Chapter 21

The fun times of eating and drinking with Alma's money passed in the blink of an eye.

I would like to extend this, but unfortunately, I still have to visit the Alley of Skill Books. Reisha apparently has some business to attend to as well.

More than anything, I started to feel sorry for Alma, who looked like she was in a daze, as if she were dead.

"Wow, what a fun lunch! I'd like to have a meal with everyone again!"

"...Next time, I'm definitely not paying!"

Alma's firm resolve made me want to burst out laughing. Reisha laughed heartily, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingers.

"Don't worry, I won't be that shameless. Next time, I'll pay."

"You're generous. Did you get a good job?"

"Well, yeah. If it succeeds, it might be the final push for establishing a clan."

"That's a good talk. I'd like to follow in your footsteps."

"How about you? Have you found any new companions?"

"Not at all."

There's no point in lying about something that will be obvious. I shrugged and said,

"Hmm, not at all. Then—"

Reisha leaned in, bringing her face close to mine.

"Come on, join the Purple Lightning Wolf Corps. Alma will welcome you too. It's definitely the best! Right, right!"

"That's—"

"That's not going to happen."

When I tried to refuse, Alma sharply negated it before I could.

"I have no intention of serving under anyone other than Noel, and Noel, right? So, no. Reisha, give it up."

"...Yeah, that's how it is."

I was surprised that Alma thought this way. Despite her casual attitude, it seemed she recognized me as a leader. I couldn't understand her true intentions, but it didn't feel bad.

Reisha frowned and groaned at our firm resolve.

"Ugh, no way. I think it would be a great party. If not, there's nothing I can do. ...Then, let's be friends instead. That would be fine, right? Huh?"

Reisha suddenly showed a bright smile, and Alma smiled.

"That's fine. From now on, we'll be best friends."

"Great, best friends! Yay! How about you, Noel?"

"Well, I don't know..."

I felt bad for Reisha, but I wasn't really enthusiastic. Having a meal once or twice with someone is one thing, but building a relationship with a member of another party's female could lead to complications. On the other hand, clearly saying no might leave a bad impression.

Is there any way to change the subject?

"If you want to be friends, there were plenty of opportunities before. Why today?"

"Because, before, Tania was there..."

"Tania? Does Tania being there make things difficult?"

"It's bad, really bad."

Reisha drooped her elf ears, as if she didn't want to remember.

"Tania, she usually smiles and seems kind, but when Noel is involved, she becomes really scary. When other girls get close, she frowns like this."

Reisha demonstrated, and her face looked as if she had found her parent's enemy. Indeed, with such a face, it would be impossible to get close.

"I see the reason. But, the cause is not me, but Lloyd. Tania was dating Lloyd, right?"

"Yeah, but it was Noel! Because, even though Lloyd was surrounded by fans after dating Tania, Tania never got angry, right?"

"That's true..."

Lloyd, who was ranked eighth on the list of men women want to be hugged by, had many fans. When we walked through the town together, fans often approached us without hesitation, asking for autographs or handshakes. This was the same even when Tania was with us, and Lloyd would be busy with fan service, which Tania would watch with a troubled smile.

"That's right..."

"Right, right! Look!"

"...Well, Tania thought of me like a younger brother. She was probably worried that I wouldn't get into trouble."

I had received homemade meals and clothes several times. After starting to date Lloyd, I kept my distance to avoid getting in the way, but before that, she treated me like a real sister.

In the end, she betrayed me, so it was probably a compensatory action to alleviate her loneliness, not out of deep intention.

"That fierce expression didn't seem like she was worried about her younger brother..."

Reisha, who didn't seem convinced, made me chuckle.

"Then, are you saying Tania had feelings for me? That's ridiculous. She chose Lloyd, didn't she? Not to mention, she betrayed me. That's not how someone with feelings acts, is it?"

Even if what Reisha said was true, it didn't matter to me. However, since it was such an absurd story, I couldn't help but refute it.

"I don't have proof since I'm not her, but it's probably... how to say it..."

"Noel doesn't understand the heart of a maiden."

When Reisha hesitated, Alma interjected from the side.

"The heart of a maiden is like a wild horse. Even if you try to give up and like someone else, you can't give up on the one you really like, and you end up doing all sorts of foolish things because of it."

