Chapter 43
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[Dempsey Straight Jolt]
What is this girl saying suddenly, what kind of twisted thought running in her mind this time?
Is she trying to move on to me because her relationship with Uncle was almost broken off? No, there’s no way that’s the case after all, right…
While thinking about such things, I pour a cold gaze on her who is sitting down on the ground.
After deciding to try listening to what she was thinking for her to said such a thing for now, I ask her what she meant by her remark.
“I see. You were worried I was spiritless because I got that burnout syndrome or something, and Uncle told you that I will recover if you invite me to a date and have sex with me.” (Sakurai)
“Yes.” (Higaki)
“But since I refused your help for making money, you thought that was the only think you could do for me. But you have never invited a man to a date, and though you have the knowledge, you have no experience with that kind of thing.” (Sakurai)
“Un.” (Higaki)
“Then because you’re at your wit’s end, you decided to just bite the bullet and say it, and the words that came out were ‘have sex with me’.” (Sakurai)
“Yes.” (Higaki)
Fumu, to think that I was so spiritless that Higaki went to the extent of considering such a thing, it seems that the adverse effects of the treatment cost on my mind and body have surfaced quite earlier than expected.
At this rate, my decency that I have thrown away for the sake of leveling might be revived from the graveyard of my heart.
If that happens, I will probably end up becoming a typical adventurer who wields their sword to make money. This is a serious problem; as I thought, I have to aim to repay my debt as soon as possible.
“Putting everything aside, for me having sex with you is, honestly speaking, impossible.” (Sakurai)
“I-is it because my appearance doesn’t suit to your liking or…” (Higaki)
“No, not because of your appearance, but because it is you.” (Sakurai)
“!?” (Higaki)
She probably didn’t expect to be rejected straightforwardly.
Hearing my words, Higaki raises her face vigorously; her eyes are wide open in shock, shaking, as if she couldn’t understand it.
Certainly, Higaki is a beautiful girl. Her figure is good.
There is no doubt about that since she was even selected to be a heroine in the original game after all; even in this world that has become a reality, she must have been living while being self-conscious that her appearance is exceptional.
However, this and that are different issues. Speaking bluntly, it’s impossible for me to see Higaki as a woman.
“After all, your various defect in personality outweighs your superiority in appearance.” (Sakurai)
“Calling it defect is terrible.” (Higaki)
Certainly, I’m grateful to you for wanting to cheer me up, to make it up to me somehow. I appreciate the thought.
But you, you’re the type of person who is extremely attached, and that can’t be said to be a decent personality even as a complement, isn’t it?
You know, in the past, a friend of mine was dating a woman with a strong attachment like you.
She was so attached that she followed my friend all the time; at every opportunity, she would start backbiting his friends who she didn’t like, and said that he should sever his relationship with people like that and the likes.
And when he argued, she would say ‘I am only thinking what’s best for you’ or ‘Are you going to dump me?’, when they finally broke up, she even mutilated herself to try to hold him back, even though he had changed his contact address after they separated, she looked it up, and approached him to get back together with him, turning into a stalker…… and I got into a lot of troubles because I was also caught up in it.
“And. You’re definitely such type, ain’t you?” (Sakurai)
“Are you out of your mind!? I’m not that kind of woman!” (Higaki)
“Then, let’s say you got along with your uncle, okay? If so, first, you’ll be around him all the time, and every time I want to talk to him, you’d say “If you want to talk to him, you have to get through me first,” right? Despite that, if Uncle were to complain to you, you’d definitely say “I’m the only one for Teacher,” or “Don’t abandon me,” and the likes, right?” (Sakurai)
“Eh, ah. Euh.” (Higaki)
“Listen here, Higaki. In the first place, if you want to offer your body to make it up for me, it would only make me think that there must something wrong with your head or something; if you have time for something like that, I’d be much happier if you were to spar with me. After all, that’d get me experience points. Understand? That’d get me experience points. It’s definitely hundreds of millions of times better than anything else, right?” (Sakurai)
After crouching down in front of Higaki sitting down and looking at me――
“So, you don’t have to do something like that. I don’t feel attraction as a woman from you anyway, and I’m neither foolish nor stupid enough to step on a visible land mine.” (Sakurai)
――I put my hand on her shoulder, and declare so firmly.
“O……. ooh, uu, uwaaaaaaaaaa!!” (Higaki)
“Uwah!? That’s dangerous!?” (Sakurai)
As though she suddenly snaps, Higaki draws her swords and slashes me.
