Needless To Say, This Was A Waste of Time. (15.1)

…

I didn't know where Zaimokuza pulled the mechanics of the War Games out of, but I have no doubt the source material is absolute trash. Sure, on the surface it seems simple. When gods disagree, rather than waging all-out war all over Orario, they fight in a controlled situation that limits damage with conditions for loss and win agreed upon at the start. On the surface it seemed simple, especially when killing in the War Games is frowned upon, but given that the "rules" of the situation were decided by divine beings with the self-control of children, War Games usually didn't happen because they were almost always guaranteed to be absolute clusterfucks.

The gods who initiate the War Game get to decide the rules. Of course, each one would stack the rules in their favor. Hestia managed to get Apollo to agree to having allied Familias involved, but only by risking the allied members who fought alongside her own and accepting that the battle would take place at the Coliseum. Apollo agreed because he was a pervert who had no self-control, wanted both Cranel and myself, and probably thought that he could win even if Hestia brought a few friends along. Naturally, the whole "alliance" between Dionysus, Hephaestus, Miach, Hecate, Loki, and Hestia, which came to being because of the fight against the Calamity, came into light shortly afterward.

Apollo, of course, went out to get his own allies to spread the prizes around rather than undoubtedly lose. Unfortunately, the man may have a few screws loose in his end, but he wasn't an idiot. Again, unfortunately.

Any help we could've gained from Loki, Hecate, and Hephaestus disappeared right then. Why? Since one of the strongest Familias and the second was equal to the Apollo Familia, the whole of Orario would've been dragged into the War Game. Ganesha, as decent of a god he was, and Freya, despite the fact she was involved in Cranel's harem shenanigans, wouldn't sit still knowing one of their rival would be risking prime members in a fight. That's not even taking into account all the other middling Familias around the same strength as Hecate and Apollo Familias who would want a piece of the pie.

Collbrande, Hiryute, and a few decent mages disappeared from our ranks because if they stayed we'd have faced an army of adventurers instead of a just a group. Challia, my students, the Hestia Familia, and myself were the only ones fighting because if everyone fought, we'd be crushed, sliced apart, and passed around like whores for the rest of Orario. Rather than having a powerhouse roster with plenty of muscle, basically only the "main cast" was present and without the usual safety net that Hiryute provided.

That wasn't even the worst of the situation.

Though losing meant being dissolved and taken into other Familias who only wanted us for our bodies (kyaaa~), winning a normal victory wouldn't be enough either. The whole deal with the Alliance was the bluff we gave off that we could beat anyone and anything while together. Naturally, each and every Familia had their own goals, but the image of facing so many Familias, with the Loki Familia in the mix, was a daunting challenge. With that bluff called, and with us forced to work with only what we had, we had to win an overwhelming victory. If we struggled in the War Game, it would be a gathering of Familias, but several weaker Familias being protected by three stronger ones when nothing is to be risked. Thus, a decisive victory was required to show that we could hold our own without our best assets, to ensure that our budding reputation wouldn't be hurt! We don't even gain any if we win, we just manage to keep our bluff!

Seriously, I go into a coma for a week and everything goes to hell!

Goddammit, this was just plain unfair no matter how I looked at it!

Why is it that I have to do everything? Cranel, do your job as the protagonist, damn it!

…

"What do you mean you're not going to be at the War Game tomorrow!?"

Swiftly, I activated one of my 108 Loner Skills. Tactical Headchop Maneuver Version Three: Silencing Loud Students Edition. The strike was originally born from my constant interactions with Hiryute. Over time, the Headchop skill gained prestige and power as it increased in level due to constant use against a Level 5, now Level 6, Amazon Berserker. The technique has tripled in number of variations, has become more effective, and is possibly evolving toward affecting gods. Truly, my 108 Loner Skills are my true source of strength.

"Quiet, brat. We might be followed." Once the trio of "antagonists" left me alone, like a good non-main character, I sought out the protagonist to solve the issue. As expected, despite his growth in ability and power, my white-haired student didn't really provide any answers on how to fight an average Familia with the support of loads of trash mobs and an overpowered troll, let alone decisively triumph over them. His Rank Up allowed him to gain Slayer, which increased all his stats when fighting against stronger opponents, but it didn't exactly solve the issue with the Level 5 we were setting out to face. "And, you weren't listening, I said that I won't be at the start of the War Game."

Cranel opened his mouth to ask a question, but I raised my hand to speak first. Listen well, my student—you may be stronger, but that doesn't mean you're any less of an idiot.

"We're outnumbered, outgunned, and fighting on territory where we hold no advantages." I'd carefully explained to Cranel, in as few and simple words as possible, why all our friends couldn't help us. I was sure that a whole three minutes of the anime went by with my VA just narrating away to still pictures. Hopefully, whoever was voicing me was decent. Who am I kidding. There's no way the sellout anime studio making this would have the budget for a good VA for a supporting character! "That means that we now need to rectify those problems." I eyed my white-haired student as seriously as I could. He fidgeted. Heh. "Give me advice. I have a plan, but I want to hear yours."

Power is power, but in the end tons of powerful people have died. Orario is an unforgiving city that swallows up superhumans and spits out coffins. Those who survive do so through meticulous preparation, thorough planning, and tactical proficiency. Cranel had plenty of power. A Level 3 is to be respected and feared in Orario. He was in the top 20% in Orario. However, in the end, all he knows is how to fight effectively. That alone would save him against many, many monsters, but not against the politics and the competitive nature of Orario itself. In truth, I considered the city itself as the most dangerous level of the Dungeon: Floor 0.

Fucking politics.

"…We definitely need some way to take care of the Level 5, but being outnumbered really isn't that bad." Cranel didn't voice it as a question, which was a plus in my book. Yes, protagonist, please grow a spine. You're pretty much the only person in this world who can make a decision and have it be beneficial in some way or another. "Even with Laulos-senpai on their team, even if they know how we fight, they can't stop us where we're strong."

