Chapter 51: A Shared Destiny

As a magical girl, she knew she shouldn’t have posed such a question. Magical girls shoulder immense responsibilities, each a singular force. They are special beings to all, guardians of the world, and the very embodiment of love and justice.

To ask someone so close if she was truly special felt a little weak, almost like a child seeking reassurance. Yet, Ink Crystal acknowledged this feeling. She had never seen herself as particularly strong or indomitable.

It was only through Teacher Lin’s unwavering guidance that she had found her true path, and she didn’t believe her own will was robust enough to stand alone. She had only just embarked on the arduous journey of a magical girl, and she moved forward with cautious steps, aspiring to become a beacon of warmth and strength for others, much like her teacher. She knew she still had a considerable distance to cover.

Therefore, she yearned for her teacher to offer solace, or perhaps a guiding hand. What harm was there in seeking encouragement from her sole friend, from Teacher Lin, who held such profound importance in her life?

“Teacher Lin~”

The girl’s dark pupils, like abyssal depths, seemed to drink in all the surrounding light. “What exactly am I to you?” She yearned for that answer.

‘A student?’ If that were the answer, a flicker of disappointment might cross her heart. ‘A friend?’ If so, she would grudgingly accept it. ‘A unique existence?’ That felt like the answer she truly craved, yet the thought of it brought a subtle unease.

She prided herself on being intelligent, her mind sharp and functional. So why did this particular question elude her so completely? What did her teacher truly consider her to be?

Lin Han gazed at Ink Crystal, who was impossibly close to him in that moment. They were both submerged in the bathtub, Ink Crystal’s hands resting on his chest, her body practically molded against his. The swimsuit she wore seemed utterly meaningless now.

There was virtually no space between him and the young girl. Her body felt incredibly soft against his. The warm bath, which ought to have soothed them both, instead caused their breaths to quicken.

Magical girl Ink Crystal’s body possessed a captivating allure. This was a truth Lin Han had long acknowledged. As any normal man, he found it impossible to remain indifferent to the situation, and naturally, his body responded.

Truth be told, as the ultimate modified human, designed and perfected with the singular objective of becoming the ‘strongest monster,’ Lin Han possessed a physique far more formidable than any mere mortal.

Concurrently, his primal ‘life’ instincts surged with an intensity far surpassing that of other individuals.

His primal instincts screamed for him to overpower the girl before him—a powerful urge for procreation. He felt the desire to ‘sow his seed’ within her. Yet, he knew he absolutely could not.

It wasn’t merely because of his role as her teacher, nor was it because Ink Crystal, in some ways, could barely be considered a true young girl at this moment. No, it was something far deeper…

The girl before him trusted him with such profound faith. She viewed him as her guide, the one who illuminated her path. She idolized him, and it was his mentorship that had led her to become a magical girl. How could he possibly appear so wretched and undignified in her presence?

He knew, of course, that if he were to insist on such a thing, the girl would not refuse. In fact, with Ink Crystal aware of his identity as Kamen Rider, she must have understood that if he were to assert his dominance, she would be utterly powerless to resist, much like Emerald had been in a similar predicament.

The power of a magical girl was still woefully inadequate to overcome him. Ultimately, he had been conceived and created as the ‘ultimate weapon’ specifically designed to combat magical girls.

The girl before him was desperately seeking an answer. While ‘that’ action might offer a fleeting resolution, he knew it would be a profound ‘distortion.’ It would not be a true answer, but merely the perversion of a foolish emotion, perhaps creating a temporary, transient ‘illusion.’ It would never be the ‘real thing.’

As Ink Crystal’s teacher, her friend, her guide, and her protector, he was duty-bound to stand tall and provide her with his unwavering answer. In this moment, there was no room for confusion or hesitation. The answer had to be absolute. He would personally steer Ink Crystal, this fledgling magical girl, toward the correct path.

“Ink Crystal, let me answer your question first.”

He fought to clear his mind of all intrusive thoughts, to suppress his body’s instinctive reactions. Then, without a hint of evasion, he met Ink Crystal’s gaze. “To me,” he began, “you are not merely a student.”

“If I merely viewed you as a student, I wouldn’t continually invite you to the physics lab to help me modify motorcycles, nor would I so comfortably impose upon you for meals.”

He presented his evidence. “You’ve never witnessed me engaging in such activities with any other student, have you?”

Indeed, just as Lin Han stated, he meticulously maintained his boundaries as a teacher. While always gentle and amiable to everyone, he never truly allowed himself to grow too close to any other individual.

“Therefore, our connection transcends a mere student-teacher dynamic.” Ink Crystal, however, fell into a thoughtful silence.

He hadn’t foreseen that it was not merely about overpowering the girl. Rather, it would be tantamount to stripping away her entire life, utterly ‘destroying’ her essence.

“I would never do such a thing,” the girl declared, a hint of defiance in her tone.

