Chapter 261

The cards were spread out on the table at the Spell Card Shop; for some reason, Seam and Uranus had begun a heated discussion on how to use Holy Water.

"However, if you were to be ambushed right after returning from the game, that would be dangerous, wouldn't it?

If that's the case, I think being able to start in a state that can block attack Magic 10 times is quite good.

I don't even have the 'Paladin Necklace' item."

"Hmm...

No, you just need to put the necklace in a designated pocket in advance so you have it the moment you return. You can return it to a card with a single 【Play】.

Even if you say it can block 10 times, if you get hit by a 'Pursuit' or 'Exchange' spell, I'm afraid it would disappear before you could reunite with your companions...

Well, come to think of it, even the necklace can't stop an 'Exchange'."

"In that case, I think it's best to keep using it.

In any case, we won't be going in and out of the game over and over."

"If I go in and out, I'll be the only one.

Aisha has that situation, and if Meleoron and Seam leave the game, that would be a good situation.

Aside from the complicated management issues, it's better to use it... it's also great for automatic prevention when sleeping or busy.

Hmm..."

"……That"

It's hard to intervene because it's a complicated story, but I have a few questions, so I'd like to ask.

"Yeah. What is it?"

"When both the Paladin Necklace and 'Holy Water' are active, which is more effective?"

"That's simple.

The necklace's reflection activates automatically. It doesn't consume the quantity of 'Holy Water'."

"Then...

What if there is only defensive Magic like 【Holy Water】 and 【Bullet】?"

"……If I remember correctly, the 【Holy Water】 automatic defense activates immediately."

"That would be troublesome..."

"The point is, I'm not flexible.

Why is this effect rank A...

At the very least, if it could be stacked, or if the activation of the effect were optional, I could use it..."

I muttered.

"……Uranus"

"Yeah... he's still there.

I want to talk to you until you reach a certain place, but don't stick to it."

"Escape using a Movement Spell?"

"No, if you fly directly to the base, your destination will be predicted based on the direction you fly.

On the other hand, going around other cities would waste spells...

Perhaps it's better to just give up and deal with him."

Uranus sighed.

Mr. Poohhat, it seems you are waiting for us to leave the shop. If you do that, it will be difficult for us as well. If you need me, you should tell me directly.

Seam had a worried expression on her face,

"After all, what should we do about the 'Holy Water'?"

"Hmm... well, let's put the 'Holy Water' matter aside for now and keep it on hand.

In this situation, I can't think of anything, so I want to hurry up and sell the spells I don't need and go home."

Uranus forcefully struck the stone slab. Meleoron looked suspicious,

"That's fine, but what about the 'Treasure Draw'?

You've had it for so long, aren't you going to sell it?"

"Hmm...

I don't want to use it right now, I'm uneasy, so let's wait until we return to Otania.

Let's sell the unnecessary 'Treasure Lottery' cards after we return them. It's not a large amount."

Is it that kind of place? Then, what are you waiting for?

We came out of the shop, and Mr. Poohhat walked over without hiding anything.

"Yo.

I want to talk to you, please wait a moment."

"Don't talk...

Can you at least change locations? Somewhere with a nice view."

"Oh, that's fine. I don't want to talk on the side of the road like this either.

There is a park a short walk away, how about there?"

"Is it a park... that's fine."

"Good. Follow me."

Hearing Uranus's reply, Mr. Poohhat turned around and started walking.

Looking at his body and the way he walked, he wasn't an amateur, but he was far from skilled. Based on the feeling I just mentioned, I guess he's the type who is good at negotiation.

His Nen Ability might also belong to that type... wouldn't it be better to be careful?

In the middle of a large park. We moved to a place with beautiful scenery, where there were no signs of other players besides game characters.

It has just turned dark now. I am near the lights, but I do not know if I can see the surrounding environment. If something happens, Uranus and I are fine, but what about Meleoron and Seam?

"Hmm, first I want to confirm...

You are called Uranus, right?... Uranus=Cherry?"

"......

That is correct. I cannot hide it."

"As expected.

I tried to remember the name because it sounded familiar, but I remembered it after we finished speaking.

Besides Tsezgera, there is another great Hunter here."

"... Don't treat me like a big shot.

