That 207: The Key to Relief

After that, it turned into—well, a bit of a festive celebration.

Officially, it was to celebrate our victory.

But honestly, it probably served more as a long-overdue release of tension.

It seems Professor Sasaki had planned to hold such an event regardless of whether we won or lost, and now, taking advantage of the moment, he's been giving away nearly expired canned goods and alcohol in large quantities.

There were a few voices that seemed to hold back even on that...

Well, some food does spoil after a summer, so it's understandable, right?

As we used our healing magic to restore our bodies, before we knew it, desks had been brought into the gymnasium, and the space that had just moments before been a battlefield was now being used for a standing buffet party.

Now, the pirate-like old men who had laid down their weapons were cheerfully greeting us,

"Wow, that was amazing! I didn’t have a clue what was going on in the second half, but wow—great fight! You’re something else, really! Honestly, you’re like a monster!!"

They casually called out to us like that.

Though I could tell there was no malice in their words, I couldn’t help but think how carefree and fun their attitude must make life seem.

Yet… there was no trace of that unease I’d felt before.

Maybe it’s because someone I trust is right beside me.

That’s just a thought, though.

It's not that I'm easily swayed or anything.

Understanding each other through battle— that's only something that happens in shonen manga.

Seriously, seriously.

As I casually observed the preparations for the celebration unfolding among my companions, five wine barrels were brought in right beside me, lined up neatly in a row.

Everyone carefully pours the sweet-smelling liquid from the barrel into their mugs, taking care not to spill a single drop.

For some reason, it's always Mr. Sasaki who calls out the toast.

I had suspected it all along—this person’s been acting way too dominant ever since the "end" came.

A snack in one hand.

A drink or juice in the other hand.

Before people who stand in the strongest formation,

Then, to commemorate our victory!

Cheers! × 2,000 people

And the kind of laugh that's just "waaai!" without even knowing why it's funny.

I let out a deep sigh.

Our victory, huh...

Humans naturally find comfort in groups. Having a place to belong is desirable.

And, Tsumuri-san.

Well, that's something I can truly feel.

I'm currently feeling the two characters "peace of mind" floating in my heart.

That's Maslow's hierarchy, right? You know, once basic survival needs are met, people start craving a sense of belonging...

An older man with a rough voice interjected into the girls' conversation, nodding along with "uh-huh."

Yokku-san, you're surprisingly intelligent.

It was originally a reading of the text.

What kind of work did you do before?

"Not worth talking about... just a low-income worker. I've been thinking nonstop about getting run over by a truck and reincarnating into another world, since I never managed to find a wife."

"It's the world itself that changed the rules, wasn't it?"

"Yeah... Anyway, it's not exactly a good situation."

Yokku-san nodded, his expression heavy with melancholy.

And then—

Tatata-ta-ta—someone came running over in a hurry: Asada Rika.

"Senpai!"

"A"

The same confusing situation I can't figure out how to react to—this is the second time today.

Let's get ahead of any sarcastic remarks before they're even said.

Sorry I left you yesterday~☆

Whatever. It doesn't matter to me. I just want you to take care of yourself, senior. That's my wish.

"S-such a thing...?"

Surprisingly, with a rather indifferent air.

By this point, they start to seem a little fanatical—and it's kind of scary.

"Actually, may I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

"You guys somehow got new abilities, right? Without me noticing..."

"Abilities?"

"I mean, come on—Rinon's fighting style's completely different from before..."

"Ahh..."

Right, it was because Tsumuri's job changed to "Liberator," so her skills changed too.

To beat Yuki, I had to go through all sorts of things. Her current status... um... 'freed slave'...?

Was it...? I sent a glance to Shizuri, and she silently nodded in affirmation.

"So that means... Kou-chan... Hibiya Kosuke too...?"

"Hibiya-kun?"

Yes. He's my ex-boyfriend.

Amazing.

You came here with your ex, huh? A girl who knows nothing of such filth.

Today's youth are really moving forward these days.

Maida almost pressed against Tsuburi, gripping her hand tightly,

"I'm not sure I fully understand, but if that logic applies, then he's... a 'liberated slave,' right...?"

"That's right. He should now possess skills equivalent to Rinne-san's."

The purple-haired girl replied, her eyes slightly widened in surprise.

"Does that include... skills from the 'Sexual Arts' category?"

"That one's gone. It seems you'd need to pick a different job if you want to develop skills related to that... um, what was it again?"

"Nothing much. Nothing at all..."

She seems to be visibly relieved, as if she just let out a breath she'd been holding.

Did something happen?

I kind of want to know... but also kind of don't.

"Or rather, one more thing... When exactly are the seniors leaving this place?"

"Wait, leaving?"

"About the memory loss... We need to go on a journey to cure it, right?"

I place a finger lightly on my forehead and make a strange face.

"Go on a journey to cure memory loss? I'm not sure I follow..."

Actually, shouldn't we try something like hypnotherapy or other standard treatments first?

"Wait... haven't you heard anything from Professor Sasaki?"

"Huh?"

"Disgusting! Why would the teacher keep such an important thing a secret...?"

"More like he wasn't keeping it secret—he probably just wanted us to solve each problem one by one."

I don't need extra information getting in the way before I settle things with Yagiku.

Maida accepted it casually with a "Oh, I see," and

Then, allowing myself to speak from my unworthy mouth—there's someone we can think of who might be able to cure your amnesia. That person is a user of ...

"Jiku Kei, is it..."

I don't really understand it, but it looks impressive for now.

Her name is Renkai Hibiki. You must find her as soon as possible, senior.

Ah.

So, travel, and...

"But I actually put in a lot of effort today."

"Since you worked hard, what's the problem?"

"Maybe you should take a break for a while, don't you think...?"

Then Asada-san's expression turned even angrier than when her life had been dismissed,

"Idiot!"

O-oh, I got yelled at...

"You'll just drag things out if you keep putting off your homework like this!"

And she even sounded like a mother...

"That's true, but... I just don't feel like doing it, you know... I mean, I'm fine just leaving things as they are, actually..."

"No way."

Maida cut in sharply.

"Come on..."

"No 'come ons' or 'what ifs.'...Even if you've forgotten, I know, because I've chatted with Hana too often to not know."

"?"

"He taught that person, only you, the way to save a world coming to an end. I think that must be something incredibly meaningful."

I was taken aback.

"So that means..."

"There's the key to saving this world hidden within your memories, Senpai."

"Seriously?"

I see, I see.

Now I understand where my motivation came from before I lost my memories. That's it.

The protagonist of this story was... me, after all.

Huff, huff.

Then maybe I have no choice but to save the world.

Hmm, troublesome...