The deal with the guys is progressing smoothly.
First, Chiyu’s 『Serene』 calms their spirits.
This was the biggest hurdle, so clearing it made a huge difference.
Next comes Professor Luminas’ persuasion.
Even if they’ve calmed down, the way they accept information differs depending on whether it comes from a classmate or a teacher.
This part worked effectively as well.
Finally, there’s the impact of seeing the actual goods.
I provide the items I generate.
It is now our tenth day of life on this desert island.
Fruit has been added to the recent supply, putting an end to the fear of starvation, but for those accustomed to the conveniences of modern Japanese life, survival remains brutally harsh no matter how simple it is made.
A sturdy shelter, even if basic; seasonings familiar from Japan; meat and fish; bedding, change of clothes, and soap.
Being able to regain a semblance of normal living was a genuine salvation for them.
During the first incident, seeing how enraged the guys became made me think they were beyond reason, incapable of being allies. But once their minds are settled and I demonstrate tangible benefits, communication is possible.
They seem like viable trading partners.
Shion’s ability has confirmed that no lies were told regarding the terms of the deal.
Well, setting the shack aside, most of what we provide are consumables. If they betray us, the supply chain snaps. There’s no benefit in turning on us. “Um. Things are going smoothly.”
Following the first trio, there was a pair, and two individuals acting alone. In total, I successfully persuaded seven people.
Including myself, there are seventeen males in all. That leaves nine remaining.
“I seriously think things would have been way tougher without Chiiru-chan’s magic.”
“Mm-hmm. Honestly, those glazed-over eyes before the magic hit were scary as hell.”
“Right. But it’s been a real eye-opener to see how a person can become like a completely different entity depending on their mental state. If we hadn’t been able to reunite with Sou-suke, maybe we would have ended up just like that too.”
If I was going to say that, I might have gone feral myself if I didn’t have the ‘Craft’ ability.
I’d like to believe I wouldn’t prey on the girls no matter how ragged my spirit got.
Anyway, the deals are going smoothly.
Dialogue with a person who’s losing it is tough, but it’s a different story if that person can keep their head.
And since Chiiru’s magic handles calming them down, there’s no greater blessing than that.
“Looking at Kuno-kun’s party makes me feel like I’m misjudging things, but island life without support is inherently brutal. It’s probably unavoidable for one’s spirit to wear thin.”
Sensei Luminus said it with a sad look on her face.
But she quickly added, looking somewhat flustered, “No, I don’t mean to say your lives have been easy, just— that we’ve had it better, I suppose.”
“Ahhh, I get what you mean. It was tough for us in our own ways too, but compared to others, things did go smoothly, no doubt about it.”
“Mm. So-san kept chopping down trees until his hands were a mess.”
“You could pull off such reckless stuff because it all gets mended by Chiyu’s magic.”
The childhood friends reminisced about that first day.
It felt like a distant event now.
“Sou-suke accepted Shii-chan and me right away too…!”
“Heh, yeah. We even got to take a bath on the very first day. We really were blessed that we could meet Sou-suke.”
Shouko barged into the conversation with a bit of force.
Shion likely understood what was happening and decided to go along with it.
“W-well, I was saved when I was being chased by a boar.”
Even Fushou…?
“I’m the one who’s been helped in all sorts of ways by everyone. Having ‘Crafting’ is convenient, but it isn’t a catch-all solution for everything.”
Treatment and enhancement; mobility and securing materials like wool; discernment of truth and culinary skills; gathering materials, magic combat, and vast knowledge.
The first four alone have been a tremendous help to me.
「Tateno-kun has gained remarkable abilities, yet he does not become arrogant with them. Instead, he helps those around him and trusts in their strength, which is truly admirable.”
Professor Luminous wrapped up her thoughts there, and the girls nodded in agreement.
It seemed to be one of those days where compliments kept flowing, but since it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling, I suppose it was fine.
“For today, let’s stick with just one more group.”
As fast as Mashiro might be, this desert island was vast.
Finding seven people in a single day was already an impressive feat.
The final pair for the day consisted of two male students.
“Ah…”
Shinhou let out a small cry.
Looking closely, it turned out to be the same guys who had targeted Shinhou before.
