Volume 2 Chapter 24 Impact
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
During my recent lunch with Yuko, my Sense Malice¹ skill had been giving off some confusing signals. At first, I couldn’t tell if she actually meant me any harm, so I decided to just play it cool and keep the conversation going.
”I really miss our old world. You do too, don’t you, Daisuke-kun?”
”Maybe a few things,” I replied.
(Actually, almost none. At most, I just want to know how some manga and novels ended. My job sucked, I wasn’t married, and I didn’t exactly have a ‘Home Sweet Home’ relationship with my family. Since correcting her seemed like a massive hassle, I just gave her a non-committal nod.)
”I can’t even use my Abilities or Skills here because there are no computers, and they only let me do grunt work. I tried giving them advice based on my knowledge from the old world—I was really trying to help!—but instead of listening, they just told me, ‘I didn’t give you permission to state an opinion, so shut up.’ Then, when I complained to a Section Chief, he had the nerve to say, ‘If you don’t like it, you’re free to quit anytime.’ Honestly, even for a primitive civilization, there has to be a limit.”
”Yeah, sounds rough,” I said.
(God, what a pain. It’s the same whining every single time we meet.)
”This world is just too uncivilized for me. I want to go home… My health has been crap lately because of the stress, too…”
”That’s a shame,” I said.
Just when I thought she was fuming, she started sinking into a pit of gloom. Her mood swings are intense. Is she going to start crying next?
”Oh, right! I think the grunt work would be a lot easier if I just leveled up. Could you help me with that?”
”Hm? You mean like an official request?” I asked.
Just when I thought she’d brightened up, she hits me with a bodyguard pitch. But my Sense Malice is still tingling. There’s no way this is a legit business offer.
”Why would it have to be official? We were so close in our past lives, and we still eat together like this. Are you really going to charge me money?”
There it was—the freeloader logic. Or does she genuinely believe being treated like a princess is just her birthright? Well, same difference.
”Sorry, but I can’t do it,” I said.
”Why not?! It would be a win-win for you too, wouldn’t it, Daisuke-kun?!”
(A win-win for me? This is a learning experience. My Sense Malice must be acting up because she actually believes this benefits me. Unbelievable. Still, I know it’s bound to be a disaster. I’m not about to poke that hornets’ nest, so I’ll just let it lie.)
”First of all, if you don’t put in a formal request and try to use ‘friendship’ to get free labor, people are going to see you as a parasite. That’s going to trash your reputation, Yuko-san. You should drop the idea.”
”I don’t care about that,” Yuko said.
I figured she’d say that. She’s probably in a spot where she needs those levels regardless of the social suicide. Honestly, the fact that she’s already eating on a mid-rank adventurer’s dime means people already see her as a clinger. She hasn’t realized it yet, and I’m not about to be the one to tell her.
”Beyond that, it’s a huge downside for me. I’m hitting B-Rank in less than two weeks, and I’m booked solid until then. If word gets out that a B-Rank adventurer took a ‘freebie’ just because they knew someone, I’d be swamped with similar ‘favors’ and the situation would spiral out of control. It’s like when a lottery winner suddenly finds out they have a hundred ‘long-lost cousins.’”
”Can’t you just ignore them?”
”I would, but the standard fee for a B-Rank bodyguard is at least five silver coins a day, or one gold coin for a direct commission. If people think they can get that for free, they’ll come at me with any excuse they can dream up. It’s just annoying,” I replied.
”It’s really that expensive…?”
”Yes. And beyond that, ‘Reward for Request’ is the golden rule for adventurers. If I ignore it, it makes things harder for every other B-Ranker, and the Guild might even see it as an act of bad faith.”
”They won’t find out if you don’t tell them,” Yuko said.
Predictable. I saw that one coming a mile away. She literally doesn’t give a damn about my time or effort. She’s a total princess. (I really need to stop using that word for her in my head; we have a real princess in this world now, and I don’t want to get the two confused.)
