Cain was sprawled on the couch, still recovering from the chaos of the last few days. His hair was a mess, his shirt was inside out, and he was pretty sure he'd been wearing the same socks for three days. Life had been… a lot. But just as he was about to drift off into a well-deserved nap, the door slammed open.
Astra stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her expression as unimpressed as ever. Behind her, Lyra, Selene, and Ravena loomed like a trio of judgmental angels.
"We're going out," Astra declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Cain blinked, his brain struggling to process the words.
"We are?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly.
Lyra grinned, plopping down on the couch next to him and ruffling his already disastrous hair.
"You need fresh air," she said, her tone far too cheerful for Cain's liking.
Selene smirked, leaning against the doorway.
"And a change of scenery," she added, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Ravena, ever the picture of calm, sipped her tea and delivered the final blow.
"We're going to the Nagasaki Lantern Festival."
Cain stared at them, his mouth hanging open.
"The what festival?"
Astra rolled her eyes, stepping forward and yanking him off the couch by his arm.
"Just get up and get ready," she said, her tone brooking no argument.
Cain groaned, but he knew better than to fight back. When Astra said "jump," you didn't even ask how high, you just jumped.
The streets of Nagasaki were alive with color and light. Lanterns of every shape and size floated in the air, casting a warm golden glow over the cobblestone roads. The scent of sizzling street food yakitori, takoyaki, and freshly grilled corn wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of traditional music and the excited chatter of festival-goers.
Cain had to admit, despite his initial reluctance, this was… nice.
"Okay, this is kinda cool," he said, his eyes scanning the vibrant stalls and the laughing crowds.
Lyra nudged him, a smug grin on her face.
"See? Told you."
Cain rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. He walked alongside the group, his hands in his pockets, taking in the sights. Kids ran past, holding paper lanterns and laughing, while vendors called out to passersby, showcasing handmade crafts and festival trinkets.
But just as Cain was starting to relax, a familiar voice cut through the noise like a knife.
"Well, well. If it isn't Cain Ashford."
Cain froze. His shoulders tensed, and he slowly turned to face the source of the voice.
Standing in front of him, dressed in an elegant dark yukata that probably cost more than Cain's entire wardrobe, was Reinhardt Alveus. His golden eyes gleamed under the lantern light, and his smirk was as infuriating as ever.
Cain sighed.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Reinhardt smirked, his arms crossed as he looked Cain up and down.
"Surprised to see me?" he asked, his tone dripping with condescension.
Cain groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"Unfortunately."
Lyra leaned toward Selene, her eyes darting between Cain and Reinhardt.
"Who's this?" she whispered.
Selene smirked, her voice low but loud enough for Reinhardt to hear.
"Noble. Arrogant. Thinks he's better than Cain."
Reinhardt's smirk didn't falter. If anything, it grew wider.
"I don't think I'm better. I am better."
Cain scoffed, stepping forward.
"Oh, please. Just because you have a noble title doesn't mean—"
Reinhardt raised an eyebrow, cutting him off.
"I wasn't talking about my title."
Cain narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. Oh, it was on.
"You wanna put that to the test?"
Before Reinhardt could respond, a familiar chime echoed in Cain's head.
DING!
[SYSTEM ALERT]
{Rival Detected: Reinhardt Alveus
Would you like to initiate a Competitive Challenge?
[YES] | [NO] }
Cain blinked, his eyes widening.
"Wait. What?"
The system was active?! Now of all times?!
Reinhardt smirked, clearly enjoying Cain's confusion.
"Something wrong, Cain?"
Cain wasn't sure how to respond. But before he could think too hard about it, another notification popped up.
DING!
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
{New Competitive Quest: "A Duel of Prestige"
Challenge Reinhardt in a festival event and prove your superiority.
Reward: ???}
Cain rubbed his temples, a grin spreading across his face despite himself.
"Of course."
Reinhardt raised an eyebrow, his smirk never wavering.
"Well? You're looking a little pale, Ashford."
Cain grinned, his competitive spirit fully ignited.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm just processing how badly I'm about to humiliate you."
Reinhardt's smirk turned into a full-blown grin.
"Then let's settle it."
The festival had no shortage of games ring toss, calligraphy contests, even a food-eating competition. But Cain had a better idea.
He gestured to a nearby stall, where a crowd had gathered around a shuriken-throwing challenge. The game master stood behind a counter, a row of targets set up at varying distances.
Cain turned to Reinhardt, a confident smirk on his face.
"Best score wins."
Reinhardt's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"You're on."
The crowd parted as the two rivals stepped up to the stall. Lyra, Selene, Ravena, and Astra stood behind Cain, their expressions a mix of amusement and anticipation.
"You got this," Astra said, her tone as dry as ever.
Cain grinned.
"Obviously."
The game master explained the rules. Five targets, each worth different points. Three throws per person. The highest score wins.
Reinhardt went first.
He stepped up to the line, his movements smooth and deliberate. His first throw hit the bullseye dead center. The crowd cheered. His second throw was just off-center, but still impressive. His third throw? Another bullseye.
Total score: 28 points.
Reinhardt turned to Cain, his smirk firmly in place.
"Your turn."
Cain rolled his shoulders, cracking his knuckles for dramatic effect.
"Alright. My turn."
He stepped up to the line, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the targets. His first throw hit the bullseye. The crowd erupted in cheers. His second throw? Another direct hit.
For the final shot, Cain exhaled slowly, his hand moving on instinct.
The system chimed.
DING!
[Precision Bonus Activated!]
Cain released the last shuriken. It flew through the air, spinning perfectly before embedding itself in the center of the target.
Total score? 30 points.
Cain turned to Reinhardt, his grin widening.
"Looks like I win."
Reinhardt's expression darkened just slightly, but he quickly recovered, his smirk returning.
"Tch. Beginner's luck."
Cain laughed, shaking his head.
"Nah, just natural talent."
The system chimed again.
DING!
[Quest Completed!]
{Reward: Unlocking New Ability – Keen Focus}
Cain's eyes widened.
"…Wait, what?"
As the festival continued, Reinhardt eventually left though not before muttering something about a "rematch." Cain, meanwhile, was still processing the fact that the system had just given him a new ability.
Astra nudged him, her expression as unimpressed as ever.
"What's with that weird look?"
Cain blinked, shaking his head.
"Uh. Just… thinking about my win."
Mira, who had joined them at some point, smirked.
"You mean gloating?"
Cain grinned.
"Maybe."
Selene stretched, her eyes scanning the festival.
"Alright, what's next?"
Lyra pointed toward a nearby food stall, her eyes lighting up.
"Dango."
Cain groaned, but he couldn't suppress a smile.
"Fine. But you guys are paying."
They definitely weren't.
But for tonight?
Cain could let it slide.
Because for the first time in a while
This was actually fun.