kscans

Chapter 367 - The Pre-Battle Whatever

—Alright, there are still more massive hurdles to overcome against the 'White Throne'.

Putting aside its outrageous abilities for a moment, let's talk about its actual stats. And you guessed it, they're just as outrageous.

First, as a premise, despite its extremely slow-looking, massive body, it's not a 'boss that moves around a lot'.

It has a certain amount of actions, like the tail swipe it used to swat me away like a gnat during my first encounter, but it's generally the type to stand its ground and hold the line.

So, is it similar to the [Gemlant Quintesta, the Jewel-Eating Queen]? Not exactly. While you could call it a 'bullet hell type', I'm not sure if you can even call that a 'bullet'...

Well, regardless, its number of attacks is insane. It's a given that while it stands its ground, we'll be thrown into a chaotic festival of pandemonium.

And then, beyond the vision of hell that's so easy to imagine.

After overcoming the soul-crushing design where the 'bullets' and the 'main body' have different physical or magical resistances, and let's say we manage to chip away at its health a bit—that's when Phase 2 begins.

The enhanced form that was updated after the 'Red Circle' was defeated... or rather, it's simply a different form. The curtain rises on a fun chaotic battle with multiple clones.

The first challenge was two years ago, before the raid on [Ryeltaheria of the Red Circle], where I saw a raid of a hundred people, including Iris, get instantly wiped out.

And a year after that—meaning, a year ago from now. The second challenge, where the chosen members were蹂躙 by that clone form.

Unlike the original body, it's a brutally difficult combination of multiple aggressive, mobile monsters and the stationary forced teleportation gimmick... Of course a first-time clear was impossible. In fact, I was impressed by the past record of them managing to take down half of them even so.

Even a year ago, the freaks of nature were still freaks of nature. A very reassuring thought.

—And so,

"Well, in the end, there's no point in overthinking it. With so little information, we'll just have to have everyone adapt on the fly and perform at their best."

After a final review of each person's role and a recap of the shared information, Goldow concluded with a sense of resignation.

That's exactly right. In the end, that's all there is to it.

We're both 'first-timers', fair and square. There's no other way but to overcome their 'unknown' with our own 'unknown' and crush them with our power.

"—Haru, and Sora."

"Yeah."

"Yes!"

He looked around at the faces of those who nodded at the reconfirmed strategy, and his gaze finally turned to us.

To Sora, who I had squeezed into my seventh-ranked seat because there weren't enough chairs, and to me, standing next to her.

"No matter how you slice it, the White Throne forces a certain amount of solo play on everyone, so each of you is the star—but it doesn't change the fact that you guys are the 'keystone'. We're counting on you, along with Lux."

"You can count on me, with everything I've got."

"I'll do my best...!"

I'm well aware that I'm in a position where pressure is expected.

This time, it's no exaggeration to say that the overall combat efficiency of the raid will depend heavily on our performance... No, I'm being completely serious.

Sora and Lux aside, if I slip up and die, I'll be branded a 'war criminal' and teased about it for all eternity. I'm starting to tremble.

"Sorry to interrupt your trembling, but I'm going to be especially hard on you, since you'll be the one putting your body on the line. I don't want to talk about triage, but don't get your priorities mixed up, you hear?"

"I know. I'll use my head as much as I can and strive for the best possible outcome."

When I nodded obediently, the General gave one big nod and—

"Alright... for now, dismissed! Take a break, make adjustments, grab some food—everyone, get your condition in order and reassemble at noon."

A cheerful clap echoed, signaling the end of the meeting.

◇◆◇◆◇

"—...And I bet no one would believe that during my break, I'm being made to cook lunch for the 'Sword Queen'...

"And I'm sure no one would believe I'm having the 'Acrobat' cook for me."

"If anyone found out, the 'White Throne' subjugation would be the last thing on anyone's mind. The internet would be in flames right now..."

I've already finished all the necessary adjustments and meetings the day before. So, rather than rushing around now, a relaxed approach is the smarter choice.

My condition check at the training grounds was just that—a quick check, and then I was done. Since the assembly is at noon, I decided to have an early lunch and parted ways with Sora in the virtual world—

Only to be caught by Alicia, who had come to my room looking for food, which brings us to the present.

"...Pasta?"

"According to a certain someone, this is what a man who can cook, cooks."

Once I tossed the egg yolks and milk in the pan off the heat, the spaghetti carbonara, coated in a glossy sauce, was complete.

I plated it, finished it with a sprinkle of black pepper... and voila, delicious. I can tell without even tasting it. It has less to do with my skills and more to do with the fact that the ingredients, like the expensive bacon and cheese, are high quality.

By the way, the Kasuga household doesn't use egg whites. I'll use the leftovers to make some biscuits later.

"Here you go. Enjoy."

"Mm... Thank you for the meal."

For better or worse, I've gotten used to sharing meals with Alicia.

While we don't live together, we are, in fact, 'under one roof'. I do feel a bit guilty towards the other person (Nia), but... as for that, I've submitted a request to the higher-ups and am currently awaiting a response. All I can do is wait.

As for making it up to her, or whatever you want to call it, I'll deal with that sincerely afterward. Though, it would be best if this princess would exercise some self-restraint until then—

"Delicious."

"Glad to hear it."

With the same vigor she used to provoke Nia, she seems to have no intention of holding back herself. As always, she barges in, barges in, and barges in, doing whatever she wants.

"How are you feeling?"

"Mm, perfect. And you?"

"Helena has been working very hard."

"Thank goodness for our Lady-in-Waiting."

"Without her, managing a large number of people would be absolutely impossible. I'm really just a figurehead."

"Isn't that fine? It's all about putting the right person in the right place. Though, from my perspective, you're the type with a ridiculously sharp mind."

"Compared to someone truly brilliant, I'm just average. From my point of view... I'm envious of people like you, who can just power through with momentum."

"...........................I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is a compliment."

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

"...Even though I know it's just a front, and that you're actually thinking a lot."

"Iris-san."

"Yes."

"Aren't you eating a little fast?"

"It was delicious. Thank you for the meal."

"...You're welcome."

And so, we passed the time over a lunch that was both relaxed and not-so-relaxed, but at least devoid of any tension—and with its passing, the time drew steadily closer.

At last, the long-awaited moment,

The day of my reunion with the immense adversary—the one who, long ago, set fire to my heart when I was looking down on that virtual world.