Is it Prince-mae Tenmoza?　What the hell are you doing here?

　Yukari seemed to be curious about what I was going to do with Prince, and she was rather bitten.


'He asked me to find someone. I just found him in the Empire, so I thought I'd let you meet him.

Okay. Would you like to see them in the morning?

I hope.

I'll run a few errands for you now.

Thank you.


　Prince was quite serious when he told me at the Eight Crown Memorial Party that he wanted me to meet with Linlin-san when he found her, so I, being a kind person, thought I'd give him a shout right away.

　Well, I have a pretty good idea why he wants to see me again. It's not a very complimentary reason. Rather.

　...... No, that's up to you, too, Linlin. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.

　It's a good thing that you've got a good idea of what you're looking for.



By the way, ...... Raz

"?　What's up, sempai?


　I called out to Raz, who was relaxing on the couch while enjoying a cup of tea after dinner.

　I had been requesting this item for some time in case it would eventually come. I'm sure Raz would have already gotten it.


''The example product (・・・・) is...''

"!　That's right, it's a good one~


　I knew it.

　Raz smiled and pulled out a Palmscam from his inventory. It's a digital video camera, the size of the palm of your hand.


This is it!　Seriously, it's a nice little guy. Where was it?

The Bitter Valley frontier warlord kept it a secret. I asked him all sorts of questions about it and he said he'd let me borrow it for free.

A frontier count is steamy. Well then: ......

Give my regards to the Second Lord, please.


　Now you owe me one, huh? That's scary.

　But that steamroller is a shrewd fellow to keep such an important artifact to himself.



M......?　Lord Second, what the hell is that item?


　As I turned on the Palmscam and wasted no time in crunching the monitor section, Sylvia asked curiously.


'Alright, Sylvia. Then head over here and say something interesting.

Mmm. Is it funny?

'Ohhhhhh, come on!

'What?　What, what, what, what, what are you doing to me?

Cut!


　I got some great shots.


Kyu, you can't just say that on short notice: ......

Don't be so downhearted. It was interesting enough.

What?

Look at this.


　I moved next to Sylvia, fiddled with the Palmscam and played back the recording I had just made.


''--what, what, what, nyani!


　Then the image and audio of Sylvia rolling her eyes and fumbling comes from the Palmscam. Cute.


'Hey!　...... hmmm, what's this?

'Palmscam. Well, that means it's a machine that can take video and watch it.

The video?　Are the pictures moving?

You know the pictures?

Mm, don't be ridiculous. I know the pictures.

It's easy then. That's just taking a super-continuous series of photos and flipping through them super fast.

'I see. ......?　But it's an awesome principle. How can you pack something so complicated into such a small machine?

It's weird. It's just that the microphone Mine used was even stranger.

'Mmm, this Palmscam seems more strange to me than Mike.


　It seems to be so for Sylvia. But it's clear that it's more mysterious to have a microphone that makes the sound bigger without speakers. So I won.


'...... and, by the way, can't you erase the video you just watched?

　As I was basking in the afterglow of my victory, Sylvia asked me that, blushing.

　I guess she was embarrassed because she didn't expect the fumbling to be left on video.


'No.'

"Mr. Second!　I'm asking if I can turn it off or not, and what do you mean you don't want to!

Oh, shoot. I didn't.

'You can turn it off, can't you?　Then turn it off now!

No. I'm leaving her pretty.

Ka, kawaii ......!


　At my surprise, Sylvia's face turns red like a boiled dish. This is what they say about hitting it.



Hey, hey, sempai. And what do you use that for?

　As I was grinning at Sylvia's growing red to her ears, Raz asked me that.

　What is it used for? That's obvious.


'I'll film the game and record it.

I can't help it. ...... By the way, who's in first place?


　Raz asked in a stealthy whisper, as if he already kind of understood it. Quite astute.

　Well, the number of opponents I have to study (...) by keeping a video of their matches is quite limited.


"Ao-san.

You're kidding!　Fifth place!

They call her Miss Ling Ling Ling now.

Here's another pretty name: ......


　Arrogant Gongjiu (Ao Jiaogongjiu). He is the fifth strongest ranker in the world. He is a professional gamer with the highest rate of 2670.

