บท 98: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [98]
The morning passed, and the forty students, who had yet to see any actual sword techniques—only endless group dancing—were growing visibly frustrated.
Some took the opportunity to complain to Kujou Sara during the lunch break, but all they got in return was:
"Mr. Luo Qing has a plan. Please be patient."
And with that, they were dismissed.
By the afternoon, many of them were disheartened, their eyes dull with the thought that the entire month might be wasted on pointless activities. But just then, Luo Qing stepped up onto the platform, casually gripping a wooden sword, and said loudly:
"After this morning's practice, I trust you all now fully understand the importance of warm-up exercises. So, starting today, every morning and evening, you will all perform the dance you learned. Understood?"
The students' expressions were hard to describe—they were beyond dismayed.
Who in the world uses group dance as a warm-up?
Luo Qing scanned the crowd, noting the rising tide of Frustration Value in his system log, and a satisfied smirk appeared on his face. He continued:
"This afternoon, I will officially begin teaching you the First Form of Thunder Breathing—Thunderclap and Flash. Now, Representative Ayaka, come up here for another demonstration..."
At the mention of her name, Kamisato Ayaka hesitated. The last time she had been called up for a demonstration, Luo Qing had ended up holding her by the waist. What if he did something strange again this time...?
She glanced around and saw her peers watching expectantly. With a slight bow of her head, she hesitantly stepped forward, walking over to Luo Qing.
"M-Master... how should I cooperate with you this time...?" she asked softly.
Luo Qing smiled gently. "No need to worry. I'll handle everything."
"Huh?"
Ayaka was momentarily stunned.
"Now then, Kamisato Ayaka, grip your blade and assume a drawing stance."
"O-Okay... Master."
Quickly obeying, Ayaka took hold of her blade at her waist, leaning forward slightly into a drawing position.
"Good. Now, close your eyes and breathe slowly."
"Yes..."
"Feel your breath. Let your breathing merge with the blade."
"Yes..."
Following Luo Qing's instructions, Ayaka calmed her breathing, focusing intently.
"Very good," Luo Qing praised, moving behind Ayaka. His left hand rested lightly on her shoulder, while his right hand slid over hers, clasping the hilt of the blade together.
The sensation of his hands, warm and firm, caused Ayaka to freeze. Her heart skipped a beat, racing wildly. She could hear every breath he took.
Aside from her brother, no boy her age had ever been this close to her. Ayaka felt caught between the urge to pull away and stay exactly where she was.
Logic told her she should resist if Luo Qing was doing this on purpose... but her heart?
Meanwhile, the students watching this scene were stunned. This... this wasn't teaching; this was blatant flirtation!
And with Kamisato Ayaka, the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan—the White Heron Princess no less!
Why was Luo Qing being so brazen?
Ayaka! Why aren't you resisting?!
Some of the young men, who had long admired Ayaka, looked towards Kujou Sara for intervention.
But she simply stood there, impassive as ever, pretending nothing was amiss.
...
"Don't mind anything else. Just focus on your breathing," Luo Qing instructed as he activated Thunder Breathing, channeling Electro energy into his body.
"Yes... Master..." Ayaka replied, her voice a little shaky. Realizing he was guiding her to perform Thunderclap and Flash, she felt a wave of relief.
She had misjudged his intentions.
With her mind clear again, she followed his lead, synchronizing her breath.
Suddenly, a tingling sensation spread from Luo Qing's warm hand, passing through her grip, and down to the blade. She felt the charge of Electro element flowing through their combined hold.
"Now—draw the blade!"
Luo Qing's voice rang out, and together they drew the sword.
In a flash, the silver blade sliced through the air, trailing faint golden sparks, and the soft crackle of electricity echoed in the training ground.
It was only then that the spectators realized Luo Qing had used his own power to guide Ayaka in performing the move.
So... he wasn't flirting after all?
A wave of guilt washed over some of them.
"Kamisato Ayaka, how did it feel?" Luo Qing asked gently as he released her, stepping back to face her.
"H-Huh...?" Ayaka was caught off-guard, unsure if he was asking about the technique or... the closeness they had just shared.
"It... it was okay," she replied, lowering her head, her cheeks turning a delicate pink.
"Did you notice anything different in our breathing?"
"I... I think I did," Ayaka answered softly.
She recalled Luo Qing's rhythmic breathing during the demonstration. With every inhale, he seemed to draw the surrounding Electro energy into his body, circulating it through his limbs, and then into the blade when they struck.
It was clear he hadn't used a Vision.
"Master, you... you were drawing in the surrounding Electro energy with your breathing, weren't you?" Ayaka ventured hesitantly.
"You're quite sharp! You've earned a reward!"
Luo Qing chuckled and reached out, gently ruffling Ayaka's hair.
"!!!"
The crowd fell silent, stunned.
They took back everything—Luo Qing was blatantly flirting!
Many had expected Ayaka to be upset by his bold move or at least protest.
But to their utter shock, she blushed, lowered her head, and looked... happy?
"Th-Thank you, Master," Ayaka whispered, a hint of joy in her shy expression.
The male students stood there, dumbfounded.
Why did she seem to be enjoying this?
Could it be they were already...?
Were they pretending not to know each other, trying to live out some forbidden romance like in those light novels?
Hiss...
---
Meanwhile, within the Tenryou Commission...
Perched high under a hidden eave, a small, tan-furred creature resembling a tanuki watched the scene below, its eyes narrowing at the sight of Luo Qing and Ayaka's closeness.
The tanuki wobbled slightly, shifting back into a human form.
"Luo... Luo Qing really is dangerous. I need to report this to the Clan Head right away..."
With that, Sayu's figure darted off, swiftly leaping from rooftop to rooftop, making her way to the Yashiro Commission.
---
T/N: It's over, Ayaka's doomed
Hi, lovelies! I'm so excited to share my new project with you—I Just Want A Single Ending! It's a crossover of mygo!!! and Bocchi The Rock! with all the band drama, emotions, and fun you could ever want. I've been swooning over every chapter, and I hope you fall in love with it too! (I got like 200+ chapters stockpiled)
Oh, and guess what? I've got a few more stories coming your way this week, so stay tuned. As always, thank you so much for your support—you're the best!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
(this story is currently up to 160 chapters on my patreon!)
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง