kscans

Chapter 125 - Sufficient, Yet Insufficient

"Because you became a Ranker, you can't participate anymore...?"

"At least, not as you are right now."

Mi-na was dragged back by Gossan, who had her by the scruff of her neck like a cat, and the conversation finally moved on to the main topic after twenty seconds.

The conclusion was thrown at me so fast it made the previous farce seem like a dream, and naturally, I, unable to keep up, tilted my head in confusion.

"Um... in the Four Pillar War, right? Why is that, and... wait, what? 'Can't participate anymore' means I would have passed the selections otherwise?"

"Tch... Of course you would."

When I voiced my question in a rather dopey tone, Tetra next to me laughed as if to say, "What are you talking about?"

"We all got your battle record from Rotta-kun. I was shocked too," Hinayo-san added from the side, giving me a sidelong glance.

"Normally, your preliminary record alone would have guaranteed you a spot in the selections. A kid who shot up with a quintuple score, more than five times the second-place player? We'd have no choice but to have you participate."

"On top of that, you had overwhelming victory after overwhelming victory from the first to the third rounds. If we exclude the Rankers, whose matches are more like exhibition matches... well, you were frankly the top selection."

"That's amazing, big brother. I should've gone to watch."

...What's with this? They're really hyping me up.

"W-well, thanks..."

Following Hinayo-san's supplement, Gossan and the red-haired girl joined in, all giving me incredibly cheerful looks... What is this? Is it just my imagination, or am I getting a weird chill?

"S-so... how does becoming a Ranker factor into this?"

"Wow, you really don't know anything."

"Mi-na."

I must have exposed my ignorance again. The red-haired girl, who let a comment slip, was poked by Ri-na next to her.

My ignorance is nothing new. I'll laugh off her unintentional-sounding murmur, and even her slightly mocking, annoying face.

—Two more times.

When I gave her a smile, she must have sensed something. The red-haired girl, who I had just given the indigo-girl-patented Iron Claw, ducked her head under the table as if to hide.

What's with her?

"Tch... Well, you see."

And Gossan, you really have a shallow sense of humor, don't you? Even if you try to hide it, it's obvious. You look like a grandfather beaming at his grandchild.

"The Four Pillar War has special rules for Rankers."

"Oh... like a number limit?"

If so, it would make sense that a newcomer like me wouldn't have a spot—

"No, it's not like that. There are a few, but—first off, we Rankers don't have respawn rights."

"So normal players can respawn?"

"You don't even know that?!"

"Mi-na."

I'm sorry... I had to use up all my prep time taming the surprising weapon known as the [Rabbit Dagger: Parabellum].

One more time, you little—.

"Ah, so... yeah. In any faction, a Ranker is treated like a boss monster that's gone for good once defeated, you see?"

That much makes sense.

So each Ranker is like a powerful piece that's lost for good once taken.

"The important part is this. In the war, there's a special rule that allows you to pit a 'boss' against a 'boss' to try and eliminate them—that's the Engage. It's one of the key strategies in conquering the Four Pillars."

Gossan said this with a dramatic flair—and in the next moment.

"Whoa...!?"

A hologram-like 3D image suddenly appeared above the Round Table, where the eight of us were gathered.

I started to get up, wondering what was going on... and I noticed the red-haired girl across from me had a smug look on her face. Did she do something—

"Oh, thanks. Ri-na."

"...It's easier to understand with a visual."

That wasn't it at all. Why are you taking credit for your partner's work?

I pushed the disappointing girl out of my mind and listened to Gossan's explanation, which was now supported by Ri-na's aid.

...By the way, Ri-na-san, how are you doing that?

"—So yeah, that's about it."

"I see... I see."

I understood the gist of it. And with that, the reason why they couldn't have me participate in my current state... well, I had to accept it.

"Please don't take it the wrong way, okay?"

Hinayo-san, who had been leaning back deeply in her chair, spoke up with a concerned look, perhaps misinterpreting my expression.

"The battles we face in the Four Pillar War are incredibly fierce. On top of that, given our position as Rankers..."

"Even as a newcomer, I can't afford to make a fool of myself. I get it, so it's fine... ma'am."

The top players of each faction in Arcadia. The ten Title Holders are the faces and stars of all the players.

For those who live in the virtual world—and for the people all over the world who peer into it from reality.

If such a figure, watched by so many eyes, were to make a fool of themselves... it would be a hellish scene to imagine. In other words, the conclusion is—

"I'm not strong enough right now."

"Well... unfortunately, yes."

I didn't think they were just hyping me up to let me down.

Their words of praise were from the perspective of a normal player. They weren't directed at the new Ranker, the [Acrobat].

"You're taking this more calmly than I expected."

That surprised voice came from two seats down.

As if to say, "You've got some nerve—" I snorted and gave Irori a sideways glare.

"You say that after letting me win so obviously."

It started from the moment the God-Wedge Spirit Sword cut him in two.

My mind, which had rapidly regained its composure after the shock of the gold devouring the silver without a hint of struggle, was flooded with one thought after another—the fight had unfolded so conveniently, as if to let me live.

Come to think of it, he hadn't engaged in a single mind game with me.

He saw my move, and he reacted.

He showed me his move, and let me react.

That was all there was to that match.

"...Well, I thought you might be holding a grudge."

I'm not angry.

I just feel like the mood was ruined... and frankly, I'm just sulking. I know it's childish, but I was serious about it, so it can't be helped.

"Senpai."

"It's fine, I get it."

I waved my hand and nodded at Tetra, who was probably trying to interject, to show him that he didn't need to worry.

"'It has a strong exhibition match aspect'... right? I understand that I can't just get instantly killed in front of the crowd and not fulfill my 'role'."

Seeing me sigh and settle back into my seat—I was a little surprised to see Irori give me an apologetic look and bow his head.

"I know it was a serious match for you, and I guarantee that I gave it my all within my role—but, I'm sorry."

"...Yeah, I get it."

Being confronted so honestly, I couldn't stay sullen and pathetic forever.

Let's call it a truce—we'll have a rematch someday.

---

And the Eighth Seat is dozing off between them.