My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 58: Apology

Episode 58: Apology

As soon as they arrived at the Association building, Rindou was greeted by Aoba, an employee of the Association.

“Ah, we’ve been waiting for you, Amachi-sama! The branch manager is expecting you, so please head up to the upper floors!”

“…The branch manager?”

Upon hearing that a significant person was waiting for him, Rindou turned to look back at Kyousuke and Ayane, who were standing behind him.

“…You two knew about this, didn’t you?”

“Well, Ayane-san said she wanted to surprise you.”

“Did we surprise you, Rindou-san?” 

Ayane asked, a mischievous smile on her face. She was unlike Kyousuke, who looked apologetic.

“...Sigh. Yeah, yeah, I’m surprised. Let’s go, Kyousuke.”

“Right.”

“I’m coming too! Geez, Rindou-san, you’re so mean!”

“You’re the one who played the prank, aren’t you?”

Rindou gave Ayane a side-eyed look. But she just turned away as if not bothered at all.

“W-well then, please follow me!” 

Aoba stammered, her nervousness evident.

“…Why are you so nervous, Aoba-san?” 

Rindou noticed her unusual tension.

“Eh? Ah, well… that’s because—”

Normally cheerful and lively, Aoba seemed unusually nervous today. Rindou noticed that her tension was likely connected to where they were heading. As she stared intently at the elevator.

“Aoba-san, you can return to the counter and leave the guiding to me.”

“R-really, Kazaki-sama?!” 

Aoba’s eyes widened. And she looked like she might cry as she walked towards Ayane.

“Yes, really. Now go back and get to work!”

“Thank you! I’ll do my best!!”

Aoba quickly bowed not just to Ayane, but also to Rindou and Kyousuke. Then she hurried back to the counter.

“…She’s really fickle, isn’t she?” 

“Well, that’s both her charm and her flaw, I guess.”

“Yada-senpai, that’s not really a compliment, is it?”

Kyousuke just gave a wry smile but didn’t elaborate further.

“Well, whatever. Let’s get going, the branch manager’s waiting for us.”

Remembering that the branch manager was waiting for him, Rindou entered the elevator. As they made their way up, he couldn’t help but wonder why the branch manager had called for him.

(It’s definitely about the investigation into the incident with the new player gate. But why would the branch manager personally handle this with a mere player? Maybe it’s related to the monsters Ishida brought up… but could it be a punishment for killing Gakuto? No way, right?)

As these uneasy thoughts filled his mind, the elevator arrived at the tenth floor. It was where the branch manager’s office was located.

From here, Ayane led the way. She stopped in front of the door at the far end and knocked.

“—Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

A deep voice called from inside. And as Ayane responded, she opened the door.

“Hm? Why is Ayane guiding them? Where’s Aoba-kun?” 

“Aoba-san was busy with work, so I volunteered to guide them instead.”

“I see… Well, I suppose that can’t be helped.”

A large man, over two meters tall, appeared. He was wearing a wide suit. He was muscular and had a rather intimidating presence.

“I’m the branch manager of the Eastern District of the Player Association, Kenji Dōmura.”

Branch Manager Kenji Dōmura stood up from his chair. He walked toward Rindou, extending his hand.

“Ah, Rindou Amachi. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Rindou shook his hand. But as he did, he felt an overwhelming pressure from Dōmura. It made him break into a cold sweat.

(What… who is this guy?!)

The pressure was so intense that it felt like he might be crushed under it. But somehow, he managed to stand his ground.

“…Fuhahahaha!” 

Suddenly, Dōmura burst out laughing. And at the same time, the pressure disappeared.

“Hey, Branch Manager! You said Rindou-san would be fine!”

“Ah, sorry! I just couldn’t help myself and wanted to test him.” 

He let go of Rindou’s hand and turned around. He walked to the center of the room where a sofa was placed, gesturing for everyone to sit.

“Please, take a seat.”

“…Ah, alright.”

Although Rindou was still puzzled as to what the test had been about, he couldn’t refuse the branch manager’s invitation and sat down. Ayane and Kyousuke sat on either side of him. While Dōmura took the seat across from them.

“Now then, Player Rindou Amachi. First of all, I owe you an apology. I’m truly sorry for what happened!”

“…Huh? What do you mean?”

Rindou was caught off guard by the sudden apology and bow from Branch Manager Dōmura. He had been on guard, but now he was confused.

“It’s because of Ishida, the temporary player we hired. He caused trouble for you, Player Amachi. I’m really sorry.”

“Oh, that’s what you mean… Well, to be honest, it was partly my fault too. So don’t worry about it.”

Ishida was connected to Gakuto as well.

Rindou speculated that Ishida must have been coerced by Gakuto to bring out the monsters. While it was true that the Association’s management was lacking, Rindou still believed that someone of the branch manager’s stature should not need to bow to a mere player.

“…Player Amachi, you are a kind person.”

“I’m just saying that I don’t think it’s something for the branch manager to bow about.”

“However, it is also a fact that you and Player Yada were put in danger. This is a significant matter, one that requires the higher-ups to apologize.”

“If that’s the case, then I accept your apology.”

“Thank you. I’m in your debt.”

When Rindou said this, Kenji smiled wryly and responded.