I haven't done much lately.

Even if it is lined up with a crunchy first-class like Tsezgera."

"Is a genius like you just an ordinary person when you get old?

Harsh world, Tsezgera."

"Whatever you say.

Well, that's not the point, is it?

If you have something to say, please hurry."

"Oh. Let's get straight to the point.

... Do you want to join us?"

Listen—

After a beat, Uranus lets out a sigh.

"This is too predictable...

The answer is no. Are we done talking?"

"Hey, hey, listen to me for a moment."

"You said you have expectations.

--You, are you the Hame group?"

Mr. Poohhat, he was pointed at and hurt his chin.

"Ah...

I know some people call it that, but don't say it to your face..."

"Because you are doing what you are told.

I don't know who said it was the Hame group, but it suits you guys well."

"Don't be sarcastic.

I've only been in for about a year, so I don't care what you call me.

If the long-term guys came in and asked, maybe they would get angry?"

"I don't know.

If you don't have any Material to convince us, then that is the end of the story."

"Oh no, wait a minute."

"......

Didn't the Hame-gumi disband at the beginning? Did you and your friends break up?"

Mr. Poohhat looks more painful than before. He closes one eye, his expression very sour.

"You guys don't know the details of what happened to us, do you?

I would like to explain."

"Because Nen ability users are all red-faced.

No one wants to talk about the person in that group.

I have heard rumors about this, but I definitely want to hear it from the people involved."

"... If I talk to you, will you join me?"

"If you don't want to talk, we will leave.

I am interested."

Hmm. Uranus is better at negotiating than a good sailor, I guess. Thanks to Rakuchin.

Mr. Poohhat scratched the back of his head,

"... Wow. Talking.

Can I start immediately before clearing?"

"If that is the reason why we broke up, then I want to hear your opinion."

"...

We ended up getting 96 types of Specified Pocket Cards."

"Heh... I will do it. I just reviewed it."

It really was before clearing... Was it a melee where no one knew who would win? It seems Mr. Tsezgera also had 99 types.

For this reason, missing the clear must be painful.

"But others got 99 types first.

We were also confused, but we hadn't broken up yet at that time."

"An incident occurred, but that was not the case."

"Is that so? A quiz event.

Perhaps a quiz about the designated Pocket Card?"

"That's all...

A quiz where only the highest scorer can obtain the No. 000 card has begun.

... During that event, a rift appeared in the cooperation.

Although we were flustered, we thought if we could get the No. 000, we would still have a chance.

So we shared our knowledge and worked together to solve the problem..."

"That's not good."

"Tsezgera scored 96 points out of a possible 100."

"Wow. Even I couldn't do that..."

I wonder... though, I think Uranus did well.

"At the very least, if Genthru were there, they might have managed to do it..."

No, I think that might be impossible. Mr. Genthru, when I heard about the 96 points, I had absolutely no confidence. Perhaps we should have at least worked together to solve it... even then, the odds of winning would be slim.

Or rather, is Mr. Genthru's knowledge of the Pocket Cards designated by the Hame-gumi so biased? Is it not too trustworthy, or too difficult to bear?

Perhaps that is the reason why Mr. Genthru has no friendship with the people of the Hame-gumi. Although he betrayed my comrades-in-arms, he does not seem happy at all about his seemingly well-intentioned appearance. Perhaps it is because it is a dependency, or because it is clear that it will become an Accompaniment.

While thinking about various things, Uranus folded his arms,

"..."

"Genthru..."

"I don't know the details either.

Before I joined, one of the main members betrayed me.

They were making a fuss about things like information leaks."

"If you gather in large numbers, the risk of someone betraying you increases.

After all, everyone just wants money, right? Whatever there is to say, just go."

"But I still understand if you cooperate with Tsezgera, but cooperating with a lady. How did this happen?"

"Of course?

... One? Wait a minute.

Tsezgera won the No. 000, right? Then when did you not clear it?

Then I can still do something."

"I guess the Leina group cleared it.

As expected of Tsezgera, she must have already given up on Ms. Leina."

Uranus didn't even move.

Wow, he won't even look at me at all...

Oh no, oh no, oh no, this will definitely be questioned later.

"... And.