"And, that's where you'd be wrong, Brat." I grunted and shook my head. We reached the entrance of the massive banquet hall. They were doing something stupid inside like giving out names to adventurers who just Ranked Up. There really was no reason to stay any longer. Naturally, I was going to make the most of the night before a battle while everyone else rested. The effects of being able to replace a night's sleep with a nap is not to be underestimated! "Laulos may have had only a limited amount of time, but she's twice as clever as you are. You may be stronger than her thanks to your Basic Abilities… but that doesn't matter when she's been organizing a whole force of Adventurers to fight against us."

Cranel stayed silent, not knowing what to say. He simply waited for me to explain further.

"When you face an opponent, the first thing you must always do is find their strengths and weakness. Laulos already knows both because she's my student." Carefully, I explained the situation. This was probably going to be a flashback scene shown at the height of the War Games, explaining why I wasn't present, so I made sure to speak as clearly as possible. I was basically narrating how we stood a fighting chance and foreshadowing how we were going to triumph overwhelmingly so that readers and watchers couldn't complain about us being overpowered and unbeatable. "She knows how we fight, our tactics, and the weaknesses of our style of fighting." Cranel seemed ready to say that our style is unbeatable, but I raised my hand. How super dramatic. "Our method of fighting is based on our individual skill and to quickly take down everything in our path. All she needs to do to destroy us is to completely take our superior skills out of the equation."

This was probably the most screen time I was going to get, so I had to make the most use out of it. Ganbare, my VA!

"Imagine trying to pull off our regular tactics against a line of pikes and bows. The Apollo Familia is famed for their Archers and Warriors. Not only that, but even if only the Soma Familia's dregs are entering, it doesn't take long to learn how to point a spear, y'know?" I could see Cranel's mind turning over the situation. While my white-haired student wasn't incredibly smart, he had a decent head between his shoulders. As a grimace formed on his lips, I was sure that he could imagine attempting to charge toward a line of pikes, having to bat them away, and then being shot by archers for his trouble. The tactic was simple and effective, just what I'd expect from Laulos. I was driving the point home (lol). "That's not even taking into account the Level 5 they have at their disposal." I grasped one of his hands, opened it, and then turned his other into a clenched fist. I placed one upon the other repeatedly. "She'll be the hammer and the rest will be the anvil. We get picked off by Archers if we don't attack, our magic users will be hunted down by their Level 5 if we try to mount a siege, and if we attack we'll be riddled with arrows with a Level 5 at our back."

"...We'd lose if we faced that." Cranel took a breath. My white-haired student thought the situation over in his head. I waited for his decision. This was definitely going to be a mid-fight-flashback scene. Just as they're on their last legs, the protagonist thinks back to this moment for strength and courage! Exactly the sort of writing I'd expect Zaimokuza to consider drama. "Then, Sensei, what's your plan and how long do I need to keep the enemy busy for?"

"Those are the questions you should've asked from the start, brat." I huffed and gave him a nod. Oi, don't look so pleased with yourself. Stop making me want to pat your head, dammit! Naturally, I turned away. "You need to survive the first ten minutes. I'll be there by then. Even if I have to bust through the side of the Coliseum to do it." Actually, I'll probably do that just because I could and for the shock value, but I wasn't going to tell him that. "By then, I'll have picked up the equipment we'll need to break their line, Orimoto, and…" I almost bit my tongue. "Someone I really don't want to owe a favor to."

Ah, who was I kidding; if I wanted to get to Under Resort in a timely manner, I was going to have to owe Ryuu anyway.

May as well have her fight too and get the most out of it.

Hey, wait, don't those words make her sound really cool!?

…

Needless To Say, This Was A Waste of Time. (15.2)

…

"Oi, I know that I asked you to come as soon as possible, but you seem to have misplaced your pants, Lyon." Ah, Zaimokuza, I hope that Yukinoshita gets her hand on this novel. The minute she sees what you're having a race of her wear, I have no doubt there will be no need for me to waste any effort rendering my vengeance upon you. All I would have to do is simply walk to your tombstone and lightly vandalize it to sate my lust for revenge. Rest in peace, you perverted bastard. "Unless, of course, you actually have a secret profession that you're hiding away from prying eyes and this is your preferred work clothes?"

"Not everyone can afford to have a blacksmith custom tailor their clothing." Languidly, Lyon locked the door to the Hostess of Fertility before turning towards me. She had two swords, a staff, and a mask wrapped around her neck. The forest motif was strong in her costume, but I suppose I should just be grateful she wasn't just wearing leaves like another elf from a certain other series. Zaimokuza, at the very least, isn't writing doujinshi fodder. Congrats, you bastard, you're not completely trash. Still trash, but just mostly. "So, you know much about the wardrobe of your only friends. How unsurprising of you, Hiki-pervert-kun."

"That's a lie. I have no friends. Nor do I waste money on whores." Lyon leapt upward onto the roofs of Orario and I followed. Since I didn't like having a wardrobe that would just gather dust, my clothes for the banquet sufficed for combat as well. Equipping my weapons and strapping some plates and pouches took mere moments in my room. There was probably more clothes and weapons in my coat than across her whole body. Tch, someone really needs to get over their higher Level. You never know when you're going to meet your match and need some serious firepower on your side! "Hmph, perhaps, with the favor I owe you, you should ask me to buy you some decent clothes?"

"Oh, you'll replace my Magic Items and clothes for free as part of repaying your favor to me? How kind of you, Hikigaya-kun. How gracious. I accept." Oi, oi, oi! Magic items?! That fetish wear is all magical!? I demand certification and licenses! I'm not going to believe those stripper boots and that half-assed cloak are magical until you prove it! A smile played across the devil waitress's face and she tried to hide it behind her hand. What are you playing at, elf!? "Oh, do you intend to go back on your words? Perhaps you're not just a pervert, but also not a man of your word?"

