The Golden Experience Point [Part 1]

Chapter 121: "Idiot"

"Then, I wonder how were you planning to defeat Rare-chan next?"

"...Right."

Ever since encountering the person who seemed to be Rare's older sister, Rare's behavior had been a bit strange. Her expressions were more subdued than usual, and she spoke less. It was as if she was suppressing her emotions, keeping them from showing.

"Hey, are you okay? Is something bothering you?"

"I'm fine. Nothing's changed."

"...Well, as for how I planned to defeat the 'Calamity', to be honest, I hadn't thought much about it. I just thought I could win. The details of the battle were in that Calamity subjugation thread on the forum. From that, it was clear that using artifacts would be effective in dealing damage, especially when the Calamity was immobilized by [Fear].

I've invested quite a bit in [Mental Magic] and MND, and while I don't know how skilled that MentaList player is, I was confident that I had a significant lead in terms of acquired experience among players. So, I thought it would probably work.

Well, in reality, the Calamity turned out to be Rare-chan, so I had no choice but to yield the top player position to her."

Lyra said this, but she was actually much stronger than the knights. Even in Blanc, it was hard to understand what she was doing.

At that hill of rubble, she instantly killed the old man who had tried to kill Blanc and fought Rare head-on, and yet she was now casually talking about it, demonstrating abnormal strength.

So, it might not be entirely accurate to say my estimate was too optimistic. If that artifact or some other factor had been activated, the outcome could have been reversed.

"Now, about the armor. It's actually an item with a history. It's said to have been worn by the nobles—possibly the current royal family—when they defeated the Spirit Lord in the past, to protect themselves from the magic he unleashed. I don't know if it's true.

However, it does have magical resistance, so I collected it with money. If it really was worn by the royal family, they wouldn't easily part with it. Probably a replica, but it wasn't among the possessions of the Hiers royal family I took care of.

If it's not in Rare-chan's treasure trove either, this story might be a lie, or the armor might be genuine. Except for the one I wore, all the others were scrapped."

With this, have I asked everything I wanted to know? I've covered the initial plan and resolved the newly emerged mysteries. There's no longer that lingering sense of unease.

Unfortunately, I couldn't be of much help to Rare, but there might be another chance. Now, we could engage in small talk. It seems like Rare has something else she wants to ask aside from the game.

"...Well, since my business is done."

"Huh? You're leaving already? Don't you want to talk more? Aren't you like an older sister?"

"...I'm just a stranger. It doesn't concern me."

She said it with a straight face. Rare's wings were restlessly fluttering.

Looking at Lyra, she had an expression that could be described as troubled or resigned, or it was hard to say exactly. Whatever emotion it was, one thing was clear—anyone who witnessed it would feel a pang of sadness.

With the same face as Rare, such an expression made Blanc's chest tighten.

"...No, you can't. It's not like that."

"...Blanc?"

"Don't leave. Weren't both of you really surprised just now? It's been a while since you met, right?