My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 172: Reports from Everyone ③

Episode 172: Reports from Everyone ③

——Three days after Rindou woke up. 

He was finally discharged from the hospital. 

“Thank you for taking care of me, Doctor.” 

“Thank you so much!” 

“Rindou-san, Kyouka-san, you’ve both worked hard.” 

At the hospital entrance, Rindou and Kyouka bid farewell to Kanna. 

“I didn’t really do much, though.” 

“Me neither.” 

“I shouldn’t say this, but I sometimes wonder if I really made much of a difference.” 

Kanna chuckled awkwardly, but Rindou shook his head. 

“That’s not true at all. You’ve helped us so much, Doctor.” 

“Exactly! When I was hospitalized, I don’t think I could’ve endured it without you!” 

“Fufu, hearing that makes me happy.” 

With that, Rindou and Kyouka waved goodbye to Kanna and left the hospital. 

Their next destination was the Association Building. During Rindou’s hospitalization, Kyousuke had informed him that the pricing for the potions they had provided had been decided. While the payment would be transferred to their Association account, Kyousuke had insisted he come in person due to the significant amount involved. 

“Onii-chan, do you even need to keep being a player at this point?” 

“Maybe not, but it would feel wrong to just slack off and live an easy life.” 

Rindou replied with a wry smile. He was unwilling to let his life drift idly by. 

—

They finally arrived and entered the Association building. Perhaps due to Rindou’s reputation, no one stopped them as they made their way to the elevator heading to the branch manager’s office. 

“Wow, Onii-chan, that’s amazing.” 

“It’s not me; it’s the Branch Manager who’s amazing.” 

While he wondered if this lax security was truly acceptable, Rindou kept quiet. He found the convenience preferable. 

When they reached the office door, Rindou knocked. 

“Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

“E-Excuse me.”

They opened the door and entered. Inside, only Kenji was present. Rising from his chair, he served them tea himself. 

“Thank you.” 

“First, have a seat. There are some things I want to discuss with just the two of you.” 

“…?” 

Curious about Kenji’s last statement, Rindou tilted his head slightly as he sat on the sofa. 

“Let’s talk about the potions first. For the Basic and Intermediate ones combined, we’ll buy them for 5 million.” 

“”F-Five million!?”” 

The unexpected windfall caused Rindou and Kyouka to cry out in surprise. 

“Is it that shocking?” 

“But that’s five million!” 

“Of course, it’s surprising!” 

“Player Rindou, don’t tell me you haven’t been checking your account balance?” 

Kenji’s exasperated tone left Rindou confused. 

“……………I haven’t really checked it lately.” 

“Thought so.” 

Kenji exhaled slightly and explained why he wasn’t surprised by the amount. 

“Player Rindou, you’ve already cleared a significant number of gates. Add the recent Dragon subjugation to that, and…… let’s just say your account balance is likely astronomical by now.” 

“R-Really?” 

“You bet.” 

Rindou and Kyouka exchanged glances. They were blinking repeatedly in stunned silence. 

“That’s all for the money talk. Now, as a member of the Association, I have something else to discuss.” 

Kenji’s serious tone made Rindou immediately straighten his posture. 

“As Kageboshi may have told you, many people are investigating the identity of the mysterious player who defeated the Dragon.” 

“Yes, I’ve heard. It’s not just the other branches—underground organizations are also starting to move.” 

“Exactly. So here’s my proposal: as the Eastern Region Branch Manager, I have a way to officially protect you.” 

“Really, Branch Manager!?” 

Kyouka was the one to react first, leaning forward eagerly. 

“It’s true. However, it would create friction with others if I just protected Player Rindou without explanation.” 

“I see. In that case, you’d need to make my identity public and show that I’m someone worth protecting, right?” 

“Sharp as always. That’s correct.” 

“Understood.” 

“…That was fast.” 

Kenji was surprised by Rindou’s quick answer. He had expected him to need more time to think. 

“Are you sure about this, Onii-chan?” 

Kyouka was equally surprised. She looked at him with concern. 

“From here on, there’s a possibility that not only I but also Kyouka might become a target. If you’re willing to protect Kyouka as well, I’ll accept your offer.”  

“Onii-chan! Making your identity public because of me is unacceptable!”  

“I understand. I know how strong you are, Kyouka, but this is just a bonus.”  

Kyouka raised her voice in protest. But Rindou responded with a gentle smile, shaking his head.  

“I’ve been feeling my limits as an individual lately. Honestly, I’ve already been relying on the Branch Manager, Kyousuke, Ayane, Kageboshi, and Kunichika. So I figured it wouldn’t hurt to formally accept support.”  

“…So it’s not just for my sake, right?”  

“Yeah. So don’t let it weigh on you.”  

Hearing Rindou’s reassurance, Kyouka finally agreed. With that, Rindou decided to accept the Association’s support.