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Chapter 36: Closure For This Dumbass!

Part 1

We got a boss treasure chest for killing those Brutal Alligators.

Without wasting any time, I opened my chest.

Mithril Ore (Very Rare)

This mithril ore can be used to craft powerful equipment.

I got a precious ore from my chest.

Since I already had mithril armor, I thought about what to do with this ore.

After a few moments, I got an idea.

I held the rope and the ore together.

"[Smithing]!"

…Only for nothing to happen.

I guess the fact that the ore was Very Rare meant that my smithing skill at rank 1 couldn't cut it.

That meant I'd have to visit that blacksmith again…

"Oh, I got a new spear!"

Darkness said, happy with her loot.

"I got a new wand!"

Rin held her wand up, showing it off.

"Fufu… Magic rings that increase magic power, huh?"

As if Megumin needed more power.

"What's this?! A magical pepper shaker that makes all your food perfectly spiced?! What kind of garbage is this?!"

Aqua forgot to let me open her chest and her terrible luck kicked in.

"...That one's your fault."

"Y-You should have reminded me, Kazuma!"

I ignored Aqua, who tried to pin the blame on me.

As for Marika-san, she had to pilot the heli the whole time and unfortunately couldn't get a chest. She didn't seem to mind it too much, though. As expected of a pro.

I looked around at the clear water around us. With the Brutal Alligators defeated, the others were wary of us and didn't approach.

Normally, I'd head back at this point, but…

I used [Lurk] and snuck up behind one of them.

"[Snipe]!"

And hunted one.

Since these things spawned like crazy, we didn't need to worry about hunting them to extinction.

"...Maybe this is a good place to power level?"

I said, while looking at the fallen Brutal Alligator.

"Hah? You can only do that 'coz this area is clean for now, but it'll get dirty again! I'm not doing this every single time!"

Aqua was understandably opposed to my idea.

"I guess we'll leave for now, then."

"Yeah, let's get out of here. This place stinks!"

Before that, we left it up to Megumin to skin the alligators. I stored the materials into my inventory, since I was going to visit the blacksmith anyway.

As we were about to leave, I noticed a peculiar plant.

Rather, my [Medicine] skill helped me notice it, otherwise I would have just ignored it.

It was a purple plant with green spots on them.

My skill told me that I could make basic healing potions out of these.

I took some of these plants with me.

I dismantled the helicopter and we made it out of the boss area.

Then, using the teleporter, we made it back to the first floor.

The others were leaving, but I stayed behind and headed to the pond area, where Megumin and I first fished for crawfish.

However, instead of destroying the ecosystem like last time, I used my [Gardening] skill.

Like with the Giant Toads, I set up a fence around some wet soil to keep monsters away from the garden I was going to make.

It wasn't the perfect deterrent, so I made a note to ask Wiz if she had something that equaled monster repellent.

Once my garden was complete, I made my way out of the dungeon.

…

…

The blacksmith, as always, didn't look happy to see me.

"...Why are you so unfriendly? I got you some good business last time, right?"

During the battle against Sylvia and Hans, I had the government commission the blacksmith for some swords.

"Yeah, and now they won't leave me alone. I want a quiet life, not having the government breathing down my neck with orders!"

I kind of forgot about the fact that he was just a normal shopkeeper who was doing the blacksmith thing as a side gig.

"Sorry about that. Well, you'll be happy to know that I have more work for you!"

"...Are you even listening to me?"

I couldn't really help it, since he was the only blacksmith I knew.

I learned that his skill level increased, and he was now able to handle higher tier gear.

With that, he took the mithril ore and alligator skin I gave him.

For the mithril ore, he made a rope for me that I couldn't make myself.

Mithril Rope (Very Rare)

Rope with mithril chain inside. Can capture anything, even spiritual beings.

As for the alligator skin, I didn't really have an idea for it, but when I thought about it, I didn't really have any gear to complement my newly attained [Unarmed Combat] skill.

I asked him to make protective gloves for my fists, so I wouldn't just be punching things barehanded.

Brutal Alligator Gloves (Very Rare)

Rough leather gloves made from Brutal Alligator.

Durability: 40/40

Weapon Accuracy: Dexterity modifier [Unarmed Combat] = 87% chance of hitting

Weapon Damage: 3 bludgeoning damage Strength modifier (8) Bonus (0) = 11 damage

All in all, the whole thing cost me 90,000 Yen, but it would have cost me more if I didn't provide the materials myself.

"Can I ask for a discount?"

"Never."

Something told me that I was never going to make a good impression on this guy, even if my charisma was in the 1000s.