"That's it, that's it! That's what I wanted to say!"

"Which one, exactly..."

I couldn't understand the logic, and it was even more annoying because she said it with a smug look.

"Someone who has been in seclusion for a long time, don't act like you know everything."

"This is common knowledge. Common sense."

"Is it, really..."

"Read more about the heart of a maiden. I'll recommend a novel."

"Novel... you, really..."

I thought it was a strange topic, but it turned out to be knowledge from a novel. This silly girl, she's loose-lipped, careless, and a harasser, and has no good qualities except for her strength.

"What kind of novel? I want to read it, I want to read it."

"Let me see—"

Reisha and Alma started discussing novels. While it's good that they get along, it's an uncomfortable space for me as a man. I really want to have male companions soon...

"—Oh, it's already this late. I'll go ahead."

Reisha stood up after checking her watch.

"Alma, thank you for the meal today."

"...Next time, it's your turn, Reisha."

Reisha squinted at Alma, who held a receipt with many zeros.

"I know. When that happens, bring Noel too."

"I'll come if I can."

"That's your standard line! Ugh!"

Reisha puffed out her cheeks like a chipmunk. Well, if I have free time, I'd rather train or study... I don't want to waste time.

"I have something to ask before we leave. I heard there's a dangerous drug going around. Do you know anything about it, Reisha?"

"Dangerous drug? ...Ah, I might have heard about it. It's a new stimulant, and it can make people violent due to side effects. What's the matter?"

"No, I just heard about it and wondered if others knew too."

The rumor has already spread. It seems the stimulant that the Gambino family is spreading has made its way out of the slums.

It's not a direct concern, but I should be cautious just in case.

"By the way, I almost forgot. What's your answer about being friends?"

She remembered... I would have preferred if she had forgotten...

"...Alright. Let's get along from now on."

When I responded half-heartedly, Reisha showed her white teeth.

"Great! Let's get along from now on!"

†

†

"Is Noel not good with Reisha?"

Alma's question was understandable. I was clearly avoiding Reisha.

"It's not that I'm not good with her. It's just that she's from another party. If I get too close, people might start making assumptions, which could cause trouble for the Purple Lightning Wolf Corps."

"Isn't that overthinking? If you keep saying that, you'll never fall in love."

"To me, my job is my partner. I don't cheat."

It's not that I have no interest in romance, but the most important thing is to succeed as an explorer. I don't have time for love.

After leaving the Full-Bellied Cat Inn, we went to the Alley of Skill Books as planned.

The narrow alley with an arched glass ceiling is lined with bookstores from the entrance to the back.

While it's called the Alley of Skill Books, it's not just skill books that are sold.

Each bookstore also carries rare books and popular novels, and there are even book cafes where you can read books while eating.

Therefore, visitors are not just explorers but also many civilians, including families with children.

"It's different from what I imagined. It's bright and fun."

Alma said, her eyes shining.

"I was also surprised the first time I came. But, the selection of skill books is perfect, as the name suggests. Unless it's a very rare item, everything that's available is here."

"What kind of skill do you want to learn, Noel?"

"Probably a support skill that increases defense or an abnormality skill that hinders the enemy's actions. How about you, Alma?"

"I want to increase my throwing skills. I need to get used to them now for when I become a Pursuer. They'll also be useful as an Assassin."

Good choice. As Alma said, throwing skills won't go to waste no matter what path you take. I was going to offer advice if she was hesitant, but it seems I can leave the selection of skill books to her.

"Alright, then let's split up from here."

"Eh, aren't we going together?"

"Unfortunately, the bookstores we need are different. So, if you find something you want, buy it yourself. Use this check for payment."

I took a check from my pocket and handed it to Alma.

"The budget is up to one million fil. I'll keep the mental link open, so let me know when you're done shopping or if the book you want exceeds the budget."

"Which store has the scout skill books?"

"For scout skills, it's that store. I'm going to that store."

I pointed to the locations of the stores, and Alma nodded.

"Got it. I'll go then."

"Don't forget to get a receipt."

After confirming that Alma was heading to the store, I also went to my target store.

†

†

"Ah, it's Noel. It's been a while."

