In a fancy restaurant, Kirito sat atop a rustic wooden table. Across from him, Yukime gazed around the charming establishment. She smiled and remarked, "Kirito-kun, this place is perfect for our evening." The warm ambiance and dim candlelight created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for their rendezvous.
Kirito nodded, his eyes reflecting the soft candlelight. "Yukime, your idea was a great one," he replied, a hint of gratitude in his voice. "And if those who were spying on us are indeed Beastkins, they won't be able to resist this atmosphere."
Yukime playfully tilted her head, her large fox ears twitching with mischief as she looked at Kirito. With a sly grin, she teased, "Kirito-kun, I know we have our mission, but don't forget, this is a date, too." She batted her eyes and added, "You should behave yourself in front of a pretty girl like me."
Her playful charm and her multiple tails swaying in the dim candlelight added an enchanting allure to the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. Kirito chuckled, appreciating her sense of humor and the unique charm of his Beastkin companion.
Kirito smiled and gestured to the waiter, "Yukime, please, you should order first. Ladies first, after all."
Yukime nodded appreciatively and turned her attention to the waiter. "I'll have the Chef's Special, please," she said with a graceful smile, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
The waiter noted down her order and turned to Kirito, who followed with his own order, maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor throughout their enchanting evening at the restaurant.
Kirito leaned in with an intrigued expression and said, "Yukime, I've heard that your new business venture has taken off. How's it going?"
Yukime's eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied, "Oh, Kirito-kun, it's been amazing! Thanks to your knowledge about magic and medicines, people are rushing to buy our products, and the profits have been great. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Thanks to his knowledge of gaming, Kirito was able to recreate a lot of potions and medicines that didn't exist in this world using his magic skills. Combining this expertise with Yukime's knowledge of herbal products, they formed a powerful team that contributed to the success of their business venture. Their unique blend of skills had proven to be a winning combination, and their products were in high demand, bringing in substantial profits. Kirito couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment in being able to utilize his gaming knowledge for a meaningful purpose in this world.
Yukime gazed at Kirito with admiration and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Kirito-kun, you're truly a unique man. It's not every day you come across someone who's not only strong but equally knowledgeable. You're a rare gem," she complimented, her playful charm evident.
With a teasing grin, she added, "I suppose I'm lucky to have such a remarkable partner in both business and, well, other endeavors." Her eyes danced with humor.
Kirito chuckled and returned the compliment with a warm smile, "Yukime, you're as charming as you are smart. Your ideas have never disappointed me, and your wit is equally enchanting. I must admit, I'm the lucky one to have you as my partner in both our business ventures and... well, in all aspects of life." He met her playful gaze with a twinkle in his eyes, showing his appreciation for her unique blend of qualities.
Yukime's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she looked down, her playful facade giving way to a hint of shyness. She murmured, "Well, Kirito-kun, there is one thing I've noticed, and it's where your one flaw comes to the surface..."
Kirito, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanor, leaned in and asked, "What is it, Yukime? What flaw are you talking about?"
Yukime looked up with a teasing smile and said, "Kirito-kun, your one flaw is that you're just too honest and direct. You can't help but speak your mind, which, to be honest, is both endearing and amusing." She chuckled softly.
Yukime continued with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "You see, Kirito-kun, in this world, it's often necessary to be a little cunning and maybe even a tad bit mischievous to navigate certain situations."
Yukime's eyes twinkled with amusement as she continued, "That's why, Kirito-kun, I find myself often needing to keep you in check and add a touch of cunning to our adventures. It's a good thing you have me by your side to balance things out." She chuckled softly, her playful nature evident.
With a sly grin, she added, "You know, Kirito-kun, it's quite funny because, although you're younger and shorter than me, there are times when I feel like you're the older one. Your wisdom and sense of responsibility are truly remarkable."
Kirito gazed at Yukime's playful smile, and for a moment, it reminded him of another smile that had captured his heart back in his world. A warm, nostalgic feeling washed over him. He smiled back at Yukime and said, "Yukime, I'm truly grateful to have you by my side. "
Kirito noticed the unusual gaze of the waitress with cat-like ears as she brought their orders. With a warm smile, he said, "Thank you," and the waitress nodded before moving away, her curious expression lingering for a moment before she continued with her duties.
As Kirito continued to look at the waitress with cat-like ears, Yukime couldn't help but notice his prolonged gaze. She leaned in slightly and whispered to Kirito, "Kirito-kun, did that girl do something to you? You seem quite fixated on her." Her keen fox-like senses picked up on the unusual interaction.
Kirito shook his head, breaking his gaze from the waitress. "No, Yukime, it's nothing. I just thought I saw something familiar in her eyes, but it must have been my imagination." He tried to brush it off, not wanting to cause any undue concern.
