Chapter 617 - Chapter 549: Temporary Measures for Now
Tuesday
"Morning."
"Oh, hey, seems like quite a bit happened yesterday, huh?"
"Yeah."
Natto, of course, had also heard the [World Announcement], and it seemed he knew about the whole 'nation founded, then immediately destroyed' incident.
However, he mentioned that since he'd been staying at the headquarters of the 'Fairy's Friend' guild, in [Rashad Territory] in the southern part of the [Kingdom], he didn't know the details.
"We can talk about the details at lunchtime. More importantly, the [Cuminon] for azuki bean exchange is a go."
"Ooh!"
The [Cuminon] we needed to provide could be obtained quickly by asking Kuro and the others, so the exchange would happen once Natto had his azuki beans ready.
It was decided that [Iincho] and I would transport them to the [Necropolis], and the exchange would take place at our guild's outpost there.
"Don't mess it up."
"Shut it…"
…
…
…
It was lunchtime. I explained everything that happened last night (except for the part where I snuck in), but [Iincho] hadn't logged in and apparently knew nothing at all.
"So, did [Sabana] get her island back?"
"Nah, I don't know what happened after. It was late, so I logged out."
[Argenta], [Azure], and [Emeraldia] should have managed everything perfectly.
"Hmm."
"Oh, it's [Leona-sama]'s archive."
After [Azure] and the others secured the [Transfer Magic Circle], [Leona-sama] was among the players heading to the rescue, and her perspective was being [Live Streaming].
I took the tablet from [Mion] and played the archive. [Leona-sama]'s live stream started at 9 PM and continued until 2 AM, huh…
"Maybe from around 11 PM?"
"Yes."
I skipped about halfway and started playing from what looked like a relevant scene.
The gathered members, led by [Leona-sama], seemed to be top-tier players acquainted with the [Dragonkin]. Or rather,
"""Huh?"""
"[Mashiro]-nee was there too…"
[Mashiro]-nee, no, Marie-nee, was talking friendly with [Leona-sama]. And next to her was [Season], right?
Both of them should have been in the south of the [Principality], I thought… Well, never mind that for now.
"'Attention, everyone! There are devils on that island, so please be careful! If you manage to catch them, I'll give you something nice!'"
When [Azure] called out, cheers rose from the gathered members.
The [Dragonfolk Tribe] providing support sent the players one by one through the [Transfer Magic Circle].
"Did devils invade the island and establish a nation?"
"Wouldn't it be more like they were tricked by a disguised devil into founding a nation?"
"Ah! I see!"
Natto slapped his knee.
However, we had a slightly different theory.
Last night, after that,
"Hmm, I'm quite curious about the phrase my brother heard: 'borrowed a ring with administrator privileges.'"
"Yeah, who they borrowed it from is definitely a question…"
Rings with administrator privileges are fairly rare drops, and not many players should possess them.
It was decided that Bell-bucho and the others would investigate that matter, and since there wasn't anything I could do, that was the extent of our conversation.
"Let's skip ahead."
"Right."
We fast-forwarded through the search scenes with frequent skips.
The rescue party advanced in unison, perhaps because [Geira], who was guarding the island's [Transfer Magic Circle], was relaying [Sabana]'s location.
The rescue party remained a single group for a while after leaving the [Ancient Ruins], but after advancing some distance into the forest, they split into three groups.
Marie-nee split off too, huh…
"It's already been destroyed, so [Sabana] and the others don't need to keep running, do they?"
"The people or devils who invaded and founded the nation might still be there, you know."
"Ah, right."
Listening to their usual back-and-forth, I skipped ahead even more.
"Ah."
"Whoa."
A battle had started, and their opponent was a considerably large deer. [Leona-sama]'s movements were insane.
It ended quickly, and just as I was about to skip again, it looked like another team had found [Sabana]?
"How are they communicating?"
"[Guild Card]?"
"Ah, so someone's coordinating it."
As [Leona-sama] and her group returned, I skipped ahead and saw that the rescue party seemed to be gathering at the entrance to the [Ancient Ruins].
But [Emeraldia] wasn't visible…
"Is this [Sabana]?" asked [Iincho], turning to Natto, but
"Nah, I haven't seen her before."
Yeah, I hadn't seen her either…
[Mion] seemed to have seen her, and she nodded in agreement.
"'Thank you very much,' "
[Sabana] bowed deeply.
The surrounding players clapped, seemingly settling the matter… but not quite. They were discussing future plans, with several players agreeing to stay behind.
"[Mashiro] is staying too, huh? I wonder if I could go meet her?"
"I'm going to the [Necropolis] for the azuki beans anyway, so I might as well ask. No harm in trying."
[Mion], hearing that, stared at me intently.
I guess she meant I should tell [Azure]. Though it might only be possible if [Seth] were with us.
"Should I tell him for you?"
"Oh, really?"
"It's probably still too chaotic today, but maybe from tomorrow onwards? Just in case, have some [Dragon Coin] ready."
"Alright!"
…
…
…
"[Shou-kun], this."
"Hm?"
It was club activity time. I was expecting Bell-bucho to arrive any moment, when
"Ah, they're making it so you can't found a nation for a while."
On the official page [Mion] showed me, it read, 'Regarding the Temporary Suspension of the Nation-Founding System.'
From a quick glance at the content, it seemed to be because "the founding of a nation could unilaterally disadvantage players in specific situations."
This must be about yesterday's commotion. With the declaration of the [Chaos] Empire's founding, [Sabana]'s homeowner setting, as island owner, was apparently also erased.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"'Sup," "Hello."
Bell-bucho arrived, opened an energy drink as usual, then settled into her gaming chair.
She put on her [VR HMD]… she seemed to already know about the page we were looking at, and scrolled down.
"[Shou-kun], shouldn't you send in your feedback on this too?"
She pointed to where it read: "We are currently making modifications for the reopening of the nation-founding system. If you have any questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us via inquiry."
"Hmm, I don't even have a clue what you can actually do after founding a nation, so I'd like an explanation first, please…"
[Mion] nodded vigorously beside me.
Even so, I still didn't think there was any benefit for me to found a nation.
"Well then, I think you should start by sending in a request for a proper explanation of the nation-founding system, no?"
Well, I guess so.
It's not like I'd lose anything, so I'd just quickly write it up and send it.