"Heads up—basketball incoming!"
Even before the warning came, Elias had already reacted. He spread his fingers wide and blocked the oncoming basketball in front of Elysia with ease.
"Kyaa~!"
"...Ely, your scream was a bit late."
"Ehehe~"
Elysia gave a playful grin.
Though the basketball had tried to sneak-attack her while she was too full to move, with Elias by her side, she wasn't the least bit worried about getting hit.
If she were a cute princess, then Elias was her reliable knight—always protecting her whether in town or on the road.
Of course, he wasn't just a knight.
To Elysia, he was even more like a prince~!
"Sorry, I accidentally threw it off-course."
A white-haired, blue-eyed boy jogged over, scratching his head as he apologized sincerely to the two of them.
"It's alright, just be more careful next time. This park might have a basketball court, but there's no safety fence."
Elias said while giving the basketball in his hand a few pats.
Though he'd never played basketball before, the Herrscher of Reason's authority had already analyzed it thoroughly in an instant—its hardness, texture, internal air pressure... Elias casually spun the ball on his fingertip with ease.
"Waa~ Elias, you're amazing!"
Elysia clapped her hands in admiration.
Elias smirked a bit smugly, then dribbled the ball twice to get a feel for it before launching it hard toward a hoop dozens of meters away.
Bang!
Without even touching the rim, the ball went cleanly through the center—nothing but net.
"Piece of cake."
This was a new application of the Herrscher of Reason's power Elias had come up with during his downtime.
Rather than analyzing a single object, he extended the analysis across everything within a certain range.
What started as a spontaneous experiment had led to unexpectedly effective results.
In this state, everything in Elias' field of vision became quantifiable and calculable.
What angle to raise his arm, how wind direction and resistance would affect the shot, exactly how much force to apply—
The Herrscher of Reason's analytical ability allowed Elias to perfectly calculate every factor in his view and execute the most optimal action.
"I didn't expect you to be good at basketball too, Elias."
Elysia blinked in surprise, thinking how he always managed to pleasantly surprise her without even trying.
Meanwhile, the white-haired, blue-eyed boy let out a sharp breath. That long-range precision shot had been seriously cool—and paired with Elias' relaxed demeanor, it was downright dazzling.
His competitive spirit flared up.
"That was an amazing shot! Want to have a match with me? Let's see who wins."
"Nah, not interested."
Elias waved a hand dismissively, dousing the enthusiasm with a bucket of cold water.
He glanced at the bright, cheerful boy in front of him—he didn't think the kid was particularly strong.
Even without using any Herrscher abilities, Elias' physical abilities alone were beyond standard for his age group.
He had no interest in steamrolling some kid using cheats—that'd just crush the poor guy's basketball dreams.
"Eh eh eh~! Just one match! Let's have a fair showdown. What, are you scared?"
"Yeah yeah, sure, bye."
"You—!"
This hot-blooded boy's feeble provocation had zero effect on someone like Elias, who'd been thoroughly steeped in 21st-century slacker culture. With a nonchalant "whatever you say" look, Elias yawned and prepared to use Elysia as a snuggly pillow for a midday nap.
"Sorry, I'm just really not interested."
"Uh, how could any guy not appreciate the charm of basketball? Then what are you into?"
"Let me think… dragons, Gundams, Elysia..."
Elias counted off on his fingers as he listed them.
Basketball? It was just running around on a small court, two teams fighting over a ball and tossing it into a hoop. Sure, it was exciting for regular folks, but to someone like Elias, who had experienced blood and fire on the battlefield...
It just didn't burn hot enough! Unless you lit the ball on fire, maybe.
"You're really not gonna play? What a shame. I really wanted to film you playing—I bet you'd look super cool." Elysia said with a pout.
"Ahem! Alright then, my unnamed friend, I accept your challenge. Let us settle this on the basketball court!"
Elias immediately got to his feet, rolled his wrists, and grabbed the boy, heading straight for the court.
"You really are..."
The white-haired, blue-eyed boy twitched at the corner of his mouth, unsure how to respond.
Still, Elias accepting the challenge was just what he wanted. The boy's spirit ignited.
"Hmph! No guy gets to show off in front of a girl when Kevin's around! Prepare to witness my power!"
It was a pretty standard tough-guy declaration—except Elias wasn't even paying attention. His eyes were still on his girl.
"Ely, make sure you get a good shot. If I don't like how it turns out, you're sleeping alone tonight."
