The World Is Overflowing with Monster, I’m Taking a Liking to This Life

Chapter 158: Indulgence

While Kazuto was returning to the City Hall after his confrontation with It, Nishino was facing Igarashi Touka, the Student Council President.

Nishino-kun, I am the owner of the Appraisal skill.

Nishino felt dizzy when he heard her words.

Appraisal.

Nishino knew that the skill existed thanks to Kazuto.

From what he was told, Appraisal was a convenient skill which could reveal information about the effects of items and the status of other people.

According to Ono, Appraisal and Item Box were two of the most commonly-mentioned skills in web novels.

As someone who was not familiar with that sort of entertainment, Nishino knew very little about the topic.

However, since Kazuto was utilizing his Item Box as a powerful means of attack, Nishino did not belittle the benefits that being in the know could bring.

For that reason, he had hoped that either he or his companions would be able to acquire the Appraisal skill.

And yet

Ironically, the one person Nishino didnt wish to see possessing the skill ended up possessing it.

(Really, what is this woman)

She could manipulate others through Enchantment and peer into their status with Appraisal.

Her skill composition was as if to reflect Toukas true nature.

.Is something wrong, Nishino-kun? Why are you making such a scary face?

Touka stared at Nishino as she tilted her head in a cute manner.

Yes, it was these eyes.

Her eyes displayed anticipation towards her opponents reaction.

Nishino couldnt help but feel repulsed by them.

Y-you have an assortment of useful skills. I envy you.

I was just lucky. I was able to get my hands on it recently. If I had it from the beginning, things wouldnt have progressed like they did

A tinge of regret could be detected in the voice of Touka who had her head down.

The monster panic at school.

A disaster which was orchestrated by Katsuragi Sayaka, a Monster Tamer who was originally Nishinos classmate.

She had laid siege to the school with her enslaved monsters in an attempt to gain a massive amount of experience.

The reason Touka wasnt able to prevent the disaster in advance was partially because the Monster Tamer had cleverly concealed her true intentions.

More so than that, however, it was due to the characteristics of status plates.

The status plates were invisible to others.

Skill and occupations were usually disclosed voluntarily.

That was to say that anyone could report falsely about their occupations and skills if they wanted to.

As Touka pointed out, if she had Appraisal at that time, she would have been able to tell that the Monster Tamer was lying.

Of course, whether or not she had the ability to prevent the disaster from occurring even with prior knowledge remained unknown.

(But why is she telling me all this?)

If she simply desired to manipulate Nishino like a chess piece, there should have been other ways for her to go about doing.

There was no reason for her to reveal that she had Appraisal.

Then why did she bother explaining to him about her skill?

I already told you, Nishino-kun. I want you.

.!

Touka opened her mouth as if she knew what he was thinking.

Finding delight in Nishinos reactions, Touka giggled.

Now that I couldnt be brainwashed, are you trying to blackmail me by grasping onto my weaknesses?

Certainly, Nishino wanted to hide the fact that he had Kindred Killer, a skill which served as evidence for his sins.

Nevertheless if Touka was planning on taking advantage of him, he was ready to be merciless.

If the skills existence was to be known by the others, Nishino and Rikka would be branded as murderers.

In addition, words would spread that killing humans can also provide experience.

(That wont do. At least for now)

Although the City Hall had become somewhat of an established base, it was still treading on a tightrope.

Many variables could trigger the downfall of the City Hall.

If the information that killing humans can also provide experience were to be known, some people would definitely cross the line.

Once someone conducted an act of murder, something within that person was bound to change.

In the worst case scenario, there was a possibility of that person breaking just like what happened to Rikka that time.

(I must ensure that nothing of that nature occurs ever again.)

Rikka had been unable to regain her laughter until she met with her long-lost best friend.

He did not want to endure watching her cloudy face again.

He tightly held the knife in his hand.

Both for himself and for his companions, he had to

What a scary looking face Nishino-kun, youre making a very scary and terrible face right now.

Huu

Touka exhaled.

Hey, Nishino-kun. Are you that worried about being labeled a murderer?

Thats none of your business.

Oh, but it is. Im curious about how Nishino-kun gained such a skill. Also, is it that strange to have a skill like that in the present world? Its you were talking about. Im sure there was a reason behind your actions. Yes. For example, you were trying to save Aisaka-san and

Silence.

Before he knew, Nishino had activated his skill.

