Chapter 32

In the end, after the stampede had subsided and the aftermath was somewhat taken care of, I didn’t go all the way to the dungeon on the hill. My body was aching from the backlash damage of the skill "For a World Where Everyone Can Rest," so I decided to play it safe and withdraw. I had already explained the situation to Ms. Hirose—since the calls for an examination and investigation were getting stronger, I thought it might be time to give in.

"Back already~. I bought the broccoli and mushrooms you asked for, maybe we’re having cream stew today? Yay!"

"Hey, Kosei! Did you see something shining?"

"How do you already know? That’s scary..."

Feeling quite exhausted, I parted ways with Mr. Godo and Mr. Saito at a certain point and returned home. On the way, I stopped by the supermarket to finish the shopping I had been asked to do in the morning before heading back.

As soon as I entered the house, my mother loudly interrogated me about the Shining Yamagata performance I had demonstrated to the werewolves.

"Seriously, as soon as I get home, you start with this? How do you know? Were you there or something?"

The impact of all this was right in front of me. My mother’s smartphone showed a social media video site. There, high in the sky, was a mysterious, divine glow. Upon closer inspection, someone was applying a joint lock to a humanoid monster. Then, the person held the monster and dove down, performing a beautiful powerbomb that sent the cameraperson flying from the shock alone.

Ah, I recognize this.

"It’s me."

"Really!? What happened to you to make you so shiny!? Did you win a lottery or something?"

"If that were the case, the video would show me flying high in the sky, shining and celebrating because I won the lottery. Is that okay?"

"No, that’s not okay."

Right?

Anyway, putting aside the silly farce, I explained the stampede that occurred today in detail to my father and Yuzuko, who were watching me on TV in the living room.

I mean, it’s on TV... Stampede incidents in the country are so rare, it’s understandable that it’s a topic of discussion. But there’s no need to repeatedly emphasize the part where I’m performing a glowing aerial cobra twist! The caption even says "Mysterious Glowing Object." This makes me look like a new species of monster or some kind of UMA.

"So, this Shining Yamagata in the video is the eldest son of this house, Yamagata Kosei, okay?"

"Hmm... No matter how many times I hear it, I can’t believe it. You, appearing on TV like this. I thought you’d only be on the news if you caused trouble for others."

"Bro, you look like you’d be quietly fighting monsters in some dark alley. Shining Yamagata, did you eat something bad?"

"That’s harsh."

But yeah, I understand... Even I would doubt that the Shining Yamagata on TV is really me, Yamagata Kosei. The glow from the effect of the title "One Who Walks the Path with Courage and Lives with Compassion" is so divine.

Isn’t it shining brighter than the sun, even though it’s daytime? The footage of people looking up from below is almost like a religious painting.

If Mr. Godo saw this on TV, he’d probably make a big fuss. He’d be overjoyed, but he’d also be angry at himself for not being there in real time. He was pretty angry, after all.

Or maybe the Shining Yamagata craze in our house is already over, and the TV is now showing my mother’s favorite romance drama. My sister is engrossed in a social game where she’s surrounded by handsome men.

It’s better to be a topic of conversation than to be ignored, but I think a little more praise would be nice. I did try my best, you know?

If I were praised, I’d probably think there’s some hidden agenda. My self-esteem is buried deeper underground than a dungeon.

"So, Kosei, are you hurt?"

"No, I’m fine. I had a minor injury, but it healed thanks to the explorer title’s effect."

"I see... That’s convenient. Take care of your body."

"Thanks."

Unlike my mother and sister, my father is worried about me. He’s so kind... If he hadn’t been watching some suspicious video on his smartphone, I could have genuinely respected him.

It’s reassuring that he’s still the same, though.

I took a quick shower and returned to my room. I’m tired today, and there’s still time before dinner, so maybe I’ll lie down for a bit?

Just as I was about to transform into Sleeping Yamagata, Liebe’s voice echoed in my mind again.

"Whaaat!? Now I can finally talk freely! Let’s have a fun chat with cute, cute Liebe, Kosei-san~!"

"Huh...?"

"Are you curious about cute, cute Liebe? I’ll answer anything now!"

I’m tired, though. I just want to take a nap.

But if you’ll answer anything, then answer this. Who is System? What do you want me to do?

"That’s a s-e-c-r-e-t! What a shame! In reality, cute, cute Liebe is in a position like a young, new employee being bullied by middle management in a small company! So, I can’t say anything important!"

"R-really..."

What a sad thing to say with such a cheerful voice, this AI spirit. Is System really a black boss? My suspicions deepened.

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