Chapter 796 - Green Connect, Jehatreglie
The Colored Monster known as one of the 'Five Colored Pillars' is [Green Connect, Jehatreglie]—a creature of such outlandish proportions that it boasts the largest size in all of Arcadia, leaving all others in the dust.
Its overwhelming presence completely fills a massive basin roughly three kilometers in diameter, which means if it were to stretch out the colossal tail coiling around its body, it would easily surpass a staggering ten kilometers in length. What a ridiculous monster.
Naturally, it's not something a mere human can face head-on.
And it, in turn, does not deign to face something as small as a human with its own body.
The condition for 'Green Connect' to awaken—or rather, to activate—is singular: for someone to set foot upon its back, which resembles a mountain overgrown with giant trees.
However, even then, the main body's only action is to slightly lift its eyelids. Thankfully, it shows no sign of taking any real action, so we don't have to worry about cataclysmic events wiping out the surrounding environment every time a player pokes it.
The entire battle unfolds solely upon its back.
First and foremost, a vast 'otherworld' spreads across the shell on Green Connect's back. Hopeful speculation suggests it probably isn't on the same absurd scale as the [Garden of Divine Creation], which is currently said to be infinite, but the truth remains unknown.
This is because, due to certain circumstances, the time available for the raid is limited. Furthermore, information gathered from the two previous attempts strongly suggests that the environment on its back changes with each challenge, making a complete mapping practically impossible.
Faced with such a spirit-crushing design, anyone with even a little knowledge of Arcadia would surely tilt their head and wonder—Isn't that the domain of the White Throne?
And they would be absolutely correct. Powers related to space are the specialty of [Tsarkalv of the White Throne], which governs 'Boundaries'. It's not a power that [Green Connect, Jehatreglie], which supposedly governs 'Covenants,' should possess.
That's right, it shouldn't possess it. From a meta perspective, it's unlikely that the 'Five Colored Pillars,' the game's biggest feature content, would have overlapping abilities.
Taking that into account, a half-conclusive theory has already emerged. The 'otherworld' on Green Connect's back might be a side effect it acquired after its creation.
Innumerable dungeons have been absorbed onto the back of [Green Connect, Jehatreglie].
Dungeons, or Instance Dungeon Areas—in other words, the epitome of the 'otherworld' concept, including in a meta sense, that exists in many games.
Thus, theory number one: 'Green Connect' is something that grows by absorbing its environment.
Theory number two: 'Green Connect' acquires the properties of the environments it absorbs as its own abilities.
Theory number three: There is likely no capacity limit to these abilities.
In short… 'Green Connect,' which had been inactive since the service began, must have absorbed dungeons in the distant past, and as a result, transformed its very existence into a dungeon. That seems to be the prevailing theory.
And so, on top of its already colossal body, it came to host an even more expansive field—all while adhering to the absolute rules of the game system, the will of the gods.
This directly informs our strategy as players. The battle plan for [Green Connect, Jehatreglie] that has been devised to this day is, in essence…
To race across the endless otherworld on the back of the unmoving behemoth,
and believing it will lead to the goal—to crush the countless dungeons, the only visible objectives, one by one.
It is, in a word, a relentless, furious advance.
"…Basically, it means we still have no idea what the exact path is, right?"
Inside the barrier, the gathered forces numbered not just a hundred, but well over two hundred, even exceeding three hundred. This massive contingent was assembled to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, like personnel issues.
At the head of this large, elite force, Iris was delivering a final address to unify our purpose and boost morale as the designated time approached. Watching her from a distance, I reflected.
"Well, can't be helped. Even my 'Crown' is completely useless here."
A cheerful female voice replied to my muttered thoughts, which were just a rehash of my earlier studies as I digested the very welcome review of information to calm my nerves.
"I heard. The 'path' keeps getting sucked into the nearest dungeon, right?"
"Yep, yep, yep. It's a real pain."
"…However, that's also what allowed us to establish a basic strategy."
