Regarding the Matter of Beautiful Girls Relentlessly Seeking My Body (Experience Points)
“Please, it’s just coarse tea.”
“No, no, don’t worry about it~”
“Alfort’s delicious”
After Yura-chan fainted, we all came to my room to settle down for now. By the way, Yura-chan was carried on Tenkazaki-san’s back and laid down on the bed.
The fact that all members of the explosively popular idol group “Diver” are in my room would probably make fans jealous enough to die from anger.
“Wow. The average facial deviation value in this room is so high that just breathing the air makes me feel like I have heartburn.”
Tenkazaki-san gave a bitter smile after hearing my unintended muttering.
“I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or an insult~”
“Rin, you don’t have that much fat.”
“Ah, sorry. My honest opinion slipped out unintentionally… By the way, could you tell me what happened?”
Himi-san was eating lots of snacks, so I brought more and joined them at the table.
Looking at these three, while they’re all beautiful girls, each has a different type of beauty. Yura-chan is pure and innocent, Tenkazaki-san is a gentle older sister type, and Himi-san is an expressionless mysterious type. It’s a lineup that leaves no gaps for various fetishes. It’s no wonder their popularity is exploding.
“Well, Yurarin started acting strange about two months ago, right after the end-of-year special programs and drama shoots when she was extremely busy.”
“Whoa, is that referring to when I accidentally rejected a call by mistake?”
“Even though she was always feeling down, she was still her normal self up until then. Things changed when she dived into the dungeon a month ago. She was hunting and leveling up as usual on the 200th floor when she was attacked by a group of ‘Wandering Wisps’.”
“I don’t know much about it, but what kind of creature is ‘Wandering Wisp’?”
“To put it simply, they’re ghosts. Some monsters who die with regrets in the dungeon turn into ‘Wandering Wisps,’ which are nasty creatures that nest in human hearts. When the possessed person’s heart weakens, they pop up and harm those around them. That’s what ‘Wandering Wisps’ are. Remember how Yurarin sometimes had no light in her eyes? That was proof of possession.”
“No light in her eyes… Now that you mention it, I did notice that sometimes.”
I thought Yura-chan had turned into a yandere, but it seems that wasn’t the case. Thank goodness.
“The behavior of someone possessed by a ‘Wandering Wisp’ changes depending on what kind of monster it was before becoming a ghost. Yurarin was definitely…”
“Is it a succubus?”
Considering Yura-chan’s demeanor, I’m sure it was the ghost of a succubus that possessed her.
“Nope~. Could it be, Super Experience Value-kun, that you were only doing lewd things with Yurarin?”
Tenkazaki-san looked at me and then at Yura-chan with an exasperated expression.
“Oh, was I wrong? No, it’s not like that… Also, my name is Musara Takuya. What is this ‘Super Experience Value-kun’?”
I feel like I said something really embarrassing and might have hurt Yura-chan’s dignity, but I’ll try not to dwell on it.
“The one that possessed Yurarin was definitely a Hellhound.”
“Hellhound?”
“A large black dog-like monster. Their personality is quite violent. The fact that you’re alive probably means that Yurarin wasn’t completely possessed. You got lucky. If a Hellhound had appeared, it might’ve bitten your neck and killed you~?”
“My neck…”
I shuddered at the memory. The frequent feeling of being stared at my neck and Yura-chan always biting my neck. Maybe the ‘Wandering Wisp’ of the Hellhound had appeared.
Fortunately, thanks to my experience value, Yura-chan lost consciousness the moment she touched my neck. Maybe I was about to be eaten. Of course, I mean that in a feeding sense. Though I guess it felt like I might’ve been eaten in a sexual sense too.
“I understand the situation now. We’ve also managed to exorcise Yura-chan’s ‘Wandering Wisp,’ so when she wakes up, she should be back to her normal self, right?”
It’s a bit sad, but it seems Yura-chan’s stay here will end. There are many fans worried about her, and she can’t stop her idol activities forever.
I look at Yura-chan sleeping soundly on my bed. So cute. This might be the last time I see this sleeping face.
“By the way, Musara-kun…”
“Hmm? Is something wrong?”
“W-Would you give us some experience points too?”
“Huh?”
