kscans

Chapter 262 - What Is Sought

"Well then, I shall take my leave."

"Ah, thank you, Itsuki-kun."

With a bow so graceful it was captivating, Natsume-san excused herself, and once again, it was just the two of us in the room. Before me, as I returned to my seat on the sofa, sat a man who was one of the world's most powerful figures.

It just didn't feel real.

I've been through many similar situations in job interviews for part-time work, but I never dreamed a day would come when I'd face off against such a big shot.

"Now then, where should we begin?"

—In any case. Now that I'm actually in this situation, there's no point in shrinking back uselessly.

Excessive self-assertion might earn a laugh, but having no self at all is also a problem.

"...If you don't mind, could you first tell me the reason you contacted me?"

So, I swallowed my nervousness and didn't hesitate to speak. I wasn't here for a job interview or a recruitment activity. Though our positions were different, judging by Mr. Yotsuya's atmosphere, I should be allowed some freedom of speech. If he gets angry by some chance, I'll just prostrate myself on the spot.

"I see, you've been waiting for the details."

Judging by his understanding expression and easy reply, it seemed my approach wasn't wrong, thankfully.

"There's no point in beating around the bush, so let me get straight to the point—Haru Kasuga-kun. We, as the Acrobat Haru, would like to form a contract with you."

That was one of the things I had expected him to say. And at the same time I understood, it was a development that contained a massive question.

"This 'contract'... am I right to assume it's what one would normally imagine? That is, similar to the ones with other influential players..."

"You're mostly correct in that understanding. To put it simply, we would become your sponsor and, at the same time, act as your 'shield.'"

Well, that's one invincible shield that the entire world couldn't even budge... but there's one fatal flaw in that logic. Simply put—

"The developers of a game making a contract with a player of that same game... I mean, what exactly leads to that?"

Aren't there so many problems with that, it's an absolute taboo? That's what I honestly couldn't help but think. Above all else, the 'Gods' of development should never, ever show favoritism to an individual player.

I also couldn't think of any reason why Yotsuya would go so far as to break such a taboo to hire me. I could understand the other companies that, to put it bluntly, were swarming to get a piece of [Arcadia]'s near-infinite commercial value. But what merit would Yotsuya Development gain from signing a contract with me?

And even if there were a merit, would it be worth the demerit of even slightly damaging their unshakeable credibility?

Even after sleeping on it, a satisfactory answer still eluded me.

"Your question is a valid one. However, I'm afraid there's too much confidential company information involved. I can't explain everything at this point."

Therefore, I may not be able to give you an answer that satisfies you. With a glance that conveyed this, Mr. Yotsuya prompted me to nod in return, signaling for him to continue.

"Well then—first and foremost, it is to protect you."

"—............"

I was a little surprised that that came first. It felt rude to interrupt, so for now, I swallowed my reaction.

"Forgive my bluntness, but regardless of your history, you are an extremely ordinary university student. While there are a few exceptions, your circumstances are completely different from other influential players, most of whom have spent years building up their skills and status."

"...Well, it's true that neither my status nor my mindset has caught up yet."

When I said that jokingly, he replied with a smile, "Exactly," as if it were a matter of course, which was a subtle relief. I found myself naturally thinking he was a good person.

"If the attention you were receiving was only moderate, it would be a different story... but in your case, your battle record and the buzz you've generated are too significant. I can say with almost certainty that in the future, you will be inundated with troubles that a person within the scope of an ordinary citizen cannot handle."

".................."

Even though I had already accepted this fact, having it laid out before me by someone in such a definitive position really hits home...

"However, we pride ourselves on our responsibility as the ones who brought [Arcadia] into the world. We cannot stand by and watch you, a player enjoying the virtual world, be devoured by the public."

"That... is an incredibly kind sentiment, but even so, is it necessary for the developers themselves to intervene directly..."

They could surely use their power as Yotsuya to request another company to protect me without fail. But the fact that they aren't doing that must mean—

"That is, of course, because we have our own reasons for wanting to take you in directly."

—so it would seem. There was a second reason related to the first.

Still, to 'take in'... that's quite direct...

"Unfortunately, that is one of the things I cannot discuss."

But—he cut himself off and took a sip of coffee.

I followed his lead, and we both took a momentary break. Placing our cups down at almost the same time, he boasted about his mysterious maid with a proud look, saying, 'She's quite skilled, isn't she?'

Is he trying to be charming?

"In any case... I can tell you what we 'desire' from you."

"Desire?"

Does such a thing even exist? As I let my doubt seep into my voice, Mr. Yotsuya showed me a gentle smile and began to speak with composure.

"—We want you to focus on conquering that world, without being disturbed by anyone. What we... what I ask of you, boils down to that single point."

".................."

I was at a loss for how to respond to those words. Seeing my confusion, Mr. Yotsuya smiled and said, "Let me put it more simply"—

"We want you to aim for the game clear of [Arcadia]."

As if announcing a long-cherished wish, he presented another seed of confusion.