That 193: Suitable Place for Each Person

Is that really me...?

I'm not entirely sure myself.

"You always had that spaced-out look in class—pretty much your default expression. But after the 'End,' you suddenly turned into some kind of superhero everyone relied on. I kept wondering if you were even the same person."

"Huh."

I don't really have any objections.

Rinon gently leans her lovely face closer, continuing the conversation.

"For now, I'll just give you a quick rundown of the current situation."

"Huh?"

"Rika is safe."

In the dim light, I could hear Rinon's long, lingering sigh.

I've always thought, ever since I met her, that this person might actually be a natural succubus or something.

"The player who attacked you—Yozu Ginsho, right? He's a bit of a hero type, kind of annoying with that attitude, but once you talk to him, he's actually a decent guy. He understood our situation."

"Our situation... what does that mean?"

"That you're not at full strength."

"Huh."

"He's currently enjoying a meal courtesy of Mr. Sasaki. He said it's fine to postpone the match."

"Really?"

Well, that's good.

Just so you know, this was an incredible stroke of luck? If your opponent had been someone like the "King" you fought before, both you and Rika would've been completely wiped out without mercy.

I've heard the name "King" from Asada-san.

Apparently, he was a criminal who used Akihabara as his base.

"And besides... even though you don't seem to remember, the opponent in a 'Quest'—you can usually figure out where they're hiding, right? So in the end, running away's just pointless."

"Hmm."

"Hmm, that's it? Are you really okay with this? If you keep going like this, you'll lose to that guy."

"Does it really matter? Losing is fine with me."

"What?"

"Isn't there, if I recall, a way to avoid fighting altogether?"

Something like "just submit to him" or whatever.

"That's a last resort. If you do that, you might end up having all your skills completely stripped away by him."

"Then what's the problem with that?"

"……………Problem?"

"Isn't that basically—being able to return to being an ordinary human? Honestly, it seems like an advantage to me right now."

"You…!"

For a split second, Rinne raised her voice and stood on one knee on the bed.

I shifted my gaze around, feeling strangely uneasy.

I immediately thought I should get off the bed.

In my life, the bed is a sacred space—somewhere I don’t want to let anyone else touch my body.

Whether she knew it or not, she leaned forward even more,

"Listen, 'Haku'..."

She firmly gripped my face.

"That... that's something that won't do you any good. It's a truly dangerous way of thinking."

Ugh, ugh.

Her refined face was right in front of me.

Something slightly pleasant was emanating from her.

Even I, being the same gender, felt my heart skip a beat.

"Since the world has become this way, there's no option for us to run away. Sadly..."

She held the pose for a few seconds.

"P-please..."

"?"

"Let go... please..."

"Ah... Sorry. I must've squeezed too hard."

Then, slowly, my face was released.

Inside, I let out a breath of relief.

I was honestly afraid that if that had continued, I wouldn't have been able to resist even if it had turned into a kiss.

I'm a total hetero, after all.

"But you have to understand... Even Yuki's desperate. If he doesn't take you down, he'll lose his power as a 'player'."

Even hearing that...

I can't fight.

One thing is certain.

I know that once I pick up a sword, I'll surely be unable to turn back.

I know I'll be relied on by so many people.

I don't want to live that way. I just want to live doing small tasks within my own discretion—nothing more.

Even if the whole world curses me, it's fine.

I don't want to take on the responsibility of someone else's life.

"Haku." — You really are planning to fight Yoru, aren't you...?

I lowered my gaze into the deep darkness,

"I'm sorry. That's just a little... "

"So you want to go back to being an ordinary girl. Is that right?"

"Huh?"

"Yeah... I understand."

There was no trace of disappointment in her voice.

As if she'd already expected those words.

"Then I'll fight instead."

"——?"

"I'll protect you until you regain your memories."

Huh?

What is this, suddenly making my heart skip a beat?

"I have the 'slave' power granted by Tsumuri now. That bastard Yake can handle things somehow with it."

"Wha...?"

What's that?

Is it some kind of power related to a 'player'?

"You and Tsumuri will support me. If I lose, you'll just submit to Yake....How about that?"

"Huh...?"

I don't really get it.

Am I being handed some kind of duty here?

"You'll assist me with support magic....Just a little favor for old classmates. You can handle that, right?"

"Yeah...?"

Support magic? Can I even use something like that? Seriously?

...Though I couldn't quite put my finger on it, I somehow had a faint sense that I could do it.

"Then it's settled. The match will be tomorrow around eleven o'clock. I'd like to go over the plan beforehand, so meet me at the school gate by six in the morning."

I nodded absently.

"By the way, do you have any real chance of winning?"

"...You're better off than the trembling Zuri fighting you right now."

"Is that so."

As I turned to leave, I called out to Rinne's back,

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

I'll be honest with you.

She laughed, "Hahaha," and turned back toward me,

"It's fine. Let's just stick to what we're best at. That works for both of us."

She rubbed my head, just like she would a little child.

"Things like that have been pretty popular lately. With the constant shortage of staff around here, you know."