Chapter 211

Various preparations—strategic meetings, preliminary checks, every necessary practice, a light meal of bread bought at a shop, and finally, the monthly tournament began.

A burst of intense sunlight poured down. Uranus and I mingled with the crowd gathered at the monthly tournament Venue. Disappearing into the noisy environment,

"…How is it around you?"

"It looks like there are almost no participating players."

"Are you alright?"

"Honestly, I don't see anyone strong enough to keep us on guard."

We will execute the strategy as is, but let's not let our guard down."

"Yes."

──Uranus, acting as my guard, and I won undefeated in the Rock Paper Scissors Tournament. We smoothly advanced to the semifinals.

The first round of the semifinals. First, I won against the opposing player with a score of 5 wins.

The 2nd semifinal match. Facing a game character, Uranus lost 5 times and "withdrew," even though he had moderately obfuscated his victory.

Then, the finals.

In the stadium, surrounded by game characters and cheers, the two of us were just playing rock-paper-scissors. It was quite spectacular when over 500 groups started playing rock-paper-scissors at the same time.

But... it stood out. The player names were also exposed, as if asking me to steal them. Even if I didn't have any defensive Magic, I couldn't participate without a plan.

I won 2-0 midway through, but starting from the quarterfinals, it would be a 5-0 winning system.

Waiting for the referee to say "ready go!" Aiko is also... but that's fine. Even if it ends quickly, it doesn't matter.

"Rock, paper, scissors, pon!"

In the case of a game character, it is the shape of a hand, already extended in the middle of a downward wave. If this were a player opponent, I would be wary of feints, but it isn't brittle. The previous player's lucky gift temperature wasn't strong because I was doing this.... Isn't it bad to win completely? It's like saying there's a way to win.

... Hmm, how about it? It's unfair to use it every day, but this is a game. Anyway, I probably won't participate in the next Rock Paper Scissors Tournament. I guess they did this when it was Gon and the others, so it's fine even if they find out.

"Woooooo!!"

Loud cheers erupted. As I thought about it vaguely, I ended up winning everything.

"The winner has been decided!!"

"Congratulations, Aisha!"

As confetti poured down, I inexplicably raised my hand and said, "domodomo."... Even if it was vague, it didn't go very well. It would be silly if it were all game characters around, but this is because the players' gazes were very focused. So relax, pretend to be happy.

So far, everything is going according to plan. Uranus paid off the other players, and I really won. Uranus intentionally lost before the finals.

"Congratulations!"

"The winning prize is the 'Truth Sword'!"

The uncle handed over the great Sword wrapped in white cloth. If it's an event like this, would it be this kind of item status? Don't waste your time.

When I reached out with both hands to take it, the Sword turned into smoke and transformed into a card.

I grabbed the card floating in the air.

《83: Truth Sword》

B-Rank Card, limit 22.

A sword that splits false things in two.

It is also used in trials, making criminals shudder.

Cutting through the truth will shatter the blade into pieces.

When stored in the scabbard, it regenerates within one day.

Yes, the Specified Pocket card "Truth Sword." Definitely.

Holding the card in my right hand, I raised it to the audience. Creating an atmosphere of a smile, making you say, "Yes!"... I'm not stupid. This is just to make you look like you're freaked out. This is fun.

"Book."

I took out the Binder. Now, this is where the real battle begins.

I opened the page.

The page for Specified Pocket, not the page for Free Pocket.

I immediately put the "Truth Sword" into my Binder—pretending to take out a card.

"Oh, my god."

────I threw the card toward the audience in a parabolic arc.

The gazes of the surrounding players shifted from me to the card. From the surroundings, I probably threw the "Truth Sword" to the audience—by the way, what I threw was a "Stone."

Just then, a hand brushed my back. ──Meleoron, who had already activated 【Perfect Plan】, activated 【God's Accomplice】 on me.

With this, when I am distracted, it should look like I am hiding somewhere. However, there is still a binder in the air.

I hurriedly loaded and unloaded the "Truth Sword" in the Free Pocket. The time until the card is released has been extended to 1 minute. Chanting "Book" will immediately erase the Binder.

This time I aimed in a clear direction and threw the "Truth Sword" card directly out. Uranus watched us from afar and skillfully caught the card.

The moment he picked up the card, Gibisu returned—Uranus kicked the ground and fled the Venue.

... The rest is up to them.

Trusting in success, I held Meleoron's hand and disappeared. Leaving the confused players behind.

Holding the commission card, I ran through the city at high speed. Since a large number of NPCs and players were still gathered in the Venue, the road was quite empty.

