Chapter 687 - On the Phone
The Triangle Duo—a one-of-a-kind real-world event that brings the dream of the world's only VR system, [Arcadia], into reality. It is an extraordinary banquet where the stars of the virtual world gather.
It is an annual grand festival of entertainment, a stage built by Yotsuya Development in response to the public's fervor and desire, made possible through the sponsorship of renowned corporations involved in the virtual world.
Yotsuya, the masters of the technology, have almost no involvement in the festival's actual operation, which is why it's considered a semi-official real-world event. Since the dome's construction, the official channels have remained silent, taking no action whatsoever, so in a way, it could be called a festival run purely by and for the fans, from the organizers to the participants.
Those who stand on the competitive stage are the pinnacles of the virtual world: the Title Holders. The rankers from the Northern, Southern, and Eastern factions—excluding the non-combat-oriented Western Faction, Vestol—are the ones who receive invitations to participate. While it's not mandatory, of course... well, it's pretty much an unspoken understanding that everyone attends.
Naturally, there are some special exceptions. Those with no individual combat ability or who are completely ineffective in a 'pair' situation are excluded, but most others make an appearance.
The only other exceptions are those who simply dislike fighting itself, like the former [Sword Saint] until recently.
Again, participation isn't forced. After all, who in the real world could possibly make demands of the Title Holders, a privileged class supported by the fervent adoration of the masses?
Besides, at their core, every Title Holder is just an individual player enjoying their hobby. If anyone were to try and force them to do something, Yotsuya Development itself would surely have something to say about it.
In any case, the main event of this Triangle Duo is a tag-team tournament held in a real-world dome, with spectators invited to watch.
With the help of the developers, who at least pave the 'path' for this, participants transfer only their consciousness from their respective pods, gathering at the venue on the day of the event. They descend upon the stadium using avatar data pulled from Arcadia and take part in the festival.
Additionally, the pairings are completely random and decided on the spot, leaving no room for pre-arranged strategies or discussions. This can sometimes lead to pairing accidents... For example, in the last tournament, we had a low-firepower team consisting of the East's [Undying] and the North's [Cloud-Hidden].
But enjoying those quirks is part of the Triangle Duo experience. In fact, accidents and happenings are more than welcome; the fans long to see a rougher, more approachable side of their stars.
So, while the tournament is the main event... there are other segments, too. There's a 'Casual Commentary Corner' where two rankers, selected by a poll, are asked to liven up each match, as well as a terrifying segment known as the 'Fan Mail Corner'.
All in all, the vibe is basically: 'Let's get close and have a blast'—
"—...and, well, that's pretty much the gist of it."
"It's not like you're the only one who knows this stuff. Your father and I are well aware, you know."
After finishing what I thought was a concise and remarkably clear explanation, a single, exasperated voice came through the speaker.
That's my mom for you. Her voice was as crisp and strong-willed as ever, and I could practically picture her sitting bolt upright, just like always.
"My apologies... So, right. As it happens, I'm participating, and since my sponsor is none other than Yotsuya Development, I've got a decent number of invitation slots..."
"..."
"Uhm... s-so, are you, coming...?"
Anyway, while we'd kept in touch with minor updates, it had been a while since our last phone call. After greetings and catching up, I'd finished the overview and finally gotten to the main point.
But my mother remained silent. I could tell from her presence that she wasn't angry or anything, but since the topic was undoubtedly a source of daily stress for both her and my father, the air was thick with a strange tension.
I get it, but please don't pause like that.
This was just a formal confirmation over the phone; I'd already told them about it in writing at the beginning of the month, so it wasn't like I was springing a sudden invitation on them this week—
"Your father and I talked about it, you see."
"Ah, yes."
I leaned in, ready for her answer, but my mother paused again for a moment.
"We've decided not to go this time. We'll be cheering for you from in front of the TV, so do your best."
"Oh, okay. Is that so..."
Honestly, I hadn't been sure what they'd decide, so I wasn't particularly surprised. I was just kind of fumbling for the right response when she continued.
"It's not that we can't make the time. It's just that if we go all the way to Tokyo—well, you know—"
My mother, too, hesitated for a moment.
"We'd want to see your face, at least... and if that happens, there's a good chance we'd meet... certain people, isn't there? You know, the people... around you."
"...W-Well... th-that, might, possibly, happen, I guess..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
For the record, my parents are fully and completely aware of my 'current situation.' Unlike this idiot who turned down all media outlets out of pure conviction, it was only natural they'd know.
"From what I hear, they seem to be supporting you in all sorts of ways, and I... to be honest, I'd like to meet them, to thank them as well."
"I-Is that so..."
"Your father, on the other hand... well, you know. He'd probably faint, don't you think?"
"Y-Yeah, probably..."
"He'd be on the verge of collapsing just finding out his son has a girlfriend."
"Uhm, Mom, that's not... No one is, yet. No."
"And when it turns out to be three of them, all young ladies from worlds so different from ours... you see? It's all so unreal, even I'm not quite sure how I'd handle it."
"S-Sorry..."
And for the record, and I'm very grateful for this,
"I haven't heard many reports on that particular subject. Are you handling things properly?"
"Yes, of course. With the utmost sincerity and seriousness, I assure you..."
My parents, who for various reasons can't really lecture me on my love life, have been surprisingly supportive of my current situation, even after getting over their initial shock and disbelief.
I've received a few threats from my mother—'Don't you dare make them cry, at least as much as possible,' and 'If you're even the slightest bit unfaithful, I'll string you up'—but... well, that's how it is.
"So, yes... right. We're just not quite mentally prepared yet, so we'll pass this time—however, and this might be a bit premature,"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Around the end of the year, if the 'young ladies' are willing and it works for their schedules..."
"..."
"First and foremost, as your parents. I believe we should at least formally bow our heads for the unbelievable situation our idiot son has created. So, I want you to arrange for them to visit us here."
"..."
"Nozomi, your answer."
I never had much of a rebellious phase, and this has been true since I was a kid, but...
"...R-Roger... that."
...more than ever before, I found myself completely unable to stand up to my mom.
Three months later in the story... I wonder when we'll ever get there.
Also, if his parents had shown up, Alicia would have charged in to meet them, just as predicted. His mother has sharp intuition.