“Shinpo, how did it go?”

“Yeah, I got the drop.”

A murmur ripples through the crowd.

After the giant slime’s defeat.

I was about ninety-nine percent sure that’s what would happen, but with Shinpo securing the subjugation reward, it was official.

It was confirmed: quest complete for the 『Acid Echo Slime』.

“Nice one!”

With this, we’ve acquired one 『Memory Inheritance』.

If it functions like the 『Return Privilege』, I’d assume it can only be transferred for free if we end up with duplicates.

When it comes to drops from subjugation rewards, members who are strong in combat usually have a higher chance of getting them.

I should probably double-check the mysterious blackboard just to be safe about that.

“It wasn’t just my power. This is thanks to all of you.”

It’s not just humility; she genuinely believes it.

Very Shinpo.

“Shion’s going to be jealous,” I noted.

Serina spoke up, the corners of her mouth twitching upward in what seemed like her version of a joke.

“Mm. Shio-chan was especially keen on inheriting memories.”

Chiyu played along.

Honestly, she might be envious, but I don’t think she’d actually feel jealous.

It would probably make them even happier to know that 'Memory Inheritance' was actually something they could acquire.

"A, ah... um, Kuno has..."

Mugen-gaku raised his voice with difficulty as we were chatting naturally.

"What's wrong, Mugen-gaku?"

"It's not about what's wrong, but... is Kuno okay?"

"Yeah... I'm fine, I guess."

Pointed out by Mugen-gaku, I found myself facing a fact I had been consciously trying to ignore.

We were still at the place where we had fought the slime.

And currently, I was being held on by three of Momo's clones.

One on my back, and the other two clinging to my arms, like that.

It looked like a picture of one guy getting in trouble with triplets, but they were all the same person.

The scent, the voice, the softness—it was all exactly the same.

As a normal young man, I couldn't help but get my heart racing.

"Sōsuke-kun, do you hate it?" "It's not like that, right?" "After all, you came to help Momo with your whole heart, risking your one and only life."

Momo and the others cling to me like this, refusing to let go.

At first, I tried to resist gently, but even though they were girls, it was hard to break free from the grasp of three people working together.

I couldn't just use brute force.

What might surprise Genchu is that Setsuna and Chiyu aren't angry about it.

Fukumitsu’s face is slightly flushed, but she isn't angry either.

"If you were just messing with Sōsuke for fun, it would be annoying, but since you're serious, I suppose we can't help it."

"Mm. Once you've discovered that guy's charms, you're definitely a prime candidate for his harem."

"Y-yes. Having feelings for Sōsuke isn't something that should be denied."

My thoughts tend to drift toward Chiyu’s generosity of spirit, but it is all her romantic partners who are accepting of the harem setup.

"All three of you are so nice."

The three Momos beam with joy.

"Oh my, you've all become utterly smitten with Kano-kun."

Inui smiled lightly with a chuckle, but after having just watched her so worriedly over Momo’s condition, it was her current demeanor that truly seemed endearing.

"Ne-ne, poor thing. She just can’t understand Sou-suke’s charm."

Momo wore an expression that was half smug and half pitying.

"Heh heh, who knows?"

Inui didn’t let her composed smile falter. She likely had plenty of experience dealing with Momo’s antics.

Besides, did Momo really have a crush on me...?

It wasn’t that I was doubting or suspecting anything.

Momo was a girl who chased the joy of being acknowledged by others without ever knowing what it meant to be in love.

So she acted in ways that drew boys’ hearts toward her, yet if they confessed, she would turn them down, and never felt any guilt about it.

Even with me, she was simply looking for help to get the spotlight on her cuteness again; there were no romantic feelings involved.

And yet here we were now.

So my being confused was hardly unreasonable.

"I’m not exactly taking Momo’s side, but I think she’s serious about it."

As if reading my thoughts, Serina spoke up.

In the sense that I pulled them from the brink of death, Momo and Yurina are in the same boat.

Perhaps that is why Yurina understands how Momo feels.

"Indeed.

Besides, it's a joy for me as well," Inui chimed in, following Yurina's lead.

Previously, she had hoped that Momo would find someone truly unique to her.

It seemed she believed that if affirmation came from just that one person, the need to seek validation from the many would cease to exist...
"Why are you so happy, Nene?"
"Because she's a dear childhood friend."
"...Huh. I guess it's fine."

Momo dismissed it with a shrug of boredom, though it was clearly a brush-off to hide her embarrassment.

"If you keep clinging to that Souseki of yours like that, yet try to play the siren and seduce guys like you used to, I'll seal you in a barrier."

"Mm. My harem operates on pure love principles."

"I won't! Souseki-kun is my one true love!"

"...That's all well and good, but it's nearing lunchtime. I think we should discuss whether to continue exploring or return to base."

Fukaho attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Promptly, the three Momos' stomachs growled in unison.

「……Shion is probably making lunch, so let's head back. We can look into the 'Red-Black Arvank' again this afternoon.'

「Y-es! I'll let Ryouka know then~」

Momo's stomach growled loudly.

