World Item (Part 2)

After laughing for a while, the three of them began to examine the information on the remaining items.

"World Item: Eternal Seal."

"Can seal the activation effect of one spell or item. Even the effects of World Items can be sealed, but this item cannot be used again unless the seal is broken."

"Cooldown: None."

"This item is a bit of a dud. I'd say it's mediocre; it doesn't have much value."

Herohero looked at the description before him, thought for a moment, and said with some hesitation.

You have to realize that a World Item holder inherently carries a buff that prevents them from being affected by the effects of other World Items. This makes the primary effect of this item less useful than a passive ability.

It could only be described as the most useless World Item.

"I wouldn't say that. At the very least, it can be used on someone who doesn't possess a World Item, sealing the effects of World Items they might be targeted by. It could still be useful in a pinch."

Naiyuan countered. Although it seemed useless—even less effective than a passive—it might still play an unexpected role at a critical moment.

"I actually think this item is quite strong. If someone were to activate a World Item with a wide range or one that covers the entire world, we could use this item's effect to prevent its activation. That's actually quite good."

Momonga watched the two of them express their differing views. This item was indeed lackluster against World Items activated by a single person, but it was quite decent against World Items that required multiple users.

"Thinking about it that way, you're right. If someone were to activate a World Item like Ragnarok, we could at least stop them from triggering it."

Herohero and Naiyuan thought it over. Although the probability was low, it was good to have a contingency plan in case it ever actually happened.

"As expected of our guild master, Momonga. You really do think far ahead."

Herohero praised him. He and Naiyuan had only considered one aspect, while Momonga had looked much further ahead than they had.

"Herohero, I'm really not that impressive."

Hearing the praise, Momonga felt a bit embarrassed and rubbed his smooth skull as he spoke.

"Since Little Hero has already said so, Momonga, you shouldn't keep brushing it off."

Watching Momonga claim he was just average while the amusement in his voice was impossible to hide, Naiyuan helplessly patted his spine and said.

"Since Naiyuan has put it that way, then fine."

"Momonga has really become a lot more cheerful. Is it because of Naiyuan?"

Looking at the two in front of him, Herohero asked with some curiosity.

Momonga's personality had been fine before, but he hadn't been like this. The only thing that could have possibly caused such a change in him was Naiyuan, who spent so much time with him.

"Mm, though sometimes things happen that give me a headache, that is."

Momonga nodded, then sighed with a headache as he looked at the carefree Naiyuan before him. Seeing the man acting as if nothing had happened during their previous conversation, he couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Listen to me, little Herohero, this guy Momonga looks indifferent, but he's actually just a total tsundere."

Naiyuan looked at Herohero with a beaming smile as he brought up the topic of Momonga. With his worries gone, he felt completely free to act as he pleased.

"Naiyuan, you guy!"

Watching Naiyuan whispering about him to Herohero, Momonga found himself helpless against him. Or perhaps, he felt a bit of relief; the more the other acted this way, the more it meant he had abandoned the idea of suicide, which allowed Momonga to set his mind at ease.

All that was left was to help him pay off his loans and find a job. He just wasn't sure if the company was still hiring. He would treat the department manager to a meal tomorrow and ask.

Momonga lowered his head and began to think about tomorrow's dinner.

"Hey Momonga, it's time to look at the next item. Don't space out."

Naiyuan, having finished his conversation with Herohero, paused when he saw Momonga lost in thought. A mischievous grin appeared on his face. Under the amused gaze of Herohero, he slowly moved toward Momonga's ear, turned the system volume to the maximum, and shouted loudly at him.

"AH!!"

The massive sound caused Momonga, who was deep in thought, to snap back to reality instantly, and he let out a startled cry.

"Naiyuan, you're so mean. Momonga was really scared."

Herohero, standing beside them, chuckled, his slime body trembling slightly. It was clear he was in a good mood.

"Little Herohero, aren't you just as twisted? Otherwise, you wouldn't have just stood there watching."

Naiyuan rolled his eyes at the pitch-black slime in front of him; their personalities were two of a kind.

"You two... whew! I'll let it slide this time, but I won't let you off next time."

Momonga finally recovered and sent an emote (Anger) at the two laughing men in front of him.

Naiyuan and Herohero just smiled and said nothing. The other's words held no threat; after all this time, they knew his personality inside and out. If he were the type to get angry so easily, he wouldn't be Momonga.

"Alright, alright, hurry up and show the item to Herohero. I'm planning on taking everyone to the Throne Room for a stroll later."

Naiyuan smiled, patted Momonga and Herohero, and pulled them to his side.

"That's fine, but this next item is a bit special. You could say it's the strongest World Item!"

Hearing that they were going to the Throne Room later, Momonga calmed down and began to examine the next item. After all, there wasn't much time left.

"World Item: Ring of Eternal Snakes."

"Allows the user to make one request to the game's operating officials, or choose to replicate the effect of one World Item."

"It will automatically disappear after use and randomly reappear in some corner of the world."

A short, simple introduction, yet one that was impossible to ignore.

"To think it would be this item. I remember our guild was once locked down by an enemy guild using this very thing. The effect is truly powerful."

Herohero looked at the item with some surprise. He was no stranger to it; after all, their rival guild had once used it to seal off the world where Nazarick was located for an entire month, successfully seizing their mines in the process.

It had originally vanished into some corner of the Nine Worlds, so he never expected it to end up in Nazarick. It was truly a twist of fate.

"Yeah, to be honest, I didn't expect it either. I was just out farming materials like any other day, and I happened to pick up a World Item."

Naiyuan sighed helplessly, but the curve of his lips betrayed his act. His entire demeanor seemed to be screaming, "Hurry up and praise me," "Aren't I amazing," and "I'm just that good!"

"Er, although it sounds a bit different, it is true that Naiyuan-san accidentally picked it up while out hunting monsters."

Momonga looked at the smug Naiyuan, feeling a bit speechless, but he still explained it to Herohero.

At the time, he had been envious of his good luck for quite a while. Why couldn't it have been me who found it?

Momonga felt a bit helpless. Was this the difference between a lucky player and a cursed one?

"So it's actually true? Your luck is as good as ever, Naiyuan."

Herohero was somewhat astonished. He had originally thought Naiyuan was joking—after all, who could find a World Item so easily? Did he think this was a novel?

As it turned out, it really was just picked up. Herohero fell silent.

He lifted his head to glance at Momonga, who was looking back at him at the same time. The gazes of the two cursed players met, and then they both lowered their heads again.

Was I the clown all along?