"So strong."
Ais lay on her bed, eyes shining as she studied the status slip in her hands.
Strength: 140 → H197 | Endurance: H50 → G265 | Dexterity: H42 → G296 | Agility: H68 → F322 | Magic: 179
For Ais—who was forever anxious about her own power—those numbers were beautiful. Pure, simple beauty of strength.
"It's a shame I can't stay in there longer."
If she could, she'd soak in that training space for hours; it was far more effective than gravity bracelets. But the rules were strict: only half a day inside, then a full-day interval before you could enter again.
A pity, yes—but Ais understood the place took a heavy toll on the body. Long stretches would do more harm than good.
She tested her shoulders and elbows.
"Lots of joint aches. I haven't adapted to the pressure yet—just raising my arm makes my shoulder twinge."
Not severe, but enough to sap her power output.
This wasn't "Panacea-worthy"—and Panacea wasn't a cure-all anyway. Besides, a single vial cost 500,000 valis. With how much she spent on weapon maintenance, she couldn't waste that kind of money on minor aches.
"Rest tomorrow… or visit the Dian Cecht Familia clinic?"
A visit would be cheaper than Panacea, and small issues didn't cost much.
A spark flickered in her mind.
"I could just find Tsuna."
When in doubt, she used to go to Riveria. Now there was someone even more versatile: Sawada Tsunayoshi. No need to trouble Riveria.
Ais unconsciously rubbed her backside.
Last time, because of the gravity bracelets, Riveria had punished her hard enough that sitting—or sleeping on her back—was impossible for two days. Maybe Riveria would scold her again… but Tsuna wouldn't.
With that thought, Ais hopped off the bed and slipped out.
It was already around the 11th hour of the night. The manor wasn't silent yet; distant voices drifted from the baths and dining room. Today had exhausted everyone, though—most had turned in early.
After a few turns through the corridors, she reached a quieter door and knocked—tap, tap, tap.
The door opened quickly—but not to Tsuna. A puppet stood in the doorway.
"Ais?"
The voice came from behind it. Tsuna was immersed in a clear capsule filled with liquid.
The puppet vanished. Ais stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
"What are you doing?"
"This? Post-training recovery," Tsuna said, floating in the chamber. "Helps the body rebound faster."
He explained the treatment bath:
"After training, your muscles stay taut. If you don't loosen them for a long while, you get all sorts of discomfort.
Direct healing exists, sure, but it's not as good as a gentle recovery. Soaking in restorative fluid relaxes the muscles slowly and eases the damage from training.
I overdid it this time, so this method suits me better."
"Whoa."
Ais's eyes lit up. This was exactly what she needed.
"Tsuna, can I try it?"
"Huh? Your body's giving out too?"
"Mm. My joints hurt."
"That explains it."
Tsuna recalled Ais's "style" in the training space. He'd struggled just doing basic work under that pressure; she had piled extra difficulty onto herself—like a maniac. The fact it was "only" joint pain was almost frightening.
An identical clear bath tank materialized beside his.
"Ais, lie down in that one."
"Ah—better grab a swimsuit first," he added. "The more skin the fluid can touch, the better it works.
Don't worry about catching a cold—the bath adjusts to an ideal temperature. It's much comfier than a bed.
Mm… stay in too long and you'll just fall asleep…"
He yawned mid-sentence.
That comfortable?
Ais grew even more curious at his reaction. "I'll be right back."
She slipped out, leaving the door resting against the frame, then hurried to her room and returned just as quickly with a swimsuit. This time she locked the door.
"I'm back."
She'd chosen a suit that covered the bare minimum—maximum contact, maximum effect.
"Tsuna, no looking."
There was a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
Tsuna blinked, surprised to see something other than her usual blank calm—but he recovered fast.
Right—this is four years before the story starts. Her poker face isn't that heavy yet. Expressions are normal.
He shut his eyes at once.
"Relax. I won't look."
Ais watched him a second, then began changing. At home she dressed light—underwear, a simple dress—she always preferred to travel unburdened.
After slipping into the swimsuit and confirming everything was in place, she glanced at Tsuna—still eyes closed.
"I'm ready."
"Then lie down and try it."
"Mm."
Ais, ever the practitioner, slid into the clear tank and let the restorative fluid envelop her.
Warmth spread through her body—especially in the joints—so comfortable she couldn't stop a soft hum.
"Mmm… so comfortable…"
"Told you," Tsuna said lazily. "After a workout, warm recovery like this is best."
"Mm."
Feeling it for herself, Ais agreed at once.
Eyes half-lidded, she turned her head toward Tsuna, still resting with eyes closed. For the first time, he didn't feel hard to approach at all.
(End of Chapter)
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