Chapter 1005 - The Fourth [Starry Paradise]
────The world event [Starry Paradise] will now commence────
────All participating players, please stand by in any safe zone────
────Transfer to the event field will begin shortly────
──────…
────…
──…
December 10th.
"──────...Oh. Whoa... so this is the place?"
In other words, at 9:00 PM real-world time, five days before the twelfth Four Pillar Selection, I was transported to the stage for the fourth Starry Paradise event: the 'Mirrored Sky World (Alvniclo)'.
This event requires entry as a pair.
Which means the person next to me isn't the usual indigo... but rather...
"...Yes. These are the ruins."
Gray. My master, in other words. In the end, I pushed through with my last-minute, self-serving change of plans and, starting with Nacchan-senpai, bowed my head to everyone involved to make this happen.
...My report in the group chat was met with an overwhelming flood of laments, making me feel one part happy and nine parts apologetic. But when I told them the truth—that it was to prepare for the upcoming Four Pillar War—they not only forgave me in a split second but even cheered me on. They truly are the trustworthy and reliable players of Arcadia.
────And so.
"............"
Even now, she's still the same.
My master keeps glancing my way, looking rather apologetic. As her disciple, there's only one thing for me to do.
"Ah, come on, how long are you going to worry about it! It's fine, I tell you! I'm the one who decided, so it's fine! I'm the one who wanted you to train me!"
"Th-......, ............"
She's accompanying me, having taken Ashe's spot. She still seems down, thinking she's dragged me into her sudden whim, but unfortunately for her, she bears no responsibility at all.
Because I'm the one who gladly came here to be dragged around by her.
"...I understand."
"Do you really understand?"
"........................Yes."
And with that, she finally offered a small smile.
"I'm sorry. I worried far too much, didn't I?"
"You did. I'm completely stuffed."
At this point, neither of us would consider this kind of frank exchange 'cheeky'.
She'd been uncharacteristically moping... though it was for less than a day. As if to scold herself for taking my words to heart, she lightly tapped her cheek with her small hand.
"Hehe... Very well. ────Then, without any reservations, shall we begin our training?"
"Yes, ma'am."
With my master's spirits restored, we took in our surroundings again, this time from the bottom of the abyss (............).
During the last event, Ui-san and Ashe caused quite a stir, resulting in the quiet, unprecedented, and utterly outrageous incident known as the 'Complete Collapse of the Great Underground Labyrinth'.
Everywhere I looked, it was rubble, rubble, and more rubble... It was a sight so absurd it made me go full circle, then two or three more, until all I could do was let out a dumbfounded sigh. I was at a complete loss for words.
"Haaaah... For now, I guess we need to... set up a base somewhere... right?"
"I agree. Living and sleeping amidst the rubble might not be very good for one's mental well-being."
Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is the need to establish a base. It's not like I'm planning on expanding my social circle like in the 'Zodiac Forest', so even a modest one would do...──
"Hm? Ah, no. Wait, Ui-san?"
"Yes?"
As I thought it wouldn't be an issue... I immediately remembered her special ability (..).
Doesn't she have a pocket instance from what is likely the only Fourth Tier Terror Armament in this virtual world──── [True Name: Rear Truffles, Secret Key of the Divine Hall Loving the Outer Heavens]?
"Wouldn't it be easier to just bring out your house?"
So, I asked her plainly.
"...? ────Ah... hehe. My apologies, I didn't tell you, did I?"
But Ui-san just smiled wryly.
"During the event, I cannot step into the world that child holds. The space itself still exists within, but it seems the time doesn't align."
"Oh...? ............Hmm?"
She said something I didn't quite understand.
However...
"...────I see. Understood."
As you know, the master's word is absolute to the disciple. Even if my first thought is, What is this person talking about?, a moment later, my disciple brain (my brain) completes the process of acceptance with, Well, if the master says so. In short, it means it's a no-go, so I'll accept that and move on.
"In that case... what should I do? Should I call (..) them after we move, or..."
For a little while now (.................), a voice has been ringing non-stop inside my head (........................).
I know, I know, just wait a minute, I keep telling it, but it won't listen.
I'm simultaneously trying to placate a lovable idiot—no, an idiot I love—who is raising a fuss, wondering how long I plan to be alone with an older Japanese beauty. It's making my head spin.
Ah, whatever.
"...It'll be faster to just get their help finding a safe zone. ────Ui-san, I'm calling them (....)."
"Yes, I understand."
Even if the group size increases a bit, with Sapphire's help, moving everyone at once won't be a problem. So then, I'll call out to that certain someone from afar who, in a way that's nothing but cute, seems desperate to see me──── through the 'connection' that ignores all distance.
Activation approved. And so... in an instant.
With a quiet sound, like a droplet hitting the water's surface.
"My... is this for real?"
"Yep. As you can see, it's for real (magic)."
My master seems surprised, even though I'd told her about it. And right before my eyes, which are filled with exasperation—including at myself—for the umpteenth time...
...what materialized was a transfer gate glowing with indigo light (................).
And then, a second later.
"────── I AM HERE! ! ! ! !"
Bursting through the gate first was one idiot representative, clad in fresh green.
Next...
"────...Wow. It's really..."
My partner, with whom I had parted just a dozen or so minutes ago with a casual 'See you later'.
Next...
"────...This could very well revolutionize the virtual world again..."
My junior number two, Kanata-kun, from whom I had also parted with a wave just a dozen or so minutes ago, same as Sora.
And finally, the last one.
"────'Scuse me~?"
Pop. Nia-chan appeared with a blatant, sullen look in her eyes. ...What's with that look? Why are you pouting like that, you cute little thing? Well, setting that aside for a moment.
It seems the 'bracelet' glowing on her right wrist has served its purpose well, which is a relief.
"Hehe... it's gotten quite lively, hasn't it?"
"Yeah, it really has. ────...Alright, for the next three nights and four days..."
Setting aside everyone's reactions, for now, I turned my gaze back to the person beside me.
"I'm in your care, my master."
"To your heart's content, my disciple."
With a single bow, the long yet short curtain had risen.