My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 103: Kageboshi

Episode 103: Kageboshi

At the same time Rindou and the others entered the door, Kageboshi was following Kenji’s orders. She slipped into the 5-star door just before it closed. 

While staying in the shadows concealed her presence, she couldn’t hide indefinitely. 

Timing her movements carefully, she emerged from the shadows when Rindou and Kyousuke weren’t actively sensing for presences. She caught her breath, and then re-entered the shadows. 

Repeating this process, Kageboshi kept a vigilant eye on Rindou and the others to ensure they weren’t in danger. 

(The boss monster is an advanced Kobold. They should be able to handle it without issue.) 

Watching the battle unfold from the shadows, Kageboshi felt relief. 

As predicted, the battle concluded. And just when things seemed to be winding down—either to destroy or retrieve the dungeon core— 

——RUMBLE, RUMBLE. 

(…The floor is shaking?) 

Being merged with the shadow of the surroundings, Kageboshi sensed the abnormality even earlier than Rindou and the others. 

——BOOM! 

“Whoa!” 

Hearing Rindou’s cry, Kageboshi snapped her gaze toward him. 

Seeing the cracks spreading across the floor, her thoughts raced. 

(If I lose the shadow, I’ll be forced out automatically! But just staying hidden won’t save them!) 

Her eyes darted back and forth as she analyzed the situation. 

(Kyousuke Yada and Ayane Lazaki are close to each other. That means Rindou Amachi is the most likely to be isolated! Damn it, of all times for Kenji’s predictions to be accurate!) 

Cursing Kenji’s foresight, Kageboshi made her decision. 

“Is this a joke!?” 

“Quick, gather up!” 

“We won’t make it! The floor—it’s collapsing!!” 

Moments later, the floor gave way. It sent Rindou and the others plummeting to the lower level. 

([Shadow Movement], disengage!) 

Kageboshi leapt out from the shadows. She used the falling debris as footholds to make her way toward Rindou. 

“Ugh! There’s no more footing!” 

As the broken floor disappeared from beneath her, she saw Rindou falling below. 

“…There’s no choice, then!” 

Kicking off the final piece of debris, Kageboshi propelled herself toward the wall. 

Using the wall as a springboard, she accelerated toward Rindou. 

“Rindou Amachi!” 

“Huh?! Who are you?!” 

Hearing her call his name, Rindou turned toward her. His face was full of confusion. 

“I’ll explain later! Hold your breath, got it?!” 

“Hold my breath? What are you talking about—” 

“We’re nearing the ground! Hold your breath now!” 

Sensing the urgency in her voice, Rindou frowned but complied. He held his breath. 

“[Shadow Movement]!” 

As Kageboshi grabbed Rindou, her skill [Shadow Magic] activated. 

Just as they were about to hit the ground, they sank into the shadows, avoiding the collision entirely. 

(…What’s going on?) 

While Rindou remained bewildered, Kageboshi felt a wave of relief at surviving the ordeal. She quickly emerged from the shadows. 

“Phew!” 

As soon as she surfaced, she exhaled heavily. She planted her hands on the ground, trying to steady her breathing. 

But her reprieve didn’t last long. Rindou’s cold voice pierced the air. 

“Who are you?” 

The blade of his Gale Sword was pressed against her neck. The chill of the metal sent a shiver down her spine. 

“…I am Kageboshi, sent under the orders of Branch Manager Dōmura to monitor and protect you.” 

“Orders from the Branch Manager? …So, what you’re saying is, the Branch Manager isn’t on our side, is he?” 

To Rindou, it seemed as though she had been sent to spy on his skills. 

“Please, calm down, Rindou Amachi.” 

“You think I can stay calm?” 

“The Branch Manager only wanted to ensure your safety and entrusted me with this task.” 

“And yet, you kept it a secret? Why the covert surveillance? Isn’t it obvious you’re just trying to analyze my skills?” 

Rindou’s grip trembled, and the blade nicked Kageboshi’s neck. It drew a thin line of bl00d. 

Sweat beaded on her forehead. 

“That’s absolutely not true. The Branch Manager asked me to protect your future—” 

“And I’m supposed to believe that? Did the Branch Manager know about this double gate all along? Because of him, Kyousuke and Ayane might be in danger right now!” 

Interrupting her explanation, Rindou’s angry voice echoed. 

Kageboshi realized that nothing she said would persuade him in his current state. She was frantically considering how to calm him down. 

“Grrrrr…” 

Just then, a low growl echoed from the shadows ahead. 

“Damn it! Monsters, now of all times?!”

“I understand that you cannot trust me. However, shouldn’t we prioritize surviving this situation right now?” 

“You have no right to say that—” 

“If we don’t act now, we might never reunite with Kyousuke Yada and Ayane Kazaki! Just work together for now! Focus on survival!” 

This time, Kageboshi’s angry voice rang out. It was loud and resolute. 

Her shout caused her neck to tense. It inadvertently pressed the blade deeper into her skin. 

Bl00d flowed from the wound, leaving a crimson trail as it dripped to the ground. 

“…Don’t think for a second I trust you, understood?” 

Sensing an intense determination in Kageboshi’s outburst, Rindou withdrew his Gale Sword and answered with a stern tone. 

“That’s fine. Let’s deal with these monsters quickly.” 

Kageboshi rose to her feet, exhaling softly. Without bothering to wipe the bl00d from her neck, she readied her dagger. She glared into the darkness where the monsters lurked. 

“GRAAAAH!!” 

At that moment, several monsters leapt out of the shadows. And the battle began.