MARD Chapter 15 As they Wait

The eternal daylight of the World Marble stretched endlessly overhead, its sky painted in a soft blue hue that never changed. The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of grass and flowers from the wide, rolling meadow where the group had chosen to spend the morning.

At the center of the field stood Issei and Wu Ying, facing one another in a loose circle surrounded by critters. Issei shifted on the balls of his feet, loosening his shoulders, while Wu Ying’s sharp eyes never wavered, her posture taut and ready.

Around them, an unusual audience had gathered. Small birds fluttered from branch to branch of a nearby sapling, curious heads tilting as they chirped. A pair of foxes sat on their haunches beside a group of rabbits, their eyes bright but unafraid. A slender green snake coiled lazily around a rock, tongue flicking as though it too didn’t want to miss the coming clash.

Wu Xiao, seated cross-legged at the edge of the circle. All these animals were the ones that over time she had captured into the World Marble, sometimes dragging her sisters and Issei along for her schemes. At first, the animals had been ordinary critters. But weeks of living in the World Marble had changed them.

They were larger now, sharper in their movements, more intelligent in their gazes. Ddraig had explained that the pocket world brimmed with energy, not only from its mysterious background but also from the subtle waves of power that bled off Ddraig’s massive body. The animals had absorbed it over time, their instincts sharpening and their bodies adapting.

And now they sat like spectators at an arena, eager for the entertainment to come.

Ddraig himself loomed at the back of the field. The Red Dragon Emperor was curled up, his massive wings folded neatly, his jade-like eyes unblinking as they watched his partner prepare. Even at rest, he radiated weight and presence, a reminder that the World Marble was his domain as much as Issei’s.

On the other side of the circle, Wu Xiao was practically buried beneath a pile of her “pets.” A fox nestled in her lap while a small monkey clung to her shoulders. Luna sat loyally at her side, her silver fur gleaming beneath the Marble’s perpetual sky. Wu Xiao stroked the wolf’s ears absentmindedly, grinning wide as she pumped a fist in the air.

“Go, Big Bro! Kick my sister’s butt!” She shouted, earning a hiss from the snake and a chorus of chirps from the birds as though they agreed.

Wu Ying’s mouth twitched. “You’re supposed to be impartial.”

“I am impartial,” Wu Xiao said innocently, hugging the fox in her arms. “I just think it would be hilarious if you got knocked on your butt for once.”

Issei scratched the back of his head, trying to hold back a laugh. He glanced back at Ddraig, whose green eye blinked slowly. 

‘Focus. The older sister won’t take it easy on you.’ Ddraig rumbled in his mind.

Issei exhaled, his humor fading as he got serious. He looked across at Wu Ying, who stood perfectly still, waiting for him to make the first move. 

At that moment, a faint breeze carried the scent of cooked rice and herbs from the direction of the wooden house. Wu Lan must have been preparing breakfast.

Wu Xiao leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. The animals shifted, anticipation almost palpable. Even Luna raised her head, ears perked toward the two fighters.

Wu Ying’s voice cut through the silence, calm but edged like steel. “Are you ready?”

Issei lowered into his stance, his blood thrumming. He smirked, just a little. “Always.”

And with that, the spar began.

The meadow within the World Marble fell silent the moment Issei and Wu Ying moved. Even the birds seemed to pause mid-chirp, wings folded as if waiting to witness the clash.

Issei surged forward first, his fists clenched tight. No Boosted Gear, just his raw power as a Second Stage Fighter. His right fist cut through the air, but Wu Ying shifted her weight, her arm snapping up to parry the strike with minimal effort. She flowed with the motion, her eyes sharp and unflinching.

‘She’s faster than me. A lot faster,’ Issei thought, throwing a quick jab toward her ribs. Wu Ying’s body turned gracefully, the blow whistling past her side. She didn’t even break a sweat.

“Too predictable,” She said flatly, her tone as sharp as her gaze.

Issei’s jaw clenched. He pivoted into a spin kick, letting his heel whip toward her head. Wu Ying ducked low, her braid slicing the air behind her as she shifted effortlessly out of reach. His foot struck nothing but wind.

Again and again he pressed the attack—hooks, straight punches, sudden sweeps of his leg—but Wu Ying deflected or evaded each one with the smallest of movements. Her calm, collected expression never wavered, as though she were entertaining a spar with a child rather than her actual rival.

