Chapter 176: A Matter of Perception
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 176: A Matter of Perception
“You really are a magnet for trouble, aren’t you?”
“This time, it wasn’t even my fault.”
Since I had already informed her that the Mastermind had appeared, Frey, who had been looking at me with pathetic eyes, clicked her tongue and turned her head away.
How was I supposed to know that the Mastermind bastard would suddenly show up there?
Besides, he was targeting me from the very beginning, so I should be considered lucky just to have made it back in one piece.
Though I ended up with a secret I can’t tell Akito, there’s no telling what would have happened if I had entered a different Zone instead of the Sex Zone.
In the game, it only mentions that the agents resolved the situation; there’s no specific information provided.
I heard that a total of four people had died as of yesterday and the issue still hasn't been resolved—it would have been gruesome if I’d been stuck in there.
The government announced that I was pushed into the Zone by a vehicle explosion, but the Mastermind’s lackeys probably pulled some strings.
If the government actually believes that, then they’re just incompetent.
Between being a mole or being incompetent, both options suck.
“Is that really possible?”
“Yes. It’s a random box, but it’s possible to create one.”
Perhaps because her subordinates were nearby, Frey asked without explicitly mentioning the Mastermind.
After all, Zones are technically considered natural phenomena in this world.
Frey fell into deep thought, frowning as if she hadn't anticipated that possibility.
Well, it’s not like those guys can just churn them out and easily scatter them around government facilities on a whim, so she doesn't need to worry too much.
It takes at least several weeks of preparation at a specific location, so even the Shadow Organization finds it difficult to target heavily guarded areas.
Of course, the fact that they can cause indiscriminate terror like this is terrifying enough.
After pondering for a moment, Frey clicked her tongue and shook her head.
Looking at her expression, it seems she’s decided to put this matter aside for now.
I can tell what she’s thinking just by looking at her face now—doesn't that mean we’re incredibly close?
“So, shall we go on a date now—”
“Shut up.”
There she goes again.
I don’t know why a grown woman is so shy. We’ve already reached the point where I’ve rubbed my cock against her thigh, yet she adamantly refuses whenever I suggest sex.
In the distance, Turk chuckled, and Selby watched us with interest.
According to Turk, I should give ‘Big Sis’ some time, but at this rate, Akito will save the world before I get anywhere.
Frey turned on her tablet screen, handed it to me, and spoke.
“Is this really the time to be thinking about that, given your situation?”
“No matter how hard things get, a man’s gotta eat and sleep.”
“…Does ‘eating and sleeping’ include dating me?”
“Yes. It’s absolutely essential. I’ll die if I can’t go on dates.”
When I spoke with total confidence, the annoyed Frey looked flustered. She couldn't find a retort and just let her eyes wander.
Behind us, Turk and Selby whispered about how cute she was, but they quickly shut up and looked away when Frey shot them a sharp glare.
“Enough. Your perception is changing too quickly. You know that, don't you?”
“… …”
That shut me up.
I’ve handled everything with confidence until now, but this time, I couldn't make any excuses.
My rapid magic acquisition—which was almost like a supernatural ability—was slowing down by the day. Now, even my proficiency barely increases.
Frey’s calm gaze felt painful.
It’s not like Frey is the type to discriminate based on talent, but I felt guilty on my own.
She recruits a promising prospect, and suddenly he hits an aging curve like some washed-up veteran. What kind of saint would just accept that calmly?
At least a veteran has reputation and experience; in this situation, fans would be cheering if a prospect like me got released immediately.
Every time I learned a new spell, my acquisition speed followed a steady downward curve. Now, it’s changed to the point where I can barely learn one a week.
Honestly, considering my knowledge of magic, I’m probably still receiving some correction from my perception.
If I had learned through my own skill alone, it would have taken months.
The training plan was wrong.
I shouldn't have started by learning the magic of Frey’s subordinates.
Unusually, except for Turk and Brandon, the original magic of the other subordinates consisted of skills that combined various types of magic.
