As the sports car hummed to life, Sonya suddenly questioned its necessity. She asked, "Do we really need a vehicle on land? We're not at sea. Wouldn't it be better to walk, in case something unexpected happens?"

Back in the Sea of Knowledge, a small boat had been indispensable. Swimming was cumbersome, and since they weren't aquatic, being in the water offered no advantage. If anything, falling into the sea would only leave their soaked clothes clinging to them, which would probably be more of a treat for the Watcher. But on the Continent of Time, everything was reversed. Most battles demanded a solid footing, which suited them as land-dwellers. A car might even slow their ability to charge into combat.

Dia asked, Sensing Sonya's hesitation, Dia asked, "Did you have transportation back in the Sea of Knowledge?"

Sonya replied, a hint of complaint in her voice, "A small boat. Tiny. Barely enough for two people. Any big movement and it would tip over. Luckily, the Watcher controlled it, so we didn't have to row."

Dia murmured wistfully, "That sounds nice... I wish I could have sailed in the Sea of Knowledge. I wish I'd met the Watcher sooner. But then again, it's not too late."

Sonya tugged at her mouth. "Yeah... I'm glad the Watcher chose me, too—"

Ashe looked up from the Virtual World map. "Hello. The person in question is right here. Swordswoman, you clearly disliked me at first. You even complained about whether I could reduce your training intensity!"

The Scarlet Swordswoman shouted, "You're mistaken! Training comes as naturally to me as breathing. If I skip a day, I get restless. How could I ever complain to you?"

"Have you been practicing the Fate Class? It's impressive how casually you can rewrite history..."

Dia commented, "So the Watcher arranged your training? Lucky you. He insisted on making me do recreational activities, and I couldn't even study properly. I understand his intentions were good, but it's just too... authoritarian."

Sonya turned to Ashe, eyes like daggers, her gaze enough to rival a stormy sky. She was practically screaming inside, Why does she get preferential treatment!?

Ashe felt like he was under the gaze of a Titan Executioner. He explained helplessly, "The Witch is in a special state which reduced her training efficiency by 75%. Luckily, I recently acquired a new treasure that allows her to gain some training effect while doing recreational activities, and it also counters negative statuses..."

"Then why don't I have it—"

"You're a genius swordswoman. Didn't you just say training comes as naturally to you as breathing, and that skipping a day leaves you restless? Well, the best recreational effect only equals the worst training result. You have no negative states, so training is your most efficient choice."

Sonya realized she'd dug herself a hole. "Ugh..."

In the past, she would have immediately backpedaled, or if the Watcher tried to reason with her, she could have scolded him for shouting. But now that the Witch was right beside her, she needed to maintain her image as an excellent senior, not act spoiled or clingy. And she absolutely didn't want only the Witch to get special treatment.

So she looked at Ashe with mock grievance, pouting so hard her lips could hold a teapot, eyes nearly vertical. Ashe clicked his tongue. "This week's schedule is already set. Next week, I'll arrange a recreational activity for you."

A flash of pride crossed Sonya's eyes, but she quickly turned away, masking it with a look of disdain. "Hmph. I've thought about it... Training does suit me better. But if you insist on disrupting my tight schedule, I can't help it. After all, you are the Watcher."

Exasperated, Ashe kicked her seat.

Boom!

A sudden crash roared through the air. The sports car barreled forward, knocking down two trees with audacious force. The impact barely slowed it, and it continued forward. To Ashe and the others, it felt like nothing more than crashing into tofu. However, the car had become somewhat transparent. Clearly, this kind of collision couldn't be repeated frequently.

Dia noted, "Hmm... sitting in the car is actually useful. Walking here is exhausting. A car lets you absorb the mana in the Ascending Golden Rain without draining much soul energy."

"Does walking consume energy?" Sonya asked.

"About the same as swimming in the Sea of Knowledge," Dia replied, gesturing at the rough grass. "There are no roads on the Continent of Time. Everywhere is wild grass and bushes, mud and waterlogged areas, mountains and forests. Every step takes effort. I don't know about others, but during my month exploring the Continent, almost half my soul energy went into walking alone."

Ashe and Sonya exchanged understanding glances. With the sports car as a means of travel, they would expend almost no energy walking. Absorbing mana still consumed some soul energy, but their nightly exploration efficiency would easily be at least fifty percent higher than that of ordinary sorcerers.

And it wasn't just about efficiency. Other sorcerers were like commuters living far from their offices, spending two hours a day just getting to work. Ashe and the others, by contrast, were like locals living nearby. Each day, they gained an extra two hours of free time. Even if they didn't spend it on anything productive, the sheer relief of not wasting energy felt wonderful.