At the sidelines, Wu Xiao cupped her hands around her mouth, laughing as she shouted, “Come on, Big Bro! At least hit her once!”

“Quiet,” Wu Ying snapped, her tone not rising.

Issei grit his teeth. ‘If I can’t beat her head-on, I’ll just have to get creative.’ He feinted a punch, then whipped his elbow toward her side in the same motion. The move was faster, sharper, but Wu Ying’s arm came up instantly, blocking with the flat of her forearm. His strikes rang against her guard, solid but ineffective.

A flicker of frustration surged in his chest. ‘She’s not even trying… Is this the gap between a Second and Third Stage Fighter?’

Wu Ying’s eyes narrowed, a hint of boredom slipping into her expression. “If you’re finished flailing, I suppose I should return the favor.”

Before Issei could answer, she shifted gears. Her fist slammed forward with sudden force, striking his guard and shoving him backward. Then another punch, and another—each one heavy, precise, forcing him to stumble back with every blow. A quick hook slipped through his defense, grazing his jaw. Pain blossomed hot and sharp.

“Damn it—!” Issei staggered, barely managing to block the next kick aimed at his midsection. Wu Ying pressed harder, her strikes like a storm were controlled yet relentless. Each blow reminded him of the difference between their stages.

He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow with the back of his wrist. His lungs burned, his arms trembled. She’s stronger. Faster. If this keeps up, I won’t last another minute.

Then he made his choice.

The red gauntlet of the Boosted Gear flared into existence on his left arm, the green gem gleaming as Ddraig’s voice rumbled from the Sacred Gear.

Boost!

Power flooded through him, doubling his strength, speed, and resilience in an instant. His muscles tensed with renewed vigor, his senses sharpened. The pressure bearing down on him eased as if a heavy weight had been lifted.

Wu Ying’s lips curved into the faintest smile. For the first time, her eyes glimmered with excitement. “Finally.”

They both launched forward at the same moment. The impact shook the ground beneath their feet as fist met fist, shockwaves rippling outward and kicking up dust. Wu Xiao’s hair fluttered in the blast, her eyes wide with glee.

“Yes! That’s more like it!” She cheered, bouncing on her heels.

Now evenly matched, their exchange grew fierce. Issei ducked under a punch, driving his knee up toward Wu Ying’s ribs. She caught it with her forearm, her counter kick grazing his hip as he twisted away. He struck with his gauntleted fist. But Wu Ying evaded as she knew being struck by the metal fist would hurt, even if she blocked. Each movement came faster, sharper—punches, kicks, blocks, counters, the clash of will and skill echoing like thunder across the meadow.

Issei’s mind raced, instincts honed by battle guiding his strikes. ‘She’s adapting. I need to stay ahead—keep pressing!’ His gauntlet slammed into her guard, the red scales gleaming under the Marble’s light. Wu Ying’s stance faltered for the briefest instant.

But Wu Ying wasn’t about to give ground. With a sharp motion, her hand flicked below her waist, and a gleam of silver appeared. A knife slid into her grip, the blade flashing as she slashed toward Issei’s chest.

The gauntlet met the bone knife with a clang, sparks spitting from the impact.

“Using a weapon, huh?” Issei said, his teeth flashing in a grin even as his arms shook with the force of the block.

Wu Ying’s eyes narrowed, her voice calm and cutting. “In a real fight, no one holds back. Plus since you brought out yours, it’s only fair if I do the same.”

The blade swept again and Issei raised the Boosted Gear to deflect each strike, the red gauntlet ringing against bone. And all the while, Ddraig watched, a low rumble of approval rising from deep in his chest.

But then the Boosted Gear’s gem flared again.

Boost!

Power roared through him like fire racing through his veins, doubling his strength, speed, and durability once more. His body felt heavier and lighter all at once—every punch sharper, every step faster. Wu Ying’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second as she felt the shift in pressure radiating off him.

And then Issei pressed forward.

He caught the knife’s blade in the red gauntlet, clamping down hard. The bone screeched against the dragon’s scales but held firm, unable to pierce through. At the same time, his right arm lashed out like a hammer, driving his fist into Wu Ying’s stomach.

