Chapter 125: Explanation and Preparation

I remained calm.

Before rushing to conclusions, it was necessary to ensure everyone fully understood the nature of the problem we were facing—enough so that I could make that judgment.

In this world, there exist individuals known as "Players," who possess mysterious powers.

Furthermore, it seemed that "Players" tended to be hostile toward those who wield the equipment of a "Hero" (Koane).

The two I brought along seem to be part of that "Player" group (sorry, everyone, seriously).

"To me and Hikone, they might be dangerous, but maybe not to all of you."

"Hmm."

"Besides, I want to ask something."

I checked each of their expressions one by one, then said,

"...Will you come with me? Or will you trust yourselves to them?"

The three children answered almost immediately.

"I want to go with Nii-chan and the dog bite."

"Yeah."

"Yeah, that makes more sense. It'd be safer that way, right?"

After waiting for them to finish speaking, Kōichi said,

"If someone is dangerous to the Dog Bite Lord, then they are dangerous to me as well."

"Is that so..."

I nodded.

...But.

There was one person with a bitter expression.

It was Yohata.

"...Mmm."

"Lord Yohata. Is something the matter?"

"I suppose I'd better stay behind, wouldn't I?"

"...What's the reason for that?"

"Because I'd just be a burden."

"Idiot!"

Kōichi let out a dry laugh.

"I've never once thought that way in my life."

"I know full well you're the ones I can rely on. You risked your lives to save me, even though I was just 'food' to begin with."

"Then…"

"That's exactly why I should stay behind. I might be able to delay the pursuit."

"That kind of thinking isn't exactly ideal. Even if we do survive by sacrificing Uhotaka-san, we'll surely be haunted by guilt every night, plagued by nightmares."

Then Uhotaka laughed out loud.

"Always thought so....Koichi-kun actually has a sense of humor."

"That wasn't meant as a joke, I assure you."

"But there's no need to be so pessimistic. I don't see those two as such terrible people. Besides,"

The old man fixed his gaze firmly on both of us,

"Living on the run would be unbearable in this body."

He was making it clear that this was his true sentiment.

In an instant, Koichi's face crumpled.

He must have realized how resolute Uhotaka was.

"Koichi... I think we should respect Mr. Uhotaka's opinion. As I said a moment ago, they aren't necessarily villains."

As I spoke, I was mentally reflecting on the existence of the so-called "player" known as the "slave master."

Honestly, anyone who chooses such a job can't be a decent person.

...Mr. Uhotaka must have endured unbearable suffering.

Even so.

It's perfectly clear that escaping from here with both Ryotaro and Asuka unharmed, while also carrying along a physically disabled elderly man, would be extremely difficult.

Unfortunately, I can't find any other way to do it.

I grit my teeth and meet the eyes of Mr. Uhotaka, who's seated in the wheelchair.

"Then... this is goodbye, Mr. Uhotaka."

"Try to buy some time, even if it means faking stomach pain."

"I promise. Once I've raised my level enough, I'll definitely go to 'Sakagura'. When that day comes, I'll use healing magic to restore your hands and legs."

"...Well, I'll just wait without getting my hopes up."

I took off my helmet for a moment and firmly gripped the remaining left hand of Mr. Uhotaka.

In that instant, an oddly profound emotion welled up inside me.

He's... in a way, like he took the punishment meant for me.

Perhaps, deep down, I had felt Mr. Uhotaka as if he were an extension of my own body.

But by the time I put on the helmet once more, my mindset had shifted.

After all, we have neither time nor choices left.

▼

――Looks like you've made your peace, huh.

"Yeah."

――Then, before we go wild for a bit... let's check our current status.

"Please."

— Hmm, when was the last time we checked our status?

"Wasn't it around level 2?"

— Okay, so that means... wow, we've gone up three levels since then.

"Wow."

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure just how significant that is.

Status

Level: 5 (+3)

HP: 48 (+10)

MP: 19 (+6)

Attack: 33 (+3)

Defense: 35 (+6)

Miryoku: 15 (+9)

Agility: 25 (+4)

Kouun: 7 (+1)

Hmm, huh. Your HP and magic power are growing nicely, but it feels a bit inconsistent.

Is that so?

Even in games, tough magic users don't really show up that often, do they?

Ah...

Now that you mention it.

And the low fortune of stability.

"...Does good fortune bring benefits when it's high?"

Yeah, there are all kinds of things. Like, you're more likely to land critical hits when attacking.

"Is that so? Then it's not really necessary, is it?"

"Really?"

"I prefer playing RPGs like solving a chess puzzle. I don't like gameplay that relies on random chance."

"Wait, really? Isn't it cool when you pull off a critical hit and turn the tide in one shot?"

"Ah, different perspectives, I guess."

I hesitated for just a moment, about to draw "Shikanda," but decided against it.

Come to think of it, this sword was double-edged.

(That means I'll have to shut those two up with punches and kicks...)

My mood darkened slightly.

——Oh, right! I almost forgot!

"What's wrong?"

——You've leveled up, so you've learned a new spell! You can't use it against zombies, so you'd forgotten all about it until now!

"Oh? Really?"

A spell, huh?

I only saw it being used when Hikone was alive.

What do you mean?

It's really handy, you know. I learned a spell that shocks and knocks out anyone I touch.

"Hmm..."

"——'Thunder Magic I.'...I've registered the spell under the name 'Shock Hand,' so just shout that when you want to use it.

"Shock Hand," huh.

I only meant to retweet it as a reply.

In an instant, crackling lightning surged through both of my arms.

"O-oh my god!?" I yelled.

"What in the world...?" Koichi stammered.

――Hey, w-w-wait a sec, don't waste your MP like that, w-w-w!

Ko-on giggled, poking fun with a grin.

"By the way, how do you restore MP?"

— Eating a meal restores your MP. By the way, the more you use it, the hungrier you get, so be careful.

"Ah, I see. That's easy to understand."

— Also, if your MP runs out, your "Hero" equipment will suddenly become useless right there, so watch out.

"Hmm..."

So it's not just HP—MP is just as vital to my survival now.

――Well, that's all I can teach you....Now it's up to you to figure out how to get through this... Do you have any plans?

"No need to overthink it."

――Oh? Really?

"They're at the entrance to this place. So there's only one thing to do."

――...Ah, so it's going to be like that again?

"Just like always. We'll break through head-on."