I messed up on the quiz, who should I blame?"

"No, it's not that there isn't one, but looking at the scores, it's obviously impossible. Besides, if you don't know which answer is right and which is wrong, you can't ask whose responsibility it is."

Exactly, exactly, exactly! That quiz, let alone right or wrong, I don't even know my score. Tsezgera-san's score was overwhelming, so I didn't really care about it, but I am very dissatisfied.

"I see... well, that's right."

"... The problem is after that.

It might have been too hasty, someone came out and said they took the card by force."

Don't force yourself. You aren't calm. If it were a wave attack of a Hatsu spell, I would still try a little, but if I started fighting, I might not be able to end it without getting injured.

Uranus just crossed his arms and made a troubled expression, but did not answer.

"Everyone is helpless, but if everyone works together, it can be done.

Nevertheless, it is the opinion that it is impossible and the opinion that it is possible split in two.

In the end, it turned into a battle that was more than just a battle."

Uranus let out a sigh of relief.

"In the end, it was precisely because of that split that they broke up.

... Then, what kind of person are you now? Where did you end up in that battle?"

"Anyway, you are as stupid as you say.

I ran away before I was caught.

When I went back to look later, most of them were covered in wounds. It seems no one died.

... In this state, I couldn't challenge Tsezgera or Ms. Leina at all."

"That saved my life.

I'll tell you, even if you were a group, you were defeated by Ms. Leina."

Annihilated.... No, I might have caused you serious injury. If you attacked me

Mr. Poohhat cast a suspicious glance,

"You say it as if you are proud, but are you saying you could have won?"

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

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

"This is impossible. I don't think I stole this card."

There was a very long silence...

"Uranus, are you saying this only after knowing Lina's ability?... Well, I mean this is impossible."

"Tsezgera can't do it, and you can't do it either."

"This is an idealistic theory, thinking it doesn't matter whether it's a bundle or not. Who will die first?"

"No, that. I don't think he even killed him, but... Genthru and the others had a tragic experience, though. Leina did it quite thoroughly too..."

"Then where are you now?"

"The Hame-gumi has disbanded, right?"

A complex expression appeared on Poohhat's face.

"... Oh."

"The group you all are talking about has definitely disbanded."

"But not everyone collapsed."

"Most of them seem to have left the game, but I bet on the next game and teamed up with those who remained."

"The ones who remained, huh... I think it would be much smarter for those who just left."

"Do you know that there is nothing in the next game, and Battera's bounty has long since disappeared?"

"Hey, hey. If you use your brain normally, you should have noticed, right?"

"What happens after Battera obtains the Certainty reward?"

Uranus lowered his eyes slightly, looking at Mr. Poohhat who was deceiving himself.

"... Well, there are many ways to turn the clear reward into Ging."

"Even so, it looks like it will be much less than Battera's reward."

"Without Certainty, I don't think this is a good story."

"Aren't you all different?"

"Since the number of players has increased, we are quite certain."

"The clear bounty is coming again, right?"

"There is indeed a bounty, but this has nothing to do with our situation."

"My goal is to clear it."

"A...?"

"What is it? Aren't you all here for the money?"

Uranus, being questioned, wound his hair around his Finger with a bored look.

"Unlike someone half-hearted like you, I can earn money whenever I want to."

"50 billion was certainly a large sum to begin with, but only idiots who have a high chance of winning or have to get rich quick would seriously challenge a winner-takes-all game."

"──Don't you know that when you are a Professional Hunter, there are few cases where you take money seriously, so this is not a game for you?"

"Sticky stuff...!"

Ah, of course... only those who clear the game can get the 50 billion, that is a problem. It was decided that this would be a leg-pulling game. It really happened.

"Generally speaking, the reason you are still in the game is because you don't have the strength to Escape from it."

"It's more like a scattered crowd."

"Of course, some people can't even leave the game on their own."

"But don't lump me in with those guys. What remains is my will."

Uranus looked surprised.

"Because I didn't have enough strength, I thought I formed so many factions."

"Because of nonsense, even the main force Genthru gave up."

"Component..."

"No, but is Genthru really that strong?"

"I heard Jisper is stronger."

