arc1 · 008-ch8

Chapter 8: Only He Doesn't Know

We started our exploration the next day, after recovering from the fatigue of the game tournament that went through the night.

"There it is. A Horned Rabbit."

Following Kawabe's gaze, I could see something like it resting in the grassy shade in the distance.

"Any other explorers around?"

"None. No worry about someone snatching it."

"Good. Then shall we proceed as planned?"

I nodded and took out the bag I'd concealed in my pocket. Taking one of the tissue-wrapped packets inside, I quietly approached the Horned Rabbit.

When I got close enough that its form was clearly visible, the Horned Rabbit noticed us. And its expression clearly changed; it shivered and turned its body toward us.

"—Haah!!"

There was no other choice. Feeling this was it, I threw the packet in my hand at the Horned Rabbit's feet. It hit exactly where I intended, the tissue tore, and the powder inside scattered.

"—Buh?! Bshoo! Bshi! —? Bb-bb-huh!"

The Horned Rabbit sneezed, looking bewildered. But perhaps because nothing unusual happened, anger rose instead, and it charged straight at us.

However, its movements were sluggish. Normally, despite its massive body, it's fast enough that keeping up is difficult. But now, its speed has dropped to a level even I can handle.

"Whoa—yo! Haaah!"

For Kawabe, who became a <Warrior>, this speed must feel even slower. Instead of catching the Horned Rabbit's attack with his great shield, he timed it to when it hit and slammed the rabbit back.

Hit with a counter-like motion, the Horned Rabbit was knocked over and tried frantically to stand. But even that movement was slow.

Before the Horned Rabbit could regain its footing, Kawabe's mace struck its head. One clean hit stopped its movement, followed by further pursuit.

It reached the point where Ina didn't even need to take the field. More easily than ever before, Kawabe finished off the Horned Rabbit all by himself.

"Whoa. Amazing. We defeated it easily."

"I had prepared <Magic>, but it ended up completely unnecessary. Just using a magic item makes hunting this easy?"

"Yeah. I didn't expect it to be this effective either..."

At the two of them looking at me with surprise, I responded with a similar expression. No, even though I did it myself, I hadn't expected it to be this effective.

The true identity of what I used — <Numbing Potion>. It's a status condition item that can be made from poison plants like <Numbing Grass> obtainable in this grassland.

Its effect is exactly as the name suggests — it has the effect of slowing the opponent's movements. I, too, with <Alchemy>, didn't even know of its existence until I saw the recipe in my head. It's a minor item.

At this unexpected result, Ina groaned.

"Why is such a useful item so little known?"

"Well, about this item. It apparently doesn't work very well against strong monsters. It's effective on monsters of this level, at least. And the amount we just used costs about ten thousand even at retail price."

"...So it's basically operating at a loss."

Yes, exactly as Kawabe says.

Selling the Horned Rabbit's skin and meat would probably bring around twenty thousand yen. Subtracting the <Numbing Potion>'s price from that leaves ten thousand. Divide that among the three of us, and each person's profit is about three thousand yen. If we increase the party size, it goes lower.

Moreover, this is assuming we obtain clean materials. If we cause too much damage defeating it, or if the dismantling is clumsy, the purchase price drops further.

By the way, if you raise <Numbing Potion>'s performance, it apparently works on strong monsters too — but would you really want to go that far to get it? By then, you'd be strong enough not to need to rely on such things.

The only time you'd use it is when you're just starting out, and if you know from the start that using it means operating at a loss...

"There's no reason to use it."

"Indeed. Though the advantage of being able to level up safely is significant, our livelihoods depend on it. If Kaede weren't here, we wouldn't use it either. This is the strength of an <Alchemist>."

"Even so, I honestly don't want to use this either. It was a bit troublesome to make, the usability is subtle when you think about whether it's effective, and above all, self-detonation is scary."

Even though it was because I played too much and ran out of time, making it was quite a hassle, you know.

This is because, normally, it's a liquid. You put it in a flask and throw it; the moment it breaks, it turns into smoke and the enemy inhales it. But for that, you have to use the flask as a disposable item... which costs money. Right now, I'm a bit short on funds.