"Words have caused every war and every act of violence between all races in history. I am very much not a man of words, because I cannot abide living up to such a heinous history." We reached Babel at record speed. There were a few guards keeping up a lonely watch around the winding staircase that led into the Dungeon. Technically, Adventurers weren't allowed into the Dungeon at night. Realistically, a bunch of Level 1s playing it safe by earning money at the Guild wouldn't try to stop two Adventurers who leapt through the fifth story window. "Therefore, thank you very much, I am actually the very picture of morality and decency. Quite frankly, on a mere glance, your accusation of me being a pervert automatically falls flat."

Dungeon First Floor. Danger: minimal. Rapid traversal. Begin chanting Continuous Haste. Apply on ally? Ally trustworthy. Apply on ally as well. Continuous Haste applied. Evade monsters.

"Upon a mere glance? So, according to your own words, my accusation would be successful should I peer closer? Are you merely a beast that hides his true nature?" Lyon, the way you chuckle is too scary. Stop that and never do it again. My spine is shivering upon hearing it. Please, for the good of all the world, never laugh like that again. We picked up speed, going through the Goblins, Kobolds, War Shadows, and other trash mobs without so much as unsheathing our weapons. When crowds gathered to block our way, we leapt over them, used them as step stones, or strode along the walls. "The more you describe yourself, the more I'm reminded of a fettered beast, Hiki-doggy-kun. I worry for your students, especially your most recent one. I am afraid that I must stand against you for Syr's sake should you wish to sate your lusts upon Bell-kun."

Mid Floors reached. Must locate ravine. Pattering footsteps. Roars. Almiraj and Hellhounds. Almiraj no threat. Hellhounds are ranged combatants. Utilize throwing knives to neutralize before spell is cast. Two dispatched. Ally paying no attention to Hellhounds. Five dispatched. Possible anti-magic effect of cloak. Or lack of caution. Eight dispatched. Former likely. Thirteen. Latter unlikely. Focus on self-preservation. Unable to dispatch as many opponents due to missing arm. Must utilize increased physical conditions to make up for weakness. Not required to throw with whole arm. Focus on wrist motion. Utilize multiple knives at once. Control motion. Twenty nine dispatched. Effective. Ravine reached. 16th Floor.

"Oi, I'll have you know that I don't think of my students that way! What sort of trash person would consider wooing their own student!?" I can see the fetish and I reject it! Be away from here you common doujinshi trend! The bond between student and teacher does not involve any sort of perversity! I may not be able to go as fast as Mach 20 or be composed of tentacles, but I know that much about teaching! "That would be like you seducing one of the customers at the Inn! It would be a gross violation of our contracts!"

Minotaurs ahead. Lygerfangs present. Knives capable of piercing hide of both. Won't be able to retrieve. Waste of resources. Utilize Continuous Chain Lightning? No. Equipment untested. Best left for tomorrow. Draw saber. Weapon meant for thrusting attack or shallow cuts. Weapon allows for precision strikes, speedy withdrawals, and pinpoint assaults. Tear ligaments, destroy cores, and rid opponent of sight. Effective alone. Much more effective due to Continuous Haste. Will be useful in upcoming conflict. Maiming allowed. Blinding opponents unpalatable but available for use. Best rely on puncture wounds to limbs and away from internal organs.

"Oh, but I made no such contract." What point are you making here, elf? What's with the pause!? Get on with your words before I decide that your morals are in question! Just what do you mean woman, what games are you playing, I'll have you know that I won't be lured in by your ruses! I have way more experience in making people say what I want them to say through implications. There's no way in Hell you're going to get me to say something before you— "I'll have you know I'm free to pursue whomever I fancy, even if they're a customer, Hikigaya-kun."

What. Minotaur swing incoming. Pierce core. What. Ally dispatching Lygerfangs. Enemy number rapidly dwindling. Minotaur with halberd. Through eye and into brain. Swirl sabre to ensure death. What. Focus. Minotaur at back. Pivot, lunge, and pierce core. What. Miss. Focus. Break minotaur knee. Decapitate. What. Sloppy. Focus and concentration was compromised. Shouldn't have happened. What. Stop that! Enemies all dispatched. Goliath not present. Proceed to Under Resort. Cease application of Continuous Haste. What. Stop!

"What." The word slipped out of my tongue, breaking the silence that had formed and went unbroken since Lyon's last words. I really didn't know what to say regarding her words. I must have opened my mouth a dozen times and found no words coming forth. The only word that came to mind was the same inane thing over and over again. The hell is this. What form of attack has been inflicted upon me? All she did was say that she was free to pursue whoever she wanted, dammit! What. Stop that this instant, brain! "What."

"It appears that we've arrived in good time." Lyon ignored me and stalked forward. The elf's hood stopped me from getting a glimpse of her face. She walked quickly upon the road toward Rivira's newest incarnation. "Meet with me at Rivira's Inn when you're finished with your business or require more of my aid." Oi, why are you walking so fast. This is the safe zone. I tried to follow but she disappeared into the forest. Her voice trailed toward me though I couldn't discern her from the rest of the forest. "I will see you later, Hikigaya-kun."

Geez, no matter what, I can never seem to manage to get the upper hand against that elf.

…

"Neh, Hikigaya, did you miss me so much you couldn't stay away for an entire week?" Orimoto coyly greeted me as I entered the large hut of which she inhabited along with most of Rivira's populace. The shelter was well lit, carefully set-up, and roomy despite the many cots set up everywhere in sight, as I would expect of someone with Orimoto's ability to organize. My fellow dimensional traveler gave me a wink and a two-fingered salute as soon as I entered. We're currently missing an alien, a time-traveler, and an esper, but I'm pretty sure those guys will come along sometime in the next five books. "You know, people will start talking if you keep visiting me so often. Hilarious, right?"

