kscans

Chapter 445 - Orange and Black, Indigo and White

"Hmm…"

—Alright, I've figured a few things out.

First, whether we should defeat them is still up in the air, but it's probably safe to say that these things 'can be defeated' & 'there's some meaning in defeating them.'

The former is certain, as the monkeys are currently being scattered by my blades. As I predicted, they have modest stats, easily taken down by a single strike from a Bullet.

The latter is because of the 'drop items' they occasionally leave behind when they explode. Normally, spoils of war would automatically enter your inventory, but it seems some of the specs are a bit different during this event.

I can't say for sure without actually picking one up and examining it… but the 'pebbles' that look like a condensed starry sky are, in all likelihood, related to the 'theme' of the event.

Next, these mysterious star-monkeys seem to exist under a different set of rules than normal field enemies—or rather, it seems the world (system) treats them distinctly.

Normally, when you focus on an enemy, a cursor and a status bar with their name appear in your vision, but that's not happening here.

And the 'death effect,' which is represented by a red glow for players and a blue one for enemies, isn't occurring… well, it is, in a way, but it's a completely new animation, so I can't tell if it's the same thing.

When their un-displayed HP probably runs out, whether they're on the ground or in the air, they freeze in place. Then, after the stars within their bodies vanish, the remaining 'darkness' explodes—

It's an indescribable, eerie way to go.

Activating 《Mistlurade》 again, I intercepted them with thrown blades while observing their characteristics. For now, I'm relieved that it doesn't seem to be the kind of vicious design where 'defeating them immediately results in some kind of penalty.'

Well, I doubt it would be, but this game does have a rare habit of baring its fangs from unexpected directions….

Anyway, let's just clean this up quickly.

The gazes of the gallery stabbing me in the back are starting to bother me, and it's a bit embarrassing to be seen playing around without displaying even a fraction of this avatar's true potential.

At any rate, it's a waste to spend too much time on this.

◇◆◇◆◇

"—Seriously, thank you so, so much!! You're super cute, may I ask your name?!!!!"

"…I see, this is definitely Nia's friend."

"And what's that supposed to mean???"

There's no other meaning. Your tension and energy are exactly like hers when she's in 'crazy mode.'

Your apparent age is somewhere between a girl and a young woman, so you're similar in that way too. You couldn't be more 'friends' if you tried.

"Ahem—anyway, this is my fellow artisan, Nonomi-chan. Of course, you… well, you know her, right?"

"Of course I do."

Nia's doubt is understandable. However, even I, who have displayed my ignorance time and time again, have at least the basic knowledge when it comes to a current rank holder.

"The West's current Third Seat—Lady [Splendid Colorist]."

"Correct! She's a super-skilled tailor who can handle anything related to Japanese clothing."

"Hee hee, you're making me blush."

She's a tailor specializing in Japanese clothing… and yet, the person herself, with her bright impression from her orange-brown hair buns and orange eyes, is dressed in completely Western-style clothes.

It's a tunic dress with gothic-style frills here and there, but not so much as to be over-the-top, creating a simple and cute look.

Her feet are clad in pants and boots, a practical outfit, and like Nia, it's a girly travel style… or rather.

"…This is your work, isn't it?"

"Ah, you could tell?"

The construction of the belt cinching her waist is a dead giveaway. From the overall design sense, even I could tell at a glance that it was Nia's work.

"Because we're good friends!"

"I'm not denying it, but don't get so close…"

As she pushed back Lady [Splendid Colorist], who had hugged her with a smile, Nia wore a rare, annoyed expression, saying, 'Yeah, yeah.'

It's a subtle attitude, more than just a good friendship. If it were the her I know, she would be much more enthusiastic with a close female friend—

"…Is it okay? I'll introduce myself too."

I turned to the voice from the side, and there stood Nia's friend's partner.

Unusual for Arcadia—not that I'm one to talk—he wasn't a super handsome pretty boy or a super cool older man, but a man with an extremely realistic appearance.

Black hair, black eyes, medium build—or is he a bit tall for that? His long bangs are pulled back with a headband, showing off his forehead, but the expression underneath is… well, it's kind of listless.

To put it coolly, he's a downer. To put it bluntly, he lacks spirit.

As for his equipment, it's a fantasy-style shirt and pants with no notable features. Overall, I'd describe him as… a lethargic, tall, handsome man.

He may be based on reality, but he's definitely good-looking. His apparent age is somewhere in his early twenties?

"I'm Ittetsu. Written with the characters for 'one' and 'iron.' —Thank you for the rescue. Let me thank you as well."

As expected of an Arcadia player, his communication skills seemed to be above a certain level, contrary to his quiet expression. His crisp manner of speaking and clear choice of words were those of someone used to talking.

"Not at all, I'm just glad I made it in time."

When I casually held out my hand, he responded with a handshake, albeit a bit surprised—but the weakness of his grip, or rather, the clear consideration in it, made me realize with an "Ah."

I had held out my hand without thinking too much about it, but maybe it's not normal for a 'girl' to casually ask for a handshake from a man she just met? I don't know.

Well then, I should probably reveal the truth sooner rather than later.

"Alright, then I'll introduce myself too."

"W-W-Wait a minute!? A he—she…!?"

Whether I had struck a chord with her or something, Lady [Splendid Colorist]'s tension shot up… and the next moment, she froze, a look of utter confusion on her face.

As for her partner, on the other hand—

"Ah, I knew it. That makes sense."

He was probably tipped off by my fighting style or my weapon, right? Seeing me revert to my original form after deactivating [Trance], he nodded with a look of understanding and a faint smile.

"And so—I'm Haru, from Istia. A pleasure to meet you."

As expected… my own body is infinitely more comfortable.