I repel the slash she unleashed, but my sword is flicked off my hand; I instantly flip my wrist, entangle the ejected thread around a tree, and pull up my body.
“What are you doing suddenly!!” (Sakurai)
“You think I can withdraw after you disparage me like that! You think I can withdraw after you called me such thing as a visible land mine!!” (Higaki)
“Aren’t you actually exploding now, you land mine woman!?” (Sakurai)
“You’re calling me land mind again! Now that it has come this, I’ll get you to have sex with me, no, I’ll have sex with you!!” (Higaki)
Even though I just frankly said the truth, Higaki snapped and attacked me for some unknown reason. It seems this won’t end in a short while.
In that case, can’t be helped, let’s play along with her and raise the level of ‘Shishū’ until Higaki calms down. I’ll show you my ability as a thread user!!
“‘Shishū’ – ‘Shimatsu (Lit. Settlement): Bullet Strand-Shot!’”
I sling away the threads that I had spread to the surroundings, swinging the threads. The threads that fly in the air form fist-sized bullets and are fired one after another at Higaki.
“Is that it!!” (Higaki)
However, the other party is the chairman of the disciplinary committee.
Higaki slashes, flicks, and parries the bullets coming at her from almost all directions. Her figure dealing with three or more bullets at once looks like a dance.
“‘Shishū’ – ‘Nuiage (Lit. Finish Sewing): Spider’s Web, Shimatsu: Bullet Strand-Shot, Shimatsu: Fraying Cut’!”
In the meantime, I fire thread bullets to lead her to a sticky trap, and limit her movement with slashes as I recover my sword that was flicked away.
Shishū is roughly divided into two skill groups: ‘Shimatsu’ that deals damage to the enemy and ‘Nuiage’ that affects the status of the enemy and ally with abnormal status such as buff or debuff.
And the difference between ‘Shishū’ and other attack skills like ‘Flame Sword’ is that you can exert various effects by combining the skills that is separated to your two hands like a puzzle, and by adding in other actions, you can activate an additional ‘Shishū’ skill.
In particular, the latter advantage is it can compensate your lack of number of moves, which tends to occur in solo battle, and you’ll be able to take actions such as restraining your enemy by slashing them with threads so as not to be disturbed as you use recovery items.
On the other hand, since the offensive ability of the ‘Shishū’ skills itself is not that high, it’s often the case that its power is insufficient in the final stage of the story, and in regard to its buff-debuff ability, its correction to status is abysmal compared to its pure support skills; ending up in the gradual decrease of its usability as you approach the end of the game.
However, for me, a solo fighter who doesn’t intend to party with anyone, it is a wonderful skill that can cover up my weaknesses.
“Flame Sword – ‘Reverse Leading Flame’!” (Higaki)
“Hey!?” (Sakurai)
While I was thinking about such a thing, Higaki activated Flame Sword.
The released flame run through the thread; burning and spreading to other threads through the knot connecting them.
The threads that I’ve spread around burns one after another, on top of that, the fire begins to spread to the surrounding trees which are entwined by the threads, wait, oi!?
“Hey, Higaki-san!? Stop using Flame Sword in the woods!?” (Sakurai)
“It’s your fault!! It’s your fault for using such weak and combustible threads!!” (Higaki)
“Now you even start saying bullshit! The flames must be burning and spreading more than you expected and now you’re out of ideas, ain’t you!?”
“S-shut up!!” (Higaki)
“Eh!? Were you this crazy!?” (Sakurai)
Higaki finally starts to be angry for real; she starts aiming for my vitals, but my movements also switched from playing around to actual battle.
Then with the thought that I can gather more experience points by fighting with Shishū and the devil’s whisper, “At worst, you can recover with items, so everything’s gonna be fine, as long as you don’t get insta-killed,” I lose my reasoning.
As if attracted by me whose tension raises and lose sight of the surroundings, Higaki starts becoming even more heated up and reckless——
“Uhyoohohohoi! The increase in skill exp on a battle against monsters and humans sure are different! Let me earn more, Ao-chaaaaaaaaan!” (Sakurai)
“Be quiet and let me have sex with you, Sakuraaaaaaaaiiii!” (Higaki)
“What are you guys doing in a place like this!!” (Iris)
――Thus, the two of us made merry, fighting to the death in the woods at dusk until we were suppressed by Iris who came to check up on us.
