Zenless Zone Zero: Gacha Master

Tsukishiro Yanagi looked at Hoshimi Miyabi, whose face still carried a faint blush, her feelings complicated.

She had no idea how Miyabi had suddenly lost.

All she saw was Sol Mercer pressing once on Miyabi's shoulder, and then Miyabi collapsed against him.

Her best friend… was this the beginning of romance?

She truly hadn't expected the strict and composed Miyabi to take the initiative like this.

She didn't consider whether Sol had used some kind of forbidden technique, because in her mind no such trick could affect a Void Hunter's body with just a single touch.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.

Clearly, the Sol who had defeated Miyabi was far more worthy of attention.

The fact that Sol could hold his own against Miyabi for so long, and then defeat her in such an inexplicable way, was proof enough of his Void Hunter-level strength.

For all of New Eridu, the emergence of another Void Hunter-class powerhouse was a major event.

Tsukishiro Yanagi steadied the trembling Miyabi, then looked at Sol.

"Such astonishing strength."

"Yanagi, you flatter me." Sol replied humbly. "I only used a few small tricks to take the win. If the fight had gone on, it would have been a draw at best."

"Excessive modesty is even more annoying than arrogance, you know!" Yanagi said with a bright smile. "I recall there's a word for this—'Versailles,' isn't it?"

"Alright, think what you will."

Sol gave a slightly helpless smile.

Afterward, the group went to the lounge to rest and chat.

Thanks to Yanagi, the sharp-witted and graceful beauty who smoothed over the mood, and the little blue-skinned Soukaku acting as the lively peacemaker, the conversation between Sol, Miyabi, and the others went quite well.

And yet, Sol couldn't shake the feeling that Miyabi's gaze on him was strangely different.

Before long, it was already four in the afternoon, and Sol proposed taking his leave.

As usual, Yanagi drove and escorted him back to the Cunning Hares' base.

But just before he departed, Miyabi approached Sol alone.

"Sol, I have a training request I need your help with. I don't know if you'd be willing."

Miyabi spoke with a hint of hesitation.

"Go ahead. If it's something I can help with, I won't refuse."

Sol's tone was lighthearted.

Miyabi's training, needing his assistance?

It had to be routine sword sparring. Such a small favor, he could certainly agree to it.

As long as it didn't take too much time, he was even glad to spar with Miyabi—it would benefit both of them.

"I'd like you to use that technique you pressed on my shoulder with, to help me train my willpower," Miyabi said seriously. "It won't take too much of your time—once a week will be enough."

"Ah—huh?"

A question mark practically appeared over Sol's head.

No way. Was this really training, and not just her spoiling him?

"Forgive me, I know that technique must be very precious, I shouldn't have asked so rashly."

Miyabi's tone carried disappointment.

It was just like her clan's secret swordsmanship—such a miraculous technique couldn't be shown too freely.

Besides, that move was so swift and mysterious that if applied to swordplay, it could elevate one's strength dramatically.

"No, no, not at all! This request isn't rash—we're friends." Sol hurriedly said. "Weekly willpower training, I'll help you with it."

Since it was willpower training, it couldn't be as simple as just a single tap. At the very least, it would take ten minutes or more.

Tsk, tsk, tsk… I can't help but look forward to what kind of expressions Miyabi might show. Would she break down?

"Good, then thank you!"

Miyabi's face lit up with a joyful smile.

"See you next week."

Sol waved to her, then turned to board Yanagi's private car.

"See you next week."

Miyabi whispered softly.

…

Soon, Sol returned once more to the Cunning Hares' base.

At that moment, Nicole had already returned with Billy and Anby, beaming with cheer.

"You all look so happy. Seems the negotiations went smoothly?" Sol asked with a smile.

"Of course they went smoothly! When the Cunning Hares step in, nothing can go wrong!"

Nicole raised her chin proudly. "The people from Belobog Heavy Industries saw it was me, Nicole the Boss, and immediately showed their utmost sincerity. They even let me look through the company's ledgers."

Anby tilted her head in confusion. "Weren't those ledgers just records of our debts?"

