CH 154

-Going back in time a little-



“This marks the ninth…”



Ichinose-san and I were placing petrified clones of Aka on our way back to the City Hall.



They’ll serve as “Coordinates” for when we use Momo’s “Shadow Migration”.



We’re putting petrified clones of Aka in inconspicuous locations where we won’t have any problem coming out from the “Shadows”.



As a side note, Ichinose-san is the one choosing these locations.



“I’m really knowledgeable about places that won’t catch people’s eyes even as we move about.”



She said so confidently.



According to her, she searched for inconspicuous routes during her time as a Hiki Komori to finish her shopping as quickly as possible.



…But I don’t think that’s something you should be proud of, Ichinose-san.



“Ichinose-san, please check.”



“Ok. ‘Map’.”



In response to Ichinose-san’s command, a three-dimensional map pops up in front of us.



Aside from the red icon which is displaying our current locations, there are several smaller icons that are blinking on the Map at different spots.



These blinking icons signify the positions where we placed the petrified copies of Aka.



“Distance-wise… it’s fine.”



The “Coordinates” on the map are at similar intervals.



We’ve been trying to ensure that the distances can be traversed through Momo’s “Shadow Migration”.



With Ichinose-san’s “Map”, we can set “Coordinates” while looking out for the exact distances and directions between them.”



“Even so, this is really convenient, isn’t it? The combo between Aka-chan’s ‘Petrification’ and Momo-chan’s ‘Shadow Migration’, that is. It borders teleportation.”



“Yes, I think so too.”



I nod at Ichinose-san’s impressed words.



To test it out, we’ve asked Momo to activate “Shadow Migration” several times already, and everyone including Ichinose-san and Kiki were brought along without any problem.



As Momo has evolved into a “Dark Dog”, the number of passengers that can be brought along with “Shadow Migration” has increased.



With this, the range of our activities will increase dramatically. Not only that, we’ll be able to hunt monsters relatively safely.



All is well.



“What do you say to a break?”



“Sure.”



“Wan!”



We have more than enough time, so we enter a private building to rest.



I want to distribute my points while I can.



It’s my first level-up since I’ve become a “Newtype”, so I want to confirm any changes to the system as well.



I open my status to check on the numerical values of my JP and SP.



(I earned 10 JP and 20 SP from the level-up… Although I evolved, the points that I get don’t seem to have changed…)



One of the characteristics of “Newtype” talked about an increase in potential.



I thought that I’d receive more bonus points from “Precocious”, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.



(I raised “Advanced Ninjutsu” to its maximum level just in case of an emergency, but it might have been a bit of a waste…)



When people’s occupations go up to LV 3, 6, and 9, the skills that correspond to them also increase by 1 level.



In other word, I would’ve saved up to 27 SP if I left the skill at LV7.



In terms of efficiency alone, my decision was a poor one.



However, the possibility of “encountering a powerful monster as soon as I evolve” is not zero.



Rather, from what I’ve experienced during the past few days, it’s more likely for that to happen.



Also, I might be able to prevent some unforeseen events beforehand by acquiring all the “Advanced Ninjutsu”.



In terms of preparation against the “unknown”, the merits of raising my skills outweigh the demerits.



Anyway, that’s all already in the past.



I should just allocate my points early on.



First of all, the skills.



I raise “HP Conversion”, “Reduced MP Consumption”, “Ninja Tool Creation”, “Shadow Imitation”, and “Shadow Cage” to LV4, emptying all 20 SP.



Next, I invest points in “Shinobi” and “Jet Black Performer” to bring them up to LV3, consuming all 10 JP.



As the occupations have attained LV3, all the accompanying skills also go up by another 1 level.



These are the end results:



*****



Kudou Kazuto



Newtype



Level 2



HP: 662/662



MP: 285/285



Strength: 349



Endurance: 379



Agility: 743



Dexterity: 725



Magic: 180



Magic Resistance: 180



SP: 0



JP: 0



Occupation



Shinobi LV3



Tracker LV2



Jet Black Performer LV3



Trainee Monk LV3



Unique Skills



Precocious



Profession Enhancement



Skills



Advanced Ninjutsu LV10, HP Conversion LV5, Reduced MP Consumption LV5, Ninja Tool Creation LV5, Throwing LV6, Odorless LV7, Silent Operation LV7, Concealment LV6, Night Vision LV5, Critical Aim LV6, Attention Cutoff LV7, Appraisal Interruption LV4, Tracking LV3, Terrain Understanding LV4, Wide Range Enemy Detection LV6, Telephoto LV4, Agility Reinforcement LV8, Dexterity Reinforcement LV5, Observation LV10, Listening Ear LV4, Absolute Shadow LV6, Shadow Imitation LV5, Shadow Cage LV5, Endurance LV5, Full Might LV5, Enhanced Physical Abilities LV7, Swordsmanship LV6, Poison Resistance LV1, Paralysis Resistance LV2, Virus Resistance LV1, Heat Resistance LV1, HP Auto Recovery LV5, MP Auto Recovery LV6, Danger Avoidance LV5, Riding LV3, Negotiation LV1, Getaway LV4, Defense Instinct LV1, Item Box LV10, Mail LV2, Concentration LV7, Prediction LV6, Fury LV5, Mental Distress Tolerance LV5, Acting LV4, Calculation Acceleration LV3



Party Members



Momo



Dark Dog LV2



Aka



Creation Slime LV4



Ichinose Natsu



Newtype LV2



Kiki



Carbuncle LV1



*************************



Ichinose-san and Momo’s levels rose.



