I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

"You registered quite late this time. Have you thought about how you're going to arrange the upcoming points-based competition?"

"I've thought it through. Time is indeed running out, so I've decided to give up on other forms of competition and go straight for the free-for-all format."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded slightly before explaining in a calm tone.

The decision to directly participate in the free-for-all format was made when the author had already decided to participate in the Knights Arena.

The reason is, of course, because it's much faster to accumulate points. Other modes require one-on-one play and slowly building up points.

In the free-for-all format, you can accumulate a lot of points in one match, and if you are strong enough, it is not a problem to accumulate enough points to advance in one match.

"Well, since you're strong enough and have your own plans, I won't say anything more." Zofia nodded approvingly after hearing Bianca's words.

He then continued, "If you need any help later, you can come to me for Maria's sake."

At this point, Bianca has exceeded Zofia's expectations.

Given this, whether it was because of her own inexplicable little expectation or for Maria's sake, she was still willing to lend a helping hand when necessary.

"Okay, thank you, Miss Zofia."

P.S.: I experienced a time travel yesterday; I opened my eyes and it was already noon... Sorry.

Chapter 15 Bianca: I'm 16

"Mm." After hearing Zofia's words, Bianca nodded slightly and accepted the kindness.

Although she was strong enough, she was still a stranger in this place and would likely need help from others in her daily life or other aspects, which is why she accepted Zofia's kindness.

“To be honest, I’m not very familiar with the Great Knight Territory, so I’d like to ask you where there are workshops around here that can forge armor.” As if remembering something, Bianca’s eyes flashed slightly, and then she asked the two people beside her in a calm tone.

"...?"

"?"

However, after Bianca said this, both of them looked at her with shocked and puzzled expressions.

QQ group: 54365938

"?"

After meeting Maria and Zofia's surprised gazes, Bianca paused for a moment, a big question mark slowly appearing above her head.

Clearly, someone was completely unaware of the shocking news they had just revealed.

"...The qualifying rounds are almost over, and Bianca, you still don't have your own armor?!"

Seeing the confusion in her new friend's eyes, Maria's lips twitched slightly, and she asked in a slightly trembling voice.

∥⑸(⑤*?≌溜??#领∈七?/无＄○℃峮::≯

"Well... actually, it didn't take me too long from deciding to participate to registering, so my preparation was indeed incomplete." After hearing Maria's words, a hint of guilt flashed quickly in Bianca's azure eyes.

You can't blame Silly Goose for this. You have to understand that she never intended to participate in this unfair, playful competition. Now that she's suddenly participating, she can't just conjure up equipment out of thin air.

Bianca does have her own Valkyrie armor, but the problem is... it's a bit too over-the-top and doesn't comply with the rules of the competition.

It's important to know that the free-for-all tournament she's preparing to participate in almost always requires players to wear full-body armor, as the competition requires sensors to be attached to the armor to calculate effective attacks and points.

As for the Valkyrie armor... where is there anywhere for someone to attach sensors?

Although the goose doesn't really need it in any sense, the most basic formalities still need to be followed.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be good if they were eliminated from the points-based competition under some pretext.

"You've rushed things too much. Finding a craftsman to make custom-made armor for you in such a short time is probably going to be difficult."

After hearing Bianca's explanation, before Maria could say anything, Zofia took the painting first.

"It is indeed a bit troublesome, but for this kind of competition, equipment is not very important to me. If all else fails, I can just buy a decent ready-made suit of armor."

Upon hearing this, Bianca thought for a moment before speaking calmly.

For other competitive knights, equipment is extremely important in this kind of competition; even superior armor and weapons can be the key to victory.

But for Dai'e, this kind of competition was really just a small fry. If it weren't for the competition rules, she would have just worn a normal outfit and gone on stage.

After all, if she didn't want to, there wasn't a single competitive knight in all of Kazimierz who could hurt her.

"No, equipment is still very important... Although you did beat me, you mustn't be arrogant. One wrong move could lead to something you'll regret."

Looking at the calm and confident Bianca in front of her, Zofia glanced down at her left hand while "lecturing" her, a complicated look flashing in her eyes.

"Yes, I know, Miss Zofia. Thank you for your concern."

Bianca keenly noticed Zofia's subtle movement, and a knowing glint flashed in her azure eyes. She then responded earnestly with a smile.

At this moment, Maria, who was standing next to her, also realized what was happening. After hesitating for a moment, she carefully took Bianca's arm and said:

“Zofia is right, Bianca shouldn’t be arrogant. Equipment is still very important for knights. I happen to know a few people in the workshop. I’ll ask them for you later.”

"Thank you for your help, Maria."

Bianca was slightly taken aback when her body was suddenly touched, before she gave the blonde girl beside her a gentle smile.

"I'll keep an eye out for you too... after all, there's a free-for-all tournament coming up soon." As she said this, Zofia seemed to remember something else and offered another suggestion:

"If there's really no time, it's certainly possible to make do for now. Try to get enough points to advance first, and then tailor-make the equipment later. There's plenty of time to buffer in between."

