Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

“So, long story short, we’ll be teaming up with a B-rank adventurer party to do some investigating.”

After returning home from the meeting with Gret and the others, I immediately shared the day’s updates with Noru and the group. Estel, however, put a hand to her cheek, looking a little troubled. Hmm? Did something catch her attention?

“Teaming up, huh? It was one thing with Deus since we already knew him, but I’m a little uneasy about partnering with a party we’ve just met.”

“How exactly were they like, then?”

Even with Sisya’s approval, I get why Estel and the others would be nervous about suddenly working alongside strangers. Up to now, we’d only collaborated with people like Deus or Grin.

“Well, the leader, a lady, seemed polite enough, but one of the guys…yeah. Still, Sisya gave me the green light, so it should be fine, right?”

“The man was a bit rough around the edges, but I don’t think he’s a bad person.”

“Well, if Sisya thinks it’s okay, it probably is.”

“Indeed. An adventurer needs that level of spirit, after all. It’s been a while since my own skills have itched for a workout.”

Just what was she planning on doing with those skills? Seems like Mars made the right call, backing down under Sisya’s intimidating aura.

“So, how do you think their strength measures up?”

“They seemed capable for B-ranks. From the looks of it, I’d say the woman uses a sword, while the man likely relies on martial arts.”

“Neither of them had any weapons, yet you could tell all that?”

“A person’s movement tells a lot. You should work on observing more closely, Ookura-san, so you can do the same.”

Since it was a meeting, neither side brought gear. But the fact that Sisya could deduce their combat styles just by watching how they moved… She really does see right through people. It’s impressive, but also a little terrifying.

A martial artist, huh? Thinking back on it, that outfit does make sense. Sisya has her own martial-arts style, but I wonder how this world’s martial artists compare. If they’re anything like GC’s fighters, they might be capable of firing off energy strikes from a distance or closing in with moves that look like teleportation. And that means—

“Oh, so Sisya’s all about throwing punches and kicks, but is that guy maybe even stronger than her?” Estel asked.

“Hah! You jest, Estel-san. Sisya Alvi doesn’t lose to anyone! The only ones who could give me trouble are Ookura-san, Noru-san, Estel-san, Runa-san, and Freesia-san!”

“Isn’t that…a lot of people? And I’m in there too?”

“Well, sure, if it’s hand-to-hand, I can win, but if you have weapons, it’s no contest. Excalibar is just plain unfair, and then there’s your crazy armor. It’s a bit much, you know? That gear and your strength just seem…wrong.”

“Ookura-dono’s equipment is outstanding, to be sure. But not just the gear—he’s also been gaining skill, so I can’t exactly slack off anymore either, de arimasu.”

I didn’t realize Noru’s view of me had risen so much. I mean, sure, I’ve improved a bit, but…could I really take on Sisya, gear or no gear? I can’t quite imagine it going that well.

“Well, anyway, we shouldn’t have any problems. If there’s anything to worry about, it’ll be when we’re on-site.”

“Hopefully, we won’t end up facing a small army of Diabolos like at the shrine…”

“If it comes to that, we’ll have to pull out the Gacha items or bring in Freesia and Runa. Then, we can just use forgetfulness potions afterward to wipe their memories.”

“I know it can’t be helped, but it feels a bit shady to drug someone and erase their memories.”

I don’t expect a fight like what we had at the shrine, but there’s always the chance. Moving with others comes with risks, and I won’t be able to act as freely as usual if they’re around. If they find out things they shouldn’t, I guess we’ll have to use those forgetfulness potions. Just a little nap, and then… Okay, maybe that *is* starting to sound shady.

Just as the conversation wound down, footsteps thundered from the back of the house, and Freesia burst through the door, carrying Runa under her arm.

“Hey, hey! I heard my name just now!”

“Guh, let go, you useless elf!”

“Ow, ow, ow! Runa-chan, don’t bite!”

With tears in her eyes from Runa’s biting, Freesia continued making a ruckus. She’s as noisy as ever. It seems she was playing in Runa’s room and came out when she heard her name. It’s good she’s getting along with not only Noru but also Runa…even if she does get bitten now and then.

“Actually, you’re here just in time. We’ll be away for a while on another request, so we’ll need you to hold down the fort.”

“What? You’re all leaving *again*? No fair!”

“We’re not exactly going off for fun…”

She makes it sound like it’s some fun outing. We’re going for work, though. I had assumed Freesia would stay behind with Runa, as usual, but she was far more insistent than before.

“I don’t want to stay behind again! If that’s how it is, then I want to be an adventurer too!”

“Well, um, that’s a bit…”

“I *will*! I will, I will, I will! Ookura, please let me!”

She started bouncing up and down, making a whole-body protest. Yikes, she’s not going to settle down easily this time… I wonder if Noru could talk her out of it. But to my surprise, Noru seemed to be thinking in the opposite direction.

“Hm, it does feel a bit unfair, making her wait indoors all the time. Isn’t it about time we let her explore outside, de arimasu?”

“Really? I can go outside?”

“Are you sure? Isn’t it risky letting her roam without supervision?”

Freesia brightened up, but when she heard Estel’s concern, her mood dimmed again. Then Estel suddenly clapped her hands as if she’d had a revelation.

“Oh, wait a minute! Runa can go with her.”

“Ugh, what are you saying? Why should I have to tag along with her? She’s loud enough to drive anyone crazy.”

“Please, Runa-chan! We were just playing together, remember?”

“You came barging into my room uninvited,” Runa huffed, folding her arms and looking away, while Freesia clung to her leg with teary eyes. They’d warmed up to each other, but leaving the house together was a different story. Taking Freesia out means watching her constantly to make sure she doesn’t cause trouble… Runa might not cave this time. I was ready to give up on the idea, but then Sisya stepped in.

“Runa-san, would you please consider it? Even if it’s just for a short while?”

“Mm, with Sisya asking too… fine, fine. I’ll go with her for a little while.”

“Really? Thank you, Runa-chan! Sisya, thanks so much too!”

“But don’t overdo it. If you cling to me or don’t follow my instructions, the deal’s off. Got it?”

“Got it! I’ll be the best, most obedient Freesia ever!”

Wow, Runa actually agreed—and with conditions, too! If things go well, we might finally solve both Runa’s reclusiveness and Freesia’s craving for adventure. Fingers crossed, we’ll do our best on this investigation.

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**Author Notes:**

  Thank you for reading as always!

  Just a quick note about the book edition—I forgot to mention it in my last update. You can access a bonus short story by completing the survey linked at the back of the volume. This bonus is titled *Sisya’s Frenzy.* I’d be thrilled if you’d give it a read!

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