NOVEL NEXT The Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills Reincarnates as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO Chapter 34
34: The Real Return This Time
Using the magical terminal (Portal)’s emergency escape function, we returned to the Academy’s transfer zone on the first floor of ABYSS. The search time was two hours. It felt much shorter than that.
The battle against the Golem… was more difficult for me than the conversation with Isogino. My “Ishiru Shinma” act has been polished over time. As “Shinma,” I can say things that I normally couldn’t, and I feel good about it. ——However, since my base is trash, I might unintentionally hurt someone, which is something to consider.
“What?! You guys…!”
“Ah… um…?”
Before my very eyes, there stood Teacher Kageyama and the rescue team. It seemed we were about to depart. As the representative of PT, Aiba Soji looked unwell, bowing his head.
“What are the three of you doing here? You’re with Isogai-kun and Lin-kun, aren’t you?”
“Uh, well… yeah.”
“—”
Behind us were Isogai Hiroshi, who was still catching his breath, and Sugiyama Haruo. Lin Sheng was with them. Aiba was carrying the unconscious Kasai, and Shinoda was being held by Kanazaki. …I was the only one unscathed.
For a moment, Kageyama was stunned, but he quickly grasped the situation and requested emergency assistance from the rescue team. As he watched them disperse, Kageyama gazed at us with a mixture of disappointment and frustration.
“…Who is the mastermind behind this?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“You’re lucky to have made it back safely, but if you had taken one wrong step, it would have led to a second disaster. Aiba-kun, I understand you’re excellent, but you can’t rely too heavily on your own abilities.”
“Yes, I’m sorry…”
“As long as you’re reflecting on your actions, that’s good enough. Please report your safety to the worried students as well.”
“Huh?”
Kageyama gestured to a spot where our classmates were waiting for our return.
“Soji-kun! Ayumu-kun!”
“—Kanon, Kouu!”
“What took you so long!? We were worried sick about you!”
“There were various issues on our end, okay?”
“…Don’t blame me.”
The first to rush over were the girls from Aiba’s PT, Shinonome Kanon and Houjou Kouu. As usual, they didn’t seem to care about me at all. …Well, that’s fine, I suppose!!
“Lin-kun, are you okay!? Sorry, we… went back ahead of you!!”
“…It’s fine, really…”
“You shouldn’t… be reckless…”
“Your uniform is all torn! The ambulance will be here soon, so just stay still until then!”
“…Okay…”
Next to arrive were the Sanbongi trio. Sanbongi Haruka and Moriyama Shinobu were worried about Lin’s condition. Even the quiet Kimoto Shiori was concerned, leaving Lin speechless. Most of his injuries were from his fight with Sugiyama, but he couldn’t say that out loud.
“You’re quite a sight, Isogai.”
“…What’s with you, stupid glasses?”
“As the leader, your mistakes are huge. You hurt your friends, the Shinoda bunch, and caused trouble for Aiba’s group… If you want to be an explorer, you should correct your arrogant attitude from now on.”
“What kind of sermon is this? …Shut up, I’m fed up.”
“You still don’t get it, do you—!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop, stop, Kubo!”
“Kubo-kun, Isogai-kun is injured, so don’t fight, okay?”
“…I understand what Kubo wants to say? But now’s not the time or place.”
“…Okay, got it…”
Thanks to the persuasion of Yoshikawa, Sekikawa, and Takato, Kubo Masashi, who was about to pick a fight with Isogai, calmed down. Isogai would normally lash out at this point, but since I had thoroughly defeated him in ABYSS, he was subdued and quiet.
“!”
“Ah…”
As I turned towards the shutter sound, I saw Utsugi Saki standing there, camera in hand. When our eyes met, she looked unwell and hurriedly ran towards Kouu.
What was going on?
As I wondered, the rescue team’s stretcher arrived before us. There was an ambulance waiting at the entrance of the transfer zone, and it was possible that they would transport Isogai and the others to an outside hospital.
If I had to get treatment, it would be faster to go to the infirmary in the learning zone. They could use recovery medicine made with ABYSS’s resources.
Well, there’s no insurance coverage for that, though.
For explorers, mileage points are crucial. It might be more economical to use external funds if possible.
ABYSS, 2nd floor.
Current balance: 10,000MP
The initial exploration earned a profit of +5,000MP.
After spending 10,000MP on equipment, my current balance remains at 5,000MP.
Considering the three-hour outcome, it’s not a bad hourly wage. Those who equipped themselves with subpar gear would be at a disadvantage from here on, and I’ve come to realize the importance of sturdy iron weapons.