“Guh—!” The sound tore from her throat as her body bent with the impact. Air rushed from her lungs, and she dropped to one knee, clutching her abdomen as she struggled to pull in a breath.

Issei’s own chest tightened with concern. He had been holding back, but with the two Boosts, his strikes carried far more weight. Seeing her like that stirred a pang of guilt. ‘Maybe that’s enough. She’s not getting up easily after that—’

But Wu Ying’s voice, hoarse but firm, cut through his thoughts. “Don’t… you dare stop now.”

Her knees trembled, but she forced herself upright, knife still gleaming in her hand. Her sharp eyes locked onto his, pride burning stubbornly behind them.

Issei exhaled sharply. ‘Of course she wouldn’t quit. That’s Wu Ying.’

She came at him again, knife slicing in sharp arcs, faster than before desperation driving her movements. But Issei was ready now, his body brimming with quadrupled strength. He slipped around her strikes with smooth sidesteps, the blade missing him by inches. The gauntlet rose again and again, deflecting, redirecting, until he saw his chance.

With a sharp twist, his crimson fist struck the flat of her blade, sending the knife spinning from her grip and clattering harmlessly into the grass. Before she could recover, Issei surged forward, one hand pressing firmly against her shoulder as he shoved her down onto the packed dirt.

He loomed over her, his gauntlet holding her wrist down, his body pinning her. “That’s it. I won.” His voice wasn’t mocking—just firm and decisive.

Wu Ying struggled, her muscles straining against his hold. But no matter how she twisted, Issei's weight was immovable. She froze, her breathing heavy, and for a moment only silence stretched between them.

Then, to Issei’s surprise, her lips quirked into a small, stubborn smile. Her cheeks burned red, betraying emotions she quickly tried to hide. “Tch… fine. You win.”

Issei blinked at her, caught off guard by the sudden softness in her gaze before he quickly released her and stepped back.

Wu Ying sat up slowly, her face still tinted pink, but the moment of vulnerability didn’t last. Her expression shifted, the sting of defeat souring her mood. She hugged her knees, sulking visibly.

That was all the invitation Wu Xiao needed.

“Hahaha! You got your butt kicked!” Wu Xiao doubled over laughing, tears pricking at her eyes as she slapped her thigh. “Ying, you actually lost! I thought you were unbeatable!”

Wu Ying’s blush deepened into something darker. She turned her head sharply, glaring daggers at her sister. “…What did you just say?”

Wu Xiao leaned back, still giggling, but the glint of danger in Wu Ying’s eyes sobered her instantly. “Oh, uh… I meant—you fought really well!”

Wu Ying rose to her feet with slow, deliberate steps. Wu Xiao squeaked, then scrambled backward.

“Luna! Run, run, run!”

The silver wolf barked once as Wu Xiao leapt onto her back, and the two darted across the meadow with Wu Ying in hot pursuit. Wu Xiao’s laughter and shrieks echoed as she clung to Luna’s fur. “Don’t let her catch me, girl!”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck, watching the chaotic chase unfold with a weary sigh. “Every time…”

A new sound broke the moment—Wu Lan’s calm voice drifting across the field. She stepped out from the wooden house, carrying a small tray of bowls that steamed in the eternal daylight.

“Breakfast is ready,” She called, her tone carrying a subtle warmth.

Instantly, both Wu Ying and Wu Xiao froze mid-chase. Luna skidded to a stop, ears perking at the mention of food. Even Issei felt his stomach growl at the savory scent reaching his nose.

The chaos dissipated in an instant as all three of them hurried toward Wu Lan, the earlier clash forgotten in favor of the simple comfort of a meal.

—------------------------------ 

The streets of Meihua Crossing bustled with life beneath the late-morning sun. Merchants hawked their goods in loud voices, the aroma of spiced meats and freshly baked buns drifted from food stalls, and colorful banners swayed gently in the breeze. It was a lively, thriving town, full of movement and noise.

Amidst the crowd, Issei walked alongside the Wu sisters. He wasn’t entirely sure why he had agreed to this excursion—well, he did know. Wu Lan had insisted, and when she insisted, resistance was futile.

