Binary Soul

> Ellie PoV <

I run at top speed through the forest.

Leaping from branch to trunk to rock to ground to branch to ground to tree to rock to ground!

It’s only moving my body around, but the sensation is almost indescribable!

“Haaa hahahaha! Weehaaaahaa!” (Ellie)

This is amazing!

I feel completely free right now!

Even though Kira said it was supposed to be dense and cramped, it actually feels so wide to me!

{“You seem to be having a lot of fun.”} (Kira)

Kira’s voice comes in clearly through the earpiece.

Nano really made a good call with this suggestion!

This was an excellent use of the spare communicators we brought with us!

Kira also learned to use them almost immediately!

Though that much was expected - Kira says an adventurer need to be adaptable above all else.

And Kira is undoubtedly an amazing adventurer!

“Yeah! I’ve never been in a forest before! Running around here feels amazing!” (Ellie)

It’s completely different from the tight and cramped corridors of a ship or space station!

Let alone a forest, I’ve never been on the surface of a planet, either!

Way too dangerous considering how much that old fart chased after us!

Landing was easy, but leaving the atmosphere is a huge problem.

And while I could hide out on a backwater planet somewhere, that old fart would find me for sure.

He might even blow up the planet just to get at me!

He’s scary!

And an idiot.

A truly terrifying combination!

{“Still, the speed at which you’re moving is incredible! You look like you could cross this forest faster than me, and you’re not even flying!”} (Kira)

I gaze up through the treetops to confirm Kira’s figure.

Earlier, Kira activated the [Flight] spell to keep an eye on me.

Kira can fly.

Three simple words that leave me in a daze every time I remember them!

{“Looks like you got a group of Trolls ahead. Six of them. Can you handle them?”} (Kira)

“No problem!” (Ellie)

I became pretty familiar with their anatomy while I was skinning them yesterday.

So I’m pretty sure I know where to strike them!

{“Don’t get cocky! The rate at which their wounds close up is not to be underestimated!”} (Kira)

Ack!

“Right! Of course! Sorry, Kira…” (Ellie)

That was close, I almost fell into the biggest pitfall of an adventurer - getting full of yourself!

If I am to support Kira as her companion, I have to take this seriously!

I break through a group of trees to a small clearing.

“Uhak? Ugh huh huh huh!” (Troll)

Six trolls are there, just like Kira said.

Towering, ugly, smelly, ape-like monsters with stubby legs and entirely too long arms.

The brown fur they’re covered in is filthy to say the least.

It looks like this pack has just killed and eaten… something.

That doesn’t matter though, they’re my prey for today!

They all charge at me at once.

I withdraw my Tritanium blade and dash towards them!

*SLUSH*

“AAAAAHCK!” (Troll)

I slice clean through the first one’s leg, crippling it for life.

That won’t last long though.

I slash two more of them in an instant, opening them up and spraying blood everywhere.

The other three try swinging some thick club-like branches at me, but those slow clumsy attacks will never land!

I repel the clubs with a burst of [Telekinesis] before disarming all three.

They all scream in agony at the sudden loss of limbs.

The first one it seems is trying to attack me from behind, even though it lost a leg and is crawling on the ground.

Just how tenacious do you plan to be?!

I do a backflip over its clumsy attempt at grabbing my legs and land on its head while driving my blade clean through his skull.

It keeps thrashing around though, looks like I missed the brain.

I withdraw my sword and decapitate it in one clean stroke.

It’s the surest way to kill enemies with high-speed regeneration.

I’m no stranger to fighting this type of opponent, after all.

Oh right, there’s technically five more of them.

They all seem determined to attack me, despite their wounds.

Kira was right - these monsters are relentless!

They’ll just keep attacking until you or they are dead.

I jump from the dead one I was standing on and make swift work of the rest.

It doesn’t take more than one slash to take each of them down!

I could have done it from the start, but disabling them is easier and safer to do.

An adventurer must be cautious and take every precaution to win battles!

Once all of them are dealt with, I swing my sword to clean it from all the filth that was stuck to it.

{“Wow! Ellie that was incredible! How did you slice through them so cleanly?! I’ve never seen someone cut down Trolls like that before!”} (Kira)

“I’m stronger than I look you know!” (Ellie)

Also, my sword is pretty great.

Tritanium is known for two things - unparalleled toughness and high mass.

The sword will completely refuse to bend and the blade will take centuries of use before it grows dull!

The extra mass means it cuts deep into whatever it strikes!

