Chapter 212

"Then let us talk about future plans.

... In front of... I want to organize my luggage."

Uranos said this while looking at the two backpacks placed near the center of the room.

Meleoron gave me a meaningful look. Yes?

Come to think of it, since I started playing the game, my backpack hasn't been opened once.

"... Aisha.

Before we start packing, I have something to tell you."

Uranos told me with a mysterious look on his face.

"What?"

"... That instance. When Aisha was unconscious.

The Bath Towel used to wipe sweat is in your backpack.

... The clothes you were wearing before you changed. Wrapped it with a Towel and put it in your backpack.... I put it in."

Uranos said in a very, very Heavy tone.

Oh, oh...

... Is that so? I changed.

Ah, haha. Can you see the things in the backpack? That's right.... In other words, that and this were both seen. Haha...

Uranos and I both put our faces Together.

"... Uh, you two?

I know it's embarrassing, but if you look at it from this side, it's really funny."

"Ahhhhh"

Seam was happily slapping their legs. Because...

"... I promised to talk about it tonight, so it's shelved for now.

I've already thrown away the Bath Towel, and I want you to take Aisha out of the luggage along with the dirty clothes."

"Taking it out is fine, but what are you going to do?"

"I'll do the laundry.

Just leave it at this Inn, and wash the clothes."

"Hey, can you do laundry here?"

Uranos looked at me strangely.

Is this... another mode of game common sense I don't know about?

After all, last time it was all about outdoor camping...

The first month was for my safety, but I ended up camping until the end. There are many people, so if we stay, the cost won't be too ridiculous. This is the sober weakness of a large family team.

"... If you ask the Inn clerk character, they will serve the guests.

Each room should have a laundry basket, so put it there and ask. You can hand it over directly.

Besides, each room has a trash can, so if you throw it in, it will disappear sooner or later. Put your Bath Towel in."

Hmm... I'm a bit resistant.

"Are you going to throw the Bath Towel in the trash can?

Not washing it?"

"I bought six sets of new Towels and Bath Towels at the Department Store.

You wouldn't want to carry it as luggage all the time, would you? It's not a status card.

I have money, so I want to cut it."

Hmm... Is it okay to worry about unnecessary things now? I can't say that not organizing my luggage wasn't overbearing.

"Right, I understand.

What about the clothes you asked to wash?"

"If you wait a few hours after ordering and ask the clerk, they will return it to you after washing.

I have already paid for one day's stay in this room, so after going to Masadora, I intend to bring the Accompaniment back and stay here.

It would be great if I could successfully get the spell card. When I come back, I'll just pick up the washed clothes."

"... I understand now.

Anyway, should I organize my luggage?"

"Yes...

You can come over to the next room."

"Ah, yes... I'm coming."

"Isher. You can do it here."

No. I don't want to put my luggage in front of everyone. Especially in front of Meleoron.

I grabbed my backpack and moved to another room.

After Aisha walked to my side, I let out a "hoo".

"Uranos?

Good for you, ba-re-na-ku-te."

The chameleon Demon said something while smiling. Damn it.

"If you know, don't say unnecessary things that you can do here..."

"No need to worry, just reuse it; it's not a souvenir."

"Noisy."

Aisha wiped her whole body with the Towel; I didn't want to use it again after she finished. Honestly, even Aisha would find it terrible. I didn't want to throw it away in front of her.

Damn it, the image from that era will never disappear... Forget it, just forget it.

"Sister, don't bully Uranus."

"Hmm."

Whether you realize it or not, there is a certain degree of suspension.

It would be nice if we could separate things, but it's always contradictory. Even if I don't poke at it, it's still like this."

... I feel like I was told something that isn't even correct. How could Meleoron be satisfied with me?

I glared at him lightly, and Meleoron tilted his head.

"Uranus?"

"It's fine, but is it okay not to throw away the Bath Towel until Aisha comes back?"

... It's fine!!

I hurriedly took the backpack in my hands and started taking out the things inside. Oh no... I talked to Aisha, but I forgot to throw away the Towel.

I took out the dirty things wrapped in the Bath Towel and put them into the trash can and laundry basket. On the way back, I'll grab the shop assistant and have him do the laundry.