The target is a Trade Shop. If you walk, it takes five minutes from the Venue, but with such a large space, you should arrive in a few dozen seconds.

I was cautious, but there were no players. No one thought that the card they obtained would run into a shop. They were completely exposed.

Another thing that worried me was that the Trade Shop NPCs would disappear during the Rock Paper Scissors Tournament, but it seems that was an unfounded worry, as Seam did not contact me.

────Even for a moment, I had no intention of putting the card into the Binder.

A card you are holding that is not stored in your Binder cannot be the target of an attack Spell. This is an important rule. It is difficult to use because the card can be taken out after 1 minute, leading to card theft.

Nevertheless, in case a player is ambushed or tracked by a Spell, holding it and running is the safest.

I can see the Trade Shop building.

"──Seam!!"

I shouted with all my might. ──Seam, who was waiting inside the Trade Shop, opened the door from within.

"20 seconds left!!"

I said, stepping on the brakes. I handed the card to Seam, who reached out from inside the Trade Shop.

It seemed he handed the card he received to the Trade Shop clerk.

"────One 'Truth Sword', trade!!"

"Hey, 120,000,000 Jenny."

Meleoron and I waited in the Inn room, trusting that the two of us would return safely.

While looking out the window, a figure rushed into the Inn at extreme speed.

I held hands with Meleoron, who had activated his ability just in case, and opened the door.

Before long──

I must have been anxious. Uranos appeared at the entrance of the room with a seam on his back, his hair slightly disheveled. Meleoron let go of my hand.

Uranos entered the room, slammed the door shut, and pulled down the seam.

Bitch! Both of them smiled and gave a thumbs up. I hadn't practiced that, but it fit perfectly.

"12,000,000 Jenny, Slum!!"

Uranos reported the results with heartfelt joy────

"Shh!! You guys are truly the best!!"

"Mission accomplished!

"The merger went smoothly!

"Ahahaha, everyone is so amazing!"

We clapped our hands and shouted loudly.

Hmm... thank you for your hard work, this kind of thing is really fun! I'm glad I don't have to pay the price for my age.

"Good luck"

We smiled and had a Collision of glasses. Clink, clink, clink sounded in resonance.

To celebrate the success, we will hold a release party at a restaurant where you can have the usual fast food competition. This was Meleoron's idea. Eating a simple meal before noon, if it goes well, it will be a fun and luxurious Emission.

This is a bit bad for me, but I feel good now because I got such a change. 12,000,000 Jenny on the first day of the competition is a huge breakthrough. This changes a lot of things.

"Ah. A bit realistic.

Up until now, I didn't think I would succeed...!"

Uranos used his way of speaking to make me laugh, and I couldn't help but laugh. I think I would laugh no matter what they said now. Oh, this is fun.

"But can I keep the money?"

Seam asked while eating an omelet rice with lots of ketchup. I was a little worried. It seems he is in charge of almost all the property.

"Oh, of course.

Anyway, I put most of it in the shop.

I'm going shopping later, it's troublesome to change the names one by one, please carry it with you."

All 45 frames of "10000j" are included in this Seam's free pocket. The money saved at the Antokiba Trade Shop is 11,550,000 Jenny.

Roughly speaking, our activity fund is 12,300,000 Jenny.... Until a few hours ago I had no budget, so I was in trouble, this seems like a lie.

"It might be early now, but what do you plan to do after this?"

Meleoron asked while biting into a pizza with many toppings. Okay, I'll eat too.

As I stuffed the chewy dough and thick cheese into my mouth, Uranos put down the glass in his mouth,

"That's right.

As of today, you have two choices.

Stay in Antokiba or head to Masadora."

"But if I stay here, won't some players who mistakenly think they have the Truth Sword attack me?"

When Meleoron asked worriedly, Uranos closed his eyes and shrugged.

"A player who attacks without even checking beforehand if they have it is not that much of a threat.

Again? I hope it goes as smoothly as Lataza.

"But it might be bad if you come in groups, you know?"

In fact, Gon and the others seemed to have been upstaged by this too. ──Even if I pointed this out, where was Uranos blowing,

"If it's a group, I think someone would have discovered it using 'Sight Vision' and found out immediately. They have already sold it.

When I couldn't see the winner Aisa at the Venue, I thought those sane guys already knew there was no chance to steal it anymore."

Hmm... I think that's correct for decent people. Not everyone is calm. I'm curious that you are so outstanding.

That said, in Uranos's view, there were no players worth being vigilant about. On the contrary, should I worry about the players present warning me in the future?