When I entered the store, the old man sitting at the counter greeted me. He's the owner of the store. His race is a gnome, with ram-like horns growing from his temples. The elderly owner, with his white hair and impressive beard, looks like a real sheep.

"Looking for a new skill?"

The owner puffed his pipe and smiled gently.

I've used this store twice, buying the skill books for Chain Calculation and Wolf's Roar. Since they were expensive purchases, the owner remembers me well.

"I want a skill book that teaches a support skill to increase defense or an abnormality skill to hinder the enemy's actions. Do you have any in stock?"

"Hmm, I have a complete selection of both. Let me prepare a list."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"That's my job. By the way, I have a skill book that might interest you, though it's not what you're looking for."

The owner took a blue book bound with a leather strap from under the counter. It's a skill book. Skill books lose their effect once read, so they are sealed to prevent unauthorized reading.

"What kind of skill book is it?"

"It's Spirit Exorcism."

"What!?"

Spirit Exorcism is one of the few offensive skills of a speech mage.

Its effect is limited to ghosts like ghosts and zombies, but its power is tremendous. It can instantly eliminate an equal opponent, and even against a higher-level opponent, it can significantly weaken their abilities.

Learning this skill alone can make most ghosts no longer a threat, making it one of the skill books I desperately want.

"It's been a long time since it was in stock..."

"Yes, it's been decades since I've seen one."

"...I'm afraid to ask, but how much does it cost?"

"Thirty million fil."

"Thirty million!?"

I knew it would be expensive, but it's terrifyingly high. Skill books are already expensive, and a super-rare item like this would naturally be priced at thirty million fil. The most expensive skill book I've bought so far, Chain Calculation, cost eighteen million fil.

"By the way, is it possible to pay in installments?"

"It's not possible. Several collectors have already expressed interest. I would like to sell it to you, Noel, who can use it properly, rather than to a collector, but unfortunately, it's hard to trust you now. Your new party isn't complete yet, right?"

"You're well-informed..."

Being recognized has its downsides. In this case, it means knowing about bad results or situations.

As the owner said, my social credit value is zero, even with my past achievements, since I've stopped exploring the abyss. No one would trust someone like me with a thirty million fil installment plan.

"Thirty million... I can't afford it all at once..."

I have no choice but to give up, which is frustrating. When I slumped, the owner smiled for some reason.

"One month. I'll wait for one month without selling it to anyone."

"Eh? Wait...?"

"Try to gather the money and your party members within that time. If you want to surpass the immortal demon, you need to be able to do this."

"I, I got it! I'll definitely have the money in one month, so don't sell it to anyone! It's a promise!"

I might sound like a child, but this is a chance I can't miss. I really want Spirit Exorcism. If I miss this chance, I don't know when I'll see it again.

"I won't break my promise. I hope you don't let me down, Noel."

"Leave it to me. With one month, everything will be perfect."

In any case, I have no intention of stagnating. There are plenty of ways to break the current situation, and having a deadline will only increase my motivation.

I nodded firmly at the owner's testing gaze.

†

†

I decided to give up on the planned skill book purchase and use the money for Spirit Exorcism. It's better to focus on this rather than half-heartedly strengthening myself.

However, this is my decision. I still plan to buy a new skill book for Alma as originally intended.

I haven't heard from Alma yet. She might be taking a while to purchase. I decided to go to the store where she is.

When I entered the store, Alma was just paying.

"Oh, Noel is here?"

Alma tilted her head when she noticed me.

"Yeah, I'm done here. What skill book did you buy?"

"Thorough Armor Piercing Bullet. A throwing skill that halves the target's defense. It costs 800,000 fil."

"I see. That's a good skill."

Just hearing the skill effect, I can think of many uses. It will significantly expand tactical options.

"And this."

Alma picked up a large box from the counter.

"What's that?"

"Hehehe, this is—"

The box lid was opened, and a teddy bear was taken out.

"...What's that?"

"A teddy bear."

"Of course, I can see that. Why is a teddy bear here?"

"I like it, so the store carries it specially."

Alma's response came from the young female owner of the store.

"Isn't it cute? Take good care of it."

"I don't know what you're talking about. What's this about?"

I now know that this store carries teddy bears, but it's not a topic I'm interested in. The problem is why Alma has it in her hands.

"Hey, are you planning to buy that?"

"I am. The skill book costs 800