A few minutes after being splendidly suppressed, we peacefully? sit in seiza side-by-side as we are being scolded by Iris standing imposingly in the log house.
“Haah, I see, so that’s what happened…… Certainly, the weakening of Sakurai-san’s ‘heat’ is inconvenient for me as well, and I think going out and play to cheer him up is a good idea, however. Higaki-san, as expected, you took the words of your esteemed teacher too seriously, you skipped too many steps, you know.” (Iris)
“My apologies…” (Higaki)
“I understand your feeling of wanting to do something to make it up for him and helping him in any way you can, however, Higaki-san is too reckless, carrying everything by yourself. We are no longer in a superficial relationship, so please do consult with me when you are in trouble.” (Iris)
“Ah, is the talk over? Then, I’m sweating a lot, so I’ll off to the bath first.” (Sakurai)
“Why are you trying to escape! Do you think you are not going to get a scolding, Sakurai-san! You, stupid!” (Iris-san)
After hitting my head, tattered with scratches all over my body, Iris scolds me with a somewhat angry face.
I admit that I was also partially at fault for start fighting to the death as Iris was preparing for dinner.
But I just said the truth, the one who drew their sword first was Higaki!! That part is clear, I say!!
“No matter how true it is, there are things that you can and cannot say! It should have been possible to express it in a more indirect manner! While knowing that Higaki-san is the type who bottles up her emotions and explodes, you thrust your reasoning as though you want to ignite her; to say she is unattractive and trample her dignity, where is your humanity!” (Iris)
“Ehh, why do I have to be that considerate…” (Sakurai)
“Sakurai-san, I have told you many times that that part of you is no good, right! Stupid!” (Iris)
Iris hit *bokon* my head again.
It doesn’t hurt, yet as I’ve experienced it in the ‘Netherworld’, when Iris hit my head, my blood cools down and I become calm. Like a disciplined dog.
By the way, Higaki is quiet, completely overwhelmed by mental anguish at Iris’s unintentional diss. Well, yeah, I went too far, I think, un.
“There are a lot of things happening today, right? You must have accumulated quite a fatigue without being aware of it, so how about calling it a day? Let’s decide tomorrow’s schedule as we eat dinner, okay?” (Iris)
Prompted by Iris, Higaki and I quietly head to the table.
My tattered clothes are thrown into the trash can, and I put on a spare academy uniform I get from Iris.
When I ask her why she has something like it, she replies, “Because I thought you would definitely come back with your clothes ruined sooner or later.”
To make her sure of such a thing, I think I must at least self-reflect a weeny bit.
After this and that, as we all having a warm meal, Iris starts deciding about tomorrow’s plan together with Higaki.
Hearing about famous places outside the academy, favorite shops, date spots and the likes from Higaki, Iris happily says, “I want to go there,” “I want to try that.” Looking at her, Higaki who have been depressed gradually regains her spirit; by the end of the meal, she is actively engaged in the talk.
I may have also got tired unknowingly again, without disturbing the conversation between the two, I quietly work on knitting (leveling) after the meal.
“Well then, we’ll be going out early in the morning tomorrow, so you two make sure to get up early, okay?” (Iris)
“Okay. Sakurai, too, train moderately so you don’t oversleep, got it?” (Higaki)
“Okaaaay.” (Sakurai)
…………Eh? Why do I end up staying over here?
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[Dempsey Straight Jolt]
What is this girl saying suddenly, what kind of twisted thought running in her mind this time?
Is she trying to move on to me because her relationship with Uncle was almost broken off? No, there’s no way that’s the case after all, right…
While thinking about such things, I pour a cold gaze on her who is sitting down on the ground.
After deciding to try listening to what she was thinking for her to said such a thing for now, I ask her what she meant by her remark.
“I see. You were worried I was spiritless because I got that burnout syndrome or something, and Uncle told you that I will recover if you invite me to a date and have sex with me.” (Sakurai)
“Yes.” (Higaki)
“But since I refused your help for making money, you thought that was the only think you could do for me. But you have never invited a man to a date, and though you have the knowledge, you have no experience with that kind of thing.” (Sakurai)
“Un.” (Higaki)
“Then because you’re at your wit’s end, you decided to just bite the bullet and say it, and the words that came out were ‘have sex with me’.” (Sakurai)
“Yes.” (Higaki)
Fumu, to think that I was so spiritless that Higaki went to the extent of considering such a thing, it seems that the adverse effects of the treatment cost on my mind and body have surfaced quite earlier than expected.
