kscans

Chapter 451 - An Evening's Revelry

"—I'm just saying, this group is an absolute jackpot."

"Totally."

"For real."

"We've got idols, a chef, and a ranker for emergencies..."

"The sense of security and satisfaction is off the charts."

"Having good food is a real blessing, seriously."

"If we'd been grouped differently, there's no way it would be this peaceful a survival experience."

"At this point, it feels less like survival and more like... not even camping."

"A log house in the mountains reminds me of my school camping trip."

"Ah... don't make me feel old."

"My school never had a camping trip. What was it like?"

"""The bugs were insane."""

"Come on, I was hoping for a more positive, exciting story..."

"—...Everyone's so relaxed."

"Well, we are in a pretty blessed group, after all."

"Not to praise myself, but any group without a cooking skill user is probably having a tough time. Since we need to eat just like in the real world..."

"You can't keep your spirits up without good food, right?"

Our two pairs naturally ended up sitting together because of the Nono-Nia connection, on one corner of what had become a rather grand banquet.

The feast centered around a botan-nabe made with the boar meat and that strange steak, among other dishes, and there was a mountain of food prepared by Tetsu-san, quite literally. The group members swarmed it with delight, and a glance around showed that everyone was in high spirits, their motivation clearly high.

By the way, when I asked Tetsu-san how he managed to get the miso flavor so perfect for the hot pot, he just replied, "Oh, I made it." I probably wouldn't understand even if I asked when, or with what ingredients.

Whatever, it's all good. As long as it's delicious, I don't have a single complaint.

The venue was still spartan, with just a floor, walls, and a ceiling, but the lively chatter of the people created a more than pleasant atmosphere.

I think it's safe to say that the first day got off to an unbelievably smooth start.

"In reality, we artisans are important, but you're the most important one, Acrobat-san."

"Where did that sudden praise come from? I haven't done anything significant yet."

That wasn't false modesty. Regarding the matter of surveying the forest from the sky, anyone with decent stats could have achieved the same result by climbing a tree instead of flying.

As for rescuing the Nono-Tetsu pair right before that, it wouldn't have been a problem even if it wasn't me who rushed over. I'm sure the regular combat players here could have easily handled opponents of that level.

As I casually voiced my disagreement without much thought...

"No, no, no, it's the fact that you're here that counts!"

Nonomi-chan-san chuckled as if to say, What are you talking about?

"I don't mean to pressure you, but... just as everyone has been saying, the sense of security is on a completely different level. I'll confess, most of us, myself included, are thinking, 'If worst comes to worst, he'll handle it.'"

"Hah... Well, I'll certainly do my part when needed."

It wasn't expectation. What they were directing at me was unmistakably trust. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I averted my gaze, only to meet a pair of indigo eyes.

"You can say what you want, but you're still not self-aware enough. To a regular player, a ranker from the three factions other than ours in the West is that kind of person, you know?"

"I think... I'm aware of it, though."

I deflected Nia as she nudged me with her shoulder and looked around. Every player I made eye contact with raised their wooden cup of water and gave me a cheerful smile.

An existence that receives goodwill and trust just by being there.

I suppose I need to properly accept the hard-to-believe reality that I've become that person, regardless of my own bewilderment and other feelings.

I've been slowly coming to terms with it since the Four Pillar War, but I'm still a celebrity novice. Fortunately, I have plenty of role models close by. I can deepen my lacking self-awareness as I go.

"—By the way, this is completely unrelated, but..."

"Yeah?"

As I came to a reasonable conclusion without overthinking or underthinking it, Nia, who had given up on breaking through my defenses, spoke up as if she'd just remembered something.

"You're just relaxing in that form, but shouldn't you switch to your Trance body? Weren't you diligently training your magic power to learn a new spell?"

"Ah..."

It wasn't that I'd forgotten about it. It was just that I'd only shown that form to a limited number of players—namely, the raid members involved in the [White Throne] subjugation battle—so, quite simply—

"It's kind of embarrassing, and I'm scared of their reaction..."

"Ah... yeah, I guess so."

"I don't think you need to worry so much, do you? You were undeniably super cute, and it's going to be revealed on a large scale through the archives eventually anyway, right?"

"That's true, but..."

Well, Nonomi-chan-san was right. I fully intended to use [Trance] in our strategy, so it was bound to be revealed sooner or later.

In that case...

"Excuse me for a moment."

Subtly erasing my presence, I stood up and, feigning casualness, slipped into the makeshift kitchen space to activate [Trance].

It wasn't that I felt some mysterious shame about transforming in front of everyone, but I wanted to avoid causing a commotion by suddenly flashing with light.

However, it turned out that was an unnecessary... or rather, a pointless consideration.

Because, of course—

"Alright, here we go."

"Hey, no, no, no! Don't sit cross-legged!"

"...Seeing you act so completely masculine in that form is starting to confuse my brain."

"Actually, I think that's what will make you popular. There's definitely a demand for it."

They must have understood my intention. The retorts and comments directed at me as I casually returned to my seat were subdued in volume... but their gazes were already piercing me from all over.

Fine, I've steeled my resolve.

Here it comes. In three... two... one—

"A third beauty?!?" "That's just wrong!!!" "Is that the rumored Trance system?!" "The Acrobat turned into Acrobat-chan?!" "Ah, no, this is too funny." "A white-haired, blue-eyed, super beautiful girl, you say...?" "I... can't..." "Not content with being surrounded by beauties and beautiful girls, you become one yourself...?!" "Wait a minute, you're going to do super high-speed maneuvers and swing around huge weapons looking like that?!" "My tastes are being carved anew!" "Can I start the Acrobat-chan fan club?!"

"Okay, okay, okay, quiet down, I'm not Prince Sho—"

"""Agh, her voice is beautiful too!!!"""

"""A girl who talks like a guy is a bridge too far!!!!!"""

"Seriously, you're all so daaaaaamn loooooud!!!"

And so the guys gave a mysterious standing ovation.

A great cheer like a roar echoed through the hall.

And as if frightened by the mob rushing towards me, the two true beauties hastily evacuated. Yeah, you're probably better off staying away.

I'd experienced something similar at the victory party the other day, so I'd already predicted the reaction of these festival-loving Arcadians, whether they were exceptional players or not.

But still, when they came at me full force like this...

"Alright, alright, please form a line! One question per person—whoa, wait, wait, stop! Calm down, everyone, please act with a little more reason...!"

In a place where I couldn't draw a weapon, the outcome of a many-against-one fight was decided from the start.

And so, it goes without saying that for the rest of the long, lively banquet, I remained the center of attention.

---

They're just hyped up from the event. Normally, everyone is a bit more rational. I think. Probably. Maybe.

I think that's enough peaceful time for now.