My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 47: Encounter ⑥

Episode 47: Encounter ⑥ 

“Hah!”  

“Bujura!?”  

Rindou was constantly mindful of Kyousuke standing behind him. He kept cutting down the horde of frenzied monsters surrounding them.  

Kyousuke was also fighting off the monsters, though on his back was Ishida. He was unconscious and slumped over.  

“Are you seriously bringing that guy along, Kyousuke?”  

For what felt like the umpteenth time, Rindou questioned Kyousuke’s decision to carry Ishida with them.  

“I’m sorry, but I want him to face disciplinary action through the Association.”  

Although Kyousuke had shown no mercy to Gakuto’s henchmen earlier, it seemed he couldn’t extend the same ruthlessness toward someone he knew personally.  

“Maybe this is just me forcing my ideals on Ishida, but I can’t leave him behind.”  

With a self-deprecating smile, Kyousuke refused to abandon Ishida.  

“Well… it’s not my place to criticize your decision.”  

“If keeping me alive becomes too much of a burden, you’re free to leave me behind.”  

“There’s no way I’d do something like that!”  

Rindou’s voice rose sharply as he decapitated an approaching monster in one swift stroke.  

“…Tch! My [Intermediate Swordsmanship] skill is only at 50%!”  

It had been nearly thirty minutes since they had trapped Gakuto in the swamp. By now, Rindou assumed he had likely escaped and was searching for them. Raising his skill proficiency to 100% before their next encounter was beginning to seem impossible.  

(Damn it! No skill boosts or rare items are dropping! Just the usual junk gear and consumables!)  

He had managed to raise his [Intermediate Swordsmanship] proficiency to 50% solely through combat. Despite that, the sheer lack of valuable drops left Rindou frustrated.  

(With Kyousuke here, maybe we should retreat and regroup for now?)  

There was no guarantee they could deal any significant damage to Gakuto in their current state. The only meaningful difference from their initial battle was the presence of Kyousuke. And also the [Resonance] skill that could activate within a ten-meter radius.  

“…Kyousuke! Let’s retreat and regroup—”  

“GIGYAAAAAAAaaaaAAAAAAAaaaAAaAAaaa!!!”  

Before Rindou could finish, a piercing, unnatural cry echoed from deep within the swamp.  

“W-What the hell was that?”  

“I’ve been here many times, but I’ve never heard a sound like that,” 

Kyousuke replied, his tone heavy with caution.  

The unfamiliar sound signaled the arrival of something unknown and dangerous. It prompted the both of them to heighten their alertness.  

“…Kyousuke, let’s retreat. Something’s seriously wrong here today.”  

“You’re right. It’s almost certainly something Ishida and his group stirred up.”  

Kyousuke sighed as he spoke, and Rindou nodded in agreement.  

“Alright, let’s get out of here—!”  

Before Rindou could finish his sentence, an overwhelming sense of murderous intent surged toward them. He turned instinctively, his face tightening.  

Kyousuke was sensing the same threat. He seemed to recognize it immediately.  

“…No way. It’s Eldias Kong!”  

“What?! Why would such a high-ranking monster be in a beginner-level dungeon?”  

Eldias Kong, a gorilla-like monster with a B-rank threat level. It was a shocking sight in a dungeon intended for new players.  

“It’s a territorial monster. It should never leave its habitat. Normally, you’d never see it even halfway through the southern swamp!”  

Despite its high threat level, Eldias Kong was known for its docile nature. The only times it left its territory were to forage, as it was a rare herbivore among monsters. It seldom attacked players unless provoked.  

“Someone must have antagonized it.”  

“Was it Gakuto? Or his lackeys? Damn it, they’ve drawn out a huge pain in the ass!”  

Facing Eldias Kong would undoubtedly be a fierce battle. The commotion could easily attract Gakuto to their location.  

“………….Only a few days into being a player, and I’m already at a make-or-break moment.”  

Cold sweat dripped down Rindou’s back. As he finally came face-to-face with the enraged Eldias Kong.