Part 2

Wiz smiled when I came through the door of her store.

"Welcome, Kazuma-san! You're just in luck, I have all sorts of new gear!"

"...Is it actually good?"

"Yes, I personally think so!"

So that meant that it wasn't.

The captured demon was dusting the counter and didn't even look up at me.

"Oi… Shouldn't you at least greet a customer?"

"Welcome… I'd offer you tea, but Wiz-sama uses that as her main source of nutrients."

When I looked at the demon, I saw that he looked thinner than he was before.

"Wiz, are you even feeding him?"

"Why, yes, of course! He eats more than I do!"

"I feel like 'eat' is a strong word! I'm only drinking tea and sugar water, after all! That might be enough for a Lich but I might die if this keeps up!"

Even though the demon acted in a subservient manner to Wiz at the start, I suppose the hunger pains were getting to him. He was starting to talk defiantly to her.

"Wiz… He is technically a prisoner of war. It's not good to mistreat him like this."

"I-I'm not trying to mistreat him, but I can't do anything about the lack of food! In the first place, Vanir-san and I don't even really need to eat!"

I suppose since there was no need to stock up the refrigerator, it was hard to justify getting food just for the demon.

Especially since she was always broke.

"...What happened to all the money you got from my previous purchases?"

"I used them to craft more amazing items, of course!"

And they were probably all duds.

I didn't even know why I thought I could get a working monster repellent from Wiz, but I still asked her,

"Monster repellent… Ah, I have one!"

She took out a vial with a spray nozzle and presented it to me.

"This is a fragrance that will keep monsters away!"

"Oh, so it actually works?"

"Yes! In fact, it works so well that it will keep other people away from you, too!"

What a horrible item.

Well, I wasn't planning on spraying this on myself, but on the fence around my garden, so that side-effect didn't affect me at all.

I just hoped the perfume wouldn't keep me away as well.

"Alright, I'll buy this. But on one condition! You have to use the money to buy the demon here some food and other expenses."

The demon started tearing up and went to hug my leg.

"Oh, thank you! You saved me! Thank you!"

I shook him off my leg.

"...I'm not doing this for you. I just don't want to deal with the consequences of mistreating a prisoner of war…"

Our treatment of this demon could dictate how the demons treat us, if they manage to take over our world.

While beating them was the best outcome, I couldn't discount the possibility of humanity losing.

Iris told us that the citizens of her kingdom actually prefer the Demon King as a ruler, as opposed to the corrupt nobles that once oppressed them.

That probably meant that the Demon King could treat us well even if he were to conquer us, especially if he received word that we treated his soldiers well upon capture.

"So, how much is this item, Wiz?"

"This is a rare and powerful item, so it will cost 100,000 Yen!"

"...With those prices, you're gonna stay broke!"

Still, I paid her the full price, since that money was gonna go to the demon's expenses, anyway.

"Thank you so much, Kazuma-san! I can buy all sorts of expensive materials with this!"

"Did you forget our promise already?!"

"O-Oh, right…"

I wasn't sure if I could completely trust her.

I turned to the demon and said,

"If you want to survive, you will need to keep an honest account of how Wiz uses that money."

"B-But I wouldn't dare inconvenience Wiz-sama…"

"Do you prefer to starve?"

"...I'll keep a close eye on her."

"By the way, what's your name?"

I didn't want to just call it 'demon' all the time.

"My name is Dante…"

I felt like that name was wasted on such a low-ranking demon scout, but I didn't tell him that.

"By the way, Kazuma-san, um, what should I do if I'm asked to release Dante-kun? If the Demon King finds out that I'm keeping him prisoner here on your request, I will surely be ordered to release him."

From what I understand, Wiz had a special position in the Demon King army, but she still had to listen to orders from the Demon King.

"Hmm… That's a good point. Ah, how about this? Just tell the Demon King that I'm allowing you to personally oversee the treatment of a prisoner of war, as a show of good faith."

"Eh? That's not what happened, though…"

"Please do me this favor, Wiz! We're friends, right?!"

I pressed my hands together pleadingly to her.

Wiz hesitated for a moment, before smiling.

"Alright. Since you asked, Kazuma-san, I'll do you this favor."

"...You're a good girl. Sometimes, I wonder if you're really a Lich and if Aqua is really a goddess."

"Eh?! Um, she'll be sad if she hears that!"

"But it's true, isn't it? Don't tell me you don't agree…"

"W-Well, she does occasionally pull pranks on me…"

"I already told her not to do that!"

"B-But it's not as bad as the harassment from before! She's no longer pouring holy water into my tea!"

