NOVEL NEXT WORLD The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 143
143 D-Class Strengthening Meeting ② Mihomatsu
――SIDE: Mihomatsu Yōmaru――
Disbanding the PT.
The words Ishiru-kun uttered made everyone in the D class bewildered. Of course, that’s how it would be…? It’s only been a month since we entered school. Even though it’s only been a month, we’re comrades who have gone through the same struggles together. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s clear that we all get along, and it’s not like we’d want to disband.
It’s a big difference between us…
“…Can you explain what you mean?”
Representing everyone, Kubō-kun spoke up. Ishiru-kun, who had been asked, responded as if it was no big deal.
“It means exactly what I said. We’ll disband the current PT formation and reorganize into a more balanced team.”
“A balanced team? But we’ve been doing fine with this formation so far!?”
Suzuki-kun was perplexed.
The atmosphere in Mushakōji-senpai’s PT was good, so I’m sure everyone felt comfortable.
My PT is no good, though…
Because I’m the leader, after all…
When I looked at the back of the classroom, even Rin-kun was beaming with joy at Ishiru-kun’s proposal. Since I got angry with him about the mock battle earlier, he probably doesn’t want to be on the same team as me anymore.
I tried my best, though…
Seriously, I’m so discouraged…
“I’m not saying we have to change the PT forever. I hate it when people interfere with my team too. I just want you to follow the new formation until we reach our goal within the limited time.”
“Th-then…”
Suzuki-kun, who had been hesitant, reluctantly agreed.
“…So, can we hear more about the time limit and goal?”
Godai-kun asked, and Ishiru-kun nodded.
“The time limit is until the end of May. The goal is for all PTs to clear the 10th floor. We’ll work together to defeat the demon god Iifurīto.”
“—Huh!?”
“Together, you say…”
“…The floor boss!?”
“No way, that’s impossible!?”
“It’s already May…”
“C-class can’t even defeat the Hierarchical Master, what’s wrong with you, Shō?! You’re going to get us killed!”
Everyone’s faces showed frustration and anger as they struggled with the impossible task. Of course, it’s understandable – Shō might be able to defeat the Hierarchical Master, but it’s absolutely impossible for us.
“…C-class’s Tenkūkan is planning to challenge the Hierarchical Master in the next battle. Other classes are probably thinking the same. They’ll likely attack the nearest Hierarchical Master soon.”
“!”
“If that happens, D-class will fall even further behind the others. We can’t afford to keep getting hospitalized after every battle. We have to take action now! …Do you understand?”
Bam! Bam! Shō slammed his fist on the desk, his passionate speech igniting the room. Ugh… what he’s saying makes sense, but…
“…What do you plan to do about the team formation?”
“Wakamatsu-san?”
“I agree with what Shō said. In the last battle, we didn’t achieve much, and our victory was solely due to Shō’s efforts. I don’t want to experience that again…!!”
“Yeah, I think the same…”
“Yoshikawa-san?”
Fuyuki, who looked puzzled, received a gentle smile from Yoshikawa. Her expression had a certain persuasive power.
“It might be good to take a break and distance ourselves from each other. Then, we can grow and come back stronger?”
“Mm, mm…”
“If Himeko says so…”
Sekigawa, who looked troubled, and Takafū, who seemed cool but somehow lonely, seemed to have accepted the idea.
“I’ll repeat myself, but I didn’t say we have to stick with the new formation forever. It’s just a temporary measure. When we think about attacking the Hierarchical Master with our current team, we’ll realize there are some teams that can’t break through. This is a rescue measure, so make sure you understand that.”
Can’t break through…?
Ah, I see…
…It’s us.
Shō is considering us, the lowest-ranked team, and is willing to break the current formation. I’m grateful, but I feel sorry for him. Ugh, I can’t look at everyone’s faces…
“…We’ll decide on the details later. That’s right, isn’t it? By the time the 12th’s battle is over, we’ll be ready to announce the new formation to everyone. Until then, just do what you can.”
“That’s all,” Shō said, trying to end the conversation. But just then, Aiba suddenly stood up.
“Wait, Shō…”
“Huh?”
His intimidating expression made everyone in the classroom hold their breath.
“…What’s going on? Are you afraid of changing the formation…?”
“It’s not that!!”
The loud anger in his voice made a nearby female student scream. What’s wrong with Aiba?! I thought he was just feeling down, but…
“Are you going to change the formation, Shō?”
“Y-yes…”
“…Then, I’ll go solo.”
“Huh?”
“…I want to challenge the Hierarchical Master alone, under the same conditions as you.”