kscans

Chapter 534 - Homecoming

"—Man, I'm bored… wanna go somewhere?"

"'Somewhere' being where?"

"Somewhere, man, just somewhere."

In a corner of the Safe Area, the only town in the [Garden of Divine Creation], two players sat on a rooftop, chatting idly as they gazed at the stars.

They were long-time players, but by their own admission and everyone else's, they were just average Joes. Sometimes they'd go on carefree adventures, other times they'd whine about being bored, but they were true Arcadians, citizens of the virtual world who savored the 'boredom' of another world.

They were far from being rankers, let alone joining the ranks of exceptional players. But for those who were satisfied with being 'ordinary,' the heroes they looked up to weren't objects of aspiration, but rather figures to be watched and entertained by.

Thus, they accepted their role as part of the 'great majority'—because in this world of Arcadia, even average people who stepped in with a casual attitude of 'I'm bored, let's go somewhere' could find adventures that let them enjoy being the 'main character.'

Everyone could weave a story that suited them. There were countless unique things scattered throughout the world, so you didn't have to reach for the very peak—the bug-like, otherworldly uniques like 'Rankers,' the 'Four Pillar War,' 'Colored Monsters,' or 'Terror Armaments.'

Endless adventure, endless unknowns, an infinite world with infinite content. Everyone was too busy looking 'forward' to have time to look up and be envious—

"Wanna hit up the ant nest for the first time in a while?"

"Oh, feeling suicidal?"

"Idiot, not that great hive. The small one for regular players, obviously."

"Eh… the ant mounds aren't really that good, though."

"The chance of a big score, even if it's a long shot, is what makes it romantic, man. Better than just playing at being bored, right?"

"You've got a point. Guess we should call Pami and the others then—"

Just as they both stood up, ready to ignite their excitement for another modest adventure that evening… it happened.

It wasn't the sound of footsteps, which were practically nonexistent, nor was it the sudden sense of a nearby presence. It was at the exact moment that, by pure coincidence, they both happened to glance in the same direction.

"Oh, excuse me?"

""Hh—""

Who knows from how far he had closed the distance in a single step, but a figure suddenly appeared beside them, offering a casual greeting.

It was a young man's voice, one they had become familiar with through their screens since the end of April, just over a month ago. Struck speechless by the unannounced encounter, the two of them froze as he offered them a vague smile—

"Uh, well. You know—have a good night!"

With a wave of his hand, he kicked off into the air again without a sound and vanished.

"…"

"…"

It was only a few seconds before they could track him with their eyes.

But by the time they looked up, the white and blue coat was nowhere to be seen in the night sky. The young man had disappeared like a whimsical whirlwind.

There was no sense of reality, no lingering presence. But the casual smile seared into their minds, the cheerful voice echoing in their ears, even from a brief encounter of just a few seconds…

"…Well then, guess I'll go spam my friends with a brag bomb."

"You're on. I think Shamta was a huge fan, right? He's gonna cry with envy."

"Let's make him cry his eyes out. It's time to pay him back for bragging endlessly about how 'Rinne-chan talked to me' that one time."

For those who savored the ordinary, this too was a major, extraordinary event.

◇◆◇◆◇

Setting aside the accidental interruption of some random players' chill time, I immediately launched into the sky, broke through the clouds, and flew away.

A week's worth of accumulated motivation spread through my body—yes, it's been a week. A long-awaited comeback to the virtual world…!

"I'm back, my second home, Arcadiaaa!"

It was only ten minutes ago that I returned to my home, the Yotsuya dormitory, after a full seven-day trip. Starting with the fireworks on the third day, the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days were a whirlwind of endless events—

Man, it was fun. I brought back a mountain of memories, and it was an extremely meaningful trip where I really deepened my friendships and everything else with all the participants.

And I didn't forget to study, either. It went great.

Even after that, Irori and I were abducted by Goldow and dragged around on a hot spring tour, Uni, Sora, and I made a giant cake the size of a wedding cake just for fun, I was almost attacked by Ashe who got super sulky asking "Why Helena and not me?" when she was giving me darts lessons, I was almost attacked by Iris who took advantage of our one-on-one study time, and I was almost attacked by Alicia White who was burning with jealousy when she witnessed me napping on the terrace with Sora-san and Nia-chan snuggled up on either side of me… it was truly a seven-day period filled with endless events and a violent sense of fulfillment—

But, that was then, and this is now.

I am, after only three months since my debut, a dyed-in-the-wool Arcadia addict. Therefore, after leaving the virtual world for an extended period for the first time…

It's only natural that my accumulated motivation would break completely!

"Come forth, Sapphire!"

The moment I leaped above the sea of clouds on a whim, I spread my 'wings' with a call. It's been seven days—no, in virtual world time, has it been more than ten days?

In any case, it's been a while. I pat and stroke the neck that bears the azure star as a substitute for an apology… and judging by his reaction, he doesn't seem to be sulking or angry, thankfully.

"There, there. Sorry about that, leaving you all alone so soon after taming you."

As he flaps his great wings, he skillfully bends his neck to nuzzle against me. I scratch his draconic head with all my might as we reconnect.

They say that when they aren't summoned, Stardust Beasts are in a state of hibernation, and that this 'sleep' is as comfortable as heaven for them, according to some unverified information—

But he has magnificent wings. I want to let him fly as much as possible, you know?

"Alright… then let's get started—course set to the east, speed unlimited. Fly, my partner!"

His answer was a single, powerful flap of his wings.

Was he able to understand the concept of 'east,' or was he reacting to the direction his master pointed… either way, he's a smart one.

As for the incredibly fast and acrobatic turn, I'll let it slide as a sign of his trust in me and a bit of playfulness… alright, let's go.

We head east, our destination one of the dungeons bearing the title 'Unconquered.'

The place of endless sparring—the [Shadow-Infested Arena].