”No, they’ll definitely find out. You’re a civil servant who can’t take down a monster on your own. If you suddenly spike in level, people are going to ask questions. ‘How did you do it? Who helped? How much did you pay?’ Can you give them a convincing answer that doesn’t fall apart under questioning?”
Yuko went quiet. She was likely thinking at a hundred miles an hour, but she still didn’t get that asking for freebies is incredibly disrespectful. We’re acquaintances, sure, but we aren’t best friends, and we definitely aren’t lovers.
If someone like Zofie-san asked, I might consider a discount, but bringing that up now would just make this conversation never end. Still, she won’t quit unless I give her something, so I’ll offer a compromise.
”Look, I can’t boost your level, but I can give you some medicine for the stress. It’s a rare drop from the dungeon—normally it’d go for a fortune, but I’ll let you have it as a special favor. Since we both have Item Boxes², nobody has to know.”
Of course, I gathered the ingredients and brewed it myself, so it cost me basically nothing. But it’s true that it’s pricey in shops; it’s basically a Refresh potion, so it’d be worth a few gold coins. I made sure to sound extra generous, hoping she’d get the hint that this was the end of the line for my charity. I’m not usually the type to act like a benefactor, but with Yuko, you have to play the part.
”Fine. I get it. I can’t afford a B-Rank’s fees, so I’ll give up on the boost. Thanks for the medicine,” Yuko said.
”It’s the best I can do. Good luck out there,” I replied.
Phew. She finally bought it. I’m glad I prepped that medicine ahead of time. It’s a shame, really. Yuko still hasn’t shaken that old-world mindset where being pampered is just the default setting for her. I guess since she was super popular until her thirties back home, she never really had to grow out of it.
Her bosses and seniors probably just spoiled her instead of giving her the reality check she needed. In a way, she’s just unlucky. I don’t want to be her host, but she is an old friend, and it’s not like I want her to die. I just hope she gets used to this world and settles down into being a normal person.
* * *
The following week, on Yellow Day³, the Hero Party made a brief return to town. The streets were in a total festival mood, but for my party, there wasn’t much to celebrate. Meeting them is always a headache, so we just kept our heads down and focused on our dungeon runs. Apparently, other than a quick parade, they spent the whole time resting at the castle. Must be a hell of a journey if they’re that wiped out.
While we were going about our business, a piece of massive news dropped on us.
”No way… are you serious?” I asked.
”Yep, totally for real~” Nanami replied.
”Is that guy out of his mind?”
”I don’t know if he’s crazy, but he seemed totally normal to me,” Hina said.
I had run into the JK Party at the guild after a dungeon run. I was going to ask them about the demand for cosmetics, but Sakura was missing. It wasn’t a big deal, but when I mentioned it, the bombshell dropped.
Sakura and Otto have started dating.
Otto is a member of the Hero Party, and he’d just gotten back a few days ago. Apparently, he and Sakura had a ‘fateful encounter’ outside the castle, hit it off instantly, and started dating within days. Sakura has already checked out of her inn and is living with him at the castle. I was honestly stunned by both of them.
First, Otto—is he okay in the head? Sakura got caught two-timing right in front of him, and he still wants to date her? Is he just a bottom-feeder who’ll take anything with a pulse? Back in the old world, he was a total loser with zero game and a creepy vibe… so I guess it tracks. For some reason, he was married back then, which I never understood. Yuko and our other coworkers were just as baffled, so it wasn’t just me.
As for Sakura… imagine dating a guy who looks like a teen but is actually a fifty-year-old, overweight creep on the inside. What a weird taste in men. Then again, Yumiko-san is sixty on the inside and she’s a total sweetheart, so maybe age isn’t the issue. The real problem is that Otto’s personality is trash regardless of his age. Final Answer.
According to Hina and Nanami, Otto said he “wanted to date another reincarnated person who shared his common sense,” while Sakura said, “Anyone in the Hero Party is guaranteed to become a noble, so this is my ticket to the high life.” Obviously, Sakura didn’t tell him that; Nanami just worked her magic and teased it out of her. The logic checks out, but damn, that girl’s social skills are terrifying.
