ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 82
82: Misunderstanding and Betrayal
――SIDE: Red Feather――
“…It’s true.”
He said so, affirming his own rumors.
He confessed that our senior was involved in the attack on the first-year classroom, and it was all part of his plan…
I couldn’t understand his feelings.
“Why…”
I couldn’t help but speak out.
“Why would you tell such a lie?”
“What lie?”
“Aren’t you just trying to protect D-group by framing our senior and making him attack another classroom? That’s not something you would do!”
Even if he could do it, there’s no benefit for him. I thought it was just some kind of misunderstanding.
But…
“What’s with that? You’re just having a wild imagination, Red Feather! If I, the person involved, say it’s true, there’s no other explanation!”
Shouma refused to back down.
As always… Why are you so stubborn?!
When I talk to you, you’re always in a bad mood, Shouma, but today you’re even more irritated.
What’s going on…?!
I’ve been trying to help you, but…
“…Or should I say, no matter what I say here, you’ll just twist it and make it into an article, right? Then, there’s no point in explaining the truth!”
“!”
“That’s not true, Ishiru!”
Early on, Haya intervened from beside me.
“…I’ve misunderstood you, Ishiru, until now. I didn’t verify the facts and wrote whatever I wanted. I even wrote posts on the bulletin board that would lead to bashing you. But Red Feather-chan is…”
“Ah, I know! Red Feather must have colluded with the reporting department to spread rumors about me! The fact that the three of you are here together is proof of that!”
“Eh…!?”
What is he talking about?!
He’s speaking with an attitude, as if he’s serious. Is he seriously misunderstanding this?!
“Wait! Red Feather-chan didn’t…”
“If you were friends, wouldn’t you deny it?! But the situation is just too suspicious! I was surprised to hear that Utsu was spreading rumors about me, but if Red Feather was behind it, it makes sense! You must have wanted to expel me from the academy! What’s the reason? Was it to cancel the engagement? There are so many possibilities, I don’t know which one is the cause…”
――But, man, the method is so underhanded. Honestly, I never thought she’d stoop to such petty tricks. That guy’s annoying, but I thought his straightforwardness was one of Akane’s good qualities. …… I’m disappointed.
“!!”
Shoma spat out the words like he was vomiting.
I dislike that guy, and I don’t care what he thinks, but it pisses me off to be looked down on because of a misunderstanding……!!
“You’re saying whatever you want……! Is that okay?! I’m doing this for your sake――”
The words that nearly slipped out of my mouth got stuck there. …… Am I thinking about Shoma’s sake?
…… What am I saying? I have nothing to do with Shoma’s business!?
I just stopped Early News from doing biased reporting because I didn’t like it myself!! That’s justice!
Yes, I acted based on justice!!
I don’t like Shoma at all, so I won’t be misunderstood!!
“What’s wrong, Akane? Do you have something to say?”
“……!!”
This guy’s really getting on my nerves……!!
But it’s no use.
Even if I say something here, it won’t do me any good.
“Hmm…… You’re not going to retort?”
“Uh, Akane-chan……?”
“……Whatever. I don’t have time to deal with idiots. If you’re going to misunderstand, then go ahead!!”
“Oh? Are you giving up on persuasion? That’s fine, as long as it doesn’t cause trouble later.”
“……If you think that, then you should take responsibility and talk to your senior! You’re the root of all evil, and if you have any sense, you should take action yourself!!”
“This is harsh. I want to help somehow, but Shoma and I just met, and we can’t have a conversation to clear up the misunderstanding. I’m sorry, but I’m powerless.”
Moji-senpai is still acting like a bystander, huh!? They’re just watching from the sidelines and not taking any responsibility, which is the lowest of the low!!
“……If you’re done, then I’ll leave? I don’t have time to waste like you guys do. Just go ahead and spread rumors about others, and enjoy yourself.”
“――!!”
“See you. …… Don’t talk to me again.”
Shoma clearly showed his intention to reject me and walked away down the hallway.
…… This is fine.
I think this is for the best.
We were always on bad terms anyway.
I’m unhappy about being misunderstood as the one who started the rumors, but it’s better than trying to explain and being treated like a fool.
“……Shoma-kun was misunderstood, but do you still oppose his article, Otori-kun? I heard your opinion earlier, but do you still feel the same way?”
“……Of course. I won’t tolerate biased reporting.”
“I just gave the people what they wanted? You can’t create a ‘buzz’ with just one person’s power. Everyone was waiting for a bashing article about Shoma. I just responded to that――”
“……I know you had a grudge against Shina-chan and Moji-senpai. You can’t say you didn’t have personal feelings in your bashing article.”
Moji-senpai looked like they’d been hit where it hurt, and then smiled wryly.
“Personal feelings…… Well, I did have them.”
“That’s it!”
“Aina-chan surpassed me with her natural talent for writing, and I attacked her with my own abilities. I won’t complain even if I’m criticized for that.”
“Fireworks aren’t it! Shōma has nothing to do with it!!”
“There is a connection! He’s Ōnā’s younger brother! Unlike his sister, who’s not related to gossip, his brother is like a treasure trove of scandals waiting to be dug up. …You can’t help but want to expose him!”
“So what if—!”
“I don’t think I did anything wrong. At first, it was a personal vendetta. I wanted to write a humorous article, mocking Ōnā’s younger brother. —But he’s not on that level! He’s got overwhelming star power! Seeing him in action, you can’t help but be impressed. Even if I didn’t do anything, he’d still be a school celebrity!!”
“!!”
“Remember the school entrance ceremony riot and the Tenkūin incident? He’s involved in every incident that’s happened since the new semester started! It’s impossible for him not to be a hot topic!!”
“…You’re the one who’s been spreading negative rumors about him”
“It’s not like that? If the public didn’t want it, it wouldn’t have taken off! ‘A freshman with an attitude problem’—that’s what everyone thinks. It’s just jealousy of his talent!”
“…Talent? Shōma’s…?”
“What’s with you? Didn’t you notice his exceptional abilities as an explorer? Shōma’s talents are immeasurable! His sister Ōnā can’t even compare!”
“…”
“—Anyway, if you’re that opposed, I won’t write an article about the rumors that haven’t been verified as facts”
“Moji-senpai!”
“Ah, don’t get too excited, Utsugi-kun. This is just the newspaper club’s policy. Personal bashing of Shōma will continue, but the newspaper club won’t get involved. …You’re free to try and stop it, but it’s not our problem”
“!”
“You were the one defending Shōma on the anti-thread, weren’t you? If you want to do it, go ahead. I won’t stop you”
“Ah, thank you!”
“—But the newspaper club’s activities take priority. Don’t let your feelings for Shōma get in the way of our club activities!”
Moji-senpai’s words made me respond with a loud “Yes!”… I wonder if this settles the matter with the newspaper club?
“…I’m disappointed”
“!”
I reflexively shook my head, trying to erase the thought of Shōma’s words. It doesn’t matter what he thinks of me.
But—
My chest hurts—