The Extra's Harem In Dead End Game
Chapter 97 - 97: Lake Aria

The thought of firing off arrows in a flurry of excitement is a total farewell.

"Phew, so that's why you said to use it in times of crisis," I said, barely able to pull myself together.

"Yes, for you. This body can fire thousands of shots a day with concentrated fire, but isn't your limit only two shots a day?"

"… I am truly happy to have such a great senior."

"Yeah, be happy as you please."

She says things like that with such pure joy that the conversation feels a bit strange when I'm with her. There's nothing particularly bad about it. Anyway, now I have two shots.

This is something to remember because it was information that was needed for the archery evaluation right away and could be life-threatening at important times.

"By the way, I have something to say."

"What is it?"

"I just want to spend more time learning archery for the time being." This is my intention, but the instructor's intention is most important. If she doesn't like it, it's just over.

"Why are you doing that?"

"Because the archery test is just around the corner."

"Aha, archery evaluation."

Hiresia looked at me with a face that seemed to indicate that she understood.

"Now that I think about it, you must be nervous."

"… What does that mean?"

"This body doesn't care at all." It would be weird if you cared about being the best shooter out of all the students in the academy. To be honest, I'm curious as to whether it's 1st or 2nd place in the game world.

"… Yes, yes, I'm worried, so please teach me more."

"It's annoying."

"What kind of meat have you had so far?"

"Ugh."

Still, Hiresia flinches, wondering if she has a conscience. But in the end, she doesn't give her approval right away.

"But you can't do it with bare hands."

"You want me to buy you meat again?"

"I didn't say that!"

It seems like there's something else she wants.

"Then what is it?"

"Assignment."

"Yes?"

"If you help me with my homework, I'll do you a favor."

"Assignment?"

When I tilted my head, a window popped up before my eyes.

[A surprise quest has occurred.]

<High Elf Wanting Help with Homework>

- A high elf is facing a somewhat difficult task and asks for your help. Maybe something good will happen if you help her?

'What is this?' I looked dumbfounded. A surprise quest? Wasn't that something that didn't come up often? But this is already the second time for her. It's not like it's some kind of honey pot that brings up a surprise quest.

And what's with that odd phrase? Something good might happen? Are you telling me to do it or not?

"What are you going to do?" Hiresia urged for an answer.

"Well... let's do it," I responded.

After all, to get what I initially wanted, I had to help. Plus, a sudden quest I had never seen before popped up, so there was only one choice.

'This is completely unknown territory.' Especially the relationship with Hiresia. Choosing an untried play must be causing these phenomena to unfold.

"Ha ha, then that's settled." Hiresia chuckled. "Come out by Lake Aria by 10 a.m. tomorrow."

Tomorrow is Sunday. Since there are no classes, there shouldn't be a problem coming out by 10 a.m.

But why Lake Aria? I was going to ask, but Hiresia changed the subject.

"Then pick up the bow again, there's an evaluation and I'll have to be even stricter."

"Yes, yes."

And so the archery training began again.

---

Does 10 a.m. mean she wants to have lunch together, too?

Thinking so, I prepared a lunchbox. A luxury lunchbox filled with meat dishes. Of course, I didn't make it myself. I had Dolph go out and buy it. I stuffed it carelessly into my backpack and headed out to Lake Aria.

Lake Aria was a lake located to the west of the academy. It wasn't big, but it was a beautiful lake with a nice view. It wasn't too far, so it was easily within walking distance from the academy.

I came out of the west gate and walked along the forest path. The forest path was quiet. Since the only luxury the academy students could afford on a holiday was sleeping in, there weren't many people around in the morning, neither on campus nor in the vicinity.

"...I want to sleep in, too." I let out a short sigh. Becoming an extra meant I didn't have time to indulge in such luxuries.

Every day was just a series of busyness. But even so, it wouldn't be bad to take a break and relax at times like this.

How long did I walk? I could see Lake Aria. Hiresia was already there by the lake. A high elf who was unusually punctual about time. Ah... is that suspicious?

Correcting myself, I approached Hiresia.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just arrived."

It was a cliché phrase, but when she said it, it was true.

"Oh? Is that a canvas?" I noticed the canvas Hiresia was holding. In her other hand, she held a small basket containing a water bottle, paints, brushes, charcoal, and a palette.

There was no need for an answer. She intended to paint. It seemed like an art assignment.

"Yes. I'm going to paint a little."

"Aha, a landscape painting?"

"Yes. I have a spot in mind."

With that, Hiresia turned her back as if to tell me to follow her. I followed her. The place she arrived at had a quaint little pier. Several small rowboats were placed there.

"Are you planning to go into the lake?"

"Yes, that is the plan. Do you see any problem with that?"

"No, there's no problem, but... Senior, do you know how to swim?" I asked knowingly.

Normally, elves are familiar with water and swim well. But high elves, who live only in a closed space called the Forgotten Forest, seem to be rather distant from water. Hiresia was also terrible at swimming.

Yet she came to such a place on her own? I couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"I don't! Is that a problem?"

Hiresia seemed offended that I had poked at a sore spot and made a sulky face.

"No, just in case an unexpected situation arises..."

"If you steer the boat properly, there should be no problem."

It meant she had brought me along as a rower.

But why me, of all people?

"Why me? Is it because I am an outcast?"

"An outcast, you say, yet you manage to say things you can't normally say."

She understood the term 'outcast' well. Anyway, as she said, she was obviously the popular girl.

"Then why me?"

"It would be rude to ask them."

So, asking me meant she didn't feel particularly sorry. Should I be happy or not?

It means she feels comfortable enough with me, which is good, but it also means she sees me as an easy mark, which feels like being taken advantage of.

"We had a deal, didn't we? That's what I mean."

It made sense when she said it, but I felt she would have approached me even if I hadn't asked her to increase my training time.

"Ah, I see."