I was surprised Wiz even put up with that level of harassment.

She really is a good girl.

Your bond with Wiz has deepened!

Wiz (Lich Shopkeeper), Bond Rank: 5

At Rank 5, Wiz sees you as a friend who she will help, even if it technically goes against her position as a Demon King general. She is grateful for the fact that you are concerned about Dante, that you regularly provide her with money, and how you protect her from Aqua. Continuing to support her will deepen your bond.

Bond Reward: [Ice Magic Increase] rank-up!

[Ice Magic Increase] Skill Rank: 5, Passive Skill (MAX)

Increases the power of Ice Magic by 5. Crowd control conditions applied by ice magic are extended by 4 seconds.

Part 3

"Aqua… I keep telling you to leave Wiz alone!"

I said, when I got home and found Aqua playing games with Iris again.

She paused the game and looked up. Instead of arguing, she gave me a blank look.

"What are you on about now, Kazuma? I already stopped with that."

"She told me you still pull pranks on her!"

"And? Friends can pull pranks on each other, right?! It's not like I'm throwing water balloons filled with holy water on her again! My holy grenade slinging days are over!"

Iris looked uncomfortable as she got caught in the middle of an argument.

"Um… I think I'll brush my teeth and go to bed now."

She said, sounding like a child who didn't want to see mommy and daddy fight.

Looking back at Aqua, I said,

"...Fine. Wiz did say that you're not harassing her as much anymore."

"See? I told you!"

"Just leave her alone already! Even if it's just pranks, she's trying to run a business, so stop bugging her! You already have Iris to play with!"

"Hah? Are you implying that I'm a kid who should play with other kids and not bother the adults?!"

"Of course not."

Iris was way more mature than her, so I could never say that.

"...You're thinking something incredibly rude about me right now, aren't you, Kazuma?!"

I left before her surprisingly high intuition kicked in, and she completely read my mind.

I grabbed a quick bite to eat, took a bath, then headed to my room.

While I was checking my phone, I noticed a text from my former schoolmate, who I faced in the inter-high tournament.

We had been exchanging texts here and there, but now, he sent me an invitation to the middle school reunion.

Vanir's words echoed in my head.

If I don't show up to that reunion, I will regret it.

I accepted the invitation, but the prospect of having to see my childhood friend made it so that I couldn't sleep right away. I stayed up for an hour longer before I eventually fell asleep.

…

…

I thought about the reunion even during class, the next day.

Konno-san had to poke me in the back to get me to focus during class.

Even when the lunch bell rang, I was still thinking about it, even as I met up with Darkness and Rin in the cafeteria.

My conflicted thoughts must have shown up on my face, since Rin noticed it.

"Senpai, is something wrong?"

Darkness looked up from the udon she was eating, noticing my expression once Rin pointed it out.

"Kazuma… It's fine. You can insult me if you want."

How much of a sadist did she think I was?

"...I'm not having a relapse episode, just because I'm stopping myself from teasing you too much. Do you think I enjoy being mean to girls?"

"Um, yeah?"

I shouldn't have asked.

I eventually showed them the text.

"I don't get it, senpai. Why are you upset about a reunion?"

"I'm sure he had a lot of dark memories from middle school, Rin."

Darkness was right, but it still pissed me off that she was telling Rin that.

Then again, Rin's idealized image of me as a dependable senpai was surely gone at this point.

"...My childhood friend is gonna be there. And, well, I guess I'm trying to avoid her."

"I see. Let's go apologize to her together, Kazuma."

"Why are you assuming as if I did something to apologize for?!"

"I mean, you probably pulled some horrible, lewd prank on her, right? What did you do? Steal her panties and wear them over your head?"

"Darkness, you must think I'm some kind of horrible scumbag, huh?!"

"Senpai… Don't yell too much. A lot of people are staring now."

Rin gestured to the other students staring at us.

I coughed into my hand.

"...I didn't do anything bad to her. Well… I guess I'll tell you."

I told them what I told Megumin, how I saw my childhood friend on the back of a delinquent senpai's bike. How I promised to marry my childhood friend before that.

I thought they'd make fun of me for thinking that my childhood friend would stick to such a promise we made when we were kids, but Rin just supportingly placed a hand over mine.

"Aww… That's so sad, senpai. Thanks for sharing that."

"...You don't think it's stupid?"

"Why? I think it's very romantic! Don't you, Darkness-senpai?"

"Yeah… I have to admit, it's really sweet. Considering this is Kazuma."

"You could have kept that last part to yourself."

