FGO/KONOSUBA: GOD BLESSINGS ON THOSE WONDERFUL HEROES

[Orleans] The Day The Neet Become A Dragon Slayer

Standing in the chilly hallway outside Chaldea's control room, I find myself in a suit that's, well... snug. The Rayshift suit fits like a second skin, highlighting just how much Chaldea prioritizes "performance" over "personal space." It's meant for streamlined function, they said, so I grit my teeth and try to accept it. 

Doctor assured me it'll turn back to the regular Chaldea uniform once I'm out of the Rayshift, but until then, I'm the picture of "combat-ready adventurer." Not exactly the look I was going for, but fine. At least I've got my Glock strapped to my thigh, complete with a buckle bag that holds two spare magazines. The setup feels a bit different than my usual adventuring gear, but I've adapted to worse.

Then there's Aqua, by my side, who's practically giggling like she's had three drinks already. "Fufufu~," she smirks, looking me over with a devilish glint in her eyes. "Sexy Kazuma~!" she coos, as if she's discovered the punchline to some private joke.

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my composure as she doubles down on the teasing. One of these days, I swear I'm using a command seal to make her eat a bug. Something nasty—like a grasshopper, wings and all. 

I try to brush off her mocking, but then my gaze drifts across the room and lands on none other than Director Marie. Unlike the other busy workers around her, she seems caught, her eyes tracking me in a way that's a little...intense.

I raise an eyebrow as her gaze lingers, then slowly shift my stance and tilt my head to meet her eyes fully. She seems flustered for just a second, as if she's realizing she's been caught red-handed. It doesn't take much for a mischievous grin to spread across my face. I give her a casual look and, without missing a beat, say, "Like what you see?"

The effect is immediate. She flushes, her usual composed expression giving way to a flustered one. "Nonsense!" she shoots back, clearly trying to regain her footing, but I catch the hint of a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Heh, I think, leaning back with a smug satisfaction. That reaction is worth every second in this clingy suit.

Just as Aqua's laughter starts to fade, the door opens, and in walk Ritsuka and Mash, both in the same sleek, tight-fitting Rayshift suits. Instantly, my gaze drifts over to Mash. She's always so reserved, but now, seeing her in that suit... Hm! Hm! I can't help but appreciate the view. Good body, Mash. Good form. 

I barely have a second to admire before I feel a nudge from Aqua, who mutters under her breath, "Kazuma, don't be a creep." She's looking at me with that knowing, deadpan stare, like she's already got my number.

"Wha—no!" I blurt out, maybe a little too quickly, snapping my eyes away and focusing on...anything but Mash. Aqua still doesn't look convinced, and I feel a flicker of shame tickle the back of my mind. Am I really this easy to read? Maybe I am a bit of a scumbag. Fine.

Luckily, I'm spared by Ritsuka and Mash coming over to greet us. Ritsuka's expression is somewhere between anxious and excited, that usual goofy smile pasted on his face as he tries to hide his nerves. "Kazuma-san! Aqua-sama!" they greet in unison, bowing lightly.

Ritsuka gives me a quick look-over and then asks, "Are you nervous?"

Idiot. I give him a smirk, crossing my arms. I should be the one asking that question. I can tell he's trying to play it cool, but I know him well enough to notice he's a little shaken by this whole humanity restoration thing. And who could blame him? We're talking about the fate of the world here. 

He's about to Rayshift for a real mission—one where our actions mean the difference between survival and annihilation. And this time, we're both stepping into that Rayshift circle by choice, not by orders or circumstance. That alone gives it a different weight.