"Watcher, do you know which way we should go?" Dia asked.

Ashe's gaze rested on a light column slowly advancing on the horizon. "Yes. We need to keep pace with the White Ox, right?"

"That's right. We're in the front region. Keep moving, and we won't risk falling into the Static Zone," Dia tilted her head toward Ashe. "Watcher... do you know what I'm thinking?"

He scratched his head. "How should I know what you're thinking?"

Ah... So the Watcher couldn't read minds here.

Dia smiled warmly. "It's the first time I've felt truly at ease in the Virtual World. I'm just... happy to explore it with you. Thank you for inviting me."

Sonya gritted her teeth so hard she felt they might shatter. Damn it... this Witch is amazing! Why am I so slow? I'm supposed to be a sorceress who can charm any man in three sentences... and now... Besides, it's just a sports car. What's the big deal?

Sonya had a creeping sense that something was very wrong.

From the very beginning, Ashe had treated her with relentless teasing, making her train, fight, and even perform the summoning ritual. Yet the results had always been overwhelmingly beneficial. Sonya had lost almost nothing in the process.

A month ago, she had been a struggling college student with only a minor reputation in Water Sorcery. Now, she was the undisputed genius of Sword and Roses University, a Sword Saint seed famed across Cailleach, a force serious enough for Truth University to reckon with. And it had all begun the moment she drew the sword from the Watcher's chest in her dream.

Ashe always spoke of their sacred bond, claiming that as she grew stronger, he would benefit as well. Having seen the wonders of the sorcerer world, Sonya thought he might be telling the truth. Her strength might indeed bring him great help. But that didn't mean she could accept this gift with ease.

She knew exactly to whom she owed her gratitude. Yet Ashe's teasing made it impossible to voice her thanks. Over time, she had grown accustomed to it, even taken it for granted. Perhaps her gratitude would only surface in moments of crisis. In life-or-death situations, she couldn't promise to give her life willingly for Ashe, but she could at least guarantee a hesitation before fleeing.

She could treat those she cared little about with kindness, yet with Ashe, she always revealed her most unreasonable, spoiled side.

If it weren't for Dia, Sonya might never have noticed this flaw. Perhaps it wasn't yet a flaw, but bonds were like blades. They were sharp and resilient, unstoppable at first. But if neglected, they could rust, weaken, and shatter under even the slightest strike.

At that moment, she recalled the question from the Destiny Quiz. "What is the fundamental reason for the fallout between the Swordswoman and the Watcher?"

Sonya exhaled softly and turned to Ashe. "Watcher."

"Hm?"

She said earnestly, "Thank you for the Pure Radiance Tonic. If it weren't for the potion you gave me, my soul wouldn't have healed so quickly, and I wouldn't be able to explore the Virtual World with you tonight... Thank you."

Dia's eyes sparkled with interest. A potion that heals the soul?

The cult leader fixed his gaze on the Scarlet Swordswoman, then kicked her seat.

"What are you doing?!" Sonya bristled, hand already reaching for her sword. "I thanked you, and you kick me?"

Ashe responded, "It's exactly because you thanked me that I'm kicking you. I'm not keen to get your thanks. You becoming stronger is the best reward you can give me.

"And if you thank me so formally, should I also thank you every time you fight hard in the Virtual World? Protect me? Or make brilliant maneuvers?"

Ashe glanced at the Virtual World map, muttering, "What's the point of these effortless verbal thanks? It's so troublesome. We're not strangers."

Sonya stared at him blankly for a few seconds before bursting out laughing. "Then I'll just accept your gifts with peace of mind from now on!"

"Don't get too comfortable. Make sure to put effort into training, too," Ashe replied, turning to Dia. "Same goes for you, Witch. You don't need to thank me. Everything I do is for future returns. I'm no benevolent saint."

"But I'm grateful, truly," the White Queen said lazily, stretching and smiling. "What's ordinary for you is a miracle for me. Saying 'thank you' is the only way I know to show my gratitude."

"Hm, you've got a point," Ashe mused. "If you really insist... I suppose you can..."

"Can?"

"You can..." Ashe tilted his head toward the Ascending Golden Rain, pretending to be nonchalant, "...hold me and praise me a little. If you insist on a kiss, I won't mind either. After all, thanks should come with some tangible benefit, right?"

The two blinked, then exchanged a look. Sonya glared at the White Queen, who shook her head slightly. Sonya followed with a nod. No words were needed. Their gazes alone had already conveyed their agreement. Absolutely do not indulge the Watcher.

They could offer at most a few verbal compliments and nothing more. If he dared ask for hugs or kisses today, who knew what he would demand tomorrow? This trend must never continue.