"I need your help in a War Game tomorrow." I knew how Orimoto was. The direct course of action was the best way to go about talking with her. Not only that, but she had responsibilities to Rivira. The most efficient course of action would be to start bargaining already. I didn't want to hesitate about asking her. I didn't want to bring her up there on the off chance we could be betrayed and her Skill could be figured out. If I had the slightest bit of hesitation, I was sure it would grow into not wanting to bring her along completely. "Can you come?"

"I can and I will."

"I'm prepared to offer you—"

My brain managed to catch up with the words I heard before I made a fool of myself any further.

Still, Orimoto heard me and she was already laughing with her usual, wide smile on her face.

"Neh, Hikigaya, you go about saving all my friends here and you think that I'm going to ask you for money to help you out? Jeez, that's too funny!" Orimoto shook her head and took control of her laughter. I noticed Elder in the corner of my vision. The de facto leader of Rivira gave a snort and a wave. Huh, so she was being serious. How exactly did you survive in this cutthroat, hellish town this long, Orimoto? "You're thinking too much about this Hikigaya!" She raised her hand toward me while grinning. She must have seen my expression since I'd forgotten to wear my mask. "You and I, we're both trying to get home, right? It would be pretty dumb of me if I don't help you out as much as possible, right?"

The logic was seemingly simple and flawless. Of course, it wasn't that simple, the words also assumed that I thought the same way and that I would come to her aid if she needed help.

Under normal circumstances, I would be hesitant to accept such a plain offer from anyone, even Orimoto, but the situation was anything but normal.

I grasped her hand with my own.

"Of course that's the case." Getting home, reaching the end of the Dungeon, was both of our goals. Orimoto smiled widely and nodded. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as well. Two years of living in this new world, looking for a way out, and here I was reaching a milestone on my journey. I was no longer alone. Despite being a loner, I couldn't help but feel relieved. Relieved enough to fall back on words that hadn't left my mouth in the longest time. "I'll be in your care then, Orimoto."

"Yes, and I'll be in yours, Hikigaya."

…

Needless To Say, This Was A Waste of Time. (15.3)

…

"Neh, Hikigaya, are you sure that you're not a supporter when you're carrying that much?" Orimoto giggled behind her mask. I'd brought along the set of clothes I'd asked Crozzo to make for her. I was lucky that Crozzo was impeccable at guessing figures, given his tailoring expertise, making the experience less questionable than it could have been. Anyway, she was now clad in decent clothing and armor instead of just a raggedy tunic, her hair was covered up, and a full-face mask I'd picked up on the cheap kept her features hidden. She was about as anonymous as she was going to get. "Maybe you missed out on your calling. Hilarious, right?"

"…The Hikigaya Express is only active on certain days and carries out deliveries for one person: me. So don't get any ideas." I huffed and rolled my eyes. My words and actions only seemed to make Orimoto laugh harder. You know, wearing a plain white mask like that just makes your laughter scary, right? It's like you're laughing while planning something malicious, y'know!? "I am not some glorified pack mule, I'll have you know."

"Pahhahah! Hikigaya Express!" Orimoto was almost doubled over in laughter as we made our way to Rivira's Inn. The place had no name and exorbitant prices. Ten thousand Valis per person each night. Needless to say, it was one of Rivira's main sources of income so it was their first priority right after walls and basic necessities. It was the very essence of greed, corruption, and taking advantage of the misfortunate. Overall, it was quite homey and reminded me a lot of home. "Hi-hilarious, hilarious! You haven't changed at all, Hikigaya!"

If I closed my eyes, ignored the scent of the forest and the fact that the sky was composed of crystals, I could almost imagine being back home because of Orimoto. My former classmate was living, breathing proof that Japan did exist, that I did have a home to go back to, and that I wasn't some extremely delusional native of Orario's world. Everything I remember is real. I wasn't crazy. Those thoughts calmed me so much, though I hadn't even realized that I had worried about such things. As expected, a lot of the worries I had had never died and simply droned on quietly in the back of my head.

"So, Orimoto, how's Rivira doing?" After a few moments, I decided to partake in some small talk. It felt wrong to just be silent, despite the fact that I loved being quiet. Being quiet is the best. Don't worry, Silence-chan, I'm not abandoning you. You'll always have a place in my heart. However, I must speak to my fellow interdimensionally displaced Japanese citizen. The romance between you and myself must take a backseat because I've just found a person who I really, really need to speak to. "Everything squared away?"

"Hmmm… I don't think you want to talk about Rivira at all, Hikigaya." Orimoto gave a thoughtful hum. Jeez, since when did you start training your perception skills? You're going to be too overpowered if you're both perceptive and charismatic, y'know? If you're too talented, the audience is going to hate you, Orimoto! My former classmate snapped her fingers and aimed the digits toward me. "I think what you really want to ask is if I can help you go through as many Floors as possible before levelling up again."

"Right." Well, I'm not going to complain if I can get away with making small talk. Also, Orimoto, I don't know if you're posing on purpose, but I'm currently afraid that you've suddenly managed to gain a Stand. Is there some overly muscular figure invisibly mimicking you right at this moment? If you're able to punch at the speed of light, I would very much like you to finish this Dungeon off so we can get home, dammit! "How much time will you need before you can start coming along with my students and myself further into the Dungeon?"

"I'll come along whenever you reach here." The answer was surprising, especially since I was sure that Orimoto was the head honcho of Rivira. My former classmate shook her head and I was somewhat off put by her sudden lack of jubilation. As funny as it sounds, she was always the girl who laughed when she could. When she stared at me, with the blank mask on, I couldn't help but feel worry curdle in my gut. "…I don't have as many friends as you do, Hikigaya."

