That 199: Liberator

After attempting a telepathic conversation—this time with someone I didn’t know, but whom I trusted (probably one of those people already enslaved)—I ultimately settled on the choice: "Liberator."

Honestly, the phrase "stealing one's self" just felt too terrifying.

We’ll set aside the issue of betrayal for now, it was said.

Above all, it was decided to prioritize avoiding the risk of defeat today.

"So, after becoming the 'Liberator'—"

"I understand. I'll max out my skill set in accordance with the 'Slave Management' ability."

"I'm counting on you."

Then, Tenmi Tsuzuri closed her eyes for a moment, furrowing her brow as if silently concentrating on something.

"Uh-huh, uh-huh... I see. Fascinating."

Probably she's hearing that voice inside her head.

"Seems like the 'Liberator' has the ability to craft weapons even without materials."

"For example?"

"Simple ones—like a club, a rifle, a grenade, and so on."

"Hmm. But this time,"

"I understand. Since weapon possession is prohibited during your fight with Yakku-san, then what we'll learn this time is... up to Level V of 'Strengthening,' and perhaps 'Inspiration' as well."

What kind of effects do they have, exactly?

First, "Enhanced Soldiers V" seems to allow "liberated slaves" to learn new skills. Specifically: "Combat Techniques (Advanced)," "Shooting Skill Enhancement (Advanced)," "Base Construction II," "Weapon Crafting (Basic)," "Auto Maintenance," "Enhanced Natural Healing," "Skin Fortification," "Bone Fortification," "Strong Hunger Resistance," "Skill Assessment," "Throwing V," "Attack Power I," "Defense Power I," and "Magic Resistance I."

"By the way, what about the magic spells I've been able to use until now?"

"They should no longer be usable once you become 'Released Slave.'"

"——That's a pity. Those were actually quite handy."

"Still, the advantages of 'Hunger Resistance' and 'Bone Fortification' are significant. You're probably far stronger now than any half-hearted 'player' ever was."

"Yeah... got it."

The real question is whether Yonku-san counts as a "half-hearted player" or not.

"So, what exactly is this 'Encouragement' ability?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but it seems to be a skill that temporarily boosts the strength of the person you're supporting."

"Then it's perfect for this match."

"That's exactly right."

The strategy meeting was progressing smoothly and effortlessly. I was just sitting there, doing nothing.

Gazing at the drifting clouds, I began to feel a bit drowsy.

"Alright, it's settled—'Haku'. From now on, you're going to be my support."

I shifted my gaze to Rinon,

"Support? Wait, what?"

"That's right....You should already have the skill transferred, so go ahead and try it out."

"Even if you say that..."

"Anything goes."

Hmm. Well then.

"Go for it!"

I just shouted it out.

Then Rinon made a slightly strange face,

"Hmm. Not sure if it's working or not. Anyway, nothing changed from that just now."

"Maybe because it's not during combat?"

"Could be."

▼

After that, we spent about three hours confirming our teamwork with Rinon.

My assigned role was to support Rinon with [Encouragement] while using [Healing Magic V] to restore her stamina.

Suzuri is responsible for healing Rinnon if she ever sustains heavy damage, using the Healing Spell IV.

In that case, it would mean that Tsumuri-san is more likely to be attacked by Yozu-san than the other way around.

Then, Shiori glanced away awkwardly,

That's fine. I'm not afraid of getting hurt myself.

so it is said.

Well, it must have happened in the past, somehow.

Regardless, it seemed our cooperation was gradually becoming fairly smooth.

By that point, I had already begun to master the use of "Encouragement."

In fact, this "Encouragement" thing is surprisingly deep.

It seems that right now, I can somewhat control Rinne's actions simply by speaking certain words.

That said, it's not something that forces her to act, but rather serves as a supplementary aid to her combat behavior.

For example, I've come to realize that shouting "Attack" clearly boosts Rinne's physical strength.

Similarly, shouting "Keep it up!" seems to boost her morale, while yelling "Protect!" makes her body temporarily less susceptible to damage. And if I say "Grow your bust bigger," her chest actually gets a little larger—no joke. This is incredible.

As for my mood—well, I guess...

I feel genuinely sorry for Rinne-san, but I can't help but feel like I'm a Pokémon Trainer right now.

Of course, her already high athletic ability also played a big role.

Two hours before the match against Yeku-san, my partner Rion and I had become strong enough to completely overwhelm Sutori, who had been serving as our opponent.

Training ended around nine in the morning.

Since continuing further might affect our performance in the actual event, we took a break right there.

Sitting idly on a bench, we chatted about what we liked to put on sunny-side-up eggs (me: soy sauce, Rinne: ketchup, Tsumuri: ponzu), nibbled on some snacks, and even took a nap in the shade.

Strangely, none of us brought up negative topics like "what if we lose?"

And before we knew it, the fateful moment had arrived.

『JK Musou: How to Save the World at Its End』

Available today! (´・ω・`)