Chapter 391: UMA, Once Again

A dull, drilling sensation shot through her, and Aizuki Miyoi saw a peculiar rod-like object piercing the temple of "Nameless JK."

She recognized it.

A mysterious creature.

Even upon closer inspection, there was no other way to describe it.

It was a creature resembling a thirty-centimeter-long rod, with six small wings and ribbon-like fins attached, giving it a distinctive shape.

She already possessed knowledge about this being.

Its name was definitely Sky Fish—deep-fried in flour until golden brown.

The item that Rui called "Fish Dipper," an achievement reward.

She couldn’t recall the specifics, but it seemed likely this individual was the same one she’d seen before.

If this was attacking her now...

—When exactly had she been forced to submit?

The nameless one had clearly struck a bad spot, blood gushing from her temple as she knelt on one knee.

“—Gh….”

A single sigh.

And it was Meigan who rushed to her aid faster than anyone else.

The moment she caught sight of that bizarre creature, she drew a small knife from her belt and slashed it in half without hesitation.

Squelch—something unpleasant brushed against her palm.

Yet Miyan was not the type to be shaken by something so trivial.

"Mr. Nameless!"

Suzuri shouted, catching the collapsing "her."

Inside, Miyako thought, "That's not right at all." This woman didn't need anyone to support her. She could survive on her own.

That's right—just like me.

"Hey, you there, guy."

Miyako spoke, her voice edged with irritation.

"Me… um, you mean me?"

Suzuri asked.

"You take that woman with you. I'll hold them off here."

"Wha—wait, that was so cool… but no, not you…"

She scanned the surroundings.

There was no sign of the next attack coming. Probably just watching and waiting.

"I get it. So, uh... give me that weird ability of yours."

"Make me a strong warrior? Is that it?"

"I don't know much about it, but let's go with that."

"Ugh... but..."

"Hurry up. We don't have time."

Speaking quickly, with obvious reluctance, he placed his hand on Migen's head.

《Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)》,《Marksmanship Enhancement (Advanced)》

《Natural Healing (High)》,《Skin Reinforcement》,《Bone Reinforcement》,《Hunger Resistance (High)》

《Skill Assessment》

《Base Construction II》,《Weapon Crafting (Low)》,《Auto Maintenance》

《Throwing V》,《Attack Power I》,《Defense Power I》,《Magic Resistance I》

With this array of "skills" acquired all at once, Migen noticed she felt as if her own body weight had nearly vanished.

"...Hmph"

Yet, regarding that, she remained unmoved.

It had once been something she'd desired with all her heart.

—Anyway, it's just the power of those so-called "players."

Just borrowing it temporarily. Nothing more.

Right now, I have that "robot" with me.

"But you mustn't overdo it. Promise me."

"Relax. It doesn't kill people."

"Huh?...Do you know it?"

"Yeah."

"Who?"

"Hmm. Explaining would be a hassle."

With that, I kick him in the back, his expression one of bewilderment.

Having kicked out the disoriented "Nameless JK," Miogen shuts the door with a sharp snap behind her, glaring at the basement that serves as a cell.

Among the row of Disney Villains' dolls, one figure stands out as entirely out of place.

The most popular among them, the embodiment of friendship and universal affection—Nya'ki Cat.

A shy boy from the south, loyal to friendship yet harboring a prejudice against mice. Mischievous but gentlemanly, responsible yet careless with money. Enjoys sports and reading, with a catchphrase of "He-he!" (Wikipedia info)

"Hey, Fake Nya'ki."

When approached, the girl wearing a headpiece responded rather awkwardly, "Yeah, uh..."

She said,

"…Wait, did you actually go out of your way to spare me any trouble?"

"What? I don't get it."

"No,...then, never mind."

And suddenly, she removed her mask.

I had assumed that since she was hiding her face, it must be terribly ugly—but surprisingly, her features were quite refined. Quite different from the grimy, disfigured face I sometimes saw in the mirror.

"I... have a debt to Reika, who brought me back to life. That's why I can't help but be an enemy to you, older sisters."

She lowered her head solemnly, as if deep in thought.

You're acting like an idiot.

"?"

It's not something like that you're really worried about. It's because that 'nameless' guy realizes he's no longer the top....You're just like a newborn baby, clinging to your mother, a little kid who depends on her.

"...what?"

That one sentence—perhaps it struck at the truth. Or maybe, to Nishinakky, it was one of the things he could never possibly perceive.

"That's... you know, there's something kids just can't understand."

"You're a kid yourself, aren't you?"

The atmosphere shifted.

Whatever the case, in that moment, she could no longer afford to hold back.

Well, that's fine by me. I'm not the type to talk big when I don't mean it.

Rangetsu Migen unclipped her throwing knife belt and dropped it onto the floor.

"Just so you know, I'll spare you the weapon... If I kill you, that woman will surely grieve, won't she?"

"…………! What nerve you have, you—!"

The fake Nyakky's scream echoed through the basement like a thunderclap.

But does she even realize...?

The decisive difference between those pampered by the gods and the one who has truly endured the real battlefield.