My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 165: The Aftermath of the Stampede ①

Episode 165: The Aftermath of the Stampede ①

The damage in the eastern district was immense.

However, the damage was only to the buildings. And the human casualties were limited to various degrees of injuries, with no fatalities reported.

Despite the scale of the stampede being such that casualties among players wouldn’t have been surprising, the fact that no one had died in this incident was something that the Player Association could no longer ignore.

“Really, it’s beyond expectation… Player Rindou that is.”

Muttering this was Kenji, the branch manager of the eastern district. He was helping with the reconstruction work.

“Many players witnessed us heading toward where the source of the light eventually appeared. In that case, it’s only natural to assume that one of us created the light.”

Kageboshi was reporting to Kenji. She was seeking his decision on whether to reveal the existence of Rindou Amachi publicly or to keep it hidden, respecting his opinion.

“As for me, I’d prefer to keep it hidden… but the situation this time is too big. Even the other branches, and those who don’t think highly of the Association, will likely start probing into it.”

“So, you think it should be made public?”

After Kenji’s words, Kageboshi’s killing intent leaked slightly.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the best option, but it would make it easier for the Association to protect Rindou publicly.”

“Do you think he’d want that?”

“That… I wouldn’t know unless I ask him.”

Kenji and Kageboshi’s exchange took place seven days after Rindou and the others had defeated the Patchwork Dragon.

During that time, Ryūtan had remained unconscious. And Kenji had continued to postpone making a decision.

“It’s about time the people from other branches start showing up. I’d really like it if Rindou could wake up before that happens…”

“What if the other branches show up before Rindou Amachi wakes up? Will you sell him out?”

The killing intent Kageboshi directed at Kenji was no longer just a slight leak—it was completely focused on him.

However, Kenji received her killing intent head-on. He then laughed heartily and responded.

“No way! I’m the branch manager of the eastern district. I’ll protect the players here, no matter what!”

“Heh. I thought you’d say that.”

Hearing Kenji’s answer, Kageboshi let go of her killing intent and smiled faintly.

“Is that all for your report?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’ll keep an eye on the surroundings. And if I find out anything, I’ll report it again.”

With those words, Kageboshi disappeared into the shadows. What was left after that was only the sounds of the reconstruction work for Kenji.

“…Unbelievable. Kageboshi’s been taken by Player Rindou, too.”

Stretching his back lightly, Kenji muttered.

The reason he said “Kageboshi too” was because of one particular reason.

“I’m glad that Player Yada returned to the front lines, but he didn’t need to leave the Association.”

In truth, Kenji had been looking out for Kyousuke as well.

If he had managed to obtain an Advanced Potion, Kenji had planned to offer them to Kyousuke and bring him under his wing.

But then, Rindou had appeared suddenly and provided Kyōsuke with an Advanced Potion. And the revived Kyousuke ended up forming a party with Rindou.

It was a happy event, but completely unexpected.

“Now Kageboshi, too………….. Well, I guess I should be happy for her. As it seems to be going in a good direction.”

Kageboshi hadn’t originally been an especially strong player.

Perhaps she had once thought that if she could perform decently and achieve moderate success by being part of a party, that would be enough.

However, she had been betrayed by a player she once temporarily formed a party with. And because of them, she had suffered severe injuries. Since then, she had stopped trusting others.

At the time, Kenji was often on the front lines. He had gone to rescue her. He used potions to treat her injuries, but her heart’s wounds had never healed.

Because of that, Kenji had made sure to protect Kageboshi. He offered her a large contract fee and brought her under his wing. He used the word “contract” rather than “support.”

“…Has Kageboshi found a party she can trust again?”

After muttering this, Kenji realized how much he sounded like an old man. So he shook his head.

“This isn’t good. Getting older makes you prone to sentimentality.”

Saying this, Kenji returned to the reconstruction work.