Part 147 "Son of the King"

You can still talk through Haruna in the future, but... if there's something you want to ask right now, better get it out sooner rather than later.

And So, Kurokawa Sasae-san.

Can't we just go outside like this?

I'm sorry, but that's not possible. Right now, you're only temporarily appearing here thanks to Chūdō En's power.

Unfortunately.

I expected something like that, though.

"Then, could you explain a bit more about the skill called 'Absolute Monarchy,' which the 'King' uses?"

"That's……"

At that moment, Sasaeda's lips stop mid-sentence, as if unable to speak despite wanting to.

It seemed that Enji would be the one to continue.

"Earlier, I mentioned that 'Absolute Monarchy' is a skill that allows its user to control everything under certain specific conditions, right?"

"Yes."

"To be honest, there are several conditions required to use this skill."

Well, within the range of prediction, I suppose.

After all, I belong to the faction that believes no perfect power exists in this world.

Back when someone using the "Spirit Master" class employed that skill called "Madness," it was incredibly powerful—but also extremely risky. I always thought there had to be a flaw in even something as absolute as "Absolute Monarchy."

"Among those conditions, the most crucial one is... 'the target must have received a proper 'reward.'""

"Sho-shu?"

I'll go into the specifics later, but basically, it means you need a certain price for anything you do.

Then, if you refuse that "reward," won't you be unaffected by it altogether?

"That's the tricky part. The 'reward' bestowed by the 'King' cannot be refused, no matter how much of a burden it may be."

"...? Specifically what?"

"For example, the reason so many 'players' are trapped inside the 'Master Dungeon' is because they received a reward from the 'King'... no, rather, they were forced to accept it."

"Wait... Did I actually receive something?"

I feel like I've lost more than gained.

"Fighter, before you came here, you sustained an injury, didn't you? A serious one, at that."

"...Huh?"

Then, memories from that day come rushing back.

Hakka-san facing off against the "Hero."

Me taking her attack head-on.

"...That injury from back then, was it maybe..."

"Yes." The "King" healed me....One of the conditions to be sealed within the "Master Dungeon" is suffering a fatal injury inside a "Dungeon.""

I grimace.

"...That's ridiculous. I could've healed myself with my own Healing Magic. If I'm locked away for months over something like that, it's not worth it."

"I agree....But the Skill 'Absolute Monarchy' was originally designed to create unequal exchanges. Otherwise, we wouldn't be in such a tough spot."

What? (Back away in shock.)

How the hell are we supposed to beat something like that?

"...If that's the case, I can't see any way to win against the 'King' at all."

"Then, it's my turn." As the 'Son of the King,' I have the temporary power to rewrite the rules. On the day I face the 'King,' I'll be accompanying the 'Warrior.' And I plan to advance by rewriting the 'King's' rules one by one."

I see.

So this hefty fellow is the key to defeating the 'King.'

"But I can only rewrite the 'King's' rules for about twenty minutes. So, I'd appreciate it if you could defeat the 'King' within that time."

"What if we lose?"

"Everyone who's helping me will be executed, I'm afraid. Or worse—forced to endure something even more terrible than death."

Of course, that outcome should be avoided.

"…Then, one last thing."

"Please, go ahead."

"What would happen to you, Sasaki, if I were to kill the 'King'?"

"In that case, I'd automatically become the 'King.' If I had a sibling, it'd be different, but I'm an only child."

"Can you guarantee you won't follow the same path as the current 'King'?"

"No, I can't."

...Hm.

Unexpectedly, a direct answer.

It was Sasaeda who spoke up instead.

"...W-Wait a second. That can't be right.... En, you're different from the 'King.' You're not a villain, so..."

"Exactly," the 'Warrior' said, "prove it."

"But... there's no way to prove something like that."

As she spoke, En slowly rose to her feet.

Then I realized—this person isn't just broad, but tall as well. Probably around 230 centimeters tall.

That massive frame made a heavy thud as it knelt down.

"...That's why there's nothing else I can do."

"Eh... En-san...!"

...Wow.

Seeing a middle-aged man bowing deeply—specifically, forehead pressed straight into the floor—I could only stare in shock.

I dropped out of high school due to bullying and have lived this long without really contributing to society....But there's someone who relies on me. I want to live up to their expectations. I'm willing to do anything for that. So please, make me a man!

Hmm.

Well, if a big man says it like this,

There's no reason to doubt it further.

You just said you'd do anything, didn't you?

Yes

"Once you've properly completed your duties, I expect you to prepare adequate compensation for both me and the 'Gambling Master'."

What form that compensation takes—well, that will need to be discussed with the 'Gambling Master'.

"Understood."

I wonder what the 'Gambling Master' will say.

Maybe something like, "Too sweet"?

Well, whatever.

"Also, by the time you face the 'King', you'd better have lost a bit more weight."