Is It Bad That the Main Character's a Roleplayer?

Chapter 35: The Consequences of One’s Choices (10)

I had passed through these sewers without much difficulty even while completely exhausted. Now, my fatigue was relieved, and I wasn’t suffering from any injury penalties.

Plus, my level had increased, so my capabilities had also increased to a certain extent. Maybe.

Although I couldn’t expect a sharp increase in my combat power through skills—I didn’t want to suffer like last time, so I focused on treatment skills—this was good enough.

I easily advanced through the sewers.

“Is he even real…?”

“That’s the Demon Knight…”

“Are all Iron Plaque adventurers like this?”

That aside, wasn’t this a bit too easy? I heard they had been dragging their feet because they lacked manpower, but just how little did they have?

At one point, I wondered whether they left this place untouched for the player to sweep through. Just what kind of game was this?

“Urgh, the smell.”

At that moment, Deb, who had been following me while we were in the sewers, blocked his nose. He hadn’t complained even once until now. He only did so after we’d finished our work, which was quite professional of him.

On another note, I wasn’t entirely sure why he followed me despite knowing it would be like this.

“How are you fine, Mister?"

How could I be okay? Deb was just in the rear all this time, but I had been fighting in the front, so all kinds of muck had splattered on my clothes. If they didn't have this automatic cleaning function, I would be shuddering in disgust right now.

“You've done nothing, and yet you complain about the smell? How ridiculous."

“Then what did you do to say that?"

“What was that?"

They could just continue fighting while I went ahead.

I turned around right away, as I had reached my endurance limit and certainly didn't want to stay here. After confirming through every means available that there were no more Demons present, I returned without any hesitation.

My clothes, which had become completely clean again, fluttered as I walked.

“Right. I've always wanted to ask, where did you get those clothes? Ah, you don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'm just curious because they seem enchanted with the high-level spell {Automatic Restoration}, which is quite amazing.”

I gave the Archmage a look as he asked that question. They were just items I had received as a reward for buying the game's deluxe edition, but was that kind of high-level magic placed on them? On these clothes?

“Now that I think about it, you certainly have a lot of strange things. Like that space expansion bag…"

My starting equipment was better than I thought, and I also maintained it quite well to uphold my character's image. I planned to change my gear once high-level armor and weapons became available.

However, from his reaction, it seemed only the starting gear had automatic restoration/cleaning functions. Well, store-bought items wouldn't have these kinds of options, at least.

“…How many times must I tell you to stop caring about me?"

While I let out a fierce growl externally, I was internally holding my head in despair.

If this place was real, I could never replace these items. Automatic cleaning was the most convenient option ever, after all.

“It seems I asked something useless. Let's go."

After dropping that bomb on me, the Archmage just turned around.

Well, it was better knowing it now than getting scolded later, but even still, I felt like I had been hit over the back of my head. That was apparently the price I had to pay for listening to Mr. Too-Much-Information.

“…But I'm with him. Not you."

“That's…!”

While that was happening, these two were still fighting. Couldn't she see that the respect the priests held for her as the Hero was steadily diminishing?

“There's also something I can't understand. Why did you even follow us into the sewers to begin with?"

However, that didn't mean their quarrel wasn't worth paying attention to. The Inquisitor asked him something I was also interested in.

“…"

Deb pursed his lips. The sewers suddenly fell into complete silence.

“Oh, right, now that I think of it, Miss Inquisitor. I haven't told you yet, have I?"

Damn it. The Archmage was the first to break the silence. His silver mane, gently reflecting the lantern’s light, gave off a slight shine.

“How about we make this young man our next Companion?"

“What?!”

No matter how I looked at it, it would be rather difficult for Deb to join us. I had wondered how they would solve it, but they just did it like this?

“Why-wha-what?"

“Y-you mean me?"

However, both the Inquisitor and Deb fell into confusion at the Archmage's words. I couldn't see their expressions as they were both behind me, but I could tell from their tone of voice that they couldn’t believe their ears.

“That’s right. As long as you agree to it.”

“I’m against it! What good would he even do—!”

“I’d be more useful than you, though.”

“You!”

“What? Did I say anything wrong?”

“A-argh…!”

At that point, I had a premonition: he would end up joining us as though caught in a fierce storm. I often saw such scenarios not only in works of fiction but also in real life.

“Inquisitor, please think about this while setting your prejudices aside. How many things were we able to solve thanks to him? Consider how well he performed."

“Th-that's…"

It wasn't something I cared that much about, so I just increased my pace a bit.

I was not involved in deciding whether Deb joined our party, and I couldn’t treat him well even if he did due to my character setting.

“That’s why I’m suggesting it. Our goal is to drive out the Demons from our lands once and for all, but to do that, we will have to go through many trials and tribulations. Your eyes, which can reveal the truth and find things hidden from view, will certainly be more than helpful."

“E-even if you put it like that, it’s still a difficult decision for me to make.”

