ALL NOVEL The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 83
83: Like a Frog Being Stared Down by a Snake
As I walked down the corridor, I realized I was getting agitated. Was it because of Kōu’s incident? Or was it because of the people around me who were spreading malicious rumors without evidence? Even I didn’t know.
One thing I could say for sure was that I hated humans. They were troublesome and annoying. They unnecessarily stirred up emotions, making me tired when I interacted with them.
“…I’ve had enough”
I muttered to myself, stopping in my tracks. The corridor was empty, with only a few students around. Some were heading home, others were attending club activities, and some were studying. The students’ actions varied.
Academy’s explorer training isn’t compulsory. Although we’re known as an explorer training school, club activities are also encouraged as a way to develop our minds and bodies. There are students who can’t afford to explore due to lack of Mileage Points, and they can work part-time in the exploration zone during this time.
Currently, I have 20 million MP.
I don’t think I need to worry about money right now.
I’ve just cleared the 10th floor, and I might as well just go home today without doing anything.
…When I get home, I’ll probably get questioned by Ria and Ōnā-senpai about yesterday’s incident…
Honestly, I’m sick of it. I don’t want to communicate with people who dislike me.
I’ve always been bad at socializing. I’m a communication-phobe who can only handle a certain level of conversation. I get exhausted mentally, and I’m terrible at reading people’s emotions and atmospheres. I often step on landmines and say things that others find incomprehensible. I hate that feeling of being left out.
“I don’t want to go home”
My true feelings slipped out.
As “Ishiro Shōma,” my home is supposed to be the Ishiro estate, but I don’t feel like it’s my place. I have a sister Ria who looks down on me, a sister Ōnā who’s devoid of kindness, and maids who only bully me. …The atmosphere is unbearable. And what’s worst is that, at my core, I’m not “Ishiro Shōma” at all.
Pretending to be someone else is tiring and depressing.
Do Shizuru and I have similar personalities? I acknowledge that. Sometimes, I myself can’t tell what’s genuine and what’s an act. However, that doesn’t erase the guilt of continuously lying to those around me.
If possible――
I want to return to that 1DK apartment…
The home where I used to live.
My place.
“――Shizuru-kun?”
“!”
As I was gazing out the window, lost in thought, a sudden voice called out from behind me.
When I turned around, I saw my classmate, Shinonome Kana, standing there. There was no one else around. I was inwardly panicked at the unexpected one-on-one situation.
“What a coincidence, running into you here? You’re also skipping class today, Shizuru-kun?”
“Uh, uh, yeah…”
“Did you have something to do?”
“No…”
After saying that, I regretted it. I should have made up a plausible excuse and left.
However, Shinonome’s behavior――I couldn’t simply escape. I had seen through her true nature. And that was my greatest mistake. I couldn’t predict what she would do when no one was around.
“Hmm… then, you have some free time?”
“Y-yes, that’s right…”
“You’re free, so let’s hang out a bit.”
“D-don’t――! Oh no!”
Shinonome grabbed my hand and dragged me into a nearby classroom. This is――an empty classroom? The curtains were closed like a dark veil. On top of the cluttered desks, there were cardboard boxes filled with school supplies.
“Yes, abduction complete ♫”
“…Huh!?”
“You’re so naive, Shizuru-kun. It’s no use trying to open the door. I locked itakked it with my skills.”
Shinonome, who had changed her atmosphere, said that to me. I tried to open the classroom door in a panic, but it was as solid as a stone and wouldn’t budge.
Shinonome walked confidently around the classroom, searching for something. Eventually, she found what she was looking for and placed it in the center of the room, dusting off the accumulated dirt.
“――Then, let’s talk. You’re fine with being on the floor, right, Shizuru-kun?”
“…”
There was no way I could agree.
While sitting on the chair, Shinonome stared at my face. Her eyes had a firm determination, saying, “I won’t let you escape.” A killing intent that made my body shiver was emanating from her.
I had no choice. I was forced to sit across from Shinonome, my knees trembling.
“Evil Sorceress, huh? The executives didn’t seem to notice, but predicting this as a transfer destination is quite rude, don’t you think?”
“T-that’s…”
“Hey, Shizuru-kun? How much do you know?”
――――――――――――――――――――
――Oh, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience!!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve ranked 7th in the daily gift ranking on Kakyomu’s official Twitter on 2/28!!
This is all thanks to everyone’s support (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)!!
I’ll work hard to write a worthy story for everyone’s support, so please continue to give me ☆ ratings, ♡ support, and comments (ᐢ ‘ᵕ’ ᐢ )!!
I’ll occasionally update my status notes, so please feel free to take a look if you’re interested.
Well, that’s all for today. See you tomorrow ⊂( っ˘ω˘)っｽﾔｧ…