Chapter 43: The Tail "Haruna~ Big bro's here~"
"Oppa!"
The moment Haruna saw me, she tossed the book she was reading and came running, jumping straight into my arms.
Looking at her, I can see why people become lolicons.
Even when she jumps, she doesn't even reach my waist, so I lowered my stance to catch her and lift her up.
Look at how naturally she wraps her arms around my neck the moment she settles on my arm.
You're going to be quite the sly little fox when you grow up.
"I bought you a present."
"Really? What did you get?"
"What did I say my magic was?"
"Super Rich!"
"That's right. Ta-da~ I bought you a Kiki Bag."
"Waaaah!!"
I guess to kids, a stupid-looking cat character with a squashed face is better than my incredible good looks.
Haruna let out a squeal and lunged for the shopping bag Yukina was holding.
Is that a Randoseru? Anyway, it's one of those incredibly sturdy-looking backpacks Japanese kids carry around.
If it didn't have that cat character stuck in the middle, it might have actually looked somewhat high-end.
But is 100,000G really the right price for a kid's bag?
That's a million won in Korean currency. Even with a popular character attached, isn't that way too expensive?
I'm not in a position to tremble over 100,000G right now, but there's such a thing as a fair price. When I went to the department store with Yukina, we were both shocked by the price tag.
Even Yukina, seemingly unaware they were that expensive, was flustered and told me not to buy it.
Then again, for context, the Training Drinks I buy from Rebecca are 500,000G each, and Yukina chugs those like water.
I should definitely never tell her how much they cost.
"Oppa, how do I look? Do I look cool?"
"Almost as cool as me."
"You too, Oppa! Hurry, hurry!"
Since I'd bought three as requested at the pool, Haruna held one out, insisting I wear it.
Finding the sight of me wearing an elementary schooler's bag that didn't fit my frame hilarious, Yukina let out a chuckle and started taking photos of me with her smartphone.
"…Don't strike a pose."
"Is it because I look too cool even without posing?"
"Haruna's going to learn weird things from you."
When I sat down like a model and tilted my head to look at the camera, Haruna sat right next to me and mimicked the pose.
Despite her grumbling, Yukina seemed to enjoy taking pictures of Haruna, circling around us and snapping away.
"Look. Lift one leg like you're kicking a ball, then pull it back. Put your hands like this."
"Hwang, it's hard."
"You're doing great. Now, let's do it to the song. Loli, Loli God, Descent. When you ring the bell like this—this is the Requiem of Salvation~"
"Loli, Loli God, Descent~ When you ring the bell like this—this is the Requiem of Salvation~"
"That's it! Good girl! Loli, Loli God, Descent, Zukkyun—! Watch out for the truly dangerous guys, Bakyun—!"
"Bakyun!! Ahahaha, the lyrics are weird."
"Stop teaching the kid weird things."
Weird? This dance challenge was all the rage on Shorts and SNS in my past life.
Of course, I have no defense if someone calls it weeb trash, but the song actually has an educational message about watching out for perverts who like lolis.
I met Yukina's judgmental gaze before turning back to Haruna.
"Haruna, since we did it, it's the Boss's turn now, right?"
"Yeah, yeah! Boss! Put on the Kiki Bag and dance for us!"
You didn't think you'd get out of this, did you?
Yukina's face turned pale as she was told to do the very thing she'd been looking at with disdain—and with the bag on, no less.
She tried to run, but Haruna caught her. With her face flushed bright red, Yukina began to mimic our movements with awkward gestures.
"Lo-Loli, Loli…"
"Zukkyun!!"
"…Wa-watch out for the tru-truly dangerous gu-guys… Ba-bakyu, kyun…"
Watching Yukina move with her head hanging low was incredibly cute.
And Haruna, you shouldn't just record your sister's embarrassing moments like that.
I can't do it because I'd probably get beaten up, but it'd be unfair if you're the only one getting the perks of being the younger sister.
Understanding my look, Haruna nodded and immediately sent the video to my smartphone.
I knew I could count on Haruna.
After taking a group photo of the three of us wearing Randoserus, I played with Haruna to her heart's content.
After eating dinner, Haruna, her stomach full, sat on my lap before falling fast asleep. I tucked her into bed and stepped out.
"Thanks. For the cooking, too."
"We just hung out. I'll keep coming over."
"Yeah. This is the house you provided, anyway. Come whenever you want."
There she goes again. I told her to live here without feeling burdened.