At this rate, my decency that I have thrown away for the sake of leveling might be revived from the graveyard of my heart.
If that happens, I will probably end up becoming a typical adventurer who wields their sword to make money. This is a serious problem; as I thought, I have to aim to repay my debt as soon as possible.
“Putting everything aside, for me having sex with you is, honestly speaking, impossible.” (Sakurai)
“I-is it because my appearance doesn’t suit to your liking or…” (Higaki)
“No, not because of your appearance, but because it is you.” (Sakurai)
“!?” (Higaki)
She probably didn’t expect to be rejected straightforwardly.
Hearing my words, Higaki raises her face vigorously; her eyes are wide open in shock, shaking, as if she couldn’t understand it.
Certainly, Higaki is a beautiful girl. Her figure is good.
There is no doubt about that since she was even selected to be a heroine in the original game after all; even in this world that has become a reality, she must have been living while being self-conscious that her appearance is exceptional.
However, this and that are different issues. Speaking bluntly, it’s impossible for me to see Higaki as a woman.
“After all, your various defect in personality outweighs your superiority in appearance.” (Sakurai)
“Calling it defect is terrible.” (Higaki)
Certainly, I’m grateful to you for wanting to cheer me up, to make it up to me somehow. I appreciate the thought.
But you, you’re the type of person who is extremely attached, and that can’t be said to be a decent personality even as a complement, isn’t it?
You know, in the past, a friend of mine was dating a woman with a strong attachment like you.
She was so attached that she followed my friend all the time; at every opportunity, she would start backbiting his friends who she didn’t like, and said that he should sever his relationship with people like that and the likes.
And when he argued, she would say ‘I am only thinking what’s best for you’ or ‘Are you going to dump me?’, when they finally broke up, she even mutilated herself to try to hold him back, even though he had changed his contact address after they separated, she looked it up, and approached him to get back together with him, turning into a stalker…… and I got into a lot of troubles because I was also caught up in it.
“And. You’re definitely such type, ain’t you?” (Sakurai)
“Are you out of your mind!? I’m not that kind of woman!” (Higaki)
“Then, let’s say you got along with your uncle, okay? If so, first, you’ll be around him all the time, and every time I want to talk to him, you’d say “If you want to talk to him, you have to get through me first,” right? Despite that, if Uncle were to complain to you, you’d definitely say “I’m the only one for Teacher,” or “Don’t abandon me,” and the likes, right?” (Sakurai)
“Eh, ah. Euh.” (Higaki)
“Listen here, Higaki. In the first place, if you want to offer your body to make it up for me, it would only make me think that there must something wrong with your head or something; if you have time for something like that, I’d be much happier if you were to spar with me. After all, that’d get me experience points. Understand? That’d get me experience points. It’s definitely hundreds of millions of times better than anything else, right?” (Sakurai)
After crouching down in front of Higaki sitting down and looking at me――
“So, you don’t have to do something like that. I don’t feel attraction as a woman from you anyway, and I’m neither foolish nor stupid enough to step on a visible land mine.” (Sakurai)
――I put my hand on her shoulder, and declare so firmly.
“O……. ooh, uu, uwaaaaaaaaaa!!” (Higaki)
“Uwah!? That’s dangerous!?” (Sakurai)
As though she suddenly snaps, Higaki draws her swords and slashes me.
I repel the slash she unleashed, but my sword is flicked off my hand; I instantly flip my wrist, entangle the ejected thread around a tree, and pull up my body.
“What are you doing suddenly!!” (Sakurai)
“You think I can withdraw after you disparage me like that! You think I can withdraw after you called me such thing as a visible land mine!!” (Higaki)
“Aren’t you actually exploding now, you land mine woman!?” (Sakurai)
“You’re calling me land mind again! Now that it has come this, I’ll get you to have sex with me, no, I’ll have sex with you!!” (Higaki)
Even though I just frankly said the truth, Higaki snapped and attacked me for some unknown reason. It seems this won’t end in a short while.
In that case, can’t be helped, let’s play along with her and raise the level of ‘Shishū’ until Higaki calms down. I’ll show you my ability as a thread user!!
“‘Shishū’ – ‘Shimatsu (Lit. Settlement): Bullet Strand-Shot!’”
I sling away the threads that I had spread to the surroundings, swinging the threads. The threads that fly in the air form fist-sized bullets and are fired one after another at Higaki.
