Having defeated the Arvanck, we decided to return to base for now.

I hadn't felt anything when I left, but entering the barrier felt like sinking into water.

Watching my inexperienced companions react with surprise at the sensation, we re-entered the barrier.

"Wow, Seryon's barrier was amazing!"

While descending from Mashiro, Shouko began looking back on the recent battle.

"...From where we stand, it's impressive that you can command phantoms like that, Shouko. And so is Sojō for being able to use such magic."

"Thank you, Yumezai-san. But this battle was much easier thanks to you.

I think Shouko feels the same way," Shinhou said.

"...Whatever. Then, just praise Takano, who came up with that strategy."

"Mm.

One good deed a day." Don't say it like that. (As in one good deed a day).

"In fact, Sousuke-kun is really good at drawing out the strength of others.

Even though I say I love cooking, if Sousuke-kun didn't prepare various things for me, I couldn't really show what I'm capable of," Shiine chimed in.

"It does seem that way, Master Shiine.

While I had always considered my abilities solely as a means to provide myself with higher-quality service, Master Sousuke has sublimated them into a method of bringing joy to his comrades by combining them with his own abilities," Roa followed up.

"You're right. It was actually Sousuke who showed me that my power could be useful even in gathering."

"I totally get it. I couldn't have imagined getting wool from a summoned sheep either..."

Even Shinhou and Shouko...

Being complimented is a joy no matter how many times it happens, but at the same time, it makes you feel a bit shy.

"……Mm. Me too… I… I think, too, that if it had just been me, I wouldn't have been able to learn 'Stamina Enhancement.' Thank you, Sou-kun."

Chiyu, you're a different breed entirely, huh.

In the first place, that magic is something I only use on me anyway.

"Chiyu, don't force yourself to squeeze it out like that, okay?"

"It's not forcing it. I've known since long ago that you're good at finding the good in people."

With Chiyu speaking in such a serious tone, I have no choice but to accept it.

"I-is that so… Thank you."

Micron also tried to convey something, rubbing its cheek against mine.

“So Sōsuke’s ‘Petting’ skill is pretty high, apparently.”

Sho translated it for me.

"A-haha, really? There, there. Thanks again this morning."

I stroked Micron thoroughly.

After that, we went back inside the house and entered our free time.

Shion and Loa were in the kitchen, Shinfu was studying in her room, Moko was brainstorming her next fluffy idea in the living room, and Chiyu and I were playing games in the living room.

I had assumed Dream Realm would either be by Moko's side or holed up in his room, but it seemed he was sitting on the sofa watching me play my game.

Slightly concerned, I started playing right away.

"This healer has too big of tits."

After progressing a bit and having the healer join the party, Chiyu spoke up.

They were certainly huge, but Chiyu wasn't small herself.

"Could this not serve as a reference for healing magic?"

"It might help. I'll make a note of it. On the side, I'll also learn the spells of big-titted sorceresses to teach Mino-chan."

"That sounds good."

Chiyu had acquired the 'Pain Relief' spell after her first time with me.

In other words, besides a spell's proficiency level, there were also spells unlocked through experience.

I should have realized that at the point I learned 'Stamina Boosting,' though.

Perhaps they are released as needed, or perhaps prior knowledge is useful.

Exposure to games like this can yield practical benefits beyond just fun on this desert island.

"…There, in the right-hand passage. There's a treasure chest."

We immediately descended into the dungeon. Yume-kai muttered softly.

"Oh, thanks."

"…Not like I was doing it for you."

"Do you actually like games, Yume-kai?"

I spoke to Yume-kai without looking away from the screen.

"…I play single-player ones sometimes."

"Oh, I know that feeling. There are a lot of them lately, but honestly, I'm not huge on PvP elements either. It's just hard to handle the moments when you can actually feel the 'human' behind the screen."

"…Yeah. People get annoying whether they win or lose, and the moment they realize you're a girl, their attitude changes. There are so many of them who are just insufferable."

I see, so being a girl comes with its own set of issues.

Of course, there are plenty of people who enjoy things healthily, but it's also true that when competition is involved, many players get heated.

Some people can adapt to that kind of atmosphere, while others simply can't.

"But you're into stuff like 'Kashitsu,' right?"

"Playing with just your close friends is the exception. If it's someone I trust, I can laugh off a bit of trash-talking or insults. Actually, hearing that title made me want to play."

"You bringing anything home today? I'll use my choice right to get an extra controller."

If we go to the bonus area, that's possible too. "Is that okay?" "Yup. Mochi-mochi mochi."

"……That's Megumi's thing, isn't it? The one that never caught on at all in class."