Though I guess a regular person wouldn’t be able to swing it around effectively.

Honestly, it’s similar to Kira’s staff in a way.

The first swords I was given were way too fragile, they couldn’t cut through the door on my cell!

Though I suppose that was intentional…

The one I have right now is one of the first things Nano got for me after our escape from the old fart.

If need be, I can even overlap my attack with [Telekinesis] to give it additional force.

Nano says it’s strong enough to cut through a gunship!

In theory, of course.

Only a moron would actually assault a gunship with a sword.

{“Okay. I see smoke rising in the distance, likely an orc den. Let’s take this one together, okay?”} (Kira)

* * *

“Kira! You said we’d do it together!” (Ellie)

“Sorry Ellie… It’s just that this is the first time I could cut loose so I got a little carried away…” (Kira)

Kira is apologizing to me while I stare at the devastation before me.

{That, my dear Kira, is an understatement. The [Grand Firestorm] spell you unleashed turned the ground into glass!}

I’ll admit, I’m a bit annoyed I didn’t get to play- I mean, train.

But that towering, swirling tornado of white-hot flames incinerating everything in its path…

I get goosebumps just remembering it!

There’s not even a single trace left of the settlement of muscular, green-skinned, pig-faced orcs!

{Please promise me you won’t use that anywhere near the tower! You almost melted one of my <>!}

“I’m sorry! I promise! Wait, one of your what?!” (Kira)

{Ah… did I not mention it? Hold on.}

Right, that’s something Nano found last night!

Five of the shipping containers were full of scouting probes!

“Ah, there’s one now!” (Ellie)

I point at the probe coming down from the sky.

Since they usually fly high in the air, it’s really hard to see them.

“Hm? Oh? What’s this? Another one of Nano’s golems?” (Kira)

{That’s right. These little guys can serve as my eyes in the sky, although their range is a bit limited. I can scout for you as long as you remain within a certain distance of the tower.}

Well, they’re fine tuned for the vacuum of space, so they definitely won’t be as efficient planetside.

Their built-in pulse engines have to fight both air resistance and gravity after all...

“It’s surprisingly cute…” (Kira)

“Really?” (Ellie)

I mean, they’re just a floating silver-colored ball that’s slightly bigger than a head.

“Yeah. The big red eye-like bit is adorable!” (Kira)

Hmm… Kira has a point.

That and the sleek design both give it a certain sort of charm.

“Say Nano, can you see the city of Runetap? It’s located some distance to the north of us.” (Kira)

{The one surrounded by a circular wall?}

“Yes, that’s the one. It should be the only settlement in the area.” (Kira)

{I’m a bit worried about bringing these guys too close to that city. I spied some flying creatures getting shot down by what appear to be ballista and magic attacks. These flying guys are completely defenseless so thrusting them into something like that is not a smart idea.}

“Ah, that’s right. Those things are irreplaceable aren’t they?” (Kira)

{Yes. Although I have the blueprints for them, actually building one is impossible.}

Nano has a point, we can’t replace those probes so we should treasure them.

While I’m sure Nano could cobble together the shell and internals, the miniature pulse engines are a different story.

Even if we had the materials, we would need special facilities to manufacture them.

“But it’s within range? The city I mean.” (Kira)

{Yes, it should be. It’s relatively close by.}

“I see… then perhaps I can work some sort of arrangement out with the City Guard, make sure they don’t shoot them down. No promises though.” (Kira)

“Say Kira… We’re going to visit that city at some point, right?” (Ellie)

“That’s right, but not for a while. I want to get to know everything there is to know about Ellie first!” (Kira)

“Same here!” (Ellie)

“Then let’s head back for the day! ------- [Flight]” (Kira)

Kira starts floating gently off the ground once again!

This is my chance!

“Kira! As an apology for going overboard earlier, I want you to carry me back to the tower!” (Ellie)

“Oh?! This is surprising.” (Kira)

“... You can’t?” (Ellie)

“Of course I can! It’s no problem for someone like me! It’s just that… Why do you want me to carry you?” (Kira)

“Because it will be fun!” (Ellie)

“Fufufu! Alright! Then climb onto my back! I’ll give you a flying piggyback ride as a special service!” (Kira)

Kira floats over to me and faces away from me, giving me easy access to Kira’s backside!

“Really? Yay!” (Ellie)

*Pomf*

I make a small leap and embrace her tightly from behind!

