ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 52
52: Ria’s Adventure
――SIDE: Ria――
I knew I was doing something bad.
But I couldn’t stop now.
I’ll carry out my plan…
AFG Company is a French security company owned by my mother. Their main job is to escort aircraft, but they also have a system that allows their guards to obtain explorer qualifications.
Using my mother’s email address, I submitted an application to the administrative committee and was overjoyed when my registration as “Ria” was accepted.
The portal device (Portal) they sent me was the real deal. With this, I can become an explorer just like my sister. I won’t be left behind by Shouma!
But my excitement was short-lived.
When I arrived at the Academy, I hit a wall called reality.
“Age restriction…!?”
“I’m sorry. According to Japanese law, ABYSS exploration is prohibited for those under 15 years old.”
“But I have a portal device (Portal)…!”
“Having a portal device (Portal) is not illegal. The problem is the danger involved in transferring to the ABYSS.”
“But in France, it’s okay from age 12…!”
“…This is Japan, so it’s different. If you have an escort, it’s a different story…”
“Escort? That’s not possible…”
I knew I’d be opposed if I told anyone, so I decided to do it in secret. My sister and the maids wouldn’t allow it! I don’t have any acquaintances among older explorers who would help me out!
――Should I give up?
――Is this really the place?
I’m taking a risk, aren’t I?
Using the power of that detestable mother of mine!!
……I even got my hands on the Magic Crystal Terminal (Portal)!!
“I-I’m—”
“Yes?”
“I’m Ishiru Riria! The daughter of the Ishiru family, a warrior family! I can explore on my own!!”
“……Customer”
“Check properly! Don’t discriminate based on age!! I-I’m—!”
No way. I’m about to cry.
What’s wrong with me, trying to be like that “Shouma”?
I know it, but I couldn’t stop myself!!
I want to stand alongside my sister. I want to become a great explorer and explore ABYSS together with her!
If I give up here, it’ll never come true.
Even if I’m called incompetent and childish, I have no choice but to keep going!!
That’s even if it’s an impossible dream!!
“……Hmmm. Ishiru Riria-chan, hey……? Are you, by any chance, Shouma-kun’s sister?”
“!”
I was suddenly spoken to from the side. I turned my face, startled. There, the famous idol Me’y was looking at me.
“Me’y……?”
I lost my words at the unexpected appearance of a famous person. Kyouka Mayu, the girl who always appears on TV. My classmates are fans, and I’ve seen her live videos a few times. I wasn’t a passionate fan, but when I see the real thing, I feel somehow thrilled.
Is this the charisma of an idol?
I was unintentionally intimidated by her presence.
“Uh—? Oh, I was wrong……? Sorry, it doesn’t matter☆”
Me’y, who seemed to have lost interest, was about to leave. I couldn’t let her go. My sixth sense was screaming so. I didn’t know what kind of relationship Me’y had with my “brother,” but I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.
“I-I’m his sister!! I’m Ishiru Shouma’s sister!!”
I used to hate the idea of thinking of Ishiru Shouma as my brother, but now I’m saying this, and I feel pathetic.
“——What is it, you’re really his sister?”
“……!”
Me’y turned around, smiling.
Her innocent expression made me feel a strange, unsettling anxiety. It was as if I had made a crucial mistake, and that anxiety was lingering.
“So, what are you doing, little sister?”
“I want to dive into ABYSS……!”
“Huh? You’re brave for your age☆ But you’ll get caught by the age limit, won’t you?”
“That’s true, but…”
“Hehe! Then why don’t we dive together? If you’re Shouma-kun’s sister, I’ll welcome you with open arms〜☆”
“What!?!”
I was shocked by Me’y’s proposal. A current idol attending the Academy. I knew Me’y was an explorer, but I never thought she’d form a party with me, a stranger, on our first meeting.
“I-Is that okay……?”
“Yeah. You’re Shouma-kun’s sister, after all.”
…
The trusted idol, Me’y, and the gaze of Shouma, who was supposed to be my brother, didn’t match.
In my home, my brother was a useless, pitiful existence, constantly bullied by my sister and tormented by my younger sister. It was impossible for him to be recognized by the successful Me’y.
Something felt off, and I thought to myself.
There was a clear discrepancy in my perception.
Shouma was… my brother was…
Who was this Shouma?
“―Alright, let’s proceed with the reception♪”
“Uh…”
I couldn’t think of anything, and Me’y prompted me to complete the reception registration.
My long-awaited ABYSS exploration was right in front of me.
“―I’m looking forward to it, Shouma-kun…♪”