Chapter 369 - Noisy Yet Calm
Throughout history, a 'group' has always been something that draws the eye. And it's not limited to people; whenever a large number of 'things' gather in one place, they inevitably attract attention.
That doesn't change in a game. When a crowd of players gathers and creates a lively buzz, most people will stop and think, Oh, is there an event?
This is even more true for a 'raid party' that consists almost entirely of well-known, powerful players, led by the rankers themselves.
Each one is decked out in their prized equipment, their expressions full of fighting spirit… It's obvious to anyone watching that they're about to stir up some trouble.
—Whoa, that group looks intense.
—A surprise event?
—Hey, all our rankers are there.
—Hinayo-sama is so beautiful.
—Ri-na-chan, look over here!
And so, on the assumption that 'we'll stand out no matter where we gather,' we boldly assembled at the transfer gate nearest the fountain plaza. The Istia district was now filled with a fervor reminiscent of the Four Pillar War selection matches.
A man who had just said, 'All of our rankers are here,' was being slapped by a Sword Saint fanboy for forgetting 'Ui-sama,' while another player's red-haired companion pouted as a chorus of cheers erupted for her blue-haired sister, causing her own fans to go wild. It was pure, unadulterated chaos.
"…As always, the ladies on our team are super popular, huh?"
"Of course they are. They're strong, cute, fun, and easy to approach."
"Plus, they're all gorgeous in real life. It's no wonder they're mass-producing a legion of diehard fans."
"The other day, I ran into Hinayo-sama in town and worked up the courage to greet her. She smiled and waved back, and I went into cardiac arrest right there."
"I'm so jealous. Go on and pass into the afterlife. You want some help with that?"
"One time, I was just spacing out in an empty lot when Mi-na-chan suddenly came up to me. She was like, 'Whatcha doin', big bro?'…"
"I've heard that brag about two thousand times now, shut up and go bald."
"Most of our famous players act like 'just another gamer,' so they feel really approachable. It's the best…"
"I see… By the way, the guys are pretty popular too, right?"
"You bet."
"They're all so cool. The General Commander is every guy's fantasy, and Gen-san is a man who embodies every man's dream. And [Sword Protector]… no, wait, [Peerless] gives off a cool battle-maniac vibe."
"Irori-kun is such a nice young man when you talk to him, it makes this old man teary-eyed."
"He's the kind of handsome guy you can forgive, you know?"
"Haha… well, can't argue with any of that."
I'm the only one who's had to 'learn' from him so far, and since nobody else has experienced his spartan training, I'm sure that from the outside, he seems annoyingly perfect…
Now then, as for our other senior who somehow wasn't mentioned—
"""……………………Huh?"""
Just as I was about to ask, it seems they finally noticed me.
The three male players, who seemed to be acquaintances chatting together, stared blankly at the intruder who had so smoothly joined their conversation.
In response, I, who had joined their chat with a perfectly natural expression, gave them a wave and a smile. "Well, see you later," I said, fading back into the crowd.
It may not compare to the smile of the woman some circles call a goddess, 'Hinayo-sama,' but this is a genuine smile I've polished through countless part-time jobs.
I don't know if there's any demand for it, but please, accept it as a small token—now if you'll excuse me?
With the delayed cries of surprise at my back, I erased my presence and weaved through the 'group' in search of my next target.
From the perspective of the 'insiders' being watched from the 'outside,' I was heading for the center of the center of attention.
Surrounded by the Title Holders who formed a circle like bodyguards—my partner, whose expression was a mix of half tension and half exasperation, shot me an indescribable look.
◇◆◇◆◇
"He looks like a seasoned salaryman making the rounds."
"That's a talent, for sure."
"Where does he get that mysterious ability to talk to literally anyone?"
"Maybe he's actually an old man with a ton of life experience, you know?"
—And so, as Mi-na, Ri-na, Irori, and Tetra each offered their own commentary, the young man who was the center of their attention, my partner, coolly continued his 'rounds.'
It was something I could never do myself. Of course, I knew he had no such intention, but it felt a little like he was showing off, and it left me with complicated feelings.
After gathering at noon and a final confirmation, we moved to the general assembly point, and he immediately started doing that without a hint of hesitation.
He really is a handful.
Because I can't help but see right through his intentions and inner thoughts.
"…Nihi."
"…What is it now?"
Mi-na's attention, which had been on my partner as he stirred up the surrounding players, shifted to me as she playfully clung to me like always. Seeing the undisguised amusement in her eyes, Sora turned her face away with a sulk.
