Chapter 183: The Snake, the Tiger, the Dog, and the Hamster
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 183: The Snake, the Tiger, the Dog, and the Hamster
The day of the school trip arrived.
A few large trailers had pulled into Yggdrasil the day before to set something up, and it turned out to be this.
Who bothers with planes to go to another country these days? All you need is a teleportation gate.
It was the kind of technology that made the scientific advancements of my previous life look amateurish.
The circular gate was ordinary in shape, but its sheer scale was magnificent to behold.
Since it wasn't active yet, I could see the building behind it, but they said a blue portal would open soon.
The reason they brought this over-the-top technology—which looked like a nightmare to assemble—all the way to Yggdrasil was that it used the power of the Source to open the gate.
But if they’re going to use the power of the Source anyway, why not just leave it installed here and use it whenever they need? There’d be no need to waste expensive Mana Stones or make mages suffer to open gates.
There must be something about how the Source is utilized that I don't know.
Regardless, this "Source" thing seems to be a big deal.
In the game, you don't actually feel its power much.
It’s a bit like… what do you call it? A MacGuffin? Something that’s treated as incredibly important within the world-building of a movie or story, but doesn't actually have a major impact on the protagonist's personal narrative.
There’s all this talk about seizing the Source and its incredible power, and it’s one of the dozen or so powers Akito collects to save the world, but compared to how much people hype it up, there aren't many tangible benefits.
They say it helps with growth, but since the game is set in Yggdrasil anyway, there’s no systemic advantage, and it’s not like you can fire lasers using the Source.
Yet people go around blabbering, "Ah! You know about the Source?! It’s absolutely in-cre-di-ble! Blah blah blah."
Even Akane’s Organization treats the Source like some kind of miracle cure-all they need to steal.
Well, is it any of my business? I just need to stay on the sidelines and make sure Akito is doing a good job saving the world.
"Keep your promise."
Akane, whose destination was different from mine, spoke while looking up at me, her arms wrapped around my waist.
She refused to leave my side, so I had a hard time getting her to go to Erwan.
‘I’ll grant you one wish. As long as it doesn't involve the Source or the lives of me and those around me.’
I finally managed to convince her to go to Erwan by promising her a favor.
She said she’d use the wish as soon as she got back. Has she already finished her business with the Organization?
"Leave that man behind and come over here."
Bukgeuk-jwa was in high spirits.
Probably because both Akane and Yukina were going with her.
Look at her, wrapping her arms around their waists as if to show them off to me. What are you, a harem protagonist? Are you Akito?
"I'll come back stronger."
You don't have to push yourself that hard, Yukina.
Since going to either location would be beneficial, I asked for her preference, and Yukina ultimately decided to strengthen her Ghost Fire.
To be honest, it’s much more versatile and helpful than the Ghost Fire used in the game, so I understand her choice.
"We're heading out too."
"Why does everyone keep reporting to me? Just go. It’s a school trip. Go be kids and get excited."
"But you're our team leader."
Hey, Thug, don't give me that shy smile; it doesn't suit you.
Lately, he’s even been keeping his hair neat. Don't do that, you're losing your character concept. If you're a blonde thug, act like one.
"Ah… I don't want to go."
See? Look at Rio. He’s as hopeless as ever.
Just act like your usual selves.
Rio would normally be the most excited for an event like this, but he seems drained because I’ve piled too many tasks on him.
The Comedy Duo eventually decided to go to Malta with the Thug.
Actually, they didn't "decide"; I sent them.
The boys and I had received the "Good Child" power from an intelligent monster.
In terms of game mechanics, it’s just a buff that raises mental strength by about 10 points, but it also acts as a free pass for certain events and locations.
It’s not that you can't enter without it, but having it makes things much easier.
It’ll be a huge help, especially for guys like the Comedy Duo who have low base stats.
I can use the Good Child buff in Barbat where I’m going, but it works in other places too.
In that case, there’s no reason to limit it to just one spot, right?
Erwan is useless because it only gives you one crappy item, but Malta yields a decent magic book.
I told everyone who was splitting up exactly where to go to pick up items.
According to the game schedule, we’ll never be able to visit these places again.
And it’s not like I can open a gate and go there by myself.
There’s a lot to pack in Malta and many things that require precise timing, so the Comedy Duo and the Thug will have to move on a tight schedule.
"I'm counting on you."
"Setting aside whether it's true or not, how do you even know all this?"
"I'm counting on you."
"…Fine. Go ahead and count on us."
Masayoshi, whose intelligence had skyrocketed after transforming into God Sayoshi, gave up on getting an answer and just sighed when I repeated that I trusted them without offering an explanation.
I really do trust them, though.
If this were just a game, I never would have, but they’ve grown in their own way.
I’ve been supporting them with secret medicines, they’re still learning from Master Chen, and they’ve been going out on requests. It feels like they’ve gained some real experience and gravitas.
"I heard the women in Malta are really hot."
"Really? Finally, my time has…"
…Well, they might be idiots normally, but they get the job done.
The Comedy Duo disappeared while talking about girls, and the Thug followed after wishing me safety until the very end.
It’s not like I’m heading to a battlefield.
"Now it's just the two of us?"
"Huh? Ahaha… I’m in your care, Yeon-woo. I’m looking forward to this trip."
My cute Angelica smiled up at me.
She was the only one from my team going to Barbat with me.
As I patted Angelica’s head while she looked up with innocent, expectant eyes, Park Yu-jeong approached and linked her arm with mine.
"Eh~? Yeon-woo, didn't you say you were going to Erwan?"
"…I changed my mind at the last minute."
"Oh, really? I'm glad we're going together. Hi, Angelica~"
"O-Oh, hi…"
When Park Yu-jeong waved and gave a bright greeting, Angelica shrank back, losing her spirit.
