That 300, a brand-new outfit
After parting ways with the "Gambler," I walked slowly to the underground warehouse on the "Grande Lian" side to do some shopping for tomorrow's preparations.
The place, where a flea market is held every day, spans an area roughly equivalent to three basketball courts, always bustling and lively like a festival.
The items on sale are varied, mostly objects that evoke memories of past civilizations, gathered from within Tokyo.
And then—within this bustling area, there exists a space that clearly stands apart from the rest, with a distinct atmosphere.
Nearby, marked with the sign "Zombie Preparedness Supplies," are weapons that would undoubtedly have been illegal in Japan under normal circumstances.
Body armor, handguns, illegally modified air guns, hunting rifles, survival knives, makeshift chain sickles, and even wooden staffs made from hinoki wood—just to name a few.
This must be what passes for a modern "arms dealer," wouldn't you say? It's absolutely irresistible to any gamer's heart...
"Um... well..."
After a moment of browsing through items like a high school girl searching for clothes that suit her, I suddenly hear:
"Hey now... 'The thing that ends it,' Jaaan!"
And suddenly, I'm called out by a woman whose appearance is unforgettable after just one glance.
Pointed ears, tanned skin, silver hair.
A dark elf with the look of a visitor from an adult manga world—Miss Tōru Vladimir.
While vaguely staring at her plump, round breasts, I say,
"Hey there."
"Welcome back, honey~... Ah, wait, you're the 'Nameless High School Girl,' right?"
Names are just names, after all.
"Sorry I couldn't say goodbye properly the other day—I truly apologize."
"It's fine, it's fine. I had to rush off suddenly to deal with the missile situation, that sort of thing."
"Exactly like that."
Technically, it was a bit more complicated, but explaining every little detail would just make things unnecessarily roundabout.
"So, today you're here... Could it be that you're also headed toward the 'Infinite Spring' gate?"
"Yes."
"Gotcha."
"Tomorrow, will Mr. Tōr also be coming along?"
"No way. I'll be staying behind to watch the house."
Huh? Slightly unexpected.
I thought someone with her level of skill would show up if they were going to dive into the 'Infinite Spring' gate...
"Although 'Infinite Spring' can't be left alone—well, Rumia-san has basically sealed it away. Breaking it with Light Magic is currently on hold."
"Still, having a gate right near where everyone lives... it's a bit troublesome, isn't it?"
Toll ran a hand through her silver hair, looking slightly annoyed,
"…I'm the 'ultimate weapon,' after all. Can't just do whatever I want."
"I see."
Then again, it makes sense—they wouldn't let someone with her power do as they please, not if they're part of the Central Authority.
I wonder if that's what it'll be like once I become a Guardian too.
Hmm.
I guess I'll wait a little longer before joining their ranks and seeing how things develop.
"Da-kara! I'm living every day for everyone, making every day count! I've become thoroughly familiar with Japanese cuisine too!"
"Wow. A master of taking care of others, and a champion of cosmic proportions when it comes to being a pervert."
"Eh?...What did you just say? A bit of that Japanese language... 'cosmic pervert'?"
"Ah, sorry. Nothing important. I just let my true feelings slip out."
"???"
No way. Disappear. Craving.
"―Anyway! I actually wanted to ask you, Toll-san, for some advice! Over there, what kind of things do you think might be necessary?"
"Eh... Ah... Well, that's a tough one..."
Then Toll quickly walked past the area where weapons were lined up.
"Well, they're definitely going to have zombies over there. We need to prepare thoroughly for zombie threats."
"I see."
"The best strategy against them is not to fight, but to run away. What's most important is stamina, not power. That's why we should carry only the bare essentials. Weapons aren't necessary."
"Oh my. I was thinking I should pick up one or two things here, just in case... But no, we'll leave all that clutter behind. Once something's been left on the other side, it can never be recovered."
"I see."
"Even better, let's bring as many of these as we can—"
Saying that, she casually lifted up a chocolate bar.
"Here, we'll end up eating these until we can't stand them anymore on the other side."
Hmm.
"Ato, don't forget you can heal thirst with water-based magic."
Hmm, hmm.
"Since hair is the easiest thing to grab, make sure to tie it up properly with a rubber band. And as for clothing, avoid anything too loose—something snug is better."
"Something snug, you mean...?"
"Like gym clothes."
Ah.
Gym clothes, huh...
"Sorry, but I've been wearing this outfit forever. Where'd my trademark red jersey go?"
"It's... um..."
"Something wrong?"
"Not really, it's just..."
"Anyway, skirts aren't exactly ideal for going through the gate, you know?"
"I guess so."
With that, the two headed toward the women's apparel section.
After some discussion, their new outfit was decided upon—
Weapon: Just-Grab Knife (Attack Power +20)
Armor: Pitch-Perfect Button-Down Shirt (Defense +5)
Denim Hot Pants (Defense +2)
New Sportswear (Speed +60)
Accessory: Black Glasses (Accuracy +100)
Sandbox-style Goggles (Can be worn over glasses)
Skull-pattern Scarf (Subculture Girl Fashion Item)
Headband Rubber (Speed +9, Accuracy +5)
Item: Chocolate Bar ×100 (MP Recovery)
Something like this. (The numbers in parentheses are arbitrary.)
"…Something's off—my backpack's completely full of chocolate bars."
"Good, good!"
"And this outfit—its silhouette is too defined, I mean… it's almost…"
"Actually, that's… perfect!"
This person really does seem to have stepped straight out of an adult manga world….
That said, it's not so extreme at first glance, and it's definitely functional.
As players, we're actually tougher when we expose our skin rather than overdressing.
"Still… this is quite the result—"
A warrior so dedicated to being serious that they've lost all human warmth, almost like a character from a mature manga.
To my surprise, Thor seems quite satisfied with this outcome.
"Right now, 'Nameless-chan' is the ideal explorer and a total pro! Tomorrow's gonna be perfect!"
Huh.
Really?