Episode 282: The Gambler

After that, our next destination was the "Western Area," a location designed to resemble America during the Wild West era.

This was because today's video shoot was a collaborative project with "Commentary Princess," who lives in this neighborhood.

From this now-quiet and forgotten district, outlaws could emerge at any moment.

Well, even if I were shot with a revolver, I'd be perfectly fine.

When meeting "Gambling Master" — there was one problem.

I've heard that she and I spent a long time together during our battles in Akihabara, but I have a complete memory lapse from that time.

"Gambling Master" had no connection to my past life either, so there's no information from that angle.

So, honestly, I have no idea what kind of face to show her.

Well, this time we're just doing some kind of game commentary, so it might be fine to just go along with whatever comes up.

The "Gambler" is located at a place called "Outroze Studio," which used to be a photo studio where people enjoyed cosplay photo shoots.

That said, the place has now been completely改造ed for living and creative work, and almost nothing remains of its original studio atmosphere except for the exterior appearance...

▼

About the journey there.

"Then..."

"Hm?"

It was unusual for Meigen-chan to initiate the conversation, so I blinked in surprise.

"So, do you have plans to meet with Rika?"

"Yes... This time, I'll ask Reika to revive our comrades. That should give me a chance to meet her in person."

Incidentally, the VPs we earned from our previous viral video amount to about 130,000 points.

A deluxe chicken ramen costs 5 points.

A shower costs 3 points.

Bottled drinks cost 1 point.

Bringing a dead person back to life costs 200,000 points.

We still need to accumulate a bit more VP.

So this—collaboration video with the princesses from the “Unreal Kingdom”—is an unavoidable path.

"But that’s weird..."

"Huh?"

"I watched a few videos I made here... but everyone’s just a liar, aren’t they?"

"A liar... what do you mean?"

"Everyone's pretending to be interesting, even though they're not."

I see. I think I'm starting to understand a little.

"Even if it's just an act, you gradually start to believe it. If you treat a doll like a child while playing house, that feeling isn't fake, is it?"

"I don't get it. I've never played house."

"Wait, seriously? Never?"

"Yeah."

"...But you only need one doll to do it..."

"I've never received a doll."

"Huh, huh...?"

This kid really does seem to have some issues with emotional education.

"How about we try it together next time? Playing house."

"No thanks. It'd be ridiculous."

"Oh..."

As they chatted back and forth like that, the two of them arrived at "Outroze Studio."

"Excuse me, I'm coming in."

My eyes immediately caught sight of two girls sitting across from each other at a small table.

The girl wearing a cowboy hat is "Gambler" lady.

The other one is a girl dressed in a frilly, doll-like dress, about the same age as Miharu-chan?

"Come on, Tama... pull the trigger!"

"...Uuu, uuuu..."

On the table lies a revolver—Tama, the girl thus named, trembles as she presses it against her temple...

"——!"

I instinctively ran forward.

I grab the barrel of the revolver Tama is holding, sealing the muzzle with my thumb—(good kids, don’t try this at home).

Inside my palm, the energy that had nowhere to go expanded… then vanished in an instant.

When I opened my hand, the revolver, crushed by the bullet’s force, fell heavily onto the floor.

“Ow, ouch.”

Shaking off the pieces of metal stuck to my hand.

My palm showed no sign of a single burn.

Wow, wow. I'm really a monster, aren't I?

The "Gambler" stared at me in disbelief.

"What the hell are you doing, you idiot?"

"That's what I should be saying to you."

Five bullets lay arranged neatly on the table.

Something about this scene—like something I've seen in a movie.

"Wait... are you seriously playing Russian roulette?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Just thought I'd die for a bit."

"Huh?"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"I don't know what kind of troubles you're going through, but... I'll listen, at least as a life consultation?"

"No, it's not like that. One of us—me or this guy—gets shot in the head, then I'll apply for Rebirth to Rika."

"Why on earth?"

"Yeah, 'Avienia Castle' is heavily guarded, so we can't just waltz in. Gotta take the risk if we want to get inside."

She, petite and small, twirled her cowboy hat between her fingers.

"But even so, that's way too risky."

"Remember, you can't get the tiger's den without entering the tiger's cave. Honestly, we're at a dead end right now."

"Even so... I'm just..."

I looked away, shifting my gaze,

"...today was supposed to be our collab video, wasn't it?"

"Isn't that more realistic than an impulsive suicide, though?"

And then, HAHAHAH, laughs.

...Did I really spend months with this person?

"Don't worry, I've got the game all set up—properly."