The Reason for the Shield
Captain, look out!
...Kgh!
Haaah!
Squeee!
Thanks. You saved me.
It's nothing. Don't mention it.
Still, there are more than I expected.
I'd heard slimes were multiplying abnormally near NOA, but this is beyond the norm.
Still, they're nothing compared to the monsters that swarmed Raven Wall.
I'll keep moving forward.
Having served as an assault trooper in the Western Liberators, Besta handled herself impressively in real combat.
But something still felt...
Captain? Is something on your mind?
No, just a weird feeling. Let's keep going!
Squeee!
New slime approaching from the rear...!
I'll block it!
Thanks!
Squeee!
I'll take this one!
I could've taken that one myself...?
SQUEEEE!
Kgh! *Huff* *Huff*
...?
You said you had something to discuss, Captain?
Did a new tactic come to mind?
No, it's probably just my imagination, but...
...Have I been intentionally taking all the hits?
...
That's not entirely true.
Then why the long pause?
Mm...
I can't fool your eyes after all, can I?
Captain, have I ever told you why I chose a shield as my weapon?
...It happened back when I was still a recruit.
131... 132...!
Kgh!
Pathetic! You're already down after only a hundred and thirty-two push-ups?
Look at that recruit over there! She's already passed two hundred!
232... 233... 234...!
We enlisted together, but where did I start falling behind?
No way I'm lagging behind! Let's keep up!
254... 255...!
(...That's when I realized it.)
(Pain you can endure...)
Feels a lot like pleasure.
That's why I chose the shield. It lets me control the pain.
I did not need to know that!
I've never told anyone else about this before...
You're the only one who knows now, Captain.
I didn't want to know...
...Huh?
Captain! Watch out! Above you!
Squeee!
Whoa...!
Hrrph!
...I managed to take it down.
But slime bits scattered everywhere. Are you all right, Captain?
You're completely covered in slime from head to toe...
...
...Wh-why is your nose bleeding?
...Whew.
Thank you, Captain.
Why are you thanking me!?
On the way back, Besta got a nosebleed every time our eyes met.
...First thing I did as I got back to my room was taking a long, thorough shower.