Story Reader / Event Story / Summer Memoir / Story
Following the map, you walk on the roads of Constellia, your footsteps echoing clearly in the deserted streets, a sign that this area, not yet fully built, rarely sees visitors.
The summer sky is so bright that the beach in the distance is almost dazzling.
It is almost the time you are supposed to meet Lee for diving.
Upon arriving at the agreed area, you easily spot the familiar figure nearby.
Knowing that Lee will certainly notice your "surprise attack," you still tiptoe closer, and you are surprised to find him not reacting even when you are right behind him.
As you contemplate your next move, Lee suddenly speaks up.
...28 seconds.
That is the time you have to act once you're in your target's proximity.
Of course. You think I don't remember your footsteps and movement habits?
I know.
I was just curious what you were up to, sneaking around like that, so I waited a bit.
It seems that you can use a refresher on what the phrase means.
Is that so? I won't offer you a second chance, then.
His tone is calm as always, but there is a hint of jest in his eyes.
Those blue eyes were once as cold as a silent icy sea, but now you can see more and more of the warmth hidden beneath the fractured ice.
No, I just arrived as well. I was making some preparations.
Following his gaze, you see a full assortment of diving gear behind him, and you cannot help but wonder how he could gather so much equipment in such a short time.
I just wanted to make sure we have everything we might need. Just in case.
But those scuba tanks and lifebuoys are nowhere near as eye-catching as Lee himself.
Looking at Lee in his dark blue, hydrodynamic diving suit, you are involuntarily drawn to the striking yellow duck on it.
Sensing your gaze, Lee turns away somewhat awkwardly.
...This coating was your recommendation if I recall correctly.
It was shortly after Lee agreed to go diving with you—
Diving was not part of the plan, so neither of you had brought any diving gear. Upon a passionate mechanoid's suggestion, Lee and you went to a swimwear shop by the coast to pick out your diving suits.
Many of the uncorrupted mechanoids you encountered in past missions were quite hostile toward humans, but the residents of this city, like its original masters, were mostly gentle and polite.
The owner of the swimwear shop, a friendly mechanoid of an old model, made a welcoming gesture after hearing what you were there for, spinning its head clockwise.
Its screen displayed a line of text.
The mechanoid pointed to a poster on the glass door that said its shop provided underwater coatings for Constructs and bionics.
The mechanoid bowed respectfully and handed over a product browsing terminal before entering a dormant state, leaving the two of you alone in the shop.
You looked at what was available on the shelves and only found a small selection of diving suits due to the size of the shop.
...
Quickly skimming through the product list, Lee fell into silence.
...I'm fine with anything.
You pick.
He tossed you the problem without hesitation.
You thought for a moment before choosing a suit from the trial coatings that seemed to fit Lee.
The dark blue diving suit was described as a popular style during the Golden Age. You couldn't help but feel a fleeting sense of nostalgia upon seeing it.
Okay.
You handed the terminal to Lee before trying on a diving suit that seemed to be your size.
Exiting the fitting room, you found Lee, now in his new coating, standing in front of a mirror and looking confused.
This was not a standard coating from Babylonia, after all. Without prior adaptation, it might present some problems...
It's fine. It fits well, but...
Lee frowned while he adjusted the diving goggles on his head as a decorative yellow duck made a noticeable sound alongside his movement.
Quack—
...What is this?
Lee held his diving set up, the bright colors and the cuteness in stark contrast with his stoic expression.
Lee's gaze became noticeably sharper.
You pointed at the product description. In an over-the-top, colorful font, it wrote, "A fashion magnum opus designed by the master Bazille from Constellia's number one fashion brand."
...I change my mind. This one is fine.
They look completely different.
Lee looked hesitant at first, but he still chose that coating in the end.
You spent some time apart afterward to take care of some business, and you found a pre-combat briefing on your terminal from Lee once you were free.
There should not be combat missions during your vacation... You opened the mail, worried, only to find something totally unexpected.
It was a detailed map of Constellia's coastline, marked with the best diving spots, recent weather, ocean currents, depth profiles, coordinates of shallow coral reefs, and diving safety advice.
—But it was written like a pre-combat briefing despite being a diving guide.
Now looking at Lee, fully geared and ready to dive, you cannot help but smile.
Perhaps he is more excited about this than you thought?
Why are you smiling?
...I knew it. You picked this on purpose.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Let's go. It's about time.
The ocean waves sparkle under the afternoon sun, its water pushing white foam onto the sandy beach as if breathing deeply.
Walking toward the shallow waters with Lee, you feel something tickling your ankle. You look down to find a stranded hermit crab quickly burrowing into the sand, having bumped into you.
Something wrong?
This area could have some poisonous creatures. Be careful.
...That's good to hear.
You haven't read my mail, have you?
Good.
...You don't need to call me that.
Yeah.
You recall a time of relative peace when dangerous and painful battles also came with calmness and laughter. Little did you know that the storms you glimpsed were just the tip of the iceberg.
Perhaps it is because you have struggled through so many storms that walking along this peaceful shore feels almost surreal.
Does Lee feel the same? He has not said it, but you can tell he is still shaken by your recent ordeals.
To the point that...
...It's not the time to relax yet.
As if confirming your worry, you hear his faint whispers.
...Nothing.
You were spacing out, weren't you? What was on your mind, Commandant?
Then you should have noticed that we almost walked past our destination.
You are certainly very relaxed. That's not a bad thing.
He does not say anything sarcastic for once, gently patting your shoulder instead.
Let's go. Weren't you the one who wanted to go diving?
...I'm right next to you.
Ahem... Let's get ready to dive.
Lee quickens his pace as if trying to hide something.
You arrive at the chosen dive site and prepare to do some basic training before entering the water.
If I'm not mistaken... this is your first real dive, right, Commandant?
You have been to beaches during past vacations, but you mostly lay on the sand or went for a quick swim in the water. A proper dive like this is indeed a first.
If you're not prepared, we can start with the basics first.
You are familiar with the theories on diving, thanks to the comprehensive training courses in F.O.S.
...I'm starting to wonder if this is a mistake.
I don't find that answer very convincing.
I remember this one time... Someone ignored all warnings and dove straight into the waves. The price I paid for saving that person... was cleaning salt and sand out of my joints for way too long.
Playing dumb won't work. Do you want to take a look at the photos from that day?
I was collecting evidence.
Not at all.
...At least, not as much fun as you were having.
If I didn't know you, I would seriously be wondering if someone swapped your brain with a child's.
Don't entrust your life to anyone so lightly, Commandant... I'll do my best, but I can't always protect you.
...Not now, and not in every battle in the future.
Lee's face remains as calm as usual, but you notice him clenching his right hand quietly—a gesture he does subconsciously when he tries to conceal something.
Forget it...
It's advisable for commandants to master as many skills as possible as a means of self-preservation during danger. We have a rare opportunity here and plenty of time to practice.
Be warned, though. The training might be rigorous. Prepare yourself, Commandant.
Lee's expression turns serious as if bracing for a new challenge.
Although... you thought you were meant to relax here...