Sunwoo’s Phantom Sword was created by unfolding seven spells at once: three illusion spells, two unique form-fixing spells, and one each from the wind and telekinesis categories. That meant there was a lot more to learn.
Since the others were in a similar boat, there was a mountain of magic to learn, and my aging curve arrived that much faster.
Well… it’s not like Frey knew this would happen. She probably expected it to drop over time, but who could have predicted it would drop every single time I learned a spell?
The way the speed dropped simply defied common sense.
Thanks to that, I haven't even finished learning all the magic of Frey’s subordinates.
Furthermore, Selby… that person’s magic isn't just a matter of skill; I can’t use it even if I learn it.
An original magic that spreads mana-infused sand everywhere to perceive everything.
An overwhelming amount of information flooded my brain. I tried using it by designating the narrowest possible area, but I fainted the moment I activated it.
When I woke up, Turk and Brandon even welcomed me to the ‘low-intelligence group.’
I learned eight spells, including earth magic, just to learn Selby’s original magic, but since I can’t actually use it, I just wasted my effort and accelerated my aging curve.
“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way.”
Frey said, looking me straight in the eye.
I’m touched…
She beats me up and snaps at me every day, but in the end, only a Master truly cares for her disciple.
However, Frey probably won't be able to solve this.
It’s a matter of perception, but this is different from the kind of perception Frey is thinking of.
It’s a completely different issue from stories like a mage who committed child abuse with cold flames.
It’s because I no longer perceive this as a game.
Frey, sitting in front of me, isn't just a character; she’s a living person. Turk and Selby behind her aren't NPCs either.
At first, I lived arrogantly with the mindset that this was a game, but now I think of them as people with warm blood and flesh, people who feel joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.
That’s why I go around saving people whose deaths were predetermined by the story.
Rather than being inside a game, it’s more like… regression? Prophecy? Anyway, I’ve become a resident of this world who happens to know the future.
I don't regret it… but I’ve lost too much.
Right now, it might just be a slowed acquisition speed, but seeing as my proficiency isn't building up either, I’ll eventually lose the ability to use the game system altogether as time passes.
The furniture that provides growth bonuses using the base system will become useless, and perhaps the fortune drawing at the Shrine won't mean anything anymore.
Because those things don't have any magical basis.
If that happens, I’ll eventually become nothing more than an overgrown infant with no common sense or knowledge, despite having been in this world for less than a year.
I built myself up well in the beginning, so I’m somewhat strong now, but this is the end of my growth.
No, it’s probably… not the end.
But there’s no telling how long it will take before I can grow again.
In the meantime, Yukina will grow endlessly and surpass me, and even the Comedy Duo will eventually become stronger than me.
…The thought of that is horrifying.
Hey, I absolutely cannot stand the idea of getting smoked by the Comedy Duo.
Dammit, I have no choice. I didn't want to use this, but…
“Is it possible to request an exploration with my current license?”
“No, it’s impossible.”
An exploration request is when an individual mage or a group asks the government for permission to explore a certain area.
Naturally, they won't let some greenhorn who’s likely to die or someone with ulterior motives go, so permission is only granted after a thorough screening.
The mage currently on the longest exploration mission is Daihara Yukio, whom some even rumor to be dead.
“Why? I’ve cleared two Zones, found a sentient monster friendly to humans, and…”
“It’s strictly forbidden for those in their first year of a Black License.”
“…What about a loophole?”
“Registering you in a mercenary company and having you participate in Greyhound’s exploration request.”
She acts like she’s playing hard to get, even though she’s going to do everything I ask.
“Is it impossible to go alone?”
“Even after you were just ambushed?”
“I wouldn't have to worry about that side… actually, you’re right. I can’t guarantee anything.”
I expect things to be busy in the Zboni world, but since there’s already ‘C’ who came looking for the taste of my semen, there’s no telling what might happen.
When I shrugged, Frey gave a small smirk, fiddled with her tablet, and held it out to me.