The sisters moved at their own paces. Wu Lan, ever graceful, lingered by shop windows with a faint smile, pausing to admire pottery, jewelry, and bolts of fine silk. Wu Xiao darted from stall to stall, her eyes sparkling with excitement, pointing out every curious trinket like a child in a festival. Meanwhile, Wu Ying walked stiffly beside them, her arms crossed and her expression clouded with barely concealed irritation.

“This is a waste of time,” Wu Ying muttered as they passed another boutique. Her tone carried her usual sharp edge. “We could be cultivating instead of wandering aimlessly through shops.”

Wu Lan, undeterred, gave her younger sister a patient smile. “We can’t spend all day cultivating, Ying. There’s more to life than training. We have all the time in the world for that. What we don’t always have is time together, like this.”

Issei glanced sidelong at Wu Lan. ‘She always knows what to say…’

Wu Xiao, on the other hand, had no patience for subtlety. She clasped her hands behind her back, leaned forward with a wicked grin, and sing-songed, “You’re just frowning because you lost to Big Brother. You want to get stronger quickly so you don’t lose to him next time, don’t you?”

Wu Ying stopped dead in her tracks, her face twitching as she turned toward her little sister. “That’s not true,” She said through gritted teeth.

Wu Xiao only grinned wider, enjoying herself far too much.

Issei, wisely, decided silence was the safest path. He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head, and pretended to study the row of shops instead.

That was when Wu Lan’s eyes caught on something. “Oh, look at these,” She said suddenly, her hand rising to point toward a clothing boutique draped in silks of vibrant colors. Without waiting for protest, she clasped Wu Ying’s wrist in one hand and Wu Xiao’s in the other. “Come, let’s have a look.”

“Wait—Lan!” Wu Ying tried to pull back, but her elder sister’s calm strength was impossible to resist.

Issei opened his mouth to excuse himself, but Wu Lan’s voice drifted back, soft yet commanding. “You too, Issei.”

“…Yes, ma’am,” He muttered, trudging along.

—-------------------------------

Inside the boutique, racks of robes and dresses lined the walls, embroidered with patterns of cranes and flowers. The air smelled faintly of sandalwood and fabric dye. An attendant greeted them with a bow, clearly delighted at the prospect customers.

What followed was both torture and paradise for Issei.

Wu Lan, Wu Ying, and Wu Xiao took turns trying on outfit after outfit, robes of pale blues, flowing silvers, and rich reds. Each time one of them emerged from behind the curtain, Issei felt his heart skip a beat. Wu Lan’s elegance made every garment regal, Wu Ying’s sharp poise gave off an intimidating allure, and Wu Xiao… well, she twirled in bright dresses with infectious energy, clearly enjoying herself.

“You look amazing,” Issei said honestly each time, and he meant it. His compliments came out smooth, though inside his head he was biting down on his more perverted thoughts. ‘If only they’d try something a little more revealing… a slit here, a cut there…’ He quickly buried those ideas before Wu Ying’s glare could incinerate him.

By the time they were done, the sisters had chosen several outfits each, the shop attendant practically glowing at the pile of purchases.

As Issei prepared to leave, all three sisters turned toward Issei at once.

“…What?” He asked, blinking.

Wu Lan crossed her arms lightly, her lips curving in a soft but firm smile. “Now it’s your turn.”

“My what?” Issei tilted his head, suspicion dawning too late.

Wu Xiao tugged at his sleeve, grinning. “You can’t walk around with just that plain red shirt forever, Big Bro. You need proper clothes.”

Wu Ying, though clearly still sulking from earlier, nodded in agreement. “If you’re going to stand next to us, you should at least look respectable.”

“Wait, wait, hold on—it’s not necessary, really,” Issei protested, backing up a step. “I’m fine with what I’ve got.”

But it was three against one. In minutes, he found himself shoved behind the curtain, armfuls of folded robes pushed into his chest.

—--------------------------------------

When he finally emerged, he wore a dark red changshan embroidered with gold along the sleeves, paired with black trousers and a sash tied at his waist. His short spiky brown hair looked oddly fitting against the flowing elegance of the attire, and even he had to admit, the outfit gave him an almost regal air.

The sisters blinked. Wu Xiao whistled. Wu Lan clasped her hands together, smiling warmly. Wu Ying raised a brow, her lips twitching like she wanted to smirk but refused to let it show.

“…Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad,” Issei admitted, tugging at the sleeve.

