Chapter 6: Another Version 3

Another Version 3

One of the monsters leapt out from the mob of monsters. It opened its mouth wide, ready to bite me as I stood there defenseless, its sword-like fangs gleaming.

However, unfortunately, it was sent flying by a powerful kick from someone who had come in between us and was forcibly sent back to its' original position.

"Asurika, please!"　

It was Mizell who protected me. While I was trying to activate my powerful magic, he skillfully maneuvered around, cornering the numerous monsters and forcing them to gather in one place.

This is not an easy thing to do. Mizell is steadily improving not only his ability scores, but also his strength as a warrior. This is probably his growth period.

Well then. This marks the end of the first batch of monsters we were asked to exterminate. While thinking about what I would use the reward for, I swung down my raised wand and cast the completed spell at them.

"Ummm... [Meteor Red Sun]"

The huge, swelling mass of flames passed over the head of Mizell, who was on the vanguard, and crashed like a meteorite into the center of the monsters. The monsters, pitifully, were crushed, burst into flames, and died one and all.

"Phew."

"...As expected. Good job, Asurika."

"Mizell too."

After the battle, we exchanged refreshing cheers and a high five.

Just like a real friend.

On our way back from visiting the adventurers' association, we passed through the town's main street, which was depressingly crowded with people.

Well, for people who use the train a lot or live in a big city, it probably isn't that crowded, but for me, a student from the countryside, it was a bit tiring.

It seems the same thing happened to Mizell, and the two of us walked with our shoulders hunched.

Oh, that's right.

"Mizell? It would be troublesome if we got separated... Shall I hold your hand?"

"Eh? It's alright, I'm not a child."

"Here we go."

I cling to his arm and press my chest against him.

It's a prank that I'm probably getting tired of, but it always gets a good reaction, so I find myself doing it again and again.

"Wow! ... Ah, Asurika! Aren't you embarrassed that people are watching?"

"Why? We're a couple, aren't we?"

"...That's true, but people are looking at us."

"Really? That's strange."

I don't feel embarrassed now. I just enjoy the jealous looks I get from all the guys who pass by. It feels good to know what a fine woman I am.

The two of us walk closely together through the crowd of people. It can't be helped, it's so crowded after all.

This great city of Barima was currently in the midst of a so-called "Great Fighting Festival" that is held once every four years.

Apparently, this was originally a town of roughnecks who pioneered this region, where monsters were strong, through physical force, and it seems that there have long been contests of "strength." This developed into what is known today as the Gladiator's Festival in Barima, a festival that celebrates human combat.

And the main event, a "Martial Arts Tournament," will be held soon. Being "strong" here is still a big status symbol.

Apparently, the existence of this martial arts tournament is particularly famous, with participants and spectators coming from other countries.

...Well, that's the "setting" of Barima. It's a town that seems to exist for a PvP tournament, as is common in battle games.

A few months ago, when we first visited this city and started using it as our base, there weren't as many people here as here.

Now that the festival has begun and the martial arts tournament is approaching, it looks like this.

With so many people gathering, it becomes difficult to get work done as we all fight over requests.

As expected, the adventurer's work is unstable. But someone like me who lives comfortably in peaceful Japan, has no job yet, studies only half-heartedly and reads fantasy manga and light novels, has no idea how to survive in another world. It goes without saying, but an idiot like me who doesn't put in any effort will have a hard time in another world.

I'm worried about the future. I can't keep on killing monsters forever.

...I wonder if Mizell will raise me.

That might be a good idea. With this body, I should be able to do something like that.

Yes, I am blessed with this body now.

By stealing Asurika's efforts, I can get food and a bed by unleashing the magic she has honed.

And above all, she has a good looking face.

Asurika seems to think that she is successful because she is a smart and talented wizard, but this girl is not smart. She is just good looking.

Well, if you have such a pretty face, you're bound to get all pampered and have an empty brain. All the nutrients that should go to your brain are going to your appearance, Asurika.

Of course I'm complimenting you, that's very nice.

"Um, can you please let go now...?"

Still clinging to his arm, I looked up at the guy who was slightly taller than me.

....Hmmm? Let's try making various "requests" for it.

This guy likes me. In other words, you could say it's my wallet.

"...I'm hungry. Hey, Mizell, let's go through the shopping district in the southern district before going home."

"Oh, okay. I get it."

"I heard there's a place that serves cold drinks. Want me to buy you one?"

"Eh! No, that's... there are only expensive restaurants around there, and for two people..."

"My body is hot because I used that kind of magic. See? I want to cool down."　

Pressing my body against him more, I pulled the collar of my clothes to let air in. From the angle I was standing, he could see my underwear. I felt his gaze go there for a moment, and I chuckled.

In fact, he was sweating and it was his instructions that I used that magic. I'd like him to praise me.　

"I-I understand, so please let go..."

