Gamers, p.182
Gamers!, page 182
“Uh?”
-That moment.
When everyone’s not noticing-
It’s literally like an accident.
The demon king-sama, the demon king-sama that grasps everything. The weakling at the side-
-which is Chiaki’s character. She knocked her out with a sudden attack.
“--!”
At this moment, even Tendou-san’s face turned stiff, not to mention Chiaki.
Chiaki immediately tried to make a comeback. As for Tendou-san, as if she’s avenging her- she attacked furiously with the window caused by Main-san attacking Chiaki.
“AHHHHHHHHHH!”
“Oh, nice, I love this momentum! It reminds me of- Amako in the past!”
So, with Chiaki’s defeat, the two hardcore gamers are about to start their final battle.
Also, Chiaki tried her best and didn’t get one-hit KOed like Oiso-senpai.
However, that just makes it even sadder.
“…Eh, eh, eh.”
“…………”
This is a hopeless distance, no matter what. -Chiaki’s character is struggling with all her might outside the main screen. There has to be a small screen to show that.
…Honestly, I can’t see it anymore. It’s like watching a Koshien high school player trying his best to throw the ball back to home base even though he can’t make it.
I can’t watch her anymore.
On the other hand, Main-san and Tendou-san’s battle is reaching the climax.
“Damn…!”
-Tendou-san was knocked out by Main-san’s defensive attack.
Even though it’s not as lethal as Chiaki and Oiso-senpai, she’ll lose if she falls.
Of course, she immediately started to make her way back to the island, however- at this moment.
“It’s time to end this.”
“!?”
Main-san jumped off the island to pursue Tendou-san. She’s trying to strike Tendou-san down while ignoring her safety.
“Ah, this is what it means to block the net- she’s striking someone down viciously!”
Aguri-san remembered the explanation and yelled. At the same time, Main-san is slowly closing her distance to Tendou-san.
So, Main-san showed a devilish smile and struck Tendou-san- at that moment.
“-That’s what I’ve been waiting for!”
A flash of light sparkled in Tendou-san’s eyes. She used her ultimate strategy to return to the island- nope, the miracle didn’t happen.
-Instead, she threw out an energy ball that knocked her even further out of the island.
“Ha!?”
Main-san froze for a moment because of her illogical choice. However, the demon king-sama is incredible. She immediately canceled her ultimate and dodged Tendou-san’s energy ball.
“Hey, hey, Karen Tendou. That’s not even a bad strategy. You’re literally just suiciding.”
Main-san shrugged helplessly and sighed. I think it’s because she’s genuinely disappointed. Even the mood of the audience got heavy. Then, Main-san continued.
“You disappoint me-“
-However, Main-san stopped. After that…
“-----“
All of us are holding our breaths too.
To ask why-
It’s because for some reason, right there- on the screen of the two’s aerial battle-
A being that’s no place to be here-
-Another character showed up from outside the screen.
“…………”
When everyone and Main-san are shocked, this character-
“Ah.”
-She stepped on Tendou-san’s character’s head.
With her as a jumping board, she then-
-She finally and brilliantly jumped on Main-san’s character’s head.
“----“
At this point, Main-san finally saw something wrong and tried to react- but it’s too late.
She’s already going to take this ultimate.
Main-san can’t do anything aside from sweating from her forehead.
“HEY, HEY, DID YOU SERIOUSLY JUST GET BACK FROM THAT DISTANCE-“
Finally, she called the true hero’s name that’ll bring her the final attack.
“---CHIAKI HOSHINOMORI!”
Completing the miraculous recovery that no one expected, our hero of light said…
“That’s me.”
At the next moment, the weakest girl’s ultimate landed on the strongest demon king in history’s head.
Karen Tendou
The first time I noticed Chiaki-san’s gaming style was around two weeks ago -on the day of that kiss.
Honestly, that day’s goal is to find a game that can be used to defeat Main Fushiguro-san.
