Episode 151: In the Buddha's Palm

"Warning. — Speak the traitor's name immediately."

Clearly, this was a message from the "King" directed at us.

"A traitor...? Hmm, um, does anyone have any idea who it might be?"

Ichi-kun frowns, looking uneasy.

"Who knows? I can't even guess. Probably just a trap to make us distrust each other."

The "Gambler" makes a deliberately dazed expression that makes you want to laugh.

"Is that so?...Well, I don't know, it's just... something feels off, you know...?"

"Just so you know, right now, the one among us who seems most likely to betray us is—Ichikuni, you're it."

Wow, this guy.

He's unbeatable when it comes to making up excuses on the spot.

"Wha—! I, I didn't mean to... I'm not..."

Ichi-kun's face turns pale.

Of course it would. He probably really has no idea at all.

'Traitor.'

In this case, it's Shunae-san, Yusa-san—and then, Ena-san.

Perhaps Ryusari-san and Ryuga-san could be added to that list as well.

Right now, what's clear is that the suspicion surrounding the 'King' isn't yet definitive.

Otherwise, there'd be no reason to apply such half-hearted pressure.

According to Nakaichi En,

The rules created by the "King"—let's call them "laws," for convenience—aren't easily broken by the King himself. That's why the King rarely, if ever, dares to probe into the "Master Dungeon."

so it is said.

For some reason, the Absolute Monarchy seems to have strict rules.

Just as the existence of the "Master Dungeon" isn't necessarily detrimental to the "Player," there seemed to be a certain balance between "commands" and "rewards."

Judging by the current "King's" intentions,

perhaps it's something along the lines of:

"We know our actions seem odd, but we don't understand the cause."

To be honest, this development was within my predictions.

Well, you know how it is.

It's unimaginable that you'd randomly guess the conditions for the "Boss Room" — a place so hard to figure out — right from the first day, isn't it?

『If you get a message that looks like a warning from the "King"... just play dumb. After all, the "Master Dungeon" is considered my territory, so they shouldn't dare interfere.』

『Even so... we might be fine, but there's a chance that the Yokoyama group could end up being suspected.』

To this question, Sasae answered on their behalf.

"Of course, we're fully aware of the risks....We don't think we can take down the 'King' without any danger at all."

▼

"So what do we do next?"

"Of course, we keep destroying the 'Return Point'."

Right?

"Wait, wait, hold on! Don't you find this creepy? This piece of paper just shows up out of nowhere—'Warning' written on it! This is bad, isn't it?"

"Then, what will you do? Ichikichi."

"Well... I guess I'll head back to Ryoma's place first... get things sorted out..."

"Then do just that. It's none of our concern. Right?"

"Ugh..."

Ichi-kun briefly lowers his gaze to the floor.

"There's a 'Return Crystal' item here. Using it will get you back to the Adventurer's Inn....Shall I let you have it?"

"...No. I can't burden you that much. I'll come along too."

The boy stubbornly insisted.

The "Gambling Master" snorted through his nose, then said nothing, walking ahead without a word.

His pace was slightly faster than before.

A sense of urgency began to stir in our chests.

We knew only a short time remained.

It felt like we were scrambling around in the palm of the Buddha himself, like a magic monkey.

No matter how far we went, a creepy sensation of being watched prickled our skin.

▼

Eight hours after successfully destroying the remaining two "Return Points,"

There were no warnings at all—just a peaceful journey.

"Alright. Let's head back."

The "Gambler" tosses the "Return Crystal" into the air.

In a flash of blinding light, the "Return Point" appeared before us.

Touching the blue hexahedron, for a few seconds.

After a faint sensation of fading consciousness, I suddenly realize I’ve returned to the front of the 'Adventurer’s Inn'.

Looking back, the door to the 'Boss Room' had appeared properly as well.

Phew, that was a relief. Even though Nakamichi En-san said everything would be fine, I was still a little worried, you know?

I was afraid, just in case, that we’d be trapped here forever or something.

I really can’t handle something like that.

...Well then.

Well, that aside.

"Um, uh... Is there something you need?"

Four people stood in front of the "Boss Room," their expressions solemn.

Ryoma-san and... the group of girls whose names remain unknown.

"...Ichi, come over here."

"Eh...?"

"Just come."

Ichi-kun glanced nervously between me and Ryoma-san.

No wonder—he could see the shotgun in Ryoma-san's hand, the same one he'd seen before.

The shotgun isn't pointed this way, but he seems ready to go on the defensive at any moment.

What's this? What kind of greeting is that?

I want to know your true identities.

Huh? What do you mean, "it's a disaster"?

"Out of nowhere, a piece of paper suddenly appeared right in front of us a moment ago... Want to read it?"

What the two horse guys pulled out was the familiar A4-sized paper.

The "cardsharp" glanced briefly in that direction,

Pointless

and crumpled it into a ball.

Huh?

...I wanted to read it too, but...

"If what's written there is true, then your existence will be... an enemy to every 'player' out there....Isn't that right?"

"...Are you really going to take that seriously?"

"How should I know? I don't understand. That's why I want to talk calmly."

"I don't like that."

The "cardsharp" gave a sarcastic smile.

"There's no time for that. There's no benefit in doing it....This negotiation was set up from the beginning to fail."

Eh, eh, eh, what?

I'm not getting the picture here.

Am I really being left out of this?

"That's why we're heading straight to the next floor. See you later."

As the "cardsharp" started to walk away, his feet exploded.

Looking down, I saw countless bullet holes scattered across the floor.

White smoke was rising from the shotgun's barrel.

"...Just for a short while... Please stay here."

"Be honest. You're just dazzled by the idea of a ten-thousand-dollar daily fee to hold me back, aren't you?"

"W-what...!?"

Cold sweat beaded on Ryo's forehead. It was painfully obvious to anyone watching that he'd been caught red-handed.

"Come on, it's fine! Let's do it, Ryoma!"

These guys are definitely messed up!

Why can't you wait just one day?

The girls all chattered excitedly at once.

I just couldn't bear to waste even a single day.

The gambler spoke in a stifled voice.

For a brief moment, our eyes met.

I'll explain the details later. For now, just trust me.

And.

I feel like I'm saying that.

Of course, no need to respond.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to push through."

The words escaped her just as,

"Damn it!"

Ryoma's shotgun roared like thunder.