Anyway, with Sakura gone, the girls were down to four. Starting tomorrow, they’re getting a sub from the Working Women Party, and both groups will run as five-man squads. Since Mizuki, Rei-san, Aya-chan, and Manami-san are retiring soon, the plan is to eventually merge into a six-woman party of reincarnated girls.
The lineup looks solid: War Saint Mai and Instant Swordswoman Hina on the frontline; Ice Mage Rin, Bow Saint Yumiko-san, and Priest Misaki-san in the back; with Stealth Nanami acting as the wild card. It’s actually a really well-balanced team… was this a ‘pro-gamer move’ by Sakura in the end? Leaving so suddenly is still a d**k move, but that’s just her being her usual selfish self.
I’ll leave those two to their own devices. I don’t want any part of that drama. Anyway, I had a job to do with the girls.
”Rei-san and the others were saying they were running low on makeup. How about you guys? Think you could use some?” I asked.
”…I’d use it if I had it,” Rin said.
”It’s so expensive, we can’t really afford it,” Hina added. “It feels like a luxury that commoners aren’t supposed to have, so we try not to think about it too much.”
”Nanami-chan wants some! Makeup totally boosts your mood, you know? They say to fool your enemies, you gotta start with your friends first! ♪”
”I have no need for such things,” Mizuki said.
Everyone except Mizuki seemed on board. Since she’s so dead-set against it, giving her any would just be a waste of time. I’ll probably wait until after she retires to hand it out. I’ll have to think of something else for her. I was actually surprised by Rin. Who knew she was interested in makeup under that ‘Cool Beauty’ mask? She’s already got such a striking presence; I bet she’d look incredible with the right look. I’d love to see it. Also, who exactly is Nanami ‘fighting’? She was clearly fishing for a reaction.
”Who are you planning on fooling, Nanami?” I asked.
”Hehe, it’s a secret~ ♡”
She gave me a playful wink. She was definitely just messing with me.
”I’m curious, but it doesn’t sound like you’re going to tell me.”
”That’s not true! If you show Nanami-chan a good time, maybe I’ll tell you~”
”Yeah, right. Impossible,” I said.
Talk about a ‘Hard Mode’ quest. How am I supposed to entertain someone as slippery as her? I was a guy with zero game until my late twenties, for crying out loud.
”If I find something good in a treasure chest, I’ll give it to you as a present,” I said.
”I’ll be waiting! No pressure~”
”Nanami, don’t ask for the impossible from Daisuke-san,” Hina said.
Nanami just waved her hand dismissively. She definitely wasn’t expecting much. I can tell that much at least. Hina tried to keep her in line, but I doubt it’ll make a difference. Still, the demand is definitely there. The girls are clearly struggling without their essentials, so I guess I’d better get to work on this sooner rather than later.
—
Summary:
Daisuke deals with the entitled Yuko by providing her with stress-relief medicine instead of a free level boost. Meanwhile, shocking news arrives at the guild: Sakura is dating Otto from the Hero Party. Daisuke realizes the JK Party is restructuring and decides to help them with their lack of cosmetics.
—
Trivia:
- Sense Malice can be triggered by someone who genuinely believes they are helping you, even if their request is burdensome.
- The guild charges a commission on top of the adventurer’s base fee.
- B-Rank adventurers are considered public figures whose actions can affect the reputation of the entire rank.
- Item Box users can trade items discreetly without third-party observation
—
Character Insight:
Daisuke shows a mix of pity and pragmatism, helping Yuko just enough to get her away from him. Sakura’s move to Otto is revealed as a calculated social climb toward nobility.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The author notes that this chapter was expanded because the previous one was too short.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Yuko – 17‑year‑old high‑schooler, reincarnated from a 40‑year‑old Earth civil servant and former tech‑track professional, wears a half‑up hairstyle, thin chest armor, stands 160 cm with a standard build. Polite but low‑motivation, poor etiquette. Apprentice to Lady Xaveria, acquaintance of Daisuke, battling entitlement and stress.