You live in a better house than me, even though it was all my money, I helped you escape the Geukryu Society, I cleared your entire criminal record, your living expenses are this and that—
But I never act like it or care about it. I don't feel like I'm losing out at all.
How can a kid raised in a criminal organization be this kind?
"That was really delicious. I didn't know you were such a good cook."
"It's because I'm handsome."
"…Are you still pushing that? I would've been touched if it weren't for that. Stop adding unnecessary comments at the end."
"No, I was just being logical."
"How is that logical?"
"A man who cooks well is cool. I am cool and handsome. Therefore, I cook well."
"… …"
Faced with my perfect syllogism, Yukina lost her words and looked at me with pity.
Actually, I worked my ass off to learn cooking because it's great for raising the heroines' affinity.
But a truly cool man doesn't brag about his efforts.
After spending some time chatting about trivial things with Yukina, I stood up.
"Leaving already?"
"Yeah. If I'm late again, Master might grab me by the neck and wring it."
Yukina let out a small laugh, called me over as I headed for the entrance, and gave me a shy kiss.
She's gotten quite used to it now, so her shyness has lessened, but I can feel her affection for me so clearly that it makes me feel good.
Whenever I go to Yukina's place, Haruna is always there, so things never get sexual.
It's a bit of a shame, but… I don't know, spending time like a fresh young couple is nice too.
Is this why everyone is so obsessed with dating?
Well… the moment the Soul Vessel is filled and the virginity event triggers, a mad sex party will begin.
But it really is taking a long time.
Even when I was playing the game, users were constantly complaining about when they'd finally get to do it with Yukina. Since I have to wait in real-time, 24 hours a day, it feels even longer.
I have to finish the event before I go to the beach with the girls. That way, we can do it on the beach, in the water, at the pension, and all that.
*
"Yo—not late today, I see?"
"Hey, Turk. Long time no see."
"I told you not to shorten my name like that. It sounds weird."
"Think of it as a nickname."
Turk, a mercenary from Greyhound, grumbled as he threw an arm around my shoulder.
How should I describe him? He has the typical body of an American gym rat or a strongman. I'm tall myself, but this guy is like a literal bear. He's twice my size and looks to be about two meters tall, forcing me to look up at him slightly.
They say he handles infiltration and intelligence missions with this body, but honestly, I find it hard to believe.
"Have you pissed anyone off lately?"
"…Too many to count? Half the students at Yggdrasil probably want me dead."
"Hahaha! I heard about what happened on the deserted island from the Boss. That was a Powerful One-Shot. Why would they get so mad over something so petty?"
"I think so too, but I guess it's different for the ones on the receiving end. It was the same at the entrance ceremony."
As I shrugged and answered, Turk let out a snort, looked around, and spoke.
"So. Is there someone who really wants you dead?"
"… …"
There was still some distance to the meeting point.
The training ground isn't affiliated with Greyhound, so if the mercenaries ever need to visit, they usually come by car.
I guess meeting him on the street wasn't a coincidence.
Sensing the seriousness in Turk's voice, I looked straight ahead with a hardened expression and replied.
"Do I have a tail?"
"Yeah. But from the looks of it, they're just neighborhood thugs. I don't know about their skills, but they aren't properly trained."
"How many?"
"I've spotted four."
That's a lot.
Four people were following me, and I didn't even notice?
The drawbacks of my crash-course education are starting to show.
But before I can learn anything else, I need to master the combat style using the Mana Barrier first so I don't end up dying in some ditch.
"But have you been protecting me this whole time? I didn't notice at all."
"If you could notice me, they would've noticed me too."
That's true.
"No need to be so on guard. We respect personal privacy."
"My protection wasn't part of the request, though."
"Well… think of it as a service from the Boss. Just don't tell her."
"Even if I did, she'd probably say, 'No need to be thankful. I was commissioned for your education, so it's only natural to protect you until the commission is complete.'"
"Oh—you're surprisingly good at impressions. Your voice sounds nothing like hers, but you nailed the delivery. So, what do you want to do about them?"
Turk asked casually, wondering how I wanted to handle the tails.
What did Frey say to do in situations like this?
I thought for a moment before speaking.
"What do you think is best?"
"Hmm—"
"What is it?"
"Nothing. I just think the Boss is really good at teaching kids. That woman shouldn't be a mercenary; she should be a kindergarten principal."
Seemingly pleased that I'd asked for advice from someone with more knowledge and experience, Turk chuckled as he spoke.
