kscans

Chapter 345 - The Man Who Made an AI Laugh

The battle at the former Assassin Guild ended with Cecil's victory. It was apparently a huge success, and the organizer, Zack, was overjoyed, saying, "They told me the country could host something like this!"

Hayato and the others hadn't known, but it seemed some important people from the kingdom had come to watch and assess the situation. They wouldn't make it a betting match, but they said they could make a decent profit just from ticket sales and providing food.

In any case, Cecil obtained the Assassin series armor as the grand prize, but she said, "I'm not gonna use this," and pushed it onto Hayato.

After his loss, Nanagi had disappeared somewhere and they couldn't make contact with him afterward. Similarly, Ox from the clan "Rampage" seemed to have logged out immediately after his loss and was nowhere to be found.

Lutz, who had lost to Nanagi, had said, "My training is still lacking," and immediately headed for a hunting ground. Agres, who had also lost, was being comforted by Ash and Ren.

It had been a day of many gains, but it was also a little unsettling to feel that the enemy, starting with Nanagi, was also moving forward with their preparations.

They couldn't afford to lose either, so Hayato decided to spend the rest of his time leveling up his skills and returned to the base.


The next day, a surprised voice echoed through Hayato's base.

"Huh? You want me to teach you swordsmanship?"

In the base's dining hall, Benitsuru, who had come to see Lunaria in the morning, let out a surprised cry, and next to her, Simon's eyes widened.

It was Agres who had said he wanted to be taught swordsmanship. Agres, who had logged in at almost the same time as Hayato and Ash, had bowed his head and asked Benitsuru. The swordsmanship of the Ten Holy Demonic Swords was something they had learned from Benitsuru. He didn't want to learn it in the sense of mastering it, but rather to gain knowledge for the next time they fought.

This was influenced by Cecil's victory over Nanagi. Cecil often had mock battles with Simon. The kick that Nanagi had unleashed at the end. The reason she could dodge it was thanks to those mock battles. It was one of the attacks that Benitsuru had taught the Ten Holy Demonic Swords, and Simon had used it in their mock battles.

"Even if it's just superficial knowledge, knowing and not knowing makes a huge difference. Besides, I'm done losing to the Ten Holy Demonic Swords. Please."

Agres said that and bowed his head again.

"I ask as well."

Ash, who had been listening, also bowed his head next to Agres.

Benitsuru looked at the two of them and began to tremble.

"Your spirit is commendable! Bravo, you might say! I'll even teach you the secret ultimate techniques!"

"Princess, I have not been taught such things."

"I just said it for the effect, but that's how I feel! While we're at it, how about you too, Hayacchi!? It's free! I'll do it for free!"

"Well, it wouldn't mean anything if I learned it..."

Hayato couldn't fight. He hadn't been able to fight before, but now the demerits from his negative skills had become so severe that he would fall from just a slight hit. He didn't think he would be on the battlefield during the Conflict event either. He would probably go to the territory where the battle was taking place, but he would be in a rear support role more than ever before.

"It's not like we're having a mock battle, I just want Hayacchi to know about my swordsmanship, even if it's just the knowledge."

"Well, if that's the case. Is it okay if I level up my skills while I listen?"

"Do as you see fit, you might say!"

"Alright. Then, please, I'm in your care."

"Okay! Then, from now on, you will call me Master!"

"You didn't just drag me into this because you wanted to be called Master, did you? Look at me when you talk."

"Ah, Hayato, you may also look up to me as your senior disciple."

"You too, Simon...?"

And so, Benitsuru's swordsmanship instruction was about to begin. But there was a problem. Everyone's gaze turned to the source of that problem.

Lunaria had the door leading to the shop slightly open, and she was looking this way through the gap. If one were to describe her expression in words, it would be, "She looks like she really wants to join in." And from that gap, it wasn't just Lunaria, but Xenobia was also peeking out. Her face said, "I'm a little interested."

"How about you two, Lunaria-san and Xenobia-san?"

When Hayato said that, Lunaria threw open the door and entered the dining hall as if she had been waiting for it.

"Hmph, if you insist, I suppose I have no choice but to participate."

Everyone thought that no one had insisted that much, but no one said anything, as they knew that was just how Lunaria was.

And Xenobia was looking this way with her face half-hidden.

"Um, Xenobia-san...?"

"Xenobia-chan feels a little overwhelmed with three men in this room. But she's trying. She's really trying."

Lunaria said that, defending Xenobia. Xenobia had a fear of men. She had gotten used to Hayato enough to greet him, but it seemed she would still need more time with Ash and Agres.

"Xenobia-chan, it's okay, there are only two handsome men and one normal guy in this room. There's no need to be scared."

"Three men was good enough, wasn't it? Could you please tell me the breakdown of handsome and normal?"