"Senpai… You need to go to this reunion. More than anything, you need closure."

I knew that she was right, but I couldn't help but deny the wave of anxiety that filled me.

No matter how much stronger I became since then, no matter how many friends I made, a part of me still remained as that NEET who emotionally detached myself from the world around me.

I didn't want to feel that sting of betrayal again. I didn't want to have to act like I didn't care about anything, just so I could protect myself.

I did care, maybe way too much. Whereas normal people would just forget about their childhood friends once they reached highschool, I still have dreams about her from time to time, playing in that field of flowers overlooking the cliff, spending long summer days chasing cicadas in our sweaty sandals.

Maybe something's wrong with me, that I still care about that kinda stuff. But I can't help it.

"Yeah, you're right. I accepted the invitation already, anyway."

"But you were planning to make up a last minute excuse to ditch, right?"

"...Darkness, just shut up."

"I thought Japanese people were supposed to be polite?!"

"Stop stereotyping us, you foreigner!"

"We're generally polite, Darkness-senpai! Except senpai here… Especially when it comes to girls…"

Yeah, Rin's image of me was in tatters now.

Part 4

I looked at myself in the mirror, at the outfit I put on for the reunion. It was a green collared shirt with black jeans and white sneakers. I wanted to look presentable, but not like I was trying too hard to impress. The last thing I wanted to do was give off the impression that I was trying to make myself cooler than I really was back then.

When I went downstairs, Iris was trying to read a Japanese book. It was a relief to see that she wasn't just playing video games all day. She looked up from her book.

"Are you going out, onii-sama?"

"...Eh? What happened to onii-chan?"

I said, trying not to let the disappointment show through my voice, even though I was internally panicking.

"Well… Aqua nee-san said that onii-sama gets some kind of 'sick pleasure' from getting called onii-chan…"

"D-Don't listen to Aqua! She's a bad influence, after all!"

I was seriously considering banning Aqua from teaching Iris these things!

"...I'm gonna call you onii-sama from now on."

"My cute imouto is in her rebellious period, huh? That's kinda cute…"

"Maybe Aqua nee-san was right?!"

I accidentally gave Iris the wrong impression.

"I-I mean, it's fine for Iris to call me whatever you like, but I'd prefer to be called onii-chan…"

"Is there a specific reason?"

"...It's cuter."

"So Aqua nee-san was right?!"

Rin already got a terrible impression of me. I didn't want the same to happen to Iris, too!

"...You've got it wrong, Iris. You see, I had a bad relationship with my little brother until recently, so when I see you, I get the urge to treat you in the way I should have treated him…"

Iris's eyes softened.

"I see… So it was for a reason like that."

"Yes, nothing nefarious, as you can see."

"Then, does your little brother call you onii-chan now that you're back to being close again?"

"..."

Come to think of it, did Kazuto even call me in such an affectionate manner?

"A-Ah, well…"

"Be careful what you say, because I can just meet him and ask him later."

Was Iris always such a keen girl?!

Well, I suppose she was the leader of a whole resistance effort before all this.

"N-No, he doesn't…"

"So it's fine if I just call you onii-sama, right?"

"S-Sure…"

"Thanks for being so understanding, onii-sama!"

Damn it, Aqua!

I almost wanted to ditch the reunion and go hate fuck that girl now!

"Oh, onii-sama, where are you going, anyway? It must be a special occasion if you're dressing up."

"Ah… I'm seeing some schoolmates I haven't seen in a while…"

"I still don't completely understand the concept of a 'school', even though I'm supposed to be studying to enter one someday. Can you tell me more about what it's like?"

"Basically, you're kept in this building for multiple hours everyday and you're forced to do repetitive tasks you don't want to do. And if you're unlucky, you might also become the target of harassment by the other students."

"Is this a prison?!"

I gave Iris the image of a prison when describing a school.

Well, was I wrong to describe it like that?

"Isn't life just a prison, when you think about it? I suppose school is like a juvenile detention center that prepares you for the eternal prison that is human existence…"

"...For some reason, I don't believe you, onii-sama."

"Fuu… Fine, you'll see for yourself one day."

"Wait, if it's so bad, then why do I have to go?!"

"...Maybe if you still called me onii-chan, I wouldn't send you."

"That's so cruel! You can't use that against me!"

Teasing aside, I didn't want Iris to get such a fatalist view of school, when I was planning to enroll her in the future.

I mean, Aqua was already trying to discourage her before.

…Maybe I shouldn't have said all that.

