There was no time to lose. Opportunity would not come twice. Bocchi-chan had every advantage of timing, location, and circumstance—if she did not act now, then when would she?
She put on entirely black clothes, sunglasses, and a mask. After making sure she was completely covered up, she stealthily slipped out of the house. Arriving at the entrance of that unmanned adult store, she looked around in every direction. Once she was certain no one was nearby, she flung open the curtain and darted inside like lightning—a true modern-day ninja.
However, Bocchi, who usually went to bed early whenever she had nothing to do, had never imagined that late at night was when happiness began, and when hormones surged most fiercely.
A young couple was inside the store, cuddling and whispering sweet nothings to each other. They held a small box they had just taken from the vending machine, and the sickeningly sweet smell of romance filled the entire shop.
"Don't even think about sleeping tonight." The plump woman smirked as she ran a finger beneath the other person's chin.
"Tonight, I'll definitely, definitely satisfy you..." The skinny, pale, delicate-looking young man smiled.
At that moment, Bocchi burst in like a robber! She crouched slightly and made her entrance in what she thought was an incredibly cool pose.
The couple jumped in fright and screamed, then immediately clung to each other, trembling.
Inside the cramped adult store, they stared at one another, and the atmosphere instantly fell silent.
Goto Hitori: ...
The young couple: ...
It was over. There was actually someone here...
At that moment, Goto Hitori only felt her legs go weak. The overwhelming embarrassment made her feel that the best choice was to find a hole and crawl into it—or simply die on the spot.
"Ah, ah..." Goto Hitori opened her mouth, wanting to say something and trying to explain herself.
However, her mind was completely blank, and she could not say anything at all.
"Are... are you trying to rob us?"
The frail-looking young man asked shakily.
"Ah..."
Goto Hitori rapidly analyzed those words in her head. Then, for some reason, she suddenly admitted it outright.
"That's right, r-robbery!"
Goto Hitori wanted to pull something from her body to use as a weapon, but she could not find anything. In the end, she simply pointed at them and shouted.
"I... I don't have any money! She's my landlord, y-you... rob her!"
The frail young man pointed at the woman he was holding.
"I-I don't have money either!" The woman was equally incapable of putting up a fight, though her fat arms protected her purse.
Yet Goto Hitori continued advancing toward them step by step.
The young couple shook like leaves.
Then, when Goto Hitori reached them, she suddenly struck and snatched away the small box they had just bought from the vending machine.
Finally, she fled from the unmanned adult shop in a flash, still as swift as lightning.
The indescribable thing she had robbed was now in her pocket.
Wuwuwu... What have I done? Goto Hitori cried silently in her heart.
Of all things, this robber had not stolen anything else—she had stolen just this one box.
And although she had walked into an adult store, she still knew absolutely nothing about the purchasing process. She did not even know where the vending machine had been located...
The one saving grace was that the police had not come knocking because of this robbery. Otherwise, her life would have been over.
Robbery itself was one thing, but robbing condoms was the real problem!
She would bury something this embarrassing in her heart forever!
Yes, she had to bury it in her heart!
But... why did it feel like, after going through such an embarrassing experience, her skill for spreading negative emotions was faintly on the verge of breaking through?
Goto Hitori could not help clutching her head. ＞﹏＜
They arrived at the beach. The sun was bright, and it was somewhat hot.
Tsukikawa Shu sat shirtless on the sand, gazing into the distance.
Today truly was a good day to go out, but the Inner World was about to open, which was still rather annoying.
"What a shame. I'm this handsome, yet I can't attract any other girls." Tsukikawa Shu looked at the empty beach.
"You should provoke fewer women outside. I don't want to deal with those loose women."
Hiratsuka Shizuka, who had changed into her clothes, walked over as well.
Goto Hitori followed behind her, lagging two steps back and hiding timidly behind Hiratsuka Shizuka.
This entire beach had been reserved by Hiratsuka Shizuka. Although she was not some wealthy young heiress, she was a discreetly rich woman.
Beautiful, highly educated, wealthy, emotionally intelligent, proper in her conduct, and skilled in music, fighting, and more.
"Hmm... no wonder you can't get married. Finding someone worthy of you really is difficult."
Tsukikawa Shu looked Hiratsuka Shizuka over from head to toe.
She wore a pure white lace-up swimsuit with beautiful patterns, perfectly accentuating the charm of a mature woman.
"What are you talking about?"
Hearing Tsukikawa Shu's words, Hiratsuka Shizuka smiled as she looked down at him sitting by her feet. Somewhat annoyed, she vigorously rubbed his head. "Aren't I yours now?"
Goto Hitori hugged her arms and stood behind Tsukikawa Shu, too nervous to move.
She had really put on the school's old-fashioned swimsuit, and her name was even written across the chest...
Tsukikawa Shu narrowed his eyes and looked at her meaningfully.
(This chapter is an extra update for 100 monthly votes.)
"Mm, it really does have Bocchi's flavor." Tsukikawa Shu nodded.
"Don't look at me!"
Goto Hitori was already about to cry.
She had known this would happen, but it was still so embarrassing!
