Chapter Fifty-Five: If You Don’t Tempt Fate, You Won’t Meet Disaster

“Master! It seems a battle is about to break out outside—the ZAFT warship has latched on. And that woman named Bakiruru is going berserk because the Unicorn has vanished; she’s planning to tear apart the entire battleship to find you.” Nemesis appeared behind Hao Ren, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Ah—he’d gotten so absorbed that he nearly forgot about the impending battle.

“Well, in any case, Saya’s actions this time have been significant for us all. There’s no need to blame yourself anymore. For us, this new ‘Trajectory World’ is a vast treasure trove, and it’s up to us to make proper use of it. The current mission is in space. Besides Nemesis and her two companions, everyone else faces great danger, so I won’t let you leave. If you want to help me, focus on studying this world.” With that, Hao Ren opened spatial permissions to all the girls and assigned them their tasks.

Permissions meant the right to move freely and retaliate within the bounds of the ‘Trajectory World’.

Tia Yu was responsible for researching and developing orbment technology and Gundams. Saya would control the financial direction of the Crossbell Autonomous State. Kanade Tachibana would oversee defense and construction in Crossbell City. Saeko was tasked with establishing the police system. Shiina would set up the Bracer Guild. Ryougi Shiki would organize the Punishment Squad. Shirley would scout and record the distribution and strength of magical beasts around the city.

As for Shizuka Jukawa…

She’d return to her roots and handle city medical care. With Tia Yu’s nanotechnology, perhaps she could research regenerative prosthetics or bio-weapons.

...

Having Shizuka, whose intelligence matched his own at 9, in charge of this area—would that really be alright? Well, he didn’t need treatment himself, so the ordinary NPCs could be the guinea pigs.

“Saya made a great contribution this time. If you want a reward, just say it—I’ll do whatever I can.” Hao Ren patted his chest in assurance.

“Can I save this reward for later, until I’ve thought it through?” Saya nervously rubbed her hands together.

“No problem. I’ll head out now—otherwise, Bakiruru really will tear me apart.” Hao Ren left with Nemesis.

The other girls surrounded Saya.

“Are you planning to use your reward for an overnight stay, Saya-chan?” Shizuka teased, covering her mouth.

“No, not at all!” Saya shook her head emphatically to prove her innocence.

“Or perhaps something even more intense... I wouldn’t mind a threesome, Takashiro-kun,” said Saeko, who, having received the contract card first, was feeling quite pleased—and her sense of humor was becoming more like Hao Ren’s, in the worst ways.

“From tomorrow, a glass of milk every morning!” As president of the Flat Chest Club, Shiki stared directly into Kanade’s eyes.

Her answer was a firm nod from the vice president of the Flat Chest Club. (Current membership: two.)

“Looks like someone’s going to get ahead! My position as the main wife is at risk! Seems I’ll need to plan another sneak attack.” Shirley gnawed on her fingernail, a habit she’d likely picked up from watching too many drama DVDs lately.

“Must work hard! Can’t let Dragon Lord down!” Tia Yu clenched her fists, cheering herself on—a pure and diligent girl.

Shiina twirled a broom with one finger before Black Cat, her cheeks flushed, clearly reveling in the moment.

Black Cat’s tiny head followed the broom’s movements, raising its paw and miming in the air.

How long was this gag going to last?!

“Player ‘Black Flame Dragon’s’ summoned creature ‘Bud’ has killed intermediate player ‘Aoi Jubei.’” The main AI’s notification sounded in Hao Ren’s mind.

“What happened?” Hao Ren happened to see, in a corner of the maintenance bay, Bud had used hair that transformed into claws to rip out a man’s heart. Clearly, the corpse that floated with a badge above it belonged to ‘Aoi Jubei.’

In the game, players usually chose names with special meaning, unlike Hao Ren’s randomly assigned one. In his view, this guy’s name meant he was a fan of Mr. Aoi and Yagyu Jubei.

Item: [Black Badge]. Upon activation, one may choose to gain 50% of one of the following from the deceased player: skills, talents, items, or LP points.

Before anyone else noticed, Hao Ren stowed away the body and blood, gripped the badge, and patted Bud’s head, not even asking why she killed him.

If she wanted to kill, so be it. As long as Bud was happy, Hao Ren didn’t care how many people died.

“He seemed to come from the evacuation ship, got excited when he saw us, and knew a lot about us. As for why Bud killed him, he tried to touch her inappropriately, so she did him in.” Xiao An explained, her tone as calm as if she were debating whether to eat fried eggs or taiyaki for dinner.

It seemed the two had once been summoned killers, utterly ruthless in this regard.

Thankfully, both girls were friendly toward him. The thought made Hao Ren break out in cold sweat.

“Sharp, go out and help.” He released the lolicon again.

“Master, what about Dragon Leopard?” The lolicon looked at Hao Ren with earnest seriousness.

Even his expressions could be replicated—remarkable! The feeling of being stared at by that green digital monocular was unnerving.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about... Just go help.” With the girls nearby, Hao Ren’s eyes darted around, feigning ignorance.

“If you don’t court death, you won’t die. Why don’t you understand, Master?” Nemesis glanced at Xiao An, whose hair was flying wildly and whose demeanor was darkening, and offered Hao Ren some advice.

A golden, massive karate chop swung toward Hao Ren, but he was no longer a rookie.

“Hundred Percent Bare-Handed Blade Catch!” Hao Ren crossed his hands over his head. Why did Xiao An know about Dragon Leopard anyway?

After catching Xiao An’s chop, Hao Ren pulled her into his arms, holding her tight so she couldn’t move.

“Let go!” Xiao An’s face flushed red as she struggled, unable to break free from Hao Ren’s hundred-point strength.

“Not letting go! Not unless you promise not to attack me again!” He wouldn’t die from the blows, but they still hurt.

“Your breath~~~” Hao Ren spoke close to Xiao An’s ear—apparently her sensitive spot.

“Will you promise?” Holding such a soft body in his arms, Hao Ren was thoroughly enjoying himself.

“I—I promise, now let go.” Xiao An’s breathing grew rapid under Hao Ren’s breath and strong embrace.

Reluctantly, Hao Ren released Xiao An. But seeing the beauty before him, reason gave way to impulse; after only a moment’s hesitation, he kissed her firmly.

Xiao An’s eyes widened in shock.