novelraw Chapter 144
Chapter 144
Chapter 144
Good morning.
This is Akagi Hideo, who, as of yesterday, unexpectedly became the owner of an uninhabited island.
I guess that makes me officially part of the celebrity class now.
I'd like to enjoy a private holiday on a private island via private cruise in full private-private style.
"Daily Mission"
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★ Daily Mission ★
Let's keep working steadily every day!
'Daily Workout: Push-ups Part 3'
Do push-ups 0/10,000
Consecutive days: Day 116
Steady Rank: Platinum Multiplier 10.0x
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Let's take it one step at a time, every day.
I used the "door" in the closet to enter the EXP factory.
I caught a glimpse of Dr. and Na still asleep on bedding laid out inside a container. Apparently, the waste heat from the interdimensional machine makes it surprisingly cozy.
I climbed onto a suitable container and immediately started my push-ups.
When a great evil appears, I don't want to lose.
Remembering the frustration of nearly being killed by Shirokko, I focused on the strain across my whole body and conversed with my muscles.
I completed my Daily Mission in the morning.
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★ Daily Mission ★
Let's keep working steadily every day!
'Daily Workout: Push-ups Part 3'
Do push-ups 10,000/10,000
★ Today's Daily Mission completed! ★
Reward: "Battle Dome"
Consecutive days: Day 117
Steady Rank: Platinum Multiplier 10.0x
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Oh come on, "Battle Dome" again?
Are they just sending me random stuff because they've got extra stock?
Well, it sells for money, so I guess it's fine.
I left the EXP factory, returned to my room, took a shower, and felt refreshed.
I have plans today, so I need to leave the house early.
I changed into my usual formal attire, headed downstairs to the kitchen, found some leftover noodles, boiled water, waited three minutes, ate it in three minutes, and finished breakfast. Then I ran to the station, rode the train, and made my way to Ikebukuro.
When I checked my phone, it was just before 10 AM.
I'm a bit early, but I think I'll head to the appointed cafeteria.
"......Hello, Finger Man-san."
A voice called out from behind me, and I turned around.
It seems we bumped into each other before reaching the meeting spot.
"Hello, Jiu-san. You look different in casual clothes."
"......This is my secretary uniform."
And I've already made one mistake.
Since I rarely meet women in private, I'd supposedly memorized online articles about things to be careful about on dates.
'Tip 4: Compliment their outfit! If it's too embarrassing to say it directly, try mentioning it indirectly—they'll appreciate it!' Shut up. Thanks to that shallow advice, I took reflexive damage. Much appreciated.
"It was your uniform, huh. No wonder I thought it looked great as usual."
Jiu-san, like Shurado-san, works at the reception desk.
Not that it's the reason, but she suits slightly old-fashioned, gothic-style clothing. Or rather, I'm used to seeing her in it.
"......Is that so......? Do you think it suits me......?"
"? Of course it does. It suits you perfectly. I can't even imagine you in anything else. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you wear it better than anyone in the world."
"......I didn't expect to be complimented that much......I see......"
Jiu-san murmured in a small voice.
"Kyukkyu (Translation: I am starving-kyu, I want to eat right now-kyu!)"
"The little hedgehog has reached its limit, so shall we go?"
"......Yes, it's just around the corner anyway."
At Komedes Coffee in front of Ikebukuro Station West Exit, the little hedgehog ordered a cream-covered Shiro-Noir, and I got coffee. With plenty of milk and sugar, of course.
"Jiu-san, I'll give this back to you."
"......You really managed to fix the 'Ominous Automata'...... Thank you, Finger Man-san."
"If you're thanking someone, thank the Doctor."
"......As expected of the Doctor. He's always been an oddball no one really paid attention to, but somehow, he's always been dependable. Seems his hidden skills are still sharp even now."
Apparently, Jiu-san and the Doctor go way back.
"......Now then, let's get to the main topic."
"Yes."
I straightened my back a little.
"......This time, in recognition of your accomplishment in conquering the Chiba Class 4 dungeon, including the Archon Dungeon of Darkness, the foundation has sent you a special item."
"So Jiu-san came today to deliver it?"
"......It's one of my duties, yes."
Saying that, Jiu-san handed me a small black box.
Thinking it might be a brooch, I opened it.
Inside was a ring.
A simple, somewhat antique-looking item with a heavy ocher-colored glow.
"Jiu-san, are you... proposing to me......?"
"......I don't think we're at that stage yet."