"Goto..."
Hiratsuka Shizuka looked at Goto Hitori's outfit with mixed emotions, then looked at Tsukikawa Shu again. "Is she usually like this?"
"Mm, she usually is like this." Tsukikawa Shu nodded. "It's perfectly normal."
"Poor child. You can't even bear to buy a new swimsuit."
Hiratsuka Shizuka patted Goto Hitori's head. "When we get back, I'll buy you a few."
"It's not like that..."
Goto Hitori was extremely embarrassed.
It was simply because her social anxiety made her too afraid to enter a swimsuit store.
Whenever a salesgirl enthusiastically greeted her or introduced something to her, she would become so nervous that she could not speak.
"Actually, I think this is pretty good too."
Tsukikawa Shu looked completely unconcerned. "It really brings out an innocent feeling."
"R-really? Hehe..." Goto Hitori scratched her head.
"Mm, I didn't expect Hitori to be so well-endowed either."
Hiratsuka Shizuka also examined Goto Hitori's chest. "With that kind of figure, it would be such a waste not to wear something sexy."
"Sexy... uh, I don't need that. I don't think it suits me..."
Goto Hitori imagined herself wearing a sexy swimsuit.
She did not feel any pride in her chest at all. Instead, she only felt nervousness and embarrassment from the future.
"I think this is fine. Innocent is pretty good too..."
Goto Hitori still scratched her head, looking a little embarrassed.
"Mm, I agree." Tsukikawa Shu said.
"Right? Hehe..." Goto Hitori smiled foolishly.
"So, don't you think you should take some action too?" Tsukikawa Shu looked at her.
"Huh?"
Goto Hitori was still staring blankly.
It was only when Tsukikawa Shu stood up and walked toward her that she gradually understood what he wanted to do.
"Wait... I-I need to go back and get something. Not now... Ah!"
Goto Hitori screamed, but Tsukikawa Shu had already wrapped his arms around her, leaving her no way to escape.
"It's fine, it's fine. I brought some."
Hiratsuka Shizuka covered her mouth, while her other hand held two packets. Smiling brightly, she walked closer.
Before today's activities had even begun, the three of them would probably already be exhausted.
[Time until the Inner World opens: 4:00]
In the spacious hall, everyone had already arrived. The students of Shuchiin Academy chatted and laughed as usual, while the bodyguard players they had each brought stood to one side.
Basically, everyone had hired at least one bodyguard, ranging from level 10 to level 15. Most of them looked powerfully built, and some were clearly former soldiers or thugs.
The Inner World's beginner period was difficult to survive. Only those who were already agile fighters or physically strong could deal with more monsters, gain more experience, and level up faster.
Several maids entered, serving tea and water to the people in the living room while also bringing pastries and fruit.
The Inner World was about to begin, and the Elite Committee had long since made its preparations. They were ready to make a big move within the Inner World and seize resources.
Two burly men stood beside Nita Goichi. One was named Kyuutake Itsuki. His arms were bare, his skin bronze, and tattoos covered his body. He had originally been an underworld thug and was among the best at fighting ruthlessly. After entering the Inner World, he was even more in his element. By hunting players, he had gained a large amount of experience and had now reached level 15.
The other was not as huge, but he wore a military uniform. Nita Goichi had spent a great deal of money to hire him from a notorious mercenary group. He was a retired special forces soldier, with a handgun and military dagger at his waist. His name was Miyamoto Daichoku, and he was also level 15.
For thugs and soldiers, a place like the Inner World naturally gave them an advantage over other players. They were among the fastest to develop, though no one knew how much blood stained their hands.
But Nita Goichi did not care about any of that. On the contrary, these were exactly the kind of people he needed.
His goal was to develop rapidly in the Inner World, including seizing resources and hunting players. Someone too righteous would only make things difficult.
Beyond their levels, what Nita Goichi valued even more was that each of them possessed a Rare Grade weapon and distinctive skills.
Kyuutake Itsuki used a machete. His skill could double both his attack power and speed for ten seconds. His level alone already threatened most players, and after his combat strength doubled through his skill, he was practically unbeatable. He could even kill monsters above his level.
Miyamoto Daichoku had a Rare Grade handgun and a Fine Grade military dagger, giving him an advantage in both ranged shooting and close combat. His skill was an agile movement technique. It could reduce damage from falling from heights, increase his speed, and grant greater shooting accuracy while moving at high speed, making him impossible to guard against when launching surprise attacks.
"I have to say, Shuchiin Academy has plenty of beauties."
Kyuutake Itsuki, who had originally been involved in the underworld, looked at the female students in the hall. He licked his thirsty lips and smiled.
"You'd better restrain yourself. These students aren't people you can touch."
Nita Goichi offered a reminder, then glanced toward the others seated at the far end as he calmly took a sip of coffee.
In his view, there was nothing in this world that money could not solve. If there was, then he would simply double the price!
The same applied to Inner World players. As long as he paid enough, even high-level players would be willing to crawl at his feet.
"I understand, I understand. Everything will be according to the young master's wishes."
Before you continue