105. Kotone and Modeling Skill

"Kotone, you're still doing 3D modeling, aren't you?" Shiro asked Kotone.

"Yes. I'm still using that software the senior gave me," Kotone replied, offering Shiro a gentle smile, as if recalling something nostalgic.

Shiro had once created a 3D modeling program—first for himself, then for Kotone. It was VR-based, allowing modeling like kneading clay. Of course, precise CAD-style modeling was possible too. No flaws in his design.

What set it apart from other software was parameterization—making it easy to alter a model's shape later using parameters. Plus, a wide variety of standard shapes were pre-registered, and their deformation and motion control were simple to manage.

Normally, starting from scratch is tough, so having plenty of standard models makes it easier to get started. It was built based on Kotone’s feedback—her main user, after all.

"Ah. …You've been using it for quite a while, huh? Maybe...?" Shiro said.

"Yes. I tried other software too, but I always end up coming back to the senior's version—it's just easier to use," Kotone said with a smile. The senior made it for me... she added quietly, though Shiro didn’t hear.

"Haha. Thanks. Well, I made it for myself too, so I kept it user-friendly. Made specifically for Kotone. Different touch than the rest," Shiro said, proudly.

Hearing that, Kotone murmured, For me… and her cheeks turned slightly red.

"Alright, then. First, imagine a box—about a meter cubed—right in front of you. Can you shape your magic into that form?" Shiro explained.

“Eh? Shape my magic into a box? Um, I’ll try,” Kotone said.

She fumbled around for a while, muttering to herself, but with Shiro’s guidance through his magic sight, she managed to form the shape.

“Hmm, nice. Now, keep that shape and try chanting ‘Modeling,’” Shiro said.

“Modeling…? Okay, modeling,” Kotone chanted. Then,

“Wait! This—this is the same as the software the senior used, isn’t it?!” Kotone gasped.

Of course it was. The moment she activated the spell, a VR 3D software materialized right in front of her eyes.

“Eh?! Why?! I’m not wearing a headset or anything! And this is supposed to be magic…?” Kotone flustered.

“Kotone, calm down,” Shiro gently placed both hands on her shoulders.

“…Senior, are you hiding something?” Kotone suddenly snapped, staring at Shiro. She had a sharp eye for odd details.

“Kotone-san, you’re surprisingly perceptive,” Mitoka suddenly spoke up, having silently observed the exchange.

“Private software for Kotone? How nice,” Shestia remarked, distracted by another thought.

“Kotone, what I’m about to say is important—don’t tell anyone else,” Shiro suddenly turned serious, locking eyes with her.

“Eh?! What’s this all of a sudden…?” Kotone blinked, her voice wavering slightly. Her heart fluttered. “Eh… s-senior, are you… confessing…?” she whispered under her breath.

“Actually,” Shiro said, his face dead serious, a smug triumph in his eyes, “this world is built just like the system I designed.”

“…Eh?” Kotone stared, dumbfounded. Then her face turned bright red, she looked away. “…Senior, give back my heartbeat,” she mumbled quietly.

“Kotone, you’re unexpectedly cute,” Shestia teased from beside her.

"…ah, okay. So, you mean the design thing Filumia-sama mentioned? And, um, the game you used to brag about back then—was that the specific design you’re talking about?" Kotone asked.

"…It’s not a game—it’s a VR world system! Well, yeah, that’s it. After sweating blood to build it, one day Filumia-sama showed up and said, ‘Same architecture, so you’ll know this world inside out—go investigate it for me.’ So, I ended up here," Shiro explained briefly.

"…I was a little worried, since you usually live alone… but you still got sucked in so easily? You should’ve been more careful—what about security? Are you just weak to pretty girls? You, Senior?" Kotone suddenly snapped.

"…No, it’s not about beauty or anything like that… Why are you even mad?" Shiro flustered.

"I don’t know! And you just followed along? Just because she said, ‘You’ll get to touch an incredible system,’ or something like that?" Kotone shot back.

"No, I did check the details first… I mean, I did follow her," Shiro recalled the exchange with the goddess, and admitted it plainly.

"…I get the situation. So, that’s how it happened when I blinked, huh, Senior?" Kotone muttered under her breath.

"Hey, Kotone, please don’t blame Shiro. Thanks to his decision, I gained a soul—I’m truly grateful," Mitoka stepped in to defend him.

"…Wait—Mitoka-san? Are you… that Mitoka-chan?" Kotone suddenly remembered.

"Yes. That’s me. Long time no see? Konnichiwa, Kotone-san," Mitoka suddenly spoke in a sudden, computer-like voice.

"Wait—no way! That AI that Senior Shiro was obsessed with—Mitoka-chan—is actually this beautiful? Wait, wasn’t Mitoka-chan originally set as male…? Senior?" Kotone gaped, then spun around in an instant, glaring at Shiro with narrowed eyes.

"Hey, it’s not my fault! Ask Filumia-sama or Mitoka directly about that! I don’t know anything!" Shiro shouted back.

"Uh, can we move past this? Forget about me—Kotone? Please?"

"...Yes. I understand. For now, could you explain the modeling skill?" Kotone was gently calmed by Shestia and Mitoka, finally settling down.

"Right, the usage should be identical. Anyway, you build the model. And Kotone’s real strength lies in the 【Installation of Magical Spirits】 option in the menu. Once you do that, the model moves like a living thing and obeys commands—basically, a familiar. You’ve heard of that, right? Classic trope in Japanese fantasy," Shiro explained.

"Seriously, Senior? I’ve always wanted one. I can’t keep pets at home, but I love animals," Kotone said, smiling brightly.

"Anyway, you can save the model, right? Try a few variations, pick one you like, then make it a familiar. Mitoka knows the ins and outs—ask her."

Shiro wrapped up his explanation.

If you found this interesting, please consider rating, bookmarking, or leaving a comment—it really helps!