“Is that it!!” (Higaki)
However, the other party is the chairman of the disciplinary committee.
Higaki slashes, flicks, and parries the bullets coming at her from almost all directions. Her figure dealing with three or more bullets at once looks like a dance.
“‘Shishū’ – ‘Nuiage (Lit. Finish Sewing): Spider’s Web, Shimatsu: Bullet Strand-Shot, Shimatsu: Fraying Cut’!”
In the meantime, I fire thread bullets to lead her to a sticky trap, and limit her movement with slashes as I recover my sword that was flicked away.
Shishū is roughly divided into two skill groups: ‘Shimatsu’ that deals damage to the enemy and ‘Nuiage’ that affects the status of the enemy and ally with abnormal status such as buff or debuff.
And the difference between ‘Shishū’ and other attack skills like ‘Flame Sword’ is that you can exert various effects by combining the skills that is separated to your two hands like a puzzle, and by adding in other actions, you can activate an additional ‘Shishū’ skill.
In particular, the latter advantage is it can compensate your lack of number of moves, which tends to occur in solo battle, and you’ll be able to take actions such as restraining your enemy by slashing them with threads so as not to be disturbed as you use recovery items.
On the other hand, since the offensive ability of the ‘Shishū’ skills itself is not that high, it’s often the case that its power is insufficient in the final stage of the story, and in regard to its buff-debuff ability, its correction to status is abysmal compared to its pure support skills; ending up in the gradual decrease of its usability as you approach the end of the game.
However, for me, a solo fighter who doesn’t intend to party with anyone, it is a wonderful skill that can cover up my weaknesses.
“Flame Sword – ‘Reverse Leading Flame’!” (Higaki)
“Hey!?” (Sakurai)
While I was thinking about such a thing, Higaki activated Flame Sword.
The released flame run through the thread; burning and spreading to other threads through the knot connecting them.
The threads that I’ve spread around burns one after another, on top of that, the fire begins to spread to the surrounding trees which are entwined by the threads, wait, oi!?
“Hey, Higaki-san!? Stop using Flame Sword in the woods!?” (Sakurai)
“It’s your fault!! It’s your fault for using such weak and combustible threads!!” (Higaki)
“Now you even start saying bullshit! The flames must be burning and spreading more than you expected and now you’re out of ideas, ain’t you!?”
“S-shut up!!” (Higaki)
“Eh!? Were you this crazy!?” (Sakurai)
Higaki finally starts to be angry for real; she starts aiming for my vitals, but my movements also switched from playing around to actual battle.
Then with the thought that I can gather more experience points by fighting with Shishū and the devil’s whisper, “At worst, you can recover with items, so everything’s gonna be fine, as long as you don’t get insta-killed,” I lose my reasoning.
As if attracted by me whose tension raises and lose sight of the surroundings, Higaki starts becoming even more heated up and reckless——
“Uhyoohohohoi! The increase in skill exp on a battle against monsters and humans sure are different! Let me earn more, Ao-chaaaaaaaaan!” (Sakurai)
“Be quiet and let me have sex with you, Sakuraaaaaaaaiiii!” (Higaki)
“What are you guys doing in a place like this!!” (Iris)
――Thus, the two of us made merry, fighting to the death in the woods at dusk until we were suppressed by Iris who came to check up on us.
A few minutes after being splendidly suppressed, we peacefully? sit in seiza side-by-side as we are being scolded by Iris standing imposingly in the log house.
“Haah, I see, so that’s what happened…… Certainly, the weakening of Sakurai-san’s ‘heat’ is inconvenient for me as well, and I think going out and play to cheer him up is a good idea, however. Higaki-san, as expected, you took the words of your esteemed teacher too seriously, you skipped too many steps, you know.” (Iris)
“My apologies…” (Higaki)
“I understand your feeling of wanting to do something to make it up for him and helping him in any way you can, however, Higaki-san is too reckless, carrying everything by yourself. We are no longer in a superficial relationship, so please do consult with me when you are in trouble.” (Iris)
“Ah, is the talk over? Then, I’m sweating a lot, so I’ll off to the bath first.” (Sakurai)
“Why are you trying to escape! Do you think you are not going to get a scolding, Sakurai-san! You, stupid!” (Iris-san)
After hitting my head, tattered with scratches all over my body, Iris scolds me with a somewhat angry face.
I admit that I was also partially at fault for start fighting to the death as Iris was preparing for dinner.