So I reluctantly made it into a powder, wrapped it in easily-tearing tissue paper, and secured it with a rubber band. I praised myself for a well-made improvisation, but... the powder scattered less than I expected, and there was even a possibility it might not break and fail to activate. For that matter, it might even break while I'm carrying it and affect us instead.

Too many drawbacks. Ultimately, it's not something you force yourself to use. But even so, I decided to use it. I, intentionally, would use an item. There's meaning in that.

"So about dismantling — I can leave it to you, right?"

"Yeah. I'll do it. I'll count on you for the lookout."

"Understood. I shall freeze anyone who approaches."

"What are you getting all high and mighty for? Someone who'd get killed easily on his own."

Listening to these two's comedy routine, I take off the backpack I'm wearing.

It's an ultra-large backpack I bought at the Shibuya Branch before entering the dungeon — different from what I've been using until now. With this, I can transport amounts that don't even compare to before.

Then I take out the large cooler box I packed inside, along with the dismantling tools. Preparation complete.

All right, let's do this...

I silently begin dismantling the Horned Rabbit. I'm not used to it yet, so my movements are uncertain. But this is something only experience can improve. Besides, there's a possibility that eventually, I'll be able to complete this work in an instant.

While I focus on dismantling, Ina speaks to me while keeping watch.

"But Kaede, you really made a bold choice. I can't believe you're not even holding a shield."

"Mm, yeah. Honestly, I was conflicted about the shield. But I thought if I'm specializing in support, that's what I should do. I feel sorry if I end up being a burden to you two, though."

"It's fine. We also listened to your explanation and were convinced. <Item User> and <Porter>. Indeed, if we could get either of those, it would be a powerful force for us too."

Yes. Those two are the reason I changed my exploration style.

For this exploration and onward, I asked for two things:

"When there's an opportunity, I will actively use items."

"I won't participate much in combat and will focus on miscellaneous tasks like carrying luggage instead."

When I thought about specializing in support, I considered if there were possibilities beyond <Appraiser>. And what immediately came to mind with a gaming perspective was an "item user"-type power that gives bonuses to item usage, and the existence of a "porter."

So far, no jobs or skills corresponding to these have been found. But when thinking as a support role, considering ability synergy, this is the only option.

"Item user" goes without saying. For me, an <Alchemist> who creates items, there's no better combination.

And "porter." Even from just a few explorations, I well understood the importance of carrying luggage. I thought I should become an expert at it so my companions could focus on combat.

It's the same as 【Person Appraisal】 and 【Monster Appraisal】, which are <Appraiser> skills. There might not be one, but if you're going to bet on that possibility, you can't do it halfway.

That's why I decided not to hold a shield. Fortunately, the two of them agreed with my speculation, which was close to a delusion.

Serious talk here — Kawabe continued while looking around his surroundings.

"<Alchemist> with 'item user' would be absolutely strong, right? In games, that'd be core-level. Maybe so strong it can't even be implemented. Broken balance confirmed. It's worth the gamble. And more than anything — a porter is seriously necessary! I understood that well in just a few explorations!"

"I think so too. There are many works that treat porters as low-status, but those who make fun of porters are the real idiots. There's no way you can fight while carrying heavy luggage, you know."

"Exactly! I feel like my strength went up after becoming <Warrior>, but there's absolutely no way I could fight while carrying luggage."

Yes, that's really how it is. The very idea of luggage-carrying plus combat is already looking down on it.

In battles where your life is at stake, why would you handicap yourself by carrying extra weight? Each of us has our own specialty.

That's why we're dismantling Horned Rabbits, which aren't even that valuable. If I want to aim for <Porter>, I need to carry luggage, but if there's no luggage to begin with, I can't carry it.

By my own standards, this is quite a luxurious conversation. If I couldn't earn money with 【Alchemy】, I probably wouldn't even consider this possibility.

"Item boxes, inventories — when you think about it, they're too cheat-like, aren't they."

"I understand. They're not powers you can have as standard equipment. Well, I plan to acquire one eventually! — All done. Let's go."

If I actually could acquire one, it'd probably be a job like <Porter>, or maybe there's a chance Ina the <Mage> could get it? If that happens, it wouldn't just be convenient — I'm not joking when I say the environment would change. I seriously want to get it.

After finishing the dismantling, we immediately search for the next prey. We haven't done much fighting, so our steps are light. I'd like to defeat them quickly and level up, but —

"Hey, it's a Grass Wolf."

