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nTLN: Double(?) Chapters today! Make sure you didn’t miss the previous one!

nThese two chapters count as one sponsored!

nThe next day, I had come to the inn of Rifreya early in the morning.

nWhat happened last night feels like a dream or something.

nBut it wasn’t a dream.

nThat’s because in the Status Board, there’s big dancing letters saying ‘Viewer Count Race in progress!’.

n(Rifreya must remember what happened last night…) (Hikaru)

nThat’s one of my worries.

nThere’s no way to confirm if she was actually drunk or not there.

nThere’s the chance she has forgotten everything.

nLast night, after I returned to my inn, I investigated the details of the Viewer Count Race.

nCause even if you say viewer count, there’s a lot of patterns to it. Is it by the highest realtime viewer count? Or are they going to be measuring it strictly by the total amount of views?

nOr they could even be going by the average viewer count.

nIt seems God understands that there’s questions in those areas, the rules of the race were clearly defined.

n-In the period of the Viewer Count Race, the total view time will be measured.

nFor example; if one person watched 8 hours, the 8 hours would be counted. The total of all viewers will be added, and the one with the highest number will be the winner. You could say it is a simple but sure method of measurement.

n-Cooperating between Chosen and exchanging information with the messaging system is ok.

nThis one doesn’t have much to do with me, but it might be easier to gain viewer time by being in groups to bring the viewers of the Chosen together.

n-Awesome prizes have been prepared all the way to 10th place! Do try and participate!

nLooking at the reward list, it is true that they are all great.

nBut I have no eyes for anything aside from the 1st place’s Resurrection Gem.

n-The ones who use the Point Loan system won’t have the right to participate in this event.

nNow that I think about it, there was an announcement about there being a point loan system a while ago.

nWell, it is true that you could get Points in advance to exchange for items or something like that in order to get an advantageous start, so that might be unfair. So God is strict with fairness, huh.

nAfter I researched about it from beginning to end, I confirmed my own situation from on top of my bed.

n“My real time viewer count: 192,330,000 people.”

n“Total views: 7,630,000,000.”

n“Likes: 1,510,000,000.”

n“Total Crystals obtained: 78.”

n“Total Points obtained: 6.”

n“Number of Chosen: 709

/1000.”

n“Crystals in possession: 39.”

n“Points in possession: 5.”

nThe real time viewers have increased all of a sudden. It must be because there was that night with Rifreya.

nEven when I look back on it myself, it didn’t feel real as if it was a story from someone else. But her warmth still remains as if it were embers…

nYou could say nothing happened, but thinking about how my parents might have seen that, I find it a bit hard to stay sane.

n(Whichever the case, I have Points.) (Hikaru)

nThe Points I obtained when I learned the Summon Undead and the shining flower.

nI could use these Points I got when I came to this world.

nThere’s obviously items, but there’s also Physical Ability and Resistance. Just that, it seems like the Special Ability is a special category, I can’t take those.

nI have 39 Crystals. I could exchange 30 for 1 Point, but Crystals have their respective uses. It would be better not to change them here.

n(5 Points, huh…) (Hikaru)

nIt is a worrisome number. I can go for Physical Strength Up Level 1 and Vitality Up Level 1.

nI can also take natural recovery types, but I can just rely on potions for that.

nIf my Tier increases by defeating monsters, the body capabilities will apparently increase on all fronts, but thinking about my current situation, it really gotta be Physical Strength or Vitality.

nAs for resistances, I already have resistance to poison, diseases, and aging, so there’s no need to put points on those.

nI can only have 1 Spirit Ability, so it is impossible to take more.

nBut utilizing these 5 Points here is a gamble in itself.

nI managed to survive in the forest because I had Points remaining. There’s no assurance I won’t be falling into a similar situation. I still have 1 Barrier Stone remaining, but once I use that, that will be the end. I will lose my safety net for the times when something happens.

n(But adventuring while leaving a safety net wouldn’t be fun for the viewers…) (Hikaru)

nI have decided to take 1st place.

nThen, the only choice here is to use the Points.

n(I want to increase my viewers as much as possible. I will be using them when the Viewer Count Race has started.) (Hikaru)

nAfter I decided that, I went to sleep last night.

n…Honestly speaking, I was reminded of the events with Rifreya and had a hard time sleeping.

nAnd so, while I waited for Rifreya, I decided to use the Points.

nAfter confirming my surroundings, I begin talking to empty space.

n“Hello, I am Kurose Hikaru. From today on…” (Hikaru)

nI stopped mid sentence.

nI don’t know if it is okay for me to announce that I am aiming for 1st place in the Viewer Count Race.

nI am being thought of as the guy that killed Nanami and went to the parallel world after all.

nIf I were to proclaim I am aiming for 1st place, they might do their utmost to not watch me so that I can’t get 1st place. Even if I were to tell them I want the Resurrection Gem to revive Nanami, who would believe me?