But I just said the truth, the one who drew their sword first was Higaki!! That part is clear, I say!!
“No matter how true it is, there are things that you can and cannot say! It should have been possible to express it in a more indirect manner! While knowing that Higaki-san is the type who bottles up her emotions and explodes, you thrust your reasoning as though you want to ignite her; to say she is unattractive and trample her dignity, where is your humanity!” (Iris)
“Ehh, why do I have to be that considerate…” (Sakurai)
“Sakurai-san, I have told you many times that that part of you is no good, right! Stupid!” (Iris)
Iris hit *bokon* my head again.
It doesn’t hurt, yet as I’ve experienced it in the ‘Netherworld’, when Iris hit my head, my blood cools down and I become calm. Like a disciplined dog.
By the way, Higaki is quiet, completely overwhelmed by mental anguish at Iris’s unintentional diss. Well, yeah, I went too far, I think, un.
“There are a lot of things happening today, right? You must have accumulated quite a fatigue without being aware of it, so how about calling it a day? Let’s decide tomorrow’s schedule as we eat dinner, okay?” (Iris)
Prompted by Iris, Higaki and I quietly head to the table.
My tattered clothes are thrown into the trash can, and I put on a spare academy uniform I get from Iris.
When I ask her why she has something like it, she replies, “Because I thought you would definitely come back with your clothes ruined sooner or later.”
To make her sure of such a thing, I think I must at least self-reflect a weeny bit.
After this and that, as we all having a warm meal, Iris starts deciding about tomorrow’s plan together with Higaki.
Hearing about famous places outside the academy, favorite shops, date spots and the likes from Higaki, Iris happily says, “I want to go there,” “I want to try that.” Looking at her, Higaki who have been depressed gradually regains her spirit; by the end of the meal, she is actively engaged in the talk.
I may have also got tired unknowingly again, without disturbing the conversation between the two, I quietly work on knitting (leveling) after the meal.
“Well then, we’ll be going out early in the morning tomorrow, so you two make sure to get up early, okay?” (Iris)
“Okay. Sakurai, too, train moderately so you don’t oversleep, got it?” (Higaki)
“Okaaaay.” (Sakurai)
…………Eh? Why do I end up staying over here?
Dempsey Straight JoltWhat is this girl saying suddenly, what kind of twisted thought running in her mind this time?Is she trying to move on to me because her relationship with Uncle was almost broken off? No, there's no way that's the case after all, rightWhile thinking about such things, I pour a cold gaze on her who is sitting down on the ground.After deciding to try listening to what she was thinking for her to said such a thing for now, I ask her what she meant by her remark.I see. You were worried I was spiritless because I got that burnout syndrome or something, and Uncle told you that I will recover if you invite me to a date and have sex with me. SakuraiYes. HigakiBut since I refused your help for making money, you thought that was the only think you could do for me. But you have never invited a man to a date, and though you have the knowledge, you have no experience with that kind of thing. SakuraiUn. HigakiThen because you're at your wit's end, you decided to just bite the bullet and say it, and the words that came out were have sex with me'. SakuraiYes. HigakiFumu, to think that I was so spiritless that Higaki went to the extent of considering such a thing, it seems that the adverse effects of the treatment cost on my mind and body have surfaced quite earlier than expected.At this rate, my decency that I have thrown away for the sake of leveling might be revived from the graveyard of my heart.If that happens, I will probably end up becoming a typical adventurer who wields their sword to make money. This is a serious problem; as I thought, I have to aim to repay my debt as soon as possible.Putting everything aside, for me having sex with you is, honestly speaking, impossible. SakuraiI-is it because my appearance doesn't suit to your liking or HigakiNo, not because of your appearance, but because it is you. Sakurai!? HigakiShe probably didn't expect to be rejected straightforwardly.Hearing my words, Higaki raises her face vigorously; her eyes are wide open in shock, shaking, as if she couldn't understand it.Certainly, Higaki is a beautiful girl. Her figure is good.There is no doubt about that since she was even selected to be a heroine in the original game after all; even in this world that has become a reality, she must have been living while being self-conscious that her appearance is exceptional.However, this and that are different issues. Speaking bluntly, it's impossible for me to see Higaki as a woman.After all, your various defect in personality outweighs your superiority in appearance. SakuraiCalling it defect is terrible. HigakiCertainly, I'm grateful to you for wanting to cheer me up, to make it up to me somehow. I appreciate the thought.But you, you're the