Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Chapter 2 (section)

===Part 5===

After our life at the volcanic island started, I realized that it was actually quite similar to our daily lives at Midgard.

Every day started with breakfast in the morning. On days with meetings, we went to the conference, otherwise, there were indoor lessons. After lunch, we went on the island for practical training or listened to status reports on the war against Basilisk. After that, I tutored Tia on homework, ate dinner then went to bed.

If there was anything different from before, that was living in closer proximity to the girls. Due to living together on the same ship, having meals together became habitual and usual.

Although the matter between Mitsuki and Lisa was still unresolved, the two of them went back to normal on the surface.

What worried me was Iris, who seemed to be getting increasingly unsettled as the days went by, and Firill, who was going to prepare some kind of present for me.

I knew the reason behind for Iris' uneasiness. Or rather, I should call it specific urging.

Just earlier, she was saying to me "when are you coming to my room...?" in a sulking manner. This whole time, she had apparently been waiting for the "continuation" of our conversation on the first day.

On my side, I wanted to fulfill that promise too but after the incident with Firill, Mitsuki's supervision became even more strict, limiting my movements. ALthough Mitsuki only spent the night in my cabin that one time, since my diligent little sister made frequent visits to my room, I could not find the opportunity to do it.

However, I had also heard many times that Tia wanted to sneak off to my room and due to Mitsuki taking precautions on my behalf, so I had nothing to complain about. All thanks to her, I was able to sleep in peace.

Then after these normal days persisted for five days, one of the girls who worried me—Firill—made a move.

During a lunch break, I left the dining table to go to the washroom and Firill chased after me.

"...Mononobe-kun, I've prepared the reward."

"W-What is... the reward?"

I gulped and asked. The reason why I was reflexively on guard was because I remembered her prank last time. Another one like that would be more than I could take.

"Here, for you."

"...Huh?"

Seeing the small slip of paper in her hand, I frowned. It was apparently paper cut out from a notebook. There was handwriting on the faintly lined paper.

"One day hot spring coupon... Expires today?"

I read out the words on it and Firill nodded to confirm.

"...Yes, you know there is a hot spring on the island, right?"

"Yeah, the handbook covered it."

I answered, perplexed.

"I've already tried it, a wonderful place. But I'm guessing you still haven't gone, right, Mononobe-kun?"

"Yeah, because everyone on this ship is a girl apart from me. It'd be bad if we ran into each other in the hot spring."

Since I knew that hot springs were very popular with girls, I knew I had better not go for now and give up a long time ago. However, Firill smiled and presented her handwritten coupon.

"Indeed... That's precisely why this one day coupon was born. You can enjoy the hot spring as much as you like today."

"Meaning that the hot spring is for my exclusive use today?"

"...Something like that. Today, the hot spring exists for you, Mononobe-kun."

Saying that, Firill stuffed the coupon in to my hand.

"Enjoy it well."

"O-Okay... Thank you. I never expected to receive such a considerate present."

Precisely because I expected a preposterous reward beforehand, I felt quite touched now. The thoughtful handwriting on the coupon instantly gave me a heartwarming feeling.

"...Fufu, you should thank me only after you've enjoyed the hot spring."

Firill touched her hand to her lips, smiling as though she found things very humorous.

Thinking about it after the fact, I realized it was an impish smile.

But immersed in touched feelings, I failed to discern Firill's true intentions and simply looked forward to the hot spring.



After dinner that day, I immediately took a towel and left my cabin.

Walking off the ship's gangway ladder and arriving on the volcanic island's shore, I felt slightly unsteady on my feet. Having lived on a rocking ship for a while, it felt unstable on solid land instead.

But that disrupted sense of balance soon recovered. Stepping on hard rock, I made my way to the hot spring.

The volcanic island was dark at night. With the starry sky as the backdrop, I could see the black, towering silhouette of the conical mountain. However, there was lighting around the pier and along the route to the hot spring, most likely because many people wanted to have a dip at night. Just by following the lighting, there was no need for a map.

It was less than five minute's walking from the pier to the hot spring. Following those regularly spaced lights, I arrived at a shore surrounded by rocks. It looked like an inlet on first glance, but I could see white steam rising inside.

According to the explanation in the handbook, the hot spring flowed out from inside the inlet. Because the inlet was connected to the sea, its outskirts had seawater but the inner side did not contain salt because it was isolated by the rocks.