When I returned to the room where the three of us were carrying canvas backpacks, the trash bin here was simply piled high with Bath Towels.

"... As expected, it seems a bit wasteful."

"You don't need to worry. It's mine anyway."

I feel like I'm forcing myself to throw it away...

Regardless, I put the backpack back in its place and sat down beside Uranus.

"What do you plan to do next?

Are you moving today? Or are you resting?"

When I asked, Uranus stared at my face.

"Aisha is...

You want to go to Masadora today, right?"

"Hmm?... Hmm, that is indeed the case.

How did you know?"

Uranus smiled bitterly for some reason.

"Because it's written on your face."

What a fool. I instinctively touched my face with my hand. No, I know this is a metaphor, but that's not the case. What does it feel like to discover you want to go?

"You can even tell me, right?

You want to go to Masadora, or you want to do Aisha exercise."

Even Meleoron says so. It seems like nothing was said, but it seems to be the same perception. Hmm...

Uranus looked into my eyes.

"The face is a lie.

Aisha, you have a habit of shaking your body occasionally, right? That's because when you want to exercise, your body naturally develops joints and muscles. Solution: loosen up, I think I will."

............ Even if you say so.

If you want not to be discovered, you must remain motionless all the time. My body can't get rid of it.

There is also the problem of excessive physical strength... I am full of energy right now, so perhaps it is even more so.

────By the way, if you ask why it's discovered around me, it's because it's obviously shaking.

"I also want to ask Meleoron and Sim.

What do you two want to do?

I know you want to rest a bit, but...

If you don't go to Masadora, you're going to Training immediately, right? You know it just by looking at Aisha, right?

Would you rather train your body or go to Masadora?"

"Masadora."

You guys... you answered immediately. I don't really like it. Even though I haven't started serious Training yet.

"As I said, the road to Masadora is also quite steep.

It's as hard as Training, right?"

Even though I warned them, they said with suspicious looks:

"Hmm...

Because it's a game that can't be helped, but come on.

... Aisha's Training is a bit scary. Or should I say, I'm afraid of Aisha."

"Aisha's cultivation is that strong, isn't it?

I might die."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm worried about that too."

Hehe, troublesome sisters. So cautious, it will be troublesome before my Training gets on the right track...

"Aisha. I am the one who lets you train me.

If the content is too cruel, even I will complain, right?"

Ugh, even Uranus...

I will not say anything about the terrible content, even though it hasn't started yet. Damn it... I'm going to make it into a Heavy menu, have you discovered it? Sim.

This increases the difficulty of issuing Training tasks. Is it too Heavy or too light? If you don't take it seriously, you might fail.... Kurapika and Gon and the others are doing very well. I feel it's strange that things are going so smoothly. It's just too much, making the teaching side impatient.

While I was worrying about all sorts of things, Uranos stretched and

"Well then...

Is your destination today Masadora?"

"I don't mind, but...

Uranos, are you sure you're okay?

Your health is my biggest concern."

"Hmm...

Want me to rest for a while? It doesn't matter. Most of the most dangerous monsters are my opponents.

I don't care if it's related to them. It's just—"

"However?"

"Fighting while carrying luggage consumes a lot of energy.

Before I pass through the Rock Area, if I don't leave the luggage to someone else, it will be difficult."

"That is...

Then I, who am not fighting the monsters, will carry the burden—"

"No, that's not good.

Sorry, we have already reached a conclusion."

Uranos looked at him seriously, and Sim trembled, "Uh...".

"My luggage, Meleoron.

Aisha's luggage, Sim. Take each. Only between the Rock Area.... But most of the road is the Rock Area. I plan to take a break at noon.

In Exchange, I will be the opponent for the monsters.

But even so, it's impossible for me alone to deal with all the monsters."

"…Do I also have to carry a backpack to fight?"

To Sim, who asked anxiously,

"No, it's not like that.

Some enemies will attack suddenly, so you need to avoid them immediately or keep your distance. I just want you to ensure your own safety.

... Aisha is the same."

"It's fine.

I know the monsters in that Rock Area."

