ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 46
46: Rooftop, Cat, and Kyouryuu River
When the fourth period ended and lunchtime began, the students of 1-D started to move around energetically. Some spread out their lunches, while others ran to the school store or headed to the cafeteria. The students’ actions were varied. Aoi and his friends would probably eat together as usual… They’re still a close-knit group.
As I watched them from behind, I left the classroom and headed towards the school store – not the cafeteria. In this academy, the cafeteria and school store are separated to reduce congestion. Last time, I ran into Tenjuuin and his friends when I went to the cafeteria, so I’ll try a different route this time.
“The school store is…pretty normal…”
As I looked around the counter-type store, I let out a “huh” of surprise. It reminded me of the school store I used to go to in high school. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I joined the line of students who weren’t buying anything. Before long, I had anpan and milk in my hands for just 50MP.
—It’s so cheap!
From now on, I’ll come here regularly!
With my food in hand, I headed towards a familiar spot in the creative works – the rooftop of the high school building.
It’s usually locked, but for some reason, it’s open during lunchtime. None of the surrounding students know about it. It’s a hidden spot that only I, with my knowledge of the original story, am allowed to know. It’s perfect for eating alone.
“Okay, okay…”
As I sat down on the rooftop, I opened the bag of bread I bought.
“Mmm, delicious…”
The anpan had a simple, old-fashioned taste. The combination of the sweet bean paste and cold milk was perfect, and before I knew it, I had finished eating.
Lying down, I gazed up at the clear blue sky.
It feels so good…I can hardly believe I’m inside the ABYSS structure. It’s an incredible sense of liberation. As I felt the gentle breeze on my cheeks, I gazed up at the transparent ceiling.
The radiant sun.
The floating white clouds.
The daytime moon.
The dazzling white panties…
――Huh?
It’s as if I’ve seen something I shouldn’t be seeing right now. I couldn’t help but doubt my eyes.
――So, you’re saying that if I stare at you too much, you’ll get a little embarrassed, right?
――Whoa!
I jumped up in surprise at the voice behind me. Standing above me was Kyōryūgawa Mei, the current idol and student council public relations officer. What was she doing here?! And…and…she’s wearing white panties?!
――Yo, Shōma-kun! Running into you here is quite the coincidence, isn’t it?
――W-what are you doing here, Kyōryūgawa-senpai…?!
――No, no, that’s my line! The rooftop of the high school building is my favorite spot. When I want to avoid people, I come here to eat quietly and enjoy the view.
――…
Mei…?
As I stood there, unable to say a word, Kyōryūgawa pulled out a vinyl bag and took out a paper tray and cat food.
Could it be…cat food?
Do cats even come to a place like this?
I was skeptical, but Kyōryūgawa set the food on the wall of the school building, and before long, a black cat appeared out of nowhere.
Since it didn’t have a collar, it was probably a stray. As I watched Kyōryūgawa gently gaze at the eating cat, I couldn’t help but think that she might be the cat’s owner.
――A-ah, maybe…you’re the one who’s been opening the rooftop door during lunch breaks…
――That’s right! I’ve been keeping it a secret, but I think you’ve known about it for a while, Shōma-kun.
――W-when did you…realize that I was coming to the rooftop?
――Hey! How long have you known about this place? I’ve come here a few times, but this is the first time I’ve seen you come up to the rooftop.
――T-that is…
Oh no, what excuse could I come up with?
The sudden turn of events left me speechless.
――You’re a weird one, aren’t you? You’re a weak and timid boy, but sometimes you show unexpected strength. …Which one is the real you? It’s so mysterious and fascinating――
――S-senpai…
Her face…it’s so close!
Kyōryūgawa suddenly closed the distance between us, placing her hand on my cheek and whispering in my ear. I could feel her gentle breath and the captivating gaze of her shining eyes. I was deeply aware of the idol’s overwhelming presence.
――Cuteness is violence.
If I were to be subjected to this, any man would be helpless. And it’s likely that she’s aware of her own power. Even though she knows she’s got the upper hand, it feels so good that I couldn’t resist.
This is a different kind of “power” from what Ida Ryūko has.
This is Kyōryūgawa Mei’s “power”.
But――I won’t fall for it yet!!
――H-hey, speaking of mysterious things…I’ve had something strange happen to me recently!
――Eh? What is it?
Yes, I’ve got her hooked!
I’ll steer the conversation in a different direction from now on!
――It’s about when I went to explore the ABYSS the other day. In the second layer, where only slimes and goblins are supposed to appear, a golem showed up for some reason! Isn’t that weird?
――…
――Maybe the monster distribution has changed? If that’s the case, it’s a big deal, right? Because if it’s a golem, the recommended level to defeat it is around 10, and if a beginner encounters one, they’ll probably be in trouble, right?
――…
――H-hey, senpai?
As I turned to face Kyouryuu-kawa, I noticed that the atmosphere was somewhat lacking. Did I make a mistake in choosing the conversation topic? I thought ABYSS talk would be exciting for explorers, but it seems I was wrong.
“Ah, it’s okay, let’s continue. I also like listening to guys talk enthusiastically.”
“H-, haha…”
…On the contrary, it’s hard to talk. Kyouryuu-kawa seems to have noticed my feelings and has now started the conversation.
“What do you think, Shouma-kun, if that Golem on the 2nd floor was controlled by someone’s skill?”
“Eh? That’s…I wonder why they did that? There are many things I’d think about, but…”
“…Just killing time.”
“H-, what do you mean?”
“If we lure beginner explorers to the Golem and make them react, they’ll give us a good show. The culprit must have enjoyed that reaction, watching with a bag of potato chips and a juice in hand, laughing at the sight ☆”
“…That’s quite…bad.”
The last part of the sentence couldn’t be spoken out loud.
“Yeah, it’s the worst. They must have enjoyed watching the students running away, like they were watching a splatter movie. But I think the culprit won’t do the same thing again.”
“Huh? Why’s that?”
“Because they’ve found something more interesting…”
Kyouryuu-kawa smiled mysteriously, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fear when I saw her gaze.
“…You don’t have to be so scared. The Golem incident is settled ☆ This weekend, we’ll be deciding the 1-D class leader. I’ll cheer you on, Shouma-kun, with all my might!”
“H-, haha…”
Where did she get that information from…?
It’s as if she’s the only one who knows…
Me, Ryuuji…a woman who only does unnecessary things.
“Da-ka-ra!”
“!?”
Suddenly, Kyouryuu-kawa hugged me tightly.
Our bodies pressed together, and I could smell the sweet fragrance of her breasts.
“I’ll definitely win? Me’y’s One-gai♪”
“…Oof”
“What’s with that?! Are you serious?! Do you have the energy to do it?”
“No way…it’s just…”
A different kind of energy emerged.
As I looked at the standing Jr., I felt embarrassed, realizing how simple I was. Even though I knew I was being deceived, I couldn’t resist her charm…
While hiding my excitement, I responded to her with a poker face. …I think I’ve already been found out, but it’s essential not to give up.