Chapter 191 - Divine Playground
The large-scale field that serves as the stage for the Four Pillar War completely changes its appearance each time the virtual world's sole grand festival is held. This transformation is not limited to the overall size or the structure of the maze areas; it is customary for it to extend to the very environment contained within.
Sometimes it is a grassland, sometimes a wasteland, sometimes a forest... and at other times, an extreme land of death overflowing with lava.
It has no official name, simply referred to as "the stage of war" or the "wartime field." According to the inhabitants of this world, the NPCs, it is a playground prepared by the goddess.
An alternate dimension illuminated by the light of countless stars, created solely for 'her' to spectate the festival of the chosen ones, the players.
And beneath a moon so massive it seems to cover the heavens, a cross-shaped floating island drifts among the clouds.
Its very existence, which overflows with enigmatic information at the slightest poke, is a treasure trove of topics for zealous theorists to sate their endless curiosity—but for those who actually venture there...
"—Whoa..."
"Well, now..."
"What is this?"
"Goddess, come on..."
Depending on the circumstances, it can also become an unpredictable, irregular area that makes one want to scream "You've got to be kidding me!" from the bottom of their heart.
—Southern Faction, Sotalm of [Wealth].
From inside the castle synchronized with the battlefield, players poured out one after another... and their expressions twisted into various shapes.
Needless to say, the cause was a negative emotion.
"Well now... this one looks like it'll be particularly rough."
After the general players, five shadows materialized.
Among them, a tall young man with a greatsword nearly his own height strapped to his back looked on with a wry smile. Ahead of him, the long pathway extending from their castle base to the maze area was dyed the color of—the starry sky.
No, it was a vast expanse of water reflecting the starry sky.
"A submerged field... or maybe a flooded field? In any case, looks like we have a lot to think about."
Appearing next to the tall young man was a slender man in a robe. Seeing the state of what could only be called a 'waterway' rather than a pathway, he too smiled wryly and narrowed his eyes.
"Hey... shouldn't we reconsider our formations? It's not just the surface; it looks pretty deep."
Shielding his eyes to see into the distance, a small boy observed the other players who were already stepping into the waterway to check its depth.
Watching the water splash up dramatically, he grimaced. "Ugh."
"For starters, light warriors are basically under a massive, permanent debuff. I don't think even I could move at one hundred percent in that."
"Mages will have strong advantages and disadvantages, too... Players focused on fire-type magic will have a tough time, while water and ice will probably run rampant."
"Yeah...—So, what's the plan? Your Highnesses."
The men, having each voiced their opinions, turned to face two women.
Sotalm's former tenth seat, the [Lady-in-Waiting]—or, as she was also known, the Queen—Helena.
And the first seat, the strongest in the virtual world, the [Sword Queen]—or, as she was also known, the Princess—Iris.
One had a sharp demeanor, the other a calm one... or rather, simply an expressionless face devoid of emotion. Though their styles differed, they both wore placid looks as they glanced at each other.
"...Helena, I leave it to you."
"As you wish."
Those few words were all the communication they needed.
No one stopped the 'King' as she turned on her heel and began to walk back into the castle as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"We will reorganize the troops within the grace period. Auerin, Fuji, gather the squad leaders."
"Aye."
"Right away."
The [Lady-in-Waiting]'s command. The tall young man called Auerin and the slender man called Fuji sprang into action—
"Aren't you going to see that guy?"
The remaining boy posed the question before any orders could be given to him.
The [Sword Queen], her long, shimmering blue-silver hair trailing behind her like an afterimage of light, stopped at the boy's words and glanced back ever so slightly—
"...If I were to go out from the very beginning,"
The sliver of her profile that was visible showed an expression that was utterly flat.
And her voice, as clear as crystal,
"—it might all be over before anything even happens."
was laced with nothing but a somewhat lonely coldness.