Episode 168: A少年 and a Deal

At the entrance of a run-down building.

Standing directly in front of me were two imposing men.

I recognized them.

They were Ryusou and Ryuga—formerly the "Floor Bosses" in "Master Dungeon."

To describe their appearance in one word—well, let's just say...

Honestly, they looked exactly like a Street Fighter II Ryu cosplay.

White martial arts uniform with a red headband.

Without even bothering to put on shoes.

"Gwaaahahaha! You've come at a perfect time, intruder!"

"Ah, hi there."

"Yes, hello."

Flowing hand raised casually by Ryusen.

"On the orders of the 'King,' we brothers won't allow you to take a single step forward! However, unfortunately, we haven't slept a wink since yesterday, and just moments ago, we just finished a 42.195-kilometer full marathon! ……So, just a little shove, and we'll pass out!"

With that extremely clear warning, I quickly knocked out Ryusen.

"Get lost!"

Ryuja collapsed right there, slumping to the ground without attempting to stand again.

"Excellent! Next one! I'll be your opponent!"

"...Actually, may I ask one thing first?"

"Go ahead! Go ahead! But right now, I'm bound by the command of the 'King'! I can't move freely, so if you're okay with fighting while I explain, I'll do it!"

Ah, that's how it is. No problem, really.

Then, let's do it—come on!

At the same time, Ryusetsu charges at me with bare-handed strikes.

I dodged each blow quickly and nimbly,

...Sorry for the inconvenience.

"Ha-ha-ha! What are you talking about? I'm the one causing the inconvenience here!...Wait, you're not even dodging my attacks at all! I'm actually being serious here!"

That's fine, I suppose.

"Just to confirm, if I were to lose to the 'King,' what would happen to the two of you?"

"Well, considering you've been openly betraying us like this, it's pretty much over! Hahaha!"

"So, is this place under the 'King's' surveillance then?"

"That's right! Haven't you felt like you've been watched ever since a moment ago? That's exactly what it means!"

Ah, now that you mention it...

I've had this prickling sensation at the back of my neck.

So that means everyone's been under constant surveillance like this all along?

That's quite a predicament. Can't even go to the bathroom.

"By the way. You've received countless pieces of vital information from your companions, risking their lives—surely you haven't forgotten them, have you?"

"Yes."

"The King."

That skill, which creates unequal exchanges, wasn't it?

There were still many mysteries, but at least we understood through Sasaeda-san that it wasn’t anywhere near “anything goes” (though, if it really were “anything goes,” we’d have been dead long ago, so it’s only natural, really).

Even players who are subordinate can’t be forced to commit suicide, certain abilities won’t activate unless touched directly, and like us, using skills consumes magical energy...

Incidentally, even while lost in thought, I continue dodging Ryusaru's attacks.

"Hahahah......Hahahah... Um, is that all the questions you have? If so, I'd appreciate it if you'd end this soon..."

"No, there's still the main topic left."

"Then, please hurry."

"It's about Ayukawa Haruna."

"Hmm? What about Haruna?"

"She's been unreachable for a while now."

According to the so-called "professional gambler," there was supposedly a secret message.

"Her... hmm. I can't quite figure it out. At the very least, I haven't seen anything."

"Ah, really?"

"...Is that all you wanted to ask?"

"Yes."

Honestly.

Just as I thought—this guy can't lie.

It's because, the moment I mentioned Haruna's name, his movements clearly became unsteady. It was obvious he was flustered.

Maybe they're trying their best to be considerate...

Still, right now, settling matters with the "King" is my top priority—there's no denying that fact.

Thank you. I found it helpful.

So... Fuhaha... Ha, ha...

Then, I'll make you comfortable now.

Yeah, about that... I think that's enough.

Saying that, Ryusaru fell flat on his back right there.

"Oh no"

Not long after, the man, covered in dirt, mud, and sweat, began snoring loudly.

"Then... good night."

After speaking to him, I entered the dark building where the "King" was waiting.

▼

Stepping inside the building, my first words were:

"Ugh."

The interior structure clearly showed signs of human intervention.

...No, that's not quite right. Not quite "human hands," but rather the hands of something beyond human intellect—perhaps that would be a more accurate description.

I'm very familiar with a space similar to this one.

