Dimension Wave

“Looks like you really did fight on the front lines, eh?”

I quietly muttered out to myself.

Shouko is like a completely different person than before. Now, she fights like she’s possessed.

Plus, now that we’re paired up, we’re much safer and more secure.

Her folding fan allows her to be defensive while attacking while I complement her by slashing with my Iron Boning Knife. Fighting together is comfortable and easy.

“Had you been doubting me?”

“Just a bit.”

“How cruel of you.”

“Oh, but it ain’t like I’m here to test you out or nothing.”

“Then you believe me now?”

I nodded with all honesty.

She catches the enemies’ weapons between the folds of her fan, and if they’re weak enough, she would twist and snap them. It’s so effective against swords, it might just be a counter weapon.

But to do that, Shouko has to take the blow. Her technique flows like a dance without a single hitch.

It’s unbelievable to think that she was a beginner at this game just two weeks ago.

“What have you been doing up until now, Kizuna?”

“I had only been fishin’ in the first town.”

“Oh, fishing? I had some sardines and it was delicious.”

She shuts her eyes, clasps her hands together, and bows.

Uhh, you’re welcome, I guess?

Anyway, partying up with Shouko turned out solid.

Since we’re both Spirits, we’re always putting our attention into not taking any damage at all.

“Do you know about gutting weapons, Shouko?”

“I have heard that monsters drop additional items upon being defeated.”

“Right.”

Now, what to do?

Around us lie corpses of Flame Condors.

It feels like I’d get some pretty good items if I gut them.

More importantly is that Shouko slayed anything that came our way in the fight. In terms of raw skill, she’s definitely better than me. I’d feel safe letting her protect me.

… well, sooner or later, everybody will know, so it’s probably no big deal if I tell her the truth.

“I’ve been tryin’ to keep it hush hush, but there’s a hidden effect that n.o.body knows about the gutting weapons.”

“Is there? Please, tell me more.”

“Alright, watch closely.”

I take my Iron Boning Knife and bone the wing from the carca.s.s.

Then, Shouko interjected.

“Kizuna. Though they may be monsters, I still have no interest in defiling the dead.”

“No, that ain’t it. Just watch.”

It was easy butchering the bird.

And in return, I received a Blaze Wing, Burning Feathers, Bird Bones, and Condor Meat.

It turned into four different items.

“Oh, my! You truly respect life. I, Hakoniwa Shouko, am utmost impressed.”

“…?”

Shouko pulls a 180 on me.

“To take a life is… yes, unavoidable, but it is absolutely admirable that you made sure to waste none of their lives.”

“Oh, that’s what you mean.”

What is she, trying to channel her inner monk? That was oddly solemn. No offense, but she seems like she might start spouting off some life lessons or sage advice.

I might have casually brushed it off, but she really doesn’t seem like the type to be playing video games. Yeah, she’s got an air of refinement like she belongs at a prestigious all-girls’ school.

Well, gamers come from all walks of life, eh?

“They never mentioned anything about how you’re supposed to use gutting weapons like this.”

“I see. This is just my opinion, but it seems like they did a poor job of explaining things.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“The description of gutting weapons is as follows: ‘Weapon description: a type of weapon made for gutting and dissecting plants and animals. Defeating monsters will drop items.’ It seems like their explanation is lacking.”

She’s got a point. It’s definitely lacking.

The description makes it sound like killing the monsters will make them drop items.

That may be dependent on where you attack. Like, for example, if I lopped off the Flame Condor’s wing, then certain items will be dropped.

In practice, though, that’s nigh impossible.

Those birds flap their wings real quick.

“I have a good understanding on what you mean, but why do you keep it a secret?”

“Well, the fewer people know about it, the better it is for me. I’d bet these items will sell for a b.u.t.t ton, don’tcha think?”

“But would it not benefit the people if you were to make it public knowledge?”

“Shouko, would you oh-so-nicely tell the b.a.s.t.a.r.ds who casted you away?”

“… I see what you mean. I have no such desires.”

“You’re quick on the uptake.”

“I am no saint. There are those whom I have goodwill towards and those not.”

How surprising.

Well, it’s not like I’d voluntarily be nice to anyone I hate.

Even though I wouldn’t do anything just to spite them, I’d at least avoid having any contact with people like that. Shouko is about the same as me then, I suppose.

“I understand. Let us keep it a secret between the two of us.”

“That’d really help me out.”

I’m glad she’s quick to understand.

Shouko is a lot wiser than I’d imagined. Maybe she’s a clever girl.

Speaking of which, there’s another thing that made me think that.

“By the way, do you have all weapon descriptions memorized?”

“Yes, I am the type to properly read the manuals.”

I haven’t known her for long, but I feel like I knew that already.

It’s hard for me to explain, but she seems like she’s mastered all sorts of things that normal people don’t usually use.

“Then, shall we sell some but keep more? Or shall we sell to shops?”

“If we flood the market, then people would catch on to us, hey?”

“Yes. Though I feel very fortunate.”

“Hmm?”

I’d feel pretty unfortunate if I were to be used to fight a boss and then immediately disposed of by my so-called friends.

h.e.l.l, I’d be crying myself to sleep.

“I was able to meet someone of our kind and moreover, that person was you, Kizuna. I should be grateful and thank those who urged me to leave the party.”

Shouko affixed, ‘Not that I would actually,’ before letting out a soft chuckle.

What a cute, innocent girl. She’s got my heart racing a little.

“But Kizuna, you should best speak a little more ladylike…”

“… ugh, jeez.”

I explained to her that though I look like a girl, I’m actually a guy inside so I’d prefer her treating me like one.

By the time we were finished, the sun was setting, and the skies had been dyed a shade of red.

As an addendum, hunting together proved to be extremely Energy efficient, incomparable to anything before, and it was all thanks to Shouko.

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