"Thanks. I love you, Mizell."

I quickly released my arms. Even with such shallow words, Mizell would surely be pleased. If not, it would be no fun. Surprisingly, it was slightly more embarrassing to say it out loud than to press my chest against him.

Mizell's ears turned slightly red and he walked faster. It was easy to understand.

I used him as a shield from the crowd and followed behind him.

I think my relationship with Mizell is going well. It's pretty much how I imagined it would be at the beginning.

Since he said he liked me too, I've already passed my goal. There's no need to try and flirt with him every time.

Surprisingly, I never get bored of this guy's reactions, as he never seems to get used to being around women.

...For me.

Every day now is quite fun.　

"Thank you for the meal, Mizell-kun."

"Three days' worth of living expenses in one hour..."

"Yeah?"

"Nothing."　

Mizell looked dejected as he carefully held his leather wallet, which was a size thinner than before.

Now that we have come this far, I'd like him to become the kind of person who feels happy giving money to me, but I guess we're still a long way from that point.

Laughing at Mizell's weak gait, I strolled through the shopping district in a good mood. This area is a food and drink district. There are no manga, anime, or games in the other world, but there is good food. In a large commercial city like Barima, you can go on a gourmet trip in search of new flavors.

Also, going around weapon and tool shops is fun, but I'm not in the mood today.　

"Oh, what's that...?!"　

I stopped in front of a certain stall. The object that the customer who had just left had been eating looked familiar.

That fluffy white thing on top of a waffle cone is... soft serve ice cream.

Seriously? Is it real? Can something like Ice Cream be made in this world? Do people from other worlds also end up here like me...?

Hmm. I'm sure I ate a lot just now, but I want to try that. I once read in a web novel that if you have a woman's body, your sense of taste changes and you start to like sweet things... I'd love to try that.　

"Mizelu, buy that."

"...yeah yeah"

While Mizell was trying to get some money out of his wallet with a look on his face like he was about to disappear, I received a soft serve ice cream from the shop owner. He said that it was a trial reproduction of a sweet that was popular in another country.

Mizell didn't buy anything because he was full.　

I walked a little with my loot in hand, looked around, and then sat down on the small steps at the entrance to an apartment building halfway down the street. Mizell sat down next to me, keeping a distance of one person. If we get too close, we'll be a nuisance to the residents.

I stared at the white thing in my hand, swallowed it, and finally scooped it up with my tongue.

"...Hmmmm...?"

I licked it. I took a big bite. But...

It's cold, so it's definitely ice cream, but... it's not very sweet. Disappointing. It's still in development. Unfortunately, it was a waste of money. Feeling empty, I licked up the flavorless ice cream.

Then I notice Mizell watching me intently.

"……? what?"

"Oh, sorry, nothing."　

Earlier, Mizell's eyes were fixed on my mouth. Most of the time, what he's looking at is directly focused on me.

Do you want to eat it? ... No, did the sight of a beautiful girl eating ice cream arouse something in you? What an erotic thing.　

"Want to eat some? I'll give you some, but they're not very tasty."

"Eh? It's fine. Thank you."

"It's a sorry for making you buy me a meal."　

When I handed it to him, he didn't show any reaction and just took it. Maybe he just wanted to eat it...

Mizell takes a bite hesitantly.　

"It's cold and delicious though."

"Yeah."　

You have a poor palate. I'm getting a good deal.

Mizell steadily eats away the ice cream. Was he lying about being full because of the state of his wallet, or was he saving his snacks' room for another meal? Well, I think it's the former.

"By the way, Mizell. Do you know the word 'indirect kiss'?"

"?"

"You don't know?"

Well then, let me tell you. Putting aside the fact that eating other people's leftovers is unsanitary, you shouldn't put your mouth on a beautiful girl's food for a different reason. Because you'll be played with by me.

"Let me explain. An indirect kiss is when Mizell put his mouth on something that I put my mouth on, so isn't that essentially a kiss? That's the idea behind it. Do you understand what I mean?"

"...!! Ngh! Mmm!! Cough."

Mizell choked, as if something had gotten stuck in his trachea. His ears were red and his expression was distorted. That's how it had to be.

"See? If you don't eat it quickly, it will melt."　

I got close and whispered in his ear. Just like always.

Mizell writhed in agony, covered his mouth and arched his back.

Being a kind person, I tried to calm him down. I went down the steps, squatted down in front of him, and peered closely at his face from below.

Since sitting on someone else's stairs was a little awkward, we decided to walk a little further and sit down in a rest area with chairs and tables in the shade.

By the way, on the desk are lined up various new items that Mizell had bought for me.

He was having trouble getting back to his lodgings and had to make unexpected expenditures, so his face looked like a shriveled eggplant.　

"What's up, Mizell? You seem depressed even though it's a special date."

"...Eh? This is a date? No one told me it will be like this...?"

