Once I finished the coffee Ozma-san had brewed and felt my fatigue begin to lift, I stood back up. I thanked him and prepared to take my leave, but Ozma-san spoke up once more.
"Oh, Miyama-kun."
"Yes?"
"I might be overstepping my bounds, but could I give you a bit of advice as an elder?"
"E-Eh? Yes, of course. Please do."
Ozma-san ran a hand through his tangled hair, watching me with a kind, steady gaze.
"You’re a kind, humble young man. But you should remember that, depending on the situation, that humility isn't always a virtue."
"Huh?"
"You feel bad about asking for help, don't you? Somewhere deep down. No, I'm not criticizing you for it. I can tell you're already making a conscious effort to change that."
"..."
Shia-san had told me something similar before—that the bonds with those who lend me their strength are a part of my power too.
Just as Ozma-san said, I had been trying to change my mindset ever since. But old habits die hard. Whether it was my fundamental personality or just the way I was raised, I still couldn't quite shake that nagging sense of guilt.
"I think you’re overthinking things, kid. You should try taking it a bit easier on yourself."
"Easier... how?"
"Everyone helping you is doing it because they like you. You don’t need to make it more complicated than that. They help because they care. Miyama-kun, you wouldn’t consider it a burden to help a girl you liked, right? It’s the same thing."
"...I suppose you're right."
"Everyone gets helped by someone. Me, the Six Kings, even the Creator God-sama... as long as you have a heart, you're going to rely on others. So, when that happens, all you need is one word. Just say 'thank you.'"
"...Yes!"
Ozma-san smiled warmly and gave my head a rough, vigorous pat.
"Well, I’m sure things will keep being tough for you. You'll have plenty of times when you're helped, and plenty of times when you do the helping."
"Yes."
"You’ll probably worry and suffer over it too. That’s fine. Go ahead and try things, fail at them, and see what happens. You’re still young. Every experience you pile up will just make you more interesting. You can wait until you're as old as me to worry about boring things like 'compromise.'"
His advice was sincere and devoid of any condescension. He was gently cheering me on, telling me it was okay to struggle and fail because that was the only way to grow.
"...Or something like that. I guess being so serious isn't really my style, huh?"
"No, thank you! I feel like... like I've found my motivation again. I want to keep trying my best."
"I see. Good to hear."
Ozma-san patted my head once more before pulling his hand away with a calm smile. He pulled out a fresh cigarette and lit it with an effortless, adult coolness.
Perhaps that was why a certain thought slipped out of my mouth before I could stop myself.
"...If I ever find myself struggling again, would it be alright if I came to talk to you?"
"You sure? I think you might be picking the wrong person for life advice."
"I don't think so at all."
"Hmm. Is that so? Well, if you don't mind a shabby old guy like me, stop by whenever you like. I can at least treat you to a cup of coffee."
"Yes! Thank you so much!"
I bowed deeply once more. He had a wry smile on his face, but he’d made it clear I was welcome anytime.
"Right then. Next up is Agni-chan, isn't it? Good luck."
I gave a final nod as he waved us off. Then, together with Anima, I left the arena to head toward the next challenge.
We made our way toward the fifth arena. On the stamp card in my hand were four extra-large stamps, proof of my victories over the Five War Generals. I hadn't counted the stamps from the smaller attractions we’d visited since they didn't count toward reaching Megiddo-san. The next one would be the fifth—the final stamp.
"Master, a Hummingbird..."
"Hmm? It's from Lilia-san."
Just as I was starting to feel a bit sentimental, a message arrived. Lilia-san and her group had finished Bacchus's arena and were making their way to Agni's. Since they were doing the trials in the opposite order of mine, our paths were finally converging. The message ended with: I wonder if we can meet up there?
The timing was perfect. I sent a reply letting them know we were also on our way to Agni's arena and that we should regroup there.
I began to pick up my pace, but then I felt a tentative tug on my sleeve.
"...Anima?"
"Ah! M-My apologies! It was... just an impulse..."
"It's fine, but... what's wrong?"
"N-No, well..."
I tilted my head, wondering what she needed. Anima flushed a deep red and looked down, whispering in a voice so quiet I could barely hear it.
"...I-I know how presumptuous this is, but... um... well..."
"Yeah?"
"C-Could we... just a little longer... stay 'just the two of us'? I— I’m sorry! Forget I said anything!"
"..."
It was a rare sight. In fact, it might have been the very first time since I met her that she’d voiced such a modest, personal request. She hadn't even finished the sentence, but I knew exactly what she was asking for. Honestly, it made me happy.
I told Anima to look up as she stood there bowing in apology. I gave her the gentlest smile I could manage.
"Actually, I think I’ve worked up an appetite after moving around so much. I want to stop and grab a bite to eat. I’ll let Lilia-san and the others know we're running a bit late. Would you mind indulging my selfishness and coming with me?"
"Master... Y-Yes! I would be honored!"
"Great. It looks like there are some food stalls over that way. Let's go."
"Yes! Um... Master?"
"Yeah?"
"...Thank you."
I smiled at her quiet thanks and headed toward the rows of stalls with Anima by my side.
Dear Mother, Father—
Ozma-san was a wonderful person, the kind of dependable adult man I’m really glad I had the chance to meet. On a different note, I ended up going along with a little selfish request from Anima. Well, maybe not "selfish." For someone who almost never asks for anything, it was her very first time speaking her heart—a lovely little request.