Angelica has become more proactive and bright lately, but I guess she still can't win against certain personality types.
It felt like I had a cute hamster on one side and a python on the other.
And then there was the fierce tiger…
"……"
"I know what you're trying to say, but I'm going to be serious about this."
Shizuka stared at me with eyes full of suspicion and zero trust.
Hey, I’m going there to help. I’m not going there to play. You’re so cynical.
This is all because those Amagi bastards kept stabbing her in the back; now their daughter has major trust issues.
Though she wasn't being affectionate, Shizuka stood near me, which surprised Park Yu-jeong.
"Amagi? How did you charm her? She’s a mute. Yeon-woo, do you know sign language too?"
"I am not a mute."
"Oh?! The mute speaks! It wasn't sign language; you were performing miracles!"
Yeah, they definitely don't get along, do they?
The taunting Park Yu-jeong, the murderous-eyed Shizuka, and Angelica caught in the middle.
What kind of combination is this? I’m already exhausted and we haven't even left yet.
"Um… excuse me."
"Eh? Chika?"
"Can I stay with you guys too?"
Why are you coming here?
Seeing Chika approach hesitantly, I looked around for Akito.
"Akito decided to go to Malta."
Chika answered, noticing that I was looking for him.
Akito is going to Malta, so why are you here?
Weren't his followers supposed to follow him everywhere?
As I stared blankly, Chika scratched her cheek and spoke.
"I thought there would be more to learn in Barbat."
Um… it’s not really my place to say, but it would’ve been better if Shiori came instead. You’re better off just raising your stats and crushing things with raw damage.
To be honest, maybe it’s because Akito has been overseeing his followers' training, but their technical proficiency is more than sufficient.
No, more importantly, everyone else is following Akito, but you came here alone?
"Heh, I thought you'd follow your master anywhere. How unexpected."
"Do you even know me? What the hell do you know?"
"I don't know much, but I've seen you wagging your tail and drooling plenty of times."
Is picking fights a passive skill for Park Yu-jeong?
Chika, returning to her "mad dog" persona for the first time in a while, squared off against Park Yu-jeong.
With a snake, a tiger, and now a fierce dog added to the mix, my poor little hamster could do nothing but tremble.
This group is definitely not going to be quiet. I should be more worried about myself than the others.
"If you're going to fight, do it somewhere else. You're distracting me."
"Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty?"
"……Shall I show you who I am?"
"Ahaha! A fight? Fight more, fight more!"
Good grief. It’s impressive how I can feel so uncomfortable while surrounded by such beautiful people.
If I leave them be, they’ll definitely cause an accident.
My head already hurts thinking about cleaning up after them.
Regardless of the three of them growling at each other, the gate absorbed the power of the Source and generated a blue film.
The Comedy Duo and the Thug entered the brilliantly glowing film along with the others, and I saw Akito and his followers.
Hey, Miss Mad Dog? Akito glanced over here for a second while walking… Ah, you're too busy fighting? Right, carry on then.
After the students bound for Malta entered, a mage from the government waved a stick, and the gate flickered.
There were no other noticeable effects, but the destination must have changed, as the students heading for Erwan entered, and it flickered once more.
"Stop fighting and let's go."
I led Angelica toward the gate, and the other three followed me, still growling at each other.
As I approached the blue film of the gate, sparks flew and it wavered, which was a bit unsettling, but since no one said anything, I assumed it was fine.
Stepping inside, the first thing that greeted me was the dry air.
There was a ceiling, but the building was open on all sides with rows of pillars, making the outside clearly visible.
Unless it’s a tourist spot or a residential area, how different can architectural styles really be in modern society?
I saw familiar-looking streets, but the scorching sunlight beating down was unfamiliar.
"Welcome to Barbat."
The woman standing in front to welcome us as a representative had her face covered with something like a turban.
A hot and dry region, intense sun, and a face-covering turban.
It was a place that recreated Arabic culture.
At the same time, the racial diversity was just as varied as our government's, making it feel like everyone was in costume.
As I was looking around, my legs suddenly lost strength and I felt dizzy, losing my balance.
"Yeon-woo, are you okay?!"
Angelica quickly tried to support me, but she was so short that I almost fell right on top of her. Chika grabbed me by the scruff of my neck just in time.
"You okay?"
"Ah… ha-hee-hya-yaa…"
I wanted to ask why she had to grab me by the scruff, but my tongue wouldn't cooperate.
Why was this happening all of a sudden?
No one else was slumped over as badly as I was, but I saw a few students touching their heads or frowning.
"There's nothing to worry about. If your mana is weak, you might experience slight dizziness during long-distance travel, but it'll pass soon."
You should have told us that before we left.
Yggdrasil is supposed to be a school; why aren't they teaching us these safety protocols?
"He looks pretty bad, though?"
"It's fine, nothing serious will… Oh?"
When Park Yu-jeong raised her hand to signal an emergency patient, the woman in the turban looked surprised.
As the other students' gazes gathered and the woman looked at me in shock, I realized why they hadn't taught us.
Everyone else only had mild dizziness or a headache; no one else was completely out of it like me.
Being an Yggdrasil student meant you weren't supposed to have such pathetic mana that you'd get sick from this.
In other words, I was just that pathetic.
"E-Eh? This shouldn't be happening! Get him to the infirmary, quickly!"
Seeing her panic despite her apparent experience, I must have been the first person this pathetic she’d ever seen.
At the woman's command, Barbat officials rushed over to support me and take me somewhere.
Agh… don't shake me, I feel like I'm going to puke.
I need to see the introductory event… There are items I need to get…
The symptoms worsened, and I couldn't keep my thoughts straight.
To think that only focusing on my Mana Barrier would come back to bite me like this.