My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 89: Each Person's Intentions

Episode 89: Each Person’s Intentions

——The story rewinds a little to the moment when Rindou and the others returned from the star-6 gate.

“…Tch, so they managed to clear it, huh.”

Hiding in the shadows, Kunichika clicked his tongue. 

Kunichika was a contemporary of Kyousuke. He had been lying in wait near the star-6 gate in case Rindou and the others failed to conquer it.

“…You’re there, aren’t you, Kunichika?”

Kyousuke had watched the gate’s collapse until the end. He called out to Kunichika. 

Though he thought he hadn’t been seen, Kunichika realized Kyousuke had detected his presence. It was likely due to Kyousuke’s keen instincts. Accepting this, Kunichika stepped out from the shadows.

“So, you were here after all.” 

“Didn’t you already know that?” 

“I just figured you’d show up, given your personality.” 

“Tch! Don’t mess with me.”

Realizing he’d been predicted not by presence but by personality, Kunichika clicked his tongue again in frustration.

“Did you hope we’d fail?” 

“Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t want some other weaklings stealing the gate.” 

“Unfortunately for you, we succeeded.” 

“I can see that just by looking.”

Kunichika muttered this while glancing at the now-empty space where the gate had been.

“…Don’t think it’ll go so smoothly next time.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” 

“Still as irritating as ever, you bastard.”

Muttering curses to the end, Kunichika turned on his heel and left. 

Kyousuke watched his retreating figure until it completely disappeared from view.

◆◇◆◇

Elsewhere—In the branch manager’s office at the Association Building.

“So, Player Amachi has conquered the star-6 gate!”

Kenji exclaimed with joy after receiving a report from Kageboshi. She had been monitoring Rindou and the others.

“Though their equipment showed significant wear, they all returned unharmed. Afterward, Rindou Amachi and Ayane Kazaki headed to the hospital. While Kyousuke Yada stayed to witness the gate’s collapse.” 

“To conquer a star-6 gate without casualties… That’s incredible!” 

“I agree,” 

Kageboshi responded, though her composed demeanor didn’t betray her inner astonishment.

For players of star-6 gates, a C-rank was considered appropriate. But the chances of clearing it completely unscathed were only about fifty-fifty. 

That a group of three—including a newly promoted C-rank player—managed it was something Kageboshi had never seen before.

“However, there was one individual of concern among them.” 

“Hmm? Someone of concern?” 

“Yes, a B-rank player named Kunichika Igari.”

Kageboshi explained that she’d been monitoring the group since they approached the star-6 gate. 

She also witnessed the confrontation between Kyousuke and Kunichika. And she confirmed Kunichika had been hiding nearby during the gate’s conquest.

“Player Igari, was it? If I recall, isn’t he a contemporary of Player Yada?” 

“Yes. However, it seems Igari views Kyousuke Yada as a rival. And the two exchanged some words.” 

“Hmm… That could mean Player Igari might also cause trouble for Player Amachi and Player Kazaki, who are with Player Yada.”

Kenji stroked his chin lightly as he quickly formed a plan.

“…Kageboshi, continue to monitor the situation.” 

“Should we eliminate Kunichika Igari?” 

“That’s a bit sudden. He hasn’t caused any real trouble yet, so there’s no need to act prematurely.” 

“But wasn’t it that hesitation that led to the incident with Gakuto Oze?” 

Kageboshi pointed out the prior incident where hesitation had allowed Oze’s actions to spiral out of control. She advocated for preemptive measures.

“That was indeed a mistake on our part. However, this situation is different. As I said, Igari hasn’t caused any problems yet.” 

“…Understood.”

Acknowledging Kenji’s decision, Kageboshi melted into the shadows and disappeared.

“…Good grief, that girl’s too hasty. Though, I can understand her concern.”

Left alone, Kenji sighed lightly before turning his gaze out the window.

(So, she said Player Amachi went to the hospital right away. He must have gotten his hands on an Elixir. I don’t see it as a favor owed. But if they do, it’s so much the better.)

If that was the case, it meant one less worry to deal with.

“The mystery of the gates still remains unsolved. We can never have too much strength.”

Muttering this to himself, Kenji turned his gaze from the window and sat back in his chair.

“…Grow stronger, Rindou Amachi. And prepare for the conflict that is sure to come.”

As though predicting what lay ahead, Kenji whispered these words. Before he switched his focus to the paperwork in front of him.