“... I’m not heavy, right?” (Ellie)

“It’s fine. [Flight] is a Gravity Magic based spell so I can negate the weight with some extra mana!” (Kira)

“O-okay… Uwooo! We’re floating!” (Ellie)

Perhaps a bit abruptly, we start flying onwards and upwards into the sky!

I hang tightly onto Kira, but my body feels weird, like there’s no inertia.

I see, this is probably the effect of Kira’s magic, how mysterious!

We fly around the air for what feels like hours.

It truly was a great experience!

The smell of Kira’s hair was particularly great.

The warmth and unexpected wideness of her back were incredibly reassuring.

And when she turned her head around to smile at me, it felt like a second sun had risen.

Eventually though, this has to end.

Kira takes us back to the tower and gently lands on the ground.

I get down from her back once she released the spell.

“So how was it?” (Kira)

“Beautiful…” (Ellie)

“Yes… I agree. The forest has a certain charm when viewed from the air... “ (Kira)

Kira brushes a stray strand of hair while turning to face the setting sun.

The small smile on her lips is simply breathtaking.

“Kira, I was not talking about some smelly old forest.” (Ellie)

“... Huh? Then what?” (Kira)

Kira blinks a few times while she looks at me with a confused expression.

I point towards Kira, whose face steadily turns red as comprehension sets in.

“I s-s-see… Th-thank you. Wait here for a minute, o-okay?” (Kira)

“Okay!” (Ellie)

Kira turns away from me and starts walking a bit stiffly towards the tower, gets inside and slams the door shut.

“KYAAAAAAAAHAAHAAA!” (Kira)

Kira…

If you’re going to squeal that loudly, why did you even bother hiding… ?

* * *

I’m having dinner with Kira.

Nano’s drones and probes worked together to prepare us a delicious meal!

There’s meat and some sort of vegetable soup!

They both smell delicious, but I haven’t even started eating yet.

I’m too busy watching Kira!

It’s a storm of munching and cutlery!

Precise and quick hand movements that even I have trouble keeping up with!

The food disappears in almost an instant, leaving not even crumbs behind!

During breakfast and lunch, Kira ate slowly and properly like a princess!

But it seems Kira has grown completely hungry after this afternoon’s expedition into the forest!

“Haah… That was delicious. Thank you for the food, Nano!” (Kira)

{You’re welcome. I must say, I’m surprised at how much you can pack away. I’m pretty sure that was more than enough for two adults…}

It’s true, I have no idea how she’s capable of such a feat!

Maybe all the nutrients go straight to Kira’s breasts?

“Well, I used up a lot of mana today. Doing that always makes me feel extra hungry.” (Kira)

{You didn’t have to eat like it was your first meal in a week though.}

“An adventurer needs to be able to finish their meals quickly! Ellie! You’re falling behind! The training isn’t over just yet!” (Kira)

“Oh! I messed up! Alright, I’ll do my best! *Omnomnomnom*” (Ellie)

I underestimated how seriously Kira takes being an adventurer!

To think, training even while eating food...

As expected of Kira, maximum efficiency in all things!

*Nom nom nom*

…

I wonder if I’ll get to have a soft, bouncy chest like Kira if I eat as much?

“Oh, right. Ellie, after you’re done I’m going to hold some lessons for you and Nano.” (Kira)

“Hmm? Abouf- *Gulp* About what?” (Ellie)

“Letters. You can speak the language, but you can’t write it at all, can you?” (Kira)

“Ack! That’s true!” (Ellie)

Sounds and meanings are easy to transmit with thoughts, but things like letters and images are impossible for me!

“Not to mention things like etiquette, greetings, history and government. Our entire culture is completely foreign to you, right?” (Kira)

“It is but… why is that important?” (Ellie)

“We want to avoid any mix-ups when we interact with people. For example, there’s a well known incident where a foreigner greeted a noble by headbutting him. It did not end well…” (Kira)

{You raise an excellent point, Kira. If we are going to interact with others in this world, we should take care that we don’t cause any misunderstandings.}

“Well, it’s not all bad. Sometimes misunderstandings turn out to be good things.” (Kira)

Kira looks at me and smiles warmly.

“Very good things indeed.” (Kira)

“Hm?” (Ellie)

“Nevermind that, you still have to finish your meal!” (Kira)

* * *

“Haah… studying was a formidable enemy…” (Ellie)

I collapse on the sofa after Kira said we’re done for the night.

“This is also part of your preparations, so please bear with it.” (Kira)

Using my head for storing information is not something I’m used to.

