Chapter 221: I Picked Up a Stray Dog on a Rainy Day
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 221: I Picked Up a Stray Dog on a Rainy Day
It’s been a total whirlwind.
Things got intense because of the sudden turn of events, but the payoff has been surprisingly good.
I spent a fortune providing the organization with unstinting support, but in exchange, Akane took over the whole thing without a single casualty. If I ask her for a favor later, she’ll surely help me out. They’re a group that can go toe-to-toe with Yggdrasil, after all—they can’t be weak.
…Well…
They did get wiped out by Akane alone… but that’s just because Akane is a monster, right?
When I woke up, I was shocked to see the state of the defeated soldiers, and even more shocked to learn that Akane had thrashed them all by herself. Usually, if you just say, "I’m super strong, so trust me," nobody follows you sincerely.
But strangely enough, the look in many of their eyes had changed. Before I went to sleep, they were full of resentment, but when I woke up, most of them had turned favorable—even if it wasn't full-blown trust yet.
What is this, a shonen manga? You have a big brawl and suddenly you’re all friends? This world is seriously weird.
Anyway, the gain wasn't just a paramilitary group I can call on for help later.
Randall Rodrigo.
I managed to pull in an agent from the Security Bureau, someone with considerable power within the government. I don’t know when he might stab me in the back, but the man is definitely capable.
He also seems to somewhat believe my bullshit about being a regressor, so he’ll probably start preparing for the Tyran Energy situation I mentioned. With Yggdrasil, the Security Bureau, and Greyhound all involved, forcibly evacuating the residents shouldn't be a problem.
If Randall and Erin move personally, even the government won't be able to say anything.
Good, good. That Randall guy has a lot of personality flaws, but he’s reliable when he’s on your side. As long as he doesn't betray me, that is.
I just need to keep an eye on whether Randall is plotting something else; for now, I can put the Tyran Energy issue on the back burner.
“Yo.”
“Yo. Long time no see.”
“Long time? I saw you last week.”
Maybe it feels longer because I spent the whole weekend pulling all-nighters doing paperwork at Akane’s organization? Why does it feel like it’s been forever since I stepped foot in Yggdrasil?
The Comedy Duo gave me a weird look before turning their attention back to their phones.
“Maybe it’s because your face is the kind people want to forget.”
“There you go with the nonsense again.”
“Saying your face is ugly isn't nonsense, it’s the truth.”
“Hey, I’m at least average!”
While I was killing time trading insults with the Comedy Duo, Akito and his followers walked in. As usual, he arrived radiating a pink aura in every direction.
Can’t they just commute separately? Do they really have to move in a pack like that?
No, no. Don’t think bad thoughts about Akito. He’s a good kid who lost to me on purpose.
I took a gift out of my bag and approached him. As I drew near, Shiori immediately scowled and glared at me, but hey, I’m not interested in you either, okay?
“Yo, Akito. Thanks for the other day.”
“…Thanks for what?”
“Ah—right, right. It’s a secret between us. Here, a gift. It’s internal injury medicine. I made sure to get the expensive stuff, so make sure you take it.”
I had called Rebecca in a hurry to get this; it cost a whopping 2 million G. Thanks to you, I was able to wipe out Fable’s gang, who were relying solely on you.
Man, to think you were planning to backstab Fable with that innocent face of yours… you really do use your head when it counts, don’t you? I’m looking forward to working with you.
“You really are a piece of work.”
“If you mock Lord Akito any further, I will not stand idly by.”
Shiori and the Samurai glared at me with murderous intent.
Ah—I guess to an outsider, this looks like teabagging, but Akito and I share a secret. You outsiders should just butt out.
“…It’s fine. You don’t have to give me this.”
“No, no. You got hurt because of me, so I should at least do this much.”
He lost for the greater good and even accepted getting injured; I have to give him some small compensation. Seriously, being the protagonist, he’s always sacrificing himself alone. You’re gonna ruin your health like that, buddy.
