Chapter 335

Chapter 335 – Sakuya’s Hope

Bringing Sakuya with me, we head deeper into the dungeon .

We encountered a Skeleton .

Though I was moving just slightly faster than a weak human, I was used to it .

By avoiding its first move, I took advantage of the momentum while it’s attacking to lose its balance, dropping it on the ground by raising my knee .

The Skeleton’s hips were broken in the same way as a baseball bat .

Being greatly injured with that one hit, the Skeleton has fallen and 10 seeds dropped .

I picked them up and handed it to Sakuya .

“Try using these . ” (Ryouta)

“What is this?” (Sakuya)

“When you use it, your Max HP increases . ” (Ryouta)

“Eh?” (Sakuya)

“Well, of course it’s at the boundaries of this dungeon . It’s the same with Sulphur . ” (Ryouta)

“Aah, I get it now . ” (Sakuya)

She nodded, and was easily convinced by my explanation .

It wouldn’t be too hard to explain to her since she is the [Sulphur Queen] .

“Then again, it’s amazing for you to have the name Sulphur Queen attached to you . I’m sure you weren’t the one who created that . ” (Ryouta)

Somehow, she wouldn’t be the one who made that name up .

When people start gaining more power, they tend to become more motivated, but I don’t think Sakuya is such a person .

In fact—–

“Yes, somehow I was being called that without my knowledge . Also, it’s a little troubling to have that . ” (Sakuya)

“I know right . I’m sure you want to meet with Sulphur itself . ” (Ryouta)

“Yes…… . . ” (Sakuya)

She bitterly smiled .

“Thanks…… . ” (Sakuya)

She said .

“For?” (Ryouta)

“Though I’m troubled by others calling me that, but everyone doesn’t understand my pain . ” (Sakuya)

“They don’t?” (Ryouta)

“Doesn’t it sound cool and prestiges to be called a Queen? That’s what all my friends would say when they meet up with me . ” (Sakuya)

“Is that so . ” (Ryouta)

A complicated look rests on her face .

Though she herself didn’t say much, but I’m sure some would say things like “You’re so pretentious” or “Are you just a masochist of pride?” .

I’m sure they are many ‘good people’ who try not to understand her circumstances, and just label her as such .

Thinking if there’s anything I could do——-something occurred .

“Ryouta-san, watch out!” (Sakuya)

“Eh?” (Ryouta)

Being clueless, I was one breath away from reacting .

The wall beside me came crashing down, and a Skeleton appeared from within .

It’s a surprise attack!

Guess I can’t avoid this, gotta get hit——–

“Hah!” (Sakuya)

All of a sudden, Sakuya intercepts me .

It was not fast or anything, a E or F speed .

However, it was a movement which wastes no time to execute .

With the same movement as before, she threw the Skeleton with her body, and finally broke the bones with the weight of her body .

The background was different, but it was as if I have hit the replay button .

It’s like commanding a character in an RPG, where the character’s movements are exactly the same every time .

“Are you alright?” (Sakuya)

“Yeah, thanks for the help . ” (Ryouta)

“I’m glad… . . Aah, it’s a seed . ” (Sakuya)

The relieved Sakuya walked one step forward and picked up the seed .

“Is that a drop from the monster?” (Sakuya)

“Looks like it . ” (Ryouta)

I see, now it makes sense .

Does the HP Up seed drop for others as well .

After she used them, her HP has gone up .

Again, we walked around the dungeon .

This time, I told myself not to think of pointless thoughts, because my stats are lower than usual .

With that in mind, I managed to defeat the Skeletons that we normally encounter, and also the Skeletons that tried to surprise attack us .

Finally, the Skeleton that I’ve been looking for has appeared .

“It’s a different monster!” (Sakuya)

“That’s who I’m looking for, leave that to me . ” (Ryouta)

Then, without the help of Sakuya, I went and defeat the Mini Skeleton by myself .

It was the Level Down Seed which I was looking for, and I showed it to her .

“This is the item . ” (Ryouta)

“This…… . . ” (Sakuya)

“Let’s head back . ” (Ryouta)

Using the transfer gate, we head back to my mansion .

After returning, I handed the seed over to her .

“Try using it . ” (Ryouta)

“Okay——Aah . ” (Sakuya)

“You got it?” (Ryouta)

“Yes! My, My level has indeed decreased by 1 level!” (Sakuya)

“Yeap . ” (Ryouta)

Nodding and agreeing with her, I took out the Portable K-I-A Board and asked her to use it .

