"Don't try that."
Asagiri remained unmoved in the face of Kotoko's words, which sounded more like a confession than a negotiation.
"Not to mention love at first sight—even if you put on a reverse bunny suit and pole-danced in front of me, I still wouldn't trust you or agree to some so-called 'cooperation' just like that."
"How heartless."
Kotoko pouted, then propped her cheek up with one hand and let out a lilting chuckle.
"But I quite like your cold, condescending, and ever-so-slightly sadistic demeanor~"
At that, Asuna's expression grew complicated. She hadn't expected this dungeon—populated by only five players—to house not just two reckless fools but now also two eccentric prodigies.
This girl, Kotoko, looked every bit the part of a refined noblewoman. So why did her way of speaking feel just as abstract and unpredictable as Asagiri's?
"Um...Miss Iwanaga."
Asuna gave a small cough to redirect the spiraling conversation.
"To be honest, neither of us can trust you. And I imagine you don't fully trust us either. Let's be clear—even if we were to form a so-called alliance right now, it would be nothing more than empty words. Without trust, we'd just spend the whole time watching our backs. In that case, wouldn't it be better to act separately?"
"I see...Well, since we're being honest, I won't hide it anymore."
Kotoko smiled and turned to face Asagiri.
"I want to team up with you—and, of course, your companion as well. Not just for this dungeon, but for a long-term partnership. What do you say?"
As Kotoko casually treated herself like a bonus accessory in this negotiation, Asuna frowned, clearly displeased.
"You're not seriously trying to team up with us just because of some childish crush on him, are you?"
"Of course not. That may be a factor, but it's not the deciding one."
Kotoko responded calmly and began to explain:
"You two solved the dungeon's central mystery in under an hour. The other two Players said their hint was, 'Absolutely do not attempt to fight the Banshee.' But you not only fought it—you captured it for interrogation. That alone proves your strength is far beyond the average Player's."
"More importantly, when I suggested killing the two Players possessed by the spirits, neither of you objected. In fact, you proposed using them as bait to scout ahead. That shows you're not soft-hearted saints, nor are you paralyzed by indecision. If you were, I wouldn't have even considered teaming up."
"Of course, you might think it suspicious that a solo Player like me would so eagerly seek out allies. But I have my own difficulties—ones that should become clear when you see this."
With that, Kotoko took out her phone, opened the familiar app with the eye icon, and placed it on the table without hesitation.
"This…"
Asuna blinked, surprised. A Player's personal panel was considered extremely private—it contained everything from real name and level to talents, skills, items, and equipment. And Kotoko had just shown hers openly?
Curious, Asuna leaned in to read the screen.
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[Player Name: Kotoko]
[Physical Fitness: Frail]
(Above-average human fitness, but with a prosthetic left leg, overall performance is limited)
[Player Level: Formal]
[Exclusive Talent: Goddess of Wisdom]
Goddess of Wisdom: Spirit enemies with rational thinking (e.g., Banshees, ghosts, demons) will not initiate attacks. Allows aura and spirit trace detection. Immune to all mental attacks from such beings. Spiritual-type skills are enhanced.
[Negative Effects]: Cannot learn non-spiritual skills or passives. Cannot use most weapons or armor. Physical exhaustion disables skill use. Can only unlock spiritual-type professions.
[Profession: Unlocked]
[Equipment: Mask of the Masquerade, Princess's Staff]
Mask of the Masquerade: Ornate and elegant, but made of ordinary material.
Princess's Staff: Crafted by spiritual beings for Kotoko. Composition is unknown, and extremely durable. Increases mental energy recovery.
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"This…"
Seeing Asuna's reaction, Kotoko offered a gentle smile.
"Now you understand. Without unlocking a profession, I have no combat ability. Even if I could fight, my talent prevents me from equipping most weapons and armor. Combined with my disability, I'm no front-line fighter."
"In this dungeon, my exclusive talent is indeed powerful. But if the next dungeon doesn't involve strangeness, my strengths vanish—and all that's left are my limitations."
"That's why I need teammates."
Kotoko turned her gaze toward Asagiri, clearly aware that the final decision rested with him, not Asuna.
"So, what do you think? I'm a Player with serious weaknesses who can't operate alone—but I have excellent personal abilities, a compatible mindset, high utility in spirit-related dungeons, and no incentive to betray you. Wouldn't that make me the ideal teammate?"
"That's true," Asagiri said with a nod. Then he glanced at Asuna and added with a grin:
"In my opinion, Kotoko's not a bad choice at all. How about we recruit her into our strategy team? Together, we'll conquer dungeons and chase glory. What do you say, my consort?"
"W–Who's your consort! Don't spout nonsense!"
Asuna turned bright red, quickly snapping back. But after a moment, she sighed in resignation.
"Honestly, that sounded like something straight out of Water Margin, but...fine. Since you've already made the call, I won't object. You are the leader, after all."
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