　In this world, you're Mr. Lin Lin ....... No, I think this was an abbreviation for something, but that's okay. He was also reincarnated here as a sub-character and called himself "Linlinlin".

　Linlin-san should currently be living in a log cabin along the coast of the Imperial Capital West, Melson Marvel had told me so.

　There was no way he wouldn't go to see her. And there's no reason not to have a match. Furthermore, there was no way I wouldn't keep track of the match.

　Good thing I got there in time. I should give Raz something to show my appreciation.


Okay, Raz. You can come along for the ride.

'Whoa!　We'll take care of it!


　Oh, yeah. And as an added bonus--


Guys. Stay tuned for the video.

　--I wouldn't let anyone see it.






　The morning after dawn. A handsome man, looking like a scantily clad band member in a leather pants-leather jacket with black hair and purple mesh, sits pompously on the living room couch.

　No doubt about it, it was Prince.

　No, well, that's fine, but it's ...... too early. It's still before breakfast.


"It's ...... early. Let's get a bite to eat anyway.

You're the one who called me in the morning!

　I don't know. It's Yukari.


What's wrong with that? Let's get some food.

Tsk ...... You're still a disgusting bastard, dude.

　I was about to tell him that you're still the one who doesn't seem to be getting enough calcium, and then I stopped. People get mad at you for being so loud in the morning.


'So, what do you want?'

　Prince didn't even look at the delicious looking morning plate Yukari had brought him and told him to hurry up and get to the point.


'You don't have any manners, boy,'

I'm older than you!

　Come to think of it.


"You have no manners, older man.

Shut up!

　Oh, good. That's good, Mr. Prince. That's what Mr. Prince is all about.


　I said in unison with Eco, while ignoring Prince, "I'll take it! and flattened the bacon and eggs with buttered toast in one breath.

'A little rude, Master,'

　The red cat, whose spine was straight, pissed me off with a glance.

　Because I was hungry.


''...... tch.''

　Prince was getting hungry after watching us eat, and he snapped one tongue-lashing before he started eating.

　He put it on his mouth from the steamy consomme soup, did an "achi" and then clicked his tongue for the second time. I wonder if this guy has a habit of tongue-slapping.


''They found Mr. Linlin.''

Boo--?


　Oops, bad timing. I'm sorry.

"Oh, man!　You!　Shit!　You wanted it!

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.


　This is something I've noticed during my trip to the Empire, but I seem to have a habit of wanting to see how people react when I'm in control of a conversation.

　It's probably a bad habit because I'm mixing up the game and conversation.

　No, but who wants to see my reaction?　I have. I especially like Sylvia, Prince and Wright because they sound like drums, cymbals and triangles.


"Tsk. ...... Well, that's fine. So where is Dr. Linlin now?

　Prince wiped his mouth with a rag and asked forward.

　Good~. He's kind of like a detective riding into the enemy's hideout.


'It's the Empire. Yasa's cracked, too.'

...... Tell me so I can understand.

...... I mean we already know where we live.

Wow.

　It's something ...... is not very tight.

　Oh yeah, the Prince guy, I thought he was responsive but couldn't read the air.


"Prince, please keep your shit together.

What?


　You can learn from someone else, but never lose yourself.

　You're a pissed-off, airheaded, self-centered, narcissistic person, and you're the one who can bring out your colors. That color will give you strength at the very end of your life. It's the weapon of choice.

　But you see, no one can teach you that. And you can't let anyone teach you that.

　You'll see Linlin, you'll probably be pestered. You'll be begging for a taste of that sweet honey you had in the past.

　That's not good enough. Just getting the hang of it is not going to do it.

　But if you're willing to lead me to the end, Lin Lin Lin, you can go to ...... and ask for help.


"Well, I'll go ask.

　I do a "feast" with Eco and I then stand up and look out for Raz while I "Demon Summon" Anko.

　Raz seems to be all ready with Palmscam in hand.

　Alright. Then, let's go, Linlin-san--.






"--This is Ling Ling-san's house.


　I arrived very early, probably because I left right after I had my morning meal. Ten o'clock in the morning, to be specific. In some cases, he might still be asleep.

