Chapter 385: Episode 42

Inside the massive airship are various entertainment facilities. It requires not only a large number of customers but also a large number of personnel to operate these facilities. However, the commercial district, where restaurants and boutiques are lined up, is completely empty.

A feeling of obstruction, as if lost in the belly of a giant whale. The shops are lined up like organs, and closed signs are everywhere. A small town built to entertain tourists is brightly lit, yet silent.

"So amazing... my power is overflowing...!"

In a corner of the flashy street, a group of suspicious people are loitering. They are all wearing robes of the same design. A large hooded robe completely hides the wearer. Aside from differences in height, it is difficult to distinguish individuals just by observing.

This group is the "Tea Team" led by Ging's grandfather, an Itu Bar based on mentalism. It's not that they happen to have hundreds of identical robes. This is his ability.

Ging's grandfather, a fortune teller, calls himself "a liar more honest than anyone." To him, fortune-telling is nothing more than an introduction to more easily grasp the human heart. People who come for the first time naturally think of him, and he openly declares from the start that he will deceive them. "Who would be deceived?"

But once you accept his fortune-telling, your thoughts undergo a 180-degree turn. It is called fortune-telling, but its essence is nothing more than a consultation about worries. No matter how happy a person is, there is not a single person in this world without worries. He skillfully possesses the technique to reveal the darkness within and the art of storytelling.

Many human problems are difficult to overcome. If it were easy to fix, don't worry about it. And in front of this wall, most people stop without being able to cross it. The number of people who can truly break through the wall through effort is few and far between. Most of the time, I just sit and wait for someone else or time to figure it out.

However, the longer a person stands there, the more they lose the will to move forward. The next thing they do is try to forget the problem. I couldn't climb the wall, so I compromised and chose another path. Sometimes this method succeeded, but it didn't solve the root problem, and more often than not, it fell into a vicious cycle of hitting a wall.

Even if the wound in the heart seems to have healed once, it returns in an instant. To heal completely, you must face reality and confront it. This is the best way to cope, and also the most painful choice. To move toward the future, it is at least necessary to face unpleasant memories and accept the past as the past.

Ging's grandfather does not believe that fortune-telling can solve his worries. It is enough if you let the other party know your true feelings and accept them. There is nothing special about what he does; it is a form of support that encourages people to be independent, which is the same in ordinary counseling, but his technique is outstanding.

The way he skillfully manipulates the thoughts of others is reminiscent of a Manipulation System ability, but he is an Incarnation System user. His ability is called "Self-Rears," which can manifest the robe he is always wearing. This is a combined ability of the Manipulation System and the Incarnation System.

It is possible to manipulate those wearing this robe, but the compatibility between the Incarnation System and the Manipulation System is not very good, so strong mental interference is impossible. The manipulation method is classified as "Request Type."

Manipulation-type abilities are mainly divided into three categories: "Compulsion Type" which completely manipulates the body and mind, "Semi-Compulsion Type" which deprives the body of freedom, and "Request Type" which asks others to cooperate. The target being manipulated. Request Type is difficult to control, but compared to the other two, its advantage is that it can manipulate multiple targets simultaneously and requires less energy.

"Do not use that power needlessly. That robe will drain your own strength. Consuming energy will naturally consume your physical stamina."

The biggest feature of "Self-Rears" is that if the target of the operation is an ordinary person, not a Nen user, they can be made into a simple Nen user.

Basically, ordinary people manipulated by the Manipulation System rarely open their pores due to attacks, but there are cases where they can use Nen Ability or similar powers. Although "Self-Rears" has the effect of weakening mental interference ability, as a reward for cooperation, they can use Nen Ability.

However, the power that can be used by doing so is only "Material" and "Kneading." "Kneading" is a rough precision that slightly increases attack power, and does not have much power. If it is a one-on-one battle against a real Nen user, it is not a decent opponent. This effect is limited to wearing the robe; if it is taken off or broken, it becomes useless.

Since there is a rule that the existence of Nen should not be taught to ordinary people without reason, Ging's grandfather explains that this ability is the robe accepting the galactic power pouring down from the universe and digging out its potential. It is a suspicious explanation, but the believers believe it completely. Originally, even those with the slightest doubt would not think of wearing such a suspicious robe.

"Oh, what is that? If it's true, I don't want to get you involved... I thought I could protect you with my ability, but it seems difficult..."