type of person who is extremely attached, and that can't be said to be a decent personality even as a complement, isn't it?You know, in the past, a friend of mine was dating a woman with a strong attachment like you.She was so attached that she followed my friend all the time; at every opportunity, she would start backbiting his friends who she didn't like, and said that he should sever his relationship with people like that and the likes.And when he argued, she would say I am only thinking what's best for you' or Are you going to dump me?', when they finally broke up, she even mutilated herself to try to hold him back, even though he had changed his contact address after they separated, she looked it up, and approached him to get back together with him, turning into a stalker and I got into a lot of troubles because I was also caught up in it.And. You're definitely such type, ain't you? SakuraiAre you out of your mind!? I'm not that kind of woman! HigakiThen, let's say you got along with your uncle, okay? If so, first, you'll be around him all the time, and every time I want to talk to him, you'd say If you want to talk to him, you have to get through me first, right? Despite that, if Uncle were to complain to you, you'd definitely say I'm the only one for Teacher, or Don't abandon me, and the likes, right? SakuraiEh, ah. Euh. HigakiListen here, Higaki. In the first place, if you want to offer your body to make it up for me, it would only make me think that there must something wrong with your head or something; if you have time for something like that, I'd be much happier if you were to spar with me. After all, that'd get me experience points. Understand? That'd get me experience points. It's definitely hundreds of millions of times better than anything else, right? SakuraiAfter crouching down in front of Higaki sitting down and looking at meSo, you don't have to do something like that. I don't feel attraction as a woman from you anyway, and I'm neither foolish nor stupid enough to step on a visible land mine. SakuraiI put my hand on her shoulder, and declare so firmly.O. ooh, uu, uwaaaaaaaaaa!! HigakiUwah!? That's dangerous!? SakuraiAs though she suddenly snaps, Higaki draws her swords and slashes me.I repel the slash she unleashed, but my sword is flicked off my hand; I instantly flip my wrist, entangle the ejected thread around a tree, and pull up my body.What are you doing suddenly!! SakuraiYou think I can withdraw after you disparage me like that! You think I can withdraw after you called me such thing as a visible land mine!! HigakiAren't you actually exploding now, you land mine woman!? SakuraiYou're calling me land mind again! Now that it has come this, I'll get you to have sex with me, no, I'll have sex with you!! HigakiEven though I just frankly said the truth, Higaki snapped and attacked me for some unknown reason. It seems this won't end in a short while.In that case, can't be helped, let's play along with her and raise the level of Shish' until Higaki calms down. I'll show you my ability as a thread user!!Shish' Shimatsu Lit. Settlement: Bullet Strand-Shot!'I sling away the threads that I had spread to the surroundings, swinging the threads. The threads that fly in the air form fist-sized bullets and are fired one after another at Higaki.Is that it!! HigakiHowever, the other party is the chairman of the disciplinary committee.Higaki slashes, flicks, and parries the bullets coming at her from almost all directions. Her figure dealing with three or more bullets at once looks like a dance.Shish' Nuiage Lit. Finish Sewing: Spider's Web, Shimatsu: Bullet Strand-Shot, Shimatsu: Fraying Cut'!In the meantime, I fire thread bullets to lead her to a sticky trap, and limit her movement with slashes as I recover my sword that was flicked away.Shish is roughly divided into two skill groups: Shimatsu' that deals damage to the enemy and Nuiage' that affects the status of the enemy and ally with abnormal status such as buff or debuff.And the difference between Shish' and other attack skills like Flame Sword' is that you can exert various effects by combining the skills that is separated to your two hands like a puzzle, and by adding in other actions, you can activate an additional Shish' skill.In particular, the latter advantage is it can compensate your lack of number of moves, which tends to occur in solo battle, and you'll be able to take actions such as restraining your enemy by slashing them with threads so as not to be disturbed as you use recovery items.On the other hand, since the offensive ability of the Shish' skills itself is not that high, it's often the case that its power is insufficient in the final stage of the story, and in regard to its buff-debuff ability, its correction to status is abysmal compared to its pure support skills; ending up in the gradual decrease of its usability as you approach the end of the game.However, for me, a solo fighter who doesn't intend to party with anyone, it is a wonderful skill that can cover up my weaknesses.Flame Sword Reverse Leading Flame'! HigakiHey!? SakuraiWhile I was thinking