He never imagined that one day, he'd be dragged into a street dance all because of a few lines from a fairy tale book.
Yet, here he was—his dignity in tatters, and all thanks to a girl named Adi.
Completely ignoring Akira's resistance and bewildered expression, Adi continued cheerfully, "It's from a story I really love. It's wonderful when everyone smiles together, isn't it? This is the justice I want to uphold."
As if her radiant smile carried magic of its own, even the normally indifferent passersby began to soften. Their once-tense faces relaxed, and one by one, cheers, whistles, and playful jeers filled the air.
"Oh my, it's the girl making the move."
"What an odd little couple…"
"Come on, little brother, don't be so shy."
Hearing the surrounding banter, Akira's toes twitched uncontrollably. Just then, Adi finally stopped her dancing. Grabbing his arm with a giggle, she pulled him into a nearby alley.
"Huff… huff—"
Akira leaned against the alley wall, gasping for breath like a man who had just narrowly escaped death.
He glanced up at the mischievously grinning girl and muttered with a hollow look in his eyes, "I didn't think I'd die twice in one day…"
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry, I just couldn't help it."
Adi beamed, looking straight into his dark-ringed eyes. Her gaze shimmered with conviction as she declared, "Akira, justice will definitely be delivered."
Her tone was bright, brimming with unwavering belief and enthusiasm.
"Hmm?" Akira tilted his head slightly.
"Even if it's not the 'real' answer… even if it's wrong… even if it changes form along the way, our justice will still be passed on." Adi said softly.
That was her answer. That was the belief she had carved deep into her heart—the justice she saw, experienced, and wanted to share with the boy who had just become her friend.
To her, justice wasn't some lofty concept discussed only by heroes and gods. It was a warm, radiant force—one that could bring joy, smiles, and hope to others.
Looking at the determined expression on Adi's face, Akira found himself speechless for a moment.
But Adi wasn't finished. "Sometimes, things that are soft can be the most stubborn. And things that were once gentle… can become indifferent."
Her voice dropped slightly, as if recalling bittersweet memories long buried in the past.
"But even so… the justice we pass on will bloom into different flowers. Or perhaps not flowers… but starlight, shining gently upon everyone."
"The people we helped—one day, they'll help others too. Today's kindness will be the smile on someone's face tomorrow."
Maybe that was just the wish of an insignificant girl.
Maybe it was simply a dream—a beautiful, childish hope held only by Adi Varma.
"I want to believe this." She declared with a flush of excitement on her cheeks.
Her soft bangs fluttered in the wind, and in that moment, she radiated an innocent charm that made the dim alley feel just a little brighter.
So that's your justice, huh?
Akira gave a bitter laugh in his heart.
Adi, you're really the kind of girl who can smile while holding a mouthful of philosophical nonsense.
"Is that so... Then, Adi, you'd better pass your 'justice' on to me as well."
Akira extended his right hand, the emotions stirring inside him breaking through his usual indifferent mask. A genuine smile tugged at his lips.
Yes, he was still in the form of "Dimension Walker", but it didn't matter.
"Of course!"
Without hesitation, Adi reached out and took his hand. Their fingers touched—two ideals quietly connecting—and they both chuckled at the same time.
The two continued their journey through the winding alleys of Orario.
The buildings lining the roads were scattered, their old stone walls mottled and weathered by time, exuding a quiet sense of history.
With Adi acting as the "lookout", they looked more like mischief-makers up to no good than adventurers protecting the city.
There was something strangely exciting about it.
And so, the two of them secretly carved dozens of magic circles all over the Eighth District. By the time they were done, the sky had begun to glow with the warm hues of dusk.
The setting sun spread across the horizon like spilled flames, painting the heavens in vivid crimson.
Because Adi had other matters to attend to with the Ganesha Familia that night, Akira made plans with her to continue during the day.
Although the Ganesha Familia didn't specialize in dungeon exploration, they were still quite busy—mostly managing city security and events.
From the few things Adi had mentioned, Akira could sense just how seriously she took her responsibilities within her familia.
And before they parted ways, Adi placed her hands behind her back, tilted her head slightly, and gave Akira a pleading look, asking—no, demanding—a proper escort.
In the end, Akira had no choice but to walk her back to the elephant-masked man's building—the infamous base of the Ganesha Familia.
Its name was "I am Ganesha".
And its entrance… was through the crotch of a massive statue of Ganesha.
Yes, through the crotch.
Standing in front of it, Akira felt deeply, genuinely grateful that he hadn't joined the Ganesha Familia.
Just imagining walking through that entrance every day made his skin crawl.
Adi, noticing the subtle horror on his face, blushed slightly and scratched her cheek with a sheepish smile, clearly used to this awkward ritual.
She was just about to scurry inside when—
"…Adi." Akira called out.
"Huh? What is it?" She turned, a little puzzled.
"I have something for you."
He beckoned her to the corner and motioned for her to stretch out her hand.
Adi tilted her head slightly, but still extended her palm, a faint glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.
Without warning, Akira shifted his form—this time into "Blood Mage".
Adi's eyes went wide in awe and alarm. She was about to squeal when Akira quickly raised a hand and gently signaled her to stay quiet.
From mid-air, Akira took out a beautifully crafted necklace. It gleamed faintly in the twilight, a magic stone embedded in the center glowing softly with gentle light.
Then, with a swift motion, he pricked Adi's finger, letting a drop of her blood merge into the necklace's magic.
As he worked, he calmly explained, "This necklace is a magic item. If you're ever in danger, activate it, and it'll teleport you to safety."
Adi blinked, dumbfounded for a moment, before nodding obediently. She took the necklace, her fingertips brushing against the glowing stone, and felt warmth seep into her heart.
"…But… isn't this expensive?" She asked, her expression conflicted.
Akira shrugged lightly. "Don't worry. I made it myself."
"…In that case, I'll accept it. Thank you, Akira."
"Mm. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." She waved energetically, turning toward the base.
Yet after only a few steps, Adi hesitated. Her shoulders tensed, and she glanced back.
Akira raised a brow in curiosity. "Hmm?"
Suddenly—bang!
Adi rushed forward and gave him a tight hug. Her face was beet red, as if she'd burst into flames.
Before Akira could even blink, she had spun around and sprinted toward the base, disappearing through the awkward Ganesha statue entrance.
…That was... soft.
Watching her retreating back, Akira thought absently.
Then he noticed the stares. A few passing adventurers were watching him, some smirking, some nodding in approval. Their gazes were way too knowing. Way too warm.
No wonder Adi had said that line earlier.
"I'm quite popular. Many people want to be my escort. You're lucky tonight."
She really wasn't lying.