The gathered supporters loudly opposed Ging's grandfather, who shed tears.

"Teacher, what are you saying! On the contrary, I am happy. If we can help you, Teacher, we will spare no effort to help you!"

"Everyone here has been saved by the Teacher, and now it is our turn to help the Teacher. Let us unite and overcome this difficult situation!"

Ging's grandfather smiled and pretended to cry under his mask. Indeed, his ability has many shortcomings, but he is good at creating numbers accordingly. Although he manifested over a hundred robes, he still had room to spare.

Even if you look at them individually, it's not much, but gathering so many together is exactly the power of a hundred people. No matter how many ordinary people are gathered, they cannot defeat a Nen user, but if they are people who can use Nen to some extent, the story is completely different. You can also crush them head-on with the power of numbers. Even if there are people with troublesome abilities, you can wait and see if you let the power of numbers speak for itself. In most cases, once the seed is broken, this type of ability user is easy to deal with.

A fan wearing a robe slammed his fist into the wall of a nearby building. Just this one punch shattered the wall, which should have been made of concrete, leaving a clear fist mark.

"S-so great... if I have this power...!"

He didn't ask for help with a single word. I didn't even try to cooperate and win the game. He knew how to guide people's will naturally without using direct methods. This is his psychology.

He is deeply convinced. The person who controls the human heart controls the battle. This rule of full participation involving the audience also favors him. No, it is no exaggeration to say that the rules were made for him.

He is working hard to win this game.

"Five seconds before! 4, 3, 2, 1... Start the game!"

Finally, the sound announcing the start of the game echoed inside the ship. The Anesthesia Gun should have been unlocked, but I don't need that. Using it against ordinary people is enough.

"Teacher, what should we do now?"

"Don't panic, it's best if nothing happens, let's hide here first and see how the game progresses."

No need to rush. There are also dangerous people like Tsukutek, and it won't be so tiring to act after crushing each other with hot-blooded YouTubers. Troops are gathering. The rest is to wait for the opportunity to put it in.

"However, there is no guarantee where the enemy will come from. Everyone, please do not let your guard down."

"... No, obviously I can't say that."

This is news of an uninvited guest. I thought I would be found by another Itu Bar, but my worries were unfounded.

"Oh, it looks like they are gathering. Is it something black?"

"I think my Ging's grandfather was wearing a similar robe, but I don't know which one it is."

"Eh, eh, suddenly the number is not good!? Run away... strategic retreat!"

"Are you still in the Bodyguard of Roku-chan?"

What appeared was an enemy team of only five people. The Wristband emitted a silver light. Ging's grandfather forgot whose team that color belonged to, but it doesn't matter if he can't remember. With just five civilians, his army can turn the tide.

"We will eliminate those who are enemies of our master."

"Ging's grandfather, worthy of being the King of the Itu Bar!"

"I will not show mercy to those who get in my way..."

A group of over a hundred people wearing robes swayed in their movements. Surrounding the five poor lost children. Facing such a scene, anyone would have a sense of fear of being dragged into the bottomless Abyss.

"What, if you have the motivation, say it quickly."

However, Ging's grandfather had a sense of incongruity. Three of the five were huddled together, trembling, while the other two showed no signs of agitation. Is this just brute force, or some kind of strategy? He just naturally braced himself, without even the Anesthesia Gun that was sent to him. It's as if you don't need such a thing.

He had a premonition, although he wasn't sure. Making these two people enemies would be bad.

"Everyone, please calm down."

"Victory belongs to the ancestor of Ging!"

"Woo woo woo!! Remember our power!!"

"Wait, listen to me—"

Like a group of predators swarming their prey, the excited mob began to run wild. But they will soon discover the truth. Which side is the Hunter, and who is the prey?

On the spectacular stage, the song was performed while receiving cheers from many people. This was his dream, a dream he had since he was a child. His mother was a singer, and he grew up watching her, and he also yearned for the same dream.

There were two paths in front of him. One way was to become a singer. The other way was to become a doctor. He came from a prestigious family of generations of famous doctors and was educated to become a doctor from a young age.

I really wanted to become a singer. However, this was not a house that allowed such thoughts. He decided to become a doctor. However, this was not a path he chose reluctantly. There was a reason why he had to become a doctor, not just because of the family, but also because he had to give up his childhood dream.

