Chapter 536 - The Decision
The harsh reality that all your efforts will be laughed off as futile—a reality reminiscent of some brutal dungeon—is something that happens from time to time in the real world. However, if you live earnestly and diligently, such crappy, unwinnable situations are not a frequent occurrence.
Studying, for example, is one of the foremost areas where effort pays off.
As long as you don't compromise, don't slack off, and apply yourself sincerely, the results will follow, big or small. And when you have the help of an invincible private tutor—
“Goodbye, super-long-incantation-listening-sessions...!”
“‘Sessions’? I think you were probably the only one who thought of it that way.”
—it’s not a matter of big or small; a massive payoff is a self-evident truth.
My academic ability had improved to the point where the professors' lectures, which had once been completely incomprehensible, had transformed into proper lessons that I could somehow understand.
As I quietly expressed my excitement while pumping a fist under my desk, my friend next to me gave me an exasperated look. But as someone who had been genuinely worried, I couldn't hide my joy.
Seriously, thank the gods, Buddha, and the Sword Queen...!
“Ahaha. Looks like the training camp really paid off, huh?”
“Oh, you have no idea. My ‘teacher’ was just godly from start to finish...”
Shoko, from the next seat over, popped her head out and joined the conversation. As I murmured my heartfelt reply, she gave me a wide grin.
She didn't actually tease me, but it was obvious what she was thinking.
“...Sorry, but I can't provide any amusingly romantic episodes that Shoko would love. She was genuinely focused on tutoring me for the most part.”
“Hmm, I see, I see?”
Now, I said I couldn't provide any, not that nothing happened, and it was only for the most part. I won't mention the fact that she tried to pounce on me numerous times when we were alone, but Shoko, who correctly and conveniently interpreted my subtle nuance, only deepened her knowing smirk.
It’s not like I intend to hide it; it would be futile anyway.
Her fans would surely understand that Alicia White would never miss the perfect opportunity of being one-on-one with her ‘target.’
—But anyway, that aside.
“Are you two free today? If it’s convenient, I’d like to ask you to edit my new work.”
“Whoa, out of the blue?”
“Didn't you just get back yesterday?”
With my studies settled for the time being, it was time to talk ‘work.’
Alright, my dear supporters, your turn—are you prepared to have your semicircular canals wrecked again?
◇◆◇◆◇
Later, after everyone had finished their respective classes, several dozen minutes had passed since the whole group, including Kaede and Mizuki, had gathered at the Shijo residence.
“Nozomi, you’ve really gotta stop...”
“I can’t... I feel sick...”
“..., ...!!!”
“That was very interesting. I would like an explanation of your new skills and other abilities.”
Of the members who had reviewed the fresh footage I had given them, Toshiki, Shoko, and Kaede were down for the count, a magnificent scene of carnage.
As for Mizuki, the only one with a resistance from the beginning, she looked perfectly fine, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. It goes without saying which of them was the exception.
However, in this particular case—
“If you’ve got a complaint, take it up with my ‘opponent.’ The only reason the footage became a vomit-inducing mess of ridiculous movements even from a third-person perspective is because of that utterly unrestrained monster.”
“Ugh... it was amazing, though, Nozomi-kun’s ‘shadow’...”
Responding to Toshiki’s resentful glare was the young lady of the Shijo household, who was slumped in her chair with a pale face. The ‘shadow’ Kaede was referring to was, of course, the common nickname for the infamous Repu-ra Noubadi.
“Yeah... I think it’s one of the most insane patterns ever seen in any uploaded footage. In fact, I was impressed you even lasted thirty seconds.”
“That was my longest record, and it was only by focusing entirely on evasion,” I added.
I was honored by the praise, but aside from that one instance of self-preservation, most of my attempts ended in an instant kill.
Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed to show my friends footage of my own slaughter, but... the consensus seemed to be ‘this was unavoidable,’ so I gratefully puffed out my chest.
