The well-Balanced Yamamoto-san Gets Caught up in a Death Game

Chapter 35

“Well, it kinda feels like we’re on vacation…” Tatsu-san squinted in the sunlight.

It’s a blunt way to put it, but I feel the same way.

Though I’ve never been to the real Playa Escondida, I’m thrilled to see this version!

Plus, while the actual Playa Escondida is just a beach, this Forzine has a whole town. It’s probably far larger in scale. And so lively!

“It’s incredible. A city beneath the earth…”

And since it’s a port town connected directly to the sea, we might be able to get our hands on some fresh seafood!

Ah.

I’d noticed fresh seafood occasionally popping up in the World Market. Players who’ve made it to this town must have been selling it off! That makes sense!

I wonder if there are players enjoying life as fishermen here.

Is that really okay in a death game? Well, a game’s a game. I think it’s fine not to take things too seriously.

“Well, shall we head to the Adventurers’ Guild first? That alright with you, Gobuzou-san and Iko-san?”

“Yes, please.”

“The Adventurers’ Guild is straight down this road, just before the intersection.”

It seems Gobuzou-san and the others have indeed been to Forzine before.

We walked at a leisurely pace with Gobuzou-san and the others, finally arriving at the Adventurers’ Guild. This marks the completion of Gobuzou-san and Iko-san’s request. The two of them bid us farewell once more.

“Thank you all very much.”

“Thanks to you, it was a pleasant journey. If we have the chance, let’s meet again somewhere.”

And so, we parted ways with Gobuzou-san and Iko-san at the Adventurers’ Guild, but the real issue starts now.

▶Event “The Elderly Couple’s Wish” has been cleared.

▶As the event ended with a True Ending, a World Event will occur.

Excuse me?

“Just now, a Wor—”

Misaki-chan quickly covers the mouth of the careless Bre-kun, who had started to speak.

Tatsu-san and I simultaneously give a thumbs up to show our approval of her action.

Oh, Bre-kun, you were about to blurt out something so carelessly in the middle of this crowded Adventurers’ Guild.

This is why I can’t fully trust you, you know?

We wait for a while after the system message, but nothing happens.

Was that notification about a World Event just a bluff?

We move to the edge of the guild to discuss. We didn’t want to attract suspicious glances from other parties by talking at the entrance.

“Well, it doesn’t seem like anything’s happening right away.”

“W-what could it have been…?”

“Isn’t it the same as when Gobuzou-san and Iko-san appeared? Maybe a flag was raised somewhere.”

I suspect it might be a chain quest, where the continuation of an event that affects all players of this game has started somewhere, even if we can’t see it. What do you think?

“There’s no point in overthinking it.”

Perhaps Misaki-chan’s words are the truth here.

Realizing there’s nothing we can do if nothing happens, we discuss our future plans without getting too worked up.

“So, shall we disband the party here for now?”

“Sounds good.”

“There’s still the matter of dividing the escort request reward, but I’ll pass that on to Yama-chan later.”

“Yeah, thanks. Bre-kun, Misaki-chan, it was fun, even if it was for a short while.”

“Likewise. AriGod.”

That’s not going to catch on, you know?

“What are your plans now, Yama-san?”

“Hmm? Since I’m technically in a production class, I’m planning to check out the Commerce Guild in this town.”

“Production class…?”

Bre-kun looks genuinely confused.

“God is God-tier in combat, but also a God-tier production class that makes God-like products. Rather, the God-like aspect is stronger in the production class.”

“Yes, thank you, thank you.”

I half-ignore the God-pushing. I wonder how long Misaki-chan will keep this up?

“Well, if we decide to go to the next area, we might ask for your help again. Look forward to it.”

“Sure. Well, everyone, take care and try not to die, okay?”

“In a death game, that line isn’t funny at all…”

Leaving everyone a bit blue, I exit the Adventurers’ Guild.

Well, I might come back later to check the map or look at the monster and material encyclopedias!

For now, I think I’ll prioritize finding a place to stay for the night and locating the Commerce Guild.

But still, this town…

Because the whole place is built with white stone, the sunlight reflection is blinding!

Honestly, the veil is neutralizing the brightness, making it easier to see, but I wonder if it’s okay for demon folk to live in such a bright town.

“Hm? What’s that nice smell…?”

