kscans

Chapter 263 - Endless Questions

"Game, clear...?"

In response to Mr. Yotsuya's words, the question that escaped my lips was twice as bewildered as before.

In online games—especially in the MMO genre—does the concept of a clear in the sense of completion even exist? Generally, the 'end' of an MMO is either the termination of service by the developers or a player's personal graduation, right? At least, I don't know of any other examples.

—But, thinking about it again, although there is a monthly connection fee, [Arcadia] is technically a 'buy-to-play' game. Considering that, it is indeed fundamentally different from the so-called MMOs that are 'infinitely updated'... which would mean...

If Mr. Yotsuya, the representative of the development and operation, says it 'exists,' then [Arcadia] must indeed have a game clear—that is, an ending.

"I'm pleased to see you react with such a sad expression."

Whether it was written all over my face or he had read my mind, I couldn't help but return an ambiguous smile to Mr. Yotsuya, who was smiling somewhat happily.

"Haru-kun, how do you perceive that world—[Arcadia] as a game?"

"...? As a game, how... Do you mean in terms of genre?"

He gave a single nod in response.

What genre...? I could only think of one, of course.

"Well, an MMO... an MMORPG, I suppose?"

I added a question mark just in case, but this was less my own answer and more the common understanding of the world. A VRMMO—something that had been the subject of countless works of fiction as a 'fictional existence' until [Arcadia] came along.

"A Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game... In terms of the literal meaning, there is indeed no more accurate description."

More than accurate, I wondered if any other words even existed to describe it. I couldn't quite grasp where this conversation was headed.

"Have you played any other online games, any other MMOs besides [Arcadia]?"

"Yes, a few."

"Then how do you think it compares to them?"

"It's a god-tier game."

I said it so smoothly on impulse that I had to put on the brakes and choose my words more carefully.

"It's not so much a comparison... as it is that there's no comparison to be made. The vastness of the world, the complexity and precision of the systems, the NPCs who are indistinguishable from people, even the monsters behave as naturally as real creatures—honestly, everything about it is on a different level from existing games."

And that's even without considering the fundamental difference of VR. The overall quality of the game, crafted with unparalleled technology, is truly a masterpiece—

"Then let me rephrase. In the MMORPG genre, players often seek fairness above all else, don't they?"

That was probably not about the 'literal meaning' he mentioned, but...

"In an MMO, there should fundamentally not be a single 'special' individual among the players."

...it was about the image of the concept of a VRMMO.

"Of course, strong players will emerge in any game. But they are, at most, 'outstanding individuals,' and should not be 'special individuals.'"

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

Ah, that—I had a feeling I knew where this was going.

"The players you know well, like the [Sword Queen] and the [Sword Saint], and those who rank among the factions. Not all, but many of them are undeniably 'special individuals.'"

In other words, they are beings that should not exist.

"And—the [Acrobat], you, are one of them."

It was, so to speak, a shift in perspective. A part I hadn't even considered, so engrossed was I in that virtual world.

"Now... if we were to call a world that tolerates their existence a VRMMO, can it truly be called the 'god-tier game' you speak of?"

What he was referring to was, in essence, the matter of game balance.

The fundamental premise of online games. Equal opportunity, to put it nicely; the exclusion of individuality, to put it badly.

If I were to consider it from that point of view, [Arcadia], which allows for not only the outstanding talents of individual rankers but also numerous 'special existences' like `Anima` and `Terror Armaments`—

—viewed as an MMORPG, might not be a 'god-tier game' after all.

Or, tilting my perspective even further—

"It wasn't developed as an MMO in the first place... or something............"

...............Um, how should I interpret that smile???

"That's the second thing I can't tell you yet—now, let's get back to the topic at hand."

"Right..."

But the more we talk, the more mysteries seem to pile up...

"I'll have to omit the specific details, but in any case, [Arcadia] has the concept of a game clear—you know about the `Colored` monsters, don't you?"

"To some extent."

By some twist of fate, I've already had dealings with two of them.

"It's already known information on the player side, and you'll come to know it soon enough anyway. With that in mind, let me tell you myself that the extermination of those 'Colored' monsters is the grand quest in [Arcadia]—in other words, the path that leads to the game clear I am asking of you."

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

"I hope you'll forgive me for spoiling it like this. As I said, it's already known information, and it was something you were scheduled to be informed of tonight anyway. The fact that it's related to the game clear... you'll have to overlook it as a necessary minimum disclosure of information."

"No, well... it's not like you spoiled the story or anything..."

I wasn't so much shocked as I was genuinely surprised.

What with the 'White Throne,' the flavor text and incantations of my armaments, and the 'Red Circle' that keeps making its presence known. It's something anyone could guess, that those things are important existences in the world of Arcadia.

More important than any of that is the fact that—

"..................Can we even beat those things, as things stand?"

"I'll have to offer no comment on that."

Ah... thank you for your consideration regarding spoilers.

But if my memory serves me correctly, didn't Iris and an over-raid of more than a hundred people get instantly wiped out by the 'White Throne'?

I don't think my involvement alone will change the situation, and before that, I must not forget that none of my questions have been answered yet.

Why on earth would the game's developers entrust the game clear to an individual player—but that must be precisely the core of it.

Whether I asked with my eyes or with my words, I felt I wouldn't be able to draw out an answer. So, well... as far as I can imagine—

"Is that, perhaps, all you can say?"

"Yes, that is all."

And so... it seems that is all the information he can disclose to me.

Ha, I see. This is a problem—I have almost no material to use as a reference.

There are two reasons why Yotsuya Development wants to form a contract with me. The priority seems to be reversed, but to summarize, it's 'We want to protect you directly so you can aim for the game clear without being disturbed.' However, he can't tell me the intention or reason behind that conclusion...

With this, how on earth am I supposed to judge whether to accept the contract or not?

"Ah... well then............For reference, could you tell me what would happen to me in each case, if I 'accepted' and if I 'declined'? As much as you're able to say is fine."

Taking the now-cooling coffee in hand, trying to soothe my head that had been bombarded with nothing but mysteries and confusion, I requested the next explanation with what I myself felt was a tired voice—

Mr. Yotsuya nodded with a "Of course," and looked at me with what seemed to be pitying eyes.

...I know you don't mean any harm, but I have to say it.

This is your fault too, you know.