The door of the inn swung open, and laughter spilled in as Keala, Keeva, and Kunai returned from their shopping trip. Their arms were full of bags, their faces glowing with satisfaction. Xefer stood waiting, his storm aura calm, his grin sharp.
He gestured toward Kiruko, who sat quietly at the table, her washed book of medicine clutched tightly in her hands. Her damp hair framed her face, her eyes uncertain but steady.
"This," Xefer said, his voice firm but warm, "is your new nurse."
The girls blinked, surprised, then turned to Kiruko. Keala's flames flickered faintly, Keeva's grin softened, and Kunai's crimson eyes glowed faintly.
Xefer stepped back, his storm fading. "Talk to her. Make her comfortable. She's one of us now."
He left them, his presence retreating to the far side of the room. The girls surrounded Kiruko, their warmth easing her tension.
Keala smiled, setting her bags aside. "You're strong. You didn't break when they mocked you."
Keeva leaned closer, her voice playful. "You held your ground. That's what matters."
Kunai's aura shimmered faintly, her tone calm. "Resolve is rare. You have it. That makes you stronger than they'll ever be."
Kiruko's lips trembled, but she steadied herself. "I study medicine. I want to heal people. Even if I have nothing, I can give that."
Keala brushed her shoulder gently. "Then you'll fit with us. We fight, but we need someone who can mend us when the battle ends."
Keeva teased, her grin widening. "And you'll get used to our chaos."
Kunai smirked, her aura flickering. "If you can survive us, you can survive anything."
Their laughter filled the room, easing Kiruko's heart. Slowly, her shoulders relaxed, her grip on the book loosened. She began to speak more freely, telling them about her studies, her dreams, her resolve. The girls listened, teased, and encouraged, their warmth wrapping around her like a shield.
Meanwhile, Xefer closed his eyes, his voice calm. "System. Tell me. The Fortress Fortress Fruit. Will it fit her?"
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Analysis initiated. Candidate: Kiruko. Traits: Resolve, medical knowledge, endurance under pressure.]
[Result: Compatible. The Fortress Fortress Fruit will amplify her resolve, granting her defensive power to protect allies while she heals them.]
[Conclusion: Fit confirmed.]
Xefer's grin widened. "Perfect."
He opened his eyes as the girls returned, Kiruko walking beside them. Her steps were steadier, her eyes brighter.
Keala spoke first, her voice proud. "She wants to join us."
Keeva grinned, her eyes sparkling. "She'll be our nurse."
Kunai's aura shimmered faintly, her voice calm. "She's ready."
Kiruko stepped forward, her book clutched tightly. "I'll join you. I'll give everything. I'll make sure none of you fall."
Xefer's grin sharpened. "Good. Then you're one of us now."
He leaned back, his voice commanding but warm. "Go shopping with her. Buy her what she needs. Clothes, supplies, whatever makes her feel at home."
The girls laughed, their spirits high. Keala grabbed Kiruko's hand, Keeva looped her arm around her, and Kunai smirked as she followed.
Xefer watched them go, his storm calm, his grin satisfied.
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Check out my new novel No I Will Not Save Your World. I'm an Office Worker — where an ordinary salaryman gets isekai'd… and politely declines the hero job.
Hope you enjoy the chaos (and the overtime).