ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 145
145: Insult and Duel
――SIDE: Ishirō――
May 9th, Tuesday lunch break.
I was operating my magic crystal terminal (portal) in the 2-B classroom, staring at the screen. I was checking our classroom’s combat power and that of other classrooms. Although we were in Class B, our position was not secure. Above us was the dominant A Class led by Godō, and below us was the toxic C Class led by Kyōryū. Class B was in a precarious position, caught between the two.
We had to take care of personnel before the competition began.
“Ishirō, you’re using your magic crystal terminal (portal) again?”
“Can’t you stop even during lunch? You’re really obsessed, aren’t you?”
“Shin’ya is too laid-back… But what he says also makes sense. During the free exploration period, we managed to update to the 29th floor. Our levels have also increased, so we’ll be fine.”
“It’s not like we’re going to be okay just because we’ve made progress…”
“I’m getting a little anxious too…”
Urawa Maki opened the lid of the cute bento box while resting her head on her hands, muttering. Maki had a bento, Shin’ya had a yakisoba pan, and Kyōsuke had a convenience store bento. Everyone’s food was the same as usual.
And I…
“…Ishirō’s bento is huge, isn’t it?”
“Is it…?”
“Your bento box has been like this since yesterday, hasn’t it? You guys didn’t notice?”
“We went to eat ramen yesterday, so we didn’t.”
“Sometimes, it’s good to take a stroll and explore. This is the latest issue of ‘ABYSS Walker.’ I’ve finished reading it, so feel free to take it.”
Kyōsuke handed me a magazine, and Maki let out a frustrated sigh.
“Yeah, we didn’t see you guys yesterday. I wondered what you were doing, and it turns out you were… You’re only enthusiastic about investigating during times like this, aren’t you?”
“Even Maki would thoroughly investigate a sweets shop, right? It’s the same!”
Shinya replied with a light tone, but Maki didn’t take it seriously, responding with a casual “yeah, yeah”.
I shifted my gaze to my own lunchbox.
It’s a three-tiered bento box filled with colorful Japanese-style dishes.
“The maids at home prepared it for me. Since it’s the final battle this weekend, they want me to eat well and stay healthy.”
The consideration from the people at home is truly touching.
Everyone smiled, and that’s when it happened.
“――Are you going all out, or what?”
“!!”
A rough voice echoed from the entrance of the 2-B classroom. When I turned to look, I saw 2-A’s class leader, Kado Ryuko, standing there with a provocative grin.
In an instant, tension filled the classroom――
“Wh-what are you doing here, Kado Ryuko…!!”
“Why are you here…!? “
We stood up unintentionally, recalling the incident where the first-year students were attacked last month. Could it be that she’s here to do the same thing again…!?
“Hmph, don’t be so scared. I just happened to pass by. As you know, Crazy River won’t be participating in this competition, so it’s no fun for me… What a ridiculous woman she is!”
That was a statement that looked down on our class. Doesn’t Kado Ryuko see us as enemies? Although I’m aware of the difference in our abilities, her attitude still gets on my nerves.
“You’re quite confident, Kado…! But I haven’t been slacking off either! I’ll definitely get my revenge!!”
“Huh? Revenge…? You don’t even remember your grudges. By the way――who are you? You’re eating a delicious-looking lunch and saying you’ll do your best this year? Haha! You’re so carefree! You think you can win…!!”
“You――!! Are you making fun of me!?”
“……What? Making fun? I’m just stating the facts. So, can you answer me now? Who are you? You’re not even memorable, so introduce yourself properly, you lowly woman!”
“――!! I’m Ishiru…Ishiru Aina! Remember that, Kado Ryuko!!”
As I said my name, enduring the humiliation, Kado nodded and said “Ah!” as if she remembered.
It seems she recalled that I’m the sister of…
“――Ishiru Shoma’s sister, right!? “
“!!”
“What’s with you, didn’t you know that earlier? If you’re her sister, I would’ve remembered. What’s with you, anyway? You’re nothing like your brother, who’s interesting and even got praised by Tenjuin… You’re completely different, a talented younger brother… I’m really jealous that you have such a fascinating sibling!!”
Kado laughed, holding her belly.
It’s a clear provocation.
I won’t fall for it.
“――Ishiru Aina. You’re losing to your brother in every way, right? Do you even have a reason to exist? It seems like you’re only good for having kids, but why are you attending the Academy? Is that it? Are you searching for a man to marry…?”
“Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up…!!”
“――”
I realized I was shouting.
I was yelling loudly, almost losing control.
But it’s no use.
I couldn’t restrain myself.
I won’t forgive this person in front of me.
I’ll make them shut up right now.
I thought, glaring at Kado.
“…Huh? What’s with you, getting all worked up?”
“!”
I take a stance, swaying slightly.
“Rina, no way! You can���t do that!!”
“Stop, Rina! You’re gonna get killed!!”
“Let’s calm down for a moment, Rina-san!!”
“Shut up!!”
Everyone rushes to restrain my body.
But I won’t stop.
I don’t want to stop.
“Hey, hey, even if you think you’re right, I don’t think so… You’re the one who started this, didn’t you? You can’t just back down now.”
I say, pulling out the golden family crest from my chest. The character [I, Rina] is engraved on it.
“This might be an old-fashioned way of doing things, but as a member of a warrior family, you should understand… Let’s make a bet. If I win, I get to take this family crest. It’s a duel within the class competition, and the winner gets to claim it.”
“What…?! You can’t be serious!!”
“Don’t worry. I’m not saying you have to win as a class. If you can beat me, that’s all that matters. But if you back down now, that’s fine too. That just means you’re not good enough. You’re just a worthless coward who can only shout. I don’t want to duel with someone like that either. I’ll be generous and forgive your annoying attitude.”
“F, you think you’re funny…!!”
“Rina, stop…!!”
What’s with this generous heart of yours…?!
You think I’m just a worthless coward who can only shout?!
Can a warrior family member back down after being insulted like that?! I… I can’t do that!!
“――!!”
I rip off the ribbon around my neck and hold up the Ishiru family crest in front of Rina.
“――I’ll bet my family crest! Don’t back down, Rina!! You’re going down, and I’m going to be the one to take you down!!”
“……Hah, that’s more like it――!! It’s getting interesting now…!!?”
Rina looks at my declaration and turns to leave the classroom.
“Don’t get too cocky, Ishiru Rina!!”
“――”
The only thing left is silence.
“Rina…”
My friends are worried about me.
…It’s okay. I tell myself, trying to calm down my excitement.
The day of the final battle is approaching.
There’s no going back now.