"We want to recruit you. Lend your strength to our clan and fight the Lycaon without limit."
Saiga-100's words hit like a bolt from the blue, stunning both Pepper and Pencilgon as if a bucket had been dropped on their heads.
"…Huh? Saiga-100-san, do you realize what you're saying?" Pencilgon asked, her voice sharp.
"I understand perfectly," Saiga-100 replied. "He's proven himself against the Lycaon and reached Thirdrema. Most importantly, he's unaffiliated with any clan. Why wouldn't I recruit him?"
The situation was spiraling, and both Pencilgon and Pepper felt the heat. The stakes they held were too massive to reveal—disclosure would only fuel chaos.
First, the unique quest rewards: only Pepper could access and share the Lock-On Breaker Secret Manual for crafting and evolving the unique weapon. If Wolfshwarz learned of it, mass production could skyrocket their power.
For Pepper, the unique scenario granted access to Rabbits, its facilities, and an Enhance Trading Company membership card, giving him an edge over typical players in item variety—a treasure trove for any clan like Wolfshwarz.
Most critically, Pepper knew of the Gravekeeper Wezaemon, a unique monster kept secret by the PK clan Ashurakai. For Pencilgon, this was the biggest issue. She'd kill Pepper herself before letting that info reach Saiga-100 or any other player.
Wezaemon's mere existence was Ashurakai's focus, not just defeating it. To Pencilgon, this was an unbearable truth—and the oath to shatter it.
That's why, facing her friend Saiga-100, who sought to claim Pepper for her clan, Pencilgon—Amane—stood firm, refusing to yield her resolve or Azusa.
"Sorry, Momo-chan," Pencilgon said, her voice low. "Even if you're my best friend, I won't budge this time. Pepper-kun won't join Wolfshwarz."
"Calling me that in-game is taboo," Saiga-100 shot back. "But it's rare to see you get emotional, Amane. You're really attached to him, huh?"
"Not really!" Pencilgon teased. "I just don't want my fun little Pepper-kun slipping away. And I really don't like the idea of him being near someone I know!"
What was this conversation? Pencilgon was being her usual complicated, troublesome self, while Saiga-100 spoke as if she knew her well. Pepper couldn't find an opening to interject.
"Ultimately, Pepper-kun should decide," Saiga-100 said, tossing the ball into his court.
And there it was—the explosive pass. With Pencilgon watching, Pepper couldn't share Wezaemon's info after their deal. The consequences of betrayal were unthinkable.
"The recruitment offer… it's honestly flattering," Pepper said. "But for now, I can't."
Saiga-100 frowned at his vague response. He'd claimed Pencilgon got him into Shangri-La Frontier, but she had no way to verify it. To probe his intentions, she asked, "Pepper-kun, is Pencilgon a 'respected senior' to you?"
"Nope, not at all," Pepper replied instantly.
"Oi, Pepper-kun!?" Pencilgon yelped. "At least pretend to agree!"
Grinning inwardly, Pepper seized the chance to get even with Pencilgon. If Saiga-100 knew her, he'd pile on the pressure. "Pencilgon thrives on others' misery—a heartless fiend. She'll push someone into a trap they helped dig, laughing as they fall.
Once, while I was drinking soda, she scared me with a Namahage mask, cackling as I choked.
Worse, she reset a game I'd fully completed—collectibles and all—by hitting 'New Game' right in front of me. Honestly, I've got zero good memories with her."
Memories rolled like dice—terrible ones. Pencilgon looked ready to pounce, while Saiga-100 reached to restrain her.
"But," Pepper said, locking eyes with Pencilgon, then turning to Saiga-100, "her actions always have conviction. For a single moment—to see that expression—she'll never skimp on effort or preparation.
She uses everything at her disposal, plans meticulously, and even burns through her own money for that one instant."
He hated to admit it, but Azusa's defiance of unwinnable game events—using every weapon and item—owed something to Amane's influence. He really hated admitting it.
What he meant was clear.
"I made a promise with Amane to play Shangri-La Frontier. Until I fulfill it, I can't join Wolfshwarz. If you still want me after that, I'll consider negotiating then.
So… I'm sorry."
He bowed, declining the offer.
He wanted to witness Amane's plan to defeat the Gravekeeper Wezaemon with his own eyes. He had no regrets about this choice.
"Hahaha!" Saiga-100 laughed, a sound of genuine acceptance. "Fair enough! Your clear rejection actually leaves me in a good mood!"
"And you're quite the player, Pepper-kun," she added, smirking.
"What's that mean?" he asked.
"Oh, my bad. My clan's waiting, so I'll take my leave. I'll cover the tab—take your time here."
With a cool, dignified air, Saiga-100 paid the barkeep and left The Serpent's Apple.
"Phew… I'm exhausted," Pepper groaned as her footsteps faded. The tension crashed over him like a wave. As he sank into his chair, Pencilgon suddenly lunged, wrapping him in a tight hug.
"Oi!? Pencilgon, what's—?"
Her arms circled his back, leaving him flustered. A faint whisper reached his ear.
"…Do it."
"What?" he asked.
"…Hug me," she murmured, her voice small.
Why was she asking for a hug now? And why was the barkeep staring, making it even more embarrassing?
"What's gotten into you?"
"…You idiot, A-kun," she mumbled, face buried in his chest. "You didn't have to tear into me that hard…"
Her usual bravado was gone. Guilt hit Pepper—maybe he'd gone overboard. Still, she'd done plenty to deserve it. Getting a little payback felt good… or so he thought.
"Hug me, or I won't forgive you… and I won't let go."
Her trembling body told him she was genuinely hurt. Amane, the scheming devil, was still human. Even labeled a fiend or mastermind, she had emotions.
"…Sorry," he said.
"Pat my head," she whispered. "If you don't… I won't forgive you."
"Alright, I'm sorry," he said, patting her head.
"When we're alone, call me Towa," she added. "Or I won't forgive you, A-kun."
"Sorry… Towa."
"…Forgiven."
"Thanks, Towa."
"…Yeah."
The Serpent's Apple grew quiet, with only Pepper and Pencilgon embracing, Aitoil hidden in his cloak, and the barkeep watching from the counter. The moment lingered for a few minutes.
For Pepper, this whirlwind day—facing Wolfshwarz's recruitment and asserting his resolve—ended with a glimpse of an unexpected side of Pencilgon.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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