Chapter 56

I will take a deep breath and think it over again. With that, Ogasaka-san lowered her shoulders and set off on her way back.

My unexpected criticism seemed to have completely caught her off guard—rather, her vision had narrowed due to being consumed by her desire for revenge, and she hadn’t even considered it. As I watched her small back, which had lost all its initial momentum, I sighed.

“...Did I say something too harsh?”

“Big brother, you did the right thing.”

I didn’t mean to say anything wrong, but it’s true that my words shocked her. My thoughts were troubled, but Yuzuko, standing next to me, immediately negated them.

“I’m not an explorer, so I didn’t understand half of what was said, but I could tell that she was about to cause someone a lot of trouble without realizing it, just because she was thinking about someone important to her.”

“...That’s true.”

“So, by stopping her and waking her up, big brother did nothing wrong. I guarantee it. Big brother stopped Ogasaka-san from becoming someone’s enemy.”

How strong and kind my sister’s heart is, to say that without hesitation. She really is a precious sister. I stroked Yuzuko’s head, and her smile, which she accepted with a slight tickle and a blush, made me proud.

“Hey, Kōhei, sorry to interrupt your brother-sister moment. Kōhei!”

—And, as usual, the sudden voice in my head.

It was Liebe’s voice, with its usual nonchalant tone, speaking only to me.

“You’ve got a new title! Hi, it’s Liebe here!”

Don’t talk like you’re a delivery guy who always comes through the back door. I always feel bad about it.

“That’s our unspoken agreement, boss. Well, I’m off, leaving the room with a graceful exit!”

“Bye!” And, unusually, Liebe left after just stating his business. ...He must have felt awkward after the heavy conversation. Usually, he’s always joking around, but in this kind of atmosphere, he becomes as quiet as a borrowed cat. Liebe, as he often says, can read the room.

Well, thanks to him, I got a good change of mood! So, let’s check the status right away. On the way back home with Yuzuko, I quietly brought up my status.

Name: Yamagata Kōhei, Level 72

Title: Light Breeze that Comforts and Supports the Heart

Skills:

Name: Walking through a Wasteland Where Not Even the Wind Blows

Name: O Soul Seeking Salvation, the Wind Comes with Light

Name: For a World Where Everyone Can Rest in Peace

Title: Light Breeze that Comforts and Supports the Heart

Description: Kindness is neither sweet nor harsh. It is a warm and healing sun that gently warms a shivering body.

Effect: Detects the location of skill holders within a 1km radius, regardless of place or environment.

[Title 'Light Breeze that Comforts and Supports the Heart' confirmed as the world's first acquisition.]

[First acquisition bonus approved. All base abilities will be raised by one level.]

[...Sometimes, reaching out can hurt both yourself and others. But, even so, the act of reaching out has meaning.]

“...Thank you, System.”

I never thought I’d be comforted by a voice announcement. Is this a world-first, System? The effect—this is like the explorer version of the monster detection ability I got the other day. It’s perfect for finding people in dungeons—though that’s not the main point.

The warm words from the System made me feel a bit embarrassed. Did I look that down? Come to think of it, Liebe might have fled quickly because I was really depressed.

But, I’m okay now.

Yuzuko, Liebe, System.

And Dad, Mom, Saito, Matsuda, Kino, Kataoka, Tono.

And, Kaori.

I have so many important people in my life. And there will be more in the future. I can’t afford to be discouraged just because of this.

“Alright! Yuzuko, since we’re at it, let’s get some food!”

“Really? Yay! Oh, and by the way, there’s a nice spring outfit at the boutique in front of the station. And, in the shopping district, there was a cute bag the other day! I’ll treat you!”

“I said food!”

We laughed and joked together. I’ll consult Kaori about Ogasaka-san. I’ll also keep an eye on the dungeon with the Rich. I’ll ask Yuzuko to keep an eye on her too. If she’s down, I want her to subtly support her.

The rest is just like usual. I reaffirmed that I am supported by many people and went home with Yuzuko.

At the time of posting this story,

it has ranked 1st in the Low Fantasy daily, weekly, and monthly rankings, and 7th in the quarterly ranking.

It has also ranked 9th in the overall daily ranking, 2nd in the weekly ranking, and 19th in the monthly ranking.

Thank you very much.

I would appreciate it if you could continue to bookmark and rate the story.