• Zofie – A beastman woman and a Civil Servant. Friend of Mercedes. She is approximately 165cm tall with long indigo hair and a standard build.
• Nanami – 165 cm slender high‑school girl with short hair and modest chest armor, nicknamed Mermaid for her underwater diving. Reincarnated as a Stealth‑class member of the all‑female JK Party, she’s playful, teasing, socially sharp and a skilled info‑gatherer, easily befriending peers and slipping into school life.
• Hina – A 160 cm, muscular, beautiful girl-knight with a charming ponytail and thin chest armor, exuding an honest, serious aura. Reincarnated as an Instant Swordswoman high-schooler, she’s level-headed, fiercely protective of Mizuki, a member of the JK Party (formerly basketball club), and serves as the straight-man to Nanami’s antics.
• Sakura – Reincarnated high‑school girl, Destroyer class; 160 cm slender with twin‑tails, perpetual scowl, thin chest armor and short‑hair yankee look. Former JK Party member, high‑tension with Daisuke, double‑dates Hero Shouta and Holy Knight Takumi, openly disliked by the protagonist. Now Otto’s partner, supportive and affectionate, part of a ‘stupid couple’ dynamic, aiming to climb status by marrying into the Hero Party.
• Otto – Heavy Warrior of the Hero Party, level 52, reincarnated as a creepy, unpopular man in his 50s trapped in a youthful body, clad in bulky armor with a stern visage; narcissistic, status-obsessed, and manipulative, he is fawningly obedient to Shouta and Takumi while tyrannical and arrogant toward Ren and service staff, his demeanor a stark contrast to his inner age and unpopularity.
• Yumiko – Petite 155 cm Bow Saint with medium‑length hair and thin chest armor, appearing 17. Polite and reserved, she is a Leemans party member, former long‑term housewife and corporate worker, ex‑Kyudo club participant, and now seeks emotional closure in the Working Women Party.
• Manami – Leemans, a sharp‑eyed former office worker and member of the Working Women Party, now a dedicated Tamer retiring to launch a cat café. She thrives in her new world, caring for felines with elegant poise and forming close bonds with fellow party members and her future café patrons.
• Mizuki – 165 cm tall, standard‑built girl with long hair, wearing modest chest armor and speaking politely; reincarnated as a Saint‑class high‑school student and JK Party member, highly formal and pious, despising vanity. She bravely confronts slave abuse, earns respect by defending the vulnerable, and frequently joins the protagonist’s circle at the temple, aligning with Nanami’s party.
• Aya – A 165 cm tall, slender alchemist with long hair and a flat chest, wearing no armor. Serious and straight‑laced, she serves the Working Women Party and the Leemans Party, formerly a pharmacist, now an apprentice alchemist. Clean‑prudent, she appears as the protagonist’s lover in his delusions.
• Rei – 155 cm, standard‑built member of the Working Women Party. Twin‑tails, thick chest armor, bright high‑energy aura, and the unique “Rainbow Raiment” skill that brightens allies. Former corporate employee and hobbyist cosplayer, she’s outgoing, teasing, known for comedy routines, and plans to retire to open a maid café.
• Misaki – 165 cm tall, standard build, semi‑long hair, wearing thick chest armor, she exudes a calm, kind older‑sister aura. A priest of the Working Women Party and former nurse, she also belongs to the Leemans party, once cared for elders, and is used to physical labor — yet in combat she surprises with fierce mace violence.
• Mai – Standing 175 cm tall with a toned, athletic build, she wears thick chest armor and a single ponytail, giving a slightly masculine look. As a War Saint Vanguard of the Working Women Party and member of the Leemans, she’s a former gym instructor who loves physical activity, adventure, and speaks briskly and clearly.
• Rin – Ice Mage of the JK Party: a tall, large‑breasted high‑school girl with long shaggy hair and thick chest armor. She wears a cool‑beauty façade but secretly loves makeup. Quiet and salty, her fragile VIT makes her physically imposing yet fragile; only intimate moments crack her mask, and her overwhelming presence dominates those around her, especially Daisuke’s delusion.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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