I knew if I engaged, I would lose—
Unfortunately, the small shadow who 'always playfully clings to me' also came as a set, as always.
"He's doing it on purpose. Since you'll both be getting attention anyway."
"…………I know, I know…!"
When I turned my head, Ri-na was waiting there, and she mercilessly put it into words. The truth that was so obvious I didn't even need to think about it.
The fact that, in the end, he was just being his usual self.
"He's doing a pretty good job of being your partner, don't you think? Even though he usually acts all aloof and cool!"
"…………I think that depends on who he's with."
I knew she was just making her usual lighthearted jab, so it wasn't like I was offended by her teasing my partner.
Therefore, the lack of reservation in my tone was purely out of embarrassment… but the girl of the [Left Wing] immediately lit up.
"Oh, that's it! Keep it up and drop the formalities with us too! Let's start with dropping the honorifics, come on!!!"
"Mi-na, you're being too pushy."
"That's why you always scare people off."
"'Scare people off' is an exaggeration, don't you think!? I'm sure Sora-chan isn't scared of me!! I mean, you're not scared, right!?"
And so it went, with the endlessly boisterous Mi-na eventually being pulled away by a certain thoughtful young man, as was the usual routine.
I'm happy for the attention, but I worry that I'm not giving them the fun reactions they're looking for.
I know they don't mind, but still—
"So, how are you feeling?"
"Oh, what's this, Irorin? Hitting on her in public—myugyu…!"
It was rare—or perhaps not so rare, but since he often interacted with my partner, I didn't get many chances to speak with him—for Irori to strike up a conversation with me.
He silenced the immediate interruption with a single hand. I let out a wry smile at his skill, and Sora returned his smile while unconsciously stroking the staff in the holster at her waist.
"—I'm in top form. I'll do my best today."
"…I see. In that case, I'll be expecting great things from you."
He said this with a gentle smile. I'd seen him many times in the training grounds, so I was somewhat used to him.
Even so, I still felt a little intimidated by his status as a 'ranker'… but I couldn't, and wouldn't, show him anything embarrassing.
Because I decided myself that I would stand beside a certain someone.
When I looked again, that certain someone was still making his rounds. Sometimes met with surprise, sometimes exchanging smiles, sometimes getting a friendly pat on the shoulder.
My partner, who was demonstrating a level of communication skills that made me wonder 'where he learned it,' might just be, as Tetra suggested, 'an old man.'
As I entertained that joke and let out a small laugh… I couldn't completely shake off my nervousness, but I could at least pretend to ignore the stares.
"…It's okay."
You don't need to worry, you don't need to meddle, I'll be fine, I murmured in my heart.
After today, I would be the one gathering people's attention, as myself. But I think I'm prepared for that, and to be bold, it's what I want.
Because this is all too good to be true.
The person I promised to 'protect each other' with is right beside me, meddling and watching over me.
And even the people surrounding him, who seem almost too kind… they're also here to watch over me, now that I've gathered my courage.
So, yes—there's surely nothing to be afraid of.
"Oh."
"Looks like she's here."
"Right on time."
A stir rippled through the waves of players, bringing with it a peak of excitement.
Mi-na, who had been trying to wrestle with Irori; Irori, who had been effortlessly fending her off with one hand; and Ri-na, who had been sticking close by as always.
The other rankers nearby, who had been chatting, standing quietly, or exchanging messages like superiors and subordinates.
Myself, surrounded by them. And my partner, who had been flitting about on his own. The gazes of all the surrounding players who had been watching us.
And even further out, the great wave of passersby who had been watching the assembled raid members from a distance—every single line of sight was drawn to the silver-blue figure that had just appeared.
"—…………"
Accepting the hundreds of gazes with the ultimate form of natural grace.
In a way, she was on a completely different vector from the famed [Sword Saint]—a girl who could be called Sora's idol.
She never compromises herself, never breaks when struck, and though she may look down, she never stops moving forward. Alongside Haru, she embodies a way of being that I could never imitate.
With two from her own faction (Fuji and Auerin) and one from the North (Lux), the [Sword Queen] Iris walked straight ahead, a picture of breathtaking confidence.
No one would be surprised that the sea of people parted for her on its own.
And at the end of the 'path' created for her, she quickly reached the representative of the East, the [General Commander]—
"—Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go."
So much so that you might misunderstand and think she felt nothing at all.
With a placid expression, she simply and quietly spoke those words—and reached her hand toward the transfer gate.
This is a bit early, but I'm putting up a warning. This next part could easily exceed twenty chapters, so please don't expect me to post the whole thing at once. As for the climax, please look forward to it.