To make her feel better, I said,

"...Well, a cute girl like Iris will thrive in school. You're also smart, so it's not like you'll struggle. Only dumb losers and those who are cursed with ugly features unfortunately don't do well in school…"

"Onii-sama, I want to say you're messing with me, but your tone of voice tells me that you actually believe that."

"Most human beings gravitate to a social hierarchy, after all."

"...I wonder what happened to onii-sama for you to develop such a grim outlook on humanity."

Well, I was about to confront that same catalyst in this reunion.

"Alright, I should get going now."

"Please bring me back some treats, onii-sama!"

"...Only if you call me onii-chan."

"If you want me to talk to you at all, you'll buy me some treats."

She's a shrewd girl, this one.

Your bond with Iris has deepened!

Iris (Sword Princess), Bond Rank: 2

At Rank 2, Iris trusts you to an extent. She stopped calling you onii-chan because of Aqua's influence. She still respects you and will listen to you, however, if you insist on her calling you onii-chan, her trust for you might wane a little.

Bond Reward: [One-Handed Sword] Rank-Up!

[One-handed Sword] Skill Rank: 2, Passive Skill

You are proficient in using swords that require one hand to wield. You gain 20% weapon accuracy with attacks using one-handed swords and 1 damage.

I promised to buy some treats for Iris, before going out of the mansion. I nodded to the soldiers stationed by the gates and went to the taxi that I ordered to pick me up. Now that I had money, I didn't feel like walking and commuting, especially since I had a lot on my mind as I went to the reunion.

When the taxi arrived, I paid the bill and stepped out. I went into the karaoke store and the receptionist greeted me and showed me to the room where the others were staying. I took a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside.

It had only been a few years since I saw them, but there were those who had changed considerably and those who stayed exactly the same. Guys I was taller than before were now two heads taller than me, while others who towered over everyone never grew an inch since then. The girls were also a lot more feminine now. A lot of them had dyed hair and wore more makeup than before, as well as jewelry and other accessories.

Eyes turned to me, and for a moment, I thought that no one would recognize me, until they all smiled.

"Oh, Satou, good job on the inter-high tournament!"

"That was a good showing!"

"You were so cool on TV!"

And then I remembered that I was a soccer star now.

The same guy I faced in that match came up to me, drink in hand.

"Oh, you made it, Satou! Here, have a drink!"

I sniffed it and glared at him.

"Oi… There's alcohol in this."

"It's cool, one of the employees here is a senpai of ours and got us the good stuff!"

So irresponsible…

Well, I needed a drink, anyway.

I looked at the glass and remembered Aqua and Sena chugging beer every night.

It was my first taste, so I didn't know what to expect as I sipped it.

"...It's not bad. It's probably better with meat, though."

The taste was kind of average if I was just drinking it by itself.

"Eh? Have you already drunk before, Satou?"

Since I said something a veteran drunkard must say, I gave him the wrong impression.

"By the way, Ame-san is here!"

I flinched once I heard my childhood friend's name.

"...Did she come with anyone?"

"Eh? What do you mean… Oh, you're wondering if she's single? You sly dog, you!"

If she came with that delinquent senpai from before, I probably wouldn't be able to face her.

Not like I had anything against that senpai personally, but I just didn't want to relive that traumatic moment.

"Well, she came with her cousin, but that's probably fine, right?"

I breathed in relief and turned around to look for her.

I saw her talking to some girls. Her black hair was tied in the same twintail style as before, which she never seemed to outgrow. She was wearing a double-pocketed red frock without sleeves, as well as a black purse.

And then I saw him at her side, the delinquent senpai from before.

I paused in my tracks when I saw him.

I was about to turn around and just ditch this whole event, until I remembered what I just heard.

"...You said cousin, right?"

"Yeah? That's what she said."

"You mean, that guy over there?"

"Yup… Are your ears working right?"

"..."

"Oi, Satou? You there?"

Was that delinquent senpai really her cousin?

I mean, that didn't discount the fact that they were still in a relationship, since that kinda thing was legal here.

But the fact that I assumed she was playing around with some older delinquent, and that lead me to isolate myself…

"Satou?! Why are you hitting your head against the wall?!"

If that really was the case, I'd feel like a total idiot.

"...Eh? Kazuma, is that you?"

Ame said, calling out to me.

That familiar voice…

I turned around and faced her.

"...It is you! How have you been! You remember my cousin, right?"

The delinquent stood up. He was almost twice as tall as me and just as muscular.

He stepped up to me, an intense look in his eyes.

Before he broke out in a goofy smile.

"Hey, Kazuma! Remember me? You taught me how to ride a bike!"

