Chapter 44 Himezaki Rieslett ⑪
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Name: Himezaki Rieslett
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Warrior
Level: 1
LP: 2500/2500
MP: 250/250
Status: Healthy
STR: 300
VIT: 250
DEX: 150
AGI: 200
MAG: 100
MIN: 150
Skills:
Language Comprehension (UN), Appraisal (R), Item Box (R), Cosplayer (UN), Utility Magic¹ (C), Water Magic Lv2 (UC), Wind Magic Lv2 (UC), Ice Magic Lv2 (UC), Thunder Magic Lv2 (UC), Strengthening Magic Lv1 (SR), Mana Circulation (SR), Short Spear Lv1 (C)
Titles:
The Teleported, Hero, Witch, Monster Hunter (Porcelain Rank²)
…My stats have jumped so much I have to wonder what they were even doing before this. My Magic and Mind values are higher than when I was wearing that sorcerer’s mantle. There’s even a Short Spear skill now. I guess that’s because I’m actually holding one, but still…
”This is unreal,” I muttered to myself.
”What is it de-gozaru ka? Is there a defect in the gear de-gozaru ka?” Tate asked.
”No, nothing like that. I was just thinking about how weak I used to be. That’s all,” I replied.
”I see. I do not quite follow de-gozaru ga, but I shall take your word for it,” Tate said.
”Don’t worry about it. By the way, about this outfit… the fit is absolutely perfect,” I noted.
”Of course it is. I applied an ‘Auto-Size Adjustment’ enchantment to the fabric de-gozaru kara na,” Tate explained.
Auto-size adjustment!? I’ve seen that in fantasy light novels, but I didn’t think it actually existed in this world.
”In fact, that adjustment spell is one of my original enchantments de-gozaru yo,” Tate added.
Is this guy a genius? Well, that explains it. It’s not that he figured out my measurements just by looking at me. I’m actually a little relieved.
”So… did you put anything else on it?” I asked.
”It has the basics: blade-resistance, temperature regulation, shock absorption, wind resistance, purification, self-repair, and a self-evolution function. Beyond that, the hair ornament-or rather, the head guard-has enhanced hearing. The gauntlets provide a boost to dexterity and strength, and the boots are enchanted with acceleration. As for the trident, it’s been granted a keen edge and the ‘Indestructible’ trait de-gozaru,” Tate said.
That’s… a lot. No wonder my stats are going haywire.
”That’s incredible. But the trident still looks pretty normal to me,” I said.
”The tip is actually made of tungsten³ de-gozaru. It was the hardest metal in the world I came from de-gozaru na,” Tate mentioned.
”So it’s definitely not normal!”
Apparently, since tungsten is brittle despite its hardness, he added the ‘Indestructible’ trait just to be safe. It’s also incredibly heavy. I can only swing it because of the strength boost from the gauntlets-and my naturally higher STR. Still, some of these armor enchantments are a bit unsettling. Self-repair and self-evolution? That sounds like something out of a sci-fi horror movie. It’s not going to start growing on its own, is it?
Well, either way, there was only one way to test it. I needed real combat experience. And no, that wasn’t a pun.
I headed to the Monster Hunter Guild to take on my very first subjugation request.
* * *
”…I appreciate the company, Alice, but why are you coming along?” I asked.
The request was to hunt an Almiraj. They’re a mutated subspecies of the Horn Rabbit. Unlike their cowardly cousins, Almiraj are highly aggressive. There are stories of rookies getting killed by them while out picking herbs. Their horns are about fifteen centimeters long-enough to do a lot more than just leave a scratch. For comparison, a normal Horn Rabbit’s horn is only about three centimeters.
They’re dangerous, but if you know the trick, they aren’t that tough. They’re the perfect target for a Porcelain-rank hunter. And yet…
”Just being safe, big sis! Besides, my rank is higher than yours,” Alice chirped.
”Wait, seriously?” I asked.
”Yup! I’m already at Celadon rank. See?” Alice said, showing off her guild tag. It was definitely the green-tinted metal of a Celadon hunter. “So, if you get into trouble, I’ll be the one to protect you!”
”Oh… well, thanks,” I said quietly.
Alice gave me a big smile and a determined little fist pump. Being told I’d be protected by a girl who looked younger than me made me feel… well, a bit pathetic. But she was so earnest about it that it was actually kind of cute.
We headed into the forest just outside the city. It was a familiar path I’d taken for herb gathering, and there were several other groups out today, including some students from the Magic Academy. Most of the monsters here were just rabbits or the occasional Goblin.
As we walked, I heard the rustle of grass. Something small was approaching-and fast. A Horn Rabbit would have bolted, so I knew this was our target. A black Almiraj, notably larger than a standard rabbit, burst from the brush.
I leveled my spear. The standard tactic is to put your back to a tree and sidestep when they lung. The Almiraj gets its horn stuck in the wood, and then you finish it off. But I wanted to test this gear. I stayed in the open.
The Almiraj let out a sharp skree and lunged. I wanted to move, but my body locked up. I was too terrified to dodge. The creature slammed into me, its horn aiming right for my gut.
There was a heavy thud, but no pain. I lost my balance and nearly fell, but I wasn’t hurt. No blood, no hole in my clothes-not even a scratch. Just how high was the defense on this outfit?
Now it was my turn. I reset my stance. The Almiraj looked confused for a second, but it quickly geared up for another charge. As it sprinted toward me, I thrust the spear forward in a counter.
A wet shriek echoed through the trees. My spear had pierced its head perfectly. It was over in an instant. Killing something other than a bug for the first time made my stomach turn, but I tried to push it down.
