Because this Artificial Intelligence contacted me and was aware of my identity. There were only two possible reasons why it suddenly contacted me.
Either, it has been observing me ever since we arrived here and found me interesting or… it was instructed by the World's Will to do this.
I told that guy that we would be entering here to train all of the Transcendents that would be left behind and get that World Zone Navigator.
The Artificial Intelligence stopped the lockdown protocol that was the security in place to be used in case there was an intruder and switched it to a Challenge Tower that would give out rewards to those who could pass the test.
If that wasn't definitely a deliberate attempt to appeal to me, then what was it?
Either way, I also had no idea that there's this kind of feature here. Otherwise, this would be what I would present to them, rather than an actual exploration of a place that the World's Will could control.
"We'll be going then, Daisuke. Will you also challenge this place?"
With the Heroes and Transcendents ascending the stairs to take on the challenge tower, my Companions who were also somewhat itching to test themselves in an actual challenge were now ready to ascend.
"Un, I will. But before that… I'll go and look for the others first. Just in case they encounter trouble along the way, I will help them. This is an opportunity for all of you so… I don't want you to miss it. Moreover, I will also check on something. There's another place like this on the other side, the Weapon Peripheral Storage Building. If that is also transformed into a Challenge Tower like this then you can also go there once you're done here."
And another thing that I didn't tell them was that I would also visit the location of that Artificial Intelligence. With the wisp of Source Energy that is used to send a telepathic message to me, I managed to narrow down its location.
"I see. Then master, bid us good luck." Hikari stepped forward and held onto my shoulders. With her lips pouted as if waiting for my kiss, this glasses girl was truly taking all the chances she could get.
"I still can't wrap my head around how you changed this much. Or you're restricting yourself back then?"
"Ehehe. I don't know, master. I am only like this whenever I'm in front of you. Perhaps this is how I really am. Perhaps not. However, I have this feeling of wanting to always get your attention and praise." Hikari honestly answered despite her somewhat clumsy movements in front of me.
It must be the case since she looked truly respected earlier when they arrived. This girl would turn into this totally affectionate girl whenever we're together.
"I see. Or you are pushing yourself to climb the nonexistent ladder among my Companions. I like and love all of you. There's no need to push yourself and act naturally. We'll be together for a long time so… I am sure we'll be able to know more about each other along the way. I can only ask that you stay with me."
"Absolutely, master. It's faint but I can feel it. My distinct connection with you. You were too busy with Sister Fleur and Sofiel back when you arrived at the World of Elements and… I was occupied with the state of the world. Moreover, my strength was behind you so there's little chance for me to approach you back then. When you trained and taught me that one time. It was the closest I got to be with you. Unfortunately, it didn't last. The Luxians arrived and the Noxians began their offensive." Hikari recounted the events of when I had her summon me to the World of Elements using the Support Recall.
And now that I got to think about it again. That was true. I was already a Transcendent back then and my eyes were focused on thinking of how to deal with the Transcendents of the enemies.
We never really got the time to truly interact with each other. However, I am certain that I only see her as another Hero like Raiden, Kazeyoshi, Amry and Matthew.
I also only added her as my companion with the suggestion of Yuko and Yumiko.
As our time together piled up ever since becoming my Companion, I couldn't deny that I was also slowly getting attracted to her. I had no idea how it was for her. Are we being influenced by the divergence of our destinies? Or is this just the same thing as how people develop feelings towards someone they spent more time with?
"After this, we'll have more time to spend together so… let me know more about you, Hikari." After saying this, I circled my arm around her waist and overlapped my lips with her.
This is what she's asking, the bid for good luck. However, this is also our first kiss.
And as soon as I felt her lips on mine, I mysteriously understood her feelings. It was conveyed through it.
Despite what she's showing, she's also confused about what she's feeling. But at the same time, she's happy and excited.
After our lips separated, the girl stuck her tongue out without saying anything more before she dashed towards one of the two staircases going upwards.
She escaped.
That girl was totally embarrassed by what happened.
Following her example, the other five who were watching all that happened were biting their lips. Starting with Avelin who copied what Hikari said, she jumped in my arms and kissed me as her good luck charm. Then there's Elise, Dannae, Reinys and finally Noelle.
And among them, Noelle also dashed towards one of the opened staircases as soon as our lips separated. However, with her, I saw how her face became fully flushed that her hand wouldn't be able to cover it. And even if she said something, she would only produce mumbles that I wouldn't be able to understand.
After watching all of them ascend the stairs to take on the challenge. I turned around and left the building.
Spreading my Energy Senses to trace the faint controlled Source Energy back to its owner.
"Let's see what kind of surprise you will give me. I will climb your makeshift 'tower of challenge' if that's what you want. But first… let me see if you're worth taking out of here." I muttered with a sly grin on my lips.
I deliberately acted like this because… I am certain that it's watching me.
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