I had a distinct memory of playing with one of Ame's cousins. He was a small kid with two front teeth missing, and he always had snot dripping out of his nose.

"There's no way that was you?!"

"Eh? Why is it so hard to believe?"

"Because you look like some damn delinquent, that's why?! Wait, you were older than me the whole time?!"

"Um… Yeah?"

"What the hell was an older kid doing asking a younger kid to teach him how to ride a bike?!"

"What's wrong with that?! I never owned a bike until that point!"

"You were so small back then, but you're so big now! And why the hell did you become a delinquent?! You were such a good kid back then!"

"I get that same speech from my mom every time, so can you knock it off?! Besides, you're the one drinking beer right now! Should I tell your mom?!"

To think this idiot was really that delinquent senpai!

My whole life was a lie.

That delinquent senpai who I thought cucked me was that same kid who I taught how to ride a bike?

It tormented me how he gave my childhood friend a ride on his bike, and I was the one who taught him how to ride it the whole time?!

"Um… Kazuma, you OK?"

Ame said, getting up to join her cousin as they looked at me in concern.

"...Hold on, I need another drink."

Now I knew why Aqua and Sena were addicted to this stuff.

Part 5

With enough drinks in me, the others managed to convince me to sing.

I ended up using [Versatile Entertainer].

"Fla, fla, fla, flamingo…!"

"Eh? Doesn't Satou sound exactly like Kenshi-san?!"

I managed to impress them by imitating a famous singer.

When I finished, I passed on the mic to the next guy and sat down on the couch.

"Wow, didn't know you could sing, Kazuma."

I looked at Ame, who sat down beside me.

"...It's one of my many hidden talents."

"Oh? You got others?"

"Yeah, I got an assortment of party tricks."

Thanks to Aqua.

She giggled, before looking at me inquisitively.

"You know, I didn't really know what happened to you after I moved out, except for the fact that you got into a famous uni-prep school. We never really kept in touch."

I glanced away guilty, knowing I was to blame for that. Me and my presumptuous ass.

"...Yeah, sorry."

"You're so mean, Kazuma! We even promised to marry each other, and all…"

"...You still remember that?"

She glanced away awkwardly, a slight blush on her cheeks.

"It's kinda stupid, right? I mean, it's a promise we made when we were kids. You probably didn't even take it that seriously."

I couldn't help it. I ended up laughing.

"Hey! I know it's stupid, but you don't have to laugh!"

"Sorry… I didn't mean to laugh…"

I was worrying about it this whole time, but it turned out that she was also wondering whether that promise was valid or not.

After thinking about how to put my thoughts into words, I said,

"Well… What if I took it seriously?"

She blinked, before chuckling and elbowing me.

"Oh, come on. You're just saying that to make me feel better about myself. I don't need your pity!"

I looked around and lowered my voice.

"...Can we talk somewhere more private?"

She tilted her head, but ended up nodding.

"Sure, we can do that."

She got up, prompting some questions from her friends. She just told them that she wanted to catch some fresh air with me, but a lot of them started wagging their brows.

"Oho… The first pair is gonna head out for some privacy now, huh?"

To them, it must have seemed like we were going to change venues, like to a love hotel or something.

"...It's not like that. And if any weird rumors come out, I'm gonna know who to blame."

Ame was pretty sharp-tongued. I guess that never changed.

We had just been drinking beer, so Ame went to a vending machine and got some juice to chase away the tipsiness. Then, we leaned against the entrance of the karaoke store, right underneath its glowing sign.

"So, what did you wanna talk about?"

She asked, glancing at me as she sipped her juice.

"Well… Did you really take that promise seriously, Ame?"

She looked up at the night sky covered by dull gray clouds.

"...Yeah, I did at the time."

So she did take it seriously at one point. That didn't mean that she was all set to marry me now, even after we reunited. Rather, that'd be rather strange, wouldn't it? We hadn't talked for the last couple years, so why would she even think about marrying me?

"I also took it seriously at the time."

She chuckled, turning to me with her head still leaning against the wall.

"Well, we were kids, so I guess that makes sense."

"...Do you still remember that spot we used to play in?"

"You mean the one overlooking the cliff?"

"Yeah."

We talked about all the stuff we used to do as kids. That naturally transferred to what we were doing now. Ame told me a bit about her school, her current friends. The more she talked, the more she seemed like a stranger to me. Her interests diversified from chasing cicadas and running around until our parents looked for us, to academic pursuits and concerns about her social standing in school. Her world widened. She had crushes, some of them were unrequited, some of them were fulfilled. She had her heart broken and broke hearts herself.