"Oh, a strong enemy. Let's prepare thoroughly — damn, we're spotted!"

"Here it comes! Kaede, hurry! Ina too!"

Finding it was fine, but this time, we couldn't approach secretly. Rather, it found us from its side and took the initiative by charging at us.

"Urgh! — Can't make it, sorry!"

"Good! Leave it to me!"

I hurriedly throw a <Numbing Potion>, but it's easily dodged, and the powder scatters uselessly.

Kawabe stands in our way, blocking the Grass Wolf's path. Perhaps because its attack failed, the Grass Wolf backs away once and growls.

More cautious behavior than I expected. But that moment of hesitation is fatal.

"Ice Bind!"

Ina's ice magic attacks the Grass Wolf. White mist-like substance wraps around the Grass Wolf, freezing it to the ground along with the earth.

"Oraaa!!"

Kawabe closes the distance and swings his mace down on the Grass Wolf's head, which has stopped moving. BAGOH!, a cracking sound echoes, and it's clearly the Grass Wolf's consciousness that flies away.

Even if it's still alive, counterattacking from there is probably impossible. Thinking that was my mistake.

Rustle, a small sound of grass being stepped on comes from behind. Reflexively looking back, a new Grass Wolf is about to attack Ina.

A companion, a decoy?! They were hiding to definitively finish us off?!

"Ina! Behind!"

"Eh? — Ugh, uwaaah?!"

Ina, who had been focusing on magic, apparently hadn't noticed at all. He holds his staff sideways, but it doesn't look like he can defend against it.

Kawabe is too far away to make it in time! And without a shield, I can't even serve as a wall... but I have no choice——

"—Don't screw with me, you shitty dog!! I'll fucking kill you!!"

With Kawabe's angry shout, his body glows bright red. As I momentarily marvel at that vivid color, the new Grass Wolf slips past Ina and charges straight at Kawabe.

"Hm? Eh, what?"

"Oh? Eh, why... well, fine! Bring it on!!"

Kawabe blocks the new Grass Wolf's charge with his shield and raises his mace, but the Grass Wolf that had been unsteady until just now bites down on that arm.

"—Dah?! Ow...! Nngh...!!"

"Ina! Hurry!"

"I know! I'm doing it now!"

With his weapon-holding arm bitten down on, there's no way to counterattack. Against the other wolf's attack as well, Kawabe could only stand firm with his shield raised.

Still, somehow Kawabe managed to endure. Just when I thought it was all over, Ina's 【Magic】 completed.

"Ice Dagger!"

"—Gyaah?!"

Instead of freezing and binding like before, a small ice pillar floats in midair and attacks the wolf.

The ice stabs into the body of one wolf that was distracted by Kawabe, and it falls to the ground. Seeing this, Kawabe takes the chance to shake off the weakened wolf and smashes his mace down on the fallen one.

"Guh, urgh! — You too, just die already!"

CRUNCH, he crushes both their heads and properly finishes them off.

Having seen this through, Kawabe collapses to his knees with a thud.

At that moment, I feel my body suddenly heat up. Level up. But this isn't the time for that!

"Kawabe! Are you okay?!"

"O-oh. I'm okay. It hurts, but I don't think I'll die. No, actually, I might die. It seriously hurts."

"I'll prepare a potion right away! Where did it bite you?!"

Seeing Kawabe's face covered in cold sweat and pale as a sheet, panic rises. It's amazing he endured this far.

Looking at him, blood is flowing not just from the bitten arm, but from his leg too. It looked like he was blocking well with his shield, but apparently the attacks were slipping through somehow.

Pouring potion directly on the wound is the most effective method, but if there are many wounds, it's apparently better to have them drink it and heal the whole body evenly.

In this case... which one? What should I do?!

If the wound is deep, pour it on. If there are many wounds, have them drink it. If the wound is deep, pour it on. If there are many wounds, have them drink it——!!

——SPLASH!

"...Hey."

"I, no, sorry! I really didn't do it on purpose! I just panicked wondering what to do and did it without thinking!"

Kawabe-san, who had potion splashed in his face, looked angry.

Well, of course. After such heroic maneuvering, getting splashed in the face is an insult. But I really didn't do it on purpose! So please stop threatening me with that ominous voice...!