"Right, of course."
"......Ahem. That is an anomalous substance (Anomaly) called the 'Ring of Cthurnia.' The foundation recovered it from a temple that once enshrined an ancient abnormal figure. It's said to be one of the entities from the Calamity Series scenario 'The Seven Rings.'"
Huh, sounds pretty amazing (low-effort reaction).
Guess I'll try it on right away.
The moment I slipped it on, golden flames roared up, and a warm aura like sunlight spread out. I was honestly moved by the supernatural phenomenon.
"......As I thought, Finger Man-san must have been the original owner......"
"I'm not really following this conversation."
"......It's said that the ring only truly responds to its rightful owner. That golden aura just now. It seems you are the proper current bearer of the 'Ring of Cthurnia.'"
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Akagi Hideo
Level 272
HP 437,660/487,280
MP 106,420/112,900
Skills
'Finger Snap Lv7'
'Phobia Syndrome Lv10'
'Surekill Lv10'
'Steel Spirit'
'Probability Time: Coin Lv2'
'Super Metal Assault Lv8'
'Blue Pulsation Lv4'
'Black Swamp's Severer'
'Super Catcher Lv4'
'Until the Very End Together'
'Silver Shield Lv9'
Equipment
'Adolphene's Holy Shroud Lv4' G4
'Ring of Cthurnia' G6
'Blue Blood Lv5' G4
'Proof of the Chosen One Lv4' G4
'Labyrinth Conqueror' G4
'Bloodstained Comrade' G4
'Metal Trap Room Lv3' G4
'Traces of a Dream' G4
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'Ring of Cthurnia'
One of the great rings forged in the beyond.
It grants the wearer a mighty blessing.
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"Just reading the description doesn't really explain it. What kind of effect does it have?"
"...... Apparently, when the ring is activated and the golden flame is lit, the wearer powers up."
As I focused, the golden flame lit up on the ring again.
A mighty blessing. I see, I can definitely feel an overwhelming energy.
Its nature is like the sun—vast and warm.
I snap my fingers twice lightly.
Fwoosh—fireworks erupt. A flame far larger than I imagined bursts forth.
A towering pillar of fire nearly burns down the shop, making both me and Jiu-san flinch.
Feels like I've got about a "2.0x" buff, based on sensation.
"Looks like this will make some fine charred remains."
"...... I'm glad to hear that. There's a reason I gave it to you."
"A reason?"
"...... The foundation has long been working to eliminate factors known as the 'Calamity Series', which threaten to bring about the irreversible end of human civilization. The Ring of Cthurnia is said to be one of the seven dominant rings featured in the script 'The Seven Rings.' This ring possesses a will of its own and contains immense power. Even just storing it has led to staff being drawn to it and attempting to escape from the facility. There are 279 documented escape attempts in the two months since containment began until yesterday. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of the Foundation staff, the ring was never lost."
Whoa, this ring's been trying to escape way too much.
This is way beyond containment level.
"...... Since it could disappear at any time, we decided it would be better to entrust it to someone truly worthy of owning it."
"Where exactly was this ring trying to go?"
"...... To someone in need. It's said to be especially drawn to evil thoughts, and if it had ended up in the wrong hands, it could have caused great disaster. But since Finger Man has clearly synchronized with it, the ring shouldn't run off on its own anymore."
"The way you say that makes it sound like I've been saddled with something seriously dangerous."
"...... That's not wrong. However, the foundation had another motive—well, more like Shurado did."
"Shurado did?"
"...... Actually, with the magic of the 'Seven Rings', it might be possible to suppress and materialize the meme-type SCCL anomalous substance scattered by Finger Man."
"Materialize...?"
"The mysterious 'Ring of Cthurnia' is believed to contain magic from an alien civilization, and it's said to be able to apply the laws of the physical universe to things that originally had no form."
"Hmm, I see. Fascinating stuff. (I give up trying to understand.)"
Jiu-san asks, "...... So, what do you think? Can you materialize it?"
"Hmm."
I hum while absentmindedly snapping my fingers.
Materialization, huh... Giving form to something formless.
Somehow, I feel a wave of inspiration coming on.
Something formless... I wonder if I could materialize a skill, for example.
With that thought, I try materializing 'Finger Snap Lv7'.
I've never learned how to do it, but I visualize it based on intuition—"like this, maybe"—and manifest the image. The method feels similar to drawing out light and heat from beyond the void and using skill control to command the flames.