I forced the medicine into the protesting Akito’s arms and returned to my seat. Rio asked me tentatively, “Did something happen?”
“We just have an understanding, man. He did me a favor.”
“He doesn't look like he’s in a ‘favor’ kind of mood, though? I thought you were just messing with him again.”
Do you think I’m like you guys? I pick my targets, and I don’t mess with people unless they mess with me first. Look, you can tell by Akito’s expression…
I glanced back and flinched at the sight of Akito’s stiff, frozen face. Since he’s usually beaming, just seeing him expressionless is intimidating.
Everything’s been resolved, yet he’s acting like it hasn't until the very end. He really is a pro at self-sacrifice.
By the way, where’s Chika?
She’s usually part of the trio that sticks to him like glue along with Shiori and the Samurai, but Emma was sitting in Chika’s spot. Is she feeling depressed again because Roman was being a dick?
Man, she’s high maintenance. Things won't get better until she gets stronger and cracks Roman’s skull open.
Come to think of it, quite a few people are absent today.
Akane is still at the organization, and Yukina said she’d be out for training… I don’t know what kind of training she’s doing, but if it’s enough to make her skip Yggdrasil, I’m worried she might be overdoing it again. Haruna was complaining that Yukina comes home covered in wounds every day; I should go check on her later.
And is Angelica late?
The seat for Angelica, who always arrives early, was empty, and I haven't seen Bukgeuk-jwa lately either.
“Ah, I’m gonna go home early today and just play games.”
“You bastards need to train. Is the Geezer not teaching you lately? That man takes so much money and then slacks off.”
“Master Chen is busy teaching Miss Fei lately.”
Huh? Why all of a sudden?
He dotes on his granddaughter, but he’s not the type to interfere with her training. Unless Bukgeuk-jwa asked him to teach her personally, the Geezer wouldn't have suggested it first.
Is this… Bukgeuk-jwa’s awakening event? No, her awakening event has nothing to do with the Geezer.
I couldn't wrap my head around it, but I wasn't that interested anyway, so I just let it go.
“It’s been a while since we had shortened classes, so I should rest while I can.”
“You’re always resting… Wait, shortened classes? Why?”
“Are you really paying that little attention to school life lately?”
To think the day would come when Rio would scold me.
I really have been busy. Ever since the school trip, things have been popping off one after another, and I’ve been running non-stop. I do need some rest. You have to take care of your body while you’re young so you don’t suffer when you’re older.
Apparently, they need to clear the school in the afternoon for some kind of cooperation with the government. Are they doing something with the Source? I’m technically a Guardian of the Source, yet they didn't tell me anything.
After only morning classes, we were dismissed early.
“Ah… it’s raining… I didn't bring an umbrella.”
“You’re just going to rot at home playing games anyway, what are you so disappointed about?”
“Hey, it’s humid and damp. Even if I’m in my room, rain is annoying.”
“Yeah, yeah. Go play your games. If you see the Geezer, tell him to teach properly.”
I parted ways with the Comedy Duo, bought an umbrella at a nearby convenience store, and headed home.
Autumn rain… or is it late autumn? It’s getting quite chilly, so it’s the start of winter. It’s been almost a year since I came here.
During that time… I’ve worked really hard. Even if I’m still just a punching bag for Frey, I’m absolutely crushing the low-level mobs, so I must be growing, right?
Frey’s initial level is in the high 80s, so I still have a long way to go.
Well, it’s not like I’m the one saving the world. We have the almighty Akito for that. Akito will handle the demons, take down the Mastermind, and save the world. I’ll just support him from behind so he can grow well and save the people right in front of me.
I was pondering what to do about future events when I saw something as I reached my house.
What’s that? A member of the Shadow Organization?
They were wearing a hood, so from a distance, I thought it was a trash bag, but as I got closer, I realized it was a person. Were they trying to hide? No, that doesn't seem right. Yukina?
