Chapter 1.6
01. Visitor from Another World
1-6. Rest Room
Before long...
"Alright, this way, Naota-san!"
With Kururu supporting him, Naota arrived at a room in a nearby inn. According to her, this was the accommodation she had prepared in advance for tonight.
Being a member of the God's Guild, she traveled to various places for missions, so it was common for her to stay in different lodgings day by day, town by town. In other words, it meant that the likelihood of running into Kururu family or friends in this vicinity was low, something quite convenient for Naota.
Upon entering, his eyes immediately fell on a neatly made single bed tucked away in the corner of the room. For some reason, it emitted an uncanny presence, and Naota found it hard to take his eyes away. He swallowed hard.
"I'll help you sit down."
With Kururu assistance, Naota finally settled down on the edge of the bed. He loosened his collar and let out a sigh. He still wasn't steady on his feet by himself, so even this small movement was a struggle.
"Thank you for your hard work. Would you mind resting here for a bit? I'll go get some water."
"Ah, thank you. I really appreciate it."
"Alright, please wait here! I'll be back in no time!"
With a smile, Kururu said this and left. The door clicked shut, and her footsteps gradually faded away. Naota, left alone in the room, sat on the bed and tilted his head, looking puzzled.
"...Huh?"
He blinked rapidly, seemingly taken aback.
"...Was she kind of cute just now?"
With his arms crossed, he gazed up at the ceiling, voicing this self-inquiry. Well, when he thought about it calmly, it wasn't like Kururu was bad-looking by any means.
Her facial features were quite average, and her slender figure had enough feminine curves to be noticeable.
While her long hair might not have reached the ideal length he'd imagined (he would have preferred it to reach down to her waist), it was well-maintained, silky smooth, and quite beautiful. So, it passed the test.
Yes, her appearance was definitely not bad. While she might not quite fit the role of the main heroine, she certainly met the visual standard for a sub-heroine. As a material, she was more than adequate.
So, what was lacking?
Naota already knew the answer.
The indispensable quality for anyone who claimed to be a heroine.
In other world, empathy.
Lack of empathy was precisely what Kururu fatally lacked. It could also be described as maternal instinct, but unfortunately, since that encounter, not a trace of it could be felt. The impression Naota had of Kururu from the very beginning was already abysmal.
With her sudden loud outburst right next to his ear, her failure to fulfill even a semblance of a tutorial role as a fellow visitor from a different world, and on top of that, her venting of complaints about her job, it all ended with Naota being on the brink of being forcibly sent back to his original world.
Looking back now, he was truly terrified at the time. Kururu, who wouldn't even try to listen to anything he said, seemed like an entity akin to a fearsome demon or a devil to Naota at that moment.
If Naota hadn't awakened to any power at that point, he shuddered to think of what might have happened by now. He didn't want to entertain such thoughts. So, for Naota, Kururu had become an object of genuine trauma, imprinted on him within mere minutes of arriving in this world.
Despite her seemingly gentle appearance, she was a complete wild card on the inside. She had not a fragment of refinement or modesty about her.
In this short time they had spent together, this was Naota's overall assessment of Kururu.
But, precisely because of that, what just happened caught him completely off guard. To see Kururu smile so brightly and say, "Please wait a moment!" like that—it was surprising. He couldn't help but find her adorable, as if he were looking at a puppy. So Naota decided to think about it once again.
Certainly, the first impression was terrible, but what about after the brainwashing? He felt she had improved a bit. At the very least, the current Kururu was obedient, and he had already verbally confirmed that she held some affection for him.
Above all, the attitude with which the current Kururu interacted with him was filled with respect and awe. The support she provided to Naota, who was temporarily immobilized, was truly devoted and considerate.
"Wouldn't you like to be my friend!?"
Come to think of it, that's right. He had hastily referred to her as a friend back then, but the actual relationship seemed even closer. If anything, it was probably more like a boss and subordinate, with some romantic feelings attached.
"Hehe."
After Thinking up to this point, Naota stretched his facial muscles into a wide smile. Admiration and reverence shone in his eyes. Both were ideal expressions he fervently wished to receive from the opposite sex.
In addition, there was the smile she showed just now, like a blooming flower. To be frank, it was quite lovely. Above all, it was endearing. If he had a younger sister, this might have perfectly recreated the ideal image that Naota had long held.
What's more interesting is the fact that the one directing these behaviors towards him was none other than Kururu, who had been an object of fear just a moment ago. Knowing well the contrast before and after the suggestion, the feeling of domination was irresistible. This sense of exhilaration was beyond compare.
"Kuu~!"
