kscans

Chapter 155 - Unique!

That day, I woke up at eight o'clock. It was early for me, but of course, Kaede-chan had already left for work, so she wasn't here.

We were supposed to meet at ten, so I had to leave the house a little after nine. After finishing the breakfast Kaede-chan had prepared for me, I took my lunch box, returned to my room, and changed into Eleanor-san. Once I was changed and had all my preparations done, I took a taxi to the guild.

When I arrived behind the guild, I entered through the back door and headed to the reception desk. Since it was Saturday, there were quite a few other adventurers around.

"Hello. Are you going to the Kunaar Ruins again today?"

Kaede-chan, who knew everything, asked for confirmation.

"That's right. I'll be back in the evening."

"Understood. By the way, there's still time, so I think you can take it easy."

What she meant by that was that Nanapon hadn't arrived yet. It was still only 9,40, and since I was meeting up with the notoriously late Yoshino-san, it would probably be a slow start.

"Got it. I'll be going then."

"Take care."

I received my weapon from Kaede-chan and headed for the Gate. After passing through it, I arrived at the Kunaar Ruins. Being a Saturday, the Kunaar Ruins were more crowded than usual. Naturally, there were many stares directed at me, and it was annoying.

Even though Kaede-chan had told me to take my time, I decided to leave quickly and briskly walked away from the plaza in front of the Gate. The number of people decreased as I moved away from the Gate, but I still passed by many adventurers.

The Kunaar Ruins are as popular as ever. I hope Nanapon and Yoshino-san don't get harassed...

I was worried about the duo of a busty woman and a short girl, but I knew it would only get worse if I went to meet them, so I left it to the two of them and hurried to the meeting spot for the underground ruins.

When I arrived at the building that served as our meeting place, the same two SDF members as last time were standing guard.

"Halt."

I was commanded in the same intimidating manner as before.

"Didn't I tell you to stop that?"

"It's regulations... Your Status Card, please."

Figuring I had no choice, I took out my Status Card from my bag and showed it to him, covering everything but the name with my finger.

"Confirmed."

The SDF member who looked at the Status Card nodded.

"Yes, yes. You absolutely must not treat Nanaka-san with that attitude."

"I haven't. How old is she? Isn't she a child?"

She apparently looks like a child. Well, she is small, and that rabbit on her back... It gives off a strong kid vibe.

"She's a university student, technically. But yes, a child."

"A university student? Her? Well, I guess there are kids like that..."

"In any case, she's a minor, so be careful. Kids these days will tweet about anything in an instant."

"I wish they'd stop, but it happens a lot."

I bet.

"You have it rough. I'm constantly being photographed without my permission. The guild is one thing, but it's terrible in front of the Gate. Isn't photography inside Frontier forbidden?"

The guild is also off-limits.

"Haaah... I'll report it and ask them to strengthen the crackdown... Seriously, I'm busy enough as it is at the end of the year."

"Thanks for your hard work. Where are Yanagi-san and Maede-san?"

"Waiting inside. Go ahead."

The SDF member gestured towards the building with his thumb, so I went inside. Inside the building, Yanagi-san and Maede-san were sitting and waiting, just like last time.

"Hello."

I greeted them and sat down opposite Maede-san.

"Yes, hello."

"You're early. It's ten minutes before."

"Well, you know."

I gave a vague reply and stared intently at Maede-san.

"Um, is there something I can help you with?"

Maede-san was perplexed by my continuous staring.

I see, she just looks like a normal person. But there must be something unique about her.

"Is there anything you think is strange about yourself compared to other people?"

"Eh? Strange? Um, I'm a little tall?"

She is indeed tall for a woman. But not exceptionally so, like a volleyball player.

"Not physically, I mean in terms of personality. Like having a hobby of eating food you find on the ground, or liking to kick puppies."

"Isn't that just a dangerous person!? I don't do things like that!"

Then it must be a fetish. She's definitely a huge pervert. But I can't really press this. It's beyond sexual harassment, and her boyfriend is right in front of me.

"Never mind. Sorry for coming early. I was bothering you, wasn't I?"

"Eh!?"

Maede-san said, covering her neck with her right hand.

"...Eh?"

"Eh?"

Why is she covering her neck... Is there a mark there?

"So I was right about the huge pervert part..."

"N, no! We weren't doing anything!"

Aren't you on duty? Isn't this on the taxpayer's dime? As expected of a unique skill user. She wasn't normal.

"It's fine. I didn't see anything, and I don't know anything. I wish you happiness..."

With this, the commonality among unique skill users has been confirmed.

Unique skills are held by weirdos. There's no doubt about it. ...That stings a little.

"Um, you're mistaken. Really."

Maede-san was getting desperate.

"Maede, be quiet."

"S, sorry..."

Yanagi-san admonished her with a straight face, but you're the one who did something to her neck. Why are you acting like you have nothing to do with it?

"Hello."

"Hey. We came early today... What's wrong?"

Nanapon and Yoshino-san, who had arrived earlier than expected, greeted us.

"Hello. It's nothing."

I replied, then stared intently at Yoshino-san, who was tilting her head in confusion at Maede-san's state.

"Hm? What is it? Is there something on my face?"

This one, needless to say, is truly unique. Cheap, petty, and filthy.

"Heh... It's nothing."

"Hey! You just laughed at me, didn't you! Are you trying to pick a fight!?"

"Please stop with the cheap provocations. I'm not falling for it."

My Provocation level will go up.

"No, you were the one who laughed. And it was filled with pity!"

What a brilliant power of observation.

"It's nothing. Nanaka-san, the theory from the day before yesterday was correct. It was true for everyone."

"Was it now... You're the prime example, after all."

Nanapon was nodding in agreement, but since I'm changing my gender, it's hard to deny.

"What are you talking about?"

Yoshino-san didn't seem to understand and tilted her head.

"I'll tell you later. More importantly, since we're all here, let's start the investigation of the underground ruins."

"I'm curious. I'm definitely being made fun of... Well, I'll prioritize work. Yanagi-san, what's the situation with the stairs to the basement?"

After reluctantly accepting the situation, Yoshino-san asked Yanagi-san.

"Ah, it's been decided that we'll have you map the basement as well. However, shouldn't we do the second floor first? We don't know how big the basement is, and it would be dangerous if there's no light. How about we investigate the second floor in the morning and go to the basement after lunch?"

"I think that's a good idea. Eleanor, is that okay with you?"

Well, we have to map the second floor either way.

"It's fine with me. I don't want to eat in a dark place."

There are hell knights too, so for Nanapon's safety, that plan is fine.

"Is that okay with you too, Nanapon?"

"Yes. It's fine."

"Then it's settled. Yanagi-san, that's the plan."

Having gotten my and Nanapon's agreement, Yoshino-san nodded towards Yanagi-san.

"Alright! Let's get down there right away... Eleanor, you go first."

Yanagi-san, looking at my attire, suggested ladies first.

"Well, I suppose it would come to this."

Thinking I had no choice, I placed my hands on the ladder.

"Can't you come in normal clothes?"

"Shut up, you abnormal woman."

You, Miss Unique!

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

"Now, now, Saegusa-san, calm down."

Nanapon placated Yoshino-san with a grin on her face.

"What's with that look on your face, Nanapon?"

"It's a normal look."

It's a look of camaraderie among friends. Nanapon probably thinks she's better than this woman.

"Aren't you guys acting a little strange?"

Don't call me strange!

"Honestly... I'm going ahead, so hurry up and follow me."

With that, I climbed down the ladder and into the darkness.

Huh? But it feels a little brighter than the day before yesterday.