Then, Chiaki-san, Amano-kun, and I moved together. Of course, Chiaki-san played with me a couple times too.
So, my first impression of her gaming skills are-
“Yep, she’s indeed at the same level as Amano-kun.”
-That. Well, which means that…she sucks. (I’m sorry, Amano-kun, Chiaki-san.)
It’s just that I anticipated this. After all, these two are practically clones.
It’s just that I didn’t expect one thing. That is-
-There’s a slight difference in why they are not good at it.
Honestly, both of them aren’t talented in gaming. Aside from that-
Amano-kun will always give up victory because he emphasizes having fun.
Meanwhile, Chiaki-san will always spend effort on weird places and lose.
If we’re comparing this to cooking, Amano-kun is the type to focus on the appearance of the bento (making cartoon pictures with the ingredients). As for Chiaki-san, she’s the type to hide plums inside rice balls.
Chiaki-san often does a lot of unexpectedly unnecessary things. This is different from Amano-kun, who enjoys spending time on the entertainment part.
I think that’s because she’s a creator.
Anyway, when Chiaki-san’s playing games, I always can’t help but complain, “Why did you do that in that situation!?”
…Ah, no, perhaps that’s not just for games.
…Even that day’s kiss is-
…Ahem! B-Back to the topic.
Anyway, Chiaki-san doesn’t have a particular playstyle or follows a certain meta.
…However, that’s not totally a bad thing.
It’s more like, including me, all professional players do something like this, more or less.
Especially when it comes to developing new metas and strategies.
So, I suddenly thought of something after knowing this side of her.
Chiaki-san, …perhaps she does have a secret “weapon” that not even she knows of.
In the end, I didn’t manage to ask her about it because of that shocking incident.
So, things started changing 2 days after that.
On that day, Chiaki-san bumped into me while we’re still affected by that kissing incident. Our hands touched when we’re grabbing the game in the second-hand area. That’s how we met, strangely.
That game is
So, I followed my strange instincts and half-kidnapped her back home. I brought her to my room and battled with her…
At that moment, my instinct turned into reality.
Yes, Chiaki-san does have a secret weapon.
That’s a secret weapon that not even Main-san knows, and that is-
“The return strategy developed by Chiaki Hoshinomori that no one on the net knows…”
“Yes, that’s why she could return from that distance. Surprised you, right?”
“Indeed. I didn’t expect it at all. …I lost, Chiaki Hoshinomori.”
“A-Ah, well, thanks…”
It has been around 10 minutes after that legendary battle, which resulted in Chiaki-san’s victory.
After the audience calmed down, …right now, Main-san, who showed an uncharacteristically admiring face, begged me to explain that situation. Also, the players stood up and turned around to talk to everyone.
After listening to me, Main-san said, “I see.” She stroked her chin and nodded in interest. As for the audience that heard us, Aguri-san raised her hand and yelled, “I have a question.”
She immediately asked after Chiaki-san and I looked at her.
“Why is Hoshino so good at that returning thing?”
“Ah, that’s because-“
“That’s because I’m wrecking onee-chan every day.”
Chiaki-san’s little sister Konoha-san interrupted and answered Aguri-san’s question.
She continued a bit awkwardly.
“Honestly, onee-chan and I’ve always played
“Really? Ah, that’s why Hoshino can keep up, despite being a weakling.”
“I-I think someone said something mean about me!”
Chiaki-san interrupted angrily after hearing Aguri-san.
“Despite my looks, I’m pretty confident with
“Eh, really? Ah, in other words, Hoshino’s
“Yes, yes!”
Chiaki-san puffed up her chest and hmphed in satisfaction. Konoha-san and Aguri-san smiled at each other bitterly before continuing.
“Well, that’s all. So, onee-chan often plays
“Hmm?”
“My number of battles is basically the same as onee-chan. -In other words?”
“Ah, well, the elite Konokono must be better. This must be it.”
