Can Even a Mob Highschooler Like Me be a Normie if I Become an Adventurer?

Episode 20 When I see a beautiful girl, I can't help but wonder if she's the heroine

　“Well, regarding the trouble that occurred earlier, it was stated that Minamiyama-kun attacked Kitagawa-kun without realizing that the battle was over. So that there will be no more troubles like this next time——“

　—— that's what they said.

　I guess the program had no choice but to let the tournament continue.

　Despite his tone of concern for me, every part of the man’s words hinted at adult circumstances.

　'If things continue as they are, there is a possibility that Minamiyama-kun will be facing criminal charges. If both parties could agree to keep their mouths shut, it could be settled peacefully. Of course, the program will take appropriate action against the other side, so please rest assured. It would be safer for you than taking it up with the police in a bad way,'

it felt something like that......

　To be honest, I didn't want to make a big deal out of it either, since I will also somehow get involved if this tournament went out of business because of this matter.

　The TV station side, which is in some ways more troublesome and frightening than the police, said they would take appropriate measures and ensure safety, so I guess I should leave it to them.

　Besides, Shigeno-san from the Guild was also present as the live commentator. No matter how he could have avoided criminal charges by talking to the TV station, it would have been impossible for him to continue his career as an adventurer.

　Then I have nothing to say.

　Whatever happens next will be taken care of by my parents, who were there to watch the game, the TV station, and Minamiyama's parents.

　I don't want to see Minamiyama taken away in handcuffs. If the adults were going to punish him in a place where I couldn't see them, it would be the best thing for my mental health.

　The other side seemed relieved to see me cooperating from start to finish.

　And above all... I also wanted to calm down and ponder over Minamiyama.

　Why did that guy, who was supposed to be in the top caste group, cut me off along with Higashino and Nishida, and become so hostile with us...?

　I felt that this was where I could see the true nature of the top school caste group, which I had always admired.

　Well, that can wait for now.

　For Eliza's sake, I should concentrate on the tournament.

　Thus, my first day of the tournament ended.

　The next day. The second round was held early in the morning... but I won by default.

　It's not like there was a dirty backroom deal....... The reason is that there were a lot of students who were scared of the card’s lost rate in the tournament and withdrew.

　For students like us, cards are not replaceable consumables, but extremely expensive items. We are not like the professionals seen on TV all the time.

　Those people are backed by sponsors, so whether they win or lose, they can immediately recover the cost of the lost cards.

　We can get in the MonColo!　But then they were probably scared to death when they saw how high the lost cards rate was.

　Some of the participants, like Minamiyama, must have used their title as adventurers to rise through the ranks of the class caste, or even school caste.

　For them, losing their cards was tantamount to losing their social status.

　That was why can I win the second round without fighting.

　By the way, although this is completely irrelevant, but in the second round, like the first round, the opponents identities are not informed at all in order to avoid trouble.

　In other words, even if the program switched the opponents, the players and spectators would not know. No, no, it's completely irrelevant.

　The third and fourth rounds were held that afternoon and evening. The third and fourth rounds were even more complicated than the match against Minamiyama.

　My opponent in the third round had blatantly shed three F-rank cards. Perhaps they did not want to lose any precious cards, yet they did not abandon the match in the hope that they might be able to win the tournament without a loss.

　In the third round, there were a few players who was like this, and the audience was clearly losing tension.

　The program staff must have thought this was bad. So they introduced the leading players and showed highlights of the exciting matches.

　Starting from the first round - the moments when many of the player’s spirit broke – and many deadly battles and spectacular moments. The audience became a little more excited than before.

　Then came the fourth round. I went into the match with a lot of enthusiasm because I was in the top eight, but I had a bad aftertaste in my mouth.

　The reason was that my opponent was already too battered to fight.

　Unlike me, who won the second round without having to lift a finger and went on to win the third round without putting up much of a fight, my opponent seemed to have fought serious opponents in the second and third rounds.

　His main D-rank card was in tatters, and the remaining two cards were F-rank cards, leaving him with practically only one card with strength.

