Chapter 71

The content of the movie was just outrageous.

It was utterly absurd. It was full of meta elements, had some incredible surprise guests, and was packed with jokes.

Yet, despite all that, there was a consistent story, a strong message, and it felt as if it was sending encouragement to us.

It was a chaotic masterpiece, like a nightmare you might have when you have a cold.

"Didn't understand a thing!"

"Hahaha... I know, right?"

After finishing the movie, it was lunchtime, and we shared our thoughts while eating at the food court. I had an omelet rice, and Sayama-san had donuts.

To me, it was a pretty good movie, but I can also understand why Sayama-san found it incomprehensible. The movie we saw was, for better or worse, very selective about its audience.

We talked about scenes we liked, actors who were cool, and scenes that were confusing. "Who was that guest? What was that all about?"

We discussed various things. In a way, I think the more chaotic a work is, the more topics there are to talk about.

"Hey, you know, those battle-like scenes, do you do something like that, Yamashita-kun?"

"Eh?"

"I heard Kudo-san say something about it in a video. Something about a punch that shoots out a beam."

"Beam...?"

Yeah, a beam. It was definitely a beam. Beam...

When you say it like that, I can't help but imagine myself in a robot anime.

But it was just a shockwave, really. It just looked like light.

"Well, something like that. I can't always do it, though."

"Hmm? There are some conditions or something?"

"Yeah, I guess. I don't really understand it myself."

In fact, the conditions for my skills to activate or the timing for acquiring new ones are all up to the system. It's the same with administrator skills, and even without that, there are skills that don't activate unless someone is fighting nearby, or skills that only activate when I'm using my bare hands. There are so many restrictions.

It's amazing that I've been able to continue my exploration business despite all these constraints. If the effects weren't so significant, this status wouldn't even be possible.

Anyway, I've gotten used to these skills and titles. I think that's fine.

After finishing our meal, we walked through the shopping mall again. So, where should we go next?

"Bookstore, game center... maybe a game center?"

"Oh, do you go to game centers often, Yamashita-kun?"

"Not really. That's why I'm kind of looking forward to it. And this is my first time going with a girl."

It could be my last chance, too.

At my words, which were full of first-time experiences, Sayama-san smiled and patted my back.

"Yamashita-kun, Yamashita-kun!"

"What? What is it!? Scary!"

"Really, Yamashita-kun is just Yamashita-kun!"

She was laughing so hard and seemed so happy. Maybe she finds everything funny at this age?

Anyway, we headed to the game center. It was right next to the food court, so it wasn't even a proper move. We could hear the noisy commotion even while we were eating lunch.

The game center had a dimly lit space with various game machines lined up. There were crane games, hockey games, arcade versions of various games, medal games, pachinko, and pachislot machines. There was even a no-boys-allowed area with photo booths.

There were a lot of people. It was Sunday, after all... not just young people, but families, parents with children, and even elderly people. As people got older, they seemed to focus on medal games. I guess pachinko makes more sense.

In any case, the game center was like a small theme park.

Sayama-san's excitement was rising as she pulled my hand.

"Hey, hey, Yamashita-kun! What should we do? What do you want to do?"

"Um, let's take a look around first. If we find something interesting, we can play it then."

"Alright, got it! I'm getting excited, I don't come to places like this very often!"

Wow, that's surprising. Even if it's not a date, I thought she would go with friends all the time.

When I asked her more about it, she said it was scary for girls to go alone because it was dimly lit, and there were weird pick-up attempts, which made it difficult.

Well, Sayama-san and her friends are all quite beautiful. I'm not saying game centers are hangouts for delinquents these days, but there are still groups of young men who just hang around, and there are pick-up attempts.

"Hey, miss, are you free? Want to play hockey, hockey?"

"We know this place well. Want to play with us? Taiko, taiko."

"...See, this kind of thing."

"I see."

I understand. I didn't expect to see an example right in front of me.

Two boys around our age approached Sayama-san, and we looked at each other.

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