Chapter 367 - The Pre-Battle Whatever
—Alright, there are still more massive hurdles to overcome against the 'White Throne.'
Setting aside its ridiculous ability for a moment, let's talk about the specs of the main body itself, which are just as insane.
First, as a premise, it's not a 'boss that moves around,' contrary to the image of its extremely ponderous, massive body.
It does perform some actions, like the tail swipe it used to swat me away like a gnat during our first encounter, but it's generally the type to hold its ground and maintain a frontline.
So, is it similar to Gemrant Quintesta, the Jewel-Eating Queen? Not exactly. While you could call it a 'bullet hell type,' I'm not sure if you can even call that 'bullets'...
Well, regardless, its attack count is off the charts. Against a stationary foe like that, it's a given that we'll be in a constant state of pandemonium.
And then, after surviving the future vision of hell that's so easy to imagine...
Let's say we manage to break through the soul-crushing design where the 'bullets' and the 'main body' have different physical and magical resistances, and we manage to chip away at its health—that's when Phase 2 begins.
It's not so much a powered-up form that was updated after the 'Red Circle' was defeated, but simply a different form. It marks the beginning of a delightful chaotic battle against multiple clones.
Before I challenged Ryeltaheria of the Red Circle two years ago, the incident I witnessed in the past where 'a raid of a hundred people, including Iris, was instantly wiped out' was the first challenge.
And a year after that—meaning one year ago from now—it was that clone form that trampled the chosen members in the second challenge.
Unlike the original body, it was a hellish combination of multiple aggressive, mobile monsters and the stationary forced teleportation gimmick... Yeah, no wonder a first-time clear was impossible. In fact, I was impressed by the past record showing they managed to defeat half of them anyway.
It seems the inhuman players were inhuman even a year ago. How very reassuring.
—And so,
"Well, in the end, there's no point in overthinking it. Since information is scarce, we have no choice but to have each of you adapt on the fly and deliver your best performance."
After a final review of each person's role and a recap of the shared information, Goldow concluded with a tone of resignation.
That's exactly right. In the end, it all comes down to that.
We're both 'first-timers,' fair and square. There's no other way but to counter their 'unknown' with our own 'unknown' and overwhelm them with sheer force.
"—Haru, and you, Sora."
"Yeah?"
"Yes!"
After looking over the members nodding in agreement with the reconfirmed strategy, his gaze finally turned to us.
To Sora, whom I'd squeezed into my seventh-seat chair since we were short on them, and to me, standing beside her.
"No matter how you slice it, the White Throne fight forces a degree of solo play on everyone, so each of you is the star—but that doesn't change the fact that you guys are the 'linchpins.' I'm counting on you, along with Lux."
"You can count on us. We'll give it our all."
"I'll do my best...!"
I'm well aware that we're in a position where we deserve to feel the pressure.
This time, it's no exaggeration to say that the overall combat efficiency of the raid will depend heavily on our performance... No, I'm being dead serious.
Sora and Lux aside, if I were to slip up and die, I'd probably be teased as the 'one who threw the game' for all eternity. I'm starting to tremble.
"Sorry to interrupt while you're shaking with excitement, but I'm giving a special warning to you, since you'll be the one putting your body on the line. I don't want to talk about triage, but don't you dare get your priorities mixed up, you hear?"
"I know. I'll use my head as much as I can and strive for the best possible outcome."
When I nodded obediently, the General Commander gave a firm nod in return—
"Alright... then, dismissed for now! Take a break, make adjustments, grab a bite—everyone get your condition in order and reassemble here at noon."
The lively sound of a clap signaled the end of the meeting.
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"—...Still, no one would ever believe that during my free time, I'd be forced to make lunch for the 'Sword Queen'...
"I'm sure no one would believe I'm having a meal made for me by the 'Acrobat' either."
"If anyone found out, there'd be a massive flame war that would completely overshadow the 'White Throne' subjugation..."
I had already finished all the necessary adjustments and meetings by the previous day. So, rather than rushing around now, focusing on relaxation was the wiser choice.
My condition check at the training grounds was just that—a quick check, and then I was done. Since we were meeting at noon, I decided to have an early lunch and parted ways with Sora in the virtual world—
Only to be caught by Alicia, who came to my room looking for food. And so, here we are.
"...Pasta?"
"As someone once said, it's the kind of dish a guy who can cook makes."
After taking the pan off the heat and mixing in the egg yolk and milk, the spaghetti carbonara was ready, glistening as it was coated in sauce.
I plated it, sprinkled some black pepper on top for the finishing touch... and yep, it's delicious. I can tell without even tasting it. It has less to do with my skills and more to do with the expensive ingredients like high-quality bacon and cheese.
By the way, the Kasuga household doesn't use egg whites. I'll use the leftovers to make some biscuits later.
"Here you go. Enjoy."
"Mm... Thank you for the meal."
Whether it's for better or worse, I've grown used to these moments of sharing a meal with Alicia.
While we're not living together, we are, in fact, 'under one roof.' I feel a sense of guilt towards the other person (Nia), but as for that, I've submitted my application to the higher-ups and am currently awaiting a response. All I can do is wait.
I'll make it up to her, or whatever you want to call it, with all sincerity after that. Of course, the simplest solution would be for this princess to exercise some self-restraint until then—
"Delicious."
"Glad to hear it."
With the same vigor she used to provoke Nia, it seems she has no intention of holding back herself. As always, she barges in whenever she pleases.
"How's your condition?"
"Top form. Yours?"
"Helena has been working very hard."
"All hail the 'Lady-in-Waiting.'"
"Without her, managing and coordinating such a large group of people would be absolutely impossible. I'm practically just a figurehead."
"I think that's fine. It's about putting the right person in the right place. Besides, from my perspective, you're an incredibly sharp thinker."
"Compared to someone truly brilliant, I'm just half-baked. From my point of view... I'm envious of people like you, who can just power through with momentum."
"..............................I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is a compliment."
"..."
"...But I also know that it's just a facade, and that you're actually thinking a lot."
"Iris-san."
"Yes?"
"Aren't you eating a little fast?"
"It was delicious. Thank you for the meal."
"...You're welcome."
And so, we passed the time with a lunch that was both relaxed and not-so-relaxed, but at least devoid of any tension—time passed, and the moment drew steadily closer.
At long last, the eagerly awaited,
Reunion with the formidable enemy that had lit a fire in my chest on that day long ago, when I had underestimated that virtual world.
Gotta build up a stockpile of chapters.