“Ah, the dizziness is finally fading... It just proves it again, but the craziest thing about you is actually your survivability. The fact that you can establish a close-quarters fight against an opponent whose attacks are ‘instant death on graze’ like it's nothing is just insane.”
“This. I mean, it’s obviously technically impressive, but aren’t you scared, Nozomin? ...Not that I haven’t asked that a million times.”
Then came words of praise mixed with exasperation from my childhood friends. What’s with all of you? Ganging up on me with compliments won’t get you anything.
At most, it’ll just put me in a good mood and loosen my tongue.
“I’ve said this a million times too, but scary things are scary. I’m just tricking myself into thinking it’s not real. Every time a blade, a blunt weapon, claws, fangs, tentacles, fire, wind, lightning, or some mysterious substance grazes past me, I’m genuinely terrified.”
““Then why are you usually smiling in a pinch...?””
“That’s, well, you know. Guys are sad creatures who basically become idiots when they’re holding a weapon and get hyped up.”
Shoko aside, Toshiki would probably understand if he ever debuted in Arcadia. Though, according to him, he has no plans to dive into the virtual world for now.
“Hey, Nozomi-kun.”
“Yes, what is it, Mizuki-san?”
As I was bantering with the usual lively duo, Mizuki, who had started rewatching the footage by herself, called out to me.
Her voice was quiet as always, with little inflection, but... I could tell from the subtle nuance that her tone was serious.
So,
“You asked us to edit it. This means you plan to release this footage.”
“That’s right.”
“I don’t recommend it.”
When I replied in an equally serious tone, the outwardly cool girl cut me down without a moment’s hesitation. And following her,
“Yeah, I agree.”
“Same here.”
Mizuki's words were echoed by Toshiki, and then Shoko. When I glanced over at Kaede, she nodded in agreement with her friends.
“What you’re doing is certainly amazing—but in terms of content, it’s a video of ‘you, the Acrobat, getting completely shut down and losing over and over.’ As far as your image goes, it’s not exactly a good look.”
“Yeah, there will definitely be people who gleefully jump on this.”
“I think your fans will genuinely enjoy watching it. And as always, I’m sure your allies will step up to do damage control, but for you to provide material that could become your own weakness... we think that might be a bit questionable.”
Coming from Shoko, who, contrary to my initial impression of her, is actually more of a whimsical free spirit than Toshiki, her extremely serious tone was a clear sign of her sincerity.
In other words, when she gets like this, it’s always a serious matter. Taking in the opinions of the three of them, I once again turned my gaze to my ‘manager,’ Kaede...
“I can’t really approve either, I think...? You know, um. I’m sure you know this, Nozomi-kun, but the real world isn’t full of nice people like the virtual world is, so...”
And so it seemed their opinions were unanimous.
All of this was simply because they were genuinely concerned for me. I considered whether to suppress the smile that was about to form on my face, but decided it wasn't necessary and let my muscles relax.
“Haha.”
“Wipe that smug look off your face... we’re seriously worried about you, you know?”
“I know.”
And that's precisely why I can make a face like this. The sense of security that comes from having friends who are so earnestly on my side—it makes me feel invincible.
However, as for my decision—
“I’m still going to release the footage. You don’t have to hold back; feel free to edit it in a way that thoroughly emphasizes how ridiculously insane Repu-ra Noubadi is.”
I have no intention of changing my original plan. But I also have no intention of causing my concerned friends any unnecessary worry... so I won't drag out the reveal.
“And then—a little while later, you’re going to upload it as a set with the real victory video.”
“Huh?”
“Wha?”
“...Hm?”
“Eh...?”
As I stated it like it was a done deal, they all displayed textbook-perfect dumbfounded expressions, and I let out a smile.
“Well, you know. That strongest princess of ours said, ‘We can definitely beat it,’ so...”
I hinted at the event that had prompted me to challenge the [Shadow-Infested Arena] and, at the same time,
“Sometime this weekend, the two of us are gonna go clear it.”
I announced the decision, now a certainty, to my friends.