My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 25: Into the Cave

Episode 25: Into the Cave

“Finally done.”

“Thank you so much, you’ve really helped me out.”

“Ah, no problem. It’s nothing.”

While gazing at the empty cave corridor, Rindou repeatedly bowed to Kyousuke.

“So, what are you going to do now? Do you want to head to the Association and exchange your items?”

“That sounds good, but……. I’m more curious about what lies further into the cave.”

Rindou said this as he turned his gaze towards the end of the corridor.

“You said you defeated a swarm of Soldier Ants, right? With that many, there’s probably a Queen Ant ahead.”

“…A Queen Ant, huh.”

The Queen Ant was a monster with a strength that seemed out of place for a beginner’s gate.

In fact, even Soldier Ants could be defeated by an E-rank player with only a few of them. But once the number reached double digits, E-rank players couldn’t handle them.

Kyousuke had said that he participated in monster hunting once a week. But seeing that so many monsters had been left unchecked, Rindou couldn’t help but think that it couldn’t really be called monster hunting.

“…This is strange.”

“What’s wrong, Yada-san?”

“The report from last week’s monster hunt didn’t mention anything about a swarm of Soldier Ants.”

“You were hunting with other guards, right?”

“Yeah. I was in charge of a different area, but the guards who went hunting are required to submit reports. I’ve also read the reports from the players who were responsible for this area.”

Kyousuke suspected that false reports might have been made. But there wasn’t time to dwell on that now.

“Sorry, Rindou-kun. If you’re heading further in, would you mind if I accompany you?”

“No, Yada-san. It’s okay for you to head back now.”

“Huh? But, there’s definitely a Queen Ant up ahead. The expected rank for a Queen Ant is C-rank. No offense, but with your E-rank, you’d be trampled and finished off.”

His words were harsh, but they were the general consensus. And Kyousuke was genuinely concerned about Rindou’s safety. 

Rindou understood this very well. But right now, he didn’t want the fact that he had the skill [Gacha] to be known.

“That may be true, but I want to test my strength.”

“…Rindou-kun. Courage and recklessness are two sides of the same coin. I acknowledge your skill for defeating a swarm of Soldier Ants. But there’s a chance that even more Soldier Ants are gathered around the Queen Ant. This is far too reckless.”

Kyousuke usually wore a calm expression. He was now staring at Rindou with serious, sharp eyes.

However, Rindou didn’t back down. He met Kyousuke’s gaze head-on, strongly wishing to be acknowledged.

“…Alright, I understand.”

“Yada-san!”

“I don’t have the authority to forcibly stop another player’s actions. But if it gets dangerous, you need to pull back immediately. Also, if you go in, I’ll wait outside the cave. And if you’re not back after three hours, I’ll come in to rescue you. Can you accept that?”

Hearing Kyousuke’s words, Rindou felt a pang of guilt.

“Won’t that put a huge burden on you, Yada-san? Also, there’s the possibility that monsters outside could attack you, too.”

“Even though I had to leave my party due to injury, I’m still a C-rank player, you know? Unless an irregular situation occurs, I won’t fall behind against monsters from a one star gate.”

After hearing this, Rindou thought that refusing would be rude. So he decided to accept Kyousuke’s consideration without hesitation.

“…Thank you, Yada-san.”

“No need to thank me. Just promise me one thing—make sure you come back safely, that’s all I ask.”

Kyousuke extended his right hand. And Rindou firmly shook it.

“I promise!”

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Yes!”

With that, Rindou headed deeper into the cave to test his new skills.