My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 12: Gakuto Oze

Episode 12: Gakuto Oze

When Rindou and the others returned to the first floor, they noticed the atmosphere was unusually chaotic.  

“Did something happen? I’ll go find out,” 

Aoba said, approaching a nearby staff member to ask for details before quickly returning.  

“Did you find out anything?”  

“Yes, Kazaki-sama. It seems some players who abandoned their missions during yesterday’s stampede have been brought in.”  

“What? Could it be…?”  

“You! I finally found you, Rindou!!”  

The voice calling Rindou’s name was familiar, and he sighed internally. He realized he was about to get dragged into something troublesome.  

“You’ve been looking for me—Gakuto?”  

The commotion was caused by Gakuto Oze and his cronies—players assigned to the reserve unit who had fled at the start of the stampede.  

“You’re the one who filed that false report, aren’t you?”  

“False report? What are you talking about?”  

“That we abandoned our mission! Take it back and apologize right here! If you don’t, you know what’s coming!”  

Rindou’s report was entirely truthful. Gakuto was loudly proclaiming his innocence. He was attempting to shift the blame entirely onto Rindou.  

“Look, I—”  

“Ah, so you’re Gakuto Oze.”  

“Huh? And who the hell are you?”  

Before Rindou could deny the accusation, Ayane stepped forward.  

“I’m Ayane Kazaki, an A-rank player. I oversaw the situation at the stampede site.”  

“What?! A… A-rank?!”

Gakuto faltered. He clearly was not expecting an A-rank player to be on Rindou’s side.  

“After the stampede began, I took note of all the players who arrived. It included those in the assault and reserve units. Your name was definitely listed, but I didn’t see you at the scene. Where were you?”  

“T-that’s…”  

Gakuto stammered. He was unable to come up with an excuse. Ayane didn’t let up.  

“You claim Rindou made a false report, but multiple witnesses saw you running away. That’s in addition to reports of other problematic behaviors—like shoving civilians aside and injuring them, or deliberately hitting others.”  

“Y-you’re kidding me—!”  

“It doesn’t stop there. The security camera footage from around the stampede site has already been reviewed. It corroborated all the reports. You’re completely cornered.”  

“Guh…!”  

Ayane’s sharp gaze silenced Gakuto. Unable to refute any further, he was taken away to an interrogation room. Gradually, the first-floor atmosphere returned to normal.  

“…What was that all about?”  

“Are you all right, Amachi-sama?”  

“Are you okay, Rindou-san?”  

“Eh? I’m totally fine, but…”  

Rindou was caught off guard by the concern from Aoba and Ayane. He responded awkwardly.  

“Um, Amachi-sama, if you don’t mind me asking…… Do you know that guy?”  

“Well, we were classmates back in school. After he awakened as a player, he started looking down on ordinary people…”  

“So that’s why he was bullying you.”  

“Wait, how do *you* know that, Ayane?”  

Rindou hadn’t told anyone about Gakuto harassing him. But Ayane already had the answer.  

“When we reviewed the security footage from the stampede area, there was a clip of him grabbing you by the collar.”  

“Oh, that explains it.”  

“Since you were an ordinary person at the time, his actions are punishable. And with his mission abandonment, the consequences will likely be severe.”  

As Aoba speculated about the repercussions, Rindou wore a conflicted expression.  

“What’s wrong, Rindou-san?”  

“Hm? Oh, I was just thinking……… Gakuto might try to retaliate and blame me again.”  

Rindou hesitated to voice his concern. But he decided it was better to inform Aoba, a staff member of the Association.  

“That’s a valid concern. He’s a C-rank, after all.”  

“If Amachi-sama were attacked, it would be a disaster.”  

Feeling underestimated, Rindou wanted to protest but refrained. The gap between an E-rank and a C-rank was significant. And the difference in strength was undeniable. Swallowing his frustration, he chose to remain silent.  

“Understood, I’ll discuss it with the department chief.” 

“If necessary, should I serve as your bodyguard for a while?” 

“N-no, that’s not an option! Kazaki-sama still has many duties to perform as an A-rank player!” 

“I’d rather decline too.” 

“Really?” 

Rindou wondered if Ayane was serious about the offer. But having an A-rank player escorting an E-rank player might raise unnecessary suspicions among others. 

“I’d like to avoid unnecessary trouble. I’ll manage on my own.” 

“Is that so? But if anything happens, please contact me.” 

“Got it. Hopefully, nothing will. But if it does, I’ll count on you.” 

“In the meantime, Amachi-sama, please wait in the lounge. Once your player ID has been issued, we’ll call you.” 

Afterward, Ayane mentioned she had business to attend to and headed to the upper floors of the Association building. 

A while later, Rindou was summoned by Aoba and made his way to the reception area where she was waiting.