“And that is precisely why I urge you to consider.”

Ink Crystal leaned her head against Lin Han’s shoulder, her voice a soft whisper. “Teacher, what should I do?”

“Do you truly wish to become a magical girl?” Lin Han asked.

Ink Crystal nodded.

“Very well. From this day forward, your life is entrusted to me,” Lin Han declared. “To ensure you become a true magical girl, I will guide you through extensive learning.”

“Mm!” Ink Crystal affirmed, her nod brimming with anticipation.

“For instance, as a magical girl, you must possess a foundational level of physical fitness. This is essential for responding effectively to any sudden emergencies.”

“Furthermore, a magical girl’s attire should adhere to certain limitations.”

“Limitations?” Ink Crystal echoed, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“For instance, you shouldn’t expose too much skin, particularly during combat. It’s imperative that your attire isn’t overly revealing,” Lin Han explained. “Such outfits would not only hinder your effectiveness in battle but also appear rather vulgar.”

“Oh,” Ink Crystal murmured, nodding in agreement. Lin Han’s words resonated with her.

“Furthermore, magical girls are not omnipotent,” Lin Han continued. “There are some matters that, regardless of how diligently you strive, simply cannot be altered.”

“Thus, do not place excessive reliance on the power of magic alone.”

“Most crucially, it is your own heart that matters,” Lin Han said, gently stroking Ink Crystal’s head with earnest gravity. “While magical girls wield formidable power, if it is not wielded with righteousness, it will only usher in calamity.”

“Hence, you must cultivate an upright heart to genuinely embody the essence of a magical girl.”

“I understand,” Ink Crystal replied, nodding with a contemplative expression.

“Mm,” Lin Han nodded with satisfaction.

“Right then, I’m going to shower,” Lin Han announced. “You can amuse yourself here for a little while.”

With that, Lin Han turned and walked towards the bathroom.

Ink Crystal watched Lin Han’s retreating figure, and a peculiar sensation unexpectedly stirred within her heart.

She couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that Lin Han was concealing something from her. Yet, she found herself unable to articulate what it might be.

‘Could Lin Han possibly be a villain?’ Ink Crystal shook her head, immediately dispelling the notion.

Lin Han had always been incredibly kind to her, and he was, after all, her teacher. How could such a person possibly be malevolent?

Ink Crystal couldn’t fathom it, so she decided to simply stop thinking. If she couldn’t understand, there was no point in dwelling.

Ink Crystal settled onto the bed, picked up her phone, and launched a game. Before long, she was completely absorbed in its digital world.

Meanwhile, Lin Han had reached the bathroom. Gazing at his reflection in the mirror, a wry smile touched his lips.

He had nearly exposed himself moments ago. He never anticipated Ink Crystal would pose such a question. Thankfully, he had reacted swiftly, preventing any slip-ups.

Ink Crystal’s identity was truly extraordinary. She was his sole ‘companion’ in this world, just as he was her only ‘companion.’

A unique bond existed between them. Lin Han fervently hoped this bond would endure.

He absolutely could not allow Ink Crystal to discover that he was not, in fact, from this world. If she did, Ink Crystal would be utterly heartbroken.

She might even come to resent him. Lin Han would not permit such a thing to happen. He had to protect Ink Crystal, and he had to protect this world.

Lin Han turned on the shower, and hot water cascaded over him. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth wash over his body.

‘What a hassle!’ Lin Han sighed inwardly. He had no idea how much longer he would remain in this world.

Regardless, he would do everything in his power to protect Ink Crystal—at least until she became a true magical girl.

****

Meanwhile, Ink Crystal had grown somewhat bored after playing games for a while. She set her phone down and began to explore the room.

The room was not large, but its furnishings were exquisitely arranged. Several paintings adorned the walls, mostly beautiful landscapes.

Ink Crystal walked to the window and gazed outside. Beyond it lay a lush, verdant forest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground.

Ink Crystal took a deep breath, savoring the faint, fresh fragrance in the air. She found everything here incredibly comforting. She truly loved this place.

Sitting on a chair by the window, Ink Crystal watched the scenery, lost in thought. She wondered about her future, about what she should do.

Was becoming a magical girl truly the right choice? Ink Crystal felt a touch of uncertainty. Although Lin Han had promised to guide her, she still harbored some worries.

After all, she was just an ordinary person. How could she possibly become a magical girl? Ink Crystal shook her head, casting these thoughts aside.

Since she had already made her decision, there was no point in hesitating further. Ink Crystal stood up, intending to check if Lin Han had finished his shower.

As she reached the bathroom door, Ink Crystal heard the sound of water from within. It seemed Lin Han was still showering.

Ink Crystal waited at the door for a while, but seeing that Lin Han still hadn’t emerged, she grew a little bored. After a moment’s thought, she decided to go to the living room and watch television.