"Uranos, do you want to stay in Antokiba for a while longer?"

Seam asked, and he sighed.

"Well, if we don't rest for a while, it would be risky to rush to Masadora."

Hmm... that's the problem.

This is a troublesome place. Aiming for such a Masadora, if you get a Spell Card, the range of action choices will immediately expand. Most importantly, you will be able to handle Spell Cards.

But somehow, when they arrived here, everyone was already exhausted. I was probably the happiest. But I can't use my Ren...

The road to Masadora is never safe. If you intend to take a passive attitude, it is better to rest in Antokiba today than to overdo it.

However, it is fine. As part of my Training, I feel I want you to do your best and reach the level of Masadora. But Uranus, who ensures everyone's safety, seems quite formidable.

At least Meleoron has a contradictory face. Do you still have room for seams? Aside from walking, I haven't done anything that uses physical strength, and I am certain I still have energy.

"……Uranus can decide."

I am telling you. There might be plans in the future, so it is safe for him to be the one to do it in the end.

"Hmm...

I really want to get a Spell Card as soon as possible. If you possess it, your range of action will expand, and depending on the Spell you obtain, you will be able to do more things.

If you want a specific Spell, you can negotiate with players in Masadora. I have enough money.

As expected, it is 80 kilometers away from here……

And what about the matter of the bandits?"

Cormorant……

I understand, will you pass by the bandits? It is best to finish it quickly.

I must give all the cards to at least one person; if I buy many Spell Cards first, everyone's Free Pocket will run out. It is a waste of time to go back and forth on that mountain road, so if possible, it is best to go before heading to Masadora.

No…… wait.

"But the conditions this time might not always be the same, right?"

When I asked, Uranus's face was ugly.

"Indeed.

But that is because we held all the monthly tournaments Together……

I don't know why, but if the acquisition method is stricter than before, I don't think there will be any changes this time."

"What do you mean?"

"Hey, if you want to change the specifications, I think you should prioritize Tonko, who has some kind of problem.

After all, you won't be able to easily mess up here and there. I also need to debug.

So, the most problematic thing is that if you know how to get it, you can get it easily. It is also a high-level card."

"Hmm…… that's right.

Even if you know the strategy for the monthly tournament, you can only participate once a year, so changing it might not have much meaning. The difficulty is at most B-Rank."

"Yeah, that's right. The sales quantity of the original is one per year, and you can buy B-Rank at the Trade Shop…… I haven't checked if you can buy it yet.

Besides, I don't know how much effort it takes to change such an event with many NPCs in the city.

I don't think we will be able to change between major events and difficult events one by one, even if you know them."

"So you predict there won't be any changes this time, even for the lucky Alexandrite."

"Yeah, at most one set at a time, you can't get duplicates.

The higher the level of the game, the harder the conditions, and the harder it is to obtain. The acquisition method doesn't seem very common, and I feel that even if there is no change, the distribution of cards won't change much."

"……This is an event that looks like Harassment."

"Even if I know how to get it, I am actually worried about what to do now."

We sighed while talking, and Shim drank some juice.

"Your coat being taken away is also a problem."

Ugu.

Uranus and my faces were even darker. This is also a problem…… yes.

"Well, let's think about it later.

Enjoy it now, enjoy it."

Meleoron, who started the topic, tried to end it calmly. Hmm……

"Do you want an extra order?"

It seems he wants the menu in his hand.

"Oh, okay.

Eat and drink healthily to enhance physical strength and energy.

Only by performing Cultivation of the spirit can it be activated."

Hmm. The leader said the same thing, am I willing to do this?

After ordering a lot and eating a lot, when I ordered a large curry to finish, I was completely shocked by everyone. I don't understand. …… I am hungry.

"Why can you eat a large pudding in the morning and a large curry in the afternoon……"

Uranus muttered, looking a bit disgusted. Noisy. It's fine, I want to eat. I also have Gade.

On the way to the Department Store to shop, I was the only exception, and the three of us were Together.

"Do tender users eat that much?"

"No……

I used to be able to eat a lot, but at least I didn't."

"It's amazing, isn't it? There is also a pile of cutlets on top?

Just looking at it makes me lose my appetite."

……noisy, noisy, enough! How long are you going to tease me!

I quickened my pace and spoke to them from behind.

"That is correct.

I'm not a big deal, am I?

A real glutton would eat 70 roasted pigs."

Shim and Meleoron made an "ugh" expression. Uranus—looked at me thoughtfully. Yes?

"Are you talking about... Buhara?"

"That?

Does Uranus also know Mr. Buhara?"

"Mm, mm... a little bit."