As I strolled down what seemed to be the main street, I came across a food stall emitting a delicious aroma.

Curious about what they were grilling, I peeked in and made direct eye contact with a moray eel being prepared on a cutting board…

But when I used [Appraisal], it came up as an Eel Moray.

Huh? Is it an eel? Or a moray? Which is it?

“Oh, what’s up, little lady? Wanna try some? Our grilled Eel Moray is to die for!”

“It smells amazing. By the way, I’ve never heard of an Eel Moray before. Is it a monster?”

“It’s a monster caught in the seas around here! It’s slimy as hell and aggressive too. Even veteran fishermen can get seriously hurt if they’re not careful. But if you prepare it right, it’s incredibly delicious! The meat is thick and juicy, but with a clean aftertaste. When you add a rich, sweet and salty sauce, it’s absolutely divine! Once you eat one, you’ll want two or three more!”

Hmm, listening to that makes me want to try it…

“Alright then, mister. I’ll take three. In exchange, could you recommend a good inn around here with delicious food? Oh, and I’d be happy if you could tell me where the Commerce Guild is too.”

“Oh? Are you one of us? Planning to set up a stall yourself?”

“I’m thinking about it. Well, even if I do, I won’t be selling Eel Moray dishes.”

“That’s mighty kind of ya. As for the Commerce Guild, you see that big building over there? That’s it. For an inn, let’s see… ‘The Seaside Melody Inn’ is reasonably priced and has great food. Here you go, three grilled Eel Morays!”

“Thanks, mister. If it’s delicious, I’ll be back!”

“You bet you will!”

Such confidence!

It looks just like a regular grilled eel, though…

Well then, let’s take a bite.

“Hot! Hot! But… so good…!”

The advertisement wasn’t lying! It’s thick and satisfying, and the sweet and salty sauce complements it perfectly!

Basically, it’s like grilled eel, but the texture isn’t as fluffy as eel. The bite is more like chicken breast?

The skin is grilled crispy, and the savory smell stimulates your appetite. The portion isn’t too big, so you naturally want to eat two or three.

“Well, well. This is trouble. Looks like I’ll have to come back again.”

I polish off all three grilled Eel Morays and promptly surrender to their deliciousness.

■□■

Well, here we are.

The Commerce Guild of Forzine.

It’s a four-story building, slightly larger than the surrounding structures. But it shares the same square, box-like design as the others.

And, lo and behold…!

I’ve spotted people coming in and out of the Commerce Guild…!

I’d started to think the empty state in Evil Grande was normal, assuming people didn’t frequent the Commerce Guild…

But seeing people casually entering and exiting in Forzine, I’m feeling a bit of culture shock!

“Excuse me…”

Even though the Commerce Guild should feel like home, for some reason I feel a bit like an outsider as I step through its gates.

Whoa…!

This is crazy! There are people inside the guild!

And here I am, getting excited about it, looking totally suspicious!

Anyway, I try to act like a veteran who’s used to the guild while I check the request board!

Hmm. As expected, there’s no big difference in the content of the requests compared to Evil Grande…

I think I’ll ask the receptionist about what kind of materials are available around here and where to find them.

So, I line up at the guild’s reception.

That’s right, I line up!

There are enough people here to form a line!

Forzine is amazing!

Plus, there are three receptionists!

It’s quite different from Evil Grande where Milène-san worked leisurely by herself!

Thanks to the three receptionists working together, my turn came after a reasonable wait. I’m excited to talk with the receptionist.

“Welcome to the Forzine Commerce Guild. You’re new here, aren’t you? How may I assist you today?”

“Ah, I’d like to know what C-rank request materials are available around here and where to find them.”

“Is this for [Compounding]? Or [Alchemy] materials?”

“Oh. Both. And I’m also looking for rare materials for [Blacksmithing]…”

“…Excuse me. Could you come to the back room for a moment?”

Why am I being glared at so intensely?

The receptionist’s demeanor has changed completely from her earlier cheerful smile to a frightening atmosphere…

Hey, what’s going on all of a sudden?

“Um, is refusing an option…?”

“Just come with me!”

The receptionist grabs my armor and drags me behind the counter.

This is weird, isn’t it?

I just wanted to ask about where to find some materials, so how did it end up like this…?