Level 60. Victory. And a bath.

— Congratulations! You've earned the achievement "Cooperation"!

— Congratulations! You've earned the achievement "Defeat of the Man-Eating Tiger"!

— Congratulations! Your level has increased!

The usual "Congratulations!" rush.

"Woah! I feel like my level just shot up huge!"

Ayaka cheers aloud.

It seems the damage she took from the "Monster" has fully recovered already.

Truly, we're becoming something beyond human.

"I can't even be bothered to do anything today... I'm just too drained..."

"Yeah, totally!"

"I really just wanna hop in the bath..."

"Yeah, let's get in! I'm a hero, so it's okay to be a little extravagant, right? Oh, but you, little sister—make sure you wash yourself properly before getting in. You're covered in blood and smell really strong."

"Ah... yes..."

We wobble back to the supermarket that Saya-chan had been using as her base.

Though it felt cramped for a group of people living together, it was far too spacious for just the two of us.

In the empty shop, we get ready to clean up.

From a section titled "Support for Independent Living Fair," I've brought out the bathtub and set it up near the drain in the kitchen area, quickly heating up the water.

With practiced ease, the tub soon filled with hot water.

After thoroughly rinsing off the monster's blood, I plunged into the tub with a splash.

"Phew..."

As I soak in the first bath generously offered by Saya, I take a moment to review today's accomplishments.

I'll save the skill acquisition from leveling up—something I'll need for the upcoming battle against the "Slave Master" (I should probably prepare myself for combat from now on)—for later.

As for the achievement-related items, maybe it's time I take a look at them too.

I've been putting off checking the reward items since I might end up overwhelmed if I receive them while traveling, but here, they could at worst serve as temporary storage.

Then, then.

――Please select your reward from the achievement "Glutton."

――1. Predator's Meat Cleaver

――2. Predator's Shield

――3. Predator's Armor

――The "Predator's Meat Cleaver" can render any beast meat edible.

――The "Predator's Shield" is a shield shaped like a human head. Its defense power increases by feeding it food.

――The "Predator's Armor" is heavy and cumbersome, but once worn, it allows you to eat anything.

Hmph, mmm.

"Uuuun...?"

"Something wrong?"

Ayane, preparing dinner on the opposite side of the kitchen, calls out to me.

"Sayuri-chan, did you get the 'Big Eater' achievement?"

"Hmm? Oh, that one about predators and such?"

Ah, so you're experienced with that.

"I went with the meat cleaver one. It lets you eat even rotten meat, and it's pretty handy."

"Hmm... interesting..."

You could probably use it by the time you get back to Gakkyou High.

Then again, carrying around a 'Shield' and 'Armor' seems impractical.

"Give me the cleaver."

The knife, wrapped tightly in bandages, dropped with a soft thud.

At least it's a manageable size for carrying around—satisfied with that.

Then, next.

――Choose your reward from the achievement "Cooperation."

――1. Ring of Friendship

――2. Ring of Love

――3. Ring of Betrayal

――The "Ring of Friendship" allows two players who are cooperating to share one skill each when worn simultaneously.

――The "Ring of Love" allows you to transfer two of your skills to a cooperating player when worn together.

――The "Ring of Betrayal" lets you forcibly steal one skill from a cooperating player when worn.

Hmm.

"…Um, Saya-san?"

"What's up?"

"Can I trust you not to betray me?"

"Sure you can."

"Then I do trust you."

"What's with the sudden question?"

"You'll understand when you choose your achievement."

"Hmm?"

After a moment of silence.

"Oh… I see what you mean."

She paused her cooking for a moment, then quickly trotted over.

"Here, the 'Friendship Ring'."

A ring adorned with a sparkling blue ruby.

But even if she says "here" and shows it to me...

I have no way of knowing whether it's really the "Friendship Ring" or not.

But well, I’ve somewhat understood Ayane-chan’s personality over the course of this day.

If she betrays me now, it’ll be like entering the world of Professor Fukumoto ○-kun.

Oh, god.

I just want to believe that the person beside me is someone trustworthy—just for now.

I choose the "Friendship Ring" and slip the appearing ring onto my little finger.

Rustle...

—Please select a skill to share with "The Just Fighter."

Oh.

...Well, I was already kind of believing it, you know.

You’re serious about this, right?

"Then... do you have any skills you'd like to share?"

After discussing, we decided to share "Defense I" and "Step of the Earth I."

I would've preferred "Defense IV," but it seems that when a lower-tier skill exists, only the lowest-level skill can be shared.

Now, for the final achievement.

—Choose your reward for the achievement "Defeat of the Man-Eating Tiger."

—1. Proof of Tiger Hunt

—2. Tiger Mask

――3. Tiger Mantle

――"Proof of Tiger Hunt" is a badge that, when worn, causes weaker feline lifeforms to fear you.

――"Tiger Mask" enhances combat technique skills when worn on the head, enabling specialized grappling-based fighting styles.

――"Tiger Mantle" imposes intimidation on others when worn, though this effect does not apply to the player themselves.

Not needed (with certainty).

I don’t really feel like picking up any combat techniques now, to be honest.

If I absolutely had to choose, it’d probably be the “Proof of Tiger Hunt,” since it’s compact and easy to carry.

Though, apparently, just wearing it makes cats dislike you.

Just a constant loss, really.

That said, considering Ayano-chan has acquired the "Combat Skill," the "Tiger Mask" isn't exactly a bad item, is it? Wearing it all the time might look a bit silly, though.

Thinking along those lines,

"Hey, big sis! Look! This cloak is super awesome!"

A girl clad in a tiger-patterned cloak strutted over, showing it off proudly.

"Eh? Ayano-chan, you chose the 'Tiger Cloak'?"

"Yeah! I mean, capes are kind of hero-like, right?"

...Well, whatever you choose is your own freedom, I suppose.

"But apparently this one 'intimidates others.' I don't mind, but you shouldn't scare people you don't know."

"I know, I know!"

Laughing lightly, Ayano responds.

Sighing, she pulls herself out of the bath and wraps a robe around her body.

"Then, how about this—after you get out of the bath, let's have dinner, Saya-chan?"

"Okay!"

Well then. Tonight's dinner is going to be...

Just as I was thinking that,

"Um... excuse me..."

A tiny, timid voice echoed through the kitchen.

"Sorry! Is anyone here?"

"Ah!?"

Saya jumps up in surprise.

"Mrs. Satō!"

The figure that appeared was a slightly plump middle-aged woman.

"You're still alive!"

"Iroha-chan!"

The woman known as Rina embraces the girl tightly, her face beaming with joy.

I watch her silently, still fresh from the bath.

Judging by the scene, she’s probably one of the refugees that Ayaka saved—or something along those lines.

"Thank goodness! Thank goodness...!"

"See? I always believed, deep down, that Iroha-chan wouldn't die so easily..."

Ayaka buries her face into Ryochu's ample chest, which is as big as her own head.

An unexpected, heartwarming reunion.

...Ah. That girl, still wearing that "Tiger Mantle."

And so on.

But let's not ruin the moment with such unromantic remarks.

For a long, long time, the two simply held each other in an embrace.