Rather than finding myself disappointed that she grew into someone I didn't even recognize anymore, I instead felt satisfied, happy that she seemed to be enjoying life.

In turn, I shared a bit of my own life with her, excluding the dungeon stuff. I told her about how I got into soccer, and even divulged how I was in a complicated situation in terms of relationships with multiple girls.

"Wow, Kazuma, you sure grew into a player, huh?!"

"...Is that such a surprise?"

"Well, you were really shy in middle school, but you were really charming as a kid, so I'm not that surprised? I mean, I did promise to marry you for a reason."

"...I guess I became a bit more insecure during middle school, huh?"

Even before the delinquent senpai misunderstanding, I was rather reserved in school. I didn't make many friends, if at all, and kept to myself. I wondered why that was? Like Ame said, it wasn't like I was born as an introvert, and I was never the type to withdraw into myself as a kid.

"Sometimes that's just the way it is. We go through phases in life. Sometimes, it's not even a phase, 'coz it lasts your whole life. But I think it's fine, as long as you're satisfied with the way you're living life right now."

As long as I'm satisfied, huh?

I already accepted that there was a certain element of happiness that came with that time I spent as a NEET, playing games all day.

I did meet my friends from the guild, and DarkAngel. I wouldn't say that the time I spent with them was a waste of time.

But I moved on from that time in my life, just like how Ame and I progressed from when we were children, spending all day playing in the mountains.

The fact of the matter is that things change.

I looked at Ame now. I still found myself enjoying chatting with her, just like I did before. But did I feel the same spark I felt when I was bantering with Aqua, or did she change my entire outlook like Megumin did? Did I find her as adorable as Yunyun, or did I want to protect her with all I had like I did with Rin? Did I feel proud of her as I did with Darkness, when she made all those improvements?

I couldn't really say I did. At the same time, I felt like it was kind of a waste to pursue a casual relationship with Ame, like I did with DarkAngel. She's still my childhood friend, at the end of the day. Perhaps these feelings will change, especially once we spend more time with each other after this. But the point is that the whole concept that my life was some kind of tragedy because of my broken promise with Ame, seemed so ridiculous now, especially after I found out about the misunderstanding.

And even if she did go back on our promise, I still liked talking to her, right? I still wanted to be her friend. Even if she was dating someone else, or married someone else, if I was really her friend, I'd be happy for her.

"Yeah, I'm satisfied."

I said, after a long deliberation.

"Good, I'm happy!"

"And I'm happy you're happy."

"...Well, I'm even happier that you're happy!"

We'd get competitive about the silliest things sometimes. I guess that also never changed.

"We should hang out sometime after this, Kazuma. Give me your LINE!"

"Sure. Just don't text me too much."

"Meanie!"

Obsessing about promises, blaming Ame for my own insecurities and self-hatred, I'll never fall into that trap again.

Everyone I meet, every friend I make, I will always treasure them, no matter how much time has passed.

And if we ever drift apart, we'll surely meet again, whether it's on a flowery cliffside, in the boonies…

Or in a karaoke store, somewhere in Tokyo.

Part 6

"Bwahaha! Kazuma, you're drunk aren't you?"

Aqua said, when she saw me stumbling into the mansion.

I drank some more after that chat with Ame, so Aqua noticed my state right away.

"...Kazuma-san, you shouldn't drink… hic…"

That protest didn't sound too convincing from Sena, who was also very drunk.

"Ahh… Shut up… Got room for one more?"

"Ohhh! You're finally gonna man up, huh? Let's drink the night away, Kazuma!"

They made room for me as Aqua poured me some sake.

"This is pretty good…!"

I said, once I took a sip.

"It's good with these edamame, too!"

Aqua said, serving me like she was some kind of hostess.

While we were drinking, Mitsurugi came down wearing a sweater and jogging pants. It looked like he was about to go out on a jog or a trip to the dungeon.

"...What are you doing with them, Satou?"

He said, looking at us with a disapproving stare.

"Hahhh…? Don't judge us, Kyouya! In fact, shouldn't you come here to have a drink with us?!"

"...Aqua-sama, you're a goddess, so I wish you wouldn't act like that."

I felt like Mitsurugi was getting even more disillusioned about his crush.

"What does being a goddess have to do with anything?! Look, Sena here is a decorated police officer in her twenties who still doesn't have a man, or children, despite nearing the age of expiration, but she's drinking with us! Anyone can drink, you know?!"

"...Aqua-san, are you trying to pick a fight with me?"

Sena said, looking up from her glass to glare at Aqua.

"Did I say something untrue?"

