Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 257: The cat, the princess, and the dragon.

With the elves' education out of the way, I invite the remaining three to a date the next day.

''This is just a training session, isn't it...?''

...As Anastasia says, it is a training session.

But, but! What's wrong with wanting to go on dates with pretty girls? 

Ahem.

Either way, it doesn't change the fact that I have little time left until the 'rush' period. I have to make use of it to boost their strength.

''As usual, I will give out tips to one person at a time... starting with Christina.'' I declare. ''Anastasia and Sariel, if you want to, going somewhere for a while to flirt is totally fine.''

At my light joke, Anastasia blushes like a teenage girl while Sariel remains relatively stoic. Soon after, the dragoness actually drags the cat girl somewhere while wearing a small grin.

...Are they actually doing it?

''Ahem.''

Turning back to an impassionate Christina, I suddenly feel a bit... awkward. In the past, she was the most loyal of Hanako's harem, so she didn't engage with other members nearly as much. The only target she is semi-frequently intimate with is, ironically, Raeliana. 

I suppose they hate each other so much that they can exchange such acts without real feelings?

Nevertheless, she is a bit distant without Hanako, so...

''This is the first time we have spoken one-to-one, isn't it?'' 

Let's ease her up first.

''Well, yes.''

''How is your training recently?''

Crossing her arms, Christina bears a look of aggravation.

''It's not going too well.'' She says. ''It seems I am having a bottleneck. Even if my divinity is steadily rising... I feel as though I am behind.''

''I see.''

What Christina is doing, as far as I know, is correct. Her only disadvantage is her competing with the likes of Hanako and Sariel, who either have immense talent or an abundance of time.

However, that doesn't mean there isn't a better way to go about it

''Have you ever heard of Lynx, the Goddess of Music and Art?''

''No...?''

''Of course, she died before I was even born, after all. Current history recordings won't even mention her name.''

''...''

I muster a smile, enduring Christina's 'this is a weirdo' gaze. Thanks to that silly joke, she seems more relaxed, though.

''Either way, Lynx was a brilliant goddess... in the sense that she was multi-functional.''

''Would you normally call someone 'multi-functional'...?''

''Just ignore it. Now, Lynx was capable of not only supporting herself and her ally but also descending on the battlefield herself. In case you don't know, the enhancements coming from your divine singing do apply to yourself as well.''

''You mean... I should also focus on personal performance instead of providing aids?''

''Not 'focus.' I want you to be able to hold your own against the enemy. Not only will it alleviate a person, who will be forced to protect you otherwise, but you yourself can be a valuable warrior.''

''...I see. Thank you.''

''Don't mention it. One exercise you should try is singing while practicing your weapon. Maybe you will be recorded in history as the beautiful and talented goddess who soars through the battlefield as she sings her heavenly tune... or something?''

''That sounds rather...''

N-Not good. I'm not scoring anything with Christina here. What did I do wrong...?

Now that I think about it, didn't Hanako practically bridge our relationship in the past?

''Erm... in any case, thank you for the guidance. I will call the other two over, so...''

''A-Ah, alright. Good luck with your training, Christina.''

''Mhm.''

With that, Christina walks out of the training ground, leaving me behind with a broken heart. I have been too arrogant about flirting...

Soon after, I notice something orange in the corner of my vision. From afar, a bouncy cat girl hops her way toward me; her ears and tail move in sync as if washed by a wave. 

''Good work, Luna.''

With an innocent smile, Anastasia waves at me.

''...Thank you.''

Out of Hanako's harem, she is undoubtedly the most adorable one. Just looking at her makes my heart melt—past or present. This cinnamon roll is the reason Hanako's wild harem has functioned smoothly until now.

Truly terrifying.

''Are you ready for your lesson?''

''Yes! Please teach me to grow stronger!''

''Commendable learning spirit. Now, for the record, I am not a martial artist, so I won't be able to teach you in that department.''

''But you will teach me divinity cultivation?''

''Yes.''

''I heard it from Raeliana yesterday.''

''Mhm. Since you are a defense-focused martial artist, you should learn divinity from the ranks of particle.'' I say as I cross my arms. ''Essentially, it is about the structures of your divinity-based techniques that you need to be concerned about.''

''Hoh...''

''Take this, for example.''

As I manifest a simple rectangle from divine power and float it on top of my palm, Anastasia's round eyes widen.

''So you're actually a goddess...'' She mutters.

Hearing it from her is quite painful, but I'll manage.

''Concentrate. If you look at the internal configuration of the material, you will notice a slight difference from what you are currently using.''

''Um... aren't you talking about atom-level stuff? How can I zoom in that far?''

''...''

This idiot... are they all like this?

No, maybe it is because of their sudden ascension to divinity. Eva has been too clumsy handling these girls.

With a sigh, I gently stroke the area near Anastasia's eye... and then tap her temple a bit.

''A-Ah? What are you doing—''

''Use your divinity, sillyhead. Are you an apprentice goddess or not?''

''Oh.''

Scratching her head embarrassingly, the cat girl finally wills her power. A magnificent golden spark subsequently bursts from her right eye as she focuses her gaze on the target.

''What do you see?''

''Uh... it's quite organized?''

''...Are you serious?''

''W-What is it...?''

''Hah... the pattern. It is a diamond cubic pattern.'' I say as I massage my temples. ''Depending on how you structure the very foundation of your shield or barrier, their sturdiness can vary significantly.''

''Oh... so this 'diamond cubic' pattern is the best? I'll try to remember it, then.''

''No. This is merely what I use as a reference—the structure of diamonds. If I recall correctly, there should be one even stronger than this... was it hexagonal... or... either way, you can ask Hanako. Her ability is just right for this occasion.''

''I-I see! Thank you so much!''

''Don't forget to experiment with different kinds. Finding what suits you the best is the priority.''

''Roger!''

After giving Anastasia a few more general tips, the lesson officially ends, and it is time for a lunch break. A meal with the locals is scheduled today, and during the almost festive atmosphere, someone approaches me.

''Lunaris Lucienne. Or... goddess Aris?''

''...Luna is fine. No, please call me Luna.''

Hearing my deity name makes me recall bad memories. I don't want to hear it.

Either way, it seems Sariel here has something to say. Sipping her drink casually, the lord of red dragons takes her time coming up with words.

''...Luna, what do you plan to teach me?''

''...''

Indeed, Sariel is a special case.

Since she has accumulated so much experience, finding something new to teach her is challenging. Even now, I am barely stronger than her since this existence is nothing but a mere leftover of the woman named Aris. Do I have enough qualifications to teach her?

I don't think I have. But... I know someone that does.

''You can have your hopes up, Sariel.''