arc2 · 039-ch39

Chapter 39: Big Money Get

With the repair for Asahi, my original drone, finally progressin', I felt relieved and headed to the university by train. I'd pulled an all-nighter last night, and I almost overslept—but I managed to shake off the drowsiness and made it to campus.

It was perfect timing for lunch, so I decided to grab some food at the cafeteria. I ordered the chicken tatsuta don set deal and finally found an open seat, plopping down. That's when I first noticed the absurd number of groups completely engrossed in videos on their phones, neglecting their food entirely.

"Man, this is insane—there's no way this isn't their best work!"

"A combo of Kokushi Musou and SS is the strongest out there!"

"Look at these view counts—they're saying it hit a world record!"

Ah, right—so yesterday the third Kokushi Musou strategy video got uploaded. I hadn't really checked on it. While munching on the tasty cafeteria tatsuta don—great value for the price—I opened up Kokushi Musou's homepage.

"Okay, pretty simple HP. My videos are... here?"

I selected 'Yatsugatake Dungeon Strategy Video ①' from the tag menu on the left.

"No way...!?"

I instinctively spewed rice everywhere when I saw the view count. The people around me were giving me dirty looks. But can you blame me? The first Yatsugatake Dungeon video had over 2.5 billion views. Just that one video alone probably earned Kokushi Musou 1.25 billion yen—and twenty percent of that was going straight into my pocket.

(Wait—what? That's 250 million yen!?)

I couldn't stop my hands from shaking at the terrifying figure. Originally, I'd just wanted to earn enough for Mom's potions. That's why I started this cameraman gig—but things have worked out way better than I could've ever imagined.

I nervously clicked on 'Yatsugatake Dungeon ②' to check its view count. Two billion. And one billion yen in revenue, with 200 million yen going to me. Holy crap, I'm starting to feel dizzy.

I was scared to click the final 'Yatsugatake Dungeon ③.' But I couldn't very well avoid it. My hand trembled as I reached for it, but I accidentally hit an ad instead. Come on, people—spring for the ad-free version already.

I clicked on 'Yatsugatake Dungeon ③' for real this time. Since it's the most hype part, I expected it to have the most views—and it was over 1.5 billion. In just one day. Kokushi Musou made 750 million yen, and twenty percent of that was 150 million yen.

So right now that's 600 million yen? I still can't really feel it. But more importantly, I need to ask Kokushi Musou if I can use this money to buy high-grade potions.

That's when I got a text on my phone.

(Oh, speak of the devil—from Kokushi Musou's Shinonome-san.)

The first part of the email was thanking me for the amazing video. Then came the details on this time's compensation. Just as I expected, the video revenue was six hundred million yen. The 800,000-yen filming fee looked like petty cash in comparison.

"Whoa!"

I couldn't help but let out a loud voice at the final line. I got more weird looks—but I didn't care. Because at the end of the email it read: "I got the high-grade potion for you. It was fifty million, so I subtracted it from this payment. I've sent it to the address you specified—please make sure to receive it."

I accidentally struck a victory pose right there in the university cafeteria. Maybe I've just cemented my status as an even bigger freak than before.

I immediately sent a thank-you email to Shinonome-san. Thanks to her, I might actually be able to save Mom.

I then scarfed down my chicken tatsuta don in a hurry and left the cafeteria. I wanted to get to Mom's with the high-grade potion ASAP, but rushing won't help. First, I'll properly attend my lectures, then head to the designated pickup location. After that, I'll go to Mom's place together with Umi.

I was walking toward the lecture hall in great spirits thanks to Shinonome's email—but why is it that right when things are going well, some nuisance always shows up?

"Hey, hey—it's that guy again. I was finally in a good mood watching that Kokushi Musou video. Can you just give up already?"

I could hear Ohsaki's loud voice again. Why is this dude always around? Maybe he's actually serious about studying for once?

But today's mood is great. I couldn't care less about his trash talk. I ignored him like usual and walked into the lecture hall. Wait—why is he following me? Let me guess—this guy must've failed this course's credits.

Today's Dungeon Basics lecture was about Jobs and Skills. The old me might've sulked and not paid attention, but now that I've leveled up and have skills of my own, I listened with unprecedented focus.

"Hey, look at that guy—he doesn't even have a Job and he's listening so seriously."

Ohsaki's chime in again while I'm enjoying the lecture. You should be paying way more attention yourself, jerk.

The professor was introducing existing Jobs. It ticked me off that Ohsaki was dramatically impressed when the one-handed swordsman name came up.

But there was no introduction of the 'Drone Pilot' Job. So my Job is still undiscovered, huh. I couldn't find any info about it online, either.

But the explanation about exclusive skills you get from raising your level was super helpful. Basically, you get your initial skill at level 5, and then specialty skills at every multiple of ten.

I've also been able to summon drones now. I haven't tested it yet, but if it goes well, I might be able to level up too. Better not get my hopes up too high, though.

After that, I got to hear some interesting stuff about the relationship between skills and MP consumption. I was so into it that I didn't even notice Ohsaki running his mouth the whole time. My stats must be pretty extreme, I guess. No stamina to speak of, but my MP is abnormally high. Maybe the skills I learn from here on out will be heavy MP consumers.

Feeling satisfied from the useful lecture, I headed to the parcel locker I rent in the city. I was nervous walking along the edge of the walkway since it's pretty crowded. I finally made it to the locker and unlocked it while unnecessarily scoping out the area.

Inside was—

(So this is the high-grade potion.)

The potion inside the fancy-looking box was a deep red that couldnn't be compared to low-grade potions. Just holding it made my hands shake—knowing this is a fifty-million-yen potion.

I got anxious thinking everyone around me must be targeting this thing. I need to get home quickly.

I shoved the potion box into my bag, holding it carefully, and hurried home.