nI could be using it for something else…or think that I want to sell the gem to earn big. That’s just how they will end up taking it.

nNo…it could be taken in an even worse way.

nIf I take 1st place, ‘no one else will be able to revive Nanami, so the truth will stay in the darkness’. In other words, I am taking 1st place to seal the lips of Nanami…

nThat’s how it could be taken by the bad natured ones.

nMore so when the gem can only revive a person that is important to you.

nAll the Chosen of Japan have met Nanami. There might be ones who have gotten along with her.

n…Well, of course, if they want to revive Nanami, I won’t have any issues with that, but if they are just going to be a hindrance and it ends up with the result of none being able to take 1st place to revive Nanami, that would just be saddening.

nThat’s why I won’t say it.

nIf this were the usual, I would be grateful if they weren’t watching, but just this time around…just for this brief period, I want them to watch.

n“…From today on, I will be partying with Rifreya and exploring the dungeon.” (Hikaru)

nI just give them a simple explanation of my plans.

nI did decide to take 1st place, but I don’t know the best method to get there. I am not an influencer, or an entertainer; I am just your average highschool student. There’s no way I would know how to get viewers.

nWhat I know is that if I am together with Rifreya, my viewers will increase with her beauty.

nAnd then, talk about me using her will be spread, and the viewers on Earth will be burning even more.

nWhat’s important is action and result.

nTelling the viewers I want to take 1st place here at this timing would be a demerit, and there wouldn’t be much merit.

n…Just that, I feel bad for Rifreya who will be exposed to several millions of curious gazes without her knowing.

nI am trying to use her good will and deceiving her after all.

nBut if I don’t do this, there’s no way I will be able to take 1st place.

n“Before diving into the dungeon, I will use my remaining 5 points and take Physical Strength Up 1.” (Hikaru)

nIt is pretty embarrassing to talk to empty space, but there’s the need to acknowledge the viewers. It is not like there isn’t any mental damage and uncomfortness from this, but I have to push myself here and leave those aside.

nI operate the Status Board and take the Physical Strength Up 1.

n<>

nI push Yes.

nAt the same time as I did this, I felt my body growing hot.

nI don’t think my body has changed.

nIf I had to put it in words, it is more like the Spirit Energy in my body has activated.

nIt might be similar to the times when I defeat monsters.

nWith this, my physical strength has doubled, which is surprising.

nI currently don’t feel the difference, but I should be able to tell when I am in the dungeon.

nI explain this feeling to empty space.

nIt is pretty idiotic, but viewers do exist.

nDoing small things like this to acknowledge the viewers shouldn’t be a waste. There’s the possibility of losing by a single viewer after all.

n“I am currently waiting for Rifreya. I met her last night for a bit, so…seeing her is honestly a bit embarrassing, and we drank before, so maybe she doesn’t remember—” (Hikaru)

n“Hikaru? Is there anyone there?”

n“Hiaah! That gave me a fright! So you were here, Rifreya.” (Hikaru)

nI was all flustered explaining the current situation, and didn’t notice Rifreya showing up.

nShe saw me talking to empty space.

nDoes she think I am a weirdo…?

n“Yeah, you were talking about something, so I was wondering what it was…” (Rifreya)

n“Aah, no, it was nothing. Good morning.” (Hikaru)

n“Yeah, good morning.” (Rifreya)

nShe has silver armor equipped, and was dressed as a warrior with a crazy big sword.

nHer platinum blonde hair was basking in the morning sun, shining gently, and her snow white skin was clear without a single blemish.

nHer big amber color eyes were crystalline, and I could feel purity that was as if it could see through my evil heart.

n(So beautiful.) (Hikaru)

nI instinctively wanted to hide.

nThe courage to show myself in front of her shriveled in an instant.

nLast night I managed to talk with her and have a meal with her as if we were equals.

nBut that must have been the magic of the night.

nMaybe the darkness helped me out.

nBeing below the light of the sun reveals how small of a person I am.

nWearing shabby and disorderly dyed black clothes, unkempt hair that has been left to grow all this time, and baggy black eyes lacking sleep. The dagger hanging from my waist is the second cheapest thing in the weapon store, and it is not like I am tall, and even my face is plain.

n(…No, that’s fine. It is okay for there to be a bad result. I might be able to get viewers from that too.) (Hikaru)

nThe more laughable I am, the better.

nThe viewers must be wishing for me to suffer.

nIf it is to become 1st, who cares how much I am hurt.

nI clenched my fist and spoke to her.

n“Rifreya, could you sleep well last night? I didn’t manage to sleep that much.” (Hikaru)

n“You too, Hikaru? Actually, I myself didn’t sleep that much either… Ehehe.” (Rifreya)

nRifreya’s gaze swam a bit and was blushing slightly. This certainly is her from last night, and that relieved me a bit.

