My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 54: The Devil’s Choice

Episode 54: The Devil’s Choice  

The words [First Player Kill Reward] displayed on the system window left Rindou’s mind blank.  

He hadn’t wanted to kill Gakuto. Even though the devastating effect of his [Iron Wall Reflection] had been beyond his expectations, he knew he had to accept the consequences of his actions. This was the result of his own choices.  

But why had it turned into a system message about rewards for killing another player?  

(…Does the skill [Gacha] activate when I kill a player?)  

A dark thought surfaced in Rindou’s mind.  

(…If I kill strong players, does that mean I can become even stronger?)  

The system confirmed his suspicion:  

[You have acquired Gakuto Oze’s skill: [Heavy Tank].]  

(The skill [Heavy Tank] is powerful—I understood that just from watching Gakuto. It also pairs well with [Iron Wall Reflection].)  

Using [Heavy Tank] to enhance his defense, Rindou could absorb attacks to power his reflective strikes. With such a combination, few enemies could stand against him.  

To acquire the Elixir he desperately needed, Rindou had to become stronger. To save Kyouka, there was no other way.  

[Skill acquisition exceeds the limit. Please delete one skill to proceed.]  

The rational choice as a player was obvious: acquire [Heavy Tank] to achieve his goal.  

But Rindou couldn’t shake a deeper thought.  

(…I don’t want to lose my humanity!)  

In that moment, he made his decision:  

[Deleted skill: [Heavy Tank].]  

He chose not to acquire the skill.  

(If I take it, I might lose myself. I could end up obsessing over killing players just to grow stronger. That’s a line I can’t cross!)  

Rindou reminded himself of what Kyouka would want for him.  

(Would Kyouka be happy if a mass murderer brought her the Elixir? Of course not! She would never accept such a twisted gift from someone who’s lost their humanity!)  

His breathing grew erratic as his mental turmoil pushed him to exhaustion.  

“Are you okay, Rindou-kun? Rindou-kun!” 

Kyousuke called out, worry clear in his voice.  

“Hah… hah… hah…”  

“This is bad—we need to get back to the Association, now!”  

Kyousuke realized Rindou’s worsening condition. He lifted him onto his back, preparing to flee.  

Suddenly—  

“Fshhh! Gegigigigi! Gegogogogo!”  

Without Kyousuke noticing, the area had filled with monsters.  

“What!? Damn, I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings!”  

“Hah… hah—ugh!”  

“Rindou-kun!?”  

Rindou lost consciousness, slumping heavily on Kyousuke’s back.  

With monsters closing in and Ishida still unconscious nearby, Kyousuke quickly assessed the dire situation.  

“…It’s impossible. I can’t handle this,” 

He muttered, bitterly accepting the reality.  

If it were just him, Kyousuke could fight his way out. But carrying Rindou and trying to save Ishida as well was too much.  

“I’m sorry… Ishida,” 

Kyousuke whispered, torn by guilt.  

But his resolve burned brighter than his despair.  

“I will never abandon my comrades. Let’s go!”  

Drawing a deep breath, Kyousuke adjusted Rindou on his back and raised his sword. Activating [Battle Spirit], he looked for a way through the horde.  

Just then—  

——BOOOOM!  

A massive explosion echoed from the direction of the gate’s entrance.  

“…What was that?” 

Kyousuke muttered, stunned.  

The monsters, too, shifted their attention toward the source of the explosion.  

(…They’re distracted!)  

Recognizing the opportunity, Kyousuke sprang into action. He ran, focusing entirely on evading the monsters rather than fighting. Slipping through their ranks, he only attacked when absolutely necessary.  

“Bruggrraa!”  

One monster lunged at him. But Kyousuke swiftly countered with a precise slash before continuing his dash.  

As the sound of explosions grew closer, Kyousuke dared to hope.  

(Please, let whoever’s causing this be an ally!)  

Finally, he saw them—other players arriving to rescue him and his comrades.  

“That’s…!” 

Kyousuke exclaimed. Relief was washing over him.