Something slips out from within me.
It moves into my hand and takes on a heavy, solid form.
In my grasp is a white, double-edged Western sword.
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Akagi Hideo
Level 272
HP 437,862/487,280
MP 106,420/112,900
Skills
'Phobia Syndrome Lv10'
'Surekill Lv10'
'Steel Spirit'
'Probability Time: Coin Lv2'
'Super Metal Assault Lv8'
'Blue Pulsation Lv4'
'Black Swamp's Severer'
'Super Catcher Lv4'
'Until the Very End Together'
'Silver Shield Lv9'
Equipment
'Absolute Sword Excalibur Lv7' G6
'Adolphene's Holy Shroud Lv4' G4
'Ring of Cthurnia' G6
'Blue Blood Lv5' G4
'Proof of the Chosen One Lv4' G4
'Labyrinth Conqueror' G4
'Bloodstained Comrade' G4
'Metal Trap Room Lv3' G4
'Traces of a Dream' G4
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'Absolute Sword Excalibur Lv7'
A skill from Finger Man's soul, turned into a physical object.
The blade is compressed annihilation light of destruction.
Releasing it grants it infinite forms.
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Ah, I see now.
My skill got turned into an anomalous substance.
"...... A Grade 6 anomalous substance. Truly impressive, Finger Man."
"Hmm, but swords aren't really my thing..."
"...... Swords are a favored weapon among many explorers. Haven't you ever used something like Jigokudo's magic swords?"
"I've only ever used finger snaps from the beginning."
"(...... So he's honed only his skills, without using weapons. He really was something else even from the start.)"
"How do I turn this back?"
"...... You want to turn it back?"
"It's hard to use in sword form."
"...... I'm sorry, I'm not sure either."
Wait. Did I mess up?
No, no! Give it back! Give me back my skill!
"Gii (Translation: Maybe try canceling the materialization)"
"Makes sense."
It's back. That was close.
Still, materialization, huh. Seems like I might be able to do a whole lot more with this.
Incidentally, I tried materializing the meme after that, but I had no idea what to do, so it didn't work out in the end. Maybe I'm just not used to the ring yet. Needs further verification.
"......Now, moving on to the next report. First, congratulations, Finger Man. Due to your remarkable performance this time, your rank has risen to 'A-rank, 10th place.'"
"Is 10th place that amazing?"
"......Of course it is. Normally, reaching 10th place requires over ten years of experience and countless conquest achievements. An explorer like you reaching it without even four months since debut is a historical first."
Somehow, I feel kind of happy.
Being recognized makes me giddy.
"......Truthfully, your ability would reasonably qualify you for promotion to S-rank, but S-rank comes with various complicated issues... so for now, you'll remain at A-rank."
Her tone sounded a bit disappointed.
But still, 10th place, right? That's a huge leap from 61st. I'm satisfied, totally satisfied.
"......Also, as we want you to coordinate closely with the foundation's activities, starting today, a secretary will be dispatched from the foundation to assist you with your schedule and other personal matters."
"Can I turn that down?"
"Eh......"
"Ah, no, I just wanted to ask. Like, do I even have a choice?"
"......You can, but... are you going to refuse......?"
Jiu-san gave me an incredibly sad look.
I feel like I just did something really rude.
"Of course I'll accept. Having a secretary is a wonderful thing, and I'm very grateful."
"......Then, as of today, I am Lee Jiu, assigned as Finger Man's secretary. Pleased to be working with you."
"Jiu-san is the secretary? Weren't you the receptionist at the supply base inside the dungeon?"
"......Due to concerns about aftereffects from the Dark Mist that had spread throughout the Archon Dungeon, I've been asked to stay away from the field for a while. And so, they decided to just slot me into the secretary position for Finger Man. Pure coincidence. Yes, completely coincidental."
Huh, this is a happy coincidence.
Since I already know Jiu-san, I won't be nervous around her.
More than anything, she's a beauty. She's kind. And she gives me lots of candy.
"......Now then, Finger Man, regarding your upcoming schedule——"
"There's already something lined up?"
"......I just wanted to inform you of the plan. We'd like you to conquer 100 dungeons within the next three months."
100 dungeons in 3 months......?
Jiu-san, what are you even saying......?
"......For the upcoming Archon Dungeon conquest, you'll need to build achievements that are convincing enough for the foundation headquarters in other countries."
I guess this is the price of skipping ranks.
Next time, Finger Man dies from overwork. Duel standby!