As soon as I approached, I was struck by the distinct smell of sulfur that characterized hot springs. The hot spring's water was a cloudy milky color. I could not see the bottom, but it was probably not very deep.

Just to be on the safe side, I checked out the surroundings. Apart from me, there seemed to be no one else present.

Next to the hot spring was even a simple changing room. I cautiously peered inside but there were still no signs of others, only baskets for putting in clothing and buckets for bathing.

I sighed in relief.

Apparently, just as Firill had said, the hot spring really was for my exclusive use.

I swiftly undressed in the changing room and made my way to the hot spring with a towel and bucket. Using the bucket to scoop up hot water and check the temperature, I rinsed my body a bit before entering hot spring for a dip. The water was roughly a bit more than knee height.

"Phew..."

I could not help but exhale. Although my left shoulder's wound felt some slight stinging, it was not painful. Not only that, a sense of warmth was gradually seeping into the surroundings of the wound, washing away the lingering dull ache.

"What a great hot spring..."

Outside the inlet, on the other side of the rocky shore was a stretch of calm sea. Countless stars were twinkling in the cloudless sky, decorating the world of night. This scenery was impeccable.

I felt that it had been quite a few years since I last experienced such a calming time.

—I really have to thank Firill.

I submerged myself into the hot water up to my shoulders, carefully savoring the blissful experience.

But just at that moment, I noticed several voices approaching.

"...Huh?"

Originally relaxed, my consciousness instantly became wide awake as though cold water had been dumped on my head.

"Having a bath together with everyone feels so great!"

It was Iris' voice.

"Honestly speaking, this is slightly embarrassing for me..."

"It didn't feel like my thing at first, but it became fun after I got used to it. This is what they call skinship, right?"

I could even hear Lisa and Ariella's voices.

"Yes, this is what they call it in Japan."

"Mm."

Mitsuki and Ren expressed agreement.

"Tia feels it'd be nice if Yuu came along."

Then I could even hear Tia's voice.

"...Fufu, if Mononobe-kun were present, all members would be gathered."

—Hey, even Firill's here!

I screamed in my mind. What the heck was going on?

Just as my mind turned into a mass of chaos, unable to take any action, the girls had already entered the changing room.

Having missed the chance to yell and alert them, I was totally panicking inside. But on further thought, my removed clothing was still in the changing room. As soon as they found my clothing, they would probably discover my presence. After all, I was the only one wearing a male uniform.

However, all I heard was mirth in the changing room. There were no cries of surprise from discovering my clothes.

...This was too weird.

Just as I decided it would be best if I announced my presence on my own, I was just about to yell towards the changing room when—

"I'm the first!"

Stark naked, Iris came out of the changing room and jumped into the hot spring with a splash.

—Gah!?

I frantically hid myself behind a nearby rock. Thanks to this being a natural hot spring, there were many spots to hide out of sight.

"Iris-san, jumping into the water like this is very rude."

Then Lisa apparently appeared, correcting Iris with exasperation.

Now I could no longer afford to make a reckless move. If I went out in this situation, I would run into Iris and the others in their naked state.

—Indecision leads to death.

For some reason, what flashed through my mind was the voice of my former commanding officer, Major Loki.

"Don't be rigid. There's no other people after all. I actually wanted to try jumping into the water long ago."

Then I heard Ariella's voice and a loud splash.

"Mm!"

This was followed by another splash. Ren apparently jumped into the water too.

"How rare it is to see Ren-san so unreserved."

"Tia is an adult and will enter the water normally."

Mitsuki and Tia apparently entered the hot spring too.

"...On the other hand, I will insist I'm a child and jump into the water."

The one who entered the water with a violent splash last seemed to be Firill. With that, the whole team had gathered.

Was there a way to find an opening to leave while everyone was taking a dip in the hot spring?

I quietly peered out from behind the rock to check the surroundings.

On the other side of the steam, I could see my classmates' pale and naked bodies. I gulped and frantically shifted my gaze away.

—No good. If I left the hot spring now, there was no way in hell I'd escape detection.

Even if I wanted to head towards the sea while swimming underwater, I would still need to traverse the rocky area along the way, which meant I would surely be seen too.

Apart from hiding here and waiting for the girls to leave, there did not seem to be any other way to survive safely.

