“Even though he says those kinds of things, he still does what needs to be done, which is subtly irritating,”
The essence of this world is that of a game.
“But labor deserves reward. And capturing this many villains is a cause for celebration! Let’s call it a day and raise a toast!”
In other words, this world has “Main Characters,” events related to them, and a story woven by them.
All of this is established only through the observation of the protagonist (player), and conversely, no story occurs where the protagonist isn’t. No events can happen.
It’s the “Main Characters” who change the world, and it’s the events and stories that advance it. If those don’t happen, the situation at that point remains unchanged, as if time has stopped.
That’s the fundamental principle of a game, so this world must be the same.
“Speaking of which, I heard you two are saving up points to be resurrected. Personally, I’m not in favor of resurrecting the dead, as I think it might devalue life… but even so, I would be saddened if the passionate ‘zeal’ you two possess were lost to the world. Excessive ‘zeal’ is poison, but without it, the world would be a boring place.”
I, “Sakurai Toru,” a Mob Character, am not the protagonist. The protagonist is a boy named “Amanai Hayato,” and the story doesn’t progress in places where he isn’t.
Moreover, the Netherworld event, which is triggered by the protagonist’s favorability and interaction count, won’t progress.
I believed this from the bottom of my heart, and that’s why I was happily devoted to leveling up. Being able to focus solely on that was extremely pleasant.
“Once, a long time ago, I was taken to the surface by my uncle, Anubis-sama. Even now, I remember the ‘zeal’ of the living people I saw then, and the warmth of the world it created. To support that warmth, I’m sure the kind of harsh ‘zeal’ you two possess is also necessary. So, I’m secretly cheering you on, okay?”
Surrounding a table set up outside the tavern.
With a drink in hand, slightly tipsy, she said that without any embarrassment.
Higaki, upon hearing that, gave a wry smile, looking apologetic, saying, “It’s not that grand,” and I was remembering my past life, thinking, “Come to think of it, there was an episode like that.”
If the protagonist isn’t there, events don’t happen.
Looking back, it was because I believed that without any basis that I couldn’t move until it was over.
“—! Ms. Iris, get away!!”
The moment someone suddenly landed between us and pierced Ms. Iris’s abdomen with a Golden Spear.
The moment Higaki reacted to it and drew his sword, only to be blown away into the back of the tavern by the assailant’s counterattack.
“Gah!? Higaki…!? Sakurai… run…!!”
Even as Ms. Iris was confused by what had happened to her, she was still worried about us.
“—Huh?”
And when the assailant hoisted Ms. Iris, still impaled by the spear, and took her away to the ‘Tower’ with a single leap.
I just stood there, staring blankly.
The events unfolding before my eyes were scenes I had seen many times in my past life, and I immediately understood what was happening and who the attacker was.
But I couldn’t understand why it was happening at all.
Confusion followed the blankness, and I just tilted my head, watching Ms. Iris’s figure grow smaller and smaller.
As the people around us, noticing the commotion, began to stir and move as they pleased, I wondered what I should do next.
For some unknown reason, the main Netherworld event from the original story had begun.
Soon, the ‘Tower’ where the attacker had fled would be sealed off, and it would become impossible to earn points for resurrection.
What should I do in this situation where I’m inevitably being dragged in?
The ‘Tower,’ a hunting ground, would become unusable because of the attacker.
The efficiency of leveling up in this stage would be drastically reduced.
Thinking that, anger naturally welled up, and my hatred for the attacker who was flying away into the sky intensified.
“—Sakurai!!”
It was Higaki’s voice, coming from the tavern he had been blown into, that cooled my head.
With several pieces of wood piercing his shoulder, bleeding, his gaze fixed on me, the pressure of his gaze suppressed the heat rising within me.
“What are you doing! We’re going after them!!”
“No, we can’t catch up anymore.”
“Then what the hell are you doing here!!”
I was grabbed by the collar and slammed against a nearby wall.
I was caught face-to-face with a tormented expression that seemed to mix frustration, anger, and impatience—and that’s when I finally realized what I had done.
“(And I was just scolded by Ms. Iris for doing this kind of thing…)”
But I didn’t think I could change my old self so easily.
So, I didn’t avert my eyes from Higaki’s accusing gaze, nor did I shake off the collar that was forcefully pressing against me. Instead, I drew up a plan for the future in my head.
And after taking a long breath, I quietly declared to Higaki.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Before Higaki, who was glaring at me, I looked up at the sky and muttered.
“I’m thinking about the best way to go all out to save Ms. Iris.”