Then, the peerless samurai chimed in, his voice layering over Lux's characteristically bright and light tone. Irori's follow-up remark, made while watching Iris's masterful performance, was nothing less than the truth.
It was precisely because of Lux's 'Crown'—her Treasure Hunter ability—that we could be certain that conquering the innumerable dungeons was the correct path.
What awaits us at the end, and how long that path may be… the crucial details remain unknown, but there's a world of difference between knowing what you have to do and not.
"Fufu… that was all thanks to Lu-chan, wasn't it?"
"It was! Ehehe, praise me more!"
Ui-san's words of praise, and Lux's immediate devolution into a fawning mess in response, were a well-deserved tribute to her achievement. It also keeps the peace, so I'd appreciate it if my master would continue to keep that high-tension monster in check.
At least in terms of physical strength (STR), she should have no problem—
"—Well, whatever. It'll be tough, but it'd be great if we could finish it this time."
"You're right about that. Gatherin' everyone is a pain in the neck, too."
"A few hundred people… It's a huge deal every single time. Seriously."
And then, three more voices. In the circle of high-ranking players who had gathered together, it was only natural that most were bearers of renowned titles.
As if completely oblivious to their own number-one ranker making a ridiculously sloppy, blissful face in the chest of another faction's top player, the men from the North chatted casually and amiably.
They were the second-ranked [Wolf Pack], seventh-ranked [Great Tiger], and tenth-ranked [Cloud-Hider].
From our faction, Istia, we had [Sword Saint], [Peerless], [Undying], and myself, [Acrobat]. From the Southern Faction, we had [Sword Queen], [Thread-Weaver], and [Traveler], for a total of ten players.
That was the roster of rankers for this raid… or more accurately, the roster of rankers from the combat-oriented factions, excluding Vestol.
It feels arrogant to critique, but it's an extremely logical selection.
In terms of traversal speed, combat power, and survivability, as well as the ability to single-handedly ensure the safety of their companions, this lineup represents the best from the top.
When it comes to pure defense, the [Castle Lord]-chan and the [Knight]-dono are undeniably superior, but since high-speed dungeon clearing is also a must, a certain level of attack power and agility is a prerequisite.
Among them, the one who seems particularly suited for this is…
"What're you lookin' at?"
"Just thinkin' your hairstyle is on point today."
"Oh? Flattery won't get ya anywhere, ya know."
…none other than Tiger Lucky, who, despite his words, was clearly pleased by my offhand remark.
His various abilities, which display an unreasonable effectiveness against enemies, not to mention his instincts for sniffing out dungeons, are certainly noteworthy.
Of course, [Sword Queen] and [Sword Saint] are in a league of their own, exceptions in many ways… but at least in terms of reliability, he's on a different level than me, who inspires nothing but anxiety. He'll no doubt perform his duties with furious momentum and without ever faltering.
"…He seems to be led by the nose most of the time, but every so often, he turns the tables, doesn't he?"
"Every so often… you think that's all?"
"I feel like it happens pretty frequently…"
I could hear the three girls nearby—including the two non-combat rankers—whispering amongst themselves, but thankfully, his ears aren't as sharp as a cat's (or a tiger's).
"You better bring your A-game too, Haru. Loser with the fewest clears gets a penalty, of course."
"I don't know what's 'of course' about it, but you're on. I'll think of some options, you can pick your favorite."
"What's that supposed to mean? Don't be an idiot. Don't you get cocky and assume you'll win again."
"Hey, come on now. When you consider the absolute difference in our movement speed…"
"I'll crush ya with strength and power and guts!"
"Lately, I've also been getting a reputation for having excessive strength and power, you know."
"—You're not going to point out the redundancy in his statement…?"
"He's not thinking about it. They're just enjoying their conversation as idiots."
As I let the voices of my two juniors pass me by,
"—…Alright, see you in an hour."
At the head of the group, Iris finished the final meeting, concluding her speech.
"Let the raid, begin."
Her voice, filled with a quiet fighting spirit, reached every last one of us.
I predict that by the time I've finished writing this raid, I will have turned to sand.
And I'm taking you with me.