"...I can't use those flames anymore."
On the academy rooftop, as the wind swept past us, Sera stood with her arms crossed, staring intently at me.
By the way, Nanalicia had given me the full rundown.
Apparently, she was the First-ranked Hero Candidate.
And her real name was actually Seralis.
Why had she told me her nickname first?
I had been moments away from becoming a total rude monster. I just hoped another Chihuahua-kun wouldn't show up like when I met Nana.
Sera certainly lived up to her title; her posture was efficient, her gaze sharp.
To be honest, it was a little intimidating.
Even though I was the one who had a right to be annoyed.
"Yeah, it's true," I said with a wry smile, clasping my hands behind my head. "It only happened during the raid. Since then, nothing."
"Nothing at all?" Sera let out an exasperated sigh. "You looked like you were about to incinerate the entire city."
"Hey, come on, I didn't actually burn it, did I!?"
"Results are all that matter," she shot back instantly.
Okay, sorry.
"But seriously, I can't get it to work." I held out my hand.
Nothing happened.
That abnormal heat, that crushing pressure from that day... it was as if they had never existed.
Well, I couldn't exactly tell her, Actually, it’s all thanks to a certain ring.
"How did it feel? In terms of sensation?" Sera asked.
"Like something borrowed, I guess," I answered after a moment's thought. "Rather than my own power, it felt like an artifact was 'letting' me use it."
"Hmm..." Sera nodded slightly. "Was it a consumable type?"
"Yeah, basically," I lied.
"Hmm..."
What was with that look? Was she doubting me?
"Look, even if I get all serious about it, the power isn't coming back."
"I suppose that's true..." Sera started to say more, then stopped. A small, faint smile played on her lips. "Well, whatever."
"Was that a compliment?"
"Half of it."
Half of it, huh? That was vague.
Silence fell between us for a moment as the wind blew past.
"Even so," Sera spoke up softly. "You were cool, Luka."
"Huh?" I blurted out, surprised.
"Even without that power," she said, her gaze steady and direct. "You're kind."
"Uh... thank you?"
"Mm-hmm."
She said it so nonchalantly that my surprise outweighed any other emotion.
"Just to check," I said, leaning in slightly. "Sera, did you bring any money today?"
"I forgot."
Right, right. So that’s how it was.
"I'm sorry, but I don't really have any business in the city today—"
"You do now."
Thought so.
"But," Sera added, averting her eyes just a fraction, "if you really don't want to go, then forget it..."
"No, I'm going, okay?"
Sera’s eyes widened slightly at my response.
"Thanks," she murmured, looking down to hide her blushing face.
"I see..."
"W-what is it?"
"So Sera is the shy type..."
"I am not," she grumpily denied.
She wasn't very convincing.
"Anyway, whatever." Sera looked back at me. "Let's go. Hurry up."
"Yeah, yeah."
Despite my casual reply, Sera nodded with a satisfied look.
"Good."
She turned on her heel and started walking.
"Oh, right," I called out to her back.
"Hm?"
"What are we eating today?"
Sera thought for a moment. "I'll decide when I see what's there."
"I see."
"But," she added without looking back, "I'm open to requests."
With that, she kept walking.
"Right, then."
I looked up at the sky.
It was a calm, clear blue. But surely, somewhere beyond that horizon...
Something was definitely starting to move.
"I have a feeling it is... probably."
I murmured to myself.
Well, whatever happens, happens.
At that time, I hadn't realized.
That the power that should have vanished that day...
Hadn't actually disappeared entirely.