“It’s a contract for temporary employment with Greyhound.”
“Oh, right away…”
As I was about to sign, I noticed something and looked at Frey.
Frey, who had been meeting my gaze confidently, slowly let her eyes drift to the side.
“… …”
“… …”
“…A ten-year contract? Does Greyhound have a ten-year internship period? Did you misspell ‘slave’?”
“Ah, I pulled up the wrong contract. It’s not this one, it’s this.”
This woman… I didn't take her for the devious type.
Frey shamelessly switched the screen to a different contract.
Still, it makes me feel proud to know that Frey wants me.
Though it is a bit annoying to hear Turk and Selby stifling their laughter behind us.
After receiving the signed tablet, Frey asked.
“Where do you want to go?”
“Harbion.”
“When?”
“The sooner the better. Even tomorrow would be fine.”
I like that Frey doesn't ask detailed questions like why I’m going or what’s there.
It feels like she trusts me, even if she doesn't know exactly what I’m up to.
As Frey passed the tablet back, Turk stepped forward, took it, and began operating it.
I couldn't see the screen, but since he was asking about the duration and number of personnel, he was likely making the request.
“I’ll fill the team with the minimum number of people needed to protect you without getting in your way.”
“Thank you. You’re always giving me something.”
“There’s no need to thank me.”
“No, I’m so grateful that I’d like to show my sincerity with a date or—”
“Are you pushing your luck again?”
Frey raised her fist, and I curled into a ball.
If it weren't for that violent streak, she’d be the perfect bride.
Sighing as she lowered her fist, Frey stood up and spoke as she turned away.
“You’re going there to solve the problem currently facing your body, right?”
“Yes.”
“Even if things don't go well there, don't worry. I’m here, so just make sure you come back safely.”
So cool.
Saying lines like that while turning away so I can’t see her face is exactly how you make a guy fall for you.
But the emotion is kind of ruined by Turk and Selby in the background going “Ooh la la~.”
A few days later, I arrived at Harbion with a mercenary group that included Sunwoo and Brandon.
It was a peaceful journey with no monster attacks or sightings of the Shadow Organization. It was an ordinary time where the only thing worth mentioning was that Brandon snores loudly when he sleeps.
“What exactly is here?”
“The only item… magical tool of its kind in this world.”
“Something that precious is here?”
Brandon, who had come along as an escort, looked around in surprise.
However, the forward base—and a small-scale one at that—of Harbion was nothing but shabby.
He shot me a look as if asking if it really existed, and I shrugged as I walked forward.
Harbion.
Honestly, a base I never understood the purpose of.
It was likely just a resting place provided by the game for players to relax while leveling up by hunting monsters.
There were no related quests, no rare materials or items dropped there, and in the game, it was a base with no reason for existence other than having a shop and a bed.
In reality, it was in an awkward location, so it wasn't even used as a supply base; it was just a tiny spot held for territorial presence.
However, there was just one thing.
An item that was currently useless to anyone else, but useful only to me.
The blue sign—that’s the one.
I wandered a bit because it looked slightly different from the game, but after finding my destination, I stepped into a secluded alleyway.
“What are you saying is here?”
“Nothing.”
Ignoring Brandon’s complaints, I walked inside to find wine barrels—large oak barrels you’d see in a brewery—sitting among some trash.
If my memory serves me right, it should be here.
“Need a hand?”
“No, I’m good.”
Sunwoo asked from behind as he watched me rummage through the trash, but I declined and kept searching.
Is it inside the oak barrel?
When I opened the lid, the item I had been searching for so desperately appeared.
Haha, it really is annoying.
I let out a hollow laugh as I pulled the item out. Brandon and Sunwoo tilted their heads in confusion.
“What is that?”
“No Image…?”
An item with the words ‘No Image’ clearly stamped on it.
Yeah, it literally means there’s no image.
A bug that the shitty developers left behind and never fixed.
Perception is the problem? Then I just have to perceive this as a game again.