There were many things that I could have said, but I just stayed silent and listened. I had been alone when I had first arrived. So had she. I suppose that the two of us were the only ones we could truly discuss our situations about. We knew what we had both gone through. It was a link between the two of us, something terrible that bound us together, and so I said nothing. Though I couldn't believe that she wasn't liked or loved, and could wrap my head around why she said I have friends, I chose to only listen.

"I'm necessary and needed here, especially because of what I can do, but that just… just makes it harder to get people I can actually trust." Orimoto knit her gloved hands together. After a moment, she decided to take off the mask I had given her. A frown was on her lips and her brow furrowed. It wasn't a look that I was used to seeing on her face. "Bors is one of the few. Some died in the Dungeon. But… the people I can count on and show my face to... I can count them on one hand." I supposed I assumed too much when I thought there was some honor amongst thieves in Rivira. "I offered my services, sold my ability to Update, and people knew of me… but they didn't know Orimoto Kaori because I couldn't risk being discovered by the gods above."

Just like me, Orimoto had chosen secrecy as her first line of defense. However, she had been forced to rely on Updating others and unveil one of our most powerful skills in order to survive the Dungeon. A Level One in Under Resort could do nothing but die. All in all, she was lucky to have survived as long as she did and she knew it. While I'd been able to drown myself in work, literally focusing everything I had on becoming stronger, how long did it take her before she could even take a single step in the Dungeon with the Goliath at her back and the rest of the Dungeon beyond her?

"…" Though I hesitated, I did end up placing a hand on Orimoto's shoulder. Someway, somehow I was able to find words to say to her. "Well, that isn't the case now, Orimoto. I'm here now." I gave her a nod. I hoped that I wasn't making a fool out of myself. The words I were saying were corny as all hell. I'd heard it a hundred times from dozens of different media. The message was simple, that she wasn't alone, but I hoped that it would reach her. "If you need anything, anything at all, don't be afraid to ask me. We're in this together. We'll reach the end."

For a moment, we just stood there before Rivira's Inn. Since it was in the middle of the night, I didn't have to worry about anyone seeing me make an idiot of myself. Orimoto simply stared at me for the longest time. I wondered how her Skill worked. She could focus on a single subject to the point of ignoring all else. I fought on the frontlines while she formulated strategies, directed troops, and stayed out of fighting. Damn, I'd really have liked to just sit back, call out targets, and pick people off. Anyway, I'd have thought my former classmate wouldn't need to take so long to parse through my words given her spectacular skill. Stop staring at me. Jeez. You're making me far too nervous here.

Suddenly, without warning, Orimoto pulled me forward. Given her advantage in strength and the element of surprise, I was incapable of standing my ground. Soon enough, I found myself in a position that would've made me the envy of my middle school self. Namely, with my former classmate and crush wrapping her arms around me. Wait, I was sure that any of my past selves would hate me. I could already feel the screams of "Riajuu go die!" in the back of my mind. Oi, oi, oi, guys, hold off.

Why?

For one thing, the girl wrapped around me was crying.

Yeah.

"It's… I keep thinking that you're just a dream. T-that you're not real. Pah-ha…ha… Every moment, if I don't know something is true… I keep questioning… questioning if y-you're really here." The Orimoto I knew and spoke with crumbled away into another girl entirely. Just like an adventurer who'd lost everything, who was desperately trying to breathe, she cried and wept while trying to justify herself. The girl in my arms wasn't just a regular person. She had to justify why she was afraid and why she had to cry. She was doing her utmost best to be strong. "B-but here you are, H-Hikigaya. Ha…ha..pha… just as smart, just as clever, and the same person you've always been." Raising her head to gaze at me with a beatific, teary smile, I couldn't help but force myself to bury feelings that I'd thought died. I would never take advantage of anyone in her place, let alone Orimoto. "I k-know that I could never be clever enough to know just the right thing to say… you're here. R-really here. Thank the gods you're here…"

For a while that's how we stayed.

For a while, I didn't understand her.

But, soon enough, the right thoughts gathered speed in my head.

I was able to realize the same things that Orimoto had in a heartbeat.

One high school student abducted from their family and friends holding another. Both with all their reasons to be suspicious of one another, all their reasons to think there was something at play, wiped away. Erased. No more need to worry about lies and deception. They were both undoubtedly and irrevocably the people they both remembered. One was me. The other was Orimoto. We were lost in a world not our own, we'd been alone and without anyone, but here we were together.

We were with another person who knew what the real world was. A person who'd gone to school, who watched the same movies, and felt the same feelings about the same subjects. Both of us had lived in Chiba, Japan. We'd lived in a world without gods, monsters, or adventurers. We had parents, siblings, and people we cared about wondering where we were. Both of us went through dangers we'd never expected, met people we'd never wanted to meet, and done things we never wanted to do.

This was real.

We were no longer alone.

…

Interlude: The Lonely Champion. (Part 2)

…

For perhaps the first time, I saw that Hikigaya Hachiman was content. Though he tried to hide it, to maintain his posture, I found that he derived no small amount of joy from meeting Orimoto Kaori. They were of the same Familia and have known each other for years and years, so his reaction upon finding her was to be expected. Despite his own disdain for company, I was sure that Hikigaya yearned for a companion. Someone that he trusted with everything he had and more. A person who he could undeniably, undoubtedly trust. Naturally, after years of being alone and inhabiting Orario, he was happy after finding that person.

All those truths did not make looking upon the two of them any easier.

Though I would like to say that I saw my past Familia between the two, that I couldn't help but remember my own friends and family, I knew better than to lie to myself. Foolishness and self-deception accompanied one another like old friends. Once upon a time, I'd been convinced that violence was the only answer and that vengeance was the only form of justice. I'd nearly died after throwing away the ideals that my Familia had upheld. I'd learned from my mistakes. So, now, I couldn't hope to delude myself in believing anything else but the truth.