　We were silent for a while, looking up at the magnificent log cabin at the end of the sand barriers along the coast.

　No, to be precise, me and Raz hesitated.

　It was kind of hard to get into. I don't know if it's because we know each other there, or if it's because we're just so-so old friends, or what. There was an awkwardness that felt like a childhood friend I hadn't seen in a while.


''It's here. Ling Ling-sensei eh!　You're in my way!


　...... No, it's quirky, Mr. Prince. I'm not going to say what.

　The front door is unlocked, and Prince gets in without hesitation and shamelessly.

　Okay, it turned out to be saved. Me and Laz and I took a ride and followed Prince into the log cabin.

　There was--.



"Huh? Good, good, good, good!　Do you want to go for a walk, Pao-chan?　Are you going for a walk, Pao-chan?　Cute little Pao-chan!　Good, good, good!　tail waggle, tail waggle, tail waggle!　Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm~!　Mmmm... cute!　That's cute!　Cute!　Cute!　Cute!　Oh, cute: ......



　-- a bespectacled man in ecstasy, rubbing his cheek against a black-haired Labrador retriever and calling him cute and cuddly.




.........................


　Cat people. It's a dog, though.

　I don't remember Ao-san being like this. ......


"Teacher Linlin!　Dr. Linlin!

Oh no!　Leave him alone!


　Prince, the ultimate airhead, charges in.


!!!

　Raz tried desperately to stop us, but alas, Mr. Linlin seems to have noticed us.


'Did you see ..................?'

Perfect.

...... No, no, no.

It's exactly the same: ......


　With my immediate response and Raz's tsk, Linlin-san realized that she couldn't fool me anymore, she said one word, "Sh, excuse me," and ran off to what she thought was the washroom.



''Let's wait. It's our fault.

What?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

'Oh, hey ......'


　We used all our strength to stop the Prince, who was about to go after Linlin-san, and we waited for Linlin-san to recover his mental health.


　It was fifteen minutes later when he returned.



''Miss Linlin. I'm sorry, that was sudden.

It's true. It's unbearable. This guy just flew right into it.

Ew!


　Me and Raz, along with Prince, bow to Mr. Linlin.

　'Trespassing, no, Zettai.


'No, it's fine. It's fine. I don't mind.

　Mr. Linlin seems to have pretended that it didn't happen. Okay, we'll just pretend that it didn't happen.


What can I do for you, by the way?　Mr. Second. Prince is with me.

　As if to distract from the topic, Linlin-san suddenly gets to the heart of the matter.

　Ok ok ok, I'll adjust.


"This guy said he wanted to see Linlin-san again, so I brought him here.

The Prince.

　Linlin-san looked at Prince with a disinterested expression, "Heh.

　Prince faced Linlin-san head-on and suddenly became serious and opened his mouth.


''Miss Linlin,''

I'm not a teacher.

No, he's a teacher to me.

Oh, yeah.


　He is firm and polite, which is unbelievable from the usual Prince.

　On the other hand, Linlin-san's reply is cold. It's as if she's giving Prince a hard time.


''Miss Linlin. Could you teach me the thread manipulation technique again?''


　And I said .......

　Words as expected. Prince begged. He begged Linlin-san.

　"Let me suck that sweet nectar again--" he said.


"Huh?

So I'm going to try my hand at string manipulation again--

I'm kidding. I didn't tell him anything.

'No, you told me!　The torchlight method!　Like a dragon beard!

You asked me to give you an answer, that's all.

!


　............ I knew it.

　Tsundere battle methods and the like are common sense in the Ten Amiza battle. Linlin-san probably had no intention of teaching the Prince the [thread manipulation] at all.


''Well then, ...... I don't know anything about string manipulation anymore.

I don't know.

Huh. ......!


　Aww. You got dumped, Prince.

　Well, I can understand, Linlin. "It's just a bunch of random people trying to get the hang of things, and you think that you'll be one of them, don't you?

　I'm sure Linlin-san has never really taught anyone anything since she came to this world. That's why he doesn't want to teach Prince.

　I've been teaching Sylvia and Eco, and I've come to realize that. They are serious. Hard work is all that matters. Yes, it's a massive learning curve.


