Chapter 371 - To the Realm of the Boundary
I wasn't about to do something that would undermine the very visual misdirection I'd set up after going around and greeting everyone to draw their attention to myself.
I understand how my 'usual' antics appear to others—so I took advantage of the familiar 'mist' to evade the eyes of those who went ahead, landing a short distance away.
Sora-san, for her part, has grown accustomed to my shenanigans, so thankfully, I was let off with just a single, light tap of admonishment.
Besides, the area below the cliff was filled with a fog so dense you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Was there even a need to worry about anyone looking up from below in the first place?
As for the realization that dawned on me mid-fall—
"This really feels like 'magic,' huh."
"You know it…"
Well, Mouton-shi did say that 'the advance team will help you if you have an accident,' which implies they had a way to deal with it.
After reaching the bottom of the cliff, our duty as controlled-fall insurance having been fulfilled, we rejoined the rankers leading the way and proceeded along the path.
As I murmured in admiration at the scenery, where the fog had been neatly carved out around our group, a voice brimming with textbook smugness reached me from my side.
Just a moment ago, he was at the front pestering Ashe, but when did this [Traveler] teleport here? Creepy. I'll just ignore him—
"That's wind magic, right…?"
Well, my honest partner would probably deal with him in my stead.
"Yup! It's a super useful spell that blows away stuff like fog, poison, and miasma! Great range! Low cost! A huge help on adventures!"
"Ah, hah… I see…"
Who on earth is he pitching this to? Sora-san was instantly overwhelmed by the boundless energy packed into every word, letting out a wry smile.
I've run into her (Lux) a few times since we first met, and she's always like this. To be honest, seeing her live on pure whim and momentum, I've had the disrespectful thought, 'Is this person really okay?' more than once or twice…
But in that regard, she is the top of the North, after all. She has successfully lived up to the expectations placed upon her, so I can only apologize in my heart.
She may be like this, but I doubt there's any need to worry about her handling of the [Cradle].
"Hey, what's wrong, Har-kun? You're not very energetic."
"That's not true. My energy gauge is marking over eighty percent."
As I was quietly listening to their conversation, a demonic hand from the energy monster immediately reached for me. I wish people like her and a certain indigo-haired girl would stop judging others as 'not being into it' based on their own energy levels.
Well, in Nia's case, I've come to understand that she's not so much energetic as she is just fundamentally panicking.
"Don't go expending all your energy now and running out of steam halfway through, okay?"
I offered a piece of advice, fully aware that it was an unnecessary worry. For some reason, Lux broke into an extremely amused smile.
"Heehee, no worries, no worries… But hey, if the leader says so, I have no choice but to say roger that!"
"Unfortunately for you, I'm not the leader."
"Why me, out of all these people…"
As I casually interacted with the restlessly wandering 'party members,' Sora-san let out a small sigh while staring into the empty space.
What she was looking at was the user interface displayed in my vision as well—specifically, the party members' status bars.
At the very top of the four aligned HP & MP gauges, the name [Sora] shone brightly, adorned with a small crown icon signifying her as the party leader.
The participation limit for a 'Colored Monster' subjugation battle is ten rankers plus one hundred general members, for a total of one hundred and ten. A standard Arcadia party consists of six people, so you can't form full parties when the maximum number of participants is reached.
Therefore, while most parties would consist of six people, several, including the specially designated rankers, would be formed with four or five members—we were one of those.
The members who recently formed [Azure Sky Clan], plus Lux, for a total of four, made up our party for this 'White Throne' battle.
Well, I say our party, but I guess it's my partner's party—a group that seems like a motley crew at first glance, but in reality, possesses an incredible synergy.
To be precise, I'm the one who sticks out, but I'd appreciate it if you'd consider my personal coordination with my partner as part of that synergy…
"Um, really… I can't give orders or anything, you know? It's not just that it's too much for me, but I'll probably have my hands full with my own job…"
"She says that, but when the time comes, our Sora-san will get it done."
"That's something to look forward to!"
I interjected with a lighthearted comment, earning another cute little tap of admonishment. Well, I wasn't just kidding around; I genuinely believe Sora is suited to be a commander, but—
"—Forget commanding, at least give us a signal. I have to be on the front lines too, and I probably won't have the luxury of constantly keeping an eye on the gauges."
Just then, the fourth member popped his head in from the side and made a casual request. Our leader and master showed a rare expression, her voice trailing off with a small "Ugh…"
I want to do my best, but I'm too anxious.
Or perhaps, I don't mind, but I'd rather not if I can help it—that's the look on her face.
