kscans

Chapter 369 - Noisy Yet Calm

—Throughout history, a 'group' has always been something that draws a lot of attention. It’s not just limited to people; wherever a 'multitude' gathers in one place, they inevitably become the center of focus.

It's no different in a game. When a large number of players gather and create a lively commotion, most people will stop and think, "Oh, is there an event?"

This is especially true for a 'raid party' like this, composed almost entirely of renowned powerhouses, led by rankers.

Each one is clad head-to-toe in their prized equipment, their expressions filled with fighting spirit… it's obvious to anyone that they're about to start something.

—That group looks insane.

—A surprise event?

—Wait, all of our rankers are there.

—Lady Hinayo is so beautiful.

—Ri-na-chan, look over here!—

And so, figuring we'd 'stand out no matter where we gathered,' we decided to be bold.

The hundred-plus members assembled at the transfer gate nearest the fountain plaza, and as a result, the Istia district was filled with a fervor reminiscent of the Four Pillar War selection match.

A man who said, 'All of our rankers are here,' got smacked by a Sword Saint fan for forgetting, "Ui-sama isn't there!" Meanwhile, a certain red-headed player pouted as blue-themed cheers erupted for someone else, causing her own fans to go wild. It was utter chaos.

"…Our faction's women are as popular as ever, huh."

"Of course they are. They're strong, cute, fun, and approachable."

"Plus they're all gorgeous in real life. It's no wonder they mass-produce guys who are seriously in love with them."

"The other day, I ran into Hinayo-sama in town and worked up the courage to say hi. She smiled and waved back, and my heart just stopped. I literally died."

"You're kidding, I'm so jealous. Go on and pass into the afterlife. Need some help?"

"One time, I was just spacing out in an empty lot when Mi-na-chan came up and started talking to me. 'Whatcha doin', mister?' she said…"

"I've heard that brag about two thousand times now, shut up and go bald."

"Most of the famous players here act like they're 'just another gamer,' so they feel really close. It's the best…"

"I see… By the way, the guys are pretty popular too, right?"

"You bet."

"They're all so cool. The General Commander is every guy's fantasy, and Gen-san is a real man who embodies the dreams of men. And the Sword Protector… wait, no, Peerless has that battle-maniac vibe, which is great."

"Irori-kun is such a nice young man when you talk to him, it makes an old guy like me tear up."

"He's the kind of handsome guy you can forgive, you know?"

"Haha… well, I guess I can't argue with that."

I'm the only one who's currently being 'taught' by him, and it's true that for those who haven't experienced his Spartan training, he has nothing but annoyingly good qualities…

Now then, as for our junior (senpai) whose name conveniently didn't come up—

"""……………………—Huh?"""

Just as I was about to ask, it seemed they unfortunately noticed me.

The three male players, who seemed to be acquaintances chatting together, finally registered the intruder who had so smoothly joined their conversation and stared blankly.

At that, I, who had joined their chat with a perfectly natural expression, gave a wave with a smile. "Goodbye, see you later," I said, and faded out.

My smile may not compare to that of the 'Goddess,' as 'Lady Hinayo' is known in some circles, but it's a genuine smile I've polished through countless part-time jobs.

I don't know if there's any demand for it, but please accept it as you will—now, if you'll excuse me?

With cries of surprise rising a moment too late behind me, I suppressed my presence and weaved through the 'group,' searching for my next target.

I was in the center of the center, drawing even more attention from the 'insiders' who were themselves being watched from the 'outside.'

I was surrounded by the Title Holders, who formed a circle around me like bodyguards—and I could feel the complicated gaze of my partner, whose expression was a mix of tension and exasperation.

◇◆◇◆◇

"He looks like a seasoned salaryman making his rounds."

"That's definitely a talent of his."

"Where does he get that mysterious communication skill that lets him talk to anyone and everyone?"

"Maybe he's actually an old man with a lot of life experience."

—And so, as Mi-na, followed by Ri-na, Irori, and Tetra, all had their say, the young man who was the center of their attention—my partner—coolly continued his "rounds."

It was something I could never imitate. I knew, of course, that he had no intention of showing off, but it felt like he was, making me feel a little complicated.

After gathering at noon and a final confirmation, we moved—and as soon as we arrived at the general assembly point, he was at it again without a moment's hesitation.

He really is a handful.

Because I can't help but see right through his intentions and inner thoughts.

"…Nihi."

"…What is it now?"

Mi-na's attention, which had been drawn to my partner who was causing a stir among the surrounding players, shifted to me as she playfully pounced as usual. Seeing the undisguised amusement in her eyes, Sora turned her face away with a sulk.

