Chapter 671 - The Linked Name Returns
"Come again?"
The next morning—no, the next afternoon. In the private restaurant of the Yotsuya dormitory in the real world, which served as our dining table and relaxation spot, two voices overlapped—one spoken, one written.
Nia and Ashe. The two, renowned in the virtual world as [Milmarinus, the Aquamarine Fairy] and the [Sword Queen] respectively, both turned their gazes toward me. In the face of their expected reaction, I calmly bit into a piece of rolled omelet, a placid feeling born of resignation.
Mmm, this Japanese-style meal is also delicious. Our chef is truly amazing.
Anyway, let me repeat the 'report' in response to their questions and confusion—
"Due to various circumstances, Ui, the [Sword Saint], has joined our clan. Starting with the Trio Duo in two weeks, she plans to actively make public appearances, so she sends her regards."
She did say she would greet them herself if she had the chance to meet them—I laid out the second notice… Nia was staring blankly, but as for Ashe.
"…………………………………………I see. …………Yes, I think I understand, for the most part."
Ashe, who seemed to have 'understood' something, quietly put down her coffee cup and sighed, her face showing a rare, genuine surprise.
As for her meal, it goes without saying that she was the first to finish.
"Her way of thinking hasn't changed… rather, her thoughts are the same, but her perspective has shifted. I think that's how I should see it. The reason for that goes without saying."
And just like that, the speed of her thoughts remains as sharp as ever. Or maybe it's not about speed, but simply that her level of comprehension is frighteningly high.
"Well, something like that. She also mentioned she wants to participate in the Four Pillar War from next time, so with that in mind, we'll be focusing on 'practice' and self-improvement for a while."
"Coordination training for when Ui joins a group, I see."
"Exactly. As for the latter, it'll mainly be me, Sora-san, and Kanata."
Across the table, Nia gave me a look of exasperation, as if to say, 'Are you still planning on getting stronger?' but let's not forget.
I've been in the virtual world for less than six months, okay?
"So, for now, we're planning to start moving with [Green Connect] in mind… but the schedule is still the same, right?"
"It is. The raid will be one week after the [Triangle Duo]. The follow-up meeting will be the day after the event, at the southern castle."
We've had countless discussions about [Green Connect]—the conquest of [Green Connect, Jehatreglie]—for over two months now.
It seems to be fundamentally different from the other [Colored Monsters], the so-called 'Five-Colored Pillars,' like [Tsarkalv of the White Throne] and [Rielt'helia of the Red Circle]… no, it's different from all other existing raid bosses. A unique, exploration-type raid.
Its overall direction, the number of possible participants, and even the uniqueness of the 'slots'—[Green Connect], with all its special limitations, is, to put it simply, a gigantic gimmick boss.
And it's not the kind where 'solving the gimmick makes it easier to defeat or possible to defeat.' It's suspected to be the kind where, without exaggeration, 'solving the gimmick completes the conquest'… but well, that's only natural.
Its body is so massive that the word 'gigantic,' spanning several kilometers in diameter, is insufficient. Furthermore, if not even a single scratch can be made on its eyeball with a strike from a [Shin Yoki], one can surmise that it's not an existence that can be defeated head-on, even if it's weakened by a gimmick.
Well, in a way, its conquest method is even more unknown than that of the [White Throne], so no matter how much we rack our brains, it's all just speculation. Frankly, a one-shot clear is unlikely, but this time, we're determined to at least find a clue.
And the revolutionary new element to achieve that is the [Stardust Beasts]—or more accurately, the existence of riders who have tamed beasts that can serve as high-speed transportation.
An exploration journey across a stage of unknown total area.
For the conquest of [Green Connect], the appearance of tamed beasts that can serve as the 'legs' for all players, regardless of whether they are agility-based or not, was nothing short of a ray of hope.
This is especially true when the participation of players who are not even combat classes is an absolute condition. Mountable tamed beasts are, in the truest sense, an essential element.
Anyway—or rather, not 'anyway,' but quite the opposite.
"What are you doing, pretending to be completely unrelated with that innocent face???"
The moment the conversation shifted to [Green Connect], Nia-chan, who had visibly flinched and tried to erase her presence, caught my eye. Though her colors were different from her virtual self, her gestures and demeanor, which overlapped with the boisterous 'blue,' made her whistle a silent tune…
"I'm sorry, but all of the West's current rankers are required to participate."
Ashe's merciless words caused even that to die out with a pathetic whimper.
And so, the blue-haired girl, Nia-chan, a.k.a. Liliania Vluveli, a.k.a. my exclusive artisan, a.k.a.—the current sixth seat of the Western Faction, Vestol, [Milmarinus, the Aquamarine Fairy], was now,
"—……………………………………"
"Even if you look at me like that."
"No means no. Give up and lend us your strength."
With a look that screamed 'give me a break,' she listlessly took a bite of her rolled omelet.
Well, if you mass-produce insane items for a certain someone, your merits are bound to pile up.