Under the soft light of the orange bedside lamp, Kaito extended a finger.
With the reverence and solemnity of a priest giving a blessing, he tenderly touched Rice Shower's forehead
This time, Rice Shower was no longer the little rabbit who could only tremble in fear.
With courage and determination, she met the finger that represented hope and salvation.
As if embracing the entire world, she closed her eyes, welcoming the unique "blessing" intended only for her.
It was not a fusion of bodies, but a resonance and a baptism deep within the soul.
Every thought Kaito had was cautious, as if he were cherishing a rare treasure that had weathered countless storms and was finally recovered. He did not take; he only gave purely.
A warm and constant power flowed along the tip of his finger, slowly but undeniably injecting itself into the depths of her soul.
At the same time, he praised her continuously and repeatedly with a soft and magnetic voice—the voice that calmed her most—right next to her reddened ear.
"You are so brave, Rice Shower"
"Braver than anyone I have ever known..."
"You are also the strongest child I have ever seen... enduring so much in silence, all on your own..."
"That is why you are also the most beautiful; your black color is not ominous; it is the deepest and most captivating color of the night sky..."
Both the body and soul of Rice Shower were completely immersed in that supreme feeling of happiness: feeling affirmed, appreciated, and held in the palm of a hand.
She felt that she was no longer the "black assassin" who was pointed at and blamed for misfortune.
She truly became the dark hero of the fairy tale, who ran alone in the dark night and finally protected everyone.
When that warm power completely enveloped her entire consciousness... when she closed her eyes, what she saw was no longer infinite darkness and loneliness.
Instead, it was a sky filled with a magnificent and stellar light that bloomed only for her.
In the midst of extreme happiness and emotion, she was like a tired bird that had finally found its eternal resting place.
Tears ran silently down her face, and she whispered happily with a dreamy voice, tinged with a sob and infinite joy:
"My hero..."
"My... big brother..."
[Ding—!]
[The blessing ceremony has ended!]
[Congratulations, Host!]
[You have completed the final healing of the body and mind of the target [Rice Shower]!]
[Her world now shines with starlight because of you!]
[A new bond passive was obtained: Thorn Halo LV1 (Effect: when you or your bond partner suffer malicious verbal attacks or mental pollution, there is a certain chance that the negative effect will be reflected back to the perpetrator)]
…
The next day. The venue of the long-awaited Spring Tenno Sho.
Under a complex mix of expectant and worried gazes, the small Uma known as the "black assassin", Rice Shower, surged forward in a display of overwhelming power and beauty that took everyone by surprise, crossing the finish line in first place!
The entire venue fell into a momentary silence.
After the race, in front of countless cameras and microphones flashing blinding lights, Rice Shower no longer lowered her head, cried, or apologized continuously as she had done before.
She raised her head, and sweat ran down her still young but radiant face, which was now full of confidence.
A smile as bright as the sun, genuine and undisguised, bloomed on her face.
In front of all the cameras, she announced in a loud, clear, and resonant voice, full of pride:
"I dedicate this victory—"
"To my hero! My big brother!"
The entire crowd instantly erupted into an uproar!
Meanwhile, in the VIP room with the best view, at the highest point of the spectator stands, the Student Council President of Tracen Academy, the noble and powerful "Emperor" like a rose, Symboli Rudolf, watched the entire scene unfold in silence.
A meaningful smile, full of appreciation and interest, slowly curled at the corner of her mouth.
She turned around and gave an instruction to the meticulous green-haired secretary beside her, Air Groove, speaking with the undeniable and authoritative tone of royalty.
"Air Groove"
"Go and send a formal 'commission' to that Mr. Kaito of the Fierce Umas Division in my name"