I approached cautiously just in case, and sensing my presence, the mysterious figure lifted their head.
“Chika…?”
“… …”
She was such an unexpected person that I just stared blankly. Neither of us said a word, and only the sound of the pitter-patter of rain filled the silence.
Chika, who was always so confident and bold, had red rims around her eyes as if she’d been crying, and her rain-soaked hood made her look miserable. Was it just because of the rain? She looked like a stray dog abandoned by its owner, looking up piteously.
“…Uh, hey. Do you want to come inside for now?”
“Sorry… I don’t know why I came here. Just forget it.”
Chika tried to brush away the droplets—whether they were tears or rain—with the back of her hand and attempted to flee. Instinct told me I shouldn't let her go like this, so I quickly grabbed her wrist and stopped her.
“Come in. At least warm yourself up.”
“… …”
With her head bowed and without a word of response, I led Chika inside. I gave her a towel, and she seemed to dry her hair a bit before sitting on the sofa with her shoulders slumped.
What the hell happened to make her like this? It shouldn't be time for Roman to completely destroy their father-daughter relationship yet.
I brought a cup of citron tea I’d made in the kitchen and set it down in front of her.
“Drink.”
“Ah… thank you…”
Don’t ask how I know you like citron tea. It’s an item that raises your affinity by 8 points.
Chika seemed to appreciate the warmth from the mug, holding it with both hands and remaining still for a long time. After taking a small sip with a sniffle, she set it down weakly, as if she couldn't even taste the +8 affinity item.
“Is it because of your father?”
“… …”
“What did that man do this time?”
“No… it’s not my father…”
I was holding back from badmouthing her father in front of her, but Chika shook her head slightly.
“Eh? Then why?”
The only thing besides Roman that could make Chika this sad was Akito…
Wait, could it be…?
“Did Akito die?! I just saw him earlier?!”
“Eh? No, he didn't?”
My sudden alarm made Chika look up at me with startled eyes. Then… why are you making the face you’d make if Akito had died? You’re confusing me.
When I stared at her silently, Chika lowered her eyes like a scolded puppy and fidgeted with her mug anxiously.
“Akito…”
“Akito?”
“He told me to go to you…”
…What?
What does that mean? Why go to me? No matter how nice Akito is, he’s not the type of guy to share his girl with someone else.
As I stared blankly, a tear escaped Chika’s eye and rolled down her cheek.
“Akito… Akito said… he doesn't need me anymore…”
Those were shocking words.
Chika is a fixed member of the party along with Shiori and the Samurai. Of course, there are bad endings where you take the wrong route and she gets NTR’d or disappears, but unless you’re actively trying to trigger those routes, you wouldn't lose her just by making a few wrong choices.
Why on earth…?
Chika tried to stammer out an explanation, but her sobbing made it hard to speak. She was crying so hard I had to bring her tissues and comfort her, telling her it was okay to take her time and calm down.
Trembling as she wailed like a child, Chika looked incredibly fragile. She looked so forlorn that I felt if I didn't comfort her right now, she might just cry herself to death.
After a while, once she had calmed down a bit, Chika explained what had happened in a cracked voice.
“…So… Park Yu-jeong made a proposal, and when you consulted Akito about it, he got angry?”
Chika, her voice barely a whisper, nodded with swollen eyes.
What the hell is going on?
Park Yu-jeong offered to introduce Chika to the 12 Zodiacs? Why didn't she learn it herself? Were those two even that close?
And Akito got angry? At Chika?
And it wasn't just getting angry; she was simply asking for advice, and he told her if she liked it so much, she should just get lost and go to Yeon-woo? Akito said that?
There wasn't even a similar event to this in the game.
No, more importantly, is that the Akito I know?
Since this has become reality, the events have shifted a bit… well, calling it "a bit" is an understatement, but fine, I can accept that things change because it’s reality. But…
I can’t believe Akito would get angry at Chika and say something like that.
My mind is so cluttered I’m starting to feel dazed myself.