Conquering Villains and Capturing Targets Is Harder in Real Life than in Games

27: Cheating is prohibited.

Shizuka bit her lip as she deliberated.

Just when she was about to answer, Yoru solemnly declared, "You hesitated for too long. Both fell into the pit."

Shizuka punched Yoru in the arm angrily. "You didn't mention a time limit! Of course, I'd pick Mii-chan and Fuu-chan, they're my closest friends!"

Yoru made a face as he rubbed his arm. "I don't know why the old man thinks you of all people would need an escort. With this much strength, you'd be able to take care of anyone who'd be stupid enough to try something."

Shizuka glared at him.

Yoru sighed as he poked her forehead. "Alright, I'm sorry. I was trying to make a point. I know you care for Fuyuki-chan and Mika-chan but you had to think about it, didn't you? I'm not judging you but don't you find your burning desire to be first place a little strange? Especially in school?"

"Who doesn't like to be number one?" replied Shizuka with a shrug. "Isn't it natural for people to want to best at whatever they do?"

"Yeah, but it's not like you actually have a real reason for why you need to be number one, right? Second place at a school like KiGaku is still incredibly impressive and with your results it'd be easy to get into whichever university you wanted. But you don't even have a particular university or career path in mind, do you? In reality, you're not really working towards anything so is there really a need to be so concerned about first place?"

Shizuka was stunned. After walking for a while in silence she found herself saying, "Ever since I was young, I liked the feeling of exerting a lot of effort and then being rewarded for it by being placed in a special place at the very top. It was a straightforward and logical input and output system. I was confident that as long as I continued striving for that place, everything would work out for me and I would be able to have everything I wanted." She turned to Yoru. "Even now I still believe that. Is that way of thinking really bad?"

Yoru blinked. "Not necessarily, I just think that place that you're aiming for, it's a rather lonely one. When you're at the very very top, no one will be able to reach you. I just hope that in the future you'll be able to find something that you'll value more than first place. Something you'd wouldn't have to hesitate for."

"Yoru-chan, when you say things like that it really feels as if you're my senpai."

Yoru frowned as he pinched Shizuka's nose. "That's because I am your senpai!"

Shizuka laughed softly.

"What are you doing, Shizuka?" asked an intensely chilling voice.

Shizuka and Yoru turned to the voice.

Seeing the figure, Shizuka rubbed her eyes. Am I seeing things? Why would he be here at this time?

"Madoka...?"

Partially concealed by the surrounding buildings' shadows stood a lone Madoka holding several bags. "Good evening."

Shizuka walked over to him. "What are you doing here?"

"I asked you first, didn't I?"

Shizuka blinked, slightly taken back by his fierceness. "I was on my way home..."

Madoka's eyes focused on Yoru.

"Ah let me introduce you, Madoka. This is Yoru-cha—senpai." Shizuka cleared her throat. "Yoru-senpai works at this PC cafe that Mii-chan, Fuu-chan, and I go to a lot. He was walking me home since it was late. Senpai, this is Semi Madoka...the person I'm dating."