"For Hayato-san's sake, I cannot say. The Demon Lord can read the room. This is an atmosphere where it should not be said."

"You're basically already saying it."

Both Ash and Agres were handsome. They had different styles, one being a refreshing sportsman type and the other a wild type, but they were definitely handsome. And Hayato was normal. He knew that very well himself. He knew it, but it was still sad.

"I, I think Hayato-san isn't handsome, but he's a k, kind person. Like, there's an incredible sense of security around him..."

Zanobia said that while still hiding. She must have really pushed herself, because she was breathing a little heavily, despite being in a virtual space. It wasn't a bad evaluation, but being told so clearly that he wasn't handsome made Hayato feel a little down.

"Oh, I get it. He's like the older brother who lives next door, right? Not handsome, but super nice!"

Benitsuru said, and, "I believe he has strength as well as kindness. It is true that he is not handsome, but I think that is what is good about him."

Simon said.

"He's not handsome, but he protected me from Rosalie-chan's scolding once, so I'll vote for kind."

And Lunaria also chimed in with that.

"Could you please decide whether you're praising me or insulting me? And please don't compare my level of handsomeness to Ash and Agres."

"Hey, hey, it's better to be praised for your character than your looks, isn't it? Me and Ash could easily be just a pretty face, you know?"

"Then why do I feel like I've lost...?"

"It's not about winning or losing. If you ask me, I'm jealous of Hayato for being praised for his unseen inner qualities. Right, Ash?"

"That's true. Ren also looks up to Hayato, so I'm envious. Lately, Ren has been really harsh on me, saying I have no delicacy..."

It felt like that was a completely different story, but Hayato reconsidered, thinking that maybe it wasn't a story he needed to be down about. And then he tried to remember what they were talking about in the first place, and finally remembered. It was about whether Xenobia would listen to Benitsuru's talk about swordsmanship.

"Well then, back to the topic. Are you okay listening from over there, Xenobia-san? Should we move a little further away?"

"I, I'm fine... I feel more at ease here."

"Um, well, if you want to join in, just let me know. The men will move. Well then, Benny-chan... Master, if you please."

When Hayato said that, Benitsuru beamed and said cheerfully, "As you wish!"

Then she took a deep breath and her face became serious.

"Broadly speaking, my style is a swordsmanship based on counters. To put it in difficult terms, it's called 'go no sen,' but it's like attacking in response to the opponent's attack."

According to Benitsuru, the moment someone is about to attack is when they are most defenseless, and if you can aim for that, your attack will not be dodged. And the difficult part is making the opponent attack how you want them to, so it was important to deliberately create an opening.

"When you get to my level, you can even control where your opponent attacks! This is for PvP though, it doesn't work on monsters."

"Huh? Really?"

"The stronger the opponent, the better it works! People who properly understand things like line of sight and body movement are more likely to fall for it. In fact, it might not work on Hayacchi."

"I'm not exactly happy about that, but is that how it is?"

"Also, people who have an unconventional attack style like Lunacchi are also impossible. It's like it doesn't matter what the opponent is doing, she always decides her attacks based on her mood for the day..."

"Hmph, if there are carrots for breakfast, I go for a Kesa-giri slash as my first move. And if there's celery, I go all out from the start to relieve stress. If there are strawberries, I'm a little gentler."

"Uh, yeah. Even with my swordsmanship, I don't think I can do anything about breakfast... That's how it is, so she completely ignores my subtle movements..."

For some reason, everyone felt a sense of pity for Benitsuru, but she seemed to pull herself together and continued her explanation with a smile.

"Well, anyway, if you're fighting Nanagi's group, you should think that the most dangerous time is when they clearly lose their balance. They're not as good as me, but there are plenty of ways to make your opponent attack!"

"I see. Yesterday, I got impatient because my attacks weren't hitting Nanagi at all. I thought he'd lost his balance a little and when I went to hit him, I got countered easily."

"Exactly, when you learn my swordsmanship, you start fighting like that. However, Simon..."

Benitsuru trailed off and gave Simon a disappointed look. Simon's brow furrowed, but she nodded. "Indeed."

"I understand. I should probably wait a little longer. But I am not good at waiting."

"In Simon's case, it's not a counter, but a desperate charge. It's like, 'even if I get cut, I'll cut you back twice as much,' which is the complete opposite of what I teach. It seems she's become a little more patient thanks to her mock battles with Cecil-chi."

"That wasn't me waiting, but rather Cecil-dono had so many attacks that I had no choice but to keep blocking. So, I was able to show off my kick after losing my balance. Well, I'm glad it was useful. However..."

Simon trailed off and crossed her arms, deep in thought.

"To think that Nanagi would be participating in that tournament. I don't know if it was for skill leveling or if he wanted the Assassin series equipment, but I should have participated as well."

