NOVEL WEB Episode 13
Episode 13
Finally, have I reached a level where I can fight orcs without any problems? At least, I shouldn’t have any trouble dealing with monsters around here. Well, it might not just be about the level, but also about titles and equipment.
Feeling the need to go to the bathroom, I logged out of the game for a moment. Stretching my back lightly, I descended the stairs. Hardcore players might be so engrossed in the game that they even hesitate to take bathroom breaks, but I’m just here to enjoy.
As I exited the bathroom, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was an angel. Well, not really, it was Mai.
“Oh, big bro! Bathroom break for you too?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Are you still streaming?”
“Yeah, I am. Oh, I’m taking a little break now, so wait for me, big bro!”
With Mai’s words, I rested near the stairs while Mai, who had finished using the bathroom and washing her hands, returned.
“What’s up?”
“Well, I thought let’s share some information. Big bro, how are you feeling now? We’re doing pretty well with leveling up!”
Mai, with a smug look and her chest puffed out, was truly an angel.
“Oh, impressive as always, Mai!”
Indeed, my step-sister is a genius…
“Hehe. I’m level 9 now. We’re leveling up at the same pace as the top strategy team, so it’s amazing, right?”
“…Huh? Level 9 is at the top now?”
“Yeah!”
Mai nodded with a smile, and I was a bit puzzled.
…Huh? What level am I again? Wasn’t it 16?
Could it be that I’ve progressed quite a bit? I thought I was just an enjoyer, but am I pacing like a strategy player?
Oh, is it because I’m hunting solo? In games like this, experience points are distributed, right?
Thinking that I was surprised and silent, Mai spoke up.
“Oh, we’re in charge of the Dimension strategy, you know? We’re taking it a bit seriously, but when we play together, big bro doesn’t have to worry!”
“I see…”
“By the way, big bro, what level are you? Are you forming parties or anything?”
I hesitated on how to answer Mai.
Then, after a little hesitation… I decided to tell her the truth.
“Prepare to be amazed. I’m level 16.”
Because I want Mai to praise me!
“Huh!? Really!?”
“Yeah, really. By the way, I’ve been solo hunting. I’ve been fighting around the eastern village all along.”
“…Huh? The east… You’ve been there from the beginning!? The difficulty there is insane, you know?”
Mai’s eyes sparkled with surprise. It was as if she was looking at an admired older brother, and I felt a sense of superiority.
To continue to be admired by Mai, I’ll have to work as hard as the strategy team!
“It isn’t that hard? The monsters that appear are just Knife Monkeys. They move in groups, but their movements are predictable, and once you get used to it, it’s easy peasy.”
“Is that so… Oh, big brother! Do you have any combat videos!? I want to see them!”
“Oh, that’s great. I had the camera on from the beginning, so it should be recorded.”
Mai, who was bouncing behind me, was extremely cute.
Back in the room, I checked the computer connected to the VR machine. There’s still plenty of storage space left. I opened the videos recorded up to now and looked for the location Mai wanted to see.
It was footage of me fighting Knife Monkeys in the eastern forest. By that time, I had already obtained one Monkey Knife, so it was quite easy to hunt.
What I’m watching now is a third-person perspective filmed from behind me. Four Knife Monkeys come rushing at me, but I dodge and wield my dagger skillfully, without even looking in their direction.
While watching, Mai’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Oh, big brother… A-amazing! It’s so cool! This combat video is super awesome! But why are you wearing such a weird mask?”
I realized when I saw it on the camera, but I was wearing a mask. It must be a feature of the game, and since it didn’t obstruct my view, I didn’t notice at all.
“I thought it would be perfect for hiding my face. Well, it said something about not being able to use it properly if I mess with my body…”
“…Huh? Then, are you playing with your actual face as it is? You know, it’s okay to change your face, right?”
“Huh? Seriously…”
“Oh, big brother, don’t get too down…”
She patted my back. Big brother is back to full of energy.
“Well, it’s not particularly bothering me to wear the mask. It’s fine to keep going like this. Worst case scenario, I can change my face, right?”
“No, no, there’s a limit to how much time you spend with such a weird mask, you know.”
Even if I don’t use the weird mask, I can use transformation magic, so I can easily cover it up, but let’s keep that under wraps.
“That’s right. Big bro, what’s your occupation? A warrior?”
“No, I’m an [Assassin].”
“…Huh? Is that possibly a hidden occupation!? How did you get it!?”
“Remember the first tutorial? If you defeat all fifty thieves that appear there, you’ll unlock [Assassin] and [Gladiator].”
I showed Mai the part of the video where it happened, and she watched with wide eyes.
“Huh? No wayyyyy!”
“What’s wrong, Mai? Did a cockroach come out!?”
“Don’t mention that name!”
“S-sorry…”
Mai seemed genuinely upset, so I felt a bit down.
Original Author’s Comment:
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Thank you very much for reading up to this point!
It was fun! If you’re curious about what happens next, I’d be delighted if you could give a ☆☆☆ or follow!
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