Estimated reading time: 8–9 minutes
Chapter 49
After making it through an excessively long examination, it was already past noon. In the end, not only were there incomprehensible quizzes, but also various tests on brain whatnot.
The only saving grace is that Reina and Momiji, who had been kept waiting, were leisurely hanging out at a nearby cat cafe. However, I thought to myself that I wouldn’t accept it if there were no abnormalities after all those tests, and we temporarily disbanded, agreeing to regroup at 「HAO」 with the three of us.
So when I logged in for the first time in half a day, I found myself at the former Kōmitsu headquarters. A slightly old room with unfamiliar equipment, and Kana. And right as I logged in, a person entered from the outside door. It’s Reina and Momiji.
「Father, Mother. And former Kōmitsu President Momiji. I’ve been waiting for you.」
「Oh, hello there.」
「Ah, hahaha…… hello?」
I see, now I understand the reason for Reina’s reaction this morning. She was forcibly made aware of my presence due to this NPC’s existence. A game that punches real-life relationships with NPCs is definitely a crappy game after all.
That aside, while Reina looks the same as always, Momiji’s equipment has changed. Her arms are noticeably bulky, with small blades attached to the fingertips – prosthetic arms for close combat. I wonder if they can extend, that would be incredibly cool.
In addition to the major image change with the large box on her back, Momiji is stunned by the person who has undergone an even greater transformation.
「…… Please don’t say anything.」
「Kanji, it suits ya.」
「I said don’t say anything!」
「Well, well, we’ll keep this kind of hobby of yours a secret from those around you.」
「No, this is Kana’s hobby!」
Of course, I’m referring to my cross-dressing. When I try to point at Kana as the culprit, she dodges with the incredible movement unique to Beastkin and hides behind Reina. Then, as if struck by a brilliant idea, she whispers to them.
「Um, why don’t you two dress as men too?」
「How did the conversation even get there?!」
「But we do need a disguise, don’t we? That might be better than clumsily wearing a mask.」
「Is TS and stuff like that your hobby, Kana?」
「Not particularly, but hmm…」
Despite her suggestion being accepted, Kana makes a subtle expression. Then why did you propose it? The answer to that question comes immediately.
「Isn’t it fun to see people in trouble?」
「So that’s why you made me cross-dress?!」
The worst possible answer. I don’t even want to think about who influenced her to become like this.
Chuckling, Kana’s true nature as this self-proclaimed stepdaughter becomes apparent. Where did that initial graceful demeanor go? No, has her true colors finally been revealed? It only took one day, an RTA record. The possibility arises that even that princess carry was done to humiliate me.
However, the other women seem to find it convincing, saying things like 「Reactions are great」 as they start looking for men’s clothes. Don’t agree so quickly, I think to myself as I move to the next room so as not to interfere with their changing.
It’s a bedroom with six futons laid out. After all, since it’s just a temporary base, a small number is sufficient. Two of them have human shapes on them. It’s the glasses upperclassman and Urairo-senpai. I see, so the bodies of those who are logged out are preserved in this way. However, there is no sign of breathing at all, and no warmth can be felt. I crouch down and tentatively touch glasses upperclassman’s hand, feeling a void. Literally nothing. I can feel the sensation of touching, yet it feels like there’s nothing there.
……Are they dead? Well, this might indeed be the image of a body when not logged in. If they were breathing and such, it would mean they’re using energy, so if they didn’t log in for a week, they might starve to death.
The women are making a fuss in the other room. In the previous versions, there was neither the leeway nor the options to properly choose clothes. But thanks to the market’s development this time, or rather the considerable remnants, such items are also abundantly available. As I’m thinking about this, I hear Reina’s high-spirited voice from the other side, 「Kanji, c’mon!」
「Yeah, yeah…… Wow, it really suits you.」
Although I waited for a bit, not much time should have passed. Yet their appearances, or rather their looks, have changed drastically. It’s probably one of the appearance-changing sets opposite to mine, but the difference is striking due to their high base level.
Momiji has cut her hair short, yet retains a gentle aura, giving the impression of an heir to a noble family. Well, she is the daughter of a company president in reality. In contrast, Reina has tied her uncut hair back, resembling a transcendent handsome man. They both deliberately chose the men’s clothes from the initial equipment of the previous version, but the clothes pale in comparison. It’s infuriating that they look cooler than I usually do. Should I scribble a beard on them right now?
「Right?」
「You changed your voice too?」
「Ya did it too, Kanji.」
「I’ve heard stories about it being sold in real life, but this level is impressive as expected. It makes me feel foolish for seriously studying voice changing for espionage.」
Both their voices and mine have changed. The choker around the neck apparently applies appropriate vibrations to the throat to modify the voice. Thanks to that, the composition of two beautiful young men + one perverted cross-dressing college student is fully established. Well, I probably wouldn’t be identified as a man either. On the other hand, Kana maintains her usual expression. Where did the joy of making me cross-dress go?
「It suits you well. Don’t forget to record it, just in case.」
「You’re definitely saving that as a dark history.」
「Well, we’re about to head into enemy territory. It’s true that we want to bring back any data we can get our hands on.」
「Oh, looks like they’ve logged in too.」
After a while, sounds of movement come from beyond the door, and two figures appear. It’s the glasses upperclassman and Urairo who were sleeping, or rather logged out, until just now.
「Sorry, we’re late.」
「No, no, we were the ones who were late. Damn physical examination.」
「I knew that female doctor was from Kōmitsu Company……」
That’s right, as of yesterday, the upperclassmen had also agreed to participate in the plan to hunt down the false prophets. Therefore, this time it will be a large group of six people. The upperclassmen exchange greetings with Reina and Momiji. It was amusing to see Urairo constantly agitated for some reason. Is there something to be that nervous about?
By the way, Kana is supposedly staying behind. Apparently, her face has been exposed. When I retort that she should cross-dress as a man too, she replies, 「I’ve already been seen through.」 Damn it, she’s staying in the safe zone alone.
The gathering place is apparently the rooftop district, so the upperclassmen quickly enter their own room and head upstairs. As I’m about to summon my own room, or rather my cell, to this floor, I feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s Momiji in men’s clothing.
「What are ya thinkin’, goin’ without any equipment? It’d be pointless if ya died during the fundraising while Apollyon is broken.」
Saying that, she takes something out of a rack that was already prepared. It’s a familiar powered suit, closely resembling the one Hiniru was using. The equipment includes a bulky rifle and a blade sheathed in its scabbard. However, there is armor covering even the face, with a transparent helmet. Momiji continues speaking.
「The place we’re headin’ to now is completely outside, unlike inside the Ark. It’s within the effect range of ‘Moses’ Sword.’ You’d die instantly without protection.」
……In the previous version, there was a crappy setting where there was almost no oxygen, but now it’s even more dangerous?
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