"Leave it to me~ Go, Elias! But even if you lose, it's okay. I'll make sure to comfort you plenty~"
"Heh, not gonna lose."
When Elias finally looked at Kevin again, he saw the guy was completely stunned.
Kevin: (Did I just hear what I think I did? Are these two already...?)
Elias: "What are you daydreaming about? You dropped the ball."
While Kevin stood frozen in shock, Elias casually swiped the basketball from his hands and, without even jumping, flicked it straight into the hoop.
Then he dusted off his (imaginary) sleeves and crossed his arms coolly.
"What did you say your name was again? Ah, never mind, I'm not interested. If you want me to remember it, show me what you've got, kid."
"...Fine. This is the kind of opponent I've dreamed of. I... will get serious now!"
Kevin closed his eyes and took a deep breath before focusing completely.
Half an hour later.
90:00
ORZ.
Kevin was on his knees, hands on the ground in defeat. He was completely burned out.
Elias had demolished him to the point of existential crisis—averaging three shots a minute, every one of them a three-pointer, and barely breaking a sweat the whole time.
"Am I really this bad...?"
"Don't take it too hard. I'm just way too strong, that's all. For a kid your age, you're pretty good."
Elias patted him on the shoulder in consolation.
And he wasn't just being nice.
Wanting to look his coolest for Elysia's camera, Elias hadn't held back one bit—yet even so, Kevin had managed to touch the ball three times.
That was honestly impressive. Elias thought he might make a better warrior than a basketball player.
"Actually, the main reason you lost wasn't strength."
"Huh? Then what was it?"
"You didn't have a girl cheering you on."
Elias beamed—no, smirked—and pointed over his shoulder.
Behind him was a super ultra incredibly adorable pink-haired elf girl, cheering for him nonstop.
Basketball wasn't just about the players. The cheer squad was a key factor too!
Having a girl like that cheering for you the entire time? Any guy's strength would increase tenfold.
"Yay~ Elias won!"
"Thanks, my dear Ely. I only won because you were cheering me on. With Elysia by my side, it's like having the strength of a million people."
(Kiana: ???)
"Elias, you're saying things that make me so happy again~ You were super cool just now when you played basketball. I made sure to record it all—look, look~!"
Kevin stood there dumbfounded, staring at Elias and Elysia all cuddled up and turning the air around them pink. He felt like he hadn't just lost the match—he'd lost at life.
Losing the game was one thing, but now he was being force-fed dog food? Who could handle that?!
Yet at the same time, the way Kevin looked at Elias began to shift toward admiration.
It wasn't just the basketball skills.
He even had such a cute girlfriend.
This guy was just too amazing! A role model!
"Ahem, I guess we can call this a meeting of rivals turned friends. Let's be pals." Kevin held out his hand.
"Uh, sure—if you don't mind making a friend you might never see again."
"No clue what that means, but I don't mind. Your name's Elias, right? Then as your friend... can you teach me how you got such a cute girlfriend?! Please!"
Kevin pressed his hands together and begged with genuine sincerity.
"Early relationships aren't right..."
Elias took a step back, thinking: So this is why he wanted to be friends with me.
"Better early than too late!"
"...Fair point."
"Count me in too! I wanna join this topic—romance is a girl's specialty, after all." Elysia raised her hand with enthusiasm.
What could be said? These three were all social butterflies. In no time at all, they were deep into conversation.
"Ahem. So, I have this... friend. He likes this girl, but she keeps rejecting him coldly every time." Kevin scratched his cheek a little awkwardly.
"Ely, pass me the sunflower seeds."
"Here you go, Elias~"
Elysia pulled a bag of seeds from her pack, and the two of them settled in like they were watching a soap opera.
Kevin shared more about his 'friend's' situation. In short, he was captivated by a certain girl. But the girl was an icy bookworm type—refusing every invitation to grab noodles or even friend requests. No openings given whatsoever.
After finishing his story, Kevin looked at Elias with hopeful eyes.
"So that's the deal. What do you think my... friend should do to get her attention?"
"Emmm... feels like this topic is a bit heavy for three kids, but since you asked so sincerely, I'll give you my take. Trust me, I'm a pro in this area!"
Elias gave a thumbs up and thumped his chest confidently.
Kevin's eyes lit up instantly. He nearly got on his knees to make Elias his love guru.
But the very next second—
Elias: "I suggest you give up."
Kevin: "???"
