Chapter 12

This is a loathsome memory that I had sealed deep within my mind, colored by root vegetables and citrus fruits...

Amidst the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

---

"Compared to a neatly arranged dinner party, I think it's more fun to have a wild time in a messy place. Is it because I'm a commoner?"

"Anything is fine as long as there's a muscle guy... The hit detection for a block of protein is terrible... I'm sure there was a grab move with a suction effect..."

"The theory that the Star Rain muscle guy is a real fighting game character is quite plausible, so please stop it... I'll laugh every time I see his face from now on."

"Hey, I saw online that people are saying 'I want to be stepped on in an unfamiliar way' and 'I want to be insulted with awkward language.' Should I change my style?"

Good job, Mr. Natsume, it's a new approach.

Mr. Natsume, who was looking at his new rating displayed on his mobile device with confusion, and I, along with two others, had cut short the GGC second day after-party and came to a chain izakaya.

This was what you might call a second round, and to add, our Outlaw Fixer, Mr. Pencilgon, was already tipsy.

"Order for four, please!"

Even though he is Tensound Eien, the server didn't notice.

This was because he was disguised by a dubious skill called "Charisma Model Impression Manipulation Makeup Technique."

"Human beings don't really notice if you just change your hairstyle and eyeshadow a bit."

"Hmm."

"Try to show a better attitude when listening, Sanraku-kun, or you won't get any dates."

"Shut up."

If I were the kind of person who could get dates, I wouldn't be wasting my summer on a bad game.

"By the way..."

"What is it, glasses?"

"Isn't there something you want to say about the group here, including yourself?"

"Hmm?"

Pencilgon, who had changed his impression with makeup.

Katsuzo, who had disguised himself with glasses.

Mr. Natsume, who looked different thanks to Pencilgon's guidance.

And me, wearing a pumpkin helmet.

"Is there a problem?"

"You're the weird one, pervert."

"Shut up, toilet warrior."

"Are you serious? How can you retort in this situation?"

If you get hit on the right cheek, counter before reacting, take the mount, and then talk.

"See, if you keep missing the timing..."

"Yeah."

"Rather, you'll end up stubbornly not missing, right?"

"Even if you say it with a face like 'If you throw an apple up, it will fall,' it doesn't help."

"See, Sanraku-kun is going off on tangents..."

"Ah, you're like a 2.9-dimensional being... No wonder our common sense doesn't align."

Should I break his glasses and shove them up his nose?

I was coldly calculating how to strip the glasses from his face and shove them up his nose as quickly as possible, but I decided to let it go since we were being led to a tatami room. Hmph, you got lucky.

"Okay, what will everyone order?"

"Grilled chicken, heart and leek mabo stir-fry."

"Offal hotpot."

"Then, I'll have a mountain of fries..."

Incidentally, from top to bottom, it's me, Katsuzo, Mr. Natsume. Offal hotpot, really?

"You guys eat a lot..."

"Thanks to someone, I was almost catcalled endlessly... Oh?"

"Who could it be? Probably a super charismatic beauty who has a firm grip on the hearts of teenagers... No, it must be!"

"It's no use, hitting the steam is more satisfying."

Actually, my body, boosted by energy drinks, is craving calories.

"By the way, aren't I the only one who's an adult?"

"Now that you mention it..."

"I'm a pro gamer, but I'm technically just barely a minor."

"Me too..."

"Alright, I'm going to drink to my heart's content!"

I think it's impressive that you can say that here, yeah.

"Drinks... They have energy drinks, huh."

"Isn't three a day too much? And one of them is Tonight?"

"No, I won't go that far. I'll have ginger ale."

"Then, I'll have a strong carbonated cola."

"I'll have orange juice."

Is this where charisma comes into play... The disguised model took everyone's orders at once and placed them with the server, and a brief waiting time ensued.

(Now...)

How should I start?

Mr. Natsume is here, but it's within acceptable limits. Given that we're in the same clan, it would be bad to do it without permission.

Yes, I have to report to these two about the situation that the player Sanraku is encountering in Shangfuro, the terms of exchange, and other related matters... If I show even a slight weakness, they'll use it to tease me for half a year.

(How should I start... Should I let Pencilgon drink a bit more? No, Katsuzo is the one who's more annoying in this kind of sticky situation. Damn.)

"Why aren't you an adult yet..."

"What? What's with the sudden question, that's scary."

No, it's a waste of time to comment on a parameter that the player can't control. I need to think about how to turn this around.

Aim for when they're full? No, if I say it at the end of the second round, they might say, "We can do it tomorrow," and push it to another day.

That has its own benefits, but the longer I give them time, the more they'll plot. I need to take the initiative with a lightning strike.

So, the best moment is when the first order arrives! I'll start talking while eating, and split my thoughts between eating and responding!

"Hey, pumpkin boy."

"What?"

"You're leaking evil energy."

"Wh-What!?"

I was careless, calm down, calm down.

The drinks have arrived, so let's cheers. I won't forget the kindness of the server who brought the straws.

"Cheers!"

The glasses clinked, and the spilled drinks sparkled in the light.

I opened the mouth of the cup, took a sip through the straw, and observed the others while looking for the right moment.

"Ah, right, Sanraku-kun."

"What?"

"...I'm a python, you know?"

"!"

Did he see through it!? No, it can't be... But he was talking about seeing evil energy, so he might have noticed something from my slight movements.

Damn, Katsuzo must have figured it out from just that one sentence. Just by talking about his tolerance for alcohol, he's cornering me... This Outlaw.

"You seemed like you had something to say... You were even timing it, what are you so cautious about...?"

"Do you have something to talk about?"

"Unique spontaneous generation failure, stay."

"Okay, it's about Shangfuro. I'll deal with you later."

It's great that you're perceptive, damn you. You're a demon king, like a super dragon king promoting a bishop and launching a range attack on my pieces in the first move of shogi.

But let's think positively, the topic I'm about to bring up is a core issue about unique monsters.

It's a huge cake that even a battlefield fairy standing on her head couldn't produce.

For Pencilgon, it's like a powerful card for his schemes, so I feel like I can do this.

"Ah, well... what..."

Let's go, Sanraku!

"I am currently tackling the EX scenario of the unique monster 'Cuthanid of the Abyss.'"

---

"Here is your order...?"

"Ah, thank you! Can you arrange them here? Oh, put that grilled chicken a bit to this side, and that over there?"

"Sorry, pumpkin boy, the grilled chicken is on hold... Let's have a fun discussion."

Pencilgon and Katsuzo, who were smiling on the surface, showed their teeth as they put their arms around my shoulders.

Since ancient times, smiles have been used to mask intimidation... Ha ha ha, it's going to be an unpleasant interrogation.

Help me, Mr. Natsume!

"..."

His eyes avoided mine.

I need to wrap this up quickly.