"Yes.

Meleoron and Sim, I will look at the situation every time and give instructions, so please be prepared to react immediately."

"Okay."

"Yes."

After Uranos nodded, he crossed his arms and thought:

"Then—"

After the discussion ended, we rested for about an hour.

When I left the Inn to head for Masadora, it was already 4 PM.

Leaving the reward city Antokiba, I could see the mountain range at the end of the road extending from the city's north gate.

"Get."

While walking, Uranos took a card out of the Binder and turned it into an item.

Unfolding the scroll in your hand,

"Meleoron, bring it over and look together."

"Is it? It's a map, isn't it?"

"Wow. So wide...

Will it take a while for us to go from the Perilla Tree to Antokiba?"

"Ah, I was just walking around while explaining, so it felt long.

If you walk slowly on the 80km road, you will arrive tomorrow, so skip a lot.

... First is the mountain road. I'll hurry to the place where those bandits appeared before."

A bit uneasy, I looked at Uranos.

"Ah, Aisha certainly won't move at an unreasonable speed, you know?

That said, for Aisha, I think it should be fast enough to be a good Training."

"I'd rather have that."

"No...

Meleoron, leave the map with Sim.

Sim, practice running on the mountain road while holding an item in one hand. Never drop the map."

"Uh..."

"You will carry a backpack later. If you complain about it blocking your hands.

Meleoron is taking the luggage to the mountain road, so you should also train."

"That's right."

"Also training your seams."

"Eh eh eh..."

"Hmm... can you not say you're training like it's a punishment game?"

The protest was as expected. I don't like it, Omara.

"This road is hard to drive on."

"Can't be helped, it's a mountain road."

I reply to the complaining seams. Well, although it's called a mountain road, to be honest, it's hard to even call it a road. Tree roots, natural steps, loose soil, and fallen leaves. It is incomparably steeper than a flat man-made road.

We advanced along that road at a reasonable pace.

Uranus is in the lead. He will guide you so that you can make contact with the bandits. The entire pace is controlled by him, looking back at us from time to time.

The master is the rear-guard Meruem. They keep us in sight so that we don't get separated, including checking if anyone is following us.

Seam and I run side by side in the formation. At this speed, even someone as absent-minded as me wouldn't feel burdened. If it were training, I would want to fly a bit more, but since I need to prepare for the rocky area we are about to pass through, the speed is enough to save my stamina. Personally, I feel that running on this unstable road to cultivate a sense of balance is comfortable.

The problem is the seams...

It was fine at the beginning, but it seems to have sagged, and the trunk is twisted. Because the ground you are stepping on is not flat to begin with. If you don't subconsciously balance your body, you will waste stamina, and you might end up hurting your feet or falling and getting injured.

Noticing it, I noticed it, but for some reason, I couldn't seem to concentrate, and my body tilted immediately. The scroll in his hand also seemed to play a moderate role.

"Seam, straighten your back."

"Because it's long...

When will this arrive?"

"..."

This mountain road is not only suitable for mountain climbing, it has become chaotic, and it's hard to say how far you've walked. Obstructed by trees, visibility is poor.

When I passed by before, I jumped all the way, so I passed it immediately. Except for dealing with the bandits. If you are a Hatsu user, if it's a speed that even I can exert, it shouldn't be too much of a burden. Even on a mountain road like this, it's still a seam. In short, I think this feels half-hearted and boring. I don't understand.

But enduring boredom is also a part of Cultivation.

"It will appear soon before the bandits show up.

It will be boring if you get injured, so don't let your guard down."

"Mm...

Look, you can't see the road ahead, can you?

I can't see how far I have to go to reach the goal."

"............"

────Can't see the goal?

Seam's words inspired me to reflect on my training days.

The reason I spent dazzling years in Training was to eventually gain the power to overthrow the giant Chimera Ant—its King, Meruem.

It itself is the formation of Hatsu—but that is the result. Even for me, who has trained until now, my physical fitness is stronger than Neferpitou who stood before me. As for Meruem, just because I can win, in terms of pure strength, I haven't reached that realm yet. It is still rooted in me as an index to be crossed.

