kscans

Chapter 249 - Self-Inflicted Blood Rain

I returned from reality—or whatever you want to call it. Ha, not funny.

The current time is 6:00 PM, real-world time. After that, Kaede came back to my room and dropped another bombshell, which led to a debate about how to handle the now even more complicated future… and just like that, the time flew by—

For now, the plan is set for tomorrow. I'll be turning myself in to the most powerful company in Japan—no, in the world.

To Yotsuya Development—in other words, to the creators of this virtual world… of [Arcadia].

Right, time to shut down my brain—No, wait… how am I supposed to keep up with this?!?

Why?! Just why?! I was prepared to get a call from somewhere, but why?! Why the developers!?!?

It makes absolutely no sense, and the sheer unpredictability of it all is terrifying. Am I going to make it home alive tomorrow? I’m not gonna get erased or something, am I???

Ever since Kaede burst into my room in a panic and mentioned the name ‘Yotsuya,’ my memory has been a bit of a blur, to be honest. I'm sure everyone else who was there in that chaotic scene feels the same way.

Even Mizuki, who was kind enough to drive me home, left with a slightly glitchy farewell. 'Take care,' she said.

…………Wait, that's not what she meant, right? She wasn't saying her final goodbyes, predicting my disappearance tomorrow, was she?

Alright—when faced with a situation that's pointless to think about, impossible to deal with, and beyond your control, what should a wise person do?

There are probably many theories, but I always do this.

"Forget it."

That way, I can extend my moment of happiness. If the future is already set, there’s no point in crying, screaming, or struggling against it.

Some people might find meaning in the struggle itself, but I don't. I'm sorry to say it, especially when my real life is starting to feel like another world, but right now, I'm still completely hooked on this one.

This is a true escape from reality—and again, it’s not funny.

And speaking of not funny, this isn't funny either.

――――――――――――――――――
◇Status◇
Title: Acrobat
Name: Haru　 Lv: 100
STR (Strength): 300
AGI (Agility): 350
DEX (Dexterity): 100
VIT (Vitality): 0 (+50)
MID (Spirit): 0 (+350)
LUC (Luck): 300

◇Skill◇
・Gandharva
《Blink Switch》 + 《Combo Accelerate》 ⇒ 《Construction》 Up!
《Flip Stroke》
《Whirlwind》
《Exchange Voltate》
《Greed's Precept》

・Active
《Reflect Blowarl》
《Breath Moment》
《Ignition》 ⇒ 《Rocket》 Up!
《Floating Leaf》
《Fatal Leak》

・Passive
《Embodied Protection》
《Awakening Blow》
《Heavy Attack Manipulator》
《Adamant Sky Dash》
《Rabbit Run》 ⇒ 《Hare Real》 Up!
《Fataless Jumper》 ⇒ 《Land Insulate》 Up!
《Floating Star》
《Trickster of Zenith》
《Dangerous Light, Fast Recovery》 New!
《Cutting Body, Unyielding Advance》
《Guardian's Cradle》

《Telepathy》

◇Arts◇
【Kesshiki Ittoryu】
《Flying Water》
《Striking Iron》
《Heavenly Snow》
《Withered Flame》
《Seven Stars》
《Thunder Peak》
Oral Tradition: 《Bound Wind》
――――――――――――――――――

Four skills evolved, and one new one acquired. It might seem a little underwhelming after all those intense battles, but skill growth from PvP in this game is inherently slow.

Considering it’s close to the growth I saw during my half-month training session with Ui-san, this much progress in a single day is actually quite remarkable.

…If only the nature of that progress was something I could honestly be happy about, I wouldn't be groaning with such a complicated look on my face.

The 'after-party' tonight is scheduled for 9:00 PM real-world time, same as the start of the war last night.

Maybe it's still an awkward time, or perhaps this place just isn't used as a hangout spot much. After logging in, I found myself alone at the empty Round Table, staring down my status screen.

Seriously, what am I going to do about this? The majority of my evolved skills have transformed into monsters I have no idea how to control.

[Fataless Jumper], now renamed [Land Insulate], which received a straightforward buff, seems like an absolute honor student in comparison.

Well, relatively speaking, I guess. Its original effect—'adds a critical hit chance to jumps'—was already pretty nonsensical…

But still. I might actually be weaker now.

What the hell is this ultimate time bomb called [Rocket]? Honestly, I'm at the point where I just want my semi-partner, [Ignition]-kun, back.

"…This is bad."

Heading to tonight's after-party like this is probably a terrible idea.

I mean, I have no idea what we'll be doing, but it's almost certainly—no, definitely—not going to be a well-behaved gathering from start to finish.

I'd bet anything on it. They're going to demand some kind of 'performance' and force me to do something reckless.

Like, for example, a rematch with Irori under the guise of 'entertainment.' And if that happens, the only thing I'll be able to showcase in my current state is pure, unadulterated shame.

I'm not even sure how many people will show up, including my reclusive master… but at the very least,

"After yesterday, I can't show up looking pathetic…"

Not to one person, at least—my partner, who I've already promised to meet tonight.

I closed the status window, stood up from my chair, and raised the 'Key' to open the portal. What kind of reaction would I get from people when I stepped outside in the virtual world…?

"…Alright."

Trying my best not to think about it, I stepped into the light.