Chapter 570 - Encounter: Another
I bought the VR unit, [Arcadia], exactly one year ago. I was exhausted from my demanding 'job' and wanted a place where my heart could rest.
I just let myself drift, wherever the current took me. I wanted to escape, to look away from a position I didn't deserve, to become someone nobody knew so I could finally relax.
—It was supposed to be for 'rest'. That was the plan.
But in the virtual world of Arcadia, what I naturally found myself engrossed in wasn't a peaceful life in another world, but fierce, heated battles that wore down both body and soul.
What's more, my own passion for it seemed to go a little too far beyond the norm. When I partied up, I grew frustrated with everyone else's pace, and I'm sure the reverse was true, too. I just couldn't fit in.
My 'job' had left me weary of human relationships, especially given my position, but I don't dislike people themselves. In fact, it's a 'job' you couldn't choose if you did.
If possible, I want to play with others. But I couldn't bring myself to be selfish and burden other decent players. And yet, the thought of suppressing myself in a virtual world when I was already holding back so much in reality… that was unbearable.
Less than a month after starting Arcadia, I found myself a lonely solo player.
At first, I was dejected, thinking, So the virtual world is just another 'world where people live,' after all. But the power of a so-called 'God-tier game' was such that I still managed to enjoy it more than enough.
In the end, I swallowed it all and was enjoying the virtual world at my own pace, content in my own way—until his figure stole my gaze.
A brilliance so intense it burned the eyes of the world, and that's no metaphor.
By his own account, he had climbed to the rank of 'Title Holder' in just two months since his debut. His momentum never stopped, carrying him to the pinnacle of the [Sword Queen (Strongest)]… and in the four months since his name became legend, he's continued to spread endless tales and topics of conversation. A true supernova.
He was special. So special he couldn't be compared to me, someone who was merely a little too passionate.
That's why my eyes were burned, my heart seared—by the sight of him, who, despite being more special than anyone, simply strove for victory with his comrades, enjoying the virtual world with all his heart.
And so, I thought it. A phrase that had never once crossed my mind in a life I knew was more blessed than most… I want to be like him.
And so I thought, I resolved, and I began to run, chasing after him to arrive here, now.
The preliminaries for the 'Four Pillar War' selection match were over.
The moment I laid eyes on the randomly generated tournament bracket for the main event—
"……………………No… way…"
The player, Kanata, became certain of the existence of a 'God' in this virtual world.
◇◆◇◆◇
The light of the teleport faded, and at the same moment my avatar's senses returned, an incredible presence of people—it would be rude to say a swarm, but it was a flood—washed over me from all sides.
I know.
I know that what this crowd wants isn't an almost-unknown player like me. What they're waiting for is the person who will appear opposite me at any moment.
Not interested in me? Perfectly fine. I, Kanata, have no interest in the surrounding crowd either.
This circular arena, the stage for the main selection tournament, felt vast yet cramped. For my fighting style, it was constricting… but for him, it must be far, far more so.
It was no longer a matter of becoming conscious of my opponent. Ever since I saw the tournament bracket, my virtual heart has been in a state of overdrive, constantly on the verge of exploding.
So… ah, so, please, hurry.
Before this chest of mine bursts, please appear.
Appear before me, who came all this way out of admiration for you.
Whether or not that wish was heard,
"—…"
The moment a pale blue figure appeared on the stage, an explosion of cheers robbed the world of all sound.
"—…Ahem, ahem. Quite the center of attention, aren't I?"
Not surprised, not flustered. He shrugged as if to say, "I'm used to this by now," and gave the crowd a little wave with a wry smile.
Naturally, the roar of cheers only intensified. He gave them a slightly troubled smile, then—
"Sorry about this, rookie. Having your first stage turn into such a huge scene."
His black eyes fixed on Kanata, and it was no joke—I felt like I had been shot.
"……………! N-No, I was prepared for it, so I'm fine."
Fortunately, my avatar's HP hadn't decreased. Besides, my 'job' had trained me to have the courage to speak up without being intimidated, no matter how important the person I was facing.
And so, I made an effort to respond with dignity… and he smiled, impressed.
"A far cry from my first time. You've got some nerve."
My heart has been under constant assault from your every move and gesture since a moment ago—there was no way I could say something so incredibly creepy.
So, that's it. I can't. Any more of this, and I'll start to fall apart.
"—Acrobat-san."
"—…Hm?"
I gripped the hilts of the two short swords at my lower back with both hands.
I flipped the switch.
"…Only two months. In just that much time, you defeated the [Sword Protector]. It's embarrassing for me, someone who's been playing for a year, to confess this to you, but…"
"Well, yeah… hmm, I suppose. It's true I defeated him according to the rules of the stage."
Muttering to himself, he—the Acrobat, Haru—nodded at me to continue.
"…To be honest, I don't think I can win. I don't even think I can land a scratch."
I looked straight back into those black eyes—gentle, calm… eyes that seemed to be gazing at something far away, filled with innocence, curiosity, and a lack of guile.
"—Even so, I will fight with the intent to win."
The moment I cut through the air with a defiant cry and drew my weapons,
"…Ah—That's perfectly fine."
The gentle look on his face was replaced by the smile that had once stolen my gaze.
A single hand was waved casually, and a white sword appeared—or so I thought. With a twirl, the sword became a spear, the spear an axe, the axe a shield, the shield a hammer, the hammer a katana… and then,
As if nothing had happened, a scarlet dagger materialized in each of his now-empty hands.
"Alright, let's fight—…though, this is a first for me, this sort of thing."
He held the twin blades loosely, without any sort of stance.
"I'll do my best in my own way, so let's both have some fun."
He smiled at me, and I returned it with my best attempt at a brave face.
"Then—as the Fourth Rank of the Eastern Faction, Istia… the Acrobat… I will face you with all my heart."
The unstoppable monster took a slow, deliberate step forward.