"Master Dungeon"

The dimly lit ground floor of the building seemed to have been改造 into a small maze.

…mmmm

It seems as if the "King" is getting in my way...

"Improving the territory" and other things—especially anything related to designing dungeons, that's basically all my responsibility. There's no way I could improvise a maze just to buy time or anything like that."

I recall En's words.

If that's the case, then this maze was made by En.

"Is this...?"

What does this mean?

I was about to ask, but there was no sign of the "Feather Slime" nearby.

"Wait...?"

I must have wandered off without noticing.

Just a moment ago, he disappeared somewhere in a hurry when we fought, so it's not surprising I lost track of him.

"Ah! Warrior-san!"

At that moment, En suddenly popped his head out from deep within the maze.

"Thank goodness, we managed to reunite!"

"What about this maze?"

"That's right. As soon as he realized I was an enemy, that 'Pochi' fellow sniffed out my location. I was just buying time."

"...Right."

Muttering, I didn't hesitate—I struck him hard across the forehead with a peak strike.

"U-geh!"

The figure dressed like En-san... no, someone pretending to be En-san, spat blood from his forehead and instantly lost consciousness.

Then, I pointed my blade toward the boy hiding in the shadows.

"If you've got time to put on such a ridiculous act, just get at it already."

Then, a boy appeared from around the corner.

"Whoa. Nice job, big sis. You caught me!"

"This is—'The Walking Stick of the Phantom Cat,' right? No matter how much you change your form, your skills stay the same. A single Skill Check would reveal you instantly."

Heh heh heh.

It's thanks to my habit of immediately performing a Skill Check whenever I meet someone that I'm in luck now.

Incidentally, the nameless "player" I just dealt with turned out to be a Level 32 "Guardian Knight."

"Aww, too bad. I never thought I'd see that staff used before."

The boy approaches me without the slightest hint of shame.

"I had even planned a little scene to gain the "Warrior's" trust afterward. Too bad."

He was a boy with noticeably curly hair, appearing somewhat mature for his age.

To describe his appearance in one word... hmm.

— Pet-like?

If dressed in girl's clothes, he'd easily pass as a girl.

The kind of boy that would send anyone with a shota fetish into overdrive just at first glance.

Then again, lately I've become completely numb to that kind of sensation, so no matter how beautiful someone looks, I don't feel anything special. Probably.

"You're the one—'Pochi,' right?"

"Yep~"

"Where's Enji-san?...You don't mean to say—"

"Relax. I'm looking for him too. He's probably fine. The old guy at Nagatsu got taken out way too easily, so he came rushing over here."

...Hmm.

It seems he's not lying.

And at that moment, the Skill Assessment.

Job: Fighter

Level: 56

Skills: "Hi" "Mi" "Ts"

Well, I'll be.

This is...

"Oh, by the way, trying to check my skills is pointless—I’ve got 'Tama' faking my resume."

Oh, so that's what "Tama" kid's ability was like.

Is that so? Then...

Facing an opponent whose abilities I don't know feels a bit eerie, though.

"I'll take you down and clear the way ahead."

He readied his blade.

For now... let's activate...《Stun Mode》...

At that moment,

"Stop, stop! Time! Wait a second!"

"...What is it? Now?"

"Honestly, if the big sister went all out on me, I'd be completely helpless!"

Is that so? You never know unless you try, don't you?

"No, no, no. I get it. I'm not that clueless—I can tell the difference in strength. Even 'that person' told me not to fight with just any older sister..."

I rest the tip of my sword on the ground and tilt my head.

So, what do you want to do?

Then the boy nervously glanced around before

...Yeah. Right now, he doesn't seem to be being watched by the "King."

And muttered to herself.

Listen, please, big sister. I'm a player who's been assigned the unusual job of a "merchant." By the way, the "Bakeneko's Staff" was also given to me by that person...

When you say "merchant," do you mean the person known as the "forgery expert"?

"If you know that, then it's simple. I'm here—along with the lazy lump lying over there—because we were asked to come by that 'fake user' person."

Hmm

"There's a little deal I'd like to discuss with you. I'd appreciate it if you'd at least hear me out."

"...Alright, I'll listen. Just a conversation, then."

I nod reluctantly.

Of course, if it was just a ploy to buy time, I was ready to cut them down without hesitation.