I had a feeling that if I engaged, I would lose—

Unfortunately, the small shadow that 'playfully pounces as usual' also comes as a set, as usual.

"He's trying to stand out on purpose. Because you'll both be getting attention anyway."

"…I know that, so please…!"

I turned my face away, only for Ri-na to be waiting there, putting it into words. Exactly. It was something I already knew without even having to think about it.

In the end, he was just being his usual self.

"He's doing a pretty good job of being your partner, don't you think? For someone who usually acts so aloof and standoffish!"

"…I think that depends on who he's with."

I knew it was just her usual banter, and it wasn't that I was offended by her teasing my partner.

So, the lack of reservation in my tone was simply due to embarrassment… but the girl of the [Left Wing] immediately lit up.

"Oh, that's it! Keep it up and drop the formalities with us too! You can start by dropping the honorifics, come on!!!"

"Mi-na, you're being too pushy."

"That's why you always scare people off."

"'Scare people off' is an exaggeration! I'm sure Sora-chan isn't scared of me!! I mean, I'm not that scary, right!?"

And so it went, with the increasingly boisterous Mi-na being pulled away by a certain caring young man, just as usual.

I'm happy for the attention, but my current problem is that I don't feel like I can give them the fun reactions they're looking for.

I know they don't mind, but—

"So, how are you feeling?"

"Oh, what's this, Irorin? Trying to pick up girls in public—myuggyu…!"

It wasn't that rare, but since he often hangs out with my partner, I don't get many chances to talk to Irori, so he struck up a conversation.

Sora let out a wry smile at his skill in instantly silencing the immediate heckler with a single palm, and she returned his smile while unconsciously stroking the wand in the holster at her hip.

"—In top form. I'll do my best today."

"…I see. In that case, I'll be expecting great things."

He said with a gentle smile. I've seen him at the training grounds many times, so I'm somewhat used to him.

Still, his position as a 'ranker' is so far above me that I still feel intimidated… but I can't show him anything embarrassing. I don't want to.

Because I decided myself that I would stand beside a certain someone.

I looked over again, and that certain someone was still making his rounds. Sometimes he was met with surprise, sometimes with smiles, and sometimes with a friendly pat on the shoulder.

My partner, who was demonstrating a communication ability that made me wonder 'where he learned it,' might even be suspected of being 'actually an old man,' as Tetra suggested.

As I entertained such a joke and let out a small chuckle… I couldn't completely shake off my nerves, but I could at least distract myself from the tension and the stares.

"…I'm okay."

You don't need to worry, you don't need to be overprotective, I'm okay—I murmured in my heart.

After today, I will be the one gathering people's gazes, as myself. I think I'm prepared for that, and if I may be so bold, I'd say I welcome it.

Because this is almost too good to be true.

The person I promised to 'protect each other' with is standing right next to me, looking out for me with his meddlesome care.

And even the people surrounding him, who are almost too kind… they're going to watch over me, now that I've found my courage.

So, yes—I'm sure there's nothing to be afraid of.

"Oh."

"They've arrived."

"Right on time."

A stir rippled through the waves of players, bringing with it a peak of excitement.

Mi-na, who was trying to start a friendly brawl, was being easily handled by Irori with one hand, while Ri-na stuck close by his side as always.

The other rankers were nearby, some chatting, some standing quietly, some exchanging messages like a boss and subordinate.

They, and I, who was surrounded by them. And my partner, who had been flitting about on his own. The gazes of the surrounding players had been on us.

And further beyond, the great wave of passersby who were watching the assembled raid members from a distance—all their gazes, without exception, were drawn to the silver-blue figure that had just appeared.

"—…"

She absorbed the gazes of hundreds with what could only be described as ultimate naturalness.

In a way, she was a girl I admired—in a different direction from the [Sword Saint].

She doesn't bend, she doesn't break even when struck, and though she may look down, she never stops walking forward. The person who stands beside Haru, embodying a way of being I could never imitate.

[Sword Queen] Iris, accompanied by three others—two from her own faction (Fuji and Auerin) and one from the North (Lux)—walked straight ahead with a presence so commanding it was captivating.

No one would be surprised that the crowd parted for her on its own.

Following the 'path' thus created, she quickly reached the representative of the East, the [General Commander]—

"—Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go."

It was almost as if she felt no particular emotion, so much so that one might misunderstand.

With a placid expression, she spoke quietly—and reached her hand toward the transfer gate.