“Not bad?” Wu Lan repeated, clearly amused. “You look handsome, Issei.”

The heat in his cheeks betrayed him instantly. He coughed into his fist, scratching the back of his neck. “Y-Yeah, well… thanks.”

Wu Xiao giggled. “Don’t worry, Big Bro. You look like a young master now! Maybe people will actually take you seriously!”

Wu Ying rolled her eyes but muttered, “…It suits you.”

Issei caught the faint red at her ears and decided not to press her on it. Instead, he just grinned, thinking privately, ‘Well… this wasn’t such a bad trip after all.’

—-----------------------------------------------

After finishing at the boutique and stuffing their new purchases into the safety of the World Marble, Issei and the Wu sisters returned to wandering the streets of Meihua Crossing. The day was still young, and the town thrummed with energy. Children darted between stalls, laughing as they carried sweets. Street performers drew small crowds with juggling tricks and flute melodies, while merchants shouted over one another to lure in customers.

Issei found himself walking a step behind the sisters, his eyes occasionally drifting over their new outfits. Wu Lan carried herself with the poise of someone who could make even plain robes look refined. Wu Ying, still sulking faintly from the morning’s spar, looked less thrilled but nonetheless caught more than a few stares from passing men. Wu Xiao, however, continued to be a blur of curiosity, darting her eyes at every stall they passed.

Their casual stroll came to an abrupt stop when the sound of raised voices carried down the street ahead.

“What’s going on?” Issei asked, craning his neck.

A small crowd had gathered in a circle, whispers rippling through the onlookers. Wu Xiao immediately perked up, tugging at Issei’s sleeve. “Ooooh, a fight?”

Wu Ying frowned. “More like a mess. Let’s try not to get involved."

As they drew closer, Issei finally saw the source of the commotion. Two youths stood at the center. One was a young man in a silk robe embroidered with golden cranes. His blue hair was slicked back, his chin lifted with practiced arrogance, and his voice rang loud as he berated the other figure, a brown haired girl. She wore ragged clothing, the hems frayed and dirt-stained, her hands clutching a few crushed flowers against her chest.

“You dare not recognize me?” The young man shouted, puffing his chest as if he owned the street. “I am Young Master Yao, son of the town mayor! My father is a Sixth Stage Fighter! Not giving me face is the same as insulting him!”

The girl, however, didn’t shrink back. Her eyes burned with quiet defiance as she snapped, “I don’t care who you are. You bumped into me and knocked my flowers to the ground! You should be apologizing, not yelling at me!”

A murmur rippled through the crowd at her boldness.

Wu Xiao whispered to Issei, “Ohhh, she’s got guts. This is gonna end badly.”

Wu Lan’s eyes narrowed. “Not if we can help it.”

“Absolutly not.” Wu Ying whispered angrily as she didn’t want to get involved in any of this.

The young master’s face twisted with rage. “You dare! A filthy commoner like you dares speak back to me? I’ll teach you your place!” He raised his fist, his energy flaring faintly.

The girl flinched, but before the strike could land, a hand caught his wrist mid-swing.

The crowd gasped.

“Calm down,” Issei said firmly, his brown eyes locking on the arrogant youth. His grip tightened around the boy’s wrist, unyielding. “She bumped into you, sure, but that’s no reason to throw punches. Let it go.”

“Who dares—?!” The young master roared, but his voice faltered when he realized. He tried to pull his wrist free, only to find it clamped tight in Issei’s hand. The shock widened his eyes. His First Stage strength, effortless for him against commoners, was being stopped like it was nothing.

The crowd erupted in hushed murmurs.

“Who is that boy?”

“He stopped Young Master Yao like it was nothing!”

“Didn’t even flinch…”

The young master’s face flushed crimson with humiliation. He yanked his arm back at last, glaring daggers at Issei. “You… you’ll regret this. I won’t forget it!” 

With that, he spun on his heel, shoving past the crowd and storming off, his entourage of lackeys scrambling after him.

The tension slowly bled from the crowd. Issei let out a sigh, scratching his cheek awkwardly. “Guess that’s that.”

When he turned back, the girl in ragged clothes was staring at him wide-eyed. Her lips parted slightly, cheeks warming as she took in his appearance. 

Issei wondered what was wrong as the girl was openly looking at him.

