Chapter 4: Imprudent
IF the true power of SLGs lies in the collective weight of nations, then the true power of RPGs lies in the individual might of heroes.
In a corner of the Dark Continent south of Dragontan, Yu cut a Hill Giant roaming the land in half as easily as if he’d swatted a fly. Then he waved at Takuto as though it had taken no effort at all. Feeling a little put off by Yu’s cheerful behavior, Takuto raised his hand lightly in response.
We’re exterminating Barbarians under the pretext of demonstrating our strength to each other, but…he’s even more of a monster than I was expecting. Hiding his admiration for the Hero’s skills, Takuto settled his gaze on Yu leisurely strolling toward him.
This wasn’t even the “real” Takuto. It was his Botchling body double. His actual body was chilling back in his Palace, calmly watching events unfold from the comfort of the Accursed Lands. An alliance was no reason for Takuto to let his guard down around someone. And so, Takuto dispatched his remotely controlled Botchling body double to all engagements with Yu. His obsessive-compulsive level of caution was only natural given everything he had experienced.
“And that’s my current power level. No matter how many stray monsters come my way, I can easily wipe the floor with them!”
“A-Amazeballs! You’re the awesomest, Master!”
Hero Yu defeats his enemies, and the slave girl lavishes him with excessive praise. Just how many times had Takuto been forced to bear witness to that? At least he was able to determine that Player Yu Kamimiyadera possessed combat abilities far beyond measure.
“It’s definitely beyond what I’d imagined,” Takuto remarked. “You could insta-kill anything on the Four Generals’ level. I can see why you were able to defeat the Demon Lord when you took him by surprise.”
We’d need a solid strategy for one of the Hero units to take him on, Takuto realized. Shouldn’t expect any less from a Hero—or a Player.
They weren’t enemies at the moment, but that could change at any point. Yu would be a formidable opponent if they did eventually cross swords—one who would require ample strategizing to defeat. That said, he wasn’t without his weaknesses.
“Yeah, but strength alone doesn’t make me invincible. There’s one real big problem I can’t overcome,” Yu confessed.
“Sheer numbers…” Takuto supplied.
To be superior individually also means to be inferior in numbers. If you change the battlefield, individual units can easily be overwhelmed. Actual war rarely comes down to fair one-on-one battles.
Yu seemed to understand that very well.
“Yup,” Yu nodded. “You see, Heroes are overpowered monsters when it comes to small groups, but it’s a losing battle when they come at you in large numbers. I can look out for myself and one other person, but it’s impossible to protect more than that. Author power makes it all work out in the stories, but my powers are based squarely on the game mechanics. This is where RPG mechanics really come back to bite you.”
“Not even a Hero can fight twenty-four seven. That’s a fact you can’t reverse.”
“You need to eat and bathe. And sleep is a must, obviously. And when it comes to numbers, if they attack you in endless waves, you’ll end up losing your mind before you give out physically.”
The Hero was strapped for cash—or to be more specific, he was struggling with the practical side of living in this world without backing. Takuto speculated that to be one of Yu’s greatest weaknesses.
Unlike starting as a nation like Mynoghra, the RPG Hero has a weak foundation for his day-to-day life. It didn’t matter how ridiculously powerful he was if he didn’t have logistical support. And that was why he reached out to Mynoghra first. Takuto had determined that was one of Yu’s motives for this alliance.
Mynoghra would offer numbers and logistics, and he would offer his individual strength. It felt a bit like Mynoghra was giving more than it was getting, but Takuto viewed it as a necessary expense for his future plans.
“Uh-huh! That’s right! I want Master to live a more peaceful life! I’m personally fine as long as I have Master by my side…”
“Thanks. As long as I have you…I’m happy too!”
“You’re so wonderful, Master…”
Although Takuto had only known him for a short time, he felt like he’d come to understand Yu’s character quite well. If he had to define him, he’d say he was honest, honorable, possessed a strong sense of justice, and the type to naturally draw people to him. If they were in school together, Yu would definitely be nominated class president, and if someone were being bullied, he’d protect that kid and go straight to confronting and condemning the bully. He was the poster child for that type.
And yet, for all that, he wasn’t a stick in the mud, had a soft spot for the ladies, and was also kind of a smooth talker. Takuto had the strong impression Yu must’ve been popular in his past life, but he’d feel inferior if it was true, so he didn’t dare ask about it.
In any case, Yu’s full attention seemed to be on the OC slave girl, who was the archetype for guileless innocence and lived for her master.
Takuto seriously related to Yu coming to this world with someone he adored. It was one of the reasons why he decided to ally with Yu, but he was too embarrassed to admit it.
“Flirting in public! How scandalous! PDA is wrong, I say! Don’t you agree, King Takuto?! Relationships between men and women must be wholesome!”
“I-I suppose they should, Atou. Yeah, you’re right!”