... But.

As far as I know, there is no stronger enemy that can be defeated with mortal power. Netero is a worthy opponent, but he is not someone you would risk your life to challenge. In terms of competitive skills, I couldn't ask for more.

The motivation for my hard study—that goal has been lost. Even so, I know that continuing my Training after passing the goal of Meruem is similar to inertia. If I didn't have friends like Netero and Gon, I might not have been able to do this much.

After I died as Ryusho, I wonder if Netero felt the same way. I won't talk about him, but... without an opponent, just setting up a training guide must be troublesome.

Do not neglect your study—I told him without giving any reason, but I think I might have made some rather harsh demands on Netero. Will I have to pay for it someday...

... Is it because of boredom that I'm thinking about these things? I am the same.

From now on, enduring this kind of boredom might be my biggest challenge...

When I came back to my senses, Seam was looking at my face, and I was deep in thought.

"What's wrong?

It's dangerous not to look forward."

"Yes.

... Aisha. Do you enjoy your Training?"

Well, hey.

"I... well. I enjoy it."

When asked again, it was so obvious that I was overwhelmed. Rather, it reached the point where I couldn't be calm without Cultivation. For me, Training is like eating and breathing.... Sure enough, if I read a book while Training, people would look at me with strange eyes, so I won't do that when I might be discovered. Killua is too sharp.

"Somehow, you are talking about Training.

I don't know if you would like it if you didn't work hard at Training."

"Seam.

Did you misunderstand something strange? Even I don't like it.

However, if it doesn't hurt, then it might not be Training."

I knew from my past life that it doesn't necessarily have to be like that. Frankly speaking, Training is like entertainment to me. It fits and doesn't become boring.

Is everyone different?... It should be like that. I think it was the same when I came to this world.

Devil. It's really fun to work towards my own goals with my friends now!

I put my hand on Seam for a moment, then quickened my pace to catch up with Uranus.

"Uranus.

According to my memory, I think it's time."

"Yes.

It's about 100 meters from where the bandits came out before."

Uranus slowed down. At the same time, I also slowed down, and eventually, everyone stopped.

"We will pass through the point where the bandit will come out very soon."

There is no guarantee he will be there this time, but if he is there... I must hand over all the cards.

This is obvious, but if you don't do this alone, it would be such a waste."

Don't come... um, what happened?

We discussed it beforehand, that one person would go to complete the handover event, but... in the end, who would do it? The important part was not decided.

"... Do you want to play Scissors, Stone, Goo?"

"Aisha.

Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

Just something I thought I would suggest, but Meleoron was really angry.

"Ah, no, I didn't mean it like that..."

"Monthly Competition champion Aisha-sama's Scissors, Stone, Goo is truly formidable.

... Meleoron, how much Stick do you have regarding the fact that you lost in the Scissors, Stone, Goo practice? It seems you are really angry."

"Hmm... even if you decide with Scissors, Stone, Goo, this is a talent of luck, isn't it?

You didn't say you would cheat, did you?"

"Jordan."

Nih, Meleoron smiled.... Really? I didn't see it.

"I'm coming.

Can I give you all my cards?

It's just that my Binder is empty, so it's no problem."

Uranus and I shut our mouths. Hmm...

The budget for buying Magic Cards, leaving space for picking up Monster Cards, and the budget for handing all cards to the bandit—for these reasons, apart from Meleoron, the three did not have enough spare pockets. It was Meleoron himself who suggested emptying his Binder beforehand.

Was this the intention from the start?

"Because you don't like it, right?

Your jackets were stolen."

"Uranus is a Fugura—"

"Whoa!"

Uranus interrupted Seam. It is interesting how you stopped it. How desperate. If you don't like being teased, just wear it.

"... Hmm, I don't like that.

Even Meleoron cannot change that jumpsuit. Aren't you buying that?"

Oh, that's right. Sorry, I should have checked beforehand.

"I don't need to change."

Saying this, Meleoron put his backpack on the ground and slowly took off his jumpsuit.

I am naked.

... Where is your undergarment? You aren't wearing anything at all.

Meleoron took off his jumpsuit and placed it on the Root,

"In this case, your clothes won't be stolen, right?"