Someway, somehow I had begun to wish to be a person who Hikigaya Hachiman needed and trusted. Not only that, but seeing that role taken by another left me to stew in a plethora of unpleasant emotions.

Of course, while I was sure that Hikigaya wouldn't realize my feelings on the matter, I didn't take into account Orimoto herself.

"Lyon-chan, it's been a while." Orimoto, the girl who'd declared me to be Hikigaya's friend and her own by default, wore the clothes she was given well. Her mask, meant to hide her features, was in her hand. It allowed me to see the redness of her eyes. Though I tried to commiserate, the feeling wouldn't come. I nodded a greeting towards her, not trusting my own voice. A sigh escaped her lips. "You know, Lyon-chan, Hikigaya-kun has a lot of trouble letting other people in." She didn't allow me to break away from her gaze. "I'm sorry about that. It's mostly my fault."

The words were spare and simple, but I felt my teeth grind. Of course, I could clearly see that their relationship was more than both of them implied. There was no reason for her to explain it. Hikigaya kept plenty of secrets from me, many of them small and capricious in nature, so why not this one? He most certainly must have treasured this particular secret far more than all the other ones he had.

My thoughts were interrupted as Orimoto suddenly stomped her foot. Given that she equaled me in strength, being on her Fourth Step of Divinity, the ground shook noticeably.

"Oi, you two, think before you act." Hikigaya's growling response was immediate. Though speaking with Bors, haggling the price down for more material, he was nonetheless able to respond. I was convinced that he either had another set of ears on the back of his head or a Skill that allowed him to focus on multiple subjects at once. His ability to respond to simultaneous threats was unparalleled. "Rivira can't handle two Level 4s acting like brats."

I was glad that he hadn't turned to look at the two of us. The embarrassment and shame I'd have felt would have been too much if he had.

"Let me finish talking before you assume anything!" Orimoto took Hikigaya's comment in stride, crossing her arms and giving a huff without so much as a pause. They spoke to one another with ease. Once I'd thought that was merely the case with all humans, but I was wrong. Being able to speak without fear or caution was only for families or close friends. "Hikigaya has a hard time letting other people in, because the first time he tried… that person cut ties with him without a second thought."

"…." Even in Familias, some would not get along. Though I had been blessed with a good Familia, with all of us in Astraea-sama's service being good to one another, I was sure that Hikigaya wouldn't have been able to be pleasant to anyone, let alone everyone. Meanwhile Orimoto, since I'd first met her, had never failed to be jubilant. Hikigaya, without his years and experiences, would latch onto someone kind as many lonely individuals would. A phrase he once uttered entered my mind. I prefer the truth, no matter how harsh it is. The opposite embodiment was right before me. "…You."

"We never got along well after that. He avoided me and I did the same. Eventually, we made up, but… well, nothing ever stays the same, y'know?" Orimoto scratched at her chin as she confirmed my statement. There were no smiles or laughter from her. I could see how focused she was, how earnestly she was trying to explain despite her discomfort. This was something between two members of a Familia. I could hardly speak about the friends I lost, yet here she was willingly sharing with me something she was immensely displeased about. "Then, we all got separated, I was sent here without knowing where anyone else was, I spent years without anyone else from my Familia, doing what I could to stay alive here in Rivira…." Her lip quivered, but she shook her head. I could only grasp at the machinations of their god, the reasons why any divine being would put their children through such trials, but I knew that any answer I could discern would be wrong. The gods did not think as mortals did. "…and now he's here and I can't help but be happy that I have someone back."

"He trusts you because you're part of his Familia and you share the same goal." I tried not to sound… relieved. Given that a ghost of a smile played on Orimoto's lips, I did not succeed. I bent my head before her in apology as I felt shame crawl up my cheeks. "My apologies, I hadn't meant to sound so crass—"

"No, it's okay. It's kinda funny, but I wish that more people were as honest as you." A giggle left Orimoto's lips. It wasn't hollow, but neither was it truly happy. It was a sound that reminded me more of a sigh. There was history that I wasn't aware of, despite everything I was told. I wondered if things had changed between the two of them. She told me that she and Hachiman had made up, that everything had been settled, and they now strived to work with one another, but was that the case for her? I wanted to ask, but I couldn't seem to find my words as I looked upon the softly smiling girl before me. "I can see why Hikigaya-kun likes you. The two of you are very similar. You hold your hearts on your sleeves even though you lock them away."

There were many questions that I wanted to ask Orimoto, but before I could I noticed another presence nearby.

"Kaori." Bors Elder's deep voice drew the two of us from our conversation. Within moments, Orimoto managed to put on her mask. Her body changed before my eyes. Her shoulders straightened, her hand rose and waved, and she rose to her tiptoes in glee. A smile was on her face as she happily greeted Rivira's representative. "Hey, what's gotten you so happy?" Elder gave a chuckle as he approached us. I see. "Happy that you're finally leaving this dump?"

"Hilarious!" Orimoto laughed and the plain mask Hachiman gave her bounced on her hip. The girl placed her hands on her sides and shook her head. The girl was the very picture of glee and charm. However, unlike the Amazon who'd cried over Hachiman, I doubted that the person I saw now was who she really was. I understood her hidden intent. Though her words didn't have her say it, the personality I saw before me, the cheerful, nice girl I saw, must have been what drew him to her. He hadn't tried to get her trust, no, I was sure that he had fallen for her mask and she rejected him. "As if, Bors! You're just trying to make excuses to kick me out, aren't you?"

