That 198: Three Upper-Rank Positions

And so we meticulously planned our strategy against Yeku.

According to the rules of the duel, it's as follows:

・The match is one-on-three.

・Myself and Tsuzuri are strictly support roles. Direct attacks against us are prohibited.

・The battlefield will be a full soccer field.

・The duel ends the moment Rinon or Yeku becomes incapacitated or steps outside the field.

・The loser must submit to the winner.

・Bringing weapons is prohibited.

・Killing is not allowed.

Apparently, the rules were decided through Sasaki-sensei's ultra-C-level acrobatic persuasion, which explains why they seem quite favorable to our side.

Perhaps Kyouku-san's kindness was unexpectedly exploited.

Still, at best, we're barely at an even stand—roughly fifty-fifty.

"That's why, this time, it's all about me. The two of you just need to stick to supporting—no problem."

Poking proudly at her large chest, Rinne says with a smug grin.

I thought to myself: As long as that thing doesn't get in the way during combat, I'll be fine.

"Summarizing the information—Rinne's currently available cards are..."

"Combat Skills (Advanced), Natural Healing (Strong), Skin Reinforcement, Fire Magic I–II, Water Magic I–II, Lightning Magic I... and, uh, Sexual Techniques (Beginner)."

I see.

"If I convert these to player level equivalents, it'd be around level 13... no, more like level 12. The Sexual Techniques won't be useful at all this time."

"Is that considered high?"

No, never....Rather, one might say it's quite weak.

Suzuri answered calmly, without any particular emotion.

By the way, is there no way to strengthen Rinne-san any further?

"...Well, there's one, at least."

What is it?

After our previous battle—killing the "King," I've significantly raised my level. Thanks to that, I'm now eligible to change classes into a higher-tier profession.

"Hmm?"

I’ve already studied up on all the usual stuff surrounding players. I’m not confused by the game-like term “class change.”

Raising questions every step of the way would only slow down the conversation.

“There are three options available.”

Oh? Three of them.

“”Cannibal,” “Slave Trader,” “Liberator.”... Those are the new jobs now presented to me.”

Wait a second—hold on.

"…Eating…?"

"It's 'Cannibal.'"

"Isn't that more of a monster than a job, though?"

"I suppose you could say that…"

Well, even in Dragon Quest, there was a mysterious job called "Dragon," so I guess anything's possible.

"…Apparently, the 'Cannibal' class has plenty of skills that transform both mind and body to make humans more delicious to eat."

"Ugh. What even is that?"

"Anyway, no matter how you look at it, this one's definitely out. There's no need to even consider it."

That's right. Of course.

In that case, you'd have to choose between the latter two.

"Your current job is... 'Slave Master,' right?"

"Yes."

Why on earth did this child pick such an immoral-sounding job?

"Between 'Slave Master' and 'Slave Trader,' they kind of sound almost the same, don't they?"

"Yes. In fact, the jobs you can obtain are kind of an upgraded version of 'Slave Master.' Also, if needed, you can even transfer your 'slave' to another player."

"Hmm."

"However, some skills learned in the higher-tier jobs seem to come with certain drawbacks."

"Specifically?"

It seems some skills learned through the "Slave Merchant" class involve stripping away the self-awareness of the "slaves" you command."

"Oh? Really?"

"The "Slave Master" class was, after all, a job that required building a certain level of trust with your "slaves." But the "Slave Merchant" class can function even without such a relationship."

"……Hmm."

More than a century and fifty years have passed since the Emancipation Proclamation, yet the vague unease that anyone living in modern society inevitably feels still stirs within me.

Then again, perhaps that’s just a naively optimistic thought—especially in this “end-of-the-world” era.

“A second… ‘liberator’?”

"In a sense, a 'Liberator' could be seen as the natural enemy of a 'Slave Master.' This job seems to transform already enslaved individuals into 'Liberated Slaves.'"

"'Liberation'...?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but if you want to strengthen a 'slave' while preserving their self-awareness, the 'Liberator' becomes the option."

"Hmm."

Then, that's fine, isn't it?

"Of course, there are drawbacks to this as well.

First of all, the ability to communicate mentally with the "slave" that we've been using until now will no longer be available.

Secondly, the "Liberator" cannot impose restrictions on the actions of the "liberated slaves." Therefore, even if someone betrays us, there will be no punishment we can enforce."

"Someone who might become a traitor... is there such a person?"

"Yes, especially those based out of Ichihon Art University—they'll definitely betray us."

No way...

I'm being forced into a complicated choice, aren't I? Class changes, of all things.

"If I'd known this would happen, I could've prepared for it in advance... but right now, we just don't have the time."

Suzuri let out a bitter sigh,

"Of course, we could always choose to maintain the status quo. However..."

"Without doing anything, the likelihood of losing to Yaku increases significantly."

"Indeed, you're absolutely right."

Hm.

The morning agenda for the three girls was far too heavy for such a topic.

Even Rinne, who usually makes decisions quickly, was making a grim face, muttering, "Hmmmm..."

"So, in short, gaining new power always requires some kind of sacrifice, right?"

"What should we do?"

Honestly, I felt there was no choice but to leave the decision entirely up to her.

After all, as I said before—she's the one who's truly at the center of this story.