"Wow! Lisa-chan's boobs are so big! They're floating lightly in the hot water!"

"I-Iris-san, please do not poke me with your finger!"

"Ah, the sensation is different from mine. It's more soft and fluffy than elastic... Like marshmallows."

"Nnnn... Yah—S-Stop it or else I shall retaliate!"

"Kyau!? T-That tickles, Lisa-chan!"

I heard dialogue from Iris and Lisa playing around.

"Mm—"

"Ren-san, I can understand how you feel, but swimming in a bath is a bit..."

Then I heard Mitsuki reprimanding Ren.

Immediately, I heard splashing like someone was swimming.

"Oh, Tia wants to swim too!"

"S-Seriously, Tia-san, did you not say you were an adult just now?"

"Since the bath is so wide, who cares? I'm joining in."

"Even you, Ariella-san!?"

Tia and Ariella seemed to have started swimming while Mitsuki was left at a loss what to do about them.

"Mitsuki-chan, save me!"

I heard Iris' voice. She had apparently fled from Lisa.

"Kyah!? Do not hug me so suddenly!"

"Wow, Mitsuki-chan's skin is so smooth and soft."

"Hyan!? Where do you think you are touching!?"

"What kind of soap do you normally use, Mitsuki-chan? Oh, or do you use body wash?"

"I-I will tell you, so release me~"

The mood was very lively. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, I did not seem to be hearing Firill's voice.

"—Ah, so you're over here."

"!?"

Firill suddenly poked her head out from the other side of rock where I was hiding. Almost crying out, I hastily covered my mouth.

"...Mononobe-kun, are you enjoying the view?"

Firill joined me behind the rock and peered at my face from below, and of course, she was naked. Her pale and voluptuous breasts were floating on the water. Due to the hot spring's milky white color, I could not see beneath the water surface, but the sight was plenty stimulating already.

"Firill, w-what is going on!? This wasn't what you said! Why is everyone here? Isn't the hot spring for my exclusive use today?"

I lowered my voice as much as possible and questioned Firill.

"...Nothing wrong here, it's totally for you and us to use today. This is the experience I prepared for you."

"By saying you prepared it, don't tell me that Iris and the others also know I'm here?"

"No, everyone doesn't know. I covered up the clothes in the changing room with my own before they could notice, so it's fine. Now you can secretly feast your eyes on the naked body of girls. Are you happy?"

Firill cocked her head and asked me. The hot water accumulated between her bountiful breasts looked especially salacious.

"H-How could I possibly be happy? By doing this, you're only making me feel troubled."

"...Honestly? Aren't guy supposed to be happy to see girls naked? See, your heart rate is currently so fast, right?"

Firill pressed her hand on my left chest and spoke.

"That... goes without saying. The results are unthinkable if I get discovered. How can you expect me to keep calm!?"

Actually, the main reason was due to Firill appearing naked before me, but I could not bring myself to say that explicitly, after all.

"...Really? Did I do something wrong? Are you that troubled?"

Firill immediately made a sad look and dejectedly sank her body deeply into the hot spring.

"Oh... No, I—"

Did I go too far? I felt sorry for her. Perhaps this situation was the result of Firill doing everything she could to make be happy.

I was just about to say something to the depressed Firill when something suddenly emerged from the hot spring.

"Puha!"

Taking a deep breath, shaking water off herself, it was Tia, completely nude.

"Eh...?"

Too surprised, I could not help but exclaim.

Tia kept blinking and staring into my eyes. She was apparently swimming underwater for fun just now.

"Oh, it's Yuu and Firill. Eh? But why is Yuu here?"

Tia asked in puzzlement without hiding her body at all. I could not help but feel my gaze drawn to her pale and tender skin.

Still immature, her body lacked undulating curves but the slightly bulging chest gave a sense of budding femininity. I felt my heart rate rise involuntarily.

"...Be quiet. If anyone else discovers him, Mononobe-kun will be very troubled."

Since I was unable to answer, Firill covered Tia's mouth lightly and replied.

"Really? Tia knows. Tia won't let husband feel troubled."

Tia answered quietly then leaned against me while my body was frozen.

"...T-Tia?"

"Yuu—Tia will be quiet and be a good girl, so can Tia be with you?"

Tia pressed herself tightly against me, putting me in a fluster.

"H-Hold on, this is bad. D-Don't do this kind of thing."