Stretching his body and letting out a growl, Naota collapsed onto the bed like a starfish. It was the best feeling. After all, even that Kururu was reduced to this with just one gaze. A complete transformation into an endearing little sister character.
Perhaps, from now on, no matter what powerful figure or beautiful girl appeared before Naota, he could control them all as he pleased. Even if it was a force sent by a god, there was nothing to fear.
With Kururu, it might be possible to outsmart them somehow, and furthermore, it might even be possible to increase his own pieces.
"Ha ha... Ahahaha!"
He couldn't help but to laugh.
It was perfect.
There was nothing to criticize.
He was invincible.
However—
With that thought, Naota calmed down for a moment and cut off his musings.
Complacency was out of the question.
After all, the full extent of this ability was still mostly unknown. It was probably related to mental manipulation, or perhaps the power to overwrite memory and perception. What especially concerned him was the aftermath of using this power.
Although he had finally settled down now, immediately after using his power, Naota was hit with an intense exhaustion, to the point where he couldn't even stand up on his own for a while. Given how useful and powerful this skill was, it was probably unavoidable to some extent.
However, there must be something else. A significant risk hidden within this ability that Naota hasn't realized yet. He must somehow discern it by tonight.
Honestly, he just wanted to take it easy today. After all, it's been just a bit over half a day since he arrived in this other world, and he's already unlocked his ability, tamed Kururu, and secured food and lodging. As a first day, he's gained more than enough.
But this was something he couldn't postponed. Otherwise, he might mishandle things in the next pinch he finds himself in. In the long run, there's a mountain of things to verify about this ability.
Duration of the ability, limits on the number of targets, associated risks and how to cancel it, is there individual variation in its effectiveness? Trying to confirm all of this in just one night might be difficult. But well, let's give it our best shot.
Because within all of this lies tonight's main event—how obedient Kururu will be to the orders Naota gives.
When it comes to giving orders, they span a wide range. If he says 'dance,' will she dance? If he says 'sleep,' will she sleep? For example, if he asks her to do something she has no memory or experience of, will she still do it?
And the ultimate question, if he commands her to 'die,' will she truly take her own life on the spot? If he's going to be serious about this, he should probably consider these aspects in the future.
But—
With a smirk, Naota brings up a broad smile. There's no rush for that. It's much more practical to focus on something more immediate.
After all, being able to manipulate a girl in her prime at will, this was the most exciting experiment. Tonight, even if it takes the whole night, he'll thoroughly examine the specifications in that area.
Ah, I can't help but be excited now. With Kururu behavior now, she'll likely be cooperative until the end. In other words, tonight will be Naota's so-called graduation day. With gratitude for plunging him into the depths of fear earlier, he'll pamper her plenty.
Immediately, a quirky fantasy involving Kururu starts to unfold in Naota's mind. What kind of voice will that timid Kururu make tonight? What kind of expression will she have when she seeks Naota? Just imagining it now was enjoyable.
"It looks like tonight will be enjoyable."
Thinking about such things, he finds that he can now stand a bit more firmly. Still, there's no sign that Kururu is coming back yet.
"Alright."
Using his legs for leverage, he rises from the bed and heads towards the window on the far side of the room. Surely, with the apparent favor of the gods, the financial situation is also abundant. What spreads out before him is a view of the city, much like a suite room with windows all around.
It's a view and perspective that aligns perfectly with Naota's current state of mind. And Naota finally realizes.
He has really, truly come to the other world he once dreamed of.
There were various troubles, but he managed to overcome them all.
So, finally, it begins from here.
The otherworldly adventure of Naota Hiraki starts right here.
Thinking about it that way, he couldn't sit still.
Then, once again, what unfolds in Naota's mind is a reimagining of the story he had pictured up until the moment he met Kururu earlier. However, it's not entirely the same. Because an ability he acquired, his vision of the future is even more expansive.
Now, what should he do tomorrow? Well, it would be appropriate to inquire at the Adventurer's Guild or something similar. It should be there. After all, he saw a group of people dressed like that blatantly in the city earlier.
Wait...? Come to think of it, is this ability only effective on humans? Or could it also apply to magical beasts or something? If that's the case... Alright, that's something he'll have to verify in due time.
And he'll also need to find a proper main heroine. Even if he waits, with protagonist privilege, one will probably come to him eventually. Yes, how about trying to aim for a princess? It should be possible. With this ability. No, rather, He can become the king himself... What a thought. If that happens, eventually, everything in this world will be his...!
Mumbling to himself, Naota was engrossed in such contemplations. Therefore, Naota once again finds himself taken by surprise.
Thud.
Along with a soft sensation, a gentle warmth gently envelops Naota—.
( ¯\_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯ )
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