Command.

In a sense, it had a similar effect to Toukas Enchantment as it forced other people and monsters to obey his words.

If you talk any further, Ill kill you.

His words sounded incredibly cold even to his own ears.

The dark side of him was urging Nishino to get rid of the woman in front of him.

Everyone had secrets that they didnt want others to touch, yet this woman had tread upon his too carelessly.

Be that as it may

Youre holding it in.

Despite Nishinos Command to shut up, Touka uttered her words slowly but clearly.

Im convinced from what youve shown me. Nishino-kun, Im convinced that you truly feel remorse for depriving someone of their life.

It was obvious at this point that Nishinos skill did not work on her.

Im relieved to learn that you are not like Katsuragi-san who treated others as mere experience points.

Touka stood up and gradually walked up to Nishino as if she didnt mind the knife that was directed towards her.

Relax. I have no intention of blackmailing you.

You really think I can trust your words?

Youre right but would you trust in the effects of a skill?

?

Touka took out a piece of paper from her breast pocket and began to write furiously on it using a ballpoint pen.

Quick Inscription. Its a skill I received after becoming Student Council President, which was my first occupation.

In just a few seconds, the A4-sized paper was filled with letters.

And this is the skill I got when I raised the levels of Quick Inscription and Document Creation Contract.

.Contract?

Yes. You can think of it as a documented version of Nishino-kuns Command skill. If both parties agree to the conditions written on the paper, the content of the contract will be enforced in the form of a Command. Its an interesting skill, isnt it?

Nishino studied the paper that was placed on the table.

There was the word Contract written in large letters.

The content of the contract was about keeping Kindred Killer confidential, as Touka promised earlier.

(A skill like this exists)

Rather, how many skills did this woman have?

In the battle against Alpha, she had also shown off skills that allowed her to create walls of fire and transform the ground into mud.

She had an abnormal number of skills.

(Is this woman an exception like Kazuto-san?)

When they were at the school, she didnt have so many skills.

This meant that something big had happened during the past few days leading up to their reunion.

(Is it related to the absence of Miyamoto and the others?)

When they had met again, none of the Student Council members including Vice President Miyamoto were with Touka.

Had something happened, or had they simply not joined up yet?

It didnt seem like a question which Touka would answer.

Of course, since its a contract, there will be a penalty for breaking it.

A penalty?

The punishment for going against the content of the contract. Well have to come up with one and write it on the contract. Otherwise, itll be no different from a verbal promise.

That was true.

Hmm.

Touka pretended to be contemplating.

How about having me die if I reveal to someone about Nishino-kuns Kindred Killer skill?

!

What was she talking about?

Shocked? This skill can force such things if both parties agree.

What is it that you want?

From a cursory glance, there didnt appear to be anything disadvantageous for Nishino written on the paper.

If the skill was as she described, Nishino didnt have to worry about Touka leaking his information to others.

This, of course, was on the basis that Touka did not lie.

Didnt I make myself clear? I want you.

Touka slowly reached out and gently grabbed Nishinos knife.

He had failed to notice that she was approaching him again.

If you so desire, I can act as your Indulgence.

Indulgence?

In the unlikely event that your skills are made public, you can put forth my name. Ill help you speak your way out of trouble. If you say you did it under my orders, no one would admonish you that harshly, correct? Even though Im like this, Im still the daughter of that piece of crap Fujita Souichiro. I have both influence and credibility.

She took another step forward, but they were still not close enough to establish physical contact.

Touka was steadily crawling into Nishinos inner heart.

Hey, Nishino-kun I am oblivious as to why you killed someone. I have no idea why you regret so much either. Despite this, I can guarantee one thing.

You are not evil.

That was what Nishino had wanted to hear all along.

A pardon that could grant him forgiveness for committing a felony known as manslaughter.

The words Touka was offering to him were sweet, gentle, and poisonous at the same time.

Why go so far?

He couldnt understand.

Why did this woman want him so much?

Because he had raised doubt regarding the disturbingly low population in town?

Because he had a formidable force which included Rikka and Shibata behind his back?

Was it really just because of his abilities?

If I give you a reason, will you believe me?

Will you trust me if I say its out of good will?

Impossible.

He refused to believe it when he took into account how he was treated by this woman at the school.

. But in that case, why was his heart so shaken?

II

Since youre hesitating, can I take it that there is still some chance for me? Lets leave it at that for today.