Momo was participating in the battle, but how did Ichinose-san level-up?



(Oh, right. She said she hunted some monsters while spectating…)



As expected of her to take every chance to gain experience.



When I turn to look, I see Ichinose-san playing with Momo and Kiki.



She’s holding a snack on her hand and shaking it left and right for Momo to follow.



“Hey, Momo-chan. It’s your favorite snack time!”



“Wan! Wan!”



Momo drools as her line of sight moves about. Her tail is also shaking frantically.



Ichinose-san doesn’t hand over the snack to Momo, probably because she wants to continue watching her act adorably.



Really, you’re being too mean to Momo.



I take out a snack from the Item Box and clap my hands.



“!”



Momo reacts immediately.



She trots to me and eats the snack gladly when I give it to her.



Lovely….I’m healed.



“Muuu….”



Ichinose-san, who was deprived of Momo, is once again pouting.



I’m sorry, Ichinose-san. However, Momo is reserved for only one person.



I mofu-mofu Momo afterwards.



****



“Now that we’ve had our rest, it’s about time we leave.”



“Yes.”



Points have been distributed, Momo had her snack, and we are well-rested .



In fact, I mofu-mofued for too long.



Time actually flies pass when I’m patting Momo and Kiki.



We should really start moving.



I take out a bike from the Item Box and start the engine.



We’ll return in no time.



Ichinose-san tries to return to the house.



“What are you doing?”



“I’ll stay here. Please go ahead without me.”



“Sorry? Ichinose-san is coming with us, right?”



Aka is mimicking as a helmet for us and Momo has prepared seatbelts using her shadow. For some reason, Kiki is also pointlessly buffing the bike.



“I don’t want to! I’ll throw up again! It’s better to wait here and have Momo-chan pick me up later on!”



“Why don’t you try getting used to it little by little? I’ll help.”



“No! I don’t want to!”



No my foot!



Recently, Ichinose-san has been rather expressive… in a bad way.



I force Ichinose-san to sit on the back seat and start the motorcycle.



Unfortunately, she didn’t receive any resistance skills.



****



“Uuu… you’re terrible, Kudou-san…I’ve been sullied.”



“You’re the one who sullied yourself.”



To preserve Ichinose-san’s reputation, I won’t go into the details, but let’s just say that Aka did its best to eat.



On a separate note, motorcycles sure are fast.



In the blink of an eye, we’ve arrived somewhere near the vicinity of the Safety Zone’s boundary where we can see the City Hall in the distance.



There’s still some distance left, but it should be fine to get off here.



“There’s comparatively less rubble around here… Uuu…”



“Yes…”



Around the City Hall, there are still a lot of boulders from Titan’s throws that haven’t been removed.



In spite of this, this region appears relatively less damaged.



I was exploring the surrounding area while storing boulders in the Item Box when I suddenly hear Ichinose-san’s shout.



“—Kudou-san! Look over there!”



“What happened? Why are you pani—!? That’s… no way.”



I also raise my voice in surprise when I see what the surprised Ichinose-san is pointing at.



“It” is sitting there between some rubble and the roots of a giant tree.



The wooden box is luxuriously decorated and has a keyhole at the center of the box.



Yes, it’s a “Treasure Chest”.



Previously, we found one which was placed in the middle of the road.



This one, on the other hand, is quietly hidden.



Honestly, it’s suspicious.



I mean, no matter how I look at it, it’s got to be “that”.



“It’s a mimic.”



“It’s a mimic, isn’t it?”



“Wan!” <= Momo nodding.



“Kyu!” <= Kiki nodding.



“Furu furu.” <= Aka nodding.



We agree unanimously.



It’s identical in appearance to the Mimic from before.



Since we found it, we won’t be leaving it alone.



“Momo.”



“Wan!”



Momo stretches her shadow to tap on the Treasure Chest.



Come on out, Mimic. I’ll make quick work of you and turn you into experience.



Momo’s shadow touches the Treasure Chest — and the Treasure Chest opens.



A Mimic… is nowhere to be found.



“…..E?”



“Huh?”



“Wan?”



“Kyu?”



“Furu furu?”



E? What? No… huh?



Ichinose-san and I establish eye contact.



Seriously?



We observe the Treasure Chest again.



There’s no sign of a Mimic… and nothing is hiding inside the box.



No way… could it be? Could it be? Could it be?



““A real one…?””



Ichinose-san and I arrive at a beautiful harmony.



