Part 180: The Gap Period

Akihabara. On a bench near the station.

Hibiki Kohei, Imano Rintarou, Tada Ritsuko, Kumano Asuka, and me—five of us—were munching on rice balls and pickled cucumbers handed to us by a volunteer lady, sipping pork broth, and chatting animatedly.

Our topic of conversation, of course, was the events that had occurred during the past few months—the gap period.

"Huh... 'Master Dungeon,' huh? Well, I guess... that was quite the experience, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I suppose so."

Chased by a mountain of slimes.

Forced to walk through a needle mountain hell.

Even got shot in the stomach with a shotgun.

"...Didn't you get scared?"

"No, not really?"

Actually, now that I look back on it, it's a good memory.

I ate lots of delicious food.

And slept on a soft, fluffy bed.

Even the needle mountain hell felt like a pleasant foot massage thanks to the skin reinforcement. Once you get used to it, it's surprisingly enjoyable. I'd definitely want to try it again.

"Anyway, how about you all? Nothing changed, right?"

They exchanged uneasy glances with one another.

"...Well, it's been a bit of everything."

"What do you mean?"

"Truth is, there were people we couldn't protect on our own..."

Representing the four of us, Ko Suke pointed out the names of those who had passed away during my absence.

At least, none of the names of people I was familiar with were mentioned... Hmm.

It's clear that to counter the monsters, the combat power of the "Players" is essential.

Ideally, there would be a few "Players" per community, if possible...

"Still, I think our community is the most peaceful around here. Compared to other communities, we've had fewer conflicts—people even call it a 'paradise'."

"Is that so?"

"Yes... Thanks to Mr. Sasaki and Ms. Suzuki, who did so much to help. They always seemed to be thinking about how to make life easier for everyone."

"Wow."

In my mind, I picture the face of that old man with the frog-like features and the energetic sister.

I had always thought of Mr. Sasaki as pretty strict... Hmm, turns out he's actually a caring old guy, huh.

Asuka-chan said thoughtfully tomorrow.

"...There were quite a few people who overexerted themselves for a while, and the atmosphere at the evacuation center became tense....It was Teacher Sasaki who first suggested we should take proper breaks, just like in normal times. There was strong opposition at first, but in the end, it turned out to be the best decision."

The remaining three nodded solemnly.

"Thanks to the monster attack in the middle of the night, we were able to fight in top condition."

"...Wait. A monster came out?"

Yes

Were you alright?

Something like that... As I just said, the cost wasn't zero.

Huh?

Deep down, I've always been worried about that "monster"...

At least it seems the desperate ending has been avoided.

A moment to breathe, perhaps?

▼

Several hours later.

Suddenly, cutting off the flow of conversation up to that point,

"Yeah, that's right, that's right!"

Pyon, Ryota suddenly stood up.

"Whoa, almost forgot to mention that! Hey Asuka! That silver-shiny guy!"

Asuka snapped her fingers and said, "Ah... I remember now!"

"What is it?"

"Earlier, you know. Me and Asuka were looking for survivors around Ikebukuro, and we ran into this really weird guy!"

"Weird?"

"That guy was completely covered in shiny silver armor! Any idea, senior? "

Shiny silver? Armor? A cosplay?

"Hmm... I'm not sure..."

As I said that, one image immediately came to mind.

The man I'd briefly seen before I was captured by "Master Dungeon"—a figure clad entirely in black armor.

According to Hanakou, he's called a "Dark Knight" or something like that.

In the end, who was that guy, anyway?

He only said "……………Hmph" a few times. I have no idea.

"I thought he was the 'Dark Knight' you mentioned earlier, the one you told me about. What do you think?"

"But his armor was silver, wasn't it?"

The armored man I saw was clearly "pitch black."

The armored man Lin Taro described was "shiny silver."

Then again, I don't think there are that many armored men around...

Who could he be? Maybe some close siblings?

"Yeah, guess so... I was totally convinced that guy was the 'Dark Knight.'...Maybe I messed up something important."

"Well, as long as you're alive, there'll be a chance to apologize."

"Hmm..."

