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I Got a New Skill Every Time I Was Exiled, and After 100 Different Worlds, I Was Unmatched (Web Novel) - Chapter 409: It’s Easier to Avoid Having Lies and Performances Seen Through When a Few Things Are Missing.
Chapter 409: It’s Easier to Avoid Having Lies and Performances Seen Through When a Few Things Are Missing.
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
“Yutooooo!”“Hey, wait, you idiot!”
As Mao dashed through the forest, driven by her crush’s peril, I naturally tried to catch up and grab her shoulder, but…
“Wha!?”
“Whoa!?”
She tripped over a protruding tree root and rolled towards the hero and the beast with comical momentum. I gritted my teeth as my hand sliced through the air, but this was no time for frustration.
“Ahhh…ugh!?”
Mao tumbled again, getting caught on another root, and landed smack in the middle between the hero and the beast. She got up with teary eyes and spit out the dirt that got into her mouth, while a stunned boy and beast finally reacted.
“Ugh, that was rough…”
“Eh, what!? A girl!?”
“Grrrrrrrr!”
“Watch out! Run!”
As the bewildered hero shouted, a large bear-like beast, about two meters tall, growled threateningly and swung its paw toward Mao. It looked like a dire situation, but unfortunately for the beast, I had anticipated this move.
“Hmph!”
“Grrrrrrrr!?!?!”
I finally caught up and my sword easily sliced off the thick arm of the bear beast. With a reverse slash, I severed the other arm and then thrust directly into its heart, ensuring it’s down before turning back to see Tia, who had arrived a few seconds after me, tending to the children.
“Alright, we’re here now, so you’re safe… oh, it’s over already?”
“Yeah, it wasn’t that strong of an enemy. More importantly… take this!”
“Oof! What are you doing suddenly!?”
“A natural punishment for an idiot who runs off without listening… So, are you okay?”
I dropped a fist on Mao’s head and then offered my hand to the young hero who had collapsed on the spot. He grabbed it, stood up, and quickly bowed in gratitude.
“Y-yes! Thank you for saving me!”
“Don’t mention it. We were just heading to work, and we noticed you.”
“That’s right! Yuto, are you alright? Are you hurt?”
“Eh!? Uh, I’m fine, but… um, who are you? How do you know about me?”
“Ah, well… that…”
“Ah… you see, she’s about your age. She noticed you from a distance and was concerned because you’re working hard just like her.”
“That’s right! I was really concerned! I also heard your name called at the adventurer’s guild!”
“Hmm, I see. Umm, I should introduce myself anyway. I’m Yuto. And you are?”
“I am Mao!”
“And I’m Ed…”
“And I’m Lunaritia. Nice to meet you, Yuto-kun.”
“Y-yes, nice to meet you too…”
Yuto blushed slightly as he shook the hand Tia offered with a bright smile. However, the only person displeased by this charming scene gave Yuto’s foot a light kick.
(T/N: LMAO)
“Ouch!? What was that for!?”
“Hmph! You were making a sloppy face, Yuto! Don’t tell me you’re lusting after Tia-dono!?”
“What did you say?”
“I said, are you thinking naughty thoughts?”
“Naughty!? No, of course not! I wouldn’t think… such things…”
“Really now? Men are all beasts, aren’t they? Well, if you insist, you can touch my nice body… a little, if you want.”
“Stop talking nonsense! And don’t push yourself.”
“Gyahh!?”
Despite her own suggestion, Mao blushed and started fidgeting, still fluttering her skirt. I dropped another fist on her head and then turned my attention back to Yuto.
“So, Yuto. Did you come here for work?”
“Ah, yes. I came to gather herbs today. But I’ve only managed to collect three bundles so far… usually, I’d have more by now.”
“That so? If brown bears are coming this close to town, there might be some changes in the power dynamics of the beasts deeper in the forest. That might make herb gathering difficult today, you know?”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Injured beasts try to heal themselves. They rub against places where herbs grow, which messes up those areas, making them unusable for gathering. It’s just that they won’t be sellable for a while. They’ll grow back in about a week, but it might be tough until then.”
“That’s troubling… but with that beast around, it’s too dangerous to go deeper…”
“Hmm. Then how about you come with us for now?”
“Eh!?”
“We’re on a subjugation quest, so we’re going into the forest anyway. If you come with us, you can gather herbs safely by our side. How about it?”
“That would be really helpful, but… wouldn’t I be a bother?”
Yuto looked with uncertainty in his eyes between me and Tia. Tia crouched down to his level and smiled reassuringly.
“Not at all! A sincere and cute kid like you is more than welcome, right Ed?”
“Yeah. We’ve got someone about your age with us, so one more won’t make much difference. Actually, we’d be glad if Mao could make a friend. Right?”
“Me? Well… if Yuto wants to stick together, I wouldn’t mind… going on an adventure together.”
“Mao-chan? If you’re not honest here, you might regret it for the rest of your life.”
Mao fidgeted and mumbled, and Tia looked at her seriously. Mao swallowed nervously, looked at Tia, then at me, and finally at Yuto’s face before peeking out from behind me.
“I… I want to come with you… Is that okay?”
“Haha… see? It’s just for today, so don’t overthink it. Of course, if you really think we’re suspicious, you can say no.”
“No way! You saved me from that beast… but sorry, it does sound a bit too good to be true. The receptionist I always go to told me to be very cautious if someone I don’t know invites me on an adventure in a place not covered by the guild…”
“Mmm! What part of me looks suspicious!”
“Calm down, Mao. Yuto’s right. Even if we hadn’t saved him, he’d be dead by now, but it’s dangerous to trust strangers too easily. But, well, if that’s the case, let me be a bit more honest.”
I grinned and leaned in to whisper to Yuto.
(Actually, I want to increase the male presence around here.)
(Male presence?)
(Yeah. Look, Tia and Mao are women, right? Being the only guy is… you know, it’s a bit much.)
I whispered and then glanced back to see Tia and Mao chatting and giggling together.
(See? Please, I’d be happy if you got along with Mao, but let’s also have some guy talk without any reservations, okay?)
(That sounds… Hehe.)
Yuto chuckled softly but quickly covered his mouth, then looked at me with a mischievous smile.
“Understood. If that’s the case, I’m in your care for today!”
“Alright, Welcome!”
Though the flow of events had deviated somewhat from the initially admired path, this was how we successfully took the first step in incorporating the hero into our group.
