My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 39: Anomaly

Episode 39: Anomaly  

Having shared skill information with Kyousuke, Rindou continued hunting monsters with remarkable efficiency. He was unburdened by worries about drop items.  

“Alright! My [Intermediate Swordsmanship] mastery finally hit 20%!”  

Though it would still take a long time for [Intermediate Swordsmanship] to evolve into a more advanced skill, Rindou was pleased. It was because the number of drop items he had collected was nearing triple digits.  

“Seriously, Rindou-kun. With all these drops, you could live an easy life.”  

“Nah, that’s not happening.” 

“Why not? You’ve probably earned enough to cover your sister’s medical expenses, haven’t you?”  

Kyousuke’s natural question was met with a shake of Rindou’s head. His true objective was much more ambitious.  

“I don’t need just potions—or even Advanced Potions. I’m after an Elixir.”  

“What?! …….Is your sister’s condition really that bad?”  

Kyousuke’s eyes widened at the mention of an Elixir, a rare and powerful item. The thought of Rindou’s sister, Kyouka, being in such dire straits worried him.  

“Her external injuries are fine now, but internally…….. her condition is beyond saving with conventional medicine or even potions from the other world.”  

“I see…………. Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up such a painful topic,” 

Kyousuke apologized, lowering his gaze.  

“It’s not your fault, Kyousuke. I just need to get stronger and join the raids on gates where Elixirs drop.”  

“Then, I guess I’ll have to support you to make that happen,” 

Kyousuke said with a determined smile.  

“… Are you sure?”  

Rindou appreciated Kyousuke’s offer but hesitated. As an Association staff member, Kyousuke’s excessive involvement with a single player might raise eyebrows.  

“It’s fine. My position with the Association is more of a temporary hire anyway.”  

“Really?”  

“Yeah. When I left my party, the Association invited me. They offered me a full-time position. But since I wasn’t ready to give up on being a player entirely, I opted for a temporary role that let me return to playing if I wanted.”  

This revelation surprised Rindou. He hadn’t realized Kyousuke still harbored feelings about his past as a player.  

“Still, with my injuries, a full return isn’t feasible. All I can do now is provide player-like support through the Association.”  

“That’s not true. I’m grateful for all the help you’ve given me.”  

“I can manage basic support at best.”  

Ryujin spoke his true feelings. But Kyosuke was probably frustrated that he couldn’t move like he did when he was active. He answered with a wry smile.

“.…Would an Elixir also be necessary to heal your injuries?”  

“No, my injuries aren’t that severe. An Advanced Potion would suffice. But those are limited and prioritized for A-rank and above players.”  

Hearing this, Rindou appeared thoughtful.  

“…What’s on your mind?”   

“…Would you like one? An Advanced Potion, I mean.”  

“…What? You have one?”   

“Yeah. I got it as a drop during the last stampede.”  

Kyousuke was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Rindou to have one, given how rare Advanced Potions were.  

“But still, that’s too much to ask—”  

“You want to return as a player, right?”  

“…Well, yes, but—”  

The unexpected opportunity left Kyousuke hesitant. He wasn’t mentally or physically prepared to reenter the player ranks.  

“You’ve helped me countless times, Kyousuke. Even when I got a rare drop from the Soldier Ant, you passed it to your blacksmith friend instead of keeping it for yourself, right?”  

“Well, that’s true.”  

“Then, let me properly thank you this time. I can’t heal my sister with Advanced Potions, so to me, lower, intermediate, or advanced—it’s all the same.”

Kyousuke felt it was a bit much. But he couldn’t voice his thoughts as he struggled to organize them.  

“If there’s someone who truly needs it, I want them to use it. In return—well, I’m not just borrowing your words from earlier, but I’d like you to keep cooperating with me from now on. What do you say?”

Hearing his own words reflected back at him, Kyousuke finally made up his mind.  

“…If I refuse here, I’d end up abandoned by this extraordinary rookie, wouldn’t I?”  

“Let’s put it that way.”  

“Good grief. Fine, I’ll accept the Advanced Potion on the condition that I keep helping you.” 

Rindou breathed a sigh of relief as Kyousuke made his decision.  

“Glad to hear it.”  

“What’s with that look of relief?”  

“I was planning to sell the Advanced Potion if I couldn’t get into the rookie gate that day.”

Had he sold it, the potion would have been snatched up immediately. It would made it nearly impossible to reacquire. And it would force Kyousuke to wait for another drop.  

“I left it at home, so I can’t give it to you right now. But I’ll definitely bring it next time we meet.”  

“Thanks, Rindou-kun. I’ll repay this debt someday. I promise.”  

“Come on, Kyousuke. You’ve already done so much for me. I owe you way more than this.”  

The two exchanged these words with sincerity. Their eyes met before they both burst into laughter.  

Just as they were about to resume hunting—  

——Flap! Flap! Flap! Flap!

——Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!  

Suddenly, the sound of countless monsters stirring filled the air. It reverberated across the swamp.