Otherworld TRPG Game Master

201 – Harmonious Travel Preparations

After the dramatic return of the runaway Akshin-chan, we began preparing for our trip.

“A trip all of a sudden?”

“Yeah. I got a reply to the letter I sent to Bennett. It says there’s a festival happening in the holy city of Trumpethole. Seems like an invitation to come and see, so I’m thinking of going.”

“…Why does it ‘seem’ like an invitation?”

“He wrote it somewhat ambiguously.”

Perhaps it’s only natural. The academy teaches how to fight, not to cultivate literary grace.

In a fantasy world filled with threats to humanity, it’s not strange that a meta focused on brute force is popular. Especially for Bennett, a former dark wizard and current hero candidate.

Why read books to improve one’s writing when one’s head could be split open first? Better to swing a sword one more time in that time.

But the context seems to suggest it’s indeed an invitation to visit.

He didn’t answer my question about how to handle a dilemma. It seems like the nuance was that it’s too trivial to write in a letter, better to come and hear it in person.

It was a good opportunity. We desperately needed rest after the battle with the Succubus Queen had worn us out.

“…Isn’t lounging around right now considered rest?”

“There are worlds that a mass of information cannot comprehend.”

“What’s this mass of organisms talking about.”

I want a more intense rest. Not just melting away on a sofa, but sliding down a waterslide at a waterpark.

Just so happens, the holy city where Bennett is staying is hosting a Hero Selection Festival. The whole city is abuzz, and it might be a chance to make some fun memories.

While helping Bennett, who seems to be in a bit of a pickle.

And also, receiving instruction from a two-timing one-hit instructor.

As I was lost in my inflated dreams, Pingballez expressed his concern.

“But, dear mad wizard, do you think it will end with just a festival? It’s a contest to select a hero. There will be significant changes, both politically and physically.”

“A hero, as far as I’ve looked into it… is a righteous being that appears when the world is in crisis, and it seems one appeared about a hundred years ago. Isn’t it beneficial if they appear?”

It doesn’t seem to be a summoning from another world, but rather, one chosen by the goddess gains power to fight against evil.

If that’s the case, if the goddess has any sense, she would choose someone decent.

Someone brimming with lust for power, wielding it for personal gain, or trying to build a harem as if they were something special – choosing such a person would be like cutting off her own flesh. The goddess would know that.

I don’t understand how Tara ended up like that…

As I laid out such optimistic speculations, Evil God-chan looked at me as if I were a child who still believed in Santa Claus and laughed.

“World crisis, you say… Heh, are you a fool to believe such stories?”

“Pretty words.”

“A hero is nothing special. It’s just someone who has received a lot of the goddess’s power. Unlike me, the goddess is, frankly, dumb and simple.”

“You’re speaking ‘as it,’ aren’t you? Watch your words. If you blurt out something serious, you’ll be washing your face in the River Styx.”

I warned her sternly. Evil God-chan nonchalantly waved her hand as if she understood well, but she couldn’t hide the trembling of her body. She knew my warning was sincere.

Like I have a black box, Evil God-chan also has one. A memory box that is firmly locked and not easily opened. I know it contains secrets and precious information of all kinds of worlds…

The reason I haven’t dissected Evil God-chan to extract information and knowledge about ‘it’ is one.

‘It’ has a trait that the more others know about ‘it,’ the stronger ‘it’ becomes. It’s similar to my illusion magic that turns others’ beliefs into power.

An ironic trait that makes it harder to oppose if you dig for information. Conversely, I have to cover my ears when Evil God-chan tries to tell me something.

That’s why I warned her. If she blabbers something like the full name of ‘it,’ she should know she’s done for.

Evil God-chan narrowed her eyes and pondered. She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. After a brief silence, she continued.

“The goddess and ‘it’ are clearly different beings, but their birth methods are the same. You could say they are of the same race, and naturally, they share many commonalities.”

“……..”

“So conversely, if you study the goddess, you can learn about ‘it’ without side effects. You’ll be able to make an educated guess.”

I check. Is there anything wrong with the black hemisphere of my mental world? No. I don’t feel ‘it’s’ mass increasing. The surveillance module is also reporting normal values.

It means Evil God-chan really gave a ‘safe’ hint.

I asked, taking a combat stance.

“…Why are you suddenly acting so nice?”

“Dad, aren’t we family now? I’m trying to get along better this time. That sensitivity, 3000 times, I don’t want to be hit anymore.”

