New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (3/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 175

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Mira)

The match yesterday between Kouta and Kondo had caused quite a sensation.

I had asked for permission to stream it, even though I had little hope that it would be granted. Surprisingly, permission was given for the match with Kondo on the condition that Suzuki’s video would not be released publicly. I was also asked to say that the approval had been made as a personal request from Kondo’s side, and I immediately agreed to that.

If it were known that the request had come from us, we might attract all sorts of troublesome people, those who would want to film “Imperial Bushido,” those who would wish to challenge it, investigate it, or exploit it. Since we had been allowed to approach them, it might make others think they could do the same. There are plenty of brazen people in this world after all. Truly, what a troublesome matter.

While reading the comments on that stream, we gathered in a corner of the guild to discuss our plans for the coming days. We were not meeting in Kouta’s room because the topic was not something that would cause problems if overheard.

“What are you planning for the next ninja project, Kouta?” (Mira)

“Eh? I haven’t thought of anything. Since Mira has come back, I plan to leave the filming projects to Haruka and Mira.” (Kouta)

“Is that so?” (Mira)

His projects always managed to surprise everyone, so I had hoped to take part again this time. It was unfortunate, but I thanked Haruka for her comforting words and shifted my focus.

“As for tomorrow’s party, anything will do as long as it is not too casual. If necessary, we can attend fully armed, just as before.” (Mira)

“The purpose of this party seems to be to demonstrate friendship, doesn’t it?” (Sofia)

“More or less, it is as Sofia predicted. There might also be matters of convenience or certain requests involved. I have not been told the details.” (Kouta)

Choosing attire would likely be troublesome for them, so I had to make the policy clear. For us, full armor held the same value as formal wear. It was, after all, our most expensive clothing.

“Right, I should give this to you now.” (Mira)

What I placed on the table was a sword. Even from its scabbard, it was evident that it was a finely crafted piece.

“A sword?” (Kouta)

“Yes. This concerns the compensation issue from before. I thought you would be happier with this than with money, so I took the liberty of having it made into equipment.” (Mira)

“That was a good decision.” (Kouta)

It referred to the compensation from when the German side had attempted to appraise items on their own at the Toyota Embassy. Otou-sama had agreed to compensate them, but of course, he later received post-approval from the home government, as a large amount of money was involved.

“Mira, may I draw it?” (Kouta)

“Of course. Would you like to hear about it as well?” (Mira)

“Yes, tell me.” (Kouta)

This sword had been purchased at an Italian auction not long ago.

Crystal Blade

Attack Power 16

Magic Power 16

Magic Attack Power +8%

It was that kind of item. The final bid had slightly exceeded the budget, but it was within an acceptable range. As everyone admired the transparent blade that faded from blue to clear, I continued my explanation.

“It is 85 centimeters long, slightly too long to be called a short sword but not quite long enough to be a longsword. You might not be familiar with the term magic power but consider it part of its overall attack capability. In effect, its attack power is thirty-two.” (Mira)

“If I remember correctly, that means the weapon can hit monsters of the astral or ghost types, right?” (Haruka)

“Exactly. You have studied well, Haruka.” (Mira)

With an attack power of 32, special effectiveness against ghost-type creatures, and the crystalline beauty of its appearance, it was clear why the weapon had fetched such a high price. It could also serve as a substitute for a staff, though that was a minor feature with little real value.

Emilia and Sofia let out sighs of admiration. Adelaide, on the other hand, was so awed that she could not even speak. Seeing their glittering eyes, I felt a strong urge to boast.

“It is both beautiful and practical, the highlight item of this auction. Still, since next month’s auction is the main event, this was likely also a promotional piece for that.” (Mira)

“Next month’s auction? Is that the one that was supposed to be held in Japan?” (Sofia)

“Yes. After the terrorist incident, there were concerns about holding it as planned. Many countries expressed interest in participating, so relocating it was unavoidable.” (Mira)

“Muuu. It was supposed to be the world’s largest auction of dungeon-derived items. I wanted to visit it with Kouta. What a shame.” (Muze)

I agreed. I too had planned to participate with everyone. I had even thought of finding something to exhibit. However, since the event was now in Italy, attending would require missing school. Attendance was not yet an issue, but one never knew what could happen. Especially for me, I needed to attend when possible. If something like what had happened with Adelaide occurred again, I would have to miss several days, and a strict Japanese high school would not count that as an official leave.

“Was this your choice, Mira? I appreciate it.” (Kouta)

He must have been referring to the sword. Our party consisted of one spear user, two staff users, and three sword users. A good sword was always welcome.

“Emilia’s weapon is exceptional, and Adelaide’s staff is irreplaceable. That left the sword as the next logical choice.” (Mira)

Everyone took turns examining the Crystal Blade. It was the kind of weapon that made one want to hold it, even just once.

At that moment, Haruka stared at it, mouth agape in admiration.

“I want Haruka to use this. Would that be alright?” (Kouta)

“Eh!? Me!?” (Haruka)

Haruka, rarely so shocked, seemed almost frozen. When he had spent a large sum on equipment before, he had turned pale, so perhaps he was more timid than he appeared. Our time together had grown long and close, and I was beginning to notice these unexpected sides of him.

The small world once limited to Sofia, Emilia, and Haruka was now expanding rapidly.

It made me realize how inexperienced I still was.

“I don’t mind, but could you tell me the reason?” (Mira)

Kouta always surprised us. While the German side would have preferred him to use it, he always thought about the party first, so it was wiser to ask.

“It’s nothing major, really.” (Kouta)

I was not fooled by that line. This was always how Kouta dropped his bombs. It was practically his habit now.

Look at them. Our entire team is holding its breath, wary of what he would say next. Even Emilia!

I braced myself. Come on, then.

“Ever since the fight with the Goblin King, I’ve been worried about Haruka’s lack of a proper weapon. If he’d had something better then, he could have done more, and the fight itself would have been easier.” (Kouta)

That much I understood. I had rewatched the recording from that battle several times. Haruka’s attacks had not seemed effective against the Goblin King. At that time, Kouta already possessed Onimaru.

Now, with experience, I understood that the difference had not been limited to equipment, but apparently, Kouta wanted to emphasize that point.

“I don’t want to talk too much about status values, but it’s about time our true frontliners, Emilia and Haruka, started acting as the vanguard aces.” (Kouta)

I had, of course, studied their status parameters myself. However, the kind of high-dexterity build Kouta had described did not exist. Frontliners tended to raise strength and endurance, or sometimes agility. Rear guards prioritized mana and spirit. From what I had observed, Kouta’s natural position seemed to be mid-line or mobile support. With recovery magic, support magic, and the perceptive Magic Eye, he clearly was not a frontliner.

I see. Kouta wants Haruka not only to have a weapon but also to embrace the awareness of being an ace.

“An ace, huh…” (Emilia)

Emilia murmured as if savoring the words, showing no sign of unease. Since she had obtained her new weapon, her movements had grown sharper. As the bold and fearless person she was, she would surely fulfill her role in time.

Haruka, on the other hand, could not hide his anxiety. With a pitiful expression, he darted his eyes about nervously. He seemed to have even forgotten how to speak, unable to muster a word.

“…I… I… uh…” (Haruka)

Kouta, perhaps you shocked him a little too much.

 

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