Are you done with your errands?　Is it?

　Mr. Linlin seems to want to go for a dog walk as soon as possible, and he tries to cut the story short.

　Well, well, you're going to have to stay with me for a minute.


Just one more case, Miss Linlin.

　As I say this, Linlin-san gives me a "ugh" look and returns her floating hips to her chair.

　I guess she has a bad feeling about it. Too bad, you're right.



''One game with me, please. Just one game, really.

............ ummmm ......


　I get a horribly uncomfortable look on my face.

　No, it can't be helped. I'm asking for it knowing that it's not appreciated.

　It's just that, sorry, but ...... is a good time to pass up this opportunity, and so am I.


I don't know if I'll follow you around if you get rejected.

!


　I whisper in a whisper.


'Mengele!'


　I was desperate, despite Raz's sharp tsking.

　Opportunities like this may not happen very often anymore. I can be desperate.


...... Well, if it's just one game.

'Yes!　Then, if I win, you can make Prince your apprentice.

Aah!

'If I lose, Prince doesn't have to be an apprentice.

Hey!　You!　What's the matter with you?


　At the last minute, I quickly add a new condition. Alright, it's decided beautifully.

　But, unexpectedly, Prince doesn't seem to be convinced. Why?　If I win, you'll be able to become Mr. Linlin's apprentice as you wish, but you don't want to?


"You're no match for Professor Linlin!　Screw you!

...... is....


　Oh, I see. That's what I'm worried about.


"I'll be fine. I thought we'd have a good shot.

Ha.


　As I said that, I heard a small Linlin-san laugh.

　Prince, on the other hand, still doesn't seem to be convinced.


''Fool, you don't know how scary Mr. Linlin is, so that's not ...... No, wait?　Hahaha, I get it. You're really intimidated, aren't you?　Because, you usually are arrogant and irreverent, but you're polite to Miss Linlin!


　On the contrary, he pointed a finger at me as if the mystery was solved.

　It's time to get pissed off when she goes this far, but for some reason I don't know why it doesn't bother me when I'm dealing with Prince. I'm not sure if it's because I know he's that kind of character.


　But ...... Lin Lin seemed to be different.



''It's nice and easy,''

...... Huh?　Me, sir?


　He utters a cold, mocking smile.


'It's nice to take it easy, I said, as long as Mr. Second can think he's human (...) .......

!


　I didn't think you'd take that as a compliment. No, I mean, is that a compliment, in a way?


All right, let's do it. What are the rules?


　And, for some reason, Linlin-san was willing to get laid.

　Nice. Whatever it is, I'm supremely happy.


"A single-player duel with a dueling crown, leaving a mortal wound of 1 HP, with a stun. With ants.

'Manooki?　Oh, I see.


　As I declared the rules, Linlin-san popped his hand.


''Were you turned in the Wraith during the Empire?''

Oh, you're right.

No, at the time, I honestly thought I was going to die: ......

Ha, ha, sorry, hi.


　They chit chat as they equip each other.



'I have no idea what you're talking about, man!

The World War II rules mean that you can use any skill you want. Ants means that you can transform and summon ants. Manuki means that among the summons, spirits are ants and demons are not.


　For the Prince, whose head is a hathena, Raz explained it to me.

　Oh yeah, and one of the three slots of my messenger demon was filled with wraiths, although they were dead. So, for some reason, Linlin-san thought about it when he heard the name Manuki and thought of the possibility of the Wraith and remembered the time we met in the corridor of the Imperial Castle. She wondered if that Seven figure was a Wraith and had been transformed by the Wraith.

　I want to make sure that the world war with the demons and ants will happen again sooner or later, when we are ready for three against three.



"Well, I'm OK.

I'm okay with it.


　...... We're ready for each other.


　Raz is setting up the Palmscam on a tripod and adjusting it to show all of our matches from a distance.

　It's about time. When Raz comes back to press the record button, the match will be started by her referee.



　Well, we're not there yet. Are we there yet? Can't wait.


　Can't wait. Can't wait. I can't wait.




Can't wait. So, we must be thankful to each other--










Beginning.