It’s a lie.

That guy can endure anything, whether it’s sensitivity 3000 times or terrible torture. He’s different from humans in how he receives pain. The complete opposite of my soft mentality.

That’s why I’ve been dealing in shame and humiliation rather than pain. So that weak act can only be a lie.

“Stop showing your fangs. Tell me the truth.”

“Trying to play both sides.”

Growl. Yuna threatened with a fierce snarl.

“Explain. Before Yuna blasts you with a death beam.”

“You’re definitely a monster. 93% of my memories are crammed into your head, so I can’t say I know everything… but this 7% of data is vast enough. Yet, even after scouring all of it, there was no monster like you. So.”

After observing me for a while, Evil God-chan concluded. In this fight, it’s impossible to predict whether ‘it’ will win or I will.

Now that I’ve been separated from the main body by Yuna and a new self-consciousness has sprouted.

Evil God-chan has decided to execute a cheeky strategy of betting on both sides rather than going all-in on one. She said with a smug expression.

“You’re all about rules. You’ll want to reciprocate as much as I bet on you, right? Accept me since I’ll occasionally throw you a hint. Nurture me.”

“So… if your main body wins, you’ll merge with it, and if I win, you’ll stay suppressed?”

Tick.

Evil God-chan snapped her fingers, but no sound came out.

“Exactly.”

I understand why Evil God-chan made such a decision at this timing. If it were the old Evil God-chan, the moment I win, it would be the start of an endless hell.

She was created to derive joy solely from evil deeds. If I spend all day losing and monitoring her, she would have to live every moment in boredom and pain.

It must feel like floundering in an empty white room. That’s why she could only hope for the main body’s victory.

But Evil God-chan, she learned the taste of good deeds. She took her first steps in learning how to live in a bright world. So finally, she became convinced. If she switches to a good deed meta, she can live a fun life even under me.

How adorable. Such change is also desirable. With satisfaction, I subtly encouraged her complete conversion.

“Hey, a bat can’t become a founding contributor. If you’re going to bet, go all-in.”

“Based on what you’re doing. How can I go all-in on a greenhorn who hasn’t even metamorphosed yet?”

“Ah, damn it…! What am I supposed to do with this jerk! ‘Tickling Fit’!”

“What is this, hah, again, dog-like, uh… Pffhahahaha!!”

Daring to touch my reverse scale.

I left Evil God-chan, who was forced into laughter, and finished packing my things.

—

This time, I properly wrote a request for the relocation of strategic weapons.

Ascended superhumans have to write an application stating where they will be moving from and to, and how long they plan to stay, a week in advance and submit it to the imperial court, but Yuna had just been sneaking around until now.

This is the overwhelming power of illusion magic.

Other tower masters like the Red Tower or Blue Tower have to use stand-ins, which are quickly exposed, so they have no choice but to write applications, but the Purple Tower can clean up everything with just ‘illusion magic.’

Indeed, isn’t the Purple Tower the undisputed (utility) strongest magic tower?

But this time, I wanted to play without anxiety, officially show myself, attend parties, and so on, so I wrote the application.

As Yuna brought up that topic, her face turned gloomy, and she began to sob.

“Does this mean I have to wait alone for a week…?!”

“Of course not. We’re all going on a trip together, so we should leave together.”

That would upset Akshin-chan.

“Hey, does that mean Elmest’s territory will be left alone for a week?!”

“Hardly. If we did, that boy or whatever might disappear, so we need to go now.”

So, with the belief that the teleportation request would be approved, the plan was to depart early. Wouldn’t Irid handle it well?

“……..”

“No, we’ve done something significant, so they’ll surely grant permission. See?”

What’s the track record of our party?

As a result of the Tower Master secretly infiltrating the academy, the dark wizards were wiped out, a turncoat emerged, and a new faction was born in the Goddess Church.

As a result of the Tower Master secretly infiltrating the Crown Hall, the drug distribution network under the Red Flavor Duke was eradicated, a turncoat emerged, and a magical girl was born to protect the capital’s security.

Even going so far as to subdue the “Pleasure-Drinking Virgin.”

So, in my opinion.

“If we pretend there’s an urgent matter and start leaving, they’ll think, ‘Ah, they must have found traces of dark wizards in the holy city. We’d better cover for them!’ Right?”

“Wow… you’re good at this. What a con artist.”

