Scumbag Fate System-Chapter 6: Closer

The room had settled into the particular quiet, one that made the spaces feel smaller and distances feel shorter than they’d been an hour ago. Rika was still sitting close and had even unconsciously moved closer until there was barely any gap.

Something neither realized in the moment.

If emotions and focus are the only requirements. Reinhard stared into Rika’s crimson eyes. Then how does a Sigil play a role? Is it just something that draws the magic, or is it the container that keeps it inside?

Rika blinked before her expression softened into something more careful. "Because it requires the last important component."

"Which is?"

"A Sigil." She said it simply, the way you said things that were obvious to everyone.

Reinhard asked softly. "Is it because the Sigil helps the body contain the magic?"

Rika nodded. "When we first awaken it. Our Sigil draws mana from the Soulstream in the planet before storing it inside our body."

"But not everyone is born with a Sigil?"

"No, they aren’t. But that’s something puzzling to me. Like you know, a Sigil is carved into our body at birth, and it isn’t something one can get later." Rika sighed.

"Wait, can it be given? For example, if someone were to carve a Sigil into that person?"

Rika paused before furrowing her brows and saying. "Well, yeah... But it is extremely rare."

"Why do you say that?" Reinhard asked as he leaned in, but inwardly, a thought was forming.

"The carving requires that person to give up using Magic." Rika raised one finger and then another. "And the recipient is to be blood-related."

Ahh, well, at least I have one possible answer to where my Sigil went. And most likely why it was taken from me. Reinhard thought in a mix of amusement and irritation.

"Thanks for answering that. So, with a Sigil, you can reinforce your body, right?"

"Not exactly..." Rika crossed her arms but scooted a bit closer. "Even if you do have a Sigil, to use your power effectively. Everything needs to be in alignment."

"Or it won’t work?"

Rika nodded. "That would be the best outcome. Some people feel emotion strongly but can’t control themselves. Some have excellent control but cannot express strong emotions. It requires strong emotions, good self-control, and a Sigil. Once you have all of these, then you can easily use your powers."

I see, so it’s like that. Remove any one, and the whole structure collapses. He looked at his own hand for a moment. But Sigil is the first requirement for those steps to matter.

"And that’s what the awakening crystal measures?" Reinhard asked with a slight frown.

"The Obelisk? Yeah..." Rika rubbed her arms. "When you touch it, the color that it changes is related to your Sigil. And the intensity of the glow represents how good your alignment is across the three factors."

"If it changes and the glow is bright, that means you have talent and are valuable," Reinhard said softly.

Rika nodded. "It’s one of the reasons the awaking ceremony is so important to us commoners... It allowed us to be noticed and gave us a chance to reach higher. The teachers of various departments are more willing to accept us."

"And the Obelisk that barely flickers?"

Rika’s expression tightened. "You’re seen as worthless. One test, one answer, four years of consequences." She gripped her clothing slightly. "It’s terrible how much a single crystal gets to decide."

She said it with the quiet heat of someone who had thought about this often and never had anyone to say it to.

He let the observation sit for a moment, but inwardly he smiled at this. At the very least, when she finds out about his status, she won’t treat him differently.

"Can I ask you something personal?" Reinhard said after a pause.

"Yes!" Rika said, though her heart raced. "I-I mean, sure."

Reinhard smiled. "Were your friends busy? It looks a bit beautiful like you were alone in the cafe."

Rika flinched before tapping her fingers together. "I... I don’t really have friends, only classmates and clubmates... I don’t know how to be around people. "She began talking faster and faster. "I get nervous and say the wrong things, and people look at me like I’m strange-"

"So, you eventually stopped trying because it felt easier to be alone." Reinhard finished for her.

"How did you-"

"I also experienced that before." Reinhard stretched his arms before lying back down on the bed. "Many times, more than I can count or even recall."

"But the way you are... You look so confident and have no trouble talking to me." Rika muttered in surprise.

"Because I’m talking to you." Reinhard said, and his smile deepened. "You’re worth pushing myself for. And honestly, I got lost in how much fun I was having talking to you."

"... It’s the same for me too. Talking with and being with you his the most fun I’ve had in years." Rika said softly. "... Maybe since I was a child."

She swallowed hard. "When I am talking with you... My nervousness goes away, and the need to monitor what I say doesn’t come up..." Her smile grew. "It’s like I can speak my mind without feeling judged. It feels amazing."

"Then I hope I can join your club as well. It would be nice to be with you more." Reinhard’s expression softens. "And be a part of what you enjoy."

Rika blinked before smiling and nodding her head. "I would love that... Having someone like you would definitely make it better."

Reinhard moved himself up and then slid closer to her. He then moved one hand towards her, seeing her not move away, he began gently caressing her face. "And being in the same room as someone as beautiful as you. Would make even the most boring lectures go by fast."

Rika blushed before muttering. "It’s... Hard to talk when you keep praising me like that."

"That’s funny, I’m just telling the truth." He gently traces his thumb across her lips, making her tremble.

"Reinhard..." She whispered.

"Yes?" His voice lowered to a soft yet intimate tone that made Rika tremble even more. His gaze flickered to her lips before moving back to her crimson eyes. "Is there something you need?"

She couldn’t form words for a couple of seconds. "I... I’m not sure."

"Oh, really? Then, can I make a suggestion?"

"I... What is it?" She stared at him, her lips parting slightly.

His hand shifted, a thumb leaving her lip and cupping her cheek. He felt the slight tremor she was trying to control. The way she was looking at him was like she was trying to memorize something she didn’t believe would last.

She’s waiting to be disappointed, he realized.

He knew this without analyzing or even trying to read her. Just the plain recognition of someone who had spent a long time being careful about what they let themselves want.

He knew that posture from the inside.

"Can I kiss you, Rika?" he asked quietly.

The trembling stopped.

She looked at him for one long second as if she was searching. The way she’d been searching all evening for the sign, this was a joke, or he was lying.

She didn’t find it.

"Yes!... I mean..." Rika was staring at him. "Please-"

Reinhard leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Both felt a rush of pleasure through each other; one arm pulled her closer, making her tremble. When he pulled back after a long moment, creating distance between them again.

Rika’s eyes were still closed, her lips still parted slightly as if waiting for more. "That was..." she started to say, her voice dazed.

As he started to lean back with a faint smile, she quickly latched onto his shirt and kept him in place.

"Don’t!" She quickly said before her eyes widened.

"Don’t... What?" Reinhard tilted his head with a smile.

Rika lightly bit her lips before pulling him down and kissing him deeply. This was held with more desperation than the last one, but far more certain.

When they finally broke apart, she was gasping while he was resting his head against hers. "I... I should-"

"Enjoy the moment." Reinhard cupped her chin and whispered. "Or is there something else you want to do?"

Rika trembles before looking away. "... Are you fine with someone like me?"

"I’m happy you are my first."

"Y-Your first-"

Reinhard cut her off as he kissed her deeply while moving one hand in her black hair. Then he moved her down on the bed with him hovering over her, but she refused to break the kiss.

After a couple more seconds, he leaned back.

"Ready?"

"W-Well Yeah-"

"Perfect."