kscans

Chapter 371 - To the Realm of the Boundary

I wasn't about to do something that would ruin the very line of sight I'd worked to establish after making my rounds and drawing attention to myself.

I understand how my usual antics look to others—so, I slipped into the familiar “fog,” evaded the eyes of those who went ahead, and landed a short distance away.

Sora, for her part, has grown accustomed to my shenanigans, so luckily I was forgiven with just a light swat of scolding.

In the first place, the area below the cliff was filled with a fog so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face, so was there even a need to worry about being seen from below?

As for the realization that hit me mid-fall—

"That's some real 'magic' right there."

"Right? ..."

Well, since they had a way to deal with it, Mouton-shi had said, 'the advance team will help you even if there's an accident.'

After reaching the bottom of the cliff, relieved of our duty as rescue insurance for stragglers, we joined the rankers at the front and proceeded along the path.

As I watched the scenery, where the fog had been cleanly carved away around the group, and murmured in admiration, a voice overflowing with smugness came from my side.

I thought she was harassing Arche at the front a moment ago. When did this [Traveler] teleport here? Scary. I'll just pretend I didn't see anything—

"Wind magic, right… ?"

And so, my honest partner would deal with her in my stead.

"Yup! It's super convenient magic that blows away fog, poison, miasma, and stuff like that! It's got great range! It's cheap to cast! And it's super useful for adventuring!"

"I, I see… so that's how…"

Who on earth is she trying to sell this to? Overwhelmed by the boundless energy packed into every word, Sora cracked a wry smile.

I've had a few chances to meet her since our first encounter, but she, Lux, is always like this. To be honest, seeing her live solely on hype and momentum, I've had the rude thought, 'Is she really okay?' more than once…

But in that regard, she's the top of the North, as expected. She's successfully cleared all the expectations placed on her, so I can only apologize in my heart.

She may be like this, but I doubt there's any need to worry about her handling of [Cradle of Sword-Craft (Cradle)].

"Hey, what's wrong, Har-kun? You're looking a little down."

"Not at all. My tension gauge is marking a solid eighty percent."

As I quietly listened to my partner's conversation, a demonic hand immediately reached out from the hyperactive monster. I wish she, like a certain indigo-haired girl, would stop judging others as 'not being into it' based on her own energy levels.

Well, in Nia's case, I've come to understand that she's not so much high-energy as she is just fundamentally panicking.

"Don't go expending all your energy now and running out of breath halfway through, okay?"

Knowing it was an unnecessary worry, I offered the advice anyway. Lux just smiled, looking thoroughly amused, though I couldn't guess what she was thinking.

"Nhehehe, no worries, no worries… but well, if the leader says so, I have no choice but to say roger that!"

"Unfortunately, I'm not the leader."

"Why me, of all people…"

As I casually made small talk with the 'party members' who were restlessly wandering around, Sora let out a small sigh while looking at the empty air.

What she was looking at was the user interface displayed in my vision as well—namely, the party members' status bars.

At the very top of the four rows of HP & MP gauges, the name [Sora] shone, adorned with a small crown icon signifying her as the party leader.

The maximum number of participants for a 'Colored Monster' subjugation battle is one hundred and ten: ten rankers plus one hundred general slots. Since Arcadia's standard party size is six, it's impossible to divide the members evenly if the maximum number of participants gathers.

Therefore, while most parties would be formed of six, some, including the specially designated rankers, would be composed of four or five—we were one of those.

The members of the recently formed [Azure Sky Clan], plus Lux, made a total of four, which was the roster for our party in this 'White Throne' battle.

Well, my party, or rather, my partner's party—though it looks like a ragtag group, it's actually a lineup with demonic synergy.

To be precise, I'm the one who sticks out, but I'd appreciate it if you'd consider my personal coordination with my partner as part of that synergy…

"Um, really… I can't give out orders, you know? It's not just that it's presumptuous, but I'll probably have my hands full with my own job…"

"She says that, but when the time comes, our Sora will get it done."

"That's something to look forward to!"

My lighthearted comment earned me another cute little swat of scolding. Well, it wasn't just a lighthearted comment; I seriously think Sora is suited to be a commander, but—

"—Forget commanding, at least give us a signal. I'll have to be on the front lines too, and I probably won't have the luxury of constantly keeping an eye on the gauge."

As the fourth member popped his head in from the side and made a casual request, our esteemed leader and master made a rare expression, letting out a small "Ugh…"

I want to do my best, but I'm too anxious.

Or perhaps, I don't mind, but I'd rather not if I can help it—that kind of face.