“Yes.”
“Hey-“
Everyone nodded. Only Chiaki-san is protesting in disatisfaction. However, Konoha-san ignored her onee-chan and continued.
“So, basically, I always knock out onee-chan. …After that, I’m not satisfied because I win too easily. However, onee-chan seems to want to play with me, no matter what. In the end…”
“Ah, so Hoshino is only good at returning, right. …Eh, what’s with this pathetic description. I’ll cry if I’m at home.”
“Hey! Can everyone please don’t pity me!?”
Chiaki-san’s protesting even more vehemently, but it doesn’t work. …Everyone is giving her sympathetic looks. …It must be hard for her. …I can’t help but hug Chiaki-san tightly the first time I heard it.
Chiaki-san is moaning embarrassedly. Aguri-san seems to feel a bit guilty. So, she threw another question and changed the topic. “W-Well.”
“In the end, what did Hoshino and Tendou-san do in the stayover? Hoshino should’ve already known that disgusting combo, right?”
“D-Disgusting combo…”
Chiaki-san dropped her shoulders after hearing the usual mean remarks.
I answered the question for her.
“Ah, that’s just to improve Chiaki-san’s basics. If Chiaki-san was still at that level, she would’ve been destroyed before using that perverted return strategy…”
“Perverted…”
Even though Chiaki-san’s the winner, she’s getting more and more depressed.
Aguri-san backed down after saying, “I see.” This time, Kase-senpai raised his hand uncharacteristically. Senpai pushed his glasses and asked after I looked at him.
“Why are you helping Chiaki Hoshinomori? It should be faster for you to learn her weird return strategy, right?”
“Weird…”
Chiaki-san’s finally trembling with a face as red as a tomato. …I don’t think that’s how we should treat a winner.
Anyway, I answered Kase-senpai’s question first.
“Yes, of course, I tried to train for that too—her return skill. Well, …that’s why I need a way that normal people can’t achieve in a week. …Instead of saying that’s a skill, it’s already like magic to me.”
“Magic…!”
Chiaki-san freaked out after hearing what I said. She bit her tongue with teary eyes. …Hiya, she’s adorable.
Just as I’m enjoying my adorable partner, suddenly, …Nina-senpai, who has been observing dazedly, got right into the chase.
“Hey, well, in the end, why did Tendou let Hoshinomori win?”
“…………”
Nina-senpai threw out the question on everyone’s head cold-heartedly. …Sheesh, she has always been like this.
I can feel everyone’s immediately turning to me, …especially Amano-kun. His glance is twice as heavy as the others.
I hesitated for a moment. Main-san continued Nina-senpai’s question to adjust the mood.
“I’m also pretty curious, too, Karen Tendou. What…are you planning to do, hmm? I’ll- get Amako a Pawnee haircut if I don’t like your answer.”
“Why!?”
Amano-kun is suddenly under attack and freaked out. …I can’t help but smile after seeing his startled face.
(I see. I think I can slightly understand why Amano-kun isn’t badmouthing Main-san.)
This person is a tornado, whether good or bad, right. …She can blow up all the pollution as well.
“Come, Karen Tendou, answer me. If you’re not going to answer, …your ex-boyfriend will attack the village, okay?”
“A Pawnee haircut, and I’ll end up in a post-apocalyptic world!? By the way, apologize to those who have a Pawnee haircut!”
“Shut up, you’re annoying, Poniko.” [Pawnee = Poni]
“My nickname got changed!? T-Tendou-san, can you please answer quickly!?”
“Eh? Ah, sure…”
I was urged for some strange reason.
I cleared my throat and faced Main-san again to explain.
“First of all, Main-san should know the best since you’re here, …that ultimate is Chiaki-san and my plan all along- that wasn’t true at all, right, Chiaki-san?”
“Y-Yes!”
Chiaki-san nodded repeatedly. Main-san scratched her head and said, “I do know that.”