His mother was very ill. It was a stubborn disease for which modern medicine had not yet established a cure. I did everything I could, but it never got better. He went to university and devoted himself to researching this disease. For his deteriorating mother, he didn't even sleep, searching for an antidote.

I still dream a lot. In the white hospital room, the image of my mother, connected to countless tubes on the hospital bed and unable to breathe on her own, is seared into my eyelids. Black spots appeared all over her body, and there was not a shadow of her former beauty.

Even if I spoke to her or held her thin hand tightly, there was no reaction. Years passed, and I did not lose consciousness. But one day, she opened her mouth just once.

Noah.

Those were the last words.

The worst competition finally raised its curtain. An announcement would be made to declare the start. The voice was Pomoni's. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

And one person's name had already disappeared from the electronic bulletin board. It seems Grandpa Galaxy has already been defeated. Was it the work of other i-tubers, or did Silver Team defeat it?

I haven't decided how to treat the five members of Silver Team who are cheering for me. If this were just a fan, the story would be simple, but things are moving in an unimaginable direction.

Blade said they were spies sent by a country called Sahelta. Moreover, they seem to want to kill me for some reason. I cannot tell you why. Some client asked him to escort me during this recess.

If I don't ask for the reason, I cannot judge whether I can believe the story, but I can believe Blade's personality. He could have covered it up better to avoid trouble, but perhaps it was his sincerity that he dared not confuse the story for reasons of confidentiality. Maybe it's just clumsiness, but regardless, he seems to have a personality that won't lie.

Looking at Silver Team, there isn't much distrust. This is, of course, suspicious, and while I don't fully believe it, I cannot doubt it. Because I feel they are as sincere as Blade.

Even before I entered the Venue, the cosplay duo helped me. If you were going to kill me, you should have had the chance. I can feel its power. A woman named Cher has the ability to overwhelm the other two ability users, Blade and Velvet.

But I cannot draw a conclusion. In the end, at Velvet's Suggestion, Silver Team was forced to deal with other i-tubers, and they couldn't even hear the details.

The mystery only deepens. Why would I become a target of Sahelta? Velvet asked me if she was really a princess of some country or something, but I don't know.

For now, I can only wait and see. I don't seem to be able to calm down and talk about this competition not being over. Fortunately, I have many allies. If everyone cooperates, we should be able to finish this competition early.

"Even so, what is the benefit for the organizers of this competition to do this? I don't understand the purpose."

"Did you create such a large battlefield because you knew we were Nen Ability users? Is your purpose to crush the other side? There's no need to go out of your way to create it."

Velvet and Blade are currently discussing how to proceed. I know that participating in the conversation isn't very useful for someone like me who isn't good with words, but I feel left out, and I'm not satisfied. Noah Heliodor takes care of me because I have extra hands.

Actually, just now when they were talking with Silver Team, it seemed that while Cher was deterring Blade, she was also trying to check Velvet, and at the same time checking Noah who was in Meditation. As a result, Noah fainted after the second intimidation following the first.

However, it seems that this shock was able to open the Hatsu, and Noah could learn 'Mata' even in a coma. From now on, I don't think I will faint due to coercion.

Perhaps his spirit endured too much, to the point where he was drowned in cold sweat. Velvet told him to slap him, but he couldn't imitate whipping someone so weak. Being Favrotskies will quickly bring you back to consciousness.

When I was taking care of him, I felt it would be better to check his pulse, so I held his hand, but for some reason, he grabbed my hand. I think it was subconscious, but perhaps knowing someone was nearby, I felt relieved, and my state eased a bit. When I tried to pull away, he didn't like it and grabbed it tightly, so I let it stay that way.

"Stay away from Lord Noah! You bitch!"

"You're a child, but you don't use your eyes! Go to that place!"

However, I started to think that it might be better if I forced myself to get away. The people gathered at the Venue who seemed to be Noah's fans let out huge boos. From the fans' perspective, they have a feeling bordering on worship, and I can understand their dissatisfaction with me being friendly with Noah, but I am tired of being abused by too many abusive words.

"The audience is getting rougher, aren't they?"

Not only the Green Team of Noah's fans, but even Blade's Yellow Team gathered here. Velvet's team only has a number similar to an error, but currently, if you add up the number of people displayed on the bulletin board, it is 1293. More than half of the audience will gather here.

