Chapter 672 - The Unavoidable Offer
In the end, the detailed mechanism by which the 'Rankings' are determined for all four factions—East, West, North, and South—remains a mystery. The only things that are known are the general selection criteria for each faction and, as a singular exception, the timing of the Western Faction's ranking updates.
The blessing of 'Peace' benefits every skill except those directly related to combat. Naturally, Vestol, the faction that champions this blessing, is a gathering place for players dedicated to production.
While many players who choose other factions eventually give up on combat and turn to crafting professions, the reverse pattern is not exactly rare, but certainly not common.
Thus, the West, having established itself as a non-combat faction in both name and practice, receives special treatment in various aspects compared to the other three factions. The system itself has even assigned them unique specifications.
The most prominent example is their ranking system.
If the East, North, and South are judged on their 'worth as warriors,' the West is judged on nothing other than their 'worth as artisans.' The standard for being granted a crown—or rather, a 'mark'—hinges on a single point: how magnificent a creation one has produced within the season.
The scope of this 'season' is simple. The grand festival that recently caused such a stir, the 'Four Pillar War,' serves as the milestone. The war is held at the end of April, August, and December. The rankings are updated the following day—that is, at 9 PM on the first of May, September, and January.
Because the ranks and faces change so regularly, to be blunt, Vestol's rank holders are often seen as less significant compared to those of the other three factions.
—However, one must not misunderstand that this is only in comparison.
They are still an extremely small group of ten individuals chosen from among millions. From the perspective of an average person, they are undeniably celestial beings. The weight of their titles is only a touch 'lighter'; they are by no means looked down upon or taken lightly.
And it is for that very reason…
"Just accept it already. Even I'm a bona fide celebrity these days, you know."
"Nngggghhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…"
"That's a long 'no'."
Newly added this season—or perhaps 're-added' is more accurate. My personal artisan, having found her name on the Western Faction's ranking list once again, was now throwing a tantrum, whining about how she didn't want to stand out.
I shouldn't point out that it's far too late for that in so many ways. In times like these, logical arguments are not what's needed. I, of all people, know that well.
Sprawled over her desk in the atelier, Nia somehow managed to cling to her professional spirit, continuing to weave a formula with one hand. As someone who has dabbled in Magic Craft, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration for this feat that coexisted with her lazy posture, but I'll set that aside for now.
The reason why the renowned [Milmarinus], whose name is already widely known to the public, is so averse to returning to the rankings is… well, the timing was simply terrible.
The Green Connect raid is imminent. And for that, the cooperation of the Western Faction's rankers is essential. Which means Nia will have to participate.
In other words—it was now decided that she, who had yet to sell anything but her 'name' to the world, would be forced to reveal her 'appearance' in the raid footage for the first time.
Arcadia has a system support feature called 'Private Setting.' By default, it's set to 'ON,' and as long as you don't touch it, a player's appearance will not be captured in any images (screenshots) or videos (movies).
It's not that they won't be captured; rather, if a player with their private setting ON is present, the video function simply won't work. It's the kind of ultimate privacy protection that, in this day and age, one wishes was implemented in reality.
Conversely, this also means that there is no such thing as unauthorized recording in Arcadia.
Those who have their Private Setting 'OFF' are considered to have consented to having their appearance recorded at any time, under any circumstances. So, even if you were to sneak a snapshot of a famous player passing by, as long as the function worked, it wouldn't be considered 'voyeurism.'
This is a point that is thoroughly explained when one orders the [Arcadia] console. Along with agreeing that Yotsuya Development, the developer and operator, has the right to collect player activity records as data, it's a matter of properly managing your own presence.
In short, even if your 'appearance' is being discussed somewhere without your knowledge, it's entirely, completely, one hundred percent your own fault.
It's not a difficult or unreasonable concept; it's all just a matter of course.
Incidentally, for events like the Four Pillar War, your setting is forcibly switched to 'OFF' the moment you participate. The same goes for 'Colored Monster' raids, which are conducted with the premise of being publicly broadcast. If you want to stand on the front lines, you'd better come prepared to show your face.
And so, for that reason.
Nia-chan, who has never once turned off her private setting since her virtual world debut, is a sheltered miss whose detailed appearance has yet to be revealed to the world.
At most, there are only rumors about her features—'cute,' 'super cute,' 'an angel to all genders,' 'no, a fairy,' 'has a nice voice,' 'a multifaceted beauty,' 'a natural heartbreaker,' 'has a nice voice,' 'moves around too much,' 'but that's fine too'—and she has absolutely no experience showing her face.
Considering my own mental state right before the last Four Pillar War, I can... well, I can understand her feelings. It's not something you can just swallow with a casual, "Just hide your face then."
That's not the issue, is it? Whether you hide your face or not, you can't escape the awareness that 'your appearance is being broadcast to the entire world.'
However. Nevertheless—
"...Alright, I get it. I'm usually hesitant to do this kind of thing, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll offer a trade. Please just accept this."
To be precise, I want her to change her mindset and cooperate willingly. With that thought, I dangled the proposal while sinking into my usual spot on the sofa…
"...What is it?"
Though still pouting, she couldn't fight her curiosity and anticipation. As she looked up at me with her indigo eyes while still lying on the desk, I met her gaze with a sincere expression and said,
"For the rest of this month, I'll lower my guard regarding physical contact just a little—"
"—DEAL!"
She didn't even wait for me to finish my proposal. Tossing aside the 'piece' she had just completed as its formula glowed and faded, she vaulted over the desk with spectacular agility, closing the distance in a straight line.
After a movement that seemed to push the limits of her frail status, I looked down at the indigo head buried in my stomach and thought, Did I act too rashly? I let out a sigh at my inability to learn my lesson, even after what happened just yesterday.
"Just a little, okay? Don't forget that I have the final say... Hey, are you even listening to me?"
"Ahhh, I can't help it, can I? If you're going to beg me like that, I just have to. Hehehe, I'd better make a cloak that can hide my face perfectly. It can't be helped, after all."
"What a refreshingly mercenary creature you are..."
Well, yeah. I suppose it can't be helped on my end either. In order to find a clue to conquering Green Connect—I have high expectations for her 'eyes.'
That aside, if we have the chance to stand on the same stage together…
Well, I suppose I'll tell her my true feelings when the opportunity arises.
I was pretty much just waiting for that offer.