Lin Taro looks a bit down.

"…………………………………………By the way, senior..."

Seizing the moment when the conversation had paused, Tada Ritsuko leaned forward.

"What do you plan to do next, senior?"

"What do you mean by 'do'?"

"Well... like always... you'll have to go somewhere... or help someone somewhere... you know..."

Looking at her anxious expression, I was reminded of the words spoken by "Gambling Master."

If refugees are attacked by players, you're the one I can rely on.

In truth, there are still many players whose movements remain unclear.

"Heroes," "Dark Knights," "Merchants"—who knows what they truly are.

Now, we can't predict when or by whom a tragedy might strike.

For now, at the very least, I want to stay with everyone as much as possible until the situation stabilizes.

"I'd really like to just relax at the Gakō area for a while, if possible."

"Let's do that!"

Then, Ritsuko suddenly raised her voice unexpectedly.

"Everyone's waiting for you, Senpai, to come back."

"Oh, really?"

"Of course!"

Being told that straight to my face... well, it's a little embarrassing, isn't it?

"We're scheduled to evacuate with the tanks this afternoon. We'd really like it if you came with us..."

Plus, the timing couldn't be better.

Then, I'll be your bodyguard as well. I'll accompany you.

Got it!

...

Perhaps around the time when today's schedule was nearly finalized.

You seem to be having a lot of fun.

A man looking down on us with a sarcastic tone.

I recognize that perfectly sculpted face.

"Oh! You're Kinjo Ryoma, aren't you?"

"Koto城-san?"

Kosuke tilted his head slightly and whispered,

"Um... I feel like I've heard your name somewhere before... What exactly do you do again?"

"I just told you a moment ago."

"Wait, what?"

"The guy who shot me in the stomach with a shotgun."

"Oh, right... I see... huh?"

His smile faltered.

"But I heard all the other 'players' besides us have already fled this area."

"That's right....Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about that matter too."

"Hmm."

"To be honest, I'm currently acting as a messenger for a certain 'player.'...There are a few things they'd like to negotiate."

"Negotiate?"

"Yeah. It's probably something that could benefit you too."

"Hmm....I'll listen."

Then Ryouma smiled, his lips curling up like a J-pop idol in a candy commercial,

"...Hey, uh, are you interested in joining a 'guild'?"

"A 'guild'?"

...Well...

Um...

Yeah...

"What was that again?"

"About the 'guild,' well, the girl you're with—Momo ka, right? She should know about it."

Is this about Hakka-san?

If that's the case... (re-reading the "Reincarnated One's" information memo)......

★About the "Guild"★

A team consisting of more than ten 'players.' The guild leader promises to take hostile action if they encounter a 'hero' or 'demon king.'

(One-point memo)

The existence of "players" is quite rare. It's unlikely they would naturally gather together.

Looks like there's someone with a special skill among the "players"?

so it is said.

Ah... ah... aaaaaaa...

Oh, right, that kind of thing did come up, didn't it?

When I thought of the group known as the "Players," I assumed it referred to Nakamichi Ginga—the so-called "King," as I understood it. But according to Kururakamichi, the "King" and the "Hero" originally worked together, it seems.

"Could I hear the details, please?"

"Go ahead, but... pardon me."

He paused mid-sentence, then turned his gaze toward the four of us nearby.

His eyes glowed a pale blue.

—That must be the Skill Scanning ability.

I'm pretty sure you didn't have this skill the last time we met.

Did you level it up while I wasn't looking?

"...Yeah. Out of everyone here, you're the only 'player'."

"Typical."

"Well, I'm sorry, but I'd like to be alone with you for a moment. It's not ideal to have non-'players' overhear what I have to say."

"They can be trusted."

"Still, I can't help it... Sorry. I just joined the guild myself, and this is my first job. I want to make sure I don't make any mistakes."

"Oh, is that so?"

Yeah, I guess so.

I signal to everyone with a glance and stand up.

…………………………………Senior. I'll talk to you again later. I promise.

Feeling intense stares burning into my back.

I'm fine, I'll be right back

I'll answer casually.

Praying that this isn't some kind of flag.