I tilted my head. It had a strange implication.

"The Buhara that Aisha knows, it should be the Hunter Exam, right?"

... To be honest, I really wish there were two people with that name.

"Yes, yes. Is Uranus the same?"

"Ancestor.

He only gave a similar theme..."

"By the way, what about Uranus?"

"... Roast beef.

You said this is my favorite."

"... That's what you said when I was Together with you."

"He likes any kind of roast meat, doesn't he?

Anna's bad food mustard wood but Gourmet Hunter and gourmets will get angry."

"Hahaha..."

Uranus held his head in pain.

"Mm, that guy is a big eater, he uses Hatsu."

"Oh, is that so?"

That amount is impossible.

"Yes...

He has a mysterious belief that the more he eats, the stronger he will become.

Starting from the chopsticks I eat with, everything turns into a kind of aura, and I become very strong.... What is gourmet?"

"Wow."

That's amazing. But have you heard of it?

When I looked at it, Meleoron gave me a dark look.

Ah... I see. Is eating to become stronger a characteristic of Chimera Ants?

When I returned the gloomy face to Meleoron, Uranus looked at me curiously.

"What happened?"

"Ah, no. Nothing.

By the way, was Uranus able to pass at that time?"

"..."

Ah, no reply.

"... When you were Aisha, was there anyone else besides Buhara?"

Ah. This is almost the same content.

"Could it be that Mr. Menchi was present during Uranus's time?"

"Was it a similar test?

Well, that...

I passed the Menchi test itself. There were all sorts of things."

Yes, there must have been many things. That guy is really a troublemaker.

You've encountered trouble before, why leave it to the Examiner again? Netero, choose wisely.

"Mr. Menchi, what kind of test was it?"

"Hmm...

Oops, I just arrived at the Department Store. Let's talk after we return to the Inn."

Meleoron looked up at the department store building with a complicated expression.

"You know.

It's nice to come to the Department Store, but is your goal Masadora?

That shopping, right?"

"Ah, yes.

Of course, I am ready to go to Masadora.

But it doesn't matter if I go now or not. Just shop first, then decide when to go. It's a card, so it doesn't count as luggage."

"Ah, I see."

Meleoron agreed.

Personally, I want to force myself to go to Masadora. It really stands out, and I probably shouldn't hang around Antokiba until it cools down.... Players without clues won't always be hostile and attack. If you really hate me, it's the same wherever you are. Because it has a Movement Spell. Not just Uranus, we are also keeping watch around the area.

At the Department Store, buy cards for water, food, daily necessities, etc.

Uranus crossed his arms and pondered in front of two display cards.

<100: Island Map>

G-Rank Card limit 400

A map showing only the shape of the island

By actually going there and obtaining information

A magical map that automatically fills in content

"No. 101: Island Map"

D-Rank Card limit 70

A map containing detailed information such as towns and place names

Special product information and recommended spots

Full of great deals like return route maps!

"It's expensive..."

Meleoron observes the No. 101 map carefully. Hmm... 650,000 Jenny. The No. 100 map next to it is 20,000 Jenny, so I feel that way even more.

"Isn't it a waste?"

Shim asks the worried Uranus. Even though I have plenty of spare money, I can't help but agree about buying this.

"Hm?

No, I won't buy them. I want one, but it's definitely not worth 650,000."

Good night. Does this mean Uranus is thinking about something else?

"Don't you understand?

It would be convenient if we had it."

Actually, I'm interested too. It's like looking at a strategy book.

"Ah, of course No. 101 is needed, it's convenient for sightseeing.

Anyway, I've seen that map before.

It might have changed since the reset, I've forgotten the specific details.

... What I want to say is, you can get it without buying it."

"What do you mean?"

Involuntarily, my voice and Shim's voice overlapped. Meleoron looks at us with interest. Don't look here.

Uranus also smiles slightly,

"I should look at the Spell Card list later.

Using 'Corruption', you can convert a B-Rank or higher card into any D-Rank or lower card. This No. 101 is a D-Rank, so you can get it with that."

Ah, I see. That's a blind spot. Of course, with 650,000 Jenny, I could buy nearly 200 Spell Cards. If it's a C-Rank 'Corruption' and a B-Rank card, it should be easy to obtain.

"Well, since 'Corruption' takes priority over the Paladin's Necklace, I'll wait to get this map.

What I'm worried about is how many of these 20,000 Jenny maps to buy."

"Teeth?

Are you going to buy a lot of these cheap maps?"

Meleoron asks curiously.

"It's a map that shows your current location.