Driven by curiosity, we approach the Treasure Chest.



Inside it are a jade-colored jewel orb and a ring with a silver glint.



“For real…this is a real Treasure Chest…”



“W-wow… so it exists in this world…”



“Let me check the names of the items…”



“Ah, yes please.”



I store the two items in my Item Box and check their names on the list.



[Healing Jewel] x 1



[The Ring of Agility] x1



“The orb is called [Healing Jewel] and the ring is called [The Ring of Agility].”



“Hee~…”



We stare at the items that I have taken back out from the Item Box.



“Putting the orb aside, the ring… do you want to try it on?”



“Well… may I?”



“Actually, on second thought, I should put it on first in case there’s something wrong with it.”



“No, then I should be the one to—”



“No, I’ll—”



What are we even arguing over?



Rock-paper-scissors shoot!



I win and decide to give it a try.



Unlike the [Healing Jewel], I can pretty much predict what the effects of [The Ring of Agility] are. Even so, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.



It’s surprisingly small… will it even fit properly?



I pass the ring through the index finger of my right hand, and it fits snugly on my finer.



It definitely wasn’t wide enough to fit, so I guess it can adjust its size depending on the user?



“How is it?”



“At the very least, I don’t sense any abnormalities.”



Then it has to be that.



Opening up my status screen, I see that an extra number has been added to my Agility stats.



“Agility: 743+30”



“The ring has the effect of raising our ‘Agility’ stats.”



“That’s impressive. Um… can I try it too?”



“Sure. Go ahead.”



There isn’t any pain that comes with wearing the ring, so it should be okay to give it to her.



Ichinose-san presents her left hand with an expectant gaze, so I hand the ring over to her.



For some reason, Ichinose-san appears dejected.



Huh? Why?



“…Wafun.”



“…Kyu.”



“…Furu.”



For some reason, Momo and the others voice their disapproval.



What? Why??



“…No, what did I expect. I should’ve known that Kudou-san is this type of person.”



Ichinose-san is mumbling something.



She puts on the ring on the ring finger of her left hand with a dark face.



“Oh, you’re right. My ‘Agility’ gained a +30 correction.”



Ichinose-san also got the same amount of correction as I did.



[The Ring of Agility] therefore provides a fixed 30 point correction to anyone’s “Agility” value.



In that case, it’s obvious how it’ll be used.



“Please have it, Ichinose-san.”



“Is that okay for you?”



“It doesn’t matter. I have a high ‘Agility’ value, so it’s more beneficial for Ichinose-san to have it to supplement your status.”



Ichinose-san’s “Agility” value is 14.



The correction of 30 would be huge.



“Understood… I’ll take it with thanks.”



Ichinose-san clenches the ring tightly in front of her chest.



I-it tickles that she’s feeling so grateful.



“Moving on, as for the [Healing Jewel]… I’ll safeguard it for the time being.”



“Ah, yes, yes. I think that’ll do! Yes!”



The atmosphere has become a bit awkward, so I bulldoze through it by raising my voice.



We’re not sure about the effects of [Healing Jewel] unlike [The Ring of Agility].



That is why I’ll leave it in the Item Box for now.



A certain thought inspires me at that moment.



(Oh, yeah. I should ask “The Right to Question”.)



That’s right. If I’m not sure how to use it, I can just ask about it.



I proceed to enter “How to use a [Healing Jewel]” in “The Right to Question”.



Lemme see…



———-



[Healing Jewel]



Heals the target.



———-



E? That’s it?



Heals the target… In what way? How do I use it? What is the range of the effect? How many times can I use it? Is there no other details?



The answer remains unchanged even though I try to rephrase the questions in several ways.



Yup, I will have to put it on hold.



“By the way, isn’t it about time Ricchan’s group returns?”



She’s right.



Considering the time, it wouldn’t be strange if they had already finished their exploration for the day.



They should have head in that direction… Hm?



When I turn towards where Rikka-chan’s group should be, an “unpleasant presence” assaults me.



No. Instead of calling it “unpleasant”, is it more accurate to describe it as a “strange presence”?



“Is there a problem, Kudou-san?”



“Sorry, Ichinose-san, but can you remain silent for a few seconds?”



I close my eyes and concentrate on “Enemy Detection”.



The “strange presence” is coming from somewhere that is quite a bit away from here… and some “familiar presences” are near it.



That’s…. probably Rikka-chan and her friends.



Are they upset? Confused?



They seem extremely disoriented.



Are they fighting? No, that isn’t it.



What is going on over there?



“Ichinose-san, I detected signs of Aisaka-san and the others from somewhere else. They might have encountered something unusual.”



“Is that true?”



I nod and take out the bike from the Item Box.



Ichinose-san also comes on as soon as I take my seat and start the engine.



She was expressing her hatred of the bike just a few minutes ago, but her expression right now is completely different.



“Hold tight. I’ll be pressing on it.”



“Yes!”



We rush to where Rikka-chan is on our bike.