"No... First of all, Mr. Genthru might be more powerful than that person named Jisper. Except for Mr. Genthru who betrayed me from the beginning, I don't think anyone with power would think of cooperating with many people. Because the share of the reward is too small to accommodate them."

"That is to say, the people in the Hame-gumi simply couldn't see through the ability of classmate Genthru. If we have been Together for a long time and haven't seen a person, then there's no help for it..."

"I don't care if Genthru is strong or weak."

"Anyway, we have no reason to team up with the remaining Hame-gumi."

"Really?"

"When there are more people, it will definitely make a difference. In fact, we reached the verge of clearing, right? The strategy itself was correct."

"... What was missing was outstanding combat power."

"You are useful, aren't you? As far as I know, they are called Destroyer."

"You used to work alone, but now you are working with others. If you combine your skills with the information we have accumulated over the years, the probability of clearing will increase significantly."

"...? What is this, a peeping Destroyer?"

"PK... Penalty? Isn't that it?"

Uranus was suddenly displeased with Mr. Poohhat who was saying nice things.

I suddenly reached out and grabbed Mr. Poohhat's jaw tightly.

"──Take it!?"

"Hey, what are you doing! Let go!"

"Haha..."

"You. With an ability that can touch a vital point so easily, will you join forces with me?"

"What if I were something like a bomber? You would already be dead."

"……!"

The monster Uranus moved his hand, as if pointing at his chin, and smiled quietly.

"Oh, buddy, what are you doing?

Are you really a man? That is the sequence of events."

"One?"

"Don't talk like that now. Why so sudden?"

"Let go, don't rub my chin.

I don't know if it's a man or a woman, it hurts..."

"Sorry, I can't decide.

No, it has an interesting chin, so I wanted to touch it.

Rubbing a beard is fun. Salute."

"Stop it, it's disgusting..."

Uranus, who had been in a good mood, became grumpy again.

"Well, actually, be careful.

If your throat is crushed, you won't be able to use a Movement Spell. Just staying vigilant is not enough.

First of all, your arms seem dull. It is best to retrain from the beginning.

Some events have been reorganized, and we might even challenge battle events that are harder to clear.

... If you don't like it, please quit the game as soon as possible. I am helpless."

Uranus let go loosely. Mr. Poohhat rubbed his neck uncomfortably.

"Tch...

Thanks for the annoying Suggestion. Goodbye!"

Mr. Poohhat spat in anger, turned around, and left.

After seeing him off, Uranus shrugged.

"Because I am like this, you hate me."

…………

That might be the case, but I couldn't say anything because I knew why you would say such a thing...

Uranus also knew he was a big help, yet he still said that. Even if he hates me, I don't feel like I can compete with him in the part about providing a Suggestion.

I wanted to say honestly that I was rubbing the beard.... But it really is an interesting chin.

"You really are a meddlesome person, aren't you?"

Meleoron stabbed with a single sentence.

"Don't worry.

That guy's aura is smaller than Seam's. How are you so confident?"

Hmm. A Nen User basically hides their own power. So it's hard to know how strong you are.... By the time you realize your ability is insufficient, it might already be too late.

"Well, the amount of aura alone cannot determine the outcome."

"However, this is true.

Whether Seam can truly fight him and win is another matter."

"……Am I still weak?"

"If you don't accumulate more actual combat experience, that is a Heavy boulder.

If this were a serious match, even your opponent would despair."

"Yes, Seam.

I don't know what will happen in a battle between Nen Users.

Especially in life-or-death battles, it is not uncommon for high-level users to lose their lives because they let their guard down."

"……Hmm……I understand."

Meleoron clapped his hands.

"Hello, you guys.

Don't stand here talking, let's go home quickly."

Well, I dodged well.... Hmm, that's right. Living in a place like this is forbidden.

We project a "book" to use "Return".

"By the way, Uranus.

What does his beard feel like? I want to touch you too."

Oh. You aren't going home without standing there and talking?

"After I go home...

No, no, I don't care."

Meleoron made a somewhat disgusted face.

"That guy, you were stroking his chin, it didn't look that bad.

... Come to think of it, you don't have a beard, do you?"

"……

It won't revive."

Uranus returns faintly. Hmm? Do you have any thoughts?