about such a thing, Higaki activated Flame Sword.The released flame run through the thread; burning and spreading to other threads through the knot connecting them.The threads that I've spread around burns one after another, on top of that, the fire begins to spread to the surrounding trees which are entwined by the threads, wait, oi!?Hey, Higaki-san!? Stop using Flame Sword in the woods!? SakuraiIt's your fault!! It's your fault for using such weak and combustible threads!! HigakiNow you even start saying bullshit! The flames must be burning and spreading more than you expected and now you're out of ideas, ain't you!?S-shut up!! HigakiEh!? Were you this crazy!? SakuraiHigaki finally starts to be angry for real; she starts aiming for my vitals, but my movements also switched from playing around to actual battle.Then with the thought that I can gather more experience points by fighting with Shish and the devil's whisper, At worst, you can recover with items, so everything's gonna be fine, as long as you don't get insta-killed, I lose my reasoning.As if attracted by me whose tension raises and lose sight of the surroundings, Higaki starts becoming even more heated up and recklessUhyoohohohoi! The increase in skill exp on a battle against monsters and humans sure are different! Let me earn more, Ao-chaaaaaaaaan! SakuraiBe quiet and let me have sex with you, Sakuraaaaaaaaiiii! HigakiWhat are you guys doing in a place like this!! IrisThus, the two of us made merry, fighting to the death in the woods at dusk until we were suppressed by Iris who came to check up on us.A few minutes after being splendidly suppressed, we peacefully? sit in seiza side-by-side as we are being scolded by Iris standing imposingly in the log house.Haah, I see, so that's what happened Certainly, the weakening of Sakurai-san's heat' is inconvenient for me as well, and I think going out and play to cheer him up is a good idea, however. Higaki-san, as expected, you took the words of your esteemed teacher too seriously, you skipped too many steps, you know. IrisMy apologies HigakiI understand your feeling of wanting to do something to make it up for him and helping him in any way you can, however, Higaki-san is too reckless, carrying everything by yourself. We are no longer in a superficial relationship, so please do consult with me when you are in trouble. IrisAh, is the talk over? Then, I'm sweating a lot, so I'll off to the bath first. SakuraiWhy are you trying to escape! Do you think you are not going to get a scolding, Sakurai-san! You, stupid! Iris-sanAfter hitting my head, tattered with scratches all over my body, Iris scolds me with a somewhat angry face.I admit that I was also partially at fault for start fighting to the death as Iris was preparing for dinner.But I just said the truth, the one who drew their sword first was Higaki!! That part is clear, I say!!No matter how true it is, there are things that you can and cannot say! It should have been possible to express it in a more indirect manner! While knowing that Higaki-san is the type who bottles up her emotions and explodes, you thrust your reasoning as though you want to ignite her; to say she is unattractive and trample her dignity, where is your humanity! IrisEhh, why do I have to be that considerate SakuraiSakurai-san, I have told you many times that that part of you is no good, right! Stupid! IrisIris hit *bokon* my head again.It doesn't hurt, yet as I've experienced it in the Netherworld', when Iris hit my head, my blood cools down and I become calm. Like a disciplined dog.By the way, Higaki is quiet, completely overwhelmed by mental anguish at Iris's unintentional diss. Well, yeah, I went too far, I think, un.There are a lot of things happening today, right? You must have accumulated quite a fatigue without being aware of it, so how about calling it a day? Let's decide tomorrow's schedule as we eat dinner, okay? IrisPrompted by Iris, Higaki and I quietly head to the table.My tattered clothes are thrown into the trash can, and I put on a spare academy uniform I get from Iris.When I ask her why she has something like it, she replies, Because I thought you would definitely come back with your clothes ruined sooner or later.To make her sure of such a thing, I think I must at least self-reflect a weeny bit.After this and that, as we all having a warm meal, Iris starts deciding about tomorrow's plan together with Higaki.Hearing about famous places outside the academy, favorite shops, date spots and the likes from Higaki, Iris happily says, I want to go there, I want to try that. Looking at her, Higaki who have been depressed gradually regains her spirit; by the end of the meal, she is actively engaged in the talk.I may have also got tired unknowingly again, without disturbing the conversation between the two, I quietly work on knitting leveling after the meal.Well then, we'll be going out early in the morning tomorrow, so you two make sure to get up early, okay? IrisOkay. Sakurai, too, train moderately so you don't oversleep, got it? HigakiOkaaaay. SakuraiEh? Why do I end up staying over here?
