Tetra made a V-shape with her hands and nodded expressionlessly.

Strangely, despite her blank expression, she somehow looked like she was having fun.

"I wasn’t doubting it, but it’s amazing to see you move on your own," said Elle.

"I’m really surprised. At first glance, it’s hard to tell if you're human or a doll," added Sheena.

Elle and Sheena were astonished as they surrounded Tetra, who had just gained her own will.

Of course, I was also surprised. However, I had somewhat expected that this day might come eventually.

So right now, I felt more joy than shock filling my chest.

Following Flare, now I could talk with another cherished being.

There was no greater joy than this.

"Once again, it’s good to be with you, Tetra."

"Yes, Ike."

I firmly held her delicate hand, reaffirming the fact that I’d been protected by this small body all this time.

"Don’t forget about me too, Tetra!"

"…Flare."

Flare then hugged Tetra tightly. Although Tetra looked a bit surprised for a moment, she soon wore a gentle smile.

Seeing them look so happy made me feel content as well.

As the five of us began heading toward Feed again, a question popped into my mind.

"By the way, Tetra, have your physical abilities improved like Flare’s?"

When Flare gained her will, her abilities increased. I wondered if the same thing might have happened with Tetra. She nodded.

"Yes, I feel like I’m brimming with strength. I’ll try it out now."

"Try? What exactly are you going to…?"

Tetra stopped, placed her hand on a nearby tree, and… What was she planning to do?

Just as I questioned it, an astonishing event occurred.

"Ha!"

"Wha-?!"

With a small exertion of strength from Tetra’s hand, the trunk of the tree creaked. Then, with a bit more effort…

"Hup!"

With a small grunt, she pulled the tree up by sheer force. The roots, which should have been firmly embedded in the ground, were torn up with cracking sounds. Finally, she managed to uproot the tree with one hand.

"...Unbelievable."

Tetra had always possessed strength far beyond what one would imagine from her petite body. But now, it seemed she’d acquired even greater power.

I was too shocked to even think of a proper response. Well, this would do for now.

"Tetra, you shouldn’t go around destroying nature for no reason."

"Yes, yes! We have to put the wood to good use!"

"What? Is that really your takeaway from this, Ike? Impressive."

"Huh? That’s your reaction after seeing that, Sheena? Shouldn’t you be more amazed by her incredible strength… Wait, am I the weird one here?"

Apparently, the people here were quite open-minded. Elle, who tended to be more serious, looked somewhat confused. Honestly, her reaction was probably the most reasonable. I was genuinely surprised, even if my first response didn’t show it.

After Tetra gently returned the tree to its place (or rather, forcibly reburied it), she puffed out her small cheeks.

"Hmph, I’m not satisfied. I wanted more praise."

It was understandable that she’d feel unsatisfied with the way I reacted.

"Tetra, come here."

At my beckoning, Tetra hopped over. I gently patted her head.

"That was amazing strength. I’m really glad to have you as an ally."

"Hmm."

Tetra closed her eyes, rubbing her head against me happily. She had this endlessly endearing look that just made me want to protect her.

Although, it would probably be me who ended up being protected.

"Me too!"

"Whoa!"

Flare clung to my other arm enthusiastically. Ah, so this is what they mean by “having flowers in both hands.”

"Me too!"

"…A third?"

For some reason, Sheena, too, leaned against my back. Compared to Flare and Tetra, it was more reserved physical contact.

Did she not want to feel left out? Yeah, that must be it.

But that leaves one person out…

"…"

"…"

My eyes met Elle’s. She quickly averted her gaze, pretending she hadn’t seen anything.

Alright, let’s get her involved.

I spread my arms and invited her.

"Elle, would you like to join us?"

"N-No way! I was pretending not to see anything, so please let me be!"

As expected, she flatly refused. I felt a bit disappointed… but no, this is actually the normal reaction.

It’s our situation that’s clearly unusual.

"Alright, let’s go back!"

"That’s for the best."

"Ike! I’ll follow you anywhere!"

"…Why?"

It was odd, yet for some reason, we ended up walking together for a while. Elle occasionally looked over at us with a curious expression, but that was probably just my imagination.

…Probably, right?