Looking flustered, she replied in a bright voice. 「Please do!」

As for us, we used the walkie-talkies to contact Shion.

Since the Seiō party was already aware that our group could obtain items through special means, there was no point in trying to hide it now.

By the way, only ten people, including me, are allowed to enter the bonus area.

If we kept adding party members, we could technically bring in up to '41 points' of goods per day, but apparently that isn't permitted.

That the limit imposed by the Mysterious Blackboard was "until 10 o'clock" of a single day.

"Alright then, let's head home."

"Can I ride behind you on the way back?"

"No, get on that side."

"Mm. This is the priority seat for lovers."

"Mmm~"

Momo puffed out her cheeks at Selenne and Chiyu's comments, but unlike before, she didn't come back with a retort.

「I know〜. We can just cuddle up later anyway」

She said that and headed toward the fluffy Grifon, Highrow.

"Sou-kun."

Just as I was about to head home on the micron, Chigyu called out to me.

"What's up?"

"Mino is in first place for today's combat achievements."

"Oh, yeah... isn't she?"

That seemed accurate enough, but I couldn't figure out what point she was trying to make.

"It's necessary for workers who have worked hard to receive a reward. It becomes the driving force for them to do their best next time."

"...Ah, I see. You're right, Chigyu."

Like getting praised or having something bought for you when you got a hundred points on a test.

Whether or not there is a reward for success definitely has a huge impact on maintaining motivation.

I nodded and approached Fukaho.

"Fukaho, good work."

"Thank you. Mr. Sousuke, you worked hard too... More importantly, are you sure your injury is okay?"

Half of me had been stuck in the slime, and my body had been exposed to acid as well.

Fukaho was worrying about that for me.

"It's all healed up now. So, you really gave it your all this time, right? If there's anything I can do for you, please tell me."

「N-no, it's nothing. It's only natural for us to work together, isn't it?」

「Even if it's a given, I'm grateful to you. Or rather... is there something you need me to do for you?」

It might have been a bit of a pushy way to put it, but I felt that was necessary to coax a request out of Ka-hou, who was so reserved.

「U-uh... well, then... umm...」

After pausing for a moment, Ka-hou leaned in close to my ear and said in a coquettish voice.

「I want to spend some time alone with you doing our magic 'training' again.」

"Training" was a code word we had agreed upon between ourselves, a phrase used when we wanted to be alone together and do whatever we pleased.

"…I-I'm flattered, but I'd be more than happy to."

"I'm glad."

Ka-hou smiled with genuine joy, which made me feel happy too.

Realizing my face was heating up, I mounted Micron once more.

Having defeated two unique individuals, we all returned to our base camp together.

My schedule for the latter half of April is a complete disaster, so my update pace has been thrown off!

Sorry! This is the update for the 20th.

Also, thanks to all of you, it has been decided that a second printing will be released for Volume 1 in book form!

I am very happy to see that so many people are reading the physical books.

If you haven't started yet, I would greatly appreciate your support as Volume 2 is scheduled to be released in May!

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「Deep, how about you?” “Yeah, I got it.” The crowd murmured in surprise. After defeating the giant slime.

I thought there was only a ten percent chance of it, but since Deep got the reward, it’s confirmed.

Once again, the ‘Acidic Echo Slime’ has been defeated. “Nice job!”

This means I’ve acquired one ‘Memory Inheritance’.

If it’s the same as the ‘Return Right’, it should be possible to transfer it for free in case of duplication.

If it’s obtained as a reward for defeating the monster, those who are skilled in battle will have a higher chance of getting it.

I should check the mystery blackboard again just to make sure.

“It wasn’t just my strength. This is thanks to everyone.”

She’s being modest or maybe she really thinks that way. That’s Deep. “Shion will be jealous, right?”

Sei said, with the corner of her mouth slightly raised, it’s probably her way of joking.

“Yeah, Shion really wanted to inherit the memories.” Chiyu also agreed.

Honestly, she might be jealous, but she wouldn’t be envious.

Rather, wouldn't you be happy to know that 'Memory Inheritance' is actually obtainable?

"Ah, um, well, Koyo is..."

As we were chatting naturally, Genju raised his voice uncomfortably. "What's wrong, Genju...?"

"I'm not sure what's wrong, but is Koyo okay...?"

"Ah... I'm fine, but..."

Genju pointed it out, and I had to face the fact that I had been consciously trying not to think about it.

We were still at the place where we had fought the slime.

And now, I was--being held by three of Mom's clones.

One was on my back, and the other two were on my arms.

It looked like I was trifurcating triplets, but they were all the same person.

Their scent, their voice, their softness were all the same.

As a healthy man, it made my heart race.

「Sousuke-kun, do you not like it?」「That can't be, right?」「You came to help Momos with all your might with the only life you have.」

Momos and the others stick to me like this.

At first, I tried to resist gently, but it's hard to break free when three girls gang up on me.

I can't force them either.

What's surprising to Genjuu is that Sera and Chiyu are not angry about this.