nThat sight of hers standing below the sunlight was shining brilliantly…like a sacred goddess.

n“Do you…remember what happened last night?” (Hikaru)

n“Eh?! Ah…yes. Of course I won’t forget it. The promise…right?” (Rifreya)

nRifreya said this and blushed even more.

nLooks like she thought I was talking about leaving the ‘thanks’ for later.

nBy the way, I did postpone her reward to a later time, but I am not so shameless as to think about taking it.

nI am being watched by all of humanity. Even if it is for the sake of aiming for 1st place, that’s a line I must not cross.

nI don’t care how much I myself get hurt, but I don’t want to reveal this pure person and dirty her for my own gain.

nEven at this very moment and from here on, just by being together with me, she is being watched by millions of people without her knowing.

nAnd here I am, using her despite that.

nIf I were to tell her that, she would be conscious about her ‘being watched’. There’s a high chance she would refuse to come along with me.

nThat’s why, I am purposely keeping it from her.

nOnce these 2 weeks are over, I will repent in any way.

nI don’t think that will absolve me from my sin, but even with that, I want Nanami to come back.

n“…I am talking about going to the dungeon together. I really am a beginner. Please teach me a lot.” (Hikaru)

n“Yeah, of course. Leave it to me!” (Rifreya)

n“Then, let’s go. Is the 2nd Floor okay?” (Hikaru)

nWhen I was about to walk, she went ‘wait wait’ and stopped me.

n“We have to show up at the guild first.” (Rifreya)

n“Guild…?” (Hikaru)

n“…Hikaru…you really were a side gater, huh…” (Rifreya)

nBy side gater, it meant people that would do business without the qualifications.

nIn other words, it refers to me who sneaked into the dungeon every single time using darkness, and would sell what I got to the black market…

nI can’t even argue this.

nIn the first place, Rifreya knows that I have been doing deals with the black market.

n“Sorry. I don’t even know what a guild is. What’s that facility for?” (Hikaru)

n“It is the dungeon management department. The explorers take requests from the guild to subjugate monsters and obtain Spirit Stones. You have to properly register as an explorer and apply when you are diving into the dungeon or they won’t let you in, you know?” (Rifreya)

n“I see. I didn’t know. I was always sneaking in. Hahaha.” (Hikaru)

nThis may not be a laughing matter, but I can only laugh here.

n“Hm, well, it is fine since it is me, but…it is better not to tell others, okay? You would get apprehended at worst after all.” (Rifreya)

nLooks like I was doing something pretty dangerous there.

nWell, let’s just think about it as something that has already passed.

n“And so, can I also register as an explorer? I am living in a cheap inn and don’t have an address or anything.” (Hikaru)

n“As long as you are not a heinous criminal, anyone can do it. You will start at the lowest rank, but well, as long as you get Spirit Stones, it will be increasing anyways. Being an ability user of your caliber, you will be able to go up to at least Gnome Rank.” (Rifreya)

n“Gnome Rank…? What rank are you, Rifreya?” (Hikaru)

n“I am currently Sylvestre Rank. One rank below Gnome Rank.” (Rifreya)

nSaying this, she brought out a silver ID from her pocket, and showed it to me.

nIt is a pretty hard to remember name, but you can tell them apart from the material of the ID, so it doesn’t seem that complicated.

nThe dungeon management department is around a 3 minutes walk from the dungeon, so we managed to reach this so-called guild real soon.

nThe guild is close to the dungeon, a sturdy facility made of stone, and the spacious lobby had rowdy people that are most likely explorers walking around.

nWhen Rifreya came in, the gazes of the men gathered on her, and even I felt them at the back of her. I see, of course she wouldn’t feel like searching for party members here.

n“Ooh, Rifreya-chan. What’s with that brat there? Did you pick up a member of the club club?”

nA man that screamed ruffian spoke to Rifreya.

nShe must have a history as an explorer, so obviously she would have explorers speaking to her.

nRifreya stops her feet.

n“No, he is my party member. I won’t let you be rude.” (Rifreya)

n“Huh? This brat is going to party with a silver rank?! Oi, brat, what’s your rank?”

nThe man was riled up at what Rifreya said.

nI can tell that the people listening in on this were directing their attention at us.

nOi oi.

nI didn’t expect a cliche development like this would actually happen!

nWell, Rifreya must have been someone that stood out even in the guild -to a degree that other explorers would have their attention on her.

nShe is an extraordinary beauty, and her weapon is big, so she stands out.

nShe is the complete opposite of me.

nAnyways, this development is delicious for the viewers.

nEven if I were to get beaten up here, I would still be winning.

nI whispered to Rifreya ‘I will deal with this, so don’t say anything’, and answered the man.

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