“That is indeed a good method, thank you for your suggestion, Miss Zofia.” Bianca nodded again in response.

Many of these little things were insignificant to her. However, although the things themselves were insignificant, the concern she showed was genuine and heartfelt.

Unless absolutely necessary, Bianca didn't want to betray this sincerity. Rather than refute it with words, she decided to accept the kindness and keep it in her heart.

"Really... Maria, I bet you've had dinner by now. In that case, why don't you take your new friend out for a stroll and see where you can find some suitable armor?" As she spoke, Zofia reached out her right hand and gently tapped Maria's head.

"Ugh, Zofia, stop hitting me! I was wrong! I'll definitely have dinner with you next time." After being "hit" on the head, Maria quickly hid behind Bianca.

"Heh~ Then I won't bother Miss Zofia any longer."

A hint of a smile flickered in Bianca's azure eyes as she looked at the golden pony hiding behind her. Then she turned to Zofia and spoke politely.

"Go."

Zofia stared at Maria, who was hiding behind Bianca and sticking her tongue out at her. Her lips twitched involuntarily, and finally, unable to bear looking at them, she waved to the two of them.

……

Finally, after saying goodbye to Zofia, the two walked once again onto the brightly lit streets of the Great Knight Territory, which were illuminated by the dim light of the night.

"Although it's quite late, many workshops are still open. Let me take you to see them."

"it is good."

Bianca, who was not very familiar with the area, had no objections whatsoever and followed Maria the whole time.

“Speaking of which, I’ve always been curious about something: Bianca, how old are you this year?” Maria, who was walking beside her with a smile, suddenly seemed to remember something and turned her head slightly to ask the person next to her.

"Me? So what if I'm 16..."

"...?"

P.S.: I mailed it this month, but I realized I can't add the flag anymore; it's simply impossible. I'll try to write as much as I can in the last few days of this month, since it's graduation season and I have to go back to school for several days at the end of the month.

However, there should be no problem next month. If I have perfect attendance, I can guarantee at least two updates.

Chapter 16 Sakura: This family will fall apart without me.

"Me? So what if I'm 16..."

"...?"

Maria, who had been smiling, gradually froze on her face after hearing what her new friend said, her face filled with confusion.

After realizing what had happened, Maria even took a serious look at her new, seemingly mature friend from head to toe.

But no matter how she looked at it, she couldn't see any trace of naivety in the girl who was 16 years old.

Maria had actually guessed Bianca's age before. Based on the girl's maturity and composure, she guessed that Bianca was at least 20 years old, about the same age as her older sister Margaret.

But who knew... 16.

"Is it that surprising?" Looking at Maria beside him, who was stunned and even bewildered, Bi...

Anka touched her nose somewhat awkwardly and asked in a low voice.

If Silly Goose had known it would turn out this way, she would have given a higher answer... But there was nothing she could do; she had already answered before she even realized what was happening.

As for why she subconsciously said 16 years old, it's because without unlocking the Tengen Riders, Bianca's body is only 16 years old... and the memories she has of "Bianca" are all stuck at the age of 16.

“I’m surprised. I didn’t expect that someone who looks so mature and has such a steady personality like you is only 16 years old.” Maria’s lips twitched slightly as she looked at Bianca’s embarrassed expression, and then she nodded and answered seriously.

"I originally guessed that you were about the same age as my sister. I never expected that we were actually about the same age, but it's fate, hehe."

"Heh~ Indeed, it can be considered a kind of fate. It's truly a pleasure to know you, Maria." Hearing Maria's reply, Bianca chuckled, revealing a gentle and composed smile.

When Maria met Bianca's bright, smiling eyes, she felt a shameful blush creep up her cheeks, turned her head slightly, and then changed the subject:

"Ahem...Alright, alright, Bianca, stop talking. Let's hurry up and leave before the workshop closes down."

"it is good."

Upon hearing this, Bianca nodded slightly, offering no objection.

Although Silly Goose didn't understand where her friend's shyness came from, it was a minor issue, and she didn't like to pry into her friend's secrets.

-------------------

Inside the hotel—

"boom--"

As the door slammed shut, Mebius's distinctive voice followed.

"Oh dear, look! Our upright knight lady is back from her date with that little girl?"

"?"

Upon hearing this, Bianca's bright expression froze instantly, and her face visibly darkened as she clenched her fists tightly.

Clearly, Mebius's casual yet sarcastic remark successfully ignited someone's anger instantly.

"Am I wrong? I don't even know who it was last time, who kept saying they wouldn't contact them, and then they yelled at me!"

Mebius completely ignored Bianca's dark expression, pretending to wipe away non-existent tears, and said "aggrievedly".

Just as Bianca was about to explode and was about to rush up and punch Mebius, her alter ego, a couple of times, Sakura came out carrying a large plate of food and said: