Chapter 16

"Kids at that age really don't know how to judge men, do they? To even compare someone like Kosei with someone like Sekiguchi, and to choose Sekiguchi of all people..."

"I think that if you had ten women from any generation, nine of them would choose Sekiguchi."

"Are you saying that 90% of the world's women are fools who can't see what's right in front of them? As a woman, I can't really agree with that opinion."

"Please don't say such terrible things!"

In reality, it's undeniable that Sekiguchi is more attractive to the general public. Even men would probably choose him over me. It's not that I lack confidence in myself; it's just that objectively, he is overwhelmingly better. His looks alone are different, like a handsome celebrity. You know, he could probably get scouted by talent agencies just walking down the street.

"If someone looks good, has a promising future, and is sociable or good at making a good impression, I can't really compete with that."

"I see, so you do acknowledge his personality. I was worried that you were being too lenient, but I'm a bit relieved now."

"I'm just a regular high school student. If someone clearly dislikes me, I can't like them either."

"That's what worries me... the fact that you can settle for that."

Someday, you might throw everything away just because you're asked to.

Saying this seriously, Mido sipped her iced coffee through a straw. I had a Coke float, and the ice was delicious!

After separating from the group of girls from our class, we arrived at a café and are now taking a light break.

I was about to talk about the new skill, "O Soul in Need of Salvation, the Wind Comes with Light," and the title, "Savior of Souls," but Mido suggested we calm down a bit, so we're having a casual chat and light refreshments to relax.

Indeed... I can feel the unnecessary tension and anxiety fading away. At the same time, I realize that I was in a mild panic, so I understand that I wasn't as calm as I thought.

This is what older sisters are like, huh?

Watching Mido drink her coffee cutely, she returns my gaze with a look up. How sly... what is this person, I'm going to be captivated.

She really is beautiful, as evidenced by the way she subtly attracts the attention of the men in the café. Being able to have tea with someone like her and even rely on her is quite a stroke of luck for me. I feel grateful to be alive, and with that in mind, I started the conversation.

"I'm starting to relax. Can I talk to you about the new skill and title?"

"Of course. However, in your case, everything is unprecedented and uncharted territory. I can't give you a definitive answer, so please understand that."

"That's fine. I just need someone to listen, as I can't handle it all by myself."

"Please don't overdo it. If you need me, I'm always here to help."

Mido smiled at me, as if offering support. She's a good person... if only she weren't a fanatic. As someone who is almost an object of worship, I feel genuinely warm and fuzzy inside.

Anyway, I decided to listen to Mido's opinion.

"First, regarding the title 'Savior of Souls.' To be honest, the effect itself isn't much different from existing ones. I think it's similar to the title 'Martial Artist' or the skill 'Martial Arts.'"

"Ah, I see, that's what I thought."

"But the multiplier is off the charts. Ten times? That's ridiculous. Most of these effects are only about 1.2 to 1.5 times at best."

"Is that all...?"

I shudder at the unexpectedly low multipliers for skills that generally increase skill acquisition speed. It's only about one-eighth to one-sixth of mine. In other words, I learn martial arts techniques six to eight times faster than other explorers with similar effects.

What a joke, I'll get complaints from all sides. Professional fighters would kill for this title. Of course, once you become an explorer, you can't become a professional athlete in other sports.

For me, even a title I thought was normal has turned out like this. If the effect itself is normal but the multiplier is crazy, then the effect itself is essentially crazy.

That's when I started to get a bad feeling.

The skill "O Soul in Need of Salvation, the Wind Comes with Light" smells like the main event of a cursed item. It has an effect I've never heard of before.

I don't want to hear about it, but I can't avoid it. I can't move forward without knowing, and it's about myself, so I can't turn a blind eye.

"And then, about the new skill Kosei has obtained..."

Mido, more excited than before, started talking about the skill.