Chapter 6
Tetora: W–we lost... total annihilation...
Koga: And my total victory. I’m feelin’ pretty damn good about gettin’ my revenge for this morning!
Tsukasa: Gh...
Koga: What’s with that look, you pissed off?
If you wanna get your revenge, I’ll take you on any time. I’ll never say no to tearin’ you apart. Anyway, see ya!
Shinobu: Ngh... had he not cast Confusion on me... I’m so sorry for dragging everyone down!
Tsukasa: Shinobu-kun, please raise your head. If a team loses, it’s everyone’s loss. There is no one person at fault.
Tetora: For sure. It’s also my fault for not being able to take him down before I bit it, even though Suou-kun was using Protection on me. I shoulda strengthened my character better.
Tsukasa: Ohh, how vexing... Only vengeance will get this terrible aftertaste out of my mouth.
Shinobu: Yea, I feel the same way. We cannot let it end like this!
Tetora: Ossu. But it’s gonna happen again if we don’t figure out some kinda actual strategy.
Tsukasa: ...The more foes a berserker faces, the stronger he becomes.
I have fought only against the AI, but I’ve been able to vanquish him in a one-V-one up to this point. So I might be able to win if I solo him.
However. Even if I do that, it will not be our retribution. No matter how thorny our path, we must face him as a team. But a good strategy...
...Ah—I apologize! It seems I, of all people, have forgotten about Hajime-kun.
Tetora: Ah, right. Sorry ‘bout leaving you to do the setup all on your own.
Hajime: No, it’s fine. It was really cool to watch you guys fighting.
But honestly... it was a bit scary.
Having to fight all while thinking about things like protecting someone, and such... I wonder if I could even do that.
Tsukasa: I had hopes that we might make this enjoyable for you, but... I’m sorry you had to bear witness to our failure.
In truth, RoseKnights is meant to be a game where you can play at your own pace.
Hajime: No, I think I just happened to see the scary side of it. It didn’t make me dislike all of it, and I’d still like to play.
From the way you talked about RoseKnights, I can tell it’s a really fun game.
Shinobu: Shino-dono...
Hajime: And besides. I got frustrated, too, when you guys lost. I’m just a beginner, so I might not have much power, but.
...I’m going to join the Blue Roses. And we’ll take down lonely_wolf all together.
Tsukasa: Yes, definitely. I vow this upon the crest of the Blue Rose!
Tetora: Aaall right, now you just gotta pick your class. Which one are you gonna be, Hajime-kun?
Hajime: Fufu. I’ve actually already decided ♪ ...Boop ☆
Shinobu: Ooh, a priest?
Hajime: You said that priests can heal, so I thought that might be useful... What do you think?
Tsukasa: I think it’s an admirable selection. Now we just need to raise your level... Oh, it seems that our lunch period is almost over.
Let’s part for now, then meet up again after school.
After school
Tetora: Sengoku-kun, Suou-kun. Ossu ossu ☆
Shinobu: Ossu ossu~ It’s time for our much-anticipated “leveling up” ♪
Hajime: Umm. Is it okay if I just collect items and kill monsters?
Tsukasa: Yes. You’ll earn EXP every time you vanquish a monster.
Let’s first go around school collecting items and exterminating the monsters. If we raise your level high enough, shall we venture outside of academy as well?
Shinobu: This would be an easy way for a beginner to get stronger.
Hajime: Thank you. I’m sorry you have to hold my hand through this.
Tetora: It’s cool. It’s not all just for you either, Hajime-kun. I wanna get stronger myself so I can have that rematch. So let’s get jacked up together!
Shinobu: Ah—please wait a moment, Tetora-kun!
Umm. Open the item menu, then go to friends... boop, boop—
Okay, I have just sent thee an item that doubles thy EXP. Please make use of it.
Tetora: Ooh, thanks. But is it really cool if I use it?
Shinobu: That item can only be used as a gift, so it had been collecting dust within mine item menu. In short, I’m just happy I was able to gift it to someone...☆
Tsukasa: I see, that’s a brilliant idea. Then I will gift Hajime-kun my own item... There you go.
New players automatically receive double EXP for a while. So by using this, you will earn four times the EXP ♪
I know of a route within school that lets us collect items efficiently, so allow me to guide you. Now then, onward we go ♪
Hajime: ...Wow, I leveled up again already ♪ Umm, I think I learned some new magic. This “Fire” skill is an offensive spell, right?
Tsukasa: Right. Not only does it whittle down the opponent’s HP, but it also inflicts the status effect Burn. It is one of the most powerful skills you can learn early game.
As you raise your level, you’ll be able to learn more arcane spells.
Hajime: Status effects? Arcane spells? Umm... that’s...?
Tetora: Your face says you don’t understand a thing. You’re a decently high level right now, so why not try your hand at a match?
Shinobu: Then I shall be thine opponent! Tetora-kun and Suou-dono are so strong that they may kill you in a single blow.
All right, Shino-dono. It matters not whence thou attackest. Thou must simply challenge thyself... ♪