“That miraculous flow can’t be pulled off by sheer will alone.”
“Yes.”
“However, at the same time, this is what I’ve been thinking. That- can’t be explained with luck alone, right.”
Main-san’s eyes got sharper. I looked at her and nodded.
“Yes, I admit that too. We practiced that stomp many times during the sleepover. However, I didn’t expect this to really go that way…”
“I see. You’re saying that this is just a miracle based on that particular situation.”
“Yes.”
“…In other words, you didn’t join this thinking that you’ll let Chiaki Hoshinomori win?”
“Of course, I, Karen Tendou, will always play a game with the absolute will to win.”
I answered a bit angrily. Unexpectedly, Main-san apologized sincerely.
“Ah, sorry, I was being impolite. Forgive me, Karen Tendou.”
“Ah, w-well…”
Her unusual apology halved my anger.
However, Main-san immediately returned to her usual expression and gazed at me.
“That’s why I don’t understand. Karen Tendou, …you’re more sincere to games than everyone else. So, you should have an unimaginable amount of love for Amako as an ex-girlfriend, right?”
“…Yes.”
I put my hand on my chest and clenched it determinedly.
Then, Chiaki-san and Amano-kun held their breaths as they listened to our conversation.
Main-san squinted her eyes. …She’s releasing an unprecedented amount of pressure.
“That’s why…I have to ask you. What are you planning to do, Karen Tendou?”
“!”
Main-san’s aura suddenly changed.
“At that time, if you’re just doing it for your own sake, …even if you can’t defeat me, you won’t let the worst opponent- rival Chiaki Hoshinomori obtain the ownership of your loved one. Am I correct?”
“…Well-“
“Why did you choose to let…your rival, Chiaki Hoshinomori, win?”
Main-san’s forcing an answer out of me with her emotional tone.
Her overwhelming pressure is sending chills to everyone’s spine.
(This is Main-san’s…serious questioning that Amano-kun brought up before…)
After seeing her like this, I can understand her arrogance a bit since that’s her character. Amano-kun isn’t really that scared of the usual her anymore. On this side, …her serious mode’s pressure is orders of magnitudes higher.
(This means that she’s seriously…questioning me, Karen Tendou…)
I don’t understand the reason at all. However, I’m afraid it’s because of what I did. …Giving your loved one to another person must’ve triggered this Main Fushiguro.
In an overwhelming silence, I gulped and-
(But, …there’s something I can’t back down on too!)
I puffed up my chest- and explained legitimately.
“It’s because- that’s the best.”
“…Eh?”
Perhaps she didn’t expect this answer. Main-san’s pressure disappeared as she bulged her eyes. Looking at her, I-
-My eyes are sparkling as I continued excitedly!
“It’s because that’s Chiaki-san? That’s Chiaki Hoshinomori-san!? The girl at the same level with Amano-kun- which is a complete weakling, Chiaki Hoshinomori-san!”
“Hey…”
Amano-kun and Chiaki-san look like they want to complain. But, now’s not the time for that!
I continued excitedly to Main-san!
“That Chiaki Hoshinomori-san…rushed into a battle filled with strong opponents. Right now, she’s about to attack the strongest demon king-sama! Seeing that situation, …there’s no way for me to just stop what she’s about to do, right!? Right!? Main Fushiguro-san!? RIGHT!?”
“Eh, hmm? Well, I…think the best thing to do is to choose a way that’s the easiest to win…”
“You’re saying that you won’t let it happen!? Even though all of the elements are there!? You’re saying that you’re still putting your victory as the first priority!? ARE YOU SURE!?”
I got closer and closer to her and stared into her eyes.
“…Well.”
Main-san looked away slightly awkwardly. During this time, the two relatives around her mumbled a bit admiringly.
“…This is the first time I see Mai-nee freaking out.”
“…Me too.”
They bulged their eyes as if they saw supernatural things.