"I think it was probably both. Rosalie-chan said so."

According to what Lunaria heard from Rosalie, the Demonfolk were collecting rare items, going to dungeons and defeating rare monsters. At first, they thought they were doing it to level up their skills, but they were bringing back the dropped items without discarding them. And after defeating a monster several times, they would change their target to another rare monster. It was only Rosalie's group's prediction, but they thought that they were targeting another monster once a rare item dropped.

It was possible to interfere by starting a fight, but that wouldn't make their side stronger. It wasn't like they could steal the dropped items, and while they could interfere with the monster's claim once or twice, it was impossible to do it every time. For that reason, Rosalie, Gil, and Ney's groups decided not to interfere, but to counter it by going to dungeons, fighting rare monsters, and starting to collect rare items themselves.

"She said they'd bring a lot of materials so Hayato-san could make a ton of production items."

"Of course. I'll make anything, so I want them to bring a lot."

Materials for production items could be bought with money, but they weren't infinite. And weapon and armor maintenance consumed a lot of cloth and ore. It was a great help for Hayato to have them bring a lot.

(It ended up being an interference in this tournament, but that was just a coincidence. What's important is how much stronger we can get before the event starts. I have to do my best as a production player... Do they have a production player on their side? I don't want to lose in terms of quantity...)

That thought crossed his mind, but Benitsuru said, "Alright, next is practice!"

"I've only explained a little, but I'll teach the rest while we actually do it! Alright everyone, outside..."

"Oh, right. I asked the Maid Chief through Esha, so we can borrow the underground arena at the Maid Guild. It's not exactly secret training, but if we're going to do it, that's probably better, right?"

"As expected of Hayacchi! I'm so happy to have such an excellent disciple! And secret training sounds so exciting!"

"So I'm officially your disciple now...?"

Even though he had said it on a whim, Hayato regretted a little that he shouldn't have called her master.

"Then, let's go right away! I'll train you hard!"

As Benitsuru said that, Agres also nodded.

"That's right, it seems PvP is better for skill leveling, so let's learn in a practical format."

"Well then, I'll stop here. I have to expand the base and level up my skills, so I'll be working hard in my room."

"That's a bit boring, but I guess it can't be helped. I'll train Hayacchi properly next time I have a chance!"

"Please be gentle with me then."

"Then, I will also train Hayato-san as the next Demon Lord. I plan to be strict, so you will call me Master as well. I will also call you my disciple. And you will offer sweets to your master."

"Why are you trying to compete? Besides, we don't need a next Demon Lord, do we?"

Lunaria crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and looked up at the ceiling, thinking.

(Is it really something to think about that much...?)

"Then I will train Hayato-san as the Vice Demon Lord."

"I don't need that position, you know?"

After that conversation, Benitsuru and the others headed to the Maid Guild. And Hayato was about to return to his room to level up his production skills. But before he could move, the maid Rose came from the shop area. For some reason, Rose had a serious look on her face.

"Rose-san, is something wrong?"

"Yes, actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you, Hayato-sama... Would you be willing to lend me the Assassin series equipment?"

"...Is there someone you want to assassinate?"

"Huh? No, no, that's not it. I admire assassins."

Rose said this shyly. Hayato couldn't see what there was to be shy about. In fact, it was a line that he thought she probably shouldn't say.

"How should I put it, I've recently started to wonder if it's enough to just protect the base and tend to the shop as a maid."

"I think that's the best kind of maid. In fact, I'm already full of the opposite kind of maid."

There were more than enough maids who were better at attacking than defending.

"That's it. I know that Esha is excellent in that regard, but I don't want to lose to her, so to speak. And in the next event, the Maid Guild has said they will fight as allies of Lunaria-sama. I also want to acquire even greater strength, but I thought I'd start by reviewing my equipment."

Hayato had heard about that too. The Maid Guild and the Butler Guild had said they would side with Lunaria. In addition, the Treasure Hunter Guild, the Escort Guild, and the Tamer Guild had also said they would side with them after hearing the situation. It was unclear whether Relic, Sonia, Mist, or Maris would log in directly, but it was reassuring to have the guilds they belonged to as allies. And the Maid Chief of the Maid Guild was quite strong. She would undoubtedly be a major asset.

Rose must have her own thoughts on the matter. Hayato thought she was probably wondering if it was okay for her to just tend the shop when there was a big battle coming up. And Rose was also a fan of Ivan. She had been outraged when Ivan was brainwashed, so she had a desire to help him somehow.

Hayato thought about it that far and nodded his head.

"If that's the case, I won't lend it to you, I'll give it to you."

"No, I will only borrow it. I am more of a maid, after all. Even if my equipment is that of an assassin, my heart is that of a maid."

"More of a...?"