Yume-kyo reacts in a quiet voice.

"It's kinda catching on here now."

"No way……"

"Selenina? Don't say things like 'it didn't catch on.'"

Megumi, who came up with the mofo-mofos, seems to have heard us too and heads over to us.

"Nah, everyone was just letting it slide lightly because you kept bringing it up; I thought you were joking."

"I-It's not like that at all……!"

"Ah—, suddenly saying such weird things… there are people who get away with it and people who don't, right?"

For example, if I said something like "mochi-mochi mochi" in the classroom, the atmosphere would definitely turn awkward.

But when Megumi says it, little laughs break out, a heartwarming vibe settles in, or the conversation just flows on naturally.

This isn't unfairness or anything; I suppose it depends on various factors like the aura the person creates and their relationship with others.

"Yuko is definitely on the side that gets away with it." "Right, right." "What was that? Are you praising me……?"

Shouko's glower turned toward me and Yume-kyou.

"I'm complimenting you. I am. Having someone like you around is exactly why this party has been running so smoothly."

Chiyu, who had proactively championed the harem arrangement in an effort to strengthen the group's cohesion.

Shouko, who used her bright personality to keep the atmosphere lively and leveraged her extensive connections and approachability to seamlessly integrate new members.

Both of them were indispensable parts of the party.

The reason Shion trusted me, and the reason Yume-kyou agreed to the deal, hinged largely on their respective relationships with Shouko.

"H-hmm...? Well, I guess that's fine, then."

Shouko wore an expression that suggested she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

"Besides, something smells good."

Just as Chiyu said, a sweet scent was indeed drifting over to us.

"Snooook... these are cookies!"

Shouko reacted with keen alertness.

"Hehe, fresh from the oven~"

"I shall go fetch Fuka-sama."

Shion came to the living room, and Roa went off to summon Fukami.

I saved my progress, paused the game, and got up from the couch.

"Oh, right. If you'd like, feel free to play on the Yume-kyou console too."

"……I'll take your kind sentiment as a yes, but I'll pass."

It looked for a moment like she was about to waver in her resolve before she declined.

——Ah, so she's still keeping score on favors and debts.

I respect that way of thinking, but it seemed a bit too much out of consideration.

Well, we might not be able to do anything about that until we become a little closer anyway.

"Serina, you have to eat the cookies, okay? Treat them as a snack, same as a meal."

"Mm-hmm. Basic perks for party members."

"That's right. I want you to eat some too."

"……Understood."

"I see. Then gaming time is also considered a basic perk for party members, then."

"No, I acquired it through Kuno's rights."

Hmm, this is quite the tricky one.

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We decided to return to our base after defeating Arvank.

I didn't feel anything when we left, but the barrier gives a sensation like sinking into water when we enter it.

While watching my inexperienced comrades marvel at it, I returned to the barrier.

"Wow, Yorina's barrier was amazing!"

As I came down from the platform, Mashiro reflected on the battle.

"…From my perspective, seeing Shouko with her phantoms and the Four Rods using such magic was pretty impressive too."

"Thanks, Maboroshi. But this time, your help made the battle much easier for us. I think Shouko is impressed by that too," said Shinpo.

"…Oh well. Then you should praise Koji for coming up with that strategy." "Yeah. One 'well done' a day." Don't say it like that.

"Actually, Tsukasa-kun is really good at bringing out the best in people. I say I love cooking, but I can't really do anything without Tsukasa-kun's help," said Shion.

"As Shion-sama said, I too thought my own power was merely for providing better service to my master, but Tsukasa-kun has elevated it to a means of making his companions happy," said Roa.

"Indeed. Tsukasa-kun was the one who showed me how my power could be useful for gathering too."

"I understand. I couldn't even imagine getting wool from sheep-summoning," said Shinpo and Shouko too…

Being praised is always a pleasure, but it also makes me feel embarrassed.

「...Yeah. I... I also think I wouldn't have been able to learn 'Erectile Strength Enhancement' on my own. Thanks to you.」

Senyuu, you're so different from the rest.

To begin with, I'm the only one who uses that magic.

「Senyuu, you don't have to force yourself to say it.」

「I'm not forcing myself. I've known for a long time that you're good at finding the best in people.」

Senyuu said it in a serious tone, so I had no choice but to accept it.

「S-so... Thank you.」

Mikuron rubbed his cheek against mine, trying to convey something.

「Tsukasa, you're good at petting too, apparently.」 The servants translated for me.

「Haha, is that so? Good boy, thank you for this morning.」 I petted Mikuron thoroughly.