Let’s see her stats now .

―――１／２―――

Level：６５／６６

ＨＰ　Ｅ

ＭＰ　Ｆ

Strength　　Ｅ

Endurance　Ｅ

Intelligence　Ｆ

Mental　Ｆ

Speed　Ｆ

Dex　Ｅ

Luck　　Ｆ

―――――――――

“It has decreased!” (Sakuya)

“We just have to repeat this process, and then level up again to see whether your stats does increase or not . ” (Ryouta)

“Yes! Let’s go to Sulphur!” (Sakuya)

“Glad you understand fast . If your stats increases after leveling, then that’s all good, but if not, we can just head to Nihonium and get the level down again, and repeat . Something like a save and load system . ” (Ryouta)

“…… . . ” (Sakuya)

Sakuya’s eyes opened wide in shocked .

But, it was eyes full of hope .

“If we do that……” (Sakuya)

“Yeap . ” (Ryouta)

I nodded, and looked at her as well .

I can be the real me——-

Was what her heart was trying to say .

“I don’t think you can go in through the normal entrance . So why not just stay here for a while and enter this Transportation Room anytime you want . ” (Ryouta)

“Really!” (Sakuya)

“Yeah sure . ” (Ryouta)

“Thank you!” (Sakuya)

She bowed deeply .

Thus, she was staying here for a little while longer .  

☆

The next day, when I woke up, there was a commotion outside of my room .

I changed my clothes, went out of my room, and head towards that source of commotion .

At the entrance, I saw Sakuya and a stranger talking .

Sakuya tries to refuse the person with a troubled face, but the man is biting her down real hard .

“Good morning nanodesu . ” (Emily)

“Ah morning Emily . What’s this early in the morning?” (Ryouta)

Emily who was watching a little bit further, came here and told me about the situation .

“It looks like it’s the merchant who always deals with Sakuya’s items desu . ” (Emily)

“Ah . ” (Ryouta)

So basically the seller’s store .

“As I’ve said, it would be troubling of me for you to say that all of a sudden . For the Sulphur Queen to suddenly quit all of a sudden, it’ll be hard to fill that hole . ” 

“But……” (Sakuya)

Sakuya was troubled as the merchant started pushing harder .

“It has been like that for awhile now nanodesu, and Sakuya-san is conflicted desu . ” (Emily)

“Well… . . ” (Ryouta)

I understand both their feelings .

Since she’s finally found a path of hope . From Sakuya’s POV, there is a strong desire to go there with all her might .

So I understand well because I was the same .

When I knew my abilities have improved, I immediately tried raising my Max HP to S at once .

After that, I slowed down because my HP has become S, and the ‘possibility’ has became a ‘reality’ .

Sakuya is the me before my HP became S .

That’s the situation .

“So as how we’re doing before——” 

“I’ll do it . ” (Ryouta)

I went ahead and interrupted their story .

“Those who are not involved with this, please step back . Right now, I am speaking with Sulphur Queen and how hard it is to fill that hole——” 

“Ryouta-san!” (Sakuya)

“——–Wait Ryouta-san!?” 

The merchant was rolling up vigorously, but when he heard my name, his expression immediately changed .

“Ryo-Ryouta, you mean that Ryouta Satou?” 

You came to this mansion and you didn’t even know?

Well whatever .

“If you know my name, then this’ll be quick . I’ll fill her role for a while . ” (Ryouta)

“Oh- that’s… . No!”

It was for a moment that he hesitated .

The merchant’s tone became crispy, and he did not hesitate .

“It’s all right now!”

“Wait why?” (Ryouta)

“Yes! I shall leave for now . ” 

The merchant turned around and left the mansion immediately .

…… . .

I’ve seen this before .

A colleague of mine once wanted to take leave, and was told by his boss “Please give a reason for this leave” .

If my colleague had replied: “Because the president is taking a leave as well . ”, it would’ve been the same as asking for a holiday without a reason .

In short, he wanted to bother Sakuya, but even if interpreted favourably, he wanted to stop her from running away .

That’s all .

I was renowned for keeping my head out, and he quickly escaped .

Seriously, can I still do that…… .

I was slightly irritated .

“Uhm, thank you very much!” (Sakuya)

She bowed again .

It was a perfect 90 degrees bow .

When she looked up, her eyes were beaming with hope and expectations .

It was the same look on her yesterday .

That convinced me that what I had done was the right thing .