"No, you...

Why don't you wear something else?"

"────You don't want to be the only one saying that."

"Jajanken!?"

Uranus knelt down. This is Meleoron's victory.

Even so, is it brave or what...

Proudly exposing her whole body in the mountains, she embodies it more thoroughly than a fool. In a sense, it might be because I am a born Chimera Ant. It doesn't look like a female because it is a giant Chimera Ant. There are places to go out, and there are places to retreat, but...

That is correct. The word "shame" does not exist in Meleoron's dictionary, yes.

Convinced, Meleoron looked back at me with suspicious eyes,

"... I don't want you to look at me any more, Aisha."

"Oh, yes."

... Which one. Are you shy or not shy?

"Hmm, Uranus.

I was just wondering if I should carry something with me.

If you have nothing, won't the event fail to happen or fail?

I don't want to bother you twice."

"Fine, okay.

But I don't have any cards I don't need... the Stone around here is the same.

... No, it's a celebration."

Uranus cast "Book" and threw a card out of the Binder.

Meleoron grabbed it,

"Hmm? Is 10,000 Jenny okay?"

"Oh, so.

They will want money first, so if there is a minimum requirement, it should be about that."

"Yes, I understand."

Meleoron also recited the "Book" and placed a 10,000 Jenny card into the Binder.

"You should go directly here."

"Oh, if the bandits don't come out, please come back. Even if an event occurs, it is best to wait until you finish the event you are doing for me before coming back.

We will be waiting for you to come home here."

"Hmm...

Regardless of whether it doesn't happen, I'm not sure if I'll be able to return here if it does happen.

After all, when the event occurs, you will go to the bandit village, right? I don't know if I can go home without hesitation, you know? Just in these mountains.

Even if I bring a map, it will be stolen, so it's impossible."

"Ah. Well, that's how it is..."

Uranos put his hand over his mouth to think.

"Then...

If the bandits don't appear, please come back here.

Once the bandits leave and head to the village, wait for us there after the event ends.

If you walk outside the building, you can also use "Circle" to know the exact location. I remember the location of the bandit village, but I'm worried because I've never tried to go directly to a player who hasn't triggered the event."

"Then, if I'm too late to participate in the event inside the building, it will be difficult for me to pick you up—

Oh, right? "Tracking/Trace" lets you know where you are."

"Yes, yes.

I will go check often, and I will come to pick you up after the event ends."

"Okay.

Then I'm going."

Saying this, Meleoron turned her back to us and jumped onto the mountain path.... Yeah, that rotating tail is really cute. Let me touch you as soon as possible. It can also serve as revenge for being touched.

"... Seam wasn't like this before."

A sad Seam. Hmm...

They sat with me on a fallen tree to rest until Meleoron returned. Even if I'm not that tired, I can't ignore even a little bit of wear and tear. The real one isn't here, but in the rocky area where monsters appear. Even a little bit of physical strength, I need to save it.

Uranos also took off his backpack, leaned his back against the fallen tree, and manipulated the Binder from time to time.

"Hmm, it seems something happened.

Meleoron has already deviated from this mountain path."

"That is to say, the acquisition conditions are the same as before clearing?"

"Maybe. I'm not sure yet."

"Lucky Alexandrite" is one of the few Specified Pocket Cards I took last time. If possible, I want to go get it myself this time. Meleoron is working hard now.

Seeming to unfold the map and turning to me,

"There aren't many mountain paths here, right?"

"Yes.

I just need to be careful not to hurt my feet. Flying too much is dangerous."

"Yes."

The first time I passed by, I was scared away by the bandits. To make up for the delay, I should run it in a few dozen seconds.... Yeah, I was annoyed by all sorts of things at the time. Can't help it.

Outside the bandit hut, a lonely Meleoron could be seen standing without clothes.

Noticing that we came to pick her up at the right time, she ran towards us.

"Good job. How was it?"

Uranos asked while handing over the jumpsuit, and Meleoron smiled as she took it.

"It was perfect.

He asked for 10,000 Jenny to buy medicine for his illness, that's all. ──Is that okay?"