"I kick you out and I'll probably get my ass kicked to Floor 70 and back by all your fans." Elder grinned and shook his head. I noticed that he carried a package on his back. The man, without preemption, threw it at Orimoto who caught it with a feigned huff. The man scratched his cheek. "Here, it's a few arrows and trinkets to see you getting back in one piece. There would be more, but there aren't exactly many people awake this hour." I knew Rivira's representative. The man before me, thoughtful and considerate, wasn't that man. This very scene was Orimoto telling me what she couldn't put into words. Through action, she told me the truth that she couldn't bring herself to say aloud. "It isn't much, but—"

Seeing enough, I took a step back and excused myself.

Orimoto's gaze shifted towards me as I left, words on her lips readied, but I shook my head and bid her farewell with a wordless wave.

My thoughts were sated and the tumultuous emotions I'd felt earlier had faded away.

Nothing more needed to be said between Orimoto and myself.

"Done sticking your nose into gossip, Lyon?" Hachiman didn't turn to greet me. There was no spring in his step, change in his body, or any other sign of glee at the sight of me. Though he had held Orimoto, let her cry in his arms, he greeted me as he normally did before he had fallen asleep and lost his arm. I had thought that the contrast had meant something. That though I had helped him while he was unconscious, despite the moment we shared, he thought no more of me than he used to. However, after seeing Orimoto, I knew what he was doing. He didn't wish to worry others, have others aid him, or receive any words of kindness and commiseration. The fact that he had asked me for my help held greater meaning than I originally believed. "Oi, are you going to say something or are you just going to stand there?"

He went still as I grasped the fabric hiding his loss.

"I will help you in any way I can, Hachiman." The words I needed to say, perhaps what I should've said the moment I'd felt what I had, left me. Despite his own wit and guile, I couldn't allow him to dictate what was between the two of us. He was too wary and I could easily be confused. It was simpler and better to say what I needed to say, so that I wouldn't find myself in the same situation I had been moments ago. I didn't like it. If nothing changes, then everything stays the same. I didn't want that. "Even if you have nothing you can offer, if you ever need me, don't hesitate to ask."

Hachiman's silence at my statement drowned out everything else. In that moment, I forgot everything as I just waited for his answer. I wondered what was going through his head, what he thought and discerned from my words, and what was going to happen. He could reject my help or accept it. Those were the only two options available to the two of us. There were no clever words to be shared between the two of us. Both he and I knew that this moment wasn't meant for guile or cunning. Everything between the two of us hung on the question and the answer.

Finally, he took a breath, and answered with a whisper.

"…Thank you, Ryuu."

With those words, I felt content.

…

Needless To Say, This Was A Waste of Time. (15.4)

…

If no plan survives first contact with the enemy, then what one needs to do is be the enemy. Plans are too damned useful to simply throw out of the window. I was sure that whoever said that tactics are useless in a fight was either incompetent, idiotic, or both. Going into battle without a plan or with the plan to "wing it" is pretty much the same as saying you'll just "do your best." Well, I hate to say it (lol), but the truth is that the average person's "best" equates only to "there was an attempt."

Human beings, in the end, all start as trash and will stay trash if nothing is done to work against it.

A finger poked my cheek.

"Hikigaya-kun~." Oi, stop that, Orimoto. You do not have the required appeal to pull off lengthening words, especially while wearing the armor set I've given you. The only way you can pull that move off in the anime would be if we were suddenly all turned into poorly drawn and comedic cutouts. I know that the anime studio's budget for Zaimokuza's atrocity would be low, but at the very least I'm sure that they can afford to show the three of us standing still and looking down at the Coliseum! "The fight's already started, why aren't we helping your friends out?"

"On the contrary; it doesn't seem like Cranel-kun and the others need help. Cranel, Arde, and your other two students are effectively mitigating the Ishtar Familia's skirmishing and allowing the rest to counter the tactics which the Apollo and Soma Familias employed through magic." Ryu—Lyon decided to speak in my stead. At the very top of the Coliseum, the elf peered over the edge to take in the battle. Man it sure must be nice to have the vision of a Level 4. At Level 3, the most that I can do is see that the battle is going well down below. Anyway, Laulos had employed the tactics I expected her to use, and the Brat and everyone else seemed to be faring well. "However, the Level 5 has yet to make a move and is protecting a cloaked individual, which is disturbing. I'm unsure as to the reason why they would keep her in reserve… or why they would bring someone along who requires protection."

"The same reason we're here instead of down there. They want to see if they need to show off all their cards or if they can get away with just what they have now." Orario, being a terrible place, was competitive to the extreme. If you show off your entire hand in a battle then in the next you'll find your previous tactics and secrets countered. Apollo and Soma were pretty much showing off that even weaker Adventurers can stand up to those with higher levels and better training with the right tactics and equipment. Ishtar revealed that she had a core group of well-trained high-level warriors and two aces up her sleeve or wherever it is prostitutes keep what they want to hide. Overall, if you had a gimmick, you wanted to keep it hidden until the last moment unless you wanted it to blow up in your face. "They're waiting to see if they need to go all-in or if they can make do with what they have."

"Neh, Hikigaya-kun, are you sure you don't just want to be the hero and charge in at the best moment?" Oi, Orimoto, stop that. That most definitely isn't the case. I'm here, as I already said, to attack the enemy when they are at their weakest. Naturally, that means I'll have to attack them when they believe that they have achieved victory and that defeat is impossible. "Shouldn't we at least deal with their secret weapon? That cloaked girl in the back seems too important to ignore, you knooww~."

"A preemptive strike seems prudent, but given that a decisive victory is needed, it may be pertinent to allow the enemy to grow to their full strength before striking them down." I don't know whether to be thankful or scared by your support, Lyon. Preemptive strikes is just a fancy way of saying attacking first, y'know? I'm Japanese. The last time we tried that, it didn't work out too well. Americans have it as their MO nowadays, but last time I bothered to check it wasn't working out that well for them either. Don't think I'm not watching out for those Familia-Destroyer traits you confirmed you had! "However, I'll leave the decision to you, Hachiman." She turned to me for a second, looking over her shoulder from her crouch, and gave me a nod. "Just keep in mind that if we're too late Cranel-kun and the others might get hurt."