"Catching them and beating the truth out of them is one way. They look like low-life thugs no matter how you slice it, so they'll probably spill everything if you just snip off a few fingers."
"…Isn't that illegal?"
"It is. But you can't do mercenary work while following every single law."
"But it's better not to if you can avoid it."
"Why? Given your personality, I thought you'd be all for it."
"Because it would harm Greyhound. We might have to resort to illegal means when necessary, but the more we break the law, the narrower the mercenary group's standing becomes. It'd be inconvenient for me if we got caught over something small."
Since this is a world where demons and monsters appear, the government grants a certain level of authority to licensed armed groups like mercenary companies.
That's why I was able to beat the Geukryu Society to a pulp without worrying about the consequences.
But the government isn't crazy enough to give authority to a group of reckless thugs.
If you cause an incident, you have to submit evidence that it was justified for the government to recognize it.
I can't have them committing crimes over something minor.
And as if this had been a test, Turk grinned at me.
"The Boss always grumbles that she's never seen a brat as stubborn as you."
"…That's a sudden diss."
"But the fact that she keeps holding onto you and teaching you means you have talent."
"That's a compliment, right?"
"Of course it is. Honestly, I underestimated you a bit. I thought you were just some brat acting tough with Greyhound at your back. You've got that youthful fire and lack of experience, so I thought you'd jump at my suggestion. You're more cautious and thoughtful than you look."
Wow… he was thinking that even while we were acting friendly?
I feel a bit betrayed, but I guess it just means Turk is that cold-headed and good at separating business from pleasure.
Turk let go of my shoulder and gave me a push.
"Go on. Leave the rest to me."
"Are you going to fight them?"
"No. Like a true mercenary, we start with an investigation. I'll find out who they are and who's involved, then politely present it to my client. Don't worry about it until then."
Ooh… he sounded like a pro.
Turk waved at me and disappeared into an alley.
I pretended to watch him while glancing back, but to my eyes, everyone just looked like ordinary people.
Once I learn Counter Magic, I should ask Frey to teach me some detection magic.
When I arrived at the training ground, Frey, who was already there, stared at me.
I presented the coffee I always prepare as an affinity gift and sat down. Frey showed me her tablet.
"You found it, Master."
"I told you not to call me Master. It was hidden behind the frame, just like you said. Even those bastards didn't seem to know it was there. How did you know?"
Because it shows up when you play the game. I only know because I looked at a walkthrough, so I don't know why it's there either.
Since this is reality, there are no map boundaries, but there are many places that are difficult for me to visit alone.
Monster nests, criminal organization buildings, private property guarded by madmen—places where I'd likely die if I went alone.
Originally, I planned to get it naturally as the story progressed and my skills improved, but I felt like I might get hit at any moment, so I got impatient and commissioned Frey to retrieve it.
But I can't tell her why I know. If I did, she'd just think I'm crazy like usual.
"Who knows? Isn't being a mysterious man part of the charm?"
"I don't know about mysterious, but you certainly aren't trustworthy."
"Ooh, nice rhyme~"
Frey glared at me, clearly displeased with my playful attitude.
Intimidated by her fierce gaze, I looked at the tablet screen she gave me.
Perhaps because it's a modern setting, even magic tomes are stored in things like USB drives, which is surprisingly novel.
Hmm—I still have no idea what any of this means.
Why do they write this magic stuff in a language only they understand?
Lacking magical knowledge, I handed it back to Frey.
"Explain the principles. Interpret it. Train me. Do it all, Professor Frey-seop."
"Sigh…"
Frey, our star magic instructor, let out a sigh and began explaining everything step-by-step, starting from the principles.
Then, she demonstrated the magic herself and helped me learn it through experience.
"It's not a very good spell. The efficiency is quite low."
"Yeah, I know. But I should learn it for self-defense."
"The things I've taught you are good too."
"I know. That's why I'm working hard to learn them."
So far, she's been teaching me mostly basics, but those basics include various offensive and defensive spells.
It's just that my proficiency is too low to use them effectively in real combat.
However, Counter Magic packs enough punch even with low proficiency.
It's a simple structure where the power increases by the amount the Mana Barrier is depleted.
With this, I don't have to just stand there and take hits while relying on my Mana Barrier.
Low efficiency? Then I'll just let my Mana Barrier get depleted more.
Sending a silent thanks to whoever in the community created this masochistic meat-shield build, I focused on raising my proficiency.
So there were people tailing me?
I won't just be a punching bag anymore. You'd better be prepared to get hit as much as you hit me.
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