I reflexively asked Tenkazaki-san to repeat herself. She was fidgeting with her pink hair, looking embarrassed. Her breasts are huge.
“W-Well, you see. We’re Idola Divers, right? We usually dive into dungeons together to level up and do idol activities, but if only Yurarin’s level was high, people would get suspicious, right? They’d say she’s earning experience points through romantic relationships instead of hunting. That would be fatal for an idol, right?”
“Eh, well, I guess that makes sense?”
“It does! So we need to get experience points too, to keep the level difference between us and Yurarin minimal! This is for Yurarin’s sake! You know, it’s a scary time with all the online slander and such!”
Tenkazaki-san was desperately pleading with me. While it seemed like she just wanted experience points, her reasoning made sense. There was trouble with leveling up issues with Aina before too. With idols, it’s understandable that fans would be more sensitive than with video streamers.
“I see, for Yura-chan’s sake. Alright, then…”
“N-No way!”
Just as I was about to nod, Yura-chan’s voice came from above. When I looked, she was sitting up on the bed.
“Good morning, Yura-chan. Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. My heart was always cloudy, but now it feels clear. Thank you, Momoka-chan and Rin-chan, for coming to find me. I’m sorry for attacking you earlier. My body felt hot, and I couldn’t control myself.”
“It’s okay. You were possessed, so it couldn’t be helped. You’re an important member, so helping you was only natural.”
“Mm, I’m fine. I didn’t get hurt. I’m glad Yura is safe.”
“Momoka-chan, Rin-chan…”
Yura-chan hugged Tenkazaki-san and Himi-san while tearing up. It was a touching scene with three beautiful girls. If it weren’t in my room, it would’ve been like a movie scene.
“Well, now that the emotional reunion is over, let’s talk about Musara-kun’s experience points…”
“N-No way!”
After the memorial service ended, Tenkazaki-san tried to approach me, but Yura-chan stopped her.
“L-Look! We’ve got work piled up from the break, so we need to hurry back to the office! Quickly!”
“Ehh, it’s all Yurarin’s fault~”
“Never mind that, let’s go home! Hurry up! Sorry, Takuya-kun. I’ll come back when things settle down!”
“Just a little bit is fine… Yurarin’s strength increased so much! How far did your level go up…?”
“Angel Pie, Rin’s Angel Pie is…?”
It seems like today’s gathering is breaking up.
Yura-chan pulled Tenkazaki-san and Himi-san’s arms forcefully to the entrance and pushed them out the door.
“Sorry, Takuya-kun. Sorry for causing you so much trouble.”
“Not at all. Having Yura-chan here was a lot of fun. I’m actually sad that you’re leaving. I’ll pack up Yura-chan’s belongings.”
“Eh, why?”
“Eh?”
Hmm, that’s strange. Yura-chan only came to my room because she was possessed by the ‘Wandering Wisp.’ Now that the ‘Wandering Wisp’ has been exorcised and she’s back to normal, shouldn’t she be leaving?
“Um, I’ll be busy for a while, but I’ll definitely come back here. Okay?”
Yura-chan smiled and whispered softly. There’s no light in her eyes.
“…This time, I won’t let you escape.”
“Suuuuuuu……. Hmm… Himi-san, could you lend me your Angel’s Gospel for a moment?”
“? Sure.”
Despite tilting her head in confusion, Himi-san took out her Angel’s Gospel and handed it to me.
I rang it near Yura-chan.
Again and again, the pleasant sound of “Karan Karan” echoed and disappeared into the sky.
“Fufufu, what’s wrong, Takuya-kun? I’m not possessed anymore, you know?”
It seems Yura-chan’s yandere nature is unrelated to the ‘Wandering Wisp’ and is actually her original personality.
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Top Tools for Learning Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Beyond
Learning Japanese opens doors to a rich culture, unique career opportunities, and a rewarding personal challenge. Whether you’re captivated by anime, planning a trip to Tokyo, or looking to expand your linguistic skills, the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With so many apps, websites, and resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This guide highlights the top tools for learning Japanese, catering to different learning styles, budgets, and proficiency levels. From gamified apps to immersive software and conversation practice platforms, these tools will help you master vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, and more. Let’s dive in!
