However, even with all of that, it shouldn't be enough to block bullets. In reality, he had only reached a competent level of fighting on the day he fought Clan wearing the Blue Knight's armor.
But now he was able to block Clan's attacks despite not using the power of the armor. All he had used was a practice sword. In other words, he had gotten skilled enough with the sword to make up for the loss in power from wearing the armor.
Just what happened to Satomi-sama... No, more importantly, just where did Satomi-sama and Clan-sama go during those few minutes...?
Koutarou's change in relationship with Clan and his rapidly improved skill with the sword only served to confuse Ruth.
“More importantly, did you finish that thing?”
”More importantly you say!? If it wasn't you, I'd have you thrown in prison for life a long time ago!!”
“Don't get so angry. It's something I can only ask of you”
“...The way you put that is very tricky and I hate it. Really...”
The two continued their carefree conversation, unaware of Ruth's feelings, but they just now got into the main topic.
“Cradle, bring that out”
”As you wish, my princess”
Clan ordered her bracelet and summoned a large box from her spaceship. She opened the box in front of Koutarou and the two faced each other and peeked into it.
“Is this it?”
“Yes. I made it just like you wanted it”
Inside the box were five metallic spheres. The balls had different sizes and weights. The largest was about as big as a watermelon while the smallest was about the size of a baseball. All of them had quite a bit of weight to them, and even the smallest was very heavy when lifted.
Clan had come to deliver these balls to Koutarou. He had requested the creation of them as his training with Ruth progressed.
These five spheres were devices used for practicing sword fighting. They would produce holograms while floating in the air, which would serve as targets and sometimes counter attack. The size of the ball determined the size of the hologram and the speed at which it could move.
Clan had plenty of detailed data from hand-to-hand battles with soldiers and she had created these devices while analyzing that data. Of course, Flair's combat data was already put in as well. And if all went according to plan, Ruth could eventually reach Flair's level of fighting.
On top of that, these devices had been designed to help Koutarou practice as well. In the very peaceful Japan, there was no opportunity to use a sword. So in order to practice sword fighting, various training opponents were necessary.
Koutarou was plenty strong since he was borrowing the power of the invading girls, but that didn't mean it was okay for him to remain weak. He didn't believe that there was a need for him to be overwhelmingly powerful, but he wanted to be strong enough to lend someone his strength.
Because of that, Koutarou had asked Clan to create these training devices. Clan had accepted his request and started her production and had appeared today to deliver the completed product.
“So, how do you use them?”
“I made it so you can control them using your bracelet. Just order it like you would your armor”
”I got it. I'll try it out later and contact you if there's something I don't understand”
“...Seriously, you're probably the only one who would treat a princess of Forthorthe as a handyman”
After finishing her explanation Clan folded her arms, puffed her cheeks and expressed her dissatisfaction. Her sniper attack using practice bullets had been a result of that dissatisfaction.
“It can't be helped, I don't know a scientist more amazing than you”
“Well, I don't feel as bad after hearing that”
“Anyways, you've been a big help, Clan”
“Can't you be a bit more respectful in your speech?”
“I would like to express my gratitude for your cooperation, princess Clariossa”
“Fufufu, it was nothing”
Since Clan's dissatisfaction had only been her way of playing with her companions, she started smiling as soon as Koutarou gave her an honest thanks.
“Now you owe me a favor”
“I know, I know”
“That face tells me you really don't understand... now then”
With her business here finished, Clan glanced behind Koutarou. And ever revealing a mischievous smile she turned her back to Koutarou.
“Since Pardomshiha is glaring at me with such a scary face, I think it's about time to leave”
Upon hearing Clan's words, Koutarou looked behind him. There he saw Ruth giving Clan a serious glare.
Right. Though it's been months for me, it's only been a few days since the attack for Ruth-san...
Koutarou and Clan had spent a lot of time together. However, that had only been a few minutes for everyone else. Significantly more time would be required before Ruth would reconsider her current stance towards Clan. So Koutarou didn't stop Clan, and instead just said his parting words to her back.
“Bye, Clan. I'll call you later”
“I don't want to anything more problematic”
Clan threw a glance at Koutarou and lightly kicked off the ground. As she did, her body floated up towards the sky. The girl wearing a luxurious dress floating through the sky looked like a fairy.
“Of course it won't be anything like that, stupid”
“Fufufu, then that's fine. Well then, this is farewell”
After that Clan blended in with the blue morning sky, leaving behind a smile.
She had activated another one of her inventions, a device that concealed her appearance. Even though there weren't many people out early in the morning, a flying girl would stick out like a sore thumb. So Clan activated her device and returned to her spaceship.