I’d much prefer just letting Nano handle that part.

But Kira insisted I had to do it for myself and Nano agreed.

If both of them agree on something, then it must really be important.

“Therefore, I’ll do my best!” (Ellie)

“Therefore? What?” (Kira)

“Ah… I was just getting myself motivated!” (Ellie)

“Oh my, how diligent!” (Kira)

Hehe, I got praised again!

“Then, Nano, is the bath prepared?” (Kira)

{It is. The water’s all heated and ready for you. We don’t have any soap, unfortunately.}

“That’s alright. Just having a good soak is enough for stress relief.” (Kira)

Kira gets up from the sofa and heads out of the living room.

Then, after climbing up the stairs to the first floor, Kira enters the bedroom and starts undressing.

“Wah? Ellie?” (Kira)

“Hm? Yes, Kira?” (Ellie)

She suddenly jumped a bit in surprise as she was about to remove her red shirt.

“... Did you follow me from downstairs?” (Kira)

“Of course. I go wherever Kira goes!” (Ellie)

“I’m glad you feel that way, but please don’t sneak around like that! You startled me!” (Kira)

Whoops, I did it again.

I’m so used to skulking and sneaking everywhere that I end up doing it unintentionally!

“Sorry Kira… It’s a habit.” (Ellie)

“Well, it’s not a bad habit to have, just please be more mindful of others unless we’re in the field, okay?” (Kira)

Kira has a point.

Sneaking up on someone is not really a good way of showing trust, now that I think about it.

“Okay! I understand!” (Ellie)

Kira nods satisfyingly and heads towards the bathroom.

She stops in front of the door and slowly turns around to look at me with a troubled face.

“Um, Ellie?” (Kira)

“Yes?” (Ellie)

I wonder if I messed up again?

I took extra care to make sure I’m making my presence felt this time, you know!

“You’re going to follow me inside?” (Kira)

“Of course. I go wherever Kira goes!” (Ellie)

“Like I said, I’m glad you feel that way. It’s just that… the bath is a bit…” (Kira)

“Hmm? A bit what?” (Ellie)

{Excuse me Kira, if I may? Ellie has never taken an actual bath before, so she’s a bit ignorant.}

“Yes I have! Please don’t make it sound like I walk around smelly and dirty!” (Ellie)

{Shower In A Can™ doesn’t count, Ellie.}

“What? It doesn’t?!” (Ellie)

{That’s right. What Kira wants to do is very different from that.}

So it’s not just spraying yourself with a mist that absorbs and eats away any dirt and filth on your body?!

Come to think of it, Kira said it was supposed to be relaxing, right?

In that case, I want to know!

“Kira! Teach me how to have a ‘proper bath’ please!” (Ellie)

I’m really curious about what I’ve been missoing out on!

“...” (Kira)

Kira looks at me with a difficult to read expression, is it really that big a deal?

Ah, I’m asking for a favor, so I should be more polite!

“Please?” (Elllie)

“Uuu… Ellie’s pleading look really is cheating… Hii fuuu… Hii fuuu… Alright. Follow me.” (Kira)

“Yay!” (Ellie)

Kira opens the door and heads inside the bathroom.

It’s covered in tiles Nano made out of the various stones that were around the place.

The yellowish-orange color of the floor and walls gives it a rather fancy feel.

“Kira? Is someone making soup?” (Ellie)

I point at the huge wooden tub in the corner is filled with hot water.

“Wow! You really have no idea, huh? A bath is where we rinse off our bodies and soak them in hot water.” (Kira)

Oh, so that’s what that tub was for!

“But won’t our clothes get wet that way?” (Ellie)

The Shower In A Can™ doesn’t release liquid, it’s actually a swarm of airborne nanites that expire after 15 minutes.

So things like getting your clothes-

“That’s why we have to strip naked, silly!” (Kira)

“... Huh? W-what?” (Ellie)

Nobody told me about this!

{Ah. Did I not mention that part?}

Nano!

You deliberately left it out on purpose!

It’s super embarrassing!

Hmm?

How come it’s embarrassing?

Me and Kira are both girls so it shouldn’t be something to be embar-

*Clack*

…

*Plop*

…

“Haah, much better… It sure is stuffy being in that leather outfit all day!” (Kira)

Right now, before my eyes, Kira is completely nude.

I see, I was underestimating them.

*Boing*

Kira always keeps them wrapped up tight, so seeing them unbound like this is really somethin else!