"You, even though I saved you and all... hm? It doesn't hurt. Oh?! Look, the wounds are healing rapidly! This is gross!"

"It's true. This is amazing."

Potions certainly close wounds when you pour them on them, but it's not instantaneous. It takes some time to heal completely. In that respect, it's the same as normal medicine. But compared to those, it raises self-healing power incomparably more. To the extent that you can visually confirm it's clearly healing.

In gaming terms, rather than instantly restoring the HP gauge, it gradually recovers over time. With high-level potions, the wounds apparently heal so fast it feels instantaneous.

Watching the wounds completely heal, Ina breathes a sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry. Because of me, Kawabe got hurt."

"Don't worry about it. That's your role, right?"

"Mm. But..."

"Getting to this point was something I accepted when I became <Warrior>. No, of course I don't want to get hurt? So next time, you defeat the enemy before it gets to this point. You can do that, right?"

"...Yeah. Thanks. Next time, I'll do better. By the way, Kawabe. You were emitting a strange light just now, weren't you?"

"Yeah, that. Clearly, the Grass Wolf went after you because of that. You — did you maybe learn it?"

"Wait a second. — Oh?! I have the 【Provoke】 skill! Amazing, me?!"

That was the only possibility, but as expected!

【Provoke】 is a skill that warrior-type jobs can acquire. For anyone who enjoys RPGs, there's no need to explain it — it's the tank role that attracts the enemy's attention to yourself and takes all attacks. It's an essential skill for that.

By having a tank accept and control enemies, all of a party's actions — attack, defense, recovery — become smoother, and you can freely manipulate the battle situation.

When considering tactics, a tank's existence is indispensable. If you're going to be a tank, this skill is essential. It's that important a skill.

So why is Kawabe so surprised just by learning this essential skill, 【Provoke】? The truth is, with this 【Provoke】, even though it's necessary for a tank, there are some who can't learn it.

Those who can learn it at a low level like Kawabe have considerable luck. There are those who finally get it after raising their level quite a bit, those who give up and focus on being attackers, and even those who never learn it and end up with their party dissolving.

I feel pity for those who go as far as dissolving, but if someone joined expecting you to be a tank, and you never learn it no matter how much time passes, it's inevitable there would be friction. That's especially true if you understand the importance of being a tank. Even I would consider dissolving if I were in that position.

That's why those who can learn 【Provoke】 at a low level are apparently evaluated quite highly. They constantly get headhunting offers from other parties, and it's apparently even a struggle to turn them down.

"Could it be, my time has come?"

"Actually, your evaluation as a <Warrior> will go up, right? Unlike me as production who's convenient to have around, this is evaluation as an explorer. I'm a bit envious of that part."

"With this, you can become a proper meat shield. Congratulations. The trade-off is you'll be invited to even more death-defying places, though."

"That's not something to celebrate?! Why do I have to go out of my way to dangerous places?! Doing this appropriately with you guys is enough!"

Yes, it ends up like that, doesn't it. So while I say I'm envious, honestly, I'm not really.

Those who are in dangerous places understand the importance of tanks best, so they don't spare any effort in scouting <Warrior>s who can tank. Accepting those headhunting offers means getting closer to death — it's exactly as Ina says.

For me, who wants to live without dying and have a moderately stimulating life, 【Provoke】 is something I absolutely don't want. Conversely, those who learn 【Provoke】 or seriously want to acquire it are amazing. If it were me, I absolutely wouldn't need it.

Because using 【Provoke】 means——

"—Ah"

"Eh, what? What happened?"

At the voice I leaked unintentionally, Kawabe responds with a blank look.

...Complimenting this guy is annoying too. Thinking that, I told a lie on the spur of the moment.

"No, I thought I saw something like a Horned Rabbit, but it seems I was mistaken."

"What's that? Don't scare me. I thought another wolf had come."

"Hmm. Too bad. With the current Kawabe, we could fight more safely. — If I were there"

"That's exactly right! Do you understand how much trouble that puts me through?! No, it's fine?! You said that was fine?! But show some guilt at least!"

"Rest assured. There's still potion left. — If you're alive, I'll even kill you to heal you if I have to."

