After skipping over the P5 matter, Ren began learning how to ski with Chika.
Ren didn't need much time to master body coordination and balance. The Fool naturally possessed such abilities.
With a solid grasp of balance, he could control every part of his body with precision, his coordination exceptional. With these conditions, it would be difficult for Ren not to learn skiing quickly.
On the mountainside beside Shujin Private Academy, where ski lessons were ongoing, two figures sped by in quick succession.
"So fast!"
The nearby students learning to ski instantly recognized the value of that speed.
"This is way too fast, not like us beginners at all."
"One on a snowboard, the other on skis... are they trying to reincarnate?"
"Seriously. If I went down at that speed, I'd be in a snowball by now."
The group of students watched the two figures rapidly descend, constantly accelerating.
During their descent, they skillfully shifted positions, avoiding everyone in their path.
As they neared the bottom, both twisted their bodies slightly and stopped at the same time.
Perfect.
Ren removed his goggles, recalling the descent just now. He had performed exceptionally well. The Fool's extraordinary ability helped greatly in this area.
I'm starting to understand why some people enjoy dangerous sports like this.
Sometimes, the dopamine released from extreme stimulation makes it hard for someone who's experienced it once to let go.
Of course, he still didn't particularly like going out.
Even such a thrilling sport wasn't something he truly enjoyed. Compared to the dopamine rush from extreme sports, he preferred to laze around at home, not moving at all.
Still, occasionally experiencing this kind of extreme activity might be nice.
Hmm, as long as it stayed within his control.
"Ren, you learn so fast!"
Hearing Chika's voice, and seeing her incredulous yet slightly jealous expression, made Ren want to laugh.
He stuck his ski pole into the snow and reached out to pinch Chika's slightly reddened cheek.
"You're a bit too obviously jealous, Chika."
Chika puffed up her cheeks, her angry expression completely lacking intimidation.
She stared at him with wide, pouting eyes.
"Tell me! Were you tricking me on purpose? How did you master skiing so fast?"
Ren could only reply innocently, "I really haven't learned skiing before. I haven't even touched a skateboard."
In his previous life, he hadn't ridden a balance bike or an electric scooter. The only thing he could handle proficiently was a bicycle.
"So-called skiing and skateboarding are basically the same. It's all about controlling your center of gravity, maintaining balance, and controlling your body."
"Don't these requirements sound like the Fool's extraordinary ability?"
Chika tried hard to recall the Fool's characteristics, her pouting face growing even more aggrieved.
"Cheating, this is cheating!"
Ren smiled casually. Of course, his hand didn't move away from her cheek. Instead, he used both hands to knead her soft, slightly cold, and reddened face.
"It's not cheating. It's just my personal ability. Didn't you say the same thing when you cheated while making others play cards with you?"
Chika's puffed-up look deflated instantly after hearing that.
Because what Ren said was exactly what she'd once said herself.
Now she somewhat understood how her friends felt when playing cards with her.
Hmm, cheaters really are the most annoying.
"Ugh, fine, I'll control myself more in the future."
Even though cheating at cards was fun and could help her improve her acting skills, Chika still felt uneasy thinking that no one might want to play with her anymore.
"Mm."
Releasing her cheek, Ren took her hand.
"I'll talk with you later. But first, you need to control yourself more. Even though this power is strong, being able to see through people's hearts anytime isn't a good thing."
"So, it's good for you to experience this feeling a little."
Born into a political family, Chika immediately understood what he meant. Her expression changed from grievance to reflection.
"Power isn't meant to make you lonely. You understand relationships better than I do."
"Before, you were too caught up in playing with your power and couldn't pull yourself out. That desire needs to be controlled."
"Understood?"
Just as Ren said, the reason she hadn't realized it earlier was her playful nature. As an ordinary person who suddenly gained power, it was natural for her to want to play around with it. Otherwise, wouldn't it feel like the power was wasted?
That was why Ren decided to stop her now.
Chika was smart and understood social etiquette better than anyone.
To be honest, Ren didn't think his understanding of social dynamics was deeper than hers. In fact, she was probably clearer than he was.
It was just that with power as the medium, Chika had gotten too absorbed.
But as long as someone hit her weak spot, Ren believed this genius girl would definitely recover.
Chika took his words to heart.
Looking up at the concern on Ren's face, her expression softened. She shifted from introspection to that of a younger sister being lectured by her older brother but unable to argue back.
Her cheeks puffed up again, her lips pouted, but she knew he was right and that he was only worried about her.
"I know, okay~"
She squatted down, unlatched the bindings on her snowboard and boots, picked up the board, then clung to Ren's arm.
"I'll go back and apologize to them. I also promise not to use my Spectator ability when playing games anymore."
"Mm, that's good."
Seeing the obedient Chika, Ren smiled. This way, Kaguya and the others wouldn't refuse to play with her anymore. And she also learned that power shouldn't be used recklessly.
Hmm, two birds with one stone. Perfectly done.
As for Chika's current demeanor, it really did feel like an older brother lecturing his little sister.
Very subtle.
(To be continued.)