“Come on Ellie, your turn. Water will get cold.” (Kira)

“Um… On second thought, maybe Kira should go first…” (Ellie)

“Oh my! Are you being shy? There’s nothing to worry about you know? Come on, take that suit off and join me! I’ll even scrub your back ~?!” (Kira)

What was that?!

Why did I feel something was weird in Kira’s speech?!

“This is also part of your adventurer training you know!” (Kira)

“It… it is?” (Ellie)

“Of course! You, uh, might get exposed during battle if… if your armor gets damaged! Or if you get hit by corrosive poison and have to discard it! Being able to withstand a bit of shame is vital to staying alive as a woman out there!” (Kira)

No, Kira, I don’t think anyone taking that sort of proud pose while being completely naked is in any position to teach others about shame!

But that’s still a good point…

I’ll just think of this as training to steel my heart!

Yes, that’s it!

“O-okay then. I understand…” (Ellie)

I begin to undress awkwardly while Kira is keeping a close eye on me.

The look in those eyes somehow feels really scary!

“Ah, sorry! I didn’t mean to stare so hard.” (Kira)

Kira seems to notice my discomfort and looks away.

“Uhm… Kira… i-i-if nobody’s watching it won’t really be much p-p-practice…” (Ellie)

“…” (Kira)

Kira looks straight at me and nods slightly.

Good, like this it can actually be considered training.

It’s no good to do things half-heartedly, especially with this sort of thing.

Preparations are important!

As for my bath preparations...

*Plop*

“I’m d-d-d-d-done.” (Ellie)

“Okay! Very good! Now for the bath - first we wash ourselves before we get in.” (Kira)

Kira casually grabs me by the hand and leads me over to the tub.

* * *

I lie down on the bed after drying off.

“Haaaah… Baths are great…” (Ellie)

Any awkwardness I felt at first seemed to just disappear once we started washing up.

I guess it really wasn’t such a big deal after all.

Kira is already in her nightgown and is sitting on the other end of the bed, facing away from me.

“Ellie, I’m glad you enjoyed it, but don’t walk around naked outside the bath!” (Kira)

…

“Sorry, Kira.” (Ellie)

I get off the bed and quickly slip into my pajamas.

That whole excercise was meant to help me deal with emergencies.

I don’t plan on actually being shameless!

After I make myself decent, I turn my attention back to Kira, who is carefully combing the silky and slightly damp red hair with a small wooden comb.

I guess taking care of that much hair is a bit of a bother.

I can’t complain with the results though - Kira looks great with that long hair!

How come it’s all shiny and silky like that, though?

Not to mention the scent Kira’s body gives off is pretty great, too!

“Say Kira, does this world have fancy soaps and shampoos?” (Ellie)

“We do, yes. An acquaintance of mine sells shampoos and soaps made with alchemy. The floral smell they give off is quite nice. I can personally guarantee their quality.” (Kira)

Kira answers me without looking back.

I see, Kira uses quality products.

That explains a lot!

“However, they’re a bit too expensive for me, so I only bought them once. It was a good purchase, though.” (Kira)

“How long ago was this?” (Ellie)

“Hmm… it was still winter… six months ago? Something like that.” (Kira)

“Oh.” (Ellie)

So that pleasant aroma surrounding Kira is completely natural?

Can people even smell that nice all on their own?

…

Oh well, it’s my loss if I mind it!

“Okay, all done. Shall we go to bed, Ellie?” (Kira)

“Ah, yes!” (Ellie)

Let’s just enjoy it thoroughly!

Kira lays down on the bed and I climb in as well.

We share a warm hug as I nestle my head against Kira’s bouncy chest.

Today was the first day we had to properly spend together.

I learned many things, had a lot of fun and became closer with Kira.

This just might be the best day of my life!

*Smooch*

Huh?

There was something wet and hot against my forehead!

“Kira?” (Ellie)

I shift my head and look up at Kira’s smiling face.

“Fufufu… It’s just a good night kiss. It’s a special charm to make sure you have nothing but pleasant dreams!” (Kira)

I take it back.

This is definitely the best day in my life!

“I see! Thanks Kira!” (Ellie)

“Then, good night Ellie!” (Kira)

“Good night Kira! Good night Nano!” (Ellie)

“Ah, that’s right! Good night, Nano.” (Kira)

{Thanks, sleep well you two. Just leave the night watch to me.}

The lights gradually dim as I get lost in the warm and fluffy sensations around my head.

Zzzzzz…