Hoshimi Aya looked at Corin's sincere expression and somehow felt a bit awkward.
It was fine from a game perspective, but in this first-person view, it was somehow...
"Belle, let's drop Corin off on our way out!"
Hoshimi Aya asked, looking at Belle.
After all, she had a very good impression of Corin from the game; even though this was reality now, her personality shouldn't be much different from the game.
"Alright, since she's someone Aya knows, we should definitely help her out."
"Besides, there's an exit near our planned route."
"It doesn't conflict much with our path."
Belle nodded.
"Thank you very much, Hollow Investigator!"
"And thank you, Miss Hoshimi!"
As she spoke, Corin gave a 90-degree bow to the Bangboo controlled by Belle, as well as to Nekomata and Hoshimi Aya, leaving them all in silence once again.
"Miss Corin, there's no need for such a formal bow."
"A verbal thanks is enough."
"You're making us feel quite embarrassed."
Nekomata said with some awkwardness.
It was her first time meeting someone with a personality like Corin's.
"Eh?! Is that so?!"
"I'm sorry! I've caused everyone trouble."
Corin bowed again.
"Belle, let's head out."
"Let's get Corin out of here as soon as possible."
Hoshimi Aya said, looking down at Eous beside her.
"Mm, in that case, let's go!"
With that, Belle controlled Eous to lead the way, guiding them through the train carriage.
"Oh, right."
"Corin, I forgot to remind you just now."
"I hope that after you leave The Hollow, you won't reveal the news that you saw me."
"Once you're out, just say you encountered Hollow Investigators and they led you out of The Hollow."
Hoshimi Aya glanced back at Corin and said.
She had almost forgotten; if she didn't remind her, her whereabouts would surely be exposed.
At least until her strength surpassed Hoshimi Miyabi's, she wouldn't meet with her.
Thinking back, escaping from the hands of H.S.O.S 6 felt like it involved a bit of luck; otherwise, she definitely wouldn't have gotten away.
At least from Hoshimi Miyabi's PV, she had single-handedly dealt with the Ethereal Symbiote Lernaean in the Argus Void, slicing through its countless Pseudo-cores in just a few seconds.
She certainly couldn't be as swift as Hoshimi Miyabi; there was still a significant gap between them.
The stronger she became, the more she could feel the gap between herself and Hoshimi Miyabi.
Although she hadn't fought Hoshimi Miyabi again since their first meeting, she could tell from the PV in her memories.
There was still a considerable distance between her current self and Hoshimi Miyabi.
Moreover, she couldn't even fully control the Cursed Blade yet, let alone trade blows with Hoshimi Miyabi.
Hearing Hoshimi Aya's voice, Corin replied, "Understood, I'll remember it, Miss Hoshimi!"
Suddenly, a large number of Etheralss appeared before them, including two large ones known as Farbauti.
"Damn! Why are there so many?"
"Aya, Corin, let's split up."
"Aya, you're strong..."
Nekomata said, looking at the large gathering of Etheralss nearby, but before she could finish, a figure flashing with red light charged out.
Before the Etheralss nearby could react, they were surrounded by red blade flashes.
On the other side, Hoshimi Aya was sheathing her blade; as the blade fully entered the scabbard, the Etheralss turned into ether energy and dissipated.
Nekomata:...
Belle:...
"So strong!"
"As expected of Miss Hoshimi!"
"That's incredible!"
Corin said admiringly, her eyes shining with envy.
At that moment, Belle snapped out of it and jogged over to Hoshimi Aya's side, checking her over.
"What's wrong?"
"Belle, is there something dirty on me?"
Hoshimi Aya asked in confusion, watching Eous circle around her.
"Aya, using your stre—"
Belle cut herself off halfway, suddenly remembering there was an outsider present, and immediately fell silent.
However, Hoshimi Aya understood what Belle meant.
"It's fine, there shouldn't be any problems for now, right?"
Hoshimi Aya said, sounding a bit uncertain herself.
She had acted first simply because her hands were itching for a fight, never considering the issue of losing control when she drew her blade.
"What riddles are you two talking in?!"
"Can't you say something we can understand?! Meow."
Nekomata also recovered from her shock.
"It's nothing, let's keep moving."
After saying that, Belle continued to lead the way.
Nekomata scratched her head in confusion, looking at the direction Belle and Hoshimi Aya were heading, but she followed anyway, and Corin did the same.
Soon, they reached a Void exit; since all the Etheralss along the way had been instantly killed by Hoshimi Aya.
Aside from the time spent traveling, they had barely wasted any time on Etheralss.
...
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