

Uni doesn’t say anything to contradict her, so I guess the two agreed already? Either way, I walk forward to accept the raw ore. After all, she’s your nation’s goddess, right? This way, the person holding the prize will be impartial.” “I think you should be the one to hold it during the duel. “Here.” the hovering candidate says, holding out the chunk of Hematite. Wait, why is Nepgear calling me? I slowly turn around. “Derek!” shouts Nepgear, causing me to pause mid-step. We’re making space for the two Candidates to do their thing. Reluctantly, IF moves to a different platform without another word, and the rest of us begin to follow her a moment later. “I don’t think it’d be healthy for either of them to just keep this bottled up.” “They won’t agree to anything, if they don’t get this out of their system.” I state, holding her back. “Gear… what are you doing?” murmurs IF, already moving to stop her impulsive friend, but I step forwards and lay a hand on her shoulder.
