> Kira PoV

Gather the mana.

Mold it into an image.

Give it a direction.

And, release!

"------ [Firestorm]"

A tornado of flames appears above the tower. I wave my staff to guide the spell, and it sways along.

It moves gracefully like Ellie does during her training. The fierce glow is just like the glint in her eyes whenever she focuses. And when it went out, it's almost as if-

... went out?

Guh, I got distracted again and lost the spell. No good, I need to keep training my focus. If I don't properly guide the mana, I can't sustain the spell's form.

It's mostly okay during a job since the tension helps me concentrate. But at home where there's no danger, I can't do it.

My mind drifts off to Ellie at every opportunity. Somehow, if she's not next to me I can't settle down.

That first night we met, she already stole my heart. Her wonderful, elegant form just gripped my soul and wouldn't let go!

That look that seemed to say 'I will accept all of you' without doubts! Then, the softness of her body and the taste of her lips!

Kyuuuuu!

"Red, you alright?"

Who dares!

Kelly recoils when I glare at her.

"Red, your eyes were scary just now..."

...

Oops, I got carried away again! She's looking at me with a worried face.

"Sorry Kelly. And no, I don't feel too good."

"You didn't look too good either. Your breathing is ragged and your face is flushed.

I keep seeing you like that ever since I came here yesterday. Something tells me it started earlier than that, though."

That can't be, right? Surely Ellie would tell me if she noticed something obvious like that.

She's super kind, after all. She treats even the slightest scratches on me with utmost care. Even if she goes overboard sometimes I can't bring myself to hate her for it.

It's all for my sake in the end.

"Red, you're doing it again."

"Uuuu, I don't know what to do with myself."

"Hey Nano, you're always watching the girls right?"

{Please don't say it like I'm a stalker.}

{But yes, I watch OVER them.}

"So you must've noticed Red's condition right?"

{I did notice symptoms like these earlier, they started 3 days after the dragon hunt.}

{However, they were much more subdued and are like no sickness I know.}

"Hoooh, I see, I see, it's like that huh?"

Kelly starts nodding with a knowing smile.

{Kelly, you're familiar with these symptoms?}

"Aye, I've suffered a few times like that."

{Is it some magical disease after all?}

"That's wrong, it's not a disease, it's something natural actually."

"Then can you help me with this Kelly? I can't focus on my training like this."

"Sorry, Red."

Kelly shakes her head.

"It's not something I can, uh, assist with. Normally I would be able to give some pointers but...

There's certain, ummm, mechanical issues, with this case."

"Ah!"

I just remembered something. Something rather vital.

"Thanks for your help Kelly, I think I know what you mean.

Nano, I'll be needing your input later!"

{Hmm, so it's something I didn't know about after all?}

Kelly let out a chuckle at Nano's question.

"Well, to be fair Nano, there's no way you could know.

After all, you're not a person, right?"