My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 64: Battle in the Rocky Area

Episode 64: Battle in the Rocky Area

The vast wilderness seemed to stretch endlessly—but suddenly, a huge rocky area appeared in the distance.

“A rocky area that suddenly appeared in the middle of the wilderness……… Most likely, there’s a boss monster there.”

Ayane nodded vigorously at Kyousuke’s words.

“Is that so, Kyousuke?”

The two of them had cleared gates countless times. For them, it might have been obvious. But for Rindou, he was experiencing this for the first time. It was only natural to have doubts.

“If it’s a five star or higher, there are usually deeper areas or hidden zones. But for a three star, it’s typically a straightforward alternate world.”

“What do you mean by ‘straightforward alternate world’?”

“Well, it’s a place where something just suddenly appears in the wilderness! In most cases, these spots have a boss monster.”

Since Ayane seemed to agree, Rindou didn’t voice any more doubts. Instead, he heightened his focus and kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings.

“………There’s something on the ground.”

“Finally noticed, huh, Rindou-kun?”

“You noticed it already, Kyousuke?”

“Being on constant alert is essential inside these gates. Make sure to remember that.”

“Understood.”

Rindou felt thankful for Kyousuke’s guidance. He realized how important it was. If they had been attacked by the ground monsters without noticing, they would have either been killed or severely injured. It would make it harder to face the boss monster.

“Now, how should we handle this?”

Ayane was asked the question. When forming a party, it’s common to choose a leader.  It was especially for quick decision-making and increasing the chances of survival during critical moments. The leader is typically the highest-ranked member or, if ranks are equal, the most experienced one.

Since they hadn’t pre-decided, Kyousuke asked Ayane about it.

“I’ll handle the monsters on the ground.”

Rindou was surprised by Ayane’s response.

(Wasn’t Ayane sent to monitor me or confirm my strength? If she stays behind, how will she be able to do that?)

It was natural for Rindou to think this way, given his doubts about Ayane. However, Ayane’s decision was based purely on wanting to help them all navigate this situation. And it was to give Rindou, who was tackling his first gate, a chance to gain more experience.

“Just in case, Yada-senpai, please stay with Rindou-san.”

“I get it. Ayane-san, even if you’re alone…….…. Well, that’s not something you’d say to an A-rank.”

“Hey, can’t you at least sound a bit more worried!?”

Ayane said this jokingly with a smile. She drew her sword as she prepared for battle. Kyousuke smiled as well and walked further into the area.

“Is this really okay, Kyousuke?”

“Are you worried about Ayane-san, Rindou-kun?”

“No, it’s not that…” 

Rindou hesitated but turned to look back at Ayane.

She waved at him with a smile. In turn, Rindou waved back before following Kyousuke.

“Rindou-kun, you’re suspicious of Ayane-san, right?”

“Yeah. I think she’s just here because the Association sent her to keep an eye on me or test my abilities,”

“That’s a possibility, but… well, I don’t think Ayane-san is like that.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Well, for better or worse, Ayane-san is very straightforward. She tends to speak her mind right away.”

“I guess…….. I can kind of see that.”

“If Branch Manager Dōmura wanted to test you, he’d send a different player.”

“Even so, I can’t fully trust her yet.”

“That’s fair. But Rindou-kun,” 

Kyousuke paused and turned to face him.

“For the sake of trusting me, could you at least try to believe in Ayane-san, even just a little?”

“Why do you support Ayane so much?” 

Rindou asked, noticing how familiar and casual Kyousuke and Ayane were with each other.

Ayane had mentioned being taught a lot by him back at the Association. But Rindou had the feeling there was more to their relationship than that.

“Well………. she’s the younger sister of a friend who passed away.” 

“…Huh?”

“Maybe that’s why I think of her as a little sister and I’ve always cared about her.”

Kyousuke explained with a small sigh as he continued walking.

Rindou was taken aback by the revelation. He quickly followed after Kyousuke, realizing how much more personal the situation was.

“I’ve watched Ayane-san, and I know she’s not the kind of person who would be tainted by malice. So, I want you to trust her just a little more. From there, it’s fine to gradually build up that trust.”

After hearing Kyousuke’s words, Rindou opened his mouth after a brief moment of thought.

“…I still can’t trust Ayane.”

“…I see.”

“But I’ll trust your words, Kyousuke.”

“…Huh?”

Kyousuke was surprised when Rindou said he would trust him and turned to look back. However, Rindou quickly walked past him. And Kyousuke couldn’t see his expression. 

Perhaps Rindou was embarrassed, or maybe he didn’t want to show that expression. So he walked quickly.

Such thoughts crossed Kyousuke’s mind, but they quickly dissipated.

“Anyway, first—let’s clear the gate!”

Because Rindou drew his sword. And in front of them stood a boss monster resembling a bipedal lizard—Lizard Paladin—waiting for them.