Deepo is blushing slightly, but she's not angry either.

「If you're just playing around with Sousuke, it's annoying, but if you're serious, there's nothing to be done about it.」

「Yeah. If you know Sousuke's charm, you're a worthy candidate for a harem.」

「Y-Yeah, I guess. Having feelings for Sousuke isn't something to be denied.」

While I tend to focus on Chiyu's depth of character, all of her lovers accept the harem.

The three Momos are looking happy.

「Oh my, you've become completely captivated by Kono-kun.」

Shikashi smiled while chuckling, but since I had just seen her worrying about Momo, her behavior was rather endearing.

"Nene, poor thing. You don't seem to understand Saou-kun's charm."

Momo made a smug face mixed with a pitying one. "Hehe, I wonder."

Shikashi didn't falter in her confident smile. She must be used to dealing with Momo.

Or rather, did Momo really... like me?

No, I wasn't doubting it or anything.

Momo was a child who sought the joy of being acknowledged by others, without knowing what love was.

So while she acted in a way that made the boys direct their hearts toward her, she would reject their confessions without feeling guilty about it.

She was probably just looking for help to make her cuteness popular again, and had no romantic feelings toward me. That was the extent of her change.

It wasn't hard for me to be confused.

"I'm not on Momo's side or anything, but I really do think she means it."

Seirina said, as if reading my mind.

That's why Momo and Serina are similar in that I saved them both from a life-threatening situation.

Because of that, Serina might understand Momo's feelings.

"True. And it's also a happy thing for me." Inugai follows Serina.

She had previously hoped that someone unique would be found for Momo.

It seemed she thought that if she were satisfied with just one person's approval, she wouldn't need to be attached to the approval of many... "Why is Nene happy about it?" "She's my important childhood friend." "......Hmm. Well, whatever."

Momo says it indifferently, but it's probably just her way of hiding her embarrassment.

「You, if you keep being all over Sou-kun like that and then start flattering the guys again like you used to, I’ll lock you in the barrier, okay?」

「Mm. Our harem is pure love.」

「I won’t! I’m only interested in Sōsuke!」

「…That’s good, but it’s getting close to lunchtime. I think we should talk about whether we should continue exploring or go back.」

Deep Ho tried to change the subject.

Then, the three Momo’s simultaneously let out a rumbling stomach.

「...Shion should be making lunch, so let's head back for now. We'll look for the 'Red and Black Arvanc' again in the afternoon.」

「Y-Yes. I'll let Ryouka know.」

Momo, blushing but still speaking cheerfully, said, "I'm hungry." 「Please do.」

We used our radios to contact Shion.

Since the Clear Phoenix party already knew that our party could obtain items through special means, we had no intention of hiding it from them.

By the way, only ten people, including myself, can enter the bonus area.

If we keep adding more party members, we could theoretically bring in up to 41 points worth of items in a day, but it seems that's not allowed.

The mystery blackboard had set the limit at 10 points a day. 「Alright, let's head back.」

「Can I ride behind you, Souta-kun?」 「No, you ride.」 「Hm. This is the couple's seat.」 「Mmm...」

Momo puffed out her cheeks at Sei and Senkai's comments, but didn't bite back as she used to.

「It's okay. We can cuddle later.」

Saying that, she headed toward the fluffy griffin, Hirow. 「Souchan.」

Alright, I was about to get back on the Micron when Senyuu called out to me. "What's up?"

"The top contributor of today's battle is Mino-chan." "Oh, right..."

I agree, but I'm not sure what she's getting at.

"Children who work hard deserve rewards. That's what motivates them to try even harder next time."

"...Yeah, I see. You're right, Senyuu."

When you get a hundred points on a test, you get praised or something bought for you.

Whether or not there's a reward for success does indeed have a big impact on motivation.

I nodded and approached Shinpo. "Shinpo, you did great."

"Thank you. You too, Souzou. ...By the way, are you all right now?"

Half of my body had been pierced by the slime, and my body had been exposed to acid.

Shinpo was worried about that.

"I'm all healed up. And you really did a lot for me this time. So if there's anything I can do for you, let me know."

「N-no, it's just common sense to work together, right?」

「It's common sense, but I'm still grateful. Or, do you need something from me?」

It might have sounded a bit mean, but I felt that this was necessary to get what I wanted out of Shinfu.

「U-uh... Well, um...」

After a brief pause, Shinfu leaned in close to my ear and whispered in a pleading voice.

「I want to do some 'training' together, just the two of us.」

Training was a code word between Shinfu and me, something we used when we wanted to be alone together.

「...If that's what you want, of course.」 「I'm so happy.」

Shinfu's genuine smile made me feel happy too.

I was aware of my face heating up as I mounted Mikron.

After defeating the two unique individuals, we all returned to the base.

I've been struggling with my April schedule and my update pace has been off!

Sorry! This is the update for the 20th.

Also, thanks to everyone, the first volume of the book has been reprinted!

I'm very happy that so many people have read the book.

If you're still waiting, I hope you'll support the second volume, which will come out in May!

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