NOVEL NEXT The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 26
26: Re-Entry! Aiba and Shinomiya
“I, Godasaki Ayumu, will accompany you two, Aiba Soji and Kanzaki Shin!”
“…Are you serious?”
With a surprised expression, Kanzaki Ayumu muttered.
――Ugh, I don’t get it either! ☆！
In my heart, I was thinking “hehe” and sticking out my tongue, but in reality, it was impossible.
Following them means giving up being a “solo” player. Even if it’s temporary… I, who have been playing solo for 27 years, am going to give it up. It’s natural to feel scared. I’m a guy who’s been playing solo for 27 years, and it’s a huge change! It’s terrifying! ――ッ！！
「……Ishizuru, are you trembling…？」
“What!? ――Ah, yeah! This is what they call a “warrior’s tremble”! When I get to my level, my blood pressure rises too much and I start shaking like crazy!! ……It’s not that I’m scared or anything, so don’t get the wrong idea, okay!?！」
『……』
A subtle atmosphere flowed between the two of us. I’m sure the others behind us felt the same way.
Is this really… tough?
I thought to myself at that moment.
――Pfft, haha, haha!
“Ah, Aiba!?“
Aiba Sōji burst out laughing, holding his belly. I, who was also laughed at, and Kanzaki, who was with me, were all surprised at the same time.
“No, no, sorry about that?”
Aiba, with tears in the corners of his eyes, apologized to me, saying “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
It’s not like I’m offended or anything… I’m just too surprised. What is it about me that hit Aiba’s spot? It’s mysterious…
――”It’s okay. Let’s go together, Shōma. I’ll give you a warm welcome!”
――”H, eh? Ah, yeah…”
――Wait, he’s calling me by name!?
Does Aiba have a rule to call people by name when they’re in the same party…?
“Is it okay, Sōji…?”
“Ah, yeah. And I’m interested in the abilities of the guy recognized by Tenjuin.”
“Is it just the student council president’s hobby…?”
“He’s not that kind of guy. I can tell.”
――
Kanzaki thought deeply. I see, it’s related to Tenjuin… In the game settings, Aiba has a huge grudge against him. I think to myself, but getting kissed in that situation was a mistake.
I’m recalling the past and getting hurt. Kanzaki seemed to have come up with an answer, shaking his head in resignation.
“This is a matter of life and death. Just don’t get in the way, okay…? That’s all I can say.”
Geez, what a pain!
I, Shōma, can’t lose to this guy either!
“So, shall I just observe from behind and not get in the way? I’ll let the top-ranked guy do his best, and I won’t bother him.”
「……Hmph, you’re despicable…！」
“Hey, hey, let’s get along…!”
Aiba hurriedly mediated. Wait, Kanzaki is being pretty tough on me, isn’t he? I don’t think I’ve had that much interaction with Shōma, but it’s mysterious.
“Shōma, are you really going?”
“What’s up, Kurenai? Are you worried about me?”
“Not at all… If I’m worried, it’s that you’ll hold back Aiba and the others.”
I responded to Kurenai’s sharp words with a wry smile. Kurenai looked angry, but I think he’s just mad because he got caught, so please forgive me.
「……I’ll activate the portal device. I’ll send you the invitation code, and you can join the party.――Ah, Kurenai and the others can stay out of it? If you’re not in the party, you won’t get any experience points, but you’ll get a share of the rewards when we defeat monsters. If you don’t want to waste your earnings, make sure to update your party information carefully.”
“Oh, oh… Got it!”
I operated the terminal in my hand, loading the invitation code. The PT information displayed, showing Aiba as the leader, with Kashinagi and Ishizuru in a three-man cell.
“Is it okay if I’m the leader?”
“It’s complicated, but I don’t feel like arguing about it. Besides, it’s a waste of time, right?”
“…Got it.”
Aiba, who had agreed, approached the Transfer Stone. The magic terminal’s screen switched, and we were ready to transfer at any moment.
“Be careful, all three of you!”
The voice was from Himeko Yoshikawa.
Unlike the students who were still confused, she was praying for my safety.
She’s indeed the mother of us all.
I feel like relying on her.
I operated the terminal, and we began to transfer.
This is our first PT battle.
The circumstances are different, but I wonder if we can manage…
I let out a sigh in my heart, thinking about the unfinished business with Isarino and Sanmatsu’s PT.