I get it. When I was assigned a crucial gimmick in an MMO boss fight, I felt a similar mix of happy and not-so-happy feelings.

"Well, don't worry about it too much."

"Once it starts, you won't have time for niceties or hesitation anyway."

"Right, right! Let's just have fun!"

"I'll do my best, but…"

Leaving aside the build compatibility, this group is surprisingly well-matched… While it's essential to support Sora, who's been put in the difficult position by process of elimination, we also have Tetra, who's a master of subtle consideration, so things should work out well.

Aside from our helper Lux, the future of [Azure Sky Clan] looks to be quite lively—and with that, just as I was thinking about it…

"—This feels more like a picnic than a raid."

"I think it's lovely that everyone gets along so well."

So said Goldow with a relaxed smile and Hinayo with a warm one.

"Stay sharp. I won't forgive you if you make a fool of yourself."

From Irori, I personally received a lighthearted remark delivered in a joking tone, but the words themselves were not a joke.

"…Well, don't sweat it."

I even received a very rare word of encouragement from Genkotsu-san.

"Let's do this."

"I'm expecting you to go on a rampage."

I bumped fists lightly with the pair of Fuji-san and Auerin.

Mi-na and Ri-na had already given me their encouragement back at the city's transfer gate. I responded to the red-head who enthusiastically drummed on my back with a grateful palm to her head.

And so, as we advanced, I lined up next to the silver-blue figure who had stopped at the front—

"………………It's finally time."

"Yeah, it's finally time."

Through a crack in the great wall that formed a circle around us, I peeked in. In the center of the great crater, that color remained, silent and still.

Even in a battlefield that was absurdly vast, several kilometers in diameter, its overwhelmingly colossal body allowed me to make out its details.

A flat, oval head like a catfish, and a mouth that took up most of it. A bloated, caterpillar-like abdomen, legs like giant trees, great wings that would form a canopy if spread… and at the tip of its long tail, a distorted human face with its eyelids closed.

[Tsarkalv of the White Throne]—one of the 'Colored Monsters,' a being that bears the name 'White' and governs 'Boundary.'

Back when I was a rookie, it was the source of the 'passion' that carved an unending impression into my heart.

"It's still got a crazy look to it."

"Its face is scary. I'm not a big fan either."

"Which face?"

"Both of them. 'Red' was a little cuter."

"……………Was it? Cute? I mean, size-wise, I guess you could say it wasn't not cute, but—"

"…You watched the archive? I told you I didn't want you to."

"Well, I had to study it as an example…"

"………………Fine. I'll just overwrite it this time."

"You didn't need to overwrite it; you were cool enough as it was."

Did my follow-up, which wasn't meant as a compliment, get through to her or not? After exchanging a few words in a low voice, Arche turned to look back.

In this place, without the [Lady-in-Waiting], there were two people who should take the lead for the group. Namely, the top of the East (Goldow) and the top of the South (Iris).

To each their own. The top of the North (Lux) should just sit quietly.

In any case, considering that most of the general slots are filled by players from Istia, the 'Sword of the Players,' it's natural for Goldow to take command.

And that's why we were shown.

A scene where all eyes naturally gathered, seeking 'something' from the figure who stood boldly at the front and turned back.

A state of being where no one questioned her, looking up to her as the pinnacle.

Before the start of the Four Pillar War. There was probably no one here who wanted the passionate speech our [General Commander] gave us then.

"The third time. This time, it'll definitely be okay. So…"

We've already finished sharing the strategy and held detailed meetings in preparation for this day. Therefore, long and complicated words are no longer necessary.

At this moment… what the people listening to that quiet yet resonant, sweet yet dignified voice want is—a single word from their 'Princess.'

"—Let's win, everyone."

Perhaps in keeping with her calm atmosphere, there were no boisterous war cries typical of the East. Instead, the sound of fists bumping against each other, as if savoring the moment, echoed here and there—

"Haru."

"Yeah."

The words Arche spoke as she turned forward and took a step were directed at her 'colleague.' If our comrades, trembling with excitement, had heard it, they probably would have ganged up on me without a second thought. With her usual voice and expression… she followed the happily smiling girl.

We had both been waiting for this moment.

Let's enjoy it to the fullest—

"Let's have some fun."

"Let's have a blast."

There was nothing lacking in the grand stage we were heading to.

My comrades challenging it with me were a lineup of celestial beings that the me of 'that day' could never have imagined.

Well then, let's get this started—my first-ever, largest-scale raid!