Why Learn Japanese?
Before exploring the tools, it’s worth noting why Japanese is a valuable language to learn:
- Cultural Immersion: Understand anime, manga, and Japanese literature in their original form.
- Career Opportunities: Japan’s global influence in technology, business, and entertainment makes Japanese a sought-after skill.
- Cognitive Benefits: Learning a non-Latin script language like Japanese can enhance memory and problem-solving skills.
Now, let’s look at the best tools to help you achieve your goals.
1. Duolingo
- Best For: Beginners seeking a fun, gamified approach.
- Key Features:
- Free with optional premium upgrades.
- Bite-sized lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Listening and speaking exercises to practice pronunciation.
- Gamification elements like points, streaks, and leaderboards.
- Why It Stands Out: Duolingo’s user-friendly interface and reward system make it ideal for building a daily learning habit. It’s perfect for beginners but may need to be supplemented with other tools for advanced learners.
2. Rosetta Stone
- Best For: Learners who prefer immersive, structured lessons.
- Key Features:
- Paid subscription with a focus on immersion.
- Interactive lessons covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Speech recognition technology for pronunciation feedback.
- Lessons build on each other for gradual progression.
- Why It Stands Out: Rosetta Stone’s immersion method helps you think in Japanese rather than translating from your native language. It’s ideal for serious learners looking for a comprehensive curriculum.
3. Memrise
- Best For: Vocabulary building with spaced repetition.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- User-generated courses and official Memrise content.
- Spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques for memory retention.
- Audio and video clips from native speakers.
- Why It Stands Out: Memrise excels at making vocabulary stick. Its use of real-life videos and community-driven content adds variety and cultural context to your learning.
4. Anki
- Best For: Customizable flashcard learning, especially for Kanji.
- Key Features:
- Free on most platforms (paid iOS app).
- Create custom flashcard decks or download pre-made ones.
- Supports images, audio, and example sentences.
- Spaced repetition system (SRS) for optimal review timing.
- Why It Stands Out: Anki’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to specific needs, like mastering Kanji or advanced vocabulary. It’s a favorite among serious learners for its effectiveness.
5. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
- Best For: Grammar-focused learners.
- Key Features:
- Completely free online resource.
- Comprehensive grammar lessons from beginner to advanced levels.
- Clear explanations with practical examples.
- Available as a mobile app for offline access.
- Why It Stands Out: Tae Kim’s guide is a go-to for understanding Japanese grammar. Its straightforward approach demystifies complex concepts, making it a must-have for self-learners.
6. HelloTalk
- Best For: Conversation practice with native speakers.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- Connects you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange.
- Text, voice, and video chat options.
- Built-in correction tools and translation features.
- Why It Stands Out: HelloTalk bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world conversation. It’s perfect for practicing speaking and listening in a supportive environment.
7. Kanji Recognizer
- Best For: Learning and recognizing Kanji characters.
- Key Features:
- Free app available on Android and iOS.
- Draw Kanji on your screen to search for meanings and readings.
- Provides stroke order, example words, and readings.
- Offline functionality for on-the-go learning.
- Why It Stands Out: Kanji Recognizer is a handy tool for quickly identifying and learning Kanji. It’s especially useful for beginners struggling with character recognition.
Tips for Maximizing Your Learning
To get the most out of these tools, consider these strategies:
- Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s mastering 100 Kanji or holding a 5-minute conversation, specific goals keep you motivated.
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even 15-30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress.
- Mix and Match Tools: Use a combination of apps for well-rounded learning. For example:
- Vocabulary: Duolingo or Memrise.
- Grammar: Tae Kim’s Guide.
- Speaking: HelloTalk.
- Kanji: Anki or Kanji Recognizer.
- Embrace Mistakes: Language learning is a process. Don’t be afraid to make errors—they’re stepping stones to fluency.
Conclusion
Learning Japanese is a journey that requires dedication, but with the right tools, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From gamified apps like Duolingo to immersive platforms like Rosetta Stone and conversation tools like HelloTalk, there’s something for every learner. Start with the tools that best fit your style and goals, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations.
Ready to begin? Choose your first tool and take the first step toward mastering Japanese today!