　On the other hand, if I won this, I would be in the top 4, so I went up with Eliza, Yuki, and Mea. Three D-rank cards.

　The expression on my opponent's face when he saw my lineup was something I won't be able to forget for a while.

　On the night of the second day, when the top four were determined. We were gathered in the cafeteria. The purpose was to meet each other and to choose the D-rank card for the prize.

　There were 16 different D-rank cards available as prizes, but if there was a conflict of interest, the players would discuss it among themselves.

　During this, the players are also filmed on camera, so ugly name-calling and foul language is not possible.

“Then, let me introduce the players who have made it this far. First of all, Kannazuki Tsubasa-san.”

“Yes.”

　The first one to be named was Kannazuki, who was by far the most good-looking of the remaining players.

　He is a beautiful man beyond comparison to me. First of all, even his name is cool. He has a face that is even rarely seen on idols. His face is more like a facial standard on a card than a human being's.

　His face is slim and beautifully oval-shaped, and his eyes are very bright, showing intelligence. His light-pigmented hair formed a halo, and his long hair suited him well. He has a lean body and long, slender legs ...... No, they're too long, aren't they? That ain't a Japanese body shape. He looks like a foreign figure skater.

　He's so beautiful that at first glance he looks like a beautiful woman in men's clothing....... No, maybe this guy is really a woman. The name is also neutral and indistinguishable.

　But it doesn't matter to me whether that person is a man or a woman.

　That person doesn't have any boobs. If a woman is cute, I can compromise even if she doesn't have big boobs, but not if they don’t have any at all. This is the biggest reason why I don't understand Nishida's preference. Lolita does not have boobs.

　No, no. It’s not the time for that. My thoughts strayed too far. Let's start over.

　-- But it doesn't matter to me whether that person is a man or a woman.

　It's because he's also a player. There is only one winner. Then it doesn't matter who the opponent is.

　I thought seriously like that in my mind.

"What is your motivation in this tournament?"

As soon as the moderator said that, a cameo appeared saying,

"Please give us some encouraging words."

　Whoa, that sounds like something from a TV show!　My eyes lit up.

　Come to think of it, I'm really on TV now. Will this scene be on TV, too?

...... Oh no, now I'm starting to worry about my hair. I should have gone to a hair salon. I've been too busy conquering the dungeons that I haven't really paid attention to that. I hope I didn't have nose hairs or anything!

I was so busy with the dungeon that I didn't realize that.

“I am Tsubasa Kannazuki. I don't have much motivation, but I will definitely win the tournament. From what I've seen so far, I'm sure of it.”

　This guy says a lot of crazy stuff. I was quite surprised.

　Normally, one would make a safe comment in a place like this, in these days, there is no profit to be gained by flaming up with a big mouth. You'll just get bashed on the Internet.

　The program staff was also perplexed by the fact that Kannazuki ignored the script and said provocative things.

　Probably, the program was planning to make this guy the hero of the tournament, given his looks.

　I saw this guy play, and with three well-used D-rank cards, he looked like he had a good chance of winning the tournament.

　At the words of Kannazuki, the other players were also fuming.

"Yes, you are motivated enough, aren't you? You've been an adventurer since the first year of junior high school, and now you're a first-year high school student and already a three-star adventurer. I'm looking forward to the battle."

　Hey, seriously?　

We looked at Kannazuki in astonishment.

　First year of junior high school is the fastest start under the current Japanese law. Him being a three-star adventurer is crazy.

　And three D-rank cards?　He's definitely saving his C-rank card. Oh no, he wasn't a big mouth at all!

　This guy really has the means to be the winner!

　While we were raising our guard against Kannazuki, the moderator named the next player,

“Yes, Well then, the next player is Yujin Sato-san.”

“.....Yes."

　The next player was a large, stern-looking young man whose expression was like he was being handed some kind of punishment for being called after Kannazuki. He looked less distinctive, perhaps because he ws after Kannazuki. He seemed like an ordinary boy. Only his name is a little sparkly.

