Chapter 451 - An Evening's Revelry
“—The fact that this group is an absolute jackpot.”
“For real.”
“No lies detected.”
“We’ve got idols, a chef, and a ranker for when things get dicey…”
“The sense of security and satisfaction is off the charts.”
“Good food is a blessing, seriously.”
“I bet other groups aren’t having such a chill survival experience.”
“At this point, it’s not even survival. It feels like more than just camping.”
“A log house in the mountains… reminds me of forest school.”
“Ah… I feel old.”
“We didn’t have forest school where I’m from. What was it like?”
“““Bugs. So many bugs.”””
“I was hoping for a more positive, exciting story, you know…”
“—They’re all so relaxed.”
“Well, we were probably put in a pretty blessed group.”
“Not to toot my own horn, but I imagine any group without a cooking skill-holder is having a rough time. Since we need to eat just like in the real world…”
“You can’t feel energetic if you don’t eat delicious food, right?”
In a corner of the rather lively banquet, our two pairs, who seemed to naturally stick together thanks to the Nonomi-Nia connection, chatted away.
With boar meat as the main star—in a botan nabe hot pot and that mysterious steak from before—the dishes prepared by Tetsu-san were, without exaggeration, piled up like mountains. Looking around at the group members joyfully flocking to the food, everyone’s faces were bright, and their motivation seemed high.
By the way, when I asked Tetsu-san how he managed to get the miso flavor for the hot pot so perfectly, he just replied, “Oh, I made it.” I probably wouldn’t have understood even if I had asked when or with what ingredients.
At this point, anything goes. As long as it’s delicious, I have no complaints.
The venue is still a bare room with just a floor, walls, and a ceiling, but the lively chatter of the people creates a wonderful atmosphere.
I think it’s safe to say that the first day has gotten off to an unbelievably smooth start.
“Honestly, we artisans are important, but the real key is you, Acrobat-san.”
“What’s with the sudden praise? I haven’t done anything amazing yet.”
That wasn’t me being humble or anything. Regarding my scouting from the sky, anyone with decent stats could have achieved the same result by climbing a tree instead of flying.
And as for rescuing the Nono-Tetsu pair right before that, it wouldn’t have been a problem even if it wasn’t me. The regular combat players here could have easily handled opponents of that level.
I casually voiced my disagreement without much thought, but…
“No, no, no, it’s about just being here.”
Nonomi-chan-san laughed as if to say, ‘What are you talking about?’
“I don’t mean to pressure you, but… as everyone has said, the sense of security is on a completely different level. To be honest, I’m sure most of us, including myself, are thinking, ‘If things get rough, he’ll handle it’.”
“Hah… well, I’ll certainly pull my weight when needed.”
It’s not expectation. The looks I’m getting are undoubtedly ones of trust. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I averted my gaze, and my eyes met a pair of indigo ones.
“You can say what you want, but you’re still not aware enough. To a regular player, a ranker from any of the three factions besides the West is seen in that light, you know?”
“Aware… I thought I was.”
I dodged Nia as she nudged me with her shoulder and glanced around the room. Every player I made eye contact with raised their wooden cup of water and gave me a cheerful smile.
An existence that receives goodwill and trust just by being there.
The unreal feeling that I've become that person… setting aside my own confusion and other emotions, I should probably just accept it.
I've been slowly coming to terms with it since the Four Pillar War, but I'm still a celebrity novice. Fortunately, I have plenty of ‘role models’ close by, so I can deepen my lacking awareness over time.
“—By the way, this is completely unrelated, but…”
“Yeah?”
As I was trying to find a middle ground between overthinking and underthinking, Nia, who had given up on breaking through my defenses, spoke up as if she’d just remembered something.
“You’re just chilling out in that form, but shouldn’t you switch to your other one? Weren’t you diligently training your magic power to learn new spells?”
“Ah.”
It’s not that I had forgotten about it. It’s just that I’ve only shown that form to a limited number of players—namely, the raid members who participated in the White Throne subjugation battle. So, quite simply—
“It’s embarrassing, or maybe I’m just scared of the reaction…”
“Ah… yeah, I get that.”
“I don’t think you need to worry so much, you know? You looked absolutely adorable, and it’s going to be revealed in a big archive or something eventually anyway, right?”
“That’s true, but…”
Well, Nonomi-chan-san has a point. I fully intend to use [Trance] in my strategies, so it’s bound to be revealed eventually. It’s just a matter of sooner or later.
In that case…
“Excuse me for a second.”
Faintly suppressing my presence, I stood up and nonchalantly slipped into the partitioned kitchen space (provisional) to activate [Trance].
It’s not that I felt some mysterious shame about ‘transforming’ in front of everyone; I was just trying to avoid causing a scene by suddenly flashing with light.
However, that turned out to be an unnecessary… or rather, a futile consideration.
Why, you ask? Because, of course—
“There we go.”
“Hey, no, no, no! Don’t sit cross-legged!”
“…Seeing you act completely like a guy in that form is messing with my head.”
“Actually, I think that’s what will make you popular. There’s definitely a demand for it.”
They must have understood my intention. My return to my seat was met with retorts and comments in hushed tones… but the gazes were already piercing me from all directions.
Alright, I've steeled myself for this.
Here it comes. In three, two, one—
“Three crimson flowers!!!” “That’s dangerous!!!” “Is that the rumored Trance system?!” “Acrobat-san turned into Acrobat-chan?!” “Oh no, this is too funny!” “A super beautiful girl with white hair and blue eyes, you say…?!” “My heaaaaart…” “Not satisfied with just being surrounded by beauties and beautiful girls, you became one yourself…?!” “Wait a minute, you’re going to do super-high-speed maneuvers and swing around ridiculously huge weapons in that form?!!” “My fetishes are being awakened!!!” “Can I start the Acrobat-chan fan club?!”
“Alright, alright, quiet down, I’m not Prince Shotoku—”
“““Ah, her voice is beautiful too!!!”””
“““A girl using ‘ore’ is just too much!!!!”””
“Would you all just shut uuuuuuuuuuuuup!!!”
The guys gave me a mysterious standing ovation.
A great cheer, like a roar, echoed through the room.
And as if frightened by the mob rushing towards me, the two true crimson flowers quickly evacuated. Yeah, you're right, it's better to stay away.
I’d experienced something similar at the victory party the other day, so I had already predicted the reaction of these Arcadians—both exceptional and regular players alike, who all love a good festival.
But still, when they come at you full force like this…
“Alright, alright, please form a line! One question per person—whoa, wait, stop! Everyone calm down, please act with a little more reason…!”
In a situation where I can't draw a weapon, the outcome of a many-against-one fight is decided from the start.
And so, for the rest of the long, lively banquet, it goes without saying that I remained the center of attention.
They're just hyped up from the event; everyone is usually a bit more rational. Probably. Maybe.
I think that's enough peace and quiet for now.