Sorry for no updates for some time. We are sorting out our schedule. Here is the chapter. Enjoy~

And the other option?

Lay asked.

The two of you must work together to find another way.

Lay and Misa looked at each other.

So, if we fight, one of us can definitely go on, but if we try to go on together, we may not find a way?

That is correct, yes.

Well, um, what should we do?

Misa chuckled in annoyance.

If I lose on purpose, Lay-san will be able to proceed without fail, so that might be a better option.

Rina then said to me,

Dont worry, they can both go.

Both of you can go. Im pretty sure I know where the other road is.

I informed them through the <Thought Communication Leaks>.

They both nodded.

I guess well have to work together.

Mmm. Then Ill give you a hint. The way forward lies somewhere in between these choices. The time limit is five minutes. If you cant find it by then, you will fail. You will have to return to the Trials Room, so think carefully.

Eniyuniens presence disappeared as soon as he announced this.

Rina immediately said.

You see those two stone pedestals between the choices?

There were pedestals at the top and bottom of the circular room.

I think one of the pedestals has a stone statue on it.

The pedestal at the bottom end had two stone statues on it.

If they both get on the other pedestal and strike the same pose as the stone statues, it will open the most direct pathway to the Sky.

I sent those exact words to the two of them in <Thought Communication Leaks>.

That seems to be the idea.

Eh, umm

Misa stared at the stone statue, as if she was shying away.

Whats the problem? Youd both better hurry up.

Yes, I know, but but the pose of this stone statue

The two stone statues on the pedestal at the bottom end are embracing.

One had its hands around the others waist, and the other had its hands softly resting on the others face.

Both of them had happy smiles on their faces.

Well, but I guess its a good thing that Misa is the one who came here

Lay said with a wry smile.

Indeed. If I had been there, it would have been quite a challenge.

Huffing, Lay smiled refreshingly.

I guess I would have had to go all out against Anos again.

Eh, lets see. Which tournament are you talking about again?

What are you talking about?

Im sorry. Its nothing.

Misa waved her hand hurriedly, as if to get rid of her thoughts.

Misa!

Lay jumped up on the pedestal and reached out his hand to her quickly.

Come on. Its okay.

Ahha, yes

Misa grabbed Lays hand and climbed up onto the pedestal.

Um, guys, dont look, please

Hmm. Unfortunately, thats hard to do. Theres no guarantee that he wont try to do something when I close my eyes.

Ah, yes, thats rightI see

Dont worry. I wont, so chill out.

Yes, yesI know that, but

Misa turned over with a bright red face, fidgeting and rubbing her hands together.

Even while she was doing this, the time limit was ticking away.

It looked like she couldnt make up her mind, so now she would have to leave it to Lay.

Well, I guess theres nothing to worry about.

That man, Hero Kanon, had given courage to others many times in the past.

Im sure he would be very good at this kind of thing.

How many times have I said that?

Lay said casually.

I didnt count

Forty-seven times.

Ah.

Misa blushed.

isnt that Forty-eight times?

Hmm?

Well, forty eight times well, Lay-san if you count the time we passed each other in the hallway the other day, when we were light

Lay quickly placed his hands gently on Misas face.

I knew it, I remembered.

Lay smiled at her.

Ta, its not fair to test me

Misa said, fearfully putting her hands around Lays waist.

Im sorry. You lied to me about not remembering, and I just wanted to be mean to you.

Misa hugged Lay even tighter.

The two of them were in roughly the same position as the stone statue.

Oh, what? Nothings happening, is it?

Then Rinas voice echoed in <Thought Communication Leaks>.

Maybe its the expression?

Ah

Misas face tensed up, as if she was nervous.

Is it okay if its like this?

She tried to smile, but it didnt quite work.

It was far from the happy smile of the stone statue.

When I think about it, this ordeal was quite a challenge.

Aside from the posture, a happy smile was something that not many actors could imitate.

Misa.

Pulling her face closer, Lay stared into her eyes.

Le, Lay-san arent you too close? This isnt like the posture of the stone statue?

Im sorry. I was just trying to make up for earlier.

What?

Misa looked over at Lay with a puzzled expression.

Ive missed you so much during this exam.

It couldnt have been more than an hour, though.

Im sure I missed you a lot more

Hmm. They do say that those who are in love dont want to be separated even for a moment, but I didnt expect it to be that much.

Love was a profound thing.

Lay-san

With those words, their shame seemed to have flown away, and their faces drew closer as if they were being sucked into each others gaze.

It was as if they were about to kiss.

I dont want to leave you anymore.

Its okay. I wont let go.

With those words, Misa smiled a big smile.

Lay smiled along with her and returned to the same position as the original stone statue.

It was probably the path to the upper floor.

Thats what I call a brave man.

Im not surprised you were able to break Misas tension so easily.

It was quite a brilliant move.