Then we went back inside and had some free time.

Shion and Roa were in the kitchen, Shinpo was studying in his room, Shozi was in the living room coming up with ideas for the next fluffy creature, and I was playing games with Chiyu.

I thought that Miko would either be with Shozi or in her room, but she's sitting on the sofa watching me play.

A little curious, I start the game. "This healer has way too big of a chest."

After advancing for a while and getting the healer to join our party, Chiyu says,

Indeed, her chest is huge, but Chiyu isn't exactly small either.

"Maybe her healing spells could be a reference for you?"

"It might be useful. I'll keep that in mind. Also, I'll learn the spells of the busty mage and teach them to Minochan." "That's a good idea."

After our first time together, Chiyu learned the 'Pain Relief' spell.

In other words, there are also spells that can be unlocked through experience, separate from the level of mastery over magic.

Maybe I should have noticed this when I learned 'Energize' though.

Depending on the situation, these spells might unlock, and prior knowledge could be helpful.

Even something as simple as playing a game like this can be beneficial on this desert island, more than just being fun.

「...There's a treasure chest over there, down the right corridor.」

As soon as we started exploring the dungeon, the Dream World muttered. 「Oh, thanks.」 「...It's nothing.」 「Do you like games too?」

I spoke to the Dream World while looking at the screen.

「...Sometimes I play solo games.」

「Ah, I get it. I've been playing less and less lately because I don't like games that involve player versus player elements. It's just too weird to feel like there's a real person on the other side of the screen.」

「...I get it. People tend to get nasty after a win or a loss, and once they find out you're a girl, their attitude changes. It's really annoying.」

I see, so there are such issues when you're a girl.

Of course, many people enjoy games in a healthy way, but it's also true that a lot of people get heated up when there's a competitive element involved.

Some people can fit in with that kind of atmosphere, while others can't.

「But I do like 'Persimmon Iron' and stuff.」

「But when I play with friends, it's different. When you're with people you know, you can laugh off a little trash talk and insults. In fact, I'm starting to want to play it now that I've heard the title.」

「Want to take it home today? I can use my selection power to get you an extra controller.」

Going to the bonus area makes that possible. "Is that okay?" "Of course. Of course, of course."

"...That's from Shouko, isn't it? The one that never caught on in the classroom." Musubi responded in a low voice.

"It's kind of catching on here." "You're kidding..."

"Hey, Seirina? Don't say it didn't catch on."

Shouko, who had been working on the fluffiness, heard this and came over.

"No, everyone just kind of brushed it off because you said it, and thought it was weird."

"T-That's not true..."

"Ah, there are people who can get away with saying strange things and those who can't."

For example, if I said something like 'Of course, of course' in the classroom, it would definitely create an odd atmosphere.

When Shouko says it, it creates small laughter, a sweet atmosphere, and the conversation continues.

This isn't unreasonable; it's probably related to the atmosphere the person creates, the relationship with others, and various other factors.

"Shouko is definitely on the side that can get away with it." "Exactly." "What's that, you're praising me...?"

Shouzi's stern gaze is directed at me and the dream world.

"I'm praising you, praising you. Thanks to Shouzi being here, this party is running smoothly."

Thousand Heals tried to strengthen the party's cohesion by promoting the harem.

With her bright personality, Shouzi lifts the party's spirits and with her wide network and easygoing nature, she skillfully integrates new members.

Both of them are indispensable to the party.

Shion letting her guard down around me and Dream World agreeing to the trade also have a lot to do with Shouzi's relationships.

"Huh, huh...? Well, I guess that's fine."

Shouzi's face shows she's not entirely displeased.

"By the way, I smell something good."

As Thousand Heals said, a sweet aroma has indeed wafted over.

"Sniff sniff... This is cookies!" Shouzi reacts quickly. "Hehe, they're fresh out of the oven."

"I will summon Master Shinpo."

Shion came into the living room, and Roa went to call Deep Law.

I saved the game and paused it, then stood up.

“Oh, right. If you want, you can play the game too, in the dream world.”

“…I’ll take that to heart.”

I felt like she was wavering for a moment, but she declined.

––Ah, she’s thinking about borrowing again, huh.

I want to respect her way of thinking, but it feels like she’s being too cautious.

Well, maybe I can’t do anything about it until we get closer.

“Sera, you have to eat the cookies. They’re treated the same as dinner.”

“Mm. Basic treatment for party members.”

“That’s right. I’d like you to eat too.” “…Okay.”

“I see. So playing games is also basic treatment for party members.”

「No, that was something I got through the rights I acquired.」 Umm, it's quite difficult.

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