"Why? Did Tia do something that Yuu dislikes?"

I advised her quietly but Tia ignored me and pressed her body tightly against me. The direct contact with soft skin was making me dizzy.

"I-It's not that I dislike it..."

If I denied it sloppily, Tia might think I did not like her company. While searching for words to persuade her without hurting her feelings, I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do.

"...So Mononobe-kun does not dislike this kind of thing."

But my comment was apparently getting misinterpreted. Originally watching my conversation with Tia, Firill clapped her hands together.

"Hmm, I guess I really need to help you enjoy yourself to the max."

Saying that, Firill circled around to my back.

"Eh...? H-Hey?"

"...Here!"

Sensing she was about to do something, wariness and fear surfaced in my heart. At this moment, Firill pressed her massive bust onto my back.

That unbelievable softness and seductive sensation was blanking out my mind.

"Wha—"
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v03_133.jpg|thumb]]

I was no longer capable of saying a single sentence.

"...One, two, three, okay—That's it."

After counting up to three, Firill left me. Perhaps having bathed for too long, Firill's face was a little red.

"...My heart is beating so fast. Luckily, I already learned beforehand that this can happen without being in love."

Firill pressed her hand against her left chest, exhaling hot breath.

"Or else I might have jumped to a wrong conclusion."

Speaking with a blushing face, Firill say that then asked me:

"...Mononobe-kun, are you happy I did that?"

"No, umm... Well, if I had to say it, I was very happy..."

I affirmed in a stammer and Firill smiled and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"...That's great."

I was mesmerized by her facial expression for a while. At this moment, Tia hugged me tightly.

"Husband really likes people with big boobs after all?"

Tia pouted and glared up at me.

"It's not like that—No, by the way, Tia, can you let go of me first? Otherwise, I can't talk calmly."

"No, Yuu forgot about Tia just now so Tia has to hug you tight to make sure you don't forget again!"

While we were talking, the other voices grew louder naturally. But it was too late by the time we noticed.

"Tia-san? Are you over there?"

Mitsuki's voice came from the other side of the rock. Our shoulders, Tia and mine, both shook at the same time.

"Oh dear, Firill-san also disappeared without me noticing."

Lisa also noticed and commented on Firill's absence.

"...Shhh—"

Firill brought a finger to her lip and hushed us. Then slowly, she walked out from behind the rock.

"I'm here. Tia-san and I were having a quick chat."

"Yeah, Tia is here too!"

Despite a look of reluctance, Tia released me and emerged from the rock to show herself to Mitsuki and the others.

"Really... I think I heard Nii-san's voice too."

Hearing Mitsuki say that, I felt cold sweat slide down my face.

"...Mononobe-kun's voice? Did you imagine it?"

Although Firill tried to feign ignorance, it seemed to deepen Mitsuki's suspicions instead.

"This feels very suspicious. Just to be on the safe side, I shall confirm."

With the splashing sound of someone walking, I sensed Mitsuki's presence gradually approaching.

What to do—At this rate, I was definitely going to be discovered.

Should I move underwater to the back of another rock? No... even though the water was murky, with this amount of depth, the chances of being seen while moving was very high when under all gazes.

Thinking it was not the time for recklessness, I concluded my only option was hiding in the water.

This was a gamble on whether I could hold my breath all the way until Mitsuki left... Although I felt that it was futile resistance, it was all I could do.

Listening to the approaching water noises, I calculated the timing to submerge myself.

Three more steps... Two... One... Now!

—Pururururururururu.

But just as I was going to submerge, an electronic sound came from the changing room. Mitsuki's footsteps also stopped.

"Seems like an emergency call."

Saying that, Mitsuki then left for the changing room.

—I-I'm saved...

I exhaled deeply in relief while Tia bowed her head and apologized to me.

"Sorry, Yuu, Tia did not keep promise and made too much noise."

"No, my voice was heard too, so it's not your fault, Tia."

I caressed Tia's horned head and answered quietly.

But what was with that emergency call just now? Feeling concerned, I listened intently. Then I sensed Mitsuki returning from the changing room.

"—Important news, everyone."

Opening with that, Mitsuki then continued:

"Tomorrow morning, NIFL will be putting their plan into motion. Although details are as yet unknown, NIFL predicts a 90% chance of success. Almost assuredly—Basilisk will be defeated."
<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_3_Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_3_Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>