”Wow, this is amazing. Not a single mark on the spear or the clothes,” I said.
”Told you! Ko-chan is the best!” Alice cheered.
I really did owe Tate a debt of gratitude for this. But there was one thing that had been bothering me.
”Alice, why do you call Tate ‘Ko-chan’ anyway?” I asked.
”Wha-?! That’s because… because Ko-chan is Ko-chan! That’s just his name!” Alice stammered.
”That doesn’t really explain anything. Don’t tell me you have a crush on him…” I teased.
”…So what if I do?! I love him! He’s the one who saved me!” Alice shouted.
Apparently, when a monster had almost ambushed her, Tate had stepped in and shielded her with his own body. It was a classic case of the ‘suspension bridge effect,’ but it had clearly worked. She’d gone from calling him ‘Tatei-san’ to the much more intimate ‘Ko-chan’ almost overnight.
Well, to each their own, I guess.
Still, I was glad things were looking up for him. I wondered if I’d ever… but then Natsu’s face flashed in my mind, and I couldn’t finish the thought. The realization that those days were gone left me feeling cold. Every time I thought about anything romantic, I just felt a wave of revulsion. It was a deep-seated trauma I couldn’t shake.
Suddenly, my enhanced hearing picked up footsteps. Multiple sets. We were being surrounded. I gripped my spear, my heart racing.
”Alice, we’ve got company,” I said.
”I know,” Alice replied.
Five Orcs emerged from the shadows-bloated, pig-faced monsters. They were sneering at us with disgusting, lewd eyes. I knew exactly what they wanted. In an instant, the memory of what Sugita and the others had done to me came flooding back.
”No… stay back…” I whispered.
My heart hammered against my ribs. My hands were shaking so hard I could barely hold the spear. A cold sweat broke out across my body.
”Stop it… don’t come any closer…” I begged, trying to retreat, but there was nowhere to go. Alice, however, looked perfectly calm.
”It’s okay, big sis. I told you I’d protect you,” Alice said, stepping out in front of me. She tilted her head innocently, looking the lead Orc right in the eye. “Hey, Mr. Orcs? I have a question for you… ‘Will you die?’”
The lead Orc’s eyes went wide. Then, one by one, they all hit the ground. A few wet thumps and some brief twitching were the only sounds in the clearing. Then, silence.
”All done!” Alice said, turning back to me with a bright smile.
They were all dead. Yoko had mentioned she could do something like this, but seeing it was different.
”Big sis? You okay? You look really pale,” Alice said.
”Yeah… I just remembered something I’d rather forget. But I’m fine now,” I replied.
”I don’t believe you at all. Let’s head back for today, okay? I’m beat,” Alice said, stretching her arms.
She was clearly trying to give me an out.
”Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go home. We tested the gear and finished the job. We just need to report in,” I said.
I didn’t think Orcs were supposed to be this close to town. I’d have to let the Guild know. I tossed the carcasses into my Item Box and we left the forest behind.
The Guild sent out a scout team immediately after my report, but they didn’t find any other Orcs. They figured it was just a few strays that had wandered off track.
After that, I spent my days taking requests-sometimes alone, sometimes with Alice. I eventually got used to the killing, and my rank climbed steadily.
And three months passed, and I encounter a dead person-
—
Summary:
Himezaki Rieslett tests her new high-spec gear provided by Tate, which massively inflates her base stats. During an Almiraj hunt with Alice, they are ambushed by a pack of Orcs. Alice reveals her terrifying ‘Will you die?’ skill, instantly killing the threats and protecting a traumatized Rieslett.
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Trivia:
- Rieslett’s gear has a ‘self-evolution’ function, hinting at future power-ups.
- Tungsten is cited as the ‘hardest metal’ from Tate’s original world.
- Alice is a higher rank hunter (Celadon) than Rieslett (Porcelain).
- The ‘suspension bridge effect’ refers to falling in love during a high-stress or dangerous situation.
- The chapter ends with a three-month time skip
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Character Insight:
Rieslett is struggling with severe PTSD from her past assault, which paralyzes her during the Orc encounter. Alice shows a dual nature: an innocent ‘poster girl’ facade covering a ruthless, magical powerhouse who is deeply devoted to Tate.
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Behind the Scenes:
The Almiraj is a classic mythological creature (a horned hare) often used in fantasy RPGs as a step above common rabbits.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Rieslett – A half-Japanese, half-Swedish girl with a youthful appearance. Often mistaken for her mother’s sister. A blonde or brunette girl. Currently wearing a black cloak over a white shirt, accented with a red ribbon tie. A navy-blue, knee-length pleated skirt, black knee-highs, and brown leather shoes.
• Tate – Male Otaku friend of Reese. Gaunt and thin, wears glasses. Possesses Materialization Alchemy skill.
• Alice – A small, adorable girl summoned by Yokoo. Based on the ‘Red’ and ‘Black’ Majin versions. Stronger than Tate or Yokoo. Celadon Rank Monster Hunter.
• Tatei – Tatei Kozoo. Height 186 cm, weight 52 kg. Natsumi’s otaku friend. Originally a tall and sturdy man, but he became skin and bones due to anorexia. Possesses the skill ‘Materialization Alchemy’. Created equipment for the class.
• Sugita – The leader of the Sugita gang and the primary bully of Natsumi Sasaki. His grandfather is the Superintendent General and his father is a Police Superintendent, so the two of them covered up all his crimes. Because of this, he does whatever he wants wherever he goes.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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