"Ah, Anby! Don't say things that spoil the mood!" Nicole pressed her forehead and dropped the boasting. "Anyway, this time, for your Hollow mining deal, I secured the biggest benefits!"

"Well then, let's hear it. Show me their sincerity." Sol was intrigued.

"They're willing to handle the entire mining and sales process, and only take 30% of the net profits!" Nicole announced proudly. "This is the best discount I've ever negotiated. Nowhere else would you find such a deal."

"Large-scale Hollow operations carry plenty of risks, and the sales channels are anything but simple. An all-in-one service does sound excellent." Sol instinctively felt it was promising.

"You're agreeing to cooperate with Belobog Heavy Industries then?"

Nicole's voice held excitement.

As the middlewoman, if she succeeded in brokering this deal, her cut wouldn't be small.

This wasn't shady business—it was simply the way favors worked.

"No. Let's wait and see." Sol shook his head calmly. "I know nothing about the inner workings of the Hollow mining industry. Taking just one side's word for it would be rash."

"Better to learn more before making a decision." Nicole nodded in understanding.

When dealing with tens of billions of Denny, caution was never misplaced.

Nicole glanced at Sol. "So, what's your plan?"

"We'll wait until tomorrow." Sol pulled out his phone. "By now, the big companies should have seen my post. If any of them are quick to respond, they'll show up tomorrow."

"Let them bid against Belobog. We'll see who's truly sincere."

"Then tomorrow it is." Nicole shrugged, unconcerned. "I still believe Belobog's plan is the most sincere."

"But are you really so sure someone will come find you tomorrow?"

Nicole knew the message Sol had left on the Inter-Knot had been vague, with even his identity kept in the dark.

In such a situation, even the sharpest scouts would hesitate.

Sol spoke with confidence. "I believe in the value of that Hollow—and I believe in my own value."

After his spar with Miyabi, he understood even better what being a Void Hunter meant.

With nothing more than raw physical ability and swordsmanship, one could easily slaughter entire armies.

And if strange powers were added on top of that, the results would be terrifying.

With such strength, combined with the massive value of Hollow mining, he had no doubt that powerful corporations were already watching him from the shadows.

By sending out a signal on the Inter-Knot, those people would flock to him like sharks smelling blood.

"Then we'll see tomorrow." Nicole let the subject drop, her curiosity shifting. "So, how did it go with Miyabi today? You sparred with her, right?"

Anby and Billy pricked their ears, eager for news.

Sol thought a moment, then answered honestly. "It was more or less a draw… but in the end, I won."

"Whoa, you even beat a Void Hunter?!"

Nicole stared at him in astonishment. "Are you really that strong?!"

Though she had acknowledged Sol's strength, hearing that he could beat Miyabi sounded almost exaggerated.

"Of course!" Sol puffed himself up with a little pride. "Do you know who I am?"

"Boss Sol, tell me how you won!" Billy leaned in close, eyes shining with excitement.

"Well, it's not such a simple story." Sol chuckled. "Let's find a place to eat and I'll tell you while we eat."

"You're treating?" Nicole immediately caught the important detail.

"I'm in a good mood today, so yes, I'm treating!" Sol declared boldly.

The Ether Cores he had taken from the Ethereal earlier had already been converted into Denny—his account now held a full hundred million.

And soon enough, the first payment from the Hollow deal would be on the way.

Treating them to two meals? Nothing at all!

"Then I'm going to bleed you dry tonight, rich man!"

Nicole snarled playfully.

She knew exactly how wealthy Sol was—richer than the entire Cunning Hares combined.

"No problem. Target is Sea Overlord Buffet—eat as much as you want." Sol hooked his arm around Nicole's shoulder with a grin.

"Hands off the boss!"

Nicole shoved him away in embarrassment and irritation.

"Alright, alright."

Sol gave up, only to sling his arm over Anby's shoulder instead.

Anby shook her head, wanting to refuse. "I don't want that either."

"But battle comrades are supposed to walk shoulder-to-shoulder." Sol insisted. "Remember those movies we watched? They all did that."

Anby thought for a moment, then finally nodded. "Mm… that makes sense."

Clack clack clack!

Nicole was left utterly dumbfounded. This is even worse than if he'd held me instead!