If you take them separately, when you get lost or go astray, you know where you are, so it's a big help.... But it will be a burden. I really don't know the details."

Once again, this map is super convenient.

... That? Isn't this better than the 650,000 map? Hmm... No, can you find your current location with the 650,000 map?

"They are sold everywhere, no need to rush to buy them.

I'll buy two for now."

We returned to the original Inn.

I need to organize my future plans and luggage, I first need to take a break. I need to eat and rest, and recover as soon as possible.... My physical strength is great. I want to do Training.

Meleoron and Shim are bringing the luggage to my and Uranus's room. We sit on two beds facing each other.

I glanced at Uranus sitting next to me, his complexion is good, probably because the surgery was successful and he ate. His recovery will determine his future plans.

He will return.

"So, Aisha.

Are you talking about minced meat?"

"Oh, yes.

I'm curious, so please tell me."

"I see.

Well, I'm sorry you two, but can you wait a moment until the conversation is over?"

"That's fine.

Talking about the Hunter Exam sounds interesting."

"Me too."

"Yes.

... By the way, when Aisha was there, what was the content of the test? It was Menchi."

"Hmm.

It was Sushi."

"... Ah, Sushi...

Why Nigiri Sushi?

If Buhara was talking about pigs, isn't there a sea nearby?"

"Yes..."

"That was a forest park."

"Ha... his personality is bad, he hasn't recovered at all..."

"Even if you are a Gourmet Hunter, you get tired of gourmet food."

"..."

"In my era, there were all kinds of things, and it turned into a taste review."

"Menchi-san, no matter what kind of sushi I brought, I couldn't pass it."

"Before long, Examinee Menchi's stomach was full..."

Uranus's expression was headache-inducing. Yes...

"Amateurs can't possibly make decent sushi with sushi that doesn't come from the sea..."

"Is he serious or an idiot?"

"Well, but."

"I once had 0 passersby. Hmm, it turned out there was a problem."

"The next boiled egg theme was pretty good, wasn't it?"

"... Is that so?"

"After Menchi was scolded, right? I have nothing to praise you for."

"Hahaha."

Looking back, my impression of Japan wasn't very good. But thanks to that commotion, I was able to meet Netero. That's why I don't have bad feelings toward Menchi-san. I also like boiled eggs.

"Then what about Uranus?"

"Ah. Uh..."

"In my era, Buhara was a roast cow, right?"

"Yes."

"The test site was on a plateau."

"... Menchi's theme was milk soup."

"Using a large amount of wild vegetables and other things that can be harvested naturally was also a condition. I wonder if there were more than 20 ingredients in total? Cooking utensils and seasonings were provided."

"Wow..."

How hard was it? Wild vegetable lye was evil, and although it was hard after getting off work... and, if it was soup, the taste would be messy.

"... I also tried very hard."

"Texture, taste, smell, shape, temperature, and so on."

"In the end, when the cow's milking method wasn't good and I was asked for basic milk, I was indeed angry."

Ah, yes... I think it's okay to be angry. It was completely a cooking test...

"The moods of the other examinees were completely left to fate, so I tried my best to complain."

"You can't do it, what kind of judgment is this?! What?"

"Then, I was told that if I talked back, I would be disqualified."

"So, if I was going to fail anyway, I had thoroughly cursed him."

Wow. That was a hellish scene, I'm glad I didn't have to be there. Dealing with that Examinee Menchi...

"That naturally made Examinee Menchi angry too, right?"

"Yes."

"In the end, the other side was also cut off. Swinging the knife left and right."

"So... hmm."

"Even Buhara, who came to stop me, was beaten."

"Buhara!"

I couldn't help but burst out. What was this person doing?

"Ahahahaha."

"... So? How was the exam?"

I asked with a laugh, and Uranus had an embarrassed look on his face.

"Hmm..."

"The Chairman came. Both Menchi and I were angry."

"So, Menchi admitted the exam was terrible, so I had to retake it."

"I talked to the Examiner, and when I thought I wouldn't pass, the other examinees were helping me. After apologizing to Buhara and Menchi, I was able to take the exam again."

"Well, that's it. It's over, it's over!"

Uranus ended with a gloomy expression.

I had other things to worry about, but he didn't seem to want to talk about it, so let's ask him again.... Hey, Netero, you really should think like an Examiner. For those who are desperately trying to pass the exam, what do you think? At the very least, how about letting someone who can't see the qualities of a Hunter be an Examiner?

In Tonpa's case, I was also truly hurt, so I will stab him once.... Oh no. Netero is no longer the Chairman. No way, I can only complain.