But there couldn’t possibly be a dark wizard in the holy city, the stronghold of the Goddess Church. So, after we’ve had our fun and enjoyed everything, we can come out and say, ‘Oh, we thought they were there, but they weren’t.’

“In that sense, we need an official identity for our Eternal Dark. Any ideas?”

“Weren’t we decided on being b*stards?”

“If a man with a child, then who will be the wife?”

As soon as I blurted that out, my sleeve was abruptly grabbed.

“Since I helped make it, shouldn’t I be the wife…?”

Yuna looked up at me timidly and whispered. It felt like I could hear the thumping of Yuna’s heart all the way to me.

Or perhaps that heartbeat had transferred to me, and now my own chest was pounding.

Then the opposite sleeve was grabbed. Turning my head away, I saw Yuri Lanster, pretending not to care and looking out the window.

“What’s up, little freak?”

I was roaring with Akshin-chan, when a small voice came from the Pinball side.

“I’ll ask too…”

“……!!”

It’s a seductive line! It’s a prelude!

I can ask too, right? It’s an expression I’ve been wanting to try. I turned around to look at Pinball, filled with joy. Are you finally going to do it? It’s been a long time?

“…?”

I couldn’t open my mouth. I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination, but my ears are a bit red. It’s been a while since I’ve done this, so it feels unfamiliar. I sent a silent encouragement to Pinball. Come on, Pinball. You can do it!

It’s just a dirty joke, something we’ve done many times before! It’s a proof of our friendship, isn’t it?

From noble mtl dot come

Pinball had been keeping her mouth shut all this time, so I found it hard to bring it up. But…… someday, I still dream of going to see the weightlifter with a short skirt together.

“You can do it, Pinball. You can do it……!”

“It’s nothing, Pinball.”

“Kaaak!”

My young heart hurts. It’s still…… not that close, right? It’s hard. I’m too used to becoming close with her quickly, so I don’t know how to become close slowly.

I was feeling down, but then Yu-na suddenly jumped in.

“I, I can ask too, can’t I?”

“That’s not the kind of character, Master of the Top.”

“A little, can’t we change it……?!”

Yu-na’s face was as red as a ripe tomato. It seemed like she had mustered up the courage despite being embarrassed. I hugged Yu-na tightly and held her for a bit.

“Thanks for comforting me. You don’t need to worry about it. Ah, you’re so pretty.”

“Auu……”

And then I put her down.

“……?”

Yu-na looked at me with a stern expression, her head tilted up with a question mark. It was the expression of a baby who had just eaten a spoonful of baby food and was puzzled.

I also wanted to hold her again.

But since I’ve been gradually stopping my emotional suppression lately, and I’ve been trying not to use the s*x suppression module as much as possible. So, contact for a certain period of time can trigger an accident.

I’m maintaining a kind of safe distance.

“……Ah, yeah, that’s right…… Huhuhu.”

I explained the reason, and Yu-na smiled with a relieved expression. I almost lost control of my s*x suppression.

As a result of 30 minutes of discussion, Akshin-chan’s external identity became my cousin. It felt like a cousin’s younger sister.

“Isn’t that a position that suits a twisted personality perfectly?

I organized the travel itinerary.

“The primary goal is to reach the Elmest territory. After cleaning up the mess that the evil deity-chan has made, we’ll head to the holy city of Trumpethole to enjoy the festival.”

“Sounds good. I should change into a travel suit.”

“Outfit… Maybe I should try on a dress.”

“Hey, what about your classes? Aren’t you a professor?”

About that part. I’ve invited a substitute professor. While I enjoy the pleasures of life, she will temporarily teach the academy students in my stead.”

—

“Hello, dear academy students. My name is Luce, and I’ve been studying at the Purple Tower for six years… I may not be as good as your senior, but I have many new techniques I’d like to show you. My darling, say hello♥”

“Nice to meet you, students. For about a month, we will be teaching the ‘Fantasy Magic Response’ course. Please don’t fall for my honey’s beauty.”

As the temporary professor flirted from the podium, sighs were heard sporadically among the students. Conversely, a few were speechless in silence.

One of them, Selvier, muttered in astonishment.

“…That’s an illusion.”

“What are you talking about, Selvier? What do you mean by an illusion…?”

“Your Highness, the Third Prince. That ‘my darling’ is an illusion. It’s a one-man show!”

“…?!”

As the mad magician left on a journey, a summer horror special began at the academy left behind.