In the girl’s eyes, he wasn’t just a stranger—he looked like a young noble who had stepped in on her behalf.

“Th-thank you,” She stammered softly, bowing her head. Her grip tightened around her crushed flowers, her blush deepening as she dared another glance at him.

Issei gave her a friendly smile, rubbing the back of his neck. “Don’t worry about it. Anyone would’ve done the same.”

“Anyone?” Wu Lan muttered under her breath, unimpressed.

Before Issei could respond, smack!

A sharp pain exploded on the top of his head. “Ow! What the hell—?!” He turned, wincing, only to see Wu Ying, standing behind him, her fist still poised. Her eyes blazed with annoyance.

“And just why,” Wu Ying demanded, her voice sharp as steel, “did you think it was a good idea to get involved in that?”

Wu Xiao immediately burst into laughter, pointing at him. “Hahaha! Big Bro got scolded by Wu Ying”

Wu Lan sighed, already bringing a hand to her temple, while the girl that Issei just helped wondered what was the relationship between her savior and this girl that hit him.

Issei blinked, glancing at the departing figure of Young Master Yao, still stomping away. “…Stopped some spoiled brat from hitting a girl?”

Wu Ying’s jaw tightened. She stepped closer, her voice low and edged. “Didn’t you hear? That spoiled brat is the mayor’s son. His father is a Sixth Stage Fighter. And thanks to you, we’ll have his lackey guards and influence breathing down our necks for the next few days while we’re stuck here waiting for Shen to finish the armor.”

Around them, the murmuring crowd began to disperse now that the confrontation was over. Still, a few lingered at the edges, whispering and stealing glances at the strange group.

Issei held her glare evenly, his lips twitching into a crooked smile. “So what? What I did wasn’t wrong. He was about to hit the  cute girl. What kind of man would I be if I just stood there and watched?”

The girl in question—the one with ragged clothing and crushed flowers clutched to her chest—lifted her head at his words. Her cheeks flushed pink, and her purple eyes shimmered with something between gratitude and disbelief.

“C-cute…?” She whispered faintly, as though she hadn’t expected to be called that by anyone, let alone someone who looked like Issei in his new red clothes.

Wu Ying froze. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. Wu Lan made a frown, a faint crease forming between her brows.

“You… call her cute?” Wu Ying’s voice dripped with disbelief.

“Of all things…” Wu Lan sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if she suddenly had a headache.

Issei coughed, scratching the back of his neck, realizing a little too late how his words sounded. “W-well, I mean—she is cute. Look at her! She’s just a poor girl trying to sell flowers, and he was about to hit her! Of course I had to—”

“Idiot,” Wu Ying muttered, her hands curling into fists. She was about to launch into another tirade, but the girl in ragged clothes suddenly stepped forward.

“Please, don’t scold him,” The girl said, her voice soft but steady. Her purple eyes turned to Wu Ying, unafraid despite the sharper sister’s intimidating aura. “He… he saved me. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what that young man would have done. I can’t just stand by and hear you berate him for that.”

The sincerity in her tone made Issei’s chest warm, but it had the opposite effect on Wu Ying. Her eyes narrowed even further, her temper bristling like a storm.

“If it wasn’t for you,” She snapped, “we wouldn’t even be in this mess. You and your stupid flowers—”

“Ying.” Wu Lan’s voice cut through the air.

Wu Ying stiffened, glancing at her elder sister. Wu Lan’s expression was gentle but firm, her hands folded in front of her. “That’s enough. We do not ignore those in need, regardless of what inconvenience it brings. Issei was right to intervene.”

Wu Ying opened her mouth as if to argue but shut it again. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her brows furrowed. She turned her face away with a faint huff, refusing to admit defeat but unwilling to challenge her older sister’s words.

The crowd fully dispersed now, leaving only the four of them standing in the street. Wu Lan stepped closer to the girl, her voice softening. “Are you alright? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

The girl shook her head quickly, strands of her short brown hair falling across her flushed cheeks. “No. I-I’m fine, thanks to him.” Her eyes darted toward Issei again, the faintest blush still on her face.

Then she straightened her posture, as if remembering her manners. She clutched her flowers tightly, bowed politely, and said, “Thank you for saving me. My name is Mei.”

Done and you guys didn’t have to wait for months, this time. We finally meet a new girl for Issei. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.