Chapter 1148 - Girls' Night Out on the March
The main field of the virtual world Arcadia, the land that seems to never end... ────and the [Garden of Divine Creation], which was long thought to be "the back of a certain first messenger," is overflowing with diverse environments and otherworlds that could never be fully told.
Looking back and thinking about it, it's perfectly understandable. If it's the relationship before or after growth with that 'seed that was thought to be the main body of the Green Connect,' then it was none other than that.
Environments that continue to change drastically in a contiguous manner like a patchwork. Gates to countless otherworlds (dungeons) scattered about.
If it was shown that that was a miniature of the world, and the result of its growth was the world itself. No matter how absurd the story, the discussion ends with a single word: creation by a god.
Thus, the virtual world is filled with unknowns and fantasies that fully entertain the players, due to some kind of intentions of the gods or the kin of the gods... it's unknown if there was any room for playfulness or the like to intervene in the Arcadia of the past, but as a result.
For example, ruins swaying above the clouds. For example, a glass labyrinth filled with light. A dwelling of fairies where up, down, left, and right do not exist. A cave of jewels that has accumulated colors and brilliance.
And, for example────
A wonderful castle like one out of a picture book, formed by sweet, sweet temptations.
"────Ei!"
A slightly tense, spirited voice that was a bit reserved.
And the sound of a blade cutting through the air... the fact that it existed meant that it was a level of force that brought along a proper sound. In other words, at the end of the sound effect that made it clear that it was a blow that was considerably held back compared to her full power.
『──────,』
Clink. With a pleasant sound, one "enemy"—or rather, one (thing)—shattered and scattered.
In every sense, it had no means to resist. The time that the soldier made of candy craft────the [Candy Statuart]—could resist the girl who possessed combat power that exceeded the appropriate conquest level and was excessively redundant in terms of level, specs, and experience points...
Or rather, the time it could stand in front of her was less than a few seconds. It dissipated into blue phosphorescence.
No, it would be more correct to say the [Candy Statuart] group.
Five seconds after stepping into the 'castle.' The large swarm of sweet, sweet soldiers that had overflowed from everywhere in the entrance to welcome—or rather, intercept—the players who had begun the conquest,
"............Um, well... somehow, I feel a sense of guilt."
"Oh my—"
"Mm, naturally."
Simultaneously with shattering the single one in front of her with the sand sword in her hand. By means of the blades of the loyal sword group she kept about her────with a single command from her thoughts, Sora had trampled them.
It was only natural. This dungeon, located a short distance to the west of the [Safe Area], named the [Fun Castle of Sweets], was a low-difficulty content with an appropriate conquest level of around 80.
It was a 'relatively low difficulty' in Arcadia, where a capped level was a prerequisite, but it was a spot that could be conquered without difficulty even by a small number of people if it was an experienced party.
And it was one of the popular spots that had been loved by many players since its discovery. The reason was, of course, the point that one could challenge it easily, but more than anything...
"Wow... it really only drops sweets, doesn't it?"
"Yes. The boss drops other interesting things, though."
"I have one too—a 'mug that wells up with your favorite drink.' ............Lately, the number of them in circulation has started to increase and the price is dropping, but it was expensive when I bought it..."
────And that's how it was.
This [Fun Castle of Sweets] was a 'play dungeon' specialized in luxury items (hobbies) instead of obtaining spoils that would lead to strengthening combat power.
Since the starry sky event was released, the number of players who were into 'meals' had increased drastically, but even before that, a certain number of female players—mainly those who liked sweets—existed.
Or rather, there were quite a large number of them.
Therefore, the [Fun Castle of Sweets] is still crowded day after day with women seeking sweets that do not affect reality, and naturally, male players are also drawn to it.
In short, to put it bluntly────
It's a gathering place for human-like desires.
"By the way, Helena's 'tea set' is also a reward item from here."
"Ah, that luxurious one..."
"Ah, I know that, the [Noble's (Grace)... what was it. That extremely rare one."
"The [Noble's Relish (Grace Olcott)]. The current market price is, if I recall... about three hundred mega?"
"Three...!? Three hundred million... yen!"
"Luna, right."
"Oh, it's about that much now. It's dropped quite a bit, maybe I'll buy it."
"Buy it...!?"
However, this too could be called a relatively "cute" desire... meaning the three girls who had come while frolicking, saying 'Let's go eat something sweet for now,' were in the otherworld, separated from the vulgar world, lively and harmoniously.
"No, no, Sora-chan, you—or rather, you guys—are probably way richer than me. If you said it, he'd be like 'Heh heh heh, three hundred million is just pocket change, leave it to me, partner, hey shopkeeper, with the card!' or something and buy it instantly in a lump sum, easy, easy!"
"Whose imitation is that...???"
"...Whether he would say it or not, or do it or not, Haru is the type who would 'say' it and 'do' it. Especially if it's for Sora, he'd be very enthusiastic."
"I don't want that kind of enthusiasm..."
While chatting noisily, still without a shred of tension.
"────Mm. Well, jokes aside."
"I wonder from where to where it was a joke..."
"Since we're here, shall we try some lap farming? We might be able to earn some pocket money."
"Oh, that's good. Nia-chan will just be sticking to the back, though!!!"
"Shall I lend you a sword?"
"I'm sorry, I've never held anything heavier than chopsticks."
"...Shall I make a Magic Sword that's lighter than chopsticks?"
"Sora-chan, your jokes are also harsh! Yes, yes, now, now, advance, advance (go go)!"
The three maidens seeking sweets as a way to kill time began their merciless march.