I get it. When I was assigned a crucial mechanic in an MMO boss fight, I had that same indescribable feeling of being both happy and not-so-happy.
"Well, don't worry about it too much."
"Once it starts, we won't have time for pleasantries or holding back anyway."
"Exactly! Let's have fun!"
"I'll do my best, but…"
Putting build compatibility aside, this group is surprisingly well-matched… Sora will inevitably end up in the long-suffering role by process of elimination, so she'll need support, but with a subtly considerate guy like Tetra around, I'm sure things will work out.
Aside from our guest helper Lux, I can expect a lively and exciting future for [Azure Sky Clan]—now then, speaking of which.
"—Feels more like a picnic than a raid."
"I think it's wonderful that everyone gets along so well, though."
Those were the words of Goldow, who wore a relaxed smile, and Hinayo-san, who looked on warmly.
"Stay sharp. I won't forgive you if you make a fool of yourself."
I personally received a not-so-joking lighthearted remark from Irori in a joking tone.
"…Well, don't sweat it."
I even received some extremely rare words of encouragement from Genkotsu-san.
"Let's do our best."
"We're expecting you to go on a rampage."
I bumped fists with the pair of Fuji-san and Auerin.
I'd already received encouragement from Mi-na and Ri-na, who we parted with at the city's transfer gate. In response to the red-haired one who enthusiastically pummeled my back, I replied with a grateful palm to her head.
And so, as we proceeded, I lined up next to the silver-blue figure who had stopped at the head of the group—
"………………It's time."
"Yeah, it's time."
Through one of the cracks in the massive, circular wall, in the center of the great crater, its color remained unchanged, quietly waiting.
Even in this absurdly vast battlefield, several kilometers in diameter, its overwhelming size allowed every detail to be seen.
A flat, oval head like a catfish, and a mouth so gigantic it took up most of it. A swollen abdomen like a caterpillar, legs like giant trees, great wings that would form a canopy if spread… and at the tip of its long tail, a grotesque human face with closed eyelids.
[Tsarkalv of the White Throne]—one of the 'Colored Monsters,' the one who bears the name 'White' and governs the 'Boundary.'
The source of the 'passion' that carved an unending sense of wonder into my heart back when I was a rookie.
"Still looks as messed up as ever."
"Its face is scary. I'm not a big fan either."
"Which face?"
"Both. 'Red' was a little cuter."
"…………Was it? Cute? I mean, size-wise, I guess you could say it wasn't exactly cute either, but—"
"…You watched the archive? I told you I didn't want you to see it."
"Well, come on, I had to study it as an example…"
"………………Fine. I'll just have to overwrite it this time."
"You were plenty cool then, you don't need to overwrite anything."
I'm not sure if my genuine follow-up, which wasn't just flattery, got through to her or not. After exchanging a few whispered words, Ashe turned to face the group behind her.
In this place, without the [Lady-in-Waiting] present, there were two people who should naturally take the lead. Namely, the top of the East (Goldow) and the top of the South (Iris).
To each their own. The top of the North (Lux) should just sit tight.
In any case, considering that most of the general members are from Istia, the 'Player's Sword,' it's only natural that Goldow would take command.
And that's precisely why we are shown this.
A scene where all eyes naturally gather, seeking 'something' from the figure who stands confidently at the front, having turned to face them.
His very presence, which everyone looks up to as their pinnacle without a single person questioning it.
There was likely no one here who wanted the same passionate speech our [General Commander] gave before the Four Pillar War.
"Third time's the charm. We'll be fine this time. So…"
We've already finished sharing the strategy and held detailed meetings in preparation for this day. Therefore, long, complicated words are no longer necessary.
At this moment… what those who hear that quiet yet resonant, sweet yet dignified voice desire is—a single word from their 'Princess.'
"—Let's win, together."
Perhaps in imitation of her calm demeanor, there were no boisterous war cries typical of the East. Instead, the sound of fists bumping against each other echoed here and there, as if savoring the moment—
"Haru."
"Yeah."
Ashe turned back to the front and took a step forward, her next words directed to her 'colleague.' I followed after her as she smiled happily, with a tone and expression so unguarded that her comrades would probably beat me up without a second thought if they knew.
We've both been waiting for this moment.
Let's enjoy it to the fullest—
"Let's have some fun."
"Let's have a blast."
There is nothing lacking in the grand stage before us.
The companions challenging it with me are a lineup of celestial figures the 'me of that day' could never have imagined.
Now then, let's get this long-awaited show on the road—my first-ever, largest-scale raid!
Let's go all out!