"…I'll put them through the wringer if they get hurt by anything besides that Level 5." The group of Amazons that Ishtar had skirmishing and doing what I'd believe the Level 5 would do were all in the 3 and 4 range. The brats shouldn't have trouble against them. In fact, why weren't those Amazons down for the count yet? Did they see through Ishtar's plan and know that the Level 5 would be sent in only when those guys fell? I mean, it was obvious from my perspective, but I wasn't sure if my brats could see through the plan. Battle had a way of creating mono-focus. This was a good way to test whether or not they had decent battlefield awareness if nothing else. "We'll attack the moment the Level 5 or that 'secret weapon' of Ishtar makes a move."

Orimoto gave a nod but kept her bow at the ready. Lyon said nothing because she already said she'd follow my orders. As far as compromises went it was the best one I'd ever had. I mean, for the most part, I compromised very little while Orimoto's plan was almost summarily rejected. So, really, it wasn't a good compromise since those would have everyone unhappy. Since I was happy and Orimoto simply assented, I technically won. So, in the end, it wasn't even a compromise (lol).

I looked over the battle in earnest, focusing as much as I could to discern who was who among my students and taking in just how effective the pike formation was. Given that their uniforms were similar and they moved properly, I could only tell the difference between Erisuis, Nelly, Arde, and Cranel by the way they fought. Arde fought with her hands gauntleted, Nelly with her claymore and shields, Erisuis like a madwoman, and Cranel was the most average of the four. They engaged the group of Amazon Warriors again and again. I could tell they were holding back, buying time, and slowly wearing their opponents down. They could have easily rushed the Amazons one after another. Challia and Yamato offset both the Soma and Apollo Familias on their lonesome. Yamato, as expected of an anime katana user, was parrying incoming arrows and guarding the mage. Challia, being moderately skilled, was actually able to use concurrent chanting. Overall, the two were doing a good job of kiting the mass of pikes and bows while picking them apart.

Cranel had taken my words too seriously. If the enemy was this weak and unorganized, he should have definitely changed tactics and focused on taking them down. Sure there was the danger of Jamil coming in to engage them along with the mysterious, cloaked, and not-at-all-special figure that she was guarding. The Soma and Apollo Familias were getting whittled down, but the casualties were very light due to the fact Challia was holding herself back from firing at the formation at point-blank range and allowing Yamato to cast her gravity spell to destroy the whole block.

Though I hadn't wanted to look at this War Game like a way to teach my students, mostly because I'd already spent so much money since I believed that it was a true threat, I was seeing what Orimoto must have realized at first glance: despite being incredibly outnumbered and outgunned, the group I had would've already won if I hadn't told them to hold back. Why? Well, because I'd made the mistake of thinking the Ishtar, Apollo, and Soma Familias had anything besides an alliance of convenience. To put it simply, instead of fighting against three veteran forces working together, there were three different groups of decent individuals with a vague understanding of tactics with their own separate goals.

Meaning, of course, that I had wasted time and money over a battle that could've been won decisively with just what I had available. Hell, from what I was looking at, I could've probably just sat in the audience, provided commentary, and gotten screen time explaining how much stronger Cranel had gotten while I was in my coma! Goddammit! Overall, I wasted an opportunity to become a more important character, money, time, money, and —most importantly—money!

Goddammit, I hadn't needed to buy these extra Crozzo swords and weapons forged from the Asura from Under Resort at all!

And I was sure that Orimoto knew all of that already.

I stood up, bit my tongue, and as calmly as I could I turned to Orimoto and Lyon.

"Change of plans; we're attacking now and ending this joke of a battle right now." I needed to get a telescope or something. If my eyes had been able to see what was happening at the Arena without concentration I was sure that my Skill would've been able to process the situation. Wait, no, that would have just had me jumping in right away. It wouldn't have saved my money! So, in the end, the fault lay in the fact that Apollo, Soma, and Ishtar were trash! If they were better gods they would've had decent Familias who could actually put up a fight! Those bastards made me expect too much of them, dammit! "You two engage Jamil. I'll handle the one in the cloak and the pike block."

"Got it, Hachiman." Lyon, thankfully, just pulled up her mask and hefted the quarterstaff I'd purchased for her. The pitch-black weapon didn't fit with the rest of her attire, but I doubted that she'd shelve it in favor of the stick she'd been using earlier. Made from the bones of the Asura, Bors told me that the weapons I purchased seemed to exhibit properties of Durandal enchantments. They were indestructible and only needed sharpening ever so often. If not for the fact the Asura was terrifying and could easily kill dozens of Adventurers, he would be tempted to try and have another of the Cataclysms come into being. "I will see that brute on her knees."

With that curious phrase, the elf launched herself off the ledge straight down.

Though I was glad that Lyon chose against commenting, I knew better than to think Orimoto would be nearly as gracious. Looking upon her, I never thought a plain, white face could look insufferably smug, but it appeared I was wrong once more.

"You really worry too much, Hikigaya-kun~." Orimoto sauntered over to my side and gave a slight laugh. My former classmate gave me a cheery series of pats on my back. Please, Orimoto, this sort of treatment is inhumane. Stop this instant. There is no need to rub salt in the wound, even if I'm sure you noticed how smug I was moments ago! Be the better person, the nice girl you're supposed to be. I get teased way too much already in this damned world! "But I suppose that's just how a teacher would react when they think their students are in danger, right? Or, with how much Valis you spent, is it more of a father buying the very best for his kids?"

There was only one response to those words.

"No. Go die."

I grabbed Orimoto and threw her at the battle.

She was laughing as she made her way down.

Dammit.

…