Yukime couldn't help but notice Kirito's explanation, and her playful, jealous side surfaced. She leaned in closer, her large fox ears perked with curiosity, and teased, "Kirito-kun, you know female Beastkins have an undeniable charm that can affect any guy of any race. Are you sure you didn't fall for her or something?" Her playful tone was laced with a hint of jealousy as she raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Kirito's cheeks reddened as he stammered, "N-no, Yukime, you've got it all wrong. I was just... just thinking about something unrelated, that's all."
Yukime's playful expression softened as she reached across the table, gently placing her hand on Kirito's. "Kirito-kun, I was just teasing. I don't want anyone to steal your attention from me, that's all," she admitted with a warm smile.
The waitress, who was none other than Zeta in disguise, found herself growing increasingly bored as she observed Kirito and Yukime's date. Her true intent for being in the restaurant was not to serve tables but to watch these two closely. She had been tasked with gathering information about them, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
As she discreetly moved between the tables, refilling water glasses and serving dishes, Zeta couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh. She had expected their date to be more exciting, filled with hidden secrets or clandestine discussions. Instead, what she witnessed was a genuine connection between the two, marked by laughter, playful banter, and shared smiles.
Zeta leaned against a pillar, her cat-like ears twitching with restlessness as she muttered to herself, "I thought this would be more interesting, but it's just a simple date. What's so special about these two?"
As Zeta observed Kirito and Yukime's date, she happened to glance toward the rooftop of a nearby building. To her surprise, she saw her comrade, Delta perched up there. Delta's eyes were fixated on the restaurant, and she was jumping around excitedly, her nose twitching, and drooling at the delicious smell of meat wafting from the restaurant's kitchen.
Zeta couldn't help but roll her eyes at Delta's antics. She muttered to herself, "Typical Dumb Dog, always letting her wolf instincts take over. She can't resist the scent of meat, even in the middle of an important mission."
Delta's eyes widened with hunger, and she let out a loud, echoing howl from the rooftop, followed by an enthusiastic shout, "Delta wants to devour something delicious! Meat, meat, meat!" Her voice carried through the night, drawing surprised looks from people nearby, and even a few chuckles from the patrons in the restaurant below.
Kirito strained his ears, trying to catch the distant howl, and asked Yukime, "Did you hear that, Yukime? It sounded like a howl."
Yukime tilted her head, listening for a moment before responding, "Hmm, I did hear something, but it's probably just some wild dog or stray animal. Nothing to worry about, Kirito-kun."
Yukime leaned closer to Kirito, her sly grin turning into a mischievous smirk. She lowered her voice as if sharing a secret and said, "Kirito-kun, I think it's time we move things into the next gear."
Kirito looked a bit confused but intrigued by her suggestion. "What do you mean, Yukime?"
Yukime's eyes twinkled as she leaned in even closer, her lips almost brushing against Kirito's ear. She whispered, "I'm feeling a bit hungry, Kirito-kun. How about you... feed me?" Her playful tone and seductive manner left no room for misunderstanding.
Kirito's cheeks flushed as he realized her intent, and he stammered, "Y-Yukime, you're quite bold tonight." Nevertheless, he couldn't help but be drawn into the allure of the moment.
Kirito, feeling a surge of confidence, gently grabbed Yukime's chin, his eyes locked onto hers. It was a surprising move that caught Yukime off guard, and her cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and excitement.
With a teasing yet confident smile, Kirito whispered, "Well, if that's what you desire, Yukime, I'm more than happy to oblige." He then fed her a delicious bite from their shared dish, his gaze never leaving hers.
Yukime's heart raced as she accepted the bite, her eyes locked with Kirito's. The playful banter of their date had taken on a new level of intensity.
After Kirito fed Yukime a bite, he leaned back, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He asked, "So, Yukime, how was it?"
Yukime's heart was still racing, and she found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Her cheeks flushed, and she struggled to find the right response. Finally, with a soft, dreamy tone, she managed to say, "It was... perfect, Kirito-kun."
Delta's nose twitched intensely as the irresistible scent of boar meat wafted to the rooftop where she was perched. Her stomach growled, and she couldn't resist any longer. In a moment of weakness, she blurted out, "Delta loves boar meat!" Her voice was filled with longing and struggle.
Without another thought, Delta leapt off the rooftop and landed in the restaurant with a thud, causing a commotion among the startled patrons. She immediately spotted the source of the mouthwatering aroma, a beautifully roasted boar on a table.
Delta's keen senses zeroed in on the table where Kirito and Yukime were enjoying their meal. The tantalizing scent of meat was unmistakable, and her eyes lit up with a mischievous smirk. With a sly glint in her eyes, she couldn't resist exclaiming, "Ah, Delta smells a delicious feast!"
The patrons in the restaurant turned to look at the unexpected intruder, and Delta, with her wolf-like instincts fully awakened, declared, "It's time for a hunt!"
