ALL NOVEL
Chapter 381: Kobato and Asagi
[……Eh? What? You're coming too, Poppo-chan? This isn't some bad joke, right?]I, Kashima Kobato, proposed entering the labyrinth to Ikusaba Asagi.
Mimori Touka had already teleported inside.
After Mimori's teleportation, the decision-making authority then belonged to Takao Hijiri.
However, Hijiri had also been teleported in.
Upon hearing that the next-in-line to hold the decision-making authority is the Mad Emperor, I directly went to negotiate with him.
[I talked to Mad Emperor-san, and he said it's okay…… He consented when I mentioned Asagi-san might need my Unique Skill…… That's why, I have permission, you know?]
[……Well, Poppo-chan's management Unique Skill certainly would be useful but……]
[When it comes to buffs, considering Mimori-kun, Sogou-san and Takao-san…… Having my Skill, <Disclose>, which allows us buff duration management, would be better, right? Asagi-san's Buff Skill is special after all.]
"Buff", a word we weren't accustomed to hearing before.
Now, it flowed naturally from our mouths.
Before diving into the dungeon, just in case, Asagi had given buffs to Mimori and the others.
[But if Poppo-chan enters the labyrinth alone and encounters a Sacrament, it could lead to instant death, you know?]
[That's why I waited for when Sogou-san and Takao-san teleported inside.]
At my words, Asagi-san looked slightly caught off guard.
[Sogou-san…… If I had told her I wanted to go, she would definitely oppose it———- She would oppose it thinking she had me in mind.]
[……Well, that's fine and all, but Poppo-chan, why do you seem so ready in such a creepy way? You're acting like things are done for even if we youngsters return back to our former world, so even if we die here, it's like, whatever?]
"No", I shook my head.
[It's just, I can't leave you alone.]
[Huh……? This Asagi-san?]
[Unn.]
[That's too stupid.]
[Ahaha…… You see, just as Asagi-san thinks…… I'm an idiot.]
[……………………You're too stupid.]
The others were persuaded by Asagi.
Just like usual.
And so, everyone believed that staying here was the best option.
……I'm not quite sure why.
But for Asagi-san, it seems that everyone in her group surviving is important.
However———– Only when it comes to me that there's "something" different from her.
As for what that something is, even now, I still don't know what it is.
I had put strength into my words.
Whether I'm smiling or not…… I'm not quite sure.
[I just…… don't want Asagi-san to feel lonely.]
[……You'll die.]
……I wonder why?
Right now, it's different.
It's not about because Ikusaba Asagi seems dangerous to Sogou Ayaka.
I don't really understand it myself———-
It's just, I genuinely don't feel like I can leave her alone, so here I am.
Thus, I spoke firmly.
[I believe in it now.]
Asagi, whose eyes were diverted away from me, clearly looked irritated.
[What?]
[That Asagi-san will help defeat the Goddess and bring us back to our original world.]
[……Huh? I will? Poppo-chan, I'm really starting to get worried about you…… Is your head okay?]
[If I can't be of any help, I wouldn't have wanted to go either. It's scary.]
"However……", I looked up at the towering Genesis Labyrinth.
[I thought that if my presence could slightly increase our chances of winning, then it's worth going.]
[……Annoying.]
[Asagi-san can also be annoying too though.]
[Hahh?]
[Ahh———- S- Sorry…… that kinda slipped out……]
[……Seriously, this guy gets on my nerves.]
As if she was really fed up with my words, Asagi turned away.
[………………..]
Why did I say something like that now?
Was it because she told me there was no hope in our original world?
"Things are done for"
That———- isn't something I haven't thought about at all.
I want to go back.
I still feel that way.
[It's time.]
Thereupon, the Mad Emperor said as he approached.
His gaze turned my way……
[Kashima, are you still determined to do this?]
[Ah——— Yes.]
[Chester and I will teleport into the labyrinth before and after you. Nyantan Kikeepat is also close in line. Once we're teleported, our first goal will be meeting up with you two.]
[I- I understand…… We're in your care……]
I nervously said.
(Uwahh……)
Seeing him up close again, he really looks stunningly beautiful.
Rather than one that makes a person's heart skip a beat, his beauty was more like that of a doll.
This feeling I had was similar to how I felt about Seras Ashrain.
[You are school friends of Touka's, right? I've got to protect you for Touka's sake too.]
Asagi narrowed her eyes and puckered her lips.
[Mimori-kyun has become quite the charmer huh…… Way before he's discarded like that, he should have used his talents in our original world.]
[Asagi.]
The Mad Emperor spoke.
[Teaming up with you———- had been the right decision.]
At his words, Asagi cheerfully raised a hand and waved.
[Ei, just leave it to us!]
The Mad Emperor started walking.
[Let's go.]
The two of us also followed after him.
[…………………..]
Asagi's essence isn't just limited to her <Queen Bee>.
The skill that defeated the Exiled Emperor isn't the only skill Ikusaba Asagi possesses.
If Vysis is very strong……
Asagi's special Buff skill could be one factor that bridges that gap, doesn't it?
That's precisely why……
I thought that I should also go, as I can help everyone make the most of her buffs.
Somehow———- It really is just my hunch…… but I felt that was the case.
As we gazed at the teleportation room, Asagi spoke.
[Kobato.]
[U- Unn.]
[There sure is no medicine for stupidity, isn't it?]