Episode 20 – Distance Test – Aftermath (1/2)

Or was this… resonance? Their eher intensity than the original emotion Was it because their eh the sah empathy?

If the mark acted like a wormhole between their Minds, it would be like a portal connecting two different places in space No matter how far apart those two places were, they would always be right next to each other because of the portal That would explain why the physical distance between them didn't ht next to each other

But the distance did have an effect, it improved their telepathy The only explanation Kiel could think of was resonance It wasn't that the distance affected their telepathy, it is that the situation they were in affected it

And how come each time he heard her voice, he felt better? Could it be that the negative effects of physical distance could be countered by mental closeness?

Kiel's pain gradually lessened, and his aura started appearing again Elaru was getting closer With each step she took towards him, he feltcouldn't wait to reunite with her again

His fatigue slowly evaporated, replaced with a newfound energy

This feeling, it was just like getting out ofa hundred k with power, shaking with vigor

With tre hands, Kiel wrote down the conclusion into his notebook ”Distance limitation confirmed Optimal distance: less than 5 km Maximum distance: 20 km”

He stroked his chin Five kilo And the allowed distance would increase with the evolution of the bond But how could they make it evolve? What did they need to do?

Elaru imparted her (unclear) opinion on the matter: ”Papa said that an emotional closeness betweenas the h time with each other, the bond would naturally evolve Should we try this experiain in a few months' time?”

Kiel thought about it He didn't feel keen on experiencing this horror again It was truly unpleasant But he was curious as to whether the time would increase the maximum tolerable distance

”It depends We'll think about it then”

”Understood”

Kiel's legs itched for soot up froety Elaru was almost back He could feel it deep down, inside of him

As if on cue, Elaru burst through the door, she looked at hi a piece of meat Kiel froze, startled by the look

She gave him no time to think before she leaped across the room and latched onto him Kiel's surprise turned into shock

Her hands clasped tightly around his torso, her head was nestling under his neck Her two ainst his chest

She rubbed her cheek around, left and right, like she was trying to rub his scent in Like he was a healing tonic Like, she was burning, and he was the water She let out a sigh of relief ”Ahh… this feelsback!”

She didn't stop with the rubbing With each rub, Kiel's te, one could see his veins popping out on his neck

Too damn close! Does she have any sense of personal space?! Though it did feel quite pleasant His body responded quite positively to hers Warles everywhere No, no, no!

He tried to push her away He asserted rip on hiht She didn't move an inch Her face still looked blissful, as if she didn't even notice his revolt

Soon, he was trying to peel her away fro onto hi!” Kiel cussed under his breath How the heck is your slier than mine?! Freak!

Elaru suddenly noticed steaured out that he disliked the closeness between theave him a look that clearly stated ”Geez, childish e caused by the experi deal?”

Kiel glared at her venoht words to , she suddenly let go on her own Which caused hi over the footboard onto the bed

Elaru sniggered at his glare ”Kiel, are you actually… shy?” She asked with a devious grin

”I arabbed the nearest object he could find and threw it at her Unfortunately, that object turned out to be a pillow Luck had abandoned him ever since he had crossed paths with the tricky wo my personal space!!”

Elaru caught it in reflex, her grin only widening ”What personal space? I'et closer than that” She teased him

”Boundaries! We need so you like!” This tirade from the pillow

”You are acting like a shy girl who had her butt pinched It was just a hug” She caught the notebook flawlessly too, her grin never wavering

”Not shy! I just don't enjoy physical contact with people I don't like Which includes you, and everyone else I know” Kiel grabbed the porcelain pechuh that was decorating the night table Finally, a good weapon!

Elaru didn't panic at all ”Youyou throw if you really want to hit me”

Blatant provocation! Kiel's eyes glowed dangerously as he Accelerated the ornae prowess, he didn't want to cause any e Alas, his atte his throws And ot