"So that's what you've been thinking about me all this time, huh?! I thought we were drinking buddies!"

"I was just being honest! Hey, not the hair!"

While those two were fighting, I turned to Mitsurugi and said,

"Haven't you drank before? You're a normie, so I thought you would have drunk at a mixer, or something."

"...Aren't you assuming too much about 'normies'? Well, I did actually drink before."

"See? You're a living stereotype."

"Oh? You wanna fight, too?"

Mitsurugi ended up joining us.

Soon, we were all laughing at some shitty joke Aqua said.

While we were laughing, Iris came down in her pajamas, perhaps to see what all the noise was.

"...! The drunkards increased! Are all the adults here no-good drunkards?!"

Seeing my cute imouto react like that to me managed to sober me up on the spot.

"No, no, Iris… I'm just here as a chaperone to make sure Mitsurugi here doesn't try anything with these ladies…"

"Satou, shouldn't I be the one saying that about you?! Also, Iris-sama, please don't listen to him! In the first place, I don't know why you're seeing Satou here as a role model figure! Please, anyone but him!"

"Eh? Um… Should I look at Aqua nee-san as my role model instead?"

"...I hate to say it, but Satou is probably better."

Yeah, I think he was quickly starting to become disillusioned. Especially as Aqua was now drooling on the countertop.

"Oh, by the way, did you get my treats, onii-sama?"

"Yes, I did! Here, you can have them~!"

"...I'll accept them tomorrow, thank you. You smell like booze right now."

She really was in her rebellious period, huh?

Or maybe she just hates me.

…

…

Once we were done with our drinking session, I made my way upstairs.

However, that proved quite a challenge with how drunk I was.

"...I need to piss."

I said, heading to the nearest bathroom.

Only to see it was locked.

There were lots of other bathrooms in the mansion, but I really needed to go now.

"[Steal]."

I stole the mechanisms of the lock and threw it aside, opening the door.

"...?! Kazuma?! What are you doing here?!"

Megumin said, as she was sitting on the toilet.

I felt like this happened before.

"Move. I need to piss."

"I need to do my business, too?!"

Yeah, this definitely happened before.

"Just warning you, Kazuma. My strength has increased even more, and I'm not afraid to summon my exploding staff!"

This girl learned her lesson from last time.

"Fine, I'll just piss in the bathtub."

But I also learned my lesson from last time!

"Hah?! Why do I have to listen to you piss beside me?!"

"If you don't intend to move aside, then just shut up and put your hands over your ears!"

"Make sure the water is running, OK?!"

And so, ensued another awkward bathroom moment with Megumin and me.

Once we were finished, we went out into the hallway.

"...By the way, Kazuma, you reek of alcohol."

She said, pinching her nose.

"I had a lot to drink at my middle school reunion, and I also drank with Aqua and the others."

"You're becoming even more deplorable, huh? I'm sure Darkness will be ecstatic."

"...She's been well-behaved recently, so I actually don't want her to regress."

"Then you better shape up! …About the reunion, did you see your childhood friend?"

She said, her tone becoming more gentle.

I nodded while rubbing the back of my neck.

"Yeah…"

"How did that turn out?"

"Well, it seems like I'm a bit of a dumbass."

"Just a bit?"

"OK, maybe a lot."

"...It must have been truly idiotic for you to admit that."

"Well, it seems the whole delinquent senpai thing was a misunderstanding."

"Eh?'

"Turns out it was just her cousin giving her a ride home."

"...Well, it's fine. You couldn't have known."

"I actually knew her cousin and even taught him how to ride a bike."

"Yeah, you're stupid."

I didn't complain as Megumin insulted me with a blank look on her face.

"Seriously? All of that and it was just you being jealous over nothing?"

I blushed, looking away from her.

"I'm not proud of it, OK?!"

"Well… I'm still proud of you, Kazuma."

She smiled, resting her forehead against the side of my arm.

"..."

I tried not to think about it again.

But Vanir did tell me that Megumin was the one I ended up with in most worlds.

Again, I could see why that was the case.

"T-Thanks… Megumin…"

"...You sure struggled to say that, huh?"

"I'm still kinda new to this opening up to people stuff."

"Here's the secret, Kazuma. Most people struggle with that."

"Hah?! Then why am I expected to open myself up this much?!"

"Because I want you to? Because I find you really cute when you open up?"

She said, giving me a sweet smile as she looked up at me.

This girl…

She always had a way of making me feel alive, feel unbelievably happy, while also wanting to hide myself in a hole.

"Good job, Kazuma."

"Thanks…"

I guess she really is my soulmate.