Turning her back to the troubled Nishino, Touka calmly headed towards the front door.

She was defenseless, and it didnt look like she was preparing any skills.

He could kill her for sure.

That was what he thought yet Nishinos body refused to move.

His head was telling him that he will regret not killing this woman now, but his body didnt budge at all.

Nishino-kun,

Touka opened the front door and turned around to face Nishino just as she was about to leave.

Do you know what your good point rather, what your weakness is?

Eh?

Being treated kindly. Although youre sensitive to malice and hostility, you arent used to being treated kindly by others. When you first arrived at the City Hall, you felt touched by my fathers kindness. As a result, you became incapable of cutting him off. Similarly, you wont be able to kill me anymore.

Because, she continued.

I am genuine in my desire to help you. Your mind may be rejecting me, but your heart knows it. Thats why youre no longer able to register me as an enemy, effectively deterring you from harming me.

The nail had been hammered in before he knew.

Good will.

It was a concept which was the complete opposite of forced Enchantment and bad intentions.

However, she had known that it would be the most effective against Nishino.

Well then, Nishino-kun. Come find me if you change your mind about the contract. Youre welcome to come at any time.

With that, Touka left.

Silence.

From the beginning until the end, he had been dancing in the womans palm.

Was he feeling regret, or was it something else?

Nishino didnt move from his spot for a long time.

*****

Meanwhile, Fujita Souichiro, Toukas father, was in the Meeting Room of the City Hall.

He puffed out some smoke before pressing his cigarette against the ashtray.

Fujitas gaze was on the man sitting in front of him.

Isnt it about time you spoke, Towada?

The City Hall has stabilized to an extent. Not only has the number of residents increased, Mayor Uesugis Town Development has leveled up as well. Removing the debris, constructing new residential areas, saving up food, and restoring electricity, gas, and water. Everything is going swimmingly well. Its finally a functioning base where people can truly live in.

Thats why, Fujita carried on, Its time to move forward. Its time to look outside the window.

He meant outside as in the neighboring towns and prefectures.

What was happening in those regions?

How severe were their damage?

Did other Safety Zones exist aside from this City Hall?

To investigate these questions, it was necessary for the Self Defense Forces to tell them what they knew about the neighboring town.

In particular, they had to think of countermeasures against the threat which annihilated the Self Defense Force.

After all, with the SDF finding refuge here, the threat was likely to bare its fangs against the City Hall.

Yet Towada adamantly refused to speak.

He simply lowered his head, trembling as his complexion turned pale.

(He was fine when we fought against the Ants, but as soon as I mentioned the neighboring town )

What on earth was terrifying him so much?

Towada wasnt the only one.

The same went for the other surviving members of the Self Defense Force.

When asked what happened, they shut their mouths and turned pale as they trembled.

Im begging you, Towada. What happened in the neighboring town?

He had no way of forcing their mouths open.

Having no other option, Fujita could only request of them to speak from the bottom of his heart.

Weve known each other for a long time, and Im glad that you survived. Thats why I want to help you overcome your fear. Please, Towada. Cant you rely on us some more?

Fujita sighed at Towadas dejected figure.

Just as he was about to give up

Theres a monster there.

Towada spoke.

A monster?

Yes, a monster.

Just from uttering that word, Towada became paler and his trembling intensified.

Youre right. Being scared wont take my anywhere. Its as you say.

Towada raised his head as if he had made up his mind.

He was sweating bullets from the fear, but his eyes contained no hesitation as he stared at Fujita.

Ill tell you everything. About what happened at the neighboring town and about that monster.

And with that, Towada narrated his story.

*****

Haha That was tough, wasnt it

Go~a~a

No need to mind it, Tairan. You were simply obeying my orders. As the commander, the responsibility lies in me and not you.

Go~a?

Why didnt I use the magic sword? If I had, wouldnt they have died? I was serious about just wanting to say hello.

Fret not. Not only has he remembered my face, I have marked him. With Envy by his side, we are fated to meet again. Rather than that, we should be more concerned about Gluttony.

Go~a~a?

Yes, it will be making its move in the near future. I was thinking of suppressing it before it got hungry, but time has run out. Around now, it should be devouring anything in its proximity. Its growth is more rapid than I expected. It remains to be seen which town it would head to next, but if it turns out to be this town

Everything will be devoured. Everything.