She had encountered them during the first event and had memorized their faces and names.
The two initially shrieked in terror and tried to flee, but Sennyu’s magic soothed them into calmness.
Facing her again, their faces pale as ghosts, they bowed deeply to Shinhou in apology.
Shinhou looked troubled at the joint apology from both of them.
It was said that these two caused trouble for Fuhou on their very first day.
While shock might be expected, it’s too early for one’s spirit to fracture.
Being thrust into such an unusual situation and immediately succumbing to a fit of madness is how the story goes.
The teacher had heard Fuhou’s account as well, so she wore a troubled expression, wondering what was to be done.
She couldn’t bring herself to say, “Just forgive them.”
”… Since Sumphou-san and the others have accepted things as they are. Setting aside whether it’s forgivable or not, there’s no issue with dealing with them again if they promise to change their behavior from here on out.”
Hearing Fuhou’s words, Chiyu, Momoko, and Shiine squeezed close to her in support.
The teacher’s eyes glistened as she choked up, murmuring, “How wonderful… how noble…”
“Hmm… But I guess a sense of unease still lingers, doesn’t it?”
We all noticed that Fuhou occasionally remembered this incident.
I think there is an aspect to situations like this where they leave a bad taste because they are memories of being one-sidedly subjected to something.
It’s like how reconciling after a mutual fight leaves no lingering resentment, but reconciling after being beaten up by one side leaves the victim carrying a persistent sense of unease.
“Sousuke-san, I am…”
Looking at Chiiru, an idea struck me.
“Ah, right. Tell me honestly—do you really feel sorry for Fukami?”
Glancing at the two of them, they nodded vigorously.
I turned my gaze to Shiun, but it seemed there was no lie in their intent to apologize.
“Good. Then let’s get back at him before we forgive.”
“Huh?”
“I’m going to shoot you with magic. Since Chiiru is here, I can heal you instantly. In other words, it’ll only hurt for a split second.”
“W-wait, that kind of…”
“Please, do it, Sojo-senpai!” “Actually, we’d be grateful if you did the same to us…”
The pair seemed eager to comply. They must have been genuinely regretting what happened.
Taken aback by the sudden shift in direction, the teacher looked completely bewildered.
“I don’t think it’s healthy for the one who was troubled to just forgive and forget.”
I said, looking at Fukanoo.
“Guh… I-I mean, if Sojusuke says so…”
After hesitating, Fukami eventually unleashed Stone Shards upon the two of them.
He seemed careful to avoid hitting the pair in the head, but countless pebbles battered them.
“Gyaaah…!” “Owww…”
The two collapsed to the ground, rolling around in agony.
“Since they scared Shinhou that badly, this is their punishment. I can accept this as just deserts.”
Shinhou looked apologetically at the suffering duo, but then she placed a hand on her chest, looking puzzled.
“I thought revenge was wrong… but it feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest.”
Seeing Shinhou’s somewhat relieved expression, I felt reassured too.
From now on, the chances of Shinhou remembering these two would drop drastically.
“Since both parties are satisfied, it might not be for the teacher to interfere… Besides, with no school or police right now, there’s no authority to decide on disciplinary measures… Ugh, education is difficult…”
The teacher held his head in his hands.
”…Also, Chiiyuri, it’s about time you healed them.”
I had planned for her to heal them immediately, but Chiiyuri stood there, glaring down at the two in pain.
“Not yet. It’s still not enough punishment for tormenting Minotchi until today.”
Chiiyuri seemed quite angry as well.
“Chiyu-san… I’m fine now, so it’s okay.”
At Shinfu’s words, Chiyu reluctantly healed the two of them.
Once healed, the pair apologized to Shinfu again.
Shinfu accepted their apologies.
Then, Teacher Luminous proposed a deal, and naturally, the duo didn’t refuse.
Having secured deals with nine men in a single day, we headed back to our base.
On the way back, I looked at Mashiro’s back.
Shinfu, who was riding behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist and squeezed tightly.
“Thank you for getting angry for me…”
The words were barely a whisper, murmured softly.
I didn’t really respond, but I gently placed my hand over Shinfu’s where it rested on my waist.
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