　His face was a bit scrunched up, as if he knew that his own character was rather faint. His eyes were somewhat absent-minded and wandering.

　...... Hey, you're not trying to say something impactful, are you?　Don't do it. If a mob character like us tries to say something good, it will just be a slip!

I was feeling a bit like he was a kindred spirit, so I called out inwardly.

 "Please share your motivation with us."

“My name is Yujin Sato. Well, first of all, I'd like to say: Hey, Kannazuki, don't get carried away. I'll show you that you can't win a card battle with just your face."

　But, it's useless ......!

　Unfortunately, it seems my heart's voice didn't reach him. Sato said that while looking down at Kannazuki, but his line was so embarrassing that it lacked impact at all.

　It was so painful that no one could react to it. Even Kannazuki, who was named, seemed to be at a loss as to how to react.

　Sato, after being jostled by the awkward air, said,

"Tha- that's all,"

and sat down in his chair.

　You're pathetic ......, but I like you a little bit better.

　I could tell that he wasn't used to putting people down or making fun of them.

"Yes, Sato-san. He is currently a senior in high school. His career is only about a year old, but his goal is to become a professional adventurer in the future. We have high expectations for what kind of battle you will show us in the semi-finals. ————Next is, Anna Jushichiya-san."

"Yes!"

Sato's introduction passed quickly, and the next person introduced was the only female player in the room.

　She was also the person I was most interested in.

　It is not ...... because this girl named Anna Jushichiya is a beautiful girl with red hair and blue eyes.

　Well, but of course I was attracted to her appearance itself. I'm an adolescent high school boy myself.

　She was probably the same age as me or a little younger. She had soft, fluffy red hair in a ponytail, and her big blue eyes sparkled, making her look very cute.

　Her skin was clear and white, exactly the kind of beautiful half-Japanese girl that Japanese people imagine. She was petite and slender, but I personally appreciated the fact that she seemed to have a good sized bosom.

　To be frank, she is quite my type.

　I think she may have been the reason why Sato was so excited. When there are cute girls, they get all worked up....... It's the sad nature of men.

 　However, what I am interested in more than her looks is her unusual surname, Jushichiya.

　This is because her surname is the same as that of the founder of the dungeon mart.

　President Jushichiya (Kanou) is a man who is somewhat of a show-off and often appears on TV ...... as what is commonly referred to as the 'celebrity president'. He is also a regular commentator on news programs and has a certain number of fans and opponents because of his extreme comments.

　So when I hear the name "Jushichiya," I can't help but think of that famous president.

“Please share your motivation.”

“I am Anna Kanou. I’m a junior high school student!　I may look like this, but I was born and raised in Japan!　I’m still immature and have a long way to go as a master, but my cards are excellent, so please look forward to it!”

　Instead of focusing on the content of what she says, she is playing with her character, she's good!

　The moderator was also excited to finally get the comment he had been waiting for. The fact that she is a beautiful girl is also strong in terms of attracting TV viewers.

　"Oh, you're so energetic!　Jushichiya-san is the daughter of the founder of that Dungeon Mart. Her career also started from the first year of junior high school, just like Kannazuki-san, so the expectations are high."

　So she is the daughter of the founder of Dungeon Mart, after all!

　We looked at her with a mixture of surprise and astonishment.

　At this, Jushichiya's expression turned into a scowl.

　"My father has nothing to do with this!　When I first registered, my dad bought me a card, but since then he hasn't given me any allowance, and I've been earning my own money to get the cards!　And I'm going to pay him back for the first card one of these days!"

　"So, so it's like that, please forgive me."

　...Hmm, I guess being the child of a celebrity must be a lot of trouble. I felt Jushichiya had a complex about her birth.

　Better not mention anything related to this to her. No, rather, would it be a good provocation if it is during a match?

　"And last but not least, Utamaro Kitagawa-san. Please share your motivation."

　I'm the last, huh? I'm in a bind. Everyone's character is so strong, it's almost too much to handle.

　...They will probably edit it anyway, so I'll just get it over with.