"Oh, that's fine.

I can't make the final confirmation without the Paladin's Necklace, but if it doesn't have any strange scratches, I should be able to do it."

"Thank you, Meleoron. Thank you for your help."

She must care about us, who for some reason hate this event.

"What's the matter? Let's go quickly."

Prompted, we returned to the downhill mountain path.... But you only wore one Meleoron? Isn't it different from Seam?

Yes? If so, isn't this team like this? Hmm... No, yes. Stop thinking about it.

We have recovered from the rest, so we pass through the mountain path at high speed.

The obstructing trees began to decrease significantly, and the view opened up.

The sound of the Wind blowing in front of you grew louder.

Accelerating, Uranos quickly passed through the woods and raised his hand to stop me.

"Seam. It's dangerous, so please slow down."

Seam confirmed. When I slowed down, he also slowed down.

────We crossed the mountain.

"Hmm..."

Seam, who stopped perfectly and caught his breath. After a while, Meleoron also appeared here and stopped her steps. Looking around from a high place,

"Hmm..."

A place like NGL."

Meleoron muttered nonchalantly. "Yeah. If you ask me, yes. However, there aren't many places like these Rocky Mountains."

"Because of these Rocky Mountains, visibility is poor here."

Uranos called out with a somewhat serious expression, his hair fluttering in the Wind.

"Meleoron, Seam.

Once you leave this highland, enemies will start to appear.... From now on, I am truly risking my life. Over 90% of players die here before reaching Masadora."

"Some enemies can be defeated by Meleoron even while carrying a canvas backpack, provided he learns the movements, but basically, I handle them. Focus on evasion."

"... Then, I want a backpack."

Uranos unloaded along with Dosun. Meleoron replied "Hey..." and unloaded his luggage. Seam only said "Uh."

"Seam, that map is enough.

Meleoron, bring the map and put it in my backpack."

The process of Exchange of luggage was slow; I just watched it without doing anything in particular.

Well, from now on, I must prepare myself. In terms of life and death, I am in more danger than Seam. My attacks without aura, I fear, are ineffective against monsters. If I just do this, I might manage, but if I don't get injured, it's difficult even then.

Setting aside normal creatures, the monsters here are basically of the Nen Bead type. It is unlikely you will defeat them with ordinary attacks. In my 'Extreme' state, can I block an attack from their aura?

Hmm. Even so, the Heavy burden falls on Uranos again.... If we don't quickly train the two of them to make their combat ability a little stronger, there is no way to improve.

That is to say, this is also an important Training, first to see and remember. Rushing too fast is not good.

After changing luggage, Seam, carrying a large backpack, said "Hmm." At this, Uranos shrugged, put his hands on his hips, and began to speak.

"Then, I will teach you how to deal with the monsters that appear in this rocky area.

This is a long story, so you can put down your backpack for now.

There are 12 types of monsters that appear in this area.

Their natures vary and they are diverse, so turning and running is not the best plan. In particular, you need to be careful of enemies that initiate a fast Pursuit and enemies that surprise you. Remember accurately.

Starting with low-level monsters. A-Rank H-Remote Mouse—"

Behind the two who were listening intently to Uranos's explanation, I began to think of the best way to respond.

Having finished the general overview, Uranos looked at the two exhausted people,

"... Well, this is just a preliminary explanation.

You don't have to force yourself to remember it. If a monster attacks me, even if I don't like it, I will remember it.

So, Aisha. Can I wait a while?"

To Uranos, who was looking at me with his arms crossed in thought,

"Yes, I'm fine.

I am thinking again about how to deal with each monster.

I intend to move so that Uranos can fight as easily as possible."

"Yes.

I just wanted to ask you something else."

"Huh? What is it?"

What exactly is it? There's no way to fight properly...

"Are you saying?

Most dangerous monsters are handled by me."

"Hmm...

Yes, I think that's what you said."

"That's why I'm letting Aisha help me a little."

"Hmm?"

Meleoron and Seam looked alternately at him and me with curious faces. Perhaps I had a similar face too.

Looking at us like that, Uranos gave me a mischievous smile.

"────I'm casting a spell on you."