My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 62: Caution

Chapter 2

Episode 62: Caution 

Having restarted as a C-rank player, Rindou Amachi embarked on his first gate exploration with two new companions: Kyousuke Yada whom he deemed trustworthy, and Ayane Kazaki who was assigned to accompany him by the Player Association.  

“This is my first time tackling a three-star gate in ages!”  

This comment came from the A-rank player Ayane. Recently, she had been leading large-scale expeditions. They were primarily focused on high-star gates. For her, it had been four years since she last dealt with a three-star gates. Which were suitable for D-rank players.  

“Since this is technically one rank below your level, Rindou-kun, it’s not quite optimal. But it’s a good starting point for your first proper exploration,”

The former C-rank player Kyousuke explained so.  

Having retired once due to injuries, Kyousuke returned to active play after Rindou provided him with an Advanced Potion that healed his old wounds.  

“I’m fine with it, but are you sure you’re okay with this, Kyousuke? Even if you’re returning, tackling a D-rank appropriate gate might feel beneath someone of your previous rank.” 

Rindou was worried more about Kyousuke than himself.  

“This is like my comeback match after healing. So this level feels just right.” 

Kyousuke replied casually, which reassured Rindou.  

However, Rindou had another concern.  

(…Ayane Kazaki. I need to keep a close eye on her actions.)  

Ayane was accompanying them under the guise of guarding Rindou, a request from the Player Association. Her involvement was decided after Rindou underwent a reassessment by Kenji Dōmura, the Eastern District Branch Manager of the Association.  

To Rindou, it seemed Kenji suspected him of harboring some kind of secret.  

(I’d rather not reveal too much about my skill [Gacha]. But it’ll be hard to avoid combat with monsters. How should I handle this?)  

Rindou had already disclosed the nature of his [Gacha] skill, along with the many other skills he possessed, to Kyousuke. It was because he trusted him. However, Ayane was a different story.  

They had only briefly met during his player registration. And her casual interaction with Kenji suggested a deep connection with the Association.  

(Are they trying to use me, or are they genuinely trying to nurture me as a valuable asset? Either way, I became a player for my own goals. I’ll need to find a compromise.)  

Rindou realized he would have to establish clear grounds for trusting Ayane. If he acted too distrustfully and the Association ostracized him, his ability to operate as a player could be jeopardized. He needed to identify mutually beneficial terms and negotiate with Ayane accordingly.  

(Defeating monsters will inevitably trigger my [Gacha] skill, so hiding the loot will be impossible. I’ll need to accept that and keep the rest of my abilities secret.)  

The Association would already know about the substantial loot he had delivered. Thus, Rindou decided to focus on that aspect while concealing the number of skills he possessed. 

(Even possessing more than two skills is unusual. But if they found out I have four, it’d cause a stir. I should keep quiet about it. Thankfully, none of my current skills are magic-based. So hiding them should be feasible.)  

Rindou’s four skills were:

– [Gacha]  

– [Intermediate Swordsmanship]  

– [Resonance]  

– [Iron Wall Reflection]  

Of these, only [Iron Wall Reflection] would visibly reveal its activation. And situations that dire were unlikely to arise often. He felt confident his skills could remain hidden.  

“Is something wrong, Rindou-san?”  

Lost in his thoughts for what seemed like too long, Rindou was suddenly addressed by Ayane.  

“Something on your mind?”  

“Hm? No, nothing at all,” 

Rindou replied, shrugging his shoulders. He couldn’t afford to let Ayane catch on to what he had been thinking.  

“Really? …Well, if you say so!” 

Ayane said cheerfully. She was flashing a radiant smile.  

Yet Rindou couldn’t decipher what lay behind that smile.
 

(Even though it’s just a three-star gate, I can’t let my guard down…… Ugh, having more people to stay wary of is such a hassle.)  

With that thought, Rindou refocused. He kept the conversation casual as they continued their journey. Eventually, they arrived at the three-star gate.