As Delta prepared to lunge toward Kirito and Yukime, her wolf-like instincts took over, and she crouched low, ready to pounce. However, just as she was about to make her move, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. Her instincts warned her of impending danger.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Delta spun around, her claws at the ready to strike, but she was met with an unexpected sight. Kirito had moved in with remarkable speed and agility. He raised his sword just in time, blocking Delta's clawed attack.
As Kirito blocked Delta's attack with his sword, his eyes widened in surprise when he looked closely at her. Despite the intense situation, a spark of recognition flickered in his eyes as he realized who she was.
"Delta...?" Kirito exclaimed in astonishment, his voice filled with a mix of shock and confusion.
Yukime, her playful charm momentarily forgotten in the face of the unexpected intrusion, stepped forward with a calm demeanor. She walked slowly and deliberately, a knowing smile on her lips as she said, "Well, it seems they've finally made their move, just as I anticipated."
With a graceful yet authoritative presence, Yukime turned her gaze to Delta, the intruding wolf-girl. She observed the hungry glint in Delta's eyes and couldn't help but remark with a touch of amusement, "My, my, it seems the little wolf is quite hungry, doesn't she?"
Delta, still caught amid her wolf-like instincts, was visibly irritated by Yukime's calm and composed demeanor. Her teeth bared, she snarled at Yukime and spat out with a growl, "Delta hates foxes, especially clever and sly ones like you!"
Yukime didn't flinch at Delta's aggression, maintaining her poised stance. She responded with a playful smile, her eyes gleaming with amusement, "Well, it's a shame you feel that way, my dear."
As Delta and Yukime faced off, their instincts ready for a confrontation, Kirito raised his voice to intervene. "Stop!" he called out with authority, his sword still raised, but not in an attacking stance.
Yukime, although calm, remained watchful, her eyes fixed on Delta. She inquired, "Kirito-kun, are you sure about this?"
With a firm and confident tone, Kirito addressed both Delta and Yukime. "Delta has no malicious intention against us," he explained. "I recognize her. She's not an enemy; she's someone I know from a different context. Let's not escalate this."
As Kirito walked closer to Delta and Yukime, he extended a hand in a gesture of peace and unity, trying to diffuse the tension. However, just as he took that step forward, his instincts as a seasoned warrior kicked in. In the blink of an eye, he sensed an incoming attack from above.
With incredible speed and precision, Kirito instinctively raised his Elucidator, the blade of his sword clashing with another. He managed to block the sudden attack, and to his surprise, it was none other than the waitress with cat-like ears who had been serving them earlier.
The waitress now revealed to be Zeta, had launched a surprise attack from an advantageous position, but Kirito's lightning-fast reflexes had thwarted her attempt. The two swords clashed in mid-air, creating a dramatic and tense standoff.
Zeta's eyes held a mixture of surprise and frustration as she found herself locked in this unexpected duel with Kirito. She had underestimated his combat skills, and it had nearly cost her the element of surprise.
Kirito, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, spoke up, "We don't have to resort to violence. There are other ways to resolve this situation."
Zeta, her smirk still evident, responded in a tone of agreement, "I share your opinion, Kirito. But I have my own way of doing things."
With a swift motion, Zeta disengaged from the sword clash and leapt backward, landing gracefully on the ground. She sheathed her weapon and looked at Kirito and Yukime with a sly smile.
Kirito, lowering his sword in response, kept a watchful eye on Zeta.
In that tense moment, Zeta prepared to rush at Kirito once more, forming a sharp sword from her dark slime. As she lunged forward with deadly intent, Kirito was ready, his Elucidator poised to counter the attack.
However, just as the clash seemed inevitable, Zeta had a trick up her sleeve. She swiftly threw a handful of small spheres towards Kirito, aiming to create a distraction. In a quick and precise motion, Kirito swung his Elucidator, shattering the spheres before they could cause any harm.
But the unexpected wasn't over yet. As the spheres shattered, they released a dense, dark fog that rapidly engulfed the entire area, obscuring vision and creating a shroud of uncertainty.
Kirito, realizing that the dark fog had effectively disrupted both his vision and magic detection abilities, felt a growing sense of unease. Amid the confusion, he heard Zeta's commanding voice shouting to Delta, "Delta, Let's go!"
As the dark fog enveloped the area, obscuring vision and creating chaos, Kirito knew that Zeta and Delta were trying to make their escape. In a split-second decision, he realized he had to act swiftly.
With a determined swing of his Elucidator, Kirito dispersed the dense fog, allowing the clear night air to return. He scanned the area and, to his relief, found Yukime nearby, poised for action.
Yukime met Kirito's gaze and, without a word, understood the situation. She nodded in agreement and said, "I'll handle the wild one. You go after the other one."
Kirito's sharp eyes spotted Zeta not far from his location as she attempted to make her escape. With unwavering determination, he shouted, "Hey! You won't get away that easily!" His voice carried a note of resolute resolve as he sprinted in her direction.