If these crowds are still waiting without any explanation after the competition starts, things will get bad. But if you explain it, it's enough, and it's not easy. They'd better do nothing and stay still, but I didn't expect everyone to listen to me so easily.

For the time being, Blade, the leader of the Yellow Team with the largest number of people, will stand on the stage to persuade them. Velvet is also open, but because of her position as a Burning i-tuber, she easily invites criticism. Blade will be the best choice here.

"Everyone! Please listen to me! Now, this ship..."

However, the enthusiastic screams coming from the Venue were enough to drown out the voice of Blade who started to speak. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding that the game had finally started, and no matter what Blade said, the audience started to make a fuss. Then, a terrible situation suddenly descended.

People using tranquilizer guns appeared in various places in the Venue. You can also see people being hit by bullets and lying down on the spot. In this situation, no matter what Blade says, it is useless. It is no longer a stage that can be controlled by words.

"I thought this would happen, but it happened earlier than I thought. Starting a gunfight in such a dense area, people are even more stupid than I thought."

No matter how excited, it is too short-sighted. If you ask me, I can tell from the expressions and actions of the audience that this is abnormal. Like a beast that has lost its mind, roaring without considering the trouble around it, preparing weapons. I saw the figure of a person who had already fired 10 Bullets but still couldn't calm down, preparing to attack with the gun barrel.

"There is no sign that he is being controlled, just in case... However, he is clearly mentally abnormal."

There are only a limited number of ways to drug such a large number of people without being noticed. Even if you mix it with food and drink, not everyone will eat it, and it is unnatural for the effect to start appearing all at once. There is also suspicion of gaseous drugs sprayed from the air conditioning. If this is true, we might be affected by it, rather than it being someone else's problem.

"Fuki... condition, all green."

Blade slowly rolled up his sleeves, generating a brute force. According to him, from the tiny movements of twitching muscles, it is easy to grasp the detailed current state of a person's body. This is his Nen Ability "Condition Checker".

"It doesn't seem useful in battle."

"What can you say, shoo! Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated! Only by accurately grasping your own momentum can you make full use of muscle combat," hissing.

To be precise, his origin is called "Muscle Museum," which contains ten muscle mysteries, and "Condition Checker" seems to be one of them.

Anyway, we can't just leave the mentally deranged audience like this. Even if the people who were hit are just sleeping, if they roll around in this commotion, they might be trampled and seriously injured.

Velvet seems to be trying to suppress it with killing intent, but it is said that suppression is not very effective on mentally excited humans. It looks like if she does it seriously, she can suppress it, but doing so might really make people terrified, so if possible, she said she didn't want to do it. It can be said that his mind is so crazy that it cannot be stopped unless hit by a deadly aura.

"Well, although it's troublesome, manual cleaning will reduce accidents, so I'm asking you."

"If possible, I hope you can help me, but I can do it myself. Let me tell you one of the ten secrets of muscles... 'Muscle Instant Stripping (Stripping)'!"

Accompanied by a shout, the clothes on Blade's upper body were also stripped off. Applying force to the muscles of the upper body, the originally tight clothes were instantly torn and thrown away. The clothes were cut into pieces, leaving only the collar and tie.

I wonder if it was necessary to take it off, but there were already many fans on the stage. He must have come to directly drop the enemy i-tuber, that is, the main circle. He didn't look scared. Especially the female fans, probably Noah's team, the spirit is amazing. It is so powerful that even though I know it is just an ordinary person, I am overwhelmed.

For a while, I have been wanting to get rid of Noah's hand, but he wouldn't let me go at all. Instead, his arms wrapped around him as if to cling to him.

"Oh, oh..."

Or rather, Noah woke up. I thought if I woke up, I would want you to leave as soon as possible, but something was wrong. If he suddenly saw a large group of people rushing at him with guns, he might be upset, but now he is wearing "Wrap," and he won't be hit by the tranquilizer gun. At that time, I was about to tell him I was fine.

"No... no no no ah ah ah why do I have to endure this!!"

After Noah yelled, a change immediately appeared in his body. A pair of wings grew on his back, and a faint green light emerged above his head. From a distance, it might look like an Angel.

However, its wings were composed of countless thin tubes bundled together, and a strange pattern like an electrocardiogram monitor was displayed on the ring above their heads.