"I'm Utamaro Kitagawa. I'd like to say that I'll definitely not lose......, but I'm already defeated by you all in terms of character, and I'm at a loss."

　The program staff gave a small laugh. Oh, I did it, I got a little bit of a laugh.

I smiled and said,

　"But my cards have some pretty good characters, so look forward to seeing them."

 　"Okay!　Thank you very much. Kitagawa-san is already a two-star adventurer even though his career is only around two months. He also has a track record of defeating an irregular encounter and seems to have more experience than his career let on."

　The moderator made a comment that seemed to lift me up, perhaps to thicken my pale character, or perhaps as an apology for the trouble I had gone through in the first round.

　The other players looked at me with surprise.

　They looked at me as if they thought I was just a mob figure for the sake of numbers, but they were impressed by my ability to do well .......

　It seemed that I had not left any impression on them at all. Well, as far as I'm concerned, I didn't really do much battle.

　"Now it's time to hand out the prizes! Here are the prizes for the best four!"

　With the moderator's words, suitcases were brought into the cafeteria. The staff began to lay out the cards, one by one enclosed in sturdy clear cases, on the table.

　Our eyes lit up when we saw the cards.

　As one would expect from a prize, all the cards were popular.

About half of the cards were strength-oriented, and the other half were girl monsters. The acquired skills are also good and not common.

　Now, which should I choose? If it is more about strength, I would choose Dragonette, Tengu, or Water Tiger.

　　For girl monsters, maybe Alraune, Nekomata, Harpy, Silky, Amazones, Angel, or Demon. Even if it is a girl monster, I don't want the Yomotsu-shikome (Ugly woman of the underworld). Uh, but she is strong. Even stronger than a Water Tiger.

　No one was looking at the Yomotsu-shikome, either.

　If I had to choose completely by taste, I would choose between Dragonette, Nekomata, or Silky.

　Dragonette is a small dragon and the weakest among dragon monsters. Even so, the fact that it was one of the strongest D-rank cards was a good indication that dragons are the strongest race of monsters.

　Nekomata and Silky are the weakest of the D-rank cards, but they are very popular among the whole D-rank cards, and both are priced at nearly 10 million yen. Cat ears and maids are popular .......

　If I were to focus on the practical side, Dragonette, Tengu, Harpy, and Angel would be the nominees.

　After all, flying types are worth it. They can neutralize ground-based monsters that do not have long-range attacks, and they can pass through many of the traps in the dungeon.

　On the other hand, they are vulnerable to being shot at, and the constant fear of losing the card is a disadvantage.

Moreover, the flying type was characterized by either being stupid or, conversely, too smart and high-minded. We often hear that there are too many incompatible species, especially angels.

　If you look at it from the perspective of reinforcing our party, there is the option of Amazones and Demon.

　At first glance, our party looks well-balanced with two vanguards and two rearguards, but it has a weakness in that it relies on Eliza to also play the tanker role.

　Yuki is also a vanguard, but she is a complete attacker with high attack and speed. She also serves as a scout, which is like having a thief or a ninja play the vanguard in a game.

　So I have been thinking of adding a warrior or a knight to this group for a long time.

　For romanticism, Nekomata and Silky. In terms of practicality, flying-type, and in terms of reinforcement, Amazones and Demon.

　I looked at the skills of each card one by one and pondered.

'...... Hmm?"

　At that moment, a card caught my attention.

　It was a card of an ogre. The illustration depicted a beautiful woman with flaming red hair and eyes. The deep cleavage peeking out from her disheveled kimono is very sexy. She is my type visually.

　But what I was more interested in was her skills.

　I took out my phone and looked up the details.

[Race] Demon

[Combat Power] 180

[Inborn Skills]

・Sturdy: Has a sturdy body. Constantly improves vitality and endurance.

・Monstrous: Possesses extra-human strength. Muscle strength is always greatly improved.

・Self-regeneration

[Acquired skills]

・Blindfolded Demon: This is a demon. This demon is able to attract the hostility of the target to themselves.

