ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 71
71: The Beautiful Aria that Thaws
――SIDE: Shiina Ria――
The battle against Efreets was a long one. The endless flames scattered everywhere. My brother, Shouma, stood alone with his rapier, facing the formidable demon god.
The suicidal battle seemed to be a mismatch, but surprisingly, Shouma was holding his own. The difference in power was overwhelming, but Shouma’s techniques were incredible. He would anticipate the enemy’s attacks and dodge them, then strike at the opportune moment. It was easy to say, but difficult to execute, and Shouma did it with ease.
The fact that my brother, Shouma, was having a good fight against the demon god Efreets, the floor boss, was unthinkable. But what I saw with my own eyes was reality――Shouma’s flawless movements and polished techniques. His bold and daring attacks were etched vividly in my memory.
“Amazing…”
I couldn’t help but whisper in awe. There was no scorn or ridicule towards my brother, only a pure sense of admiration for something beautiful.
Shouma, who was dominating the demon god.
The long, long battle finally came to an end.
As Efreets reached its limit and collapsed, Shouma dealt the finishing blow, ending the fight.
The sight of Efreets disappearing into light was so fantastical it seemed unreal.
The rising phosphorescent glow was like stars.
As I stood before the dazzling light, my consciousness turned to Shinma, who was standing in front of me.
There were two Shinmas – the one at home and the one who dived into ABYSS.
The two Shinmas were inconsistent, and I felt as if I had lost my mind.
“… What’s going on, are you still here?”
Shinma, who had returned while carrying his uniform jacket on his shoulder, said this to me.
“D- But, the escape method…”
“Since we defeated the floor master, we should be able to use the emergency escape now, right? … Try it out.”
“Eh!?”
As Shinma told me, I checked the magic crystal terminal (portal). … Indeed, the emergency escape that was previously unavailable was now usable.
“… Aren’t you going back?”
“I’ve finally defeated Eefreet, so I need to update the floor at least. After that, I’ll return to the transfer area and set up camp. I have a promise with my classmates, and I won’t be going home yet.”
“So… so…”
So, Shinma wasn’t going back…
I felt a pang of disappointment in my heart.
I wanted to thank him for helping me and explain what had happened today.
Of course, I also wanted to apologize for my past mistakes…
“Wait… I’ll go back with you too.”
“H- Really!?”
“Yeah, really… What’s with that happy face? You don’t like being with me, do you?”
“N- Not at all…!”
After saying that, I thought I had failed. Shinma didn’t seem to mind particularly, but if I continued like this, I would never be able to apologize.
“… Yeah, yeah, I know. If I went back alone, the people at home would be furious, right? Walking with someone you dislike is painful, but since I came to help you, you should at least tolerate it.”
“…”
“… Are you ignoring me again? … Haa…”
… Apologize…
When I looked back, what had I done to Shinma? For the sake of making my sister the leader, I had tormented him daily, ignoring him and treating him coldly. I had forced him to bow and lick my feet every morning, and had even fed him rotten food behind my sister’s back. During the day, I would order the maids to mess up his room, and for fun, I would cut up his laundry.
To be honest, I didn’t think I could be forgiven for those things… I had thoroughly tormented Shinma together with the maids, justifying my mistakes as “necessary evils”.
… What a foolish thing to do.
My sister, Anna, had devoted herself to making Shinma a worthy leader, whereas I had tried to eliminate him on my own…
I didn’t have the right to judge others, and this was just too ridiculous!
… I had to apologize.
Shinma had helped me despite putting himself in danger. To reciprocate his actions, I had to change myself here and now!
Even if I was rejected, it was okay.
I had done only that much.
So…
“―I’m sorry! Shinma-nii-sama!!”
I closed my eyes and bowed my head in the direction where my brother should be. My voice was shaking, but once I spoke, I couldn’t stop.
“I misunderstood you, nii-sama! I apologize for all the disrespect I’ve shown you until now!”
I was scared of my brother’s reaction…
Even if I was rejected, it was inevitable. If I was scolded, it was my own fault. I had thought that way, but when I stood before him, my determination seemed small. I was anxious about what words he would throw at me, and my chest felt tight with fear.
Time passes moment by moment.
Is the silence a punishment for me?
There was a time when I thought I’d rather die, and I couldn’t help but raise my gaze to the sky, struggling to bear the atmosphere.
“――Ah?”
My brother’s figure was nowhere to be seen before my eyes.
I stood there, dumbfounded.
It was 20 minutes later that I used the 【Emergency Escape】 function of my magic crystal terminal (Portal), all alone…