"Your potions aren't that good yet. And the conversation was about not wanting to get hurt in the first place, wasn't it? By the way, what's with that catchphrase? When did you think of it? I feel like I've heard it somewhere, and clearly, you lost that phrase exchange. Were you aiming for it? You're off, you know?"

Sh, excuse me. Aiming not too much, but making it easy to understand. I spent about an hour racking my brains on this masterpiece, only to receive such abuse!

But it's fine. Ina will understand.

"Kaede—! I can't lose to this either."

"Hmph, if you're satisfied with such vulgar 【Magic】, I don't think it's possible. But well, keep striving."

"Your trivial competition is whatever, but seriously, what should I do? Getting headhunting would be too troublesome."

"For now, just don't report that you learned the skill to the Association. If you do that, you won't get headhunted so easily."

The Association handles party matching tasks, so they can introduce talented people if requested. However, this is only for those who want it, and since the information referred to is self-reported, if you just don't report, the fact that Kawabe has 【Provoke】 won't be leaked to others.

...It's really good that skills are self-reported, isn't it.

There's a disadvantage that you won't get introduced to good jobs according to your abilities if you don't report. But even while saying it's only for those who want it, there are apparently staff members who leak information behind the scenes. Or rather, that became a problem, leading to the self-reporting system.

Being able to avoid such troubles is also a benefit of being latecomers.

At my suggestion, Kawabe shows a relieved smile.

"Is that so. Is that allowed? Then I can feel at ease."

"Well, there's a possibility you'll be seen by those working around here, though."

"Then it's no good, isn't it. What should I do?"

"You have no choice but to hide it when you use it, do you? It stands out quite a bit, and trying to hide it completely is impossible anyway. If you're found out, just give up."

"Eeh... Haa. Guess there's no helping it."

"I don't think you need to worry that much, though."

"Eh? Why's that?"

"Most of the people in the shallow layers are young people, starting with university students. No matter how much <Warrior>s with 【Provoke】 are in demand, do you think young people would invite people like us?"

...Ah, certainly, I didn't have that perspective.

For young people, the question of whether to include guys over thirty is a subtle point, isn't it. The age handicap is big. In the sense of exercise-deficient middle-aged men.

"That's certainly true, but I can't celebrate that. Getting reality shoved in my face like that is too much of a shock..."

"Still thinking of ourselves as young, when in fact we're properly middle-aged men too, huh."

Ina pats Kawabe on the shoulder, comforting him. I'm secretly taking damage too, though.

But will it really go as Ina says? Honestly, I'm suspicious.

They won't invite us because we're middle-aged men. That's true. But if not as companions, but as decoys? As convenient tools, wouldn't that be a different story?

Those who aim to become explorers — they're not decent people, are they? Higashi-san also said that sensible people like us are rare.

If they're middle-aged men, it doesn't matter if they die, right? Let's have them be shields for us. There's no guarantee such shitty brats who spout this kind of nonsense don't exist... rather, they absolutely exist, don't they.

And do you think such people would make proper invitations? Even if you refuse, would they honestly give up?

『How about it? Instead of those two over there, why not work with us?』

『Huh? What's this, you won't listen to what we say? Old man, do you understand your position?』

『Ah-ah, this won't work. Let's have you experience some pain.』

With that said, isn't there a high possibility of getting entangled like this? If it's just being threatened, it's still fine, but the worst case would be——

...I might need to prepare various things.

In the sense of tools. And in the sense of resolve. Doing that is my job.

If it's to protect my companions, I'll do whatever it takes. The fact that the one I'm protecting is an otaku fat old man with an aura of uncleanliness is more saddening than anything.

No, seriously, why middle-aged men. This should be where you get fired up for the sake of a heroine, isn't it.

●　　　●

"Aah, tired. We worked hard today too."

"We collected materials in larger quantities than last time. Tomorrow will be busy, probably."

"If I had to do it alone, it would've been hell. Thanks for the two of you offering to help me out."

"Honestly, I'm regretting it. Though I won't say I won't help you anymore at this point."

Heh heh heh, don't say that, Kawabe. I'll work you hard for all you're worth...!

Since we also leveled up, we ended the hunting there, and just like last time, we collected materials and returned to the Shibuya Branch.

