Chapter 42

**Reaper** (リーパー *Rīpā*) is the forty-second chapter of Oumi Noko's manga series S Rare Soubi no Niau Kanojo.

## Summary

Having finally been rescued and cured of Venomous Moon Jelly's poison, Ea happily reunites with Daigo, Yurina, Haruka, and the others. She gives heartfelt thanks to everyone for putting their lives on the line for her, especially Daigo whom she always believed would come for her. After Ami humorously points out how obsessed Daigo had been with saving Ea, Daigo awkwardly turns to Yurina recalling her confession of love. Ea then approaches Yurina and apologizes for the mean things she said to her and states that she wasn't sure if Yurina would come to her rescue. Yurina assures Ea that she would never consider not rescuing her since she is important to Daigo and Ea thanks her once more. Daigo and Yurina then have an awkward conversation as they are both flustered due to Yurina's love confession. Yurina merely comments that she is happy they saved Ea and she breaks off the conversation by pointing out they must still save Marimo and the others (with Ami teasing Daigo that he can do the "love stuff" later). Ea requests that they friend summon her too so she can fight, but Daigo points out that Rikoha has his phone and, thus, if she did friend summon her, she would appear right beside her.

The group enter Medusa's room and Yurina engages in battle with her. Yurina fends off Medusa's one remaining snake and proclaims that she will not forgive her for petrifying Marimo, Rin Mei, Honoka, and Karasu, who are all now totally petrified and restored to their full bodies. Medusa declares she will add Yurina to her collection, but Yurina finishes her with a slash to the chest. Yurina commands Medusa to change everyone back, but Medusa claims that there is no way to change them back since petrification was unimplemented. A mysterious voice from behind Yurina confirms this and, suddenly, a scythe appears around her neck. The scythe cuts Yurina's throat, but she survives. Yurina and the others see the wielder of the scythe, a mysterious cloaked figure who comments that Yurina's gear must prevent instant death attacks. Medusa identifies the robed figure as Reaper and asks what she has come for. Reaper responds she cannot let Medusa be defeated and she produces a syringe full of liquid that she injects into Medusa's body despite her protests. As Medusa cries out in pain, Haruka observes that the syringe is the same one Venomous Moon Jelly used to power herself up. Medusa grotesquely transforms into a horrifying monster, sprouting additional snake heads and several flower-like appendages.

Yurina and the others are shocked and wonder if it is another unimplemented Group-quest Boss, but Reaper explains that Medusa's new form is completely new. Reaper also observes that, although Medusa has become stronger, she cannot adopt the item naturally and is far too hideous. Medusa then attacks, spraying Haruka with exceptionally strong digestive juices. Daigo is also struck, but he implores Yurina to protect Ea and Ami since they are in their real bodies and more vulnerable. Saori then tells everyone to get behind her and she activates her Barrier skill to protect them from Medusa's next attack. However, Reaper points out that even the Caduceus has its limit and, at once, Saori's barrier is destroyed. Saori is then grabbed by Medusa's snake heads, which begin to petrify her. Yurina tries to protect Ea from an attack, but Haruka intervenes, stating that they cannot afford to lose Excalibur. Haruka is caught and bitten by a snake that begins to petrify her and one of Medusa's flowers begins to force digestive fluid down her throat. Fascinated by the development, Reaper explains that she infused Medusa with Digestion-type skills and now wonder which status ailment will prevail. Ultimately, Haruka and Saori are completely turned to stone, indicating that Petrification won. Reaper further comments that Medusa has maintained some level of free will, hence why she ensured the two were turned to stone. Daigo observes that the Barrier skill should be able to block any attack, but Reaper explains that a simple update can render Caduceus or any other SS Rare worthless. Reaper goes on, stating that the Rankers are foolish for believing they can survive by only knowing the online Grimzelia world, leaving Daigo and the others confused. Yurina dodges another attack from Medusa and Reaper nearly cuts Yurina with her scythe again, but Yurina swings her sword at her, cutting her robes and revealing her face. Ami and Riho are shocked by the reveal, seeing that Reaper is actually Rinko Yamada, the monster designer for Grimzelia.

## Key Events

* Yurina, Daigo and the others enter Medusa's chamber and battle her.
* Reaper appears and injects Medusa with a concoction, turning her into a hideous monster
* The transformed Medusa petrifies Haruka and Saori
* Reaper is revealed to be Rinko Yamada, a Grimzelia developer

## Character Appearances

* Ea Yuki
* Haruka Nanao
* Daigo Seko
* Ami Utsugi
* Riho Utsugi
* Saori Kashiwagi
* Yurina
* Medusa
* Rin Mei
* Karasu
* Marimo
* Honoka Kusunoki
* Rinko Yamada