“Of course, since we can’t guarantee your safety during this journey, I won’t force you to join. However, I believe we won’t meet anyone as talented as you again, so won’t you at least consider it for this old man’s sake?”

I continued to walk through the sewers while listening to the sagelike Archmage gently enticing Deb to join us. Unlike before, when I explored this place alone, we reached the exit quickly.

“…Demon Knight, do you also think we’ll need him?”

However, by the time we arrived at the end of the sewer system, the Inquisitor approached me with a sullen face. That was quite an awkward question for me.

My character wouldn’t care whether he joined. Of course, it was also time I showed my annoyance at those two acting all close to me. Well, technically speaking, it was time for me to become anxious and try pushing them away.

“I don’t care.”

I picked some lines that fit my character setting, knowing full well that Deb was listening, too.

“If he gets in my way when hunting for Demons, I can just leave him behind."

Shit. That impromptu line sucked. How boring.

* * *

* * *

After finishing the Purification, we returned to the Temple for a short rest. While I called it a rest, it was more like washing away the dirt from our bodies, but whatever.

“By the way, Inquisitor, you said before that we should go to the Fioster region. However, I think Porsen would be better."

After cleaning up, we had a slightly late lunch. I stuffed my face with salad while listening to the Archmage’s remarks.

“Porsen… You mean to the southwest?"

“Yes."

The Archmage, who was the first among us to finish his meal—although of the Shaggi race, he didn't actually eat that much—slowly explained his reasoning to us.

“I heard some unusual rumors going around about that place… So, shouldn't we go there to get more Companions? Even if this young man joins us, four people aren't enough."

“I haven't decided to join yet."

“If he doesn't join, we will need even more."

The Inquisitor glared at Deb, who didn't even spare her a single glance.

“Moreover, I judged the Foister region to be too dangerous for us in our current state."

“Why?"

“It's because of this incident. Inquisitor, do you really think those vicious Demon Worshipers did all this just to destroy a single city?"

“…!”

I didn't need to listen to his teasing any further as he’d told me all this before. Rather, where was Foister, and why was it so dangerous there?

Even after reflecting on the game’s vague background settings, I came up with nothing. I wasn't really smart enough to remember some maps from a game I last played a decade ago.

“Wasn't your reason for wanting to go to Foister ultimately to aid the Northern Front, Inquisitor? However, the Northern Front is the closest to the Demon King's Castle where Satan resides. Should we go there now, we would surely get targeted right away."

What was the Northern Front, and how close did he say it was to the Demon King's Castle?

I took a quick look at the map he had spread out. Unlike my fog-covered World Map, this one showed a rough approximation of places around the world.

The overall round shape of the Continent and the black mark signifying the Demon King's Castle at its center were particularly eye-catching.

A border was drawn around the Castle with the words 'Front Line' attached.

Fioster was located right above the Demon King's Castle, and Porsen was just to the west.

“But if you put it that way, would it really be any different from the other regions? None of the places near the front line are safe."

“There's a significant difference in distance. One is close enough to Satan that he would send out his troops, and the other isn't. Moreover, I'm sure that because of this incident, there was a sharp decrease in Demon Worshipers across the continent. Unless we go to a place where the Demon King can take direct action, he won't have the power to target us."

“That's…"

“Assuming they have the resources to send troops, we can just retreat further into the west. If such a situation occurs, we can also request support from the Great Temple."

“…"

The Archmage's arguments were well structured and quite reasonable. Although the Inquisitor was quite disappointed, I learned a lot from this discussion.

So, wasn’t this basically a setup where we would travel the whole continent in the order of West-South-East-North before finally entering the Demon King's Castle?

“I know that you are quite reluctant to get any help from the Great Temple because of the previous incident, but haven't you realized it during all this? You need much more experience and wisdom."

“…You're right. Yes, I'm… still lacking in various aspects. If we head to the Northern Front like this, we won't be able to support them at all."

However, there was one very big problem.

Now that I knew the setup, I also recognized a massive error in my character setting.

「※The Second Step Toward Defeating the Demon King※」

Ignoring that the Main Quest had updated after the Inquisitor acknowledged her shortcomings, I became serious.

It was rather strange for a man who held intense hatred for Demons and hunted them with disregard for his own life to just sit idle after learning where the Demon King was!

No, just the mere fact I hadn't tried going there before would lead me to doom!

“And about you."

H-how should I cover for this? What setting could I use to somehow make up for this error?!

As I was lost in these kinds of thoughts, the Archmage looked at me as he spoke.

“I know this might touch a rather sensitive spot for you. But it would be better for all of us if we made something clear."

Those words seemed like they might save me from my predicament but also toss me into the deepest pits of hell.

I reflexively clenched my fists.

“While thinking about our next destination, a question suddenly came to my mind. If you hate the Demons so much, why didn't you go to the Northern Front? No, not just the Northern Front. Any of the fronts. Aren't you the type who wouldn't hesitate to stand on the front lines?"

Right now? Just like this? He actually pointed out my setting error. Well, it was inevitable, seeing as my personal setting and the game's setting clashed…!"