Ink Crystal entered the living room and turned on the TV. An animated show was playing. She watched for a bit, but found it uninteresting. So, she changed the channel.

However, every channel seemed to be broadcasting boring soap operas. Ink Crystal sighed and turned off the television. She walked over to the window, gazing at the scenery outside, a hint of frustration bubbling within her.

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Lin Han stepped out. He was clad in a white bathrobe, his hair still damp.

Ink Crystal’s eyes lit up when she saw him. “Teacher, are you done showering?” she asked.

“Mm,” Lin Han nodded. “Have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all,” Ink Crystal shook her head. “I just got here.”

Lin Han smiled. “You should go shower now.”

Ink Crystal nodded and walked into the bathroom. Lin Han went to the living room, picked up his phone, and checked the time. It was almost dinner.

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Han decided to cook. He went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Inside were various vegetables and meats.

Lin Han took out some ingredients and began to prepare dinner. Hearing his words, Ink Crystal felt a little reassured. She asked, “Then, Teacher, are you saying we’re friends?”

Lin Han nodded. “Yes, we are friends. We are indeed friends.” He gave a definitive answer.

Ink Crystal had probably expected this answer, but it still felt somewhat unsatisfying. ‘Just friends?’

“But I think our relationship might be more than just friends,” Lin Han suddenly said. “I believe that in life, everyone has one or two people they can call ‘confidants.’ One can have many friends, just like you, Ink Crystal, you consider Liu Xingyue your girlfriend. Didn’t you first become friends with her before your relationship progressed further?”

Liu Xingyue? Why bring her up now? Were she and Xingyue friends?

“If, back then, it wasn’t Liu Xingyue who became a magical girl, but Ye Liuyun, would you have helped in the battle?”

“…I don’t know.”

Lin Han smiled. “But you chose to help Liu Xingyue fight. That’s enough to prove the point, Ink Crystal. You actually consider Liu Xingyue a friend, even though before that, you only thought of her as your team leader. Me? And Liu Xingyue?” Ink Crystal found it somewhat hard to accept.

“But our relationship, the relationship between me and you, and you and Liu Xingyue, is also different, isn’t it?” Lin Han inquired.

Ink Crystal nodded. “Of course it’s different.” To be precise, her girlfriend relationship with Liu Xingyue was always artificial. Their relationship, as Teacher Lin said, could only be considered friendship, and while Ink Crystal would help Lin Han, it wasn’t the same.

If one were to use an inappropriate example, one could say that if Liu Xingyue died, Ink Crystal would at most feel sorrow, investigate which monster was responsible, and then try to avenge Liu Xingyue… That would be the extent of her actions.

But if Teacher Lin died…

Ink Crystal couldn’t even imagine it. She couldn’t picture what she would become. Just envisioning such a scene caused her immense heartache, even bringing tears to her eyes.

Her relationship with Teacher Lin was fundamentally different from her relationship with Liu Xingyue. She recognized this with stark clarity. ‘So… is that why I crave an answer from Teacher Lin?’

“So we are… confidants?”

“Yes! Like a high mountain and flowing water, like Bo Ya breaking his zither string—Ink Crystal, if I were to die, would you continue to be a magical girl?”

Ink Crystal hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook her head.

“What if, before my death, I wished for you to continue being a magical girl?”

“Then I would continue.”

Lin Han nodded. “Exactly! Ink Crystal, we can carry each other’s dreams. This is my issue—I know your identity, but I haven’t revealed mine, which probably causes you subconscious unease.”

“I will carry your dreams. If I had to choose a suitable term to describe our current connection, I would say we are intertwined by fate, a shared destiny.”

‘A shared destiny?’ Was that it? Was this the answer? Was this truly an answer?

She looked at her teacher, truly, so closely into Lin Han’s eyes. He was serious. Ah…

Those eyes were the same as when she first met Teacher Lin. Just as he first said, “Let’s be friends!” It was from that moment that her destiny began to turn, her life transformed. Even now, she hadn’t become a monster or a fiend; she hadn’t been hunted down. She had become a magical girl, and she could have other friends.

Destiny… It was precisely from that moment that her destiny changed. So, for Teacher, did his encounter with her also signify a change in his destiny? If so, what kind of change? She longed to delve into her teacher’s past, yet she was unwilling to do so. Pointing out his identity today was already quite presumptuous, an act that the girl named Ink Crystal could only achieve by summoning all her courage. Someone like her would not invade another’s ‘domain.’

But Teacher Lin was different. If it was Teacher Lin’s answer, then she would accept it as such! Perhaps it wasn’t entirely correct. But she didn’t dislike it. So be it then!

A smile gradually bloomed on Ink Crystal’s face. She nestled against Lin Han like a kitten, then licked his neck.

!

“Teacher, something seems to be poking me~”

And then, she was finally picked up by Lin Han and tossed out of the bathroom.