I take off my backpack and take out the contents. I'll use the materials myself, but everything else is for sale. The leather from Horned Rabbits and Grass Wolves. And, the meat——

"Come to think of it, we still haven't eaten Horned Rabbit meat yet, have we?"

"—That's right! We're catching them ourselves, but haven't eaten it even once!"

"Blind spot. Because we needed money, that idea didn't occur to me at all...!"

All three of us receive a shock together. No, fixed ideas are scary.

Even if you sell the meat, compared to potions, it's pocket change. Plus, our income is enough as it is. In that case, wouldn't it be better to bring it back and eat it to save on food costs?

"Let's bring back the meat and have a steak party today?"

"Oh, nice. Shall we do that?"

"It can also serve as a celebration. Isn't that good?"

"Then it's decided. Kawabe. For that reason, I'll leave the return report and leather selling to you."

"Hah? Me? — Ah. Today's my turn, isn't it."

"You have to follow turns properly. Apparently, keeping even small promises faithfully is the secret to marital harmony."

"Don't say something disgusting! Sheesh. Today, I think I worked hard, though..."

Muttering to himself, Kawabe heads to the reception with the leather.

Watching his back, Ina asks me.

"Hey Kaede. What were you thinking at that time?"

"Hm? At which time?"

"After Kawabe learned 【Provoke】. When you made the excuse that you mistook it for a Horned Rabbit. You noticed something, didn't you?"

Ah, that. Was I found out?

"Not really. I just more or less understood the reason why Kawabe became able to use 【Provoke」."

At that time, I thought about 【Provoke】's disadvantages. I understand its usefulness, and I think it's absolutely necessary. But I thought I personally don't want to use it.

Simply, because I would die.

Accepting and controlling monsters all by yourself? Certainly, that's correct, and it's common sense in games too. There are people who feel fulfillment in that. But that's a story in games where you can redo things.

In reality, intentionally gathering enemies to yourself. Are there people who could do something so terrifying? It's obvious that if you fail, you'll be crushed and killed. And that's why I realized.

To use 【Provoke】, you need the resolve to genuinely think "I want to protect my companions even in exchange for my life." Without that level of determination, it's impossible.

Which means, Kawabe, who was able to learn this....

"Rather than that, you noticed too, didn't you? That's why you're asking me like this."

"Well, yeah."

Ina adjusts his glasses and smiles somewhat bashfully.

"When I saw him covered in wounds, thinking that it could have been me was terrifying. And I immediately realized it was about 【Provoke】, and thought it was amazing. I honestly felt like I lost."

"Yeah, that's really true. But I'll absolutely never tell him that."

"Yeah, absolutely never. It's annoying."

I well understand why there's variation in acquisition.

Those who prioritize attacking over protecting others. Or those who genuinely think others don't matter. Such people couldn't possibly acquire it, and being driven out would be natural, wouldn't it.

Conversely, those who end up learning it later — does it mean it just took that long to meet companions worth it?

It's just speculation, but I have something close to certainty. Probably, this isn't wrong.

But the more I think about it, the more it feels naive and embarrassing.

I don't want to think about this anymore, but....

"Ina. Since we're diving into dungeons too, there might come a time when we have to cut down companions, though."

But, even if it comes to that——

"Let's make sure we never abandon Kawabe to the end."

"...Yeah, let's do that."

This alone, is something we absolutely must protect.

●　　　●

【Exploration Hints! #7】

<【Provoke】>

A skill that warrior-type jobs can acquire. By emitting magic power, it stimulates the enemy's instincts, forcibly gathering hostility toward yourself. As a result, those who receive 【Provoke】 will attack the user. Note that effective targets are not limited to monsters.

It can be called an essential skill for performing the so-called tank role, and is the skill most expected of <Warrior>s.

However, surprisingly few people can acquire this. Why is that? Because attracting enemy attention means the risk of death increases that much. In a game, it's one thing, but in reality where your own life is at stake, those who can do this with such noble spirit are very rare existences.

If you just want to rampage, attack skills alone are sufficient.

Humans who have acquired 【Provoke】 become a type of barometer that indicates they are trustworthy people. Furthermore, the more sensible people are, the more likely they are to realize this fact and naturally develop a psychological state of holding a certain respect toward acquirers. Those who can realize this are also, without realizing it, people of character.

——Good people gather around good people.