"Hehe."　

What is that? I wonder who told him that story.

Well, I said it was a date, but I was just in the mood to splurge on someone else's money today, and I've only just realized now that it was more like a date in the end.

Anyway, I hope you don't sulk like that and instead savor the happiness of being able to stroll around town with the adorable Asurika.

If you want, I can make it a better memory for you.

"...Today was fun. Thank you, Mizell."

"Y-yes. I had fun too."

"Do you want something as a thank you? Maybe I'll sleep with you?"

"Huh? No! Please stop that..."

"Why? Do you hate me?"

"You ...always like this..."

"....good"

I whispered to Mizell, holding one hand to my mouth, as if I was trying to sneak a secret conversation with him.

"Because I really like you, Mizell."

When I say this and act, his cheeks get hot. I think it's the blood rushing through his cheeks and he is flushing.

When Mizell heard that, he looked away, unable to look directly at me.

...On a good day, I can say it about twice a day. It seems like it would be boring, but Mizell still responds in a naive way, so it's worth playing. If it wasn't for him, for example, if the other person was a man who was used to women and good at communication, I think every day would be boring.

Mizell. I'm glad I had my eye on you after all.

Become more, even more weak-willed.

Besides, I want to make it explode. It would be easy to make a more direct advance on him, but I want him to attack me. Mizell has an impressively strong sense of reason, but I want to make him lose that restraint.

I am aware that things are gradually escalating, but as long as I am with Mizell, there seems to be plenty of fun to be had.

Hiding our messy inner selves, we enjoy some trivial conversation for a while.

What will our next job be like? How long will we be based in this city? If we plans to stay here for a long time, would he like to live with me if he finds a nice place to rent?

And then.　

"...Hey, isn't that the Red-Hot Witch over there from the Tetrago Kingdom?"

"Even someone like that is participating? This is a really high-level tournament..."

A pair of people who were bad at whispering stared at me and talked about something as they passed by.

…It seems they had mistakenly thought that I was going to participate in the city's martial arts tournament. Since coming to this city, I've heard similar voices and received similar looks several times. I know a lot about adventurers from other places.

There's no way I'll join, it's too much hassle. I don't want to fight anything other than a fight I can win easily.

"Asurika, you're a celebrity."

"Hmm. It looks like it."

Tracing the memories of this foolish, beautiful girl, it appears that Asurika was indeed a well-known user among her peers, and even had an impressive nickname.

From my point of view, about 20 to 30% of her power is thanks to Mizell's buffs, and she's a character who only comes into play when banishing or when things get rife, so I think she's overvalued. She's famous not for her power, but for her cute face.

It seems that she was feeling pretty good about herself at the peak of her powers, but tonight I'm going to yell at her in the mirror. Then I'll get her to apologize for getting carried away.

"Aren't you going to participate in the tournament? Asurika is strong."

"...Hmm. Do I look strong? I'm not going to participate. I'm not getting paid for it."

"The winner will receive a prize of 10 million yen."

"Wow! That's a lot of money."　

That's... I simply want it. I think I could have enough to buy a house in a decent city.

Hmm. But I wonder if Asurika, a pure magician, can defeat those rough gladiators.

...No, wait a minute?

"Hey. Wouldn't it be better if Mizell be the one to participate?"

"Huh? Haha, what are you talking about?"

What are you laughing at? You're the main character.

"If you think about it, there's no way you wouldn't join in. You want to test yourself and see how strong you are, right?"

"Me...?"

I'm sure he is aware that he is improving every day, so why is he still a little self-deprecating?

That's right, it's a good opportunity to compare your abilities with other strong competitors. Also, since you're the main character, go ahead and grab the prize money.

"Yeah, that's decided. Go and participate. I'll cheer you on a lot, so I hope you win."

"Win?! That's impossible!"

That being said, Mizell's magical powers have already been awakened, and he has a certain degree of control over his special abilities. He should also have plenty of experience.

Generally, is it possible for the protagonist of a story about being expelled from a party to not be the strongest? There's no way he'd ever win anything but that.

I almost missed out on this get-rich-quick event.

"Come on, come on, let's go and apply. It might be closed already though."

"Oh, Asurika, are you serious?"　

He seems so insecure. It's pathetic in front of the girl he likes.

But it's better than someone who's so confident that they seem to let their guard down.

Anyway, let's give them a boost.

"That's right. If you win, I'll give you a reward."

"A reward?"

"Yeah"

I stood up and pulled Mizell by the arm, helping him to stand. Then I whispered a secret to his ear.

"...Whatever you have to say, I'll listen to you..."

Mizell's face turned redder than usual, as if he had imagined something pervy. I will keep this promise, so please do your best.

Because of this, our protagonist decides to take part in the battle tournament, which in manga tends to drag on unnecessarily.

That's fine.

I'm looking forward to seeing how far my Mizell can go this time.