He wanted her to be a complete maid, and there were other things he could have retorted, but Hayato thought, 'Oh well,' and handed the Assassin series equipment to Rose.

"Thank you very much. I will do my best in the next event as well."

"I'm counting on you. But for now, please take care of the shop. I want to earn as much money as possible."

"Leave it to me. With such high-quality items, they will sell without me having to do anything. Now then, it's almost time to open. I'll be on my way."

Rose said that, bowed politely, and then headed towards the shop space.

Everyone was working hard to win the next event. Their reasons were all different, but he was grateful for it, so Hayato resolved to work even harder than before. He immediately returned to his room and started leveling up his skills. He decided to start with the important skill of Alchemy and mass-produced Elixirs.

Unlike before, when the chance of the highest quality was one percent, and two percent with items, now, with items, it was close to ten percent. He didn't know what would happen when the skill reached 200, but if he could mass-produce the highest quality Elixirs, he would have nothing to fear.

(But if the skill goes up, will it only increase the probability of the highest quality? I feel like something more amazing should happen.)

If he asked Diite, he would know right away. They had to win the next event, so he should know any useful information, but Diite herself had said, "I won't give you any spoilers," and wouldn't answer.

"Even in a situation like this, I want you to enjoy this world. Maybe something will happen when your skill reaches 200, or maybe nothing will. I want you to find that out for yourself, Hayato-kun."

That's what Diite had said. When he asked if it was okay, since her own life was on the line, Diite had answered this way.

"Because I believe in you all, Hayato-kun. And besides, whether you know or not, you'll raise your skills to the limit anyway, right? I don't want to take away the fun of what happens when you do."

Hayato had understood and hadn't asked any more. So he was trying to raise his skills as quickly as possible.

(I still have a lot of materials for Elixirs. I'll just keep making them until I run out.)

Hayato thought that and began to make Elixirs.

Just as the number of Elixirs was about to reach triple digits, Hayato received a voice chat request.

"It's Hypnos, are you free now?"

"I'm free."

Hayato said that, but he didn't stop making Elixirs. Skills were harder to raise after 90. That seemed to have been carried over after the limit break, and it was quite difficult to raise them after 190. This was no time to stop.

"This will be the last time I send you a voice chat. It seems Nanagi told Amanda about us. She'll probably order me not to give you any more information soon."

"Ah, there was that. Sorry, that was my slip of the tongue."

"Don't worry about it. There's no more information I can send you anyway. Well then, I wish for your victory. I don't want to work under Amanda."

"Right, I'll do my best. Oh, right, one last thing. Do you have a production player on your side? Is someone from Blackjack or Ambrosia doing it?"

"I don't know why you're asking that, but I'm doing it."

"Huh?"

"I'm handling all the production here. What a demanding woman she is. No, more than that, is what you want to know about the quantity? Unfortunately, I'm also making a considerable amount of medicine and food here."

"I see..."

"However, I'm only making things with production skills at 100. I haven't been told to make them in a limit-broken state. You, on the other hand, have probably broken the limit, haven't you, Hayato?"

"Ah, yeah. I've broken the limit on about five of them."

Hayato said that, but there was no response from Hypnos. The chat hadn't disconnected, he was just silent.

"Can you hear me? Is something wrong?"

"I can hear you. Did you really take on five demerits?"

"That's right. Now I fall over even if someone just pokes me a little..."

From the other side of the communication, he could hear a voice that sounded like it was holding back laughter.

"I thought you might do two or three, but to think you did five. You're an interesting one. Amanda also makes me laugh in various ways, but you can be proud as the man who made an AI laugh, Hayato."

"Just like Amanda... I'm not particularly proud, but if I made you laugh, then I'm happy. Even if it's not what I intended."

"I see... You're happy..."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. As a thank you for making me laugh, I'll tell you one thing."

He might get some useful information. Hayato just answered, "What is it?" and concentrated.

"Get along well with Diite."

"...Excuse me?"

"Become an irreplaceable person to Diite. That will make Diite..."

He could hear Hypnos's voice, but a noise like static came in, and Hayato couldn't hear him.

"Huh, sorry, I couldn't hear the last part very well."

"A restriction has been placed on me, I see. Oh well. It was only for a little while, but it was fun talking with you, Hayato. I don't know if we'll be able to meet again, but if we do, I'll be in your care then."

"Huh? W, wait a minute..."

Havato tried to stop him, but the voice chat was cut off from Hypnos's end. He hurriedly tried to request a voice chat with Hypnos, but there was no response, as if he had been blocked.

(What's with that? He said it like it was our last goodbye. And get along with Diite-chan? What does he mean by 'become an irreplaceable person'?)

Hayato thought about various things, but he couldn't come up with an answer. He tried to restart the Elixir production he had stopped without realizing it, but he was too unsettled to focus, so he decided to take a break and started drinking coffee.