time to celebrate! Let’s go get some tea at Yoneda maybe?”

Kasumi finally regained some energy as she suggested that, and everyone else…

“Oh, that sounds nice. It’s starting to get chilly, and I’ve been wanting to try out their beef stew too.”
“Oh, rich guys know what to go for, huh. But I’m down to go too!”
“Well, if my sister is going then I guess I have to go too. And you’re coming too, right Kou?”
“Yup, it sounds like fun to celebrate together.”

They all took a detour together, heading to a certain coffee shop.

***

Once everyone was settled into their seats in the coffee shop, they continued talking about the exams they went through…until the conversation was derailed a bit.
Soon they were discussing…something they were all curious about.

“Hmm, so this is what you look like now…”
“Don’t go prying too much, especially my Skills.”
“I know, that would be a bit too underhanded.”

Everyone gathered to look at Crim’s updated avatar, displayed through Destiny Unchain Online’s showcase function.
They all wanted to see how Crim had changed after that fight.

“I’m guessing you used this species-specific Skill, Demonic Attack, during the fight with Bifrons.”

Subaru pointed to an ability written in red font, which had not been there before.

“It can only be used when HP is at 80% or higher, and it consumes MP to enhance basic attacks… it can also extend their range or turn them into wide-area attacks. That sounds pretty useful.”
“And it grants improved evasion to the short-range teleportation ability Flash Step, while also boosting both magical and physical power by 1.2 times… Yeah, it’s a really powerful ability.”

Hijiri and Subaru looked through the details of it.

“Hmmm…”
“Kou, what’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”
“No, it’s just that I get it’s strong, but still…”

Kou did not look fully convinced of something.
Reo took a break from his delectable beef stew, which he ate like a professional gourmand, to see what was happening with Kou.

“Ah, it’s just that these power-ups don’t feel enough to overpower a raid boss like Bifrons on your own, is that what you mean?”
“Yes, that’s it!”

When Reo pointed that out, Kou raised her face and replied right away.
That had been bothering her. She had gained various Skills and buffs, but even if she was twice or three times stronger, it still was not enough to justify the change, considering how much they struggled the first time they fought Bifrons.

“Was there any other change you noticed at the time?”
“Now that you mention it… I felt like I could move way better all of a sudden.”
“You could move better?”

Subaru sounded dubious, but Kou nodded reaffirming her words.

As she was fighting inside the fort, she felt like her mind remained sharp and controlled, allowing her to discern how everything was moving…but her own body was lagging behind, like she was stuck under water.

Then, when she evolved species during the fight with Bifrons, she suddenly began moving the way she wanted. It was a bit difficult to explain, but Kou managed to communicate that to the rest.

“…That would explain it.”
“Reo, you know something?”
“Not quite, I just had an idea… Okay, you haven’t fought as Crim since you evolved, have you?”
“I mean, I’ve been busy with exams since then, so I didn’t get any time for that.”

Reo’s worried voice confused Kou, but she just shook her head.
That eased Reo’s worries, as he nodded and suggested something.

“…As soon as we get home I’ll make my way to Castle Seyfert. Could we fight a duel there?”