ch41-ch60 · 042-ch42

Chapter 42: "Maybe she likes me" is a losing flag

I don't get it.

When I really think about it, I just don't get it.

Why would she go that far?

"Goh, gohfoo."

That was the last orc on this hill.

Time to collect the magic stones.

I've made it to the 19th floor, and this is still only the first hill.

But blood is dripping down from my head.

...I can't concentrate.

I'm not even doing things like using [Gate] to drop my target or anything like that—I just run straight at any orc that catches my eye and carve them up.

"This might be dangerous behavior."

If you asked me if these magic stones are worth risking my life over, I'd have to say no.

But I just don't get it.

Right now, I've been completely taken in by Watanabe-san's plan, not challenging the 20th floor boss.

The alignment of interests between me, who wants to secretly cash in the magic stones, and Watanabe-san, who doesn't want me to do dangerous things... I don't get it.

There's no benefit in it for Watanabe-san.

"Is this all of them?"

I should have pulled out all the magic stones from the orcs.

From the Watchman Orcs too.

Rather than doing the target-cutting strategy, it's more profitable to just fight head-on for the cost of one Watchman Orc's magic stone.

It's also more than 5 minutes faster since there's no time spent resting at my Gate destination.

But the danger level increases dramatically.

Which one I should choose is obvious.

"Poooon, poooon."

The Watchman Orc blew its horn when I entered the neighboring hill.

Orcs will come flooding in.

This is definitely wrong, isn't it?

But what's the point of telling them it's wrong?

What meaning is there in using your own time to stop me, even to the point of lying to the Association?

"I don't get it."

I carve up the orcs.

My thoughts keep spinning in circles and I can't concentrate, so this isn't really training at all...

︙

︙

"It's pitch black."

Status is insane.

Isn't endurance something you're supposed to gain through intense training?

I've apparently been doing something stupid for nearly 3 hours.

I'm not running while collecting the magic stones, so I guess that's somewhat like taking a break, right?

Even so, I didn't think I'd go 3 hours straight without stopping myself.

My backpack is full with the palm-sized magic stones from the 19th floor.

And yet, I didn't stop until I felt something strange in my body.

That strange feeling is also from leveling up.

Status is insane.

Actually, I kept thinking it was getting dark every time I picked up a magic stone, but the thought would immediately get erased by other thoughts.

"Maybe she actually likes me..."

I thought the other receptionists were just strangely mistaken.

That they were just getting carried away by Shiraishi's schemes...

But if that's not the case, then everything makes sense.

"[Gate]."

...I need to use up my MP before heading back.

This time, I carve up trees.

But now a different question comes to mind.

There's no reason for her to like me... is there?

This is a losing flag, isn't it?

It's that "don't misunderstand me" thing.

I almost fell right into Shiraishi's trap.

"Ah, I messed up."

Crack, crack, crack—the tree makes a noise as it falls.

I messed up the adjustment and cut down the tree.

This will grow back by tomorrow, right? Is it okay?

"Huh? Oh? It's still decreasing."

My MP continues to decrease.

[Charge・Spear] is still active.

I trace the fallen tree with the spear tip, but the [Charge・Spear] effect doesn't end.

I didn't mess up the adjustment—I had successfully maintained the skill even while using the spear tip for attacks.

"I don't know what will trigger it. Maybe I was overthinking it."

Once you get the hang of it, the rest is easy.

I couldn't test it since my MP ran out just now, but if I test it in actual combat tomorrow, it should probably be fine.

I won't think about unnecessary things.

There are some things you just don't understand no matter how much you think about them.

The dense protagonist type is a winning flag.

I haven't noticed a thing.

"Time to go home."

︙

︙

I made it back to the Association facility, but the sexy lady wasn't at the counter.

No, I take that back—that was rude. The Black Gal Receptionist was sitting there.

I should correct myself and say the lady from yesterday wasn't here.

Maybe the lady doesn't work a fixed shift, like the newbie receptionist?

She might actually be young and a newbie, but that sex appeal of hers...

She must definitely work the night shift.

By the way, Sato-san is next to her.

"Wow, that's some cool gearー. Are you hurtー?"

"No. I'm going to change first."

The Black Gal Receptionist talked to me.

Now that she mentions it, this might be the most covered in blood I've ever been.

It'd be bad if she notices my backpack is bulging.

I hide the backpack with my body and escape to the changing room.

"Phew."

First, I transfer the magic stones from the backpack to the Boston bag.

There are a lot, especially since I have yesterday's portion too.

I really overdid it today.

Actually, I haven't taken a single day off this week.

I want to master the knack, or rather the feel, of [Charge・Spear] before I forget it, so I probably won't be able to take tomorrow off either.

I have to skip school, go to the bank, and I want to go shopping once I can cash in the stones.

Things aren't decreasing—if anything, they're increasing.

"I'd like to store my weapon, please."

"Why are you going over there?"

"......."

Hmm. She fell for my feint.

She thought I'd come to her since she just talked to me.

As usual, Sato-san silently disappears into the back.

"Geez. But it's fineー. We're finally ready."

"Ready for what?"

For the cashing in? I still don't have a bank account though.

"All that's left is to take down Watanabe-san. Good luckー."

Wait, wait, what's that story about?

And what do you mean "finally"? It's only been a week since I started coming here.

Tell me what happens when you take down Watanabe-san.

Huh? So that's really it?

Wait, don't panic. This is Shiraishi's trap.

The Black Gal Receptionist has fallen into Shiraishi's trap.

It's okay, I haven't noticed a thing.

If anything, I can't hear you. Huh? What did you say?

Only the dense protagonist can win.

"I don't really get it, but I can't win. How's a Single supposed to beat a Double?"

"Ah..., then what will happen to Watanabe-san?"

"...I believe I told you not to interfere."

Sato-san came back.

She returns my license.

Huh? What happens to Watanabe-san? Nothing happens to her, right?

"But, Sato-san. Isn't there some way?"

"...There isn't. The minimum condition is that the level difference is small. Especially that person—she's at a level where she could become a Triple-Rank anytime now. A newbie who just became a Single yesterday or today can't possibly beat her. All you can do is steadily take your time raising your level."

"No way... Steadily? That's too harsh. Watanabe-san is in such a hurry... Uu."

"??"

I meet eyes with Sato-san and tilt my head.

Even Sato-san doesn't seem to understand what the Black Gal Receptionist is talking about.

What does she mean "in a hurry"?

Don't tell me, is something wrong with her?

I didn't get that feeling from her today.

We were just sparring normally.