NOVEL NEXT WORLD The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 125
125: Shinjō Akito
“Hmm… So you’re using that kind of trick? You’re quite cunning, aren’t you, Shōma-kun?”
“Huh? Are you going to substitute for me?”
“No need. I’ll let this one slide. I’m here for work, and I can’t afford to focus on you alone, Shōma-kun☆.”
“Hmph? Okay.”
This was a relief for me. If I got caught up with Kōryūkawa, I wouldn’t be able to explore ABYSS.
As we were talking, cheers erupted from the group behind us. It seemed that some famous person had arrived. Was it Hachioji Hiko? That’s a pretty popular clan.
“He’s still popular, huh? When I showed up, everyone’s reaction was pretty lukewarm…”
“Who’s that?”
“Shinjō Akito, the leader of the powerful clan, Hachioji Hiko. You know him, don’t you, Shma-kun?”
“No…”
A blond-haired man pushed his way through the crowd and walked towards us. He had a refined face and an air of elegance, like a top idol. This was Shinjō Akito, wearing a legendary equipment, the Divine Robes series? That’s not something a mob character like me could ever possess.
Is he a Named Character? — No, but if that were the case, I would definitely remember him.
Then, what other possibility…
“…Impossible…”
As I muttered, Shinjō Akito appeared before my eyes, a bright smile on his face. For some reason, I felt a strong sense of discomfort. Why was that? I didn’t like him from the very first impression…
It was as if we had some sort of past connection…
“Hey, you’re Me’y, the idol? This is the first time we’ve talked. Nice to meet you.”
“Y-yes! Nice to meet you too☆!”
“…Huh? Is that guy your schoolmate?”
“Ah? He’s my junior from the Academy! Hey, Shōma-kun, greet Shinjō-san☆!”
“…Ah…”
Shinjō gave me a disinterested glance before losing interest and starting to discuss work with Kōryūkawa. He was a business-like man. Whatever. I wasn’t interested in him either, so I’ll just leave him be.
Shinjō Akito — could it be that he’s a player?
“…”
It’s too early to come to a conclusion.
I had a strong intuition, but I didn’t feel like asking him anything. Maybe it’s because of my communication disorder, or maybe it’s something else… But I got a bad feeling from him. It was different from the student council members. You could say it was a “bad omen” or something. When I looked at his face, my heart would start racing. I felt “anger” and “resentment”. It didn’t make sense, but I trusted my sixth sense. I’ll try to avoid him. That’s best for both of us…
As I walked away from Kōryūkawa and his group, I spotted Tōhō’s figure in the shadow of a pillar. It seemed like he had noticed me too.
“You’re late!”
“Late? If you had called out to me, that would have been better…”
“I couldn’t just come out and greet you with the student council members nearby, could I?”
That made sense.
I accepted Tōhō’s explanation.
“This guy, is he going to betray us too? It’s dangerous to trust him.”
“Uh…”
— Who?
A male student suddenly appeared from the side. I had noticed him nearby, but I didn’t expect him to interrupt our conversation.
Is that someone acquainted with Touka?
As if he sensed my doubts, the man politely introduced himself.
“Student Number 8. I’m Kusanagi Taichi from Class 1-A… I’ll be joining this exploration as well.”
“Huh?”
“I’m worried, so I’ll come along…”
Touka said with a ridiculous tone.
Wait, hold on.
I’m not following the development here…
“Could it be… Touka’s boyfriend?”
“NO WAY!!”
The two of them chimed in to deny it.
They’re close, aren’t they?
Friends (?) of friends going on an exploration… It’s torture for someone with social anxiety. Are they serious? I don’t want to go…
“…I don’t really get it, but the exploration schedule is three days, right? I sent an email in advance, so I think the reception has been taken care of…”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“It’s okay on my end too. The schedule might change, though.”
“There’s no going back, so don’t worry. As long as you have the knowledge, it’s not that difficult of a quest.”
I said, taking out my magical crystal terminal (Portal) to check the current time. It’s 8:20 now. With all the fuss, an hour has already passed. It’s about time we got started.
“Um… So, shall we form a party team? With me as the leader, of course?”
The two of them nodded, and the confirmation was complete. I took out my magical crystal terminal (Portal) and finished the party formation, and we formed a makeshift three-man team (Three-Man Cell).
“The transfer floor is the 11th floor, but… Are you guys really okay? What’s your current floor level?”
“I’m on the 15th floor.”
“I’m on the 6th floor. But it’s okay. I’ll follow you, so don’t worry and transfer.”
“…”
Can I really not worry about it?
Well, it’s fine.
If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just leave them behind without hesitation.