・Martial Arts: Possesses a certain level of knowledge and skill in combat techniques. When performing a specific action, it is positively compensated.

・Judgment: The skill to read the opponent's movement. It provides a positive action compensation for evasion and counterattacks.

　In addition to the synergy of [Sturdy], [Monstrous], [Martial arts], and [Judgment], the [Blindfolded demon] skill is interesting.......

　In game terms, this would be a 'hate control' skill. It is an essential skill for the tanker role, and it is also a good evasive-type skill.

Eliza, a durable support type, and an evasive-provocative demon  seemed to be a good combination.

　Okay, I've made up my mind. Let's go with this one. It's not every day that you come across a card with such a great set of skills. In addition, it's a girl monster, and I really like the way she looks.

　Just when I reached for the Demon card,

"Huh?"

　A hand extended from the side coincides with mine.

　Our eyes meet. The blue sapphire-like eyes were staring at me. It was ...... Jushichiya.

　"Oh, is this your aim too?"

　"Ah, yeah. ...... if possible, could you give it to me?"

　When I said that with an amiable smile, Jushichiya smiled brightly. A smile like a Cheshire cat playing with a mouse. Somehow... I have a bad feeling.

　"Well, that's a little bit of a problem, isn't it? I really like this one too! Look at this wonderful red hair and bewitching look. It looks exactly like me, right?"

　Saying so, Jushichiya striked a sexy pose.

　Eeh?　Well, the red hair is the same, but the allure is totally different .......

　Jushichiya is the type of lovely and wholesome cuteness that comes straight to the surface, and there wasn't much sex appeal.

　I wonder if that voice in my heart leaked out, but Jushichiya pouted her lips.

　"You have the face of an objection, you know that?"

　"Hahaha."

　"No, I can't be misled by the impersonation of the mouse. ......,Although you're quite good at it. Well, how about we play a game here?"

　"A game?"

　"Yes, let's hold off on that for now and say that the winner of the match will get this."

　After saying that, Jushichiya looked around.

　I realized that the players and the program staff, who had finished choosing their cards, were looking at us.

　This is .......

"Hmm, you say the winner, but what if one of us loses before our match is made?"

"Ah, that's right. Hmm... then we'll say the one who did better in the tournament is the winner."

　I asked a little nasty question to Jushichiya, who smiled prettily,

　"What if we both lose in the semi-finals?"

　"Then you can take it with you."

　"Ooh, you're very generous, aren't you?"

　"Yeah! I'll win anyway!"

　This girl ...... she earlier said that she is still immature.

　But I can tell. What she was trying to do.

　Jushichiya's intention is to fight against me in the semi-finals.

　She must have seen that Kannazuki guy as the biggest obstacle in this tournament.

　Even if she has to fight him sooner or later, she would rather fight him in the final, not the semifinals.

　So, by making a fight with me, she is trying to induce me to face her in the semi-finals.

　From the TV side point of view, when such an exciting event took place, if both Jushichiya and I were eliminated in the semifinals and ended up with her saying "We both lost, so the card belongs to you, Kitagawa-kun," It will be no fun anymore.

　'Since Kitagawa-kun is not likely to win the championship anyway, we would like to make the semifinals a little more exciting by matching him against Jushichiya.'

　That's what they might be thinking.

It was probably no coincidence that Jushichiya chose the Demon's card. She was waiting for me to choose.

　In other words.

　Jushichiya thinks that she can easily defeat me.

　That means she thinks that my cards are small fry.

"Okay, let's do it that way then."

"Ooh, that's great. Let's do our best!"

　I'm going to make her cry.

　That was what I decided as we shook hands.

[Tips] Monster Ranks

　Monsters are roughly ranked according to their initial combat power. The higher the rank, the more vicious the skills tend to be.

　Monster ranks are strongly influenced by the land and culture in which they are found. Even monsters of the same race are ranked differently in different countries. In Japan, youkai1 come out stronger. For example, the Zashiki Warashi is a C-rank monster in Japan, but an E-rank monster in Western countries.

***

 Notes:

1  Apparition of Japanese cultures↩