Hearing Elias drop that breakup-level advice so bluntly, even Elysia beside him was stunned.
"This stuff is complicated, but also simple. Love at first sight sounds romantic and all, but you still need to think about practical things, like shared interests."
Elias crossed his arms and sat with one leg over the other, looking profound.
"What does your friend like?"
"Uh... basketball and noodles."
"And the girl?"
"Science and math. That's it."
"Yup, two people from completely different worlds."
While Elias wasn't trying to write the final verdict, his judgment was pretty much locked in.
First of all, there's naturally a big gap in interests between boys and girls. A spirited guy and a science-loving girl are basically polar opposites. But even without shared interests, that doesn't mean it's hopeless.
"When your... friend invited her out, how did she react?"
"Uh, she didn't react. Treated him like air. Didn't even glance up from her book for a second," Kevin admitted awkwardly.
"Yeah, that's dead."
Elias shook his head, then clapped Kevin on the shoulder and spoke with rare gravity.
"Listen up. There are probably twenty thousand people in the world who can make you feel love at first sight. But we can't just confess based on looks alone. The most important thing is—whether the other person is willing to spend time on you."
"Wow, Elias, you sound like a total pro."
"Don't interrupt, Ely. No matter how old you are, this is something you need to take seriously. Any guy who just wants to play around with people's hearts? Off with his head."
Elias said it with a deadly serious expression.
Because he had experienced the sweetness of love.
Because many girls had loved him sincerely.
That's why Elias treated matters of the heart with total sincerity.
Even though it was a bit surreal hearing this from a child, something about the way he said it made it impossible not to believe.
"Back to the point. If she's not willing to spend time on you, then don't waste your time either. Being a simp never ends well."
"Every person only gets 24 hours a day. If someone's willing to spend even one hour of that on you, then maybe there's a chance for friendship." Elias explained.
"Uh... can I ask how much time you two spend together each day?"
Kevin swallowed hard, curious.
"24 hours."
"All day long~"
Elias and Elysia made a peace sign together. Ever since they started traveling, they had been inseparable.
"..."
Kevin's mouth twitched wildly. He felt like he'd just swallowed another spoonful of dog food. He regretted asking that question immensely.
"Ahem, anyway, that's the gist of it. I don't know what that girl looks like, but beauty alone isn't everything. When you look for someone, find someone who wants to spend time with you—who wants to eat noodles with you, play games with you. Got it?"
Elias gave his heartfelt advice. He figured the kid in front of him wasn't bad-looking either. If Elias were a 10/10, this guy was easily a 9/10. The type who'd charm plenty of people in the future.
And that's exactly why he needed to develop the right mindset early on. Becoming a playboy would only lead to disaster later.
"Yeah! I get it now!"
Kevin nodded with conviction.
"Now that I think about it, there really is someone like that around me. I should treasure them."
"Oh? Who? Didn't expect you to be so popular already. Spill it."
Elias raised an eyebrow, curious.
"My best bro—Su!"
Kevin said it with total sincerity.
Thanks to Elias' advice, Kevin felt like he'd had a revelation. Simping never ends well. Beauty isn't everything. What's important is shared interests and someone who'll hang with you and slurp noodles.
And thinking about it... Su really was great-looking. If he cross-dressed, he might even outshine Mei.
"Pfft! That—hahaha, sure, why not."
Elias couldn't hold in his laughter.
But the next second, his smile froze. He suddenly stared at the white-haired, blue-eyed boy seriously.
"Your best bro is named Su? Wait, wait... I didn't catch your name during our match. Can you tell me again?"
"Uh, I'm Kevin."
"...Huh?!"
Elias inhaled sharply, eyes widening in shock.
He stared at the boy in front of him—and couldn't believe that this sunny, cheerful kid was actually that future walking popsicle.
Honestly, you couldn't blame Elias for not realizing it sooner. Kevin's later persona as a stone-faced, half-crazed ice cube had left such a strong impression, it was impossible to connect it with the kid before him.
Elias: (Right... there is a chance of running into young Flame-Chasers during this journey. Wait—does that mean the girl he mentioned was Dr. Mei?!)
If so...
Then Elias had really done Kevin a favor!
"Kevin, remember what you just said. Go live a good life with your bro. You'll be happy. Ah~ messy straight relationships never end well. Clearly, same-gender love is the true path to the future!"
(With the exception of me, of course! I'm a transmigrator. Doesn't count!) Elias added silently.
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