244. Kazuto’s Defeat and Training with the Sea King

That day, I was defeated by strings.

The destructive power was immense.

A mere string was not just a mere string.

However, after that, I was beaten to a pulp by Ichinose-san and Rikka-chan.

I was beaten so badly my memories flew away.

I wonder what on earth I saw?

I can’t remember anything.

When I try to remember, my head hurts tremendously.

“I’m sure something bad happened. I think it’s better if you don’t remember, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s not like Big Brother to worry forever, you know?”

I don’t really understand, but if Ichinose-san and Rikka-chan say so, then it must be true.

The way Igarashi-san is shivering excessively in the corner of my vision is surely also something I shouldn’t touch upon.

…Wait, was Igarashi-san wearing a high-neck type bikini?

I feel like she was wearing a different swimsuit… ugh, my head hurts.

It’s probably just my imagination. It must be.

In any case, we arrived at the sea.

“Now then, shall I explain the reason we came to the sea?”

Libera-san was wearing a monokini-type swimsuit with her usual robe draped over it. Sexy.

When she waved the staff in her hand, the sea parted, and the Sea King appeared.

『It has been a while, Owner of Early Maturity.』

“L-long time no see…”

It had only been a few weeks, though.

The intimidating presence was as terrifying as ever. Even though he looks exactly like Aka.

Now that I’ve evolved into a Demi-God, I can feel that strength even more clearly.

The Sea King is a serious monster.

“Wan!”

“……(vibrate vibrate)♪”

Then, Momo and Aka jumped out from behind the Sea King.

They dashed across the sandy beach all at once and dived at me.

Fluffy and squishy. Thank you very much.

“Right, Momo and Aka came here for the power transfer.”

“Wan!”

“……(vibrate vibrate)”

Aka was assisting with the power transfer as the Sea King’s successor, and Momo was helping as the transporter.

Since they had been preoccupied with that since morning, they must have been happy that we suddenly showed up.

They nuzzled against me as much as they could.

Lovely, so healing.

『The power transfer is going smoothly. As expected, that child is a quick learner.』

“Thank you. It makes me happy to hear that.”

『How is that one doing? Is he doing well over there?』

The “that one” the Sea King refers to is likely the Red Jellyfish.

It’s a higher species of Slime Jellyfish currently on loan to us as the Sea King’s terminal.

Compared to the beginning, it has completely blended into our daily lives.

“It’s doing great. It’s getting along well with Nishino-kun and the others.”

『……I see. That is good then.』

Wait, Sea King, you could probably grasp the Red Jellyfish’s status without even asking.

Then the Sea King, as if my thoughts had reached him, vibrated his body.

『……Except for emergencies, I try to refrain from interfering with my kin as much as possible. I have no intention of meddling in the way of life or the daily existence of my kin. Success, victory, regret, and failure—it is only because it is a path chosen and walked by oneself that it has meaning. If I were to lead him, would I not be stealing that possibility from him?』

“Is that so…”

As always, he is a man of great character, despite being a slime.

『So, what is the matter today? Some urgent business?』

“Right, right, Shuram, there’s something I want to ask of you.”

『The current power transfer to this child is already finished. If there is a request, I shall listen.』

“Um, Sea King…?”

Libera-san was talking to him normally right next to me, but…?

“Shuram, hey, just a second?”

『However, hmm… Owner of Early Maturity. It seems you have become stronger again.』

“Eh, you can tell?”

『Naturally. You evolved, did you not? The energy I feel is on a different scale than before. Those with this much strength were few enough to count on one’s fingers even in our original world. You should be proud.』

“I’m happy to hear that. …But the Vanguard is even stronger, right?”

『Well, yes. They are literally the group at the peak of the world we were in. Not just from one nation, but further hand-picked from all the countries of the world. That height is not something easily reached.』

“……”

A group at the peak of the world.

Those who are appraised that highly by the Sea King, who is among the strongest class even in the other world.

We really are trying to fight against some incredible people…

“That’s right. But don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for! Now, Shuram, I have a request—”

『But do not be so pessimistic, Owner of Early Maturity. You have obtained strength approaching that level in only about two months since you obtained that power. To the Vanguard, your growth is likely the far greater threat.』

“Is that… so…”

『Indeed. Besides, you have trustworthy comrades, do you not? The people of the Vanguard are certainly strong, but many of them are strong-willed and the individual bonds among them are thin. Believe in the power of your comrades. Never forget that you are not fighting alone.』

“Yes, you’re right…”

That’s right, it’s just as the Sea King says.

We have comrades. We just have to believe in that power.

“……”

So, Sea King, please listen to Libera-san already.

Look, she’s starting to sulk in the corner of the beach.

Ichinose-san and the others are bewildered, not knowing what to do.

『……Tch. Hey, Libera. You have something to say, don’t you? Speak up quickly.』

He clicked his tongue.

Sea King, did you just click your tongue?

Wait, you were the one ignoring her.

『Owner of Early Maturity, do not spoil that one. If you spoil her, she immediately gets carried away.』

“I-I see…”

The Sea King is really harsh toward Libera-san.

Well, I want to believe it’s because he considers her a comrade. …Right?

In any case, let’s finally get to the main point.

『——In other words, you want me to engage in actual combat with them?』

“Exactly. They’ve already gotten used to fighting me, so the experience point gain has decreased. On the other hand, with mediocre monsters, Kazuto and the others would have to defeat an insane number just to level up. That being the case, the only thing left is actual combat with other Six King classes to raise their levels in a short period.”

『I see… if that is the case, I shall gladly lend my strength.』

Saying so, the Sea King vibrated his body and sent Libera-san flying with all his might.

Spinning like a drill, Libera-san was thrust headfirst into the sand.

“Hebua!?”

『Now then, Owner of Early Maturity, and the others. Shall we begin the training?』

Wait, hold on a second.

Why did you just blow Libera-san away?

“Um, that just now was…”

『No problem. It is a necessary process.』

“Eh?”

The Sea King poked out a squishy part of his body and pointed at Libera-san stuck in the sand.

Looking closely, a part of the Sea King’s body was attached to her.

It wriggled like an amoeba, expanded, and then split into four.

“……(vibrate vibrate)”

“……(vibrate vibrate)”

“……(vibrate vibrate)”

“……(vibrate vibrate)”

The four pieces of flesh swelled further and eventually transformed into human shapes.

Into the exact same forms as me, Ichinose-san, Rikka-chan, and Igarashi-san.

『First, the initial training. Each of you, defeat the clone mimicking yourself.』

As if responding to the Sea King’s voice, the clones mimicking us materialized weapons.

Ninja blades, guns, machetes, and Igarashi-san’s clone materialized spirit flames around it.

“This is… don’t tell me those clones can even use our skills?”

『Exactly. The precision of the skills has been lowered to about seventy percent, but their stats are higher than yours. Creating clones that can mimic anyone—friend or foe—and use their abilities: this is the power of my unique skill, “Gregarious Territory.”』

It was an ability that was far too much of a cheat.

『This will be a good opportunity to face yourselves. Now, begin!』

「「「「……(vibrate vibrate)!!」」」」

With the Sea King’s signal, our clones all moved at once.

…By the way, wait. What was the point of us changing into swimsuits?

Sea King’s Unique Skill: “Gregarious Territory”

Changes his own clones into others. Stats and skill precision change and can be adjusted according to the difference in strength with the opponent. Can transform into people or things not present on the spot. Combinations are also free. Can even enhance breast size. It can be called the completed version of Aka’s “Perfect Mimicry.” The incarnation of a cheat.

Furthermore, experience points are gained even by defeating the clones.

End of 244