“And yet, you are wandering around the border…"

I was rather sure he wouldn't suspect me of being the Demon just because of that slight character break—

“It's probably because you're Gretchen."

Huh?

“There's no need to be surprised. Didn't the Demon Contractor in Somon call you Gretchen?"

At the mention of that word, my face became even more distorted. My brain was running rampant to come up with something.

I had no idea about this, but I suspected I would discover some information that might help me cover for my error if I continued listening…!

“During the two weeks you were unconscious, I contacted the Magic Tower and received information related to this matter. As a result, I was able to learn that that very name also appeared in some ancient texts."

I grabbed my weapon with my right arm, my hand grasping hold of it. My fate depended on his following words.

“Gretchen is a tribute dedicated to one of the Seven Great Demons, ‘Wrath,’ or someone possessed by them.”

“…!”

“Wh-what…?”

As I focused on his next words, I wondered why the two dumplings looked even more surprised than me, even though this had nothing to do with them.

The Archmage, while seeming desperate, didn't show any hostility toward me. In that case, the next thing he was going to say would probably be in my favor.

“The Great Demons are no different from Satan’s direct subordinates. Ah, don’t worry. I don’t consider you a servant of the Demon King. But… isn’t that why you were so wary of those places? When you enter Satan’s realm, the influence that his presence has on you increases, and the power of the Demon suppressed within you may become stronger than it is now. The possibility that it would run amok would increase exponentially.”

What a perfect excuse to cover for my character-setting error.

I was almost moved to tears when I looked at that man who could be seen as both my enemy and benefactor.

Although, if those guys hadn’t forced that setting upon me to begin with, I wouldn’t be in so much trouble…!

“…What is your reason for saying all this?”

Still, I had to continue acting. I didn’t want to get teamkilled. Sob, sob.

“Have you decided that I need to be killed?”

“Don’t misunderstand. How could that be right?”

Still, judging by the Archmage’s words, things seemed to be going pretty well.

“It’s about this: since we can’t immediately enter the frontlines anyway, we could use that time to find a way to completely seal that Demon in your right arm. What do you think?”

—That wasn't really a matter of level, but job advancement, going by the original, at least. Whether or not the Demon got sealed would decide the Demon Knight’s job advancement.

I heard that they completely changed the old advancement system. Did they actually incorporate it into the story?

“I’m sorry if I have offended you. But Demon Knight, you can’t go on like this forever.”

However, I didn’t have the leisure to focus on that in this situation.

I quickly analyzed what would be the most appropriate response to that.

“How dare you run your mouth like that…!”

Ah, my character setting was that I hated myself so much that I wouldn’t be happy even if presented with a chance to be cured.

Baaang!

I pulled out my sword and hit the table with it. Black energy scratched the seat beside the Archmage.

The noise faded, with only the faint sound of breathing left behind.

“I…”

But when I opened my mouth, I couldn’t think of any fitting line. I was about to reuse that one I just said.

However, whether I needed to say something depended on my interpretation anyway.

Bam!

So, I just decided to leave the canteen.

In the end, wasn’t my setting that I had run away from my past to the point of even discarding my own name? So, it should be fine if I just ran away like this, right?

According to the setting, the most unacceptable thing for this character was his own happiness.

* * *

Bam!

After that shocking conversation, Deathbringer blankly stared at the empty seat the Demon Knight, who had rushed out of the canteen, had been sitting in.

“I had been wondering why he was like that…”

In the early morning before reaching Tatara, he’d made some remarks that made him seem like some kind of Demon. The reason the energy emitted by his sword was such an ominous black color. And the reason he only coughed up blood when Divine Power, which was supposed to be benevolent to all, was used on him. And also, why the sage was in charge of caring for and wrapping his right arm.

It felt like he understood all of that now. No, he completely understood.

“So, he was holding a Demon in his right arm…”

If that was the cause, it all made sense.

“He is, indeed, a strong man.”

“…What?”

“Even though he holds a Demon in his arm, don’t treat him as one.”

“What nonsense are you…”

Deathbringer reflexively tried to retort but slurred his words at the end. When he realized that the Demon Knight held a Demon in his arm, why didn’t he feel repulsed?

“…”

At that moment, he remembered the moment the Demon Knight had been overtaken by the Demon two weeks prior. He still prioritized defeating Demons over his own life.

『I just cannot tolerate those pests eating away at the world.』

He’d felt impressed when first hearing that, but looking back at it now, the line seemed to possess an even deeper meaning.

“Ah…”

Deathbringer couldn’t even fathom what emotions he was going through or what meaning those words carried for him. However, after fully knowing what was going on, instead of contempt and rejection, the only things he felt were admiration and lamentation.

If he were in the Demon Knight’s position, he would never have been able to act like he did.

“…Hey.”

As such, Deathbringer opened his mouth almost impulsively. Even though he knew he would regret this choice, he couldn’t help himself.

“Erm, do you really think that I would be of help to you?”

Making rash decisions was the privilege of the young.