NOVEL NEXT WORLD The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 139
139 The Heart of Koume that Wavers
――SIDE: Koume――
“Ah…”
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to school. I let out a deep sigh as I sit in my usual seat.
Even during the Golden Week, there was nothing to do. We were supposed to explore ABYSS during the long break, but with Sousuke and Ayumu in that state, it was impossible. I was troubled and sent an email to Kana, but there was no response. Were they busy during the break? I wanted them to at least reply, but I guess they had their own circumstances.
I was idle and wandered around the transfer area alone. That’s when I unexpectedly ran into that person――
“Kamiyagi Akito-san……”
Every time I think about it, my head spins.
Pro explorer Kamiyagi Akito-san. He came to the transfer area to film an official broadcast in ABYSS. I couldn’t help but approach him. As he was servicing many fans, he noticed me from afar and gently spoke to me, “Long time no see.”
He remembered me…!!
Just that fact made my heart full, but what’s more, he gave me his contact information. “As a senior explorer, if there’s anything I can help you with, please let me know.” The email address he handed me is a treasure. I’m scared, and I still haven’t contacted him.
Why does he care about someone like me? The passion in his kind eyes. I felt it, and I――
I――what should I do?
“…”
The face that floated in my mind is that of my fiancé, Shouma. As a man, he can’t compare to Akito-san. He’s foolish, perverted, and has a bad mouth. He’s someone who was forcibly decided by our families, and there’s no way I have romantic feelings for him!!
Anyway, that’s the same for him, right!?
We always fight whenever we meet. There’s no way we can get along.
Then what about me――
……then what about me?
“!!”
Thud, I bang my head on the desk in front of me to erase the words that came to mind.
How arrogant of me……！！
Who do I think I am? I’m just a small girl who received a contact address from a pro explorer, and I’m acting like I’m favored by him!! Akito-san taught me his contact information out of kindness, and I’m having ulterior motives… how disgusting!!
……yeah, I’ve decided.
……I’ll become a great explorer.
Akito-san, or Shoma-san—
I mustn’t rely on men. I’ll become an explorer who can stand alongside them!!
“At least, I have to be stronger than him.”
If I don’t, I’ll never be able to move forward.
It’s okay.
I’ve always been better than him, anyway.
I’ll definitely catch up soon—
I’ll surpass him.
Then, this pain in my chest—
“Everyone! The Aiba group is here!!”
“—Huh!?”
I interrupted my thoughts upon hearing Suzuki’s voice from the hallway.—Sousuke!? But didn’t he say he wouldn’t be discharged from the hospital for a while when I visited him a few days ago!?
I was thinking, but my body was moving on its own. The other students in the classroom were also with me. We rushed out of the classroom, looking flustered, and saw a few students walking towards us.
“—Sousuke!! You’re walking!!”
“Fukawa-san……!!”
“Whoa, you’re immortal or something, dude!?”
“Is that really you, Sekikawa?”
“What!? You’re okay, Touko!!?”
“Wow, Kousuke, you’re really alive!!?”
We welcomed them with our own words. There was no mistaking it; our comrades, the main forces of Class D, were back. From the looks of it, Hou and Sousuke didn’t seem to be forcing themselves.
So, had they really recovered!?
I was happy, but how did they do it!?
“…Everyone, I’m sorry to have worried you. I think there are many things you want to ask, but for now, let’s go back to the classroom and talk about it there.”
…If Hou said so, there was no choice. Suppressing our excitement, we headed back to the classroom. The PT members who had been discharged were chatting and sharing their joy with each other.
Of course, I felt the same way—
“Extra, extra!!”
On our way back to the classroom, we ran into a second-year student from the newspaper club distributing flyers in the hallway. I picked up one without thinking and was shocked by the content of the article.
【Breaking News!! Shoma Shinoda Conquers 20 Floors!!】
“What, what is this!? This is crazy!!?”
“…”
I couldn’t help but scream while reading the article, my eyes fixed on it.
‘1-D’s Shoma Shinoda, along with Madou Research Department Head Doumoto Kusako, has developed a high-grade recovery drug that is immediately effective on critically injured patients. They tested it on hospitalized first-year students and achieved remarkable results. To enhance production, the Madou Research Department will begin accepting material collection quests from today. Details will be posted on the magic terminal (portal) bulletin board. Explorers, please participate enthusiastically.’
High-grade recovery drug…?
Could it be—
“…It seems we’ve been saved by him again.”
“Hou…”
“That Shoma, his gift is too extravagant…”
“…”
“…What’s wrong with Sousuke?”
Sousuke, who was usually talkative, was now quiet. He might be hiding something, but as a fellow PT member, I could sense his unease. I tried to ask him if he was okay, but his response was unfavorable. Hou also seemed to understand and was avoiding the topic of Sousuke.
“……Let’s go, both of you.”
“Eh, yeah.”
Soushi didn’t say anything. Who knows what he’s thinking about now? Maybe it’s about Shouma.
20th floor――
We can’t even clear 1-A, and he’s already planning to go further ahead? Where does he think he’s going?
Ugh, I don’t get it!! My head is all mixed up!!
Soushi’s behavior is also weird, and if Shouma comes to the classroom, I’ll definitely take him down!!