kscans

Chapter 536 - The Decision

Being laughed at for your efforts being futile, no matter how much you try. Such a harsh reality, like some sadistic dungeon, exists in the real world, but if you live seriously and earnestly, such shitty game scenarios don't happen all that often.

Studying, for example, is one of the best examples of effort being rewarded.

If you don't compromise, don't slack off, and apply yourself sincerely, the results will follow, big or small. And when you have the help of an invincible private tutor—

"Goodbye, super-long incantation listening sessions…!"

"I think you were probably the only one in that 'session,' though?"

It was a given that I would be rewarded not just big or small, but handsomely.

The dramatic lectures from my professors, which used to be completely incomprehensible, had transformed into proper lessons, and my academic ability had improved to the point where I could somehow understand them.

I let out my感動 in a small voice and made a fist pump under the desk, earning an exasperated look from my friend next to me, but as someone who had been genuinely struggling, I couldn't hide my joy.

Seriously, thank you, gods, buddhas, and Sword Queen…!

"Ahaha. Looks like the training camp paid off. I'm glad."

"Yeah, seriously. My 'teacher's' teaching methods were god-tier from start to finish…"

Shoko, from two seats over, popped her head out and joined the conversation. I mumbled my appreciation, and she gave me a smug grin.

She didn't actually tease me, but it was obvious what she was thinking.

"…Sorry, but I can't provide you with any of the interesting, lovey-dovey episodes you're probably hoping for. She was serious about looking after me, all things considered."

"Hah, I see, I see?"

Now, I'm not saying there weren't any such episodes, and I'm only talking about the overall situation. I won't mention the fact that she tried to pounce on me countless times when we were alone, but Shoko, who correctly and conveniently interpreted my subtle nuance, just deepened her grin to herself.

It's not like I'm trying to hide it; it would be pointless even if I did.

Her fans probably understand that Alicia White wouldn't miss such a perfect opportunity when she's one-on-one with her 'target.'

—But anyway, that's beside the point.

"Are you two free today? If it's convenient, I'd like to ask you to edit a new video."

"Whoa, out of the blue?"

"Didn't you just get back yesterday?"

With my studies settled for the time being, it was time to talk about 'work.'

Alright, my dear supporters, it's your turn—are you ready to have your semicircular canals wrecked again?

◇◆◇◆◇

And so, after each of us finished our classes for the day, several tens of minutes had passed since the whole group, including Kaede and Mizuki, had gathered at the Shijo residence.

"Nozomi, you gotta stop this, man…"

"Can't, feelin' sick…"

"…,…Hhh…!!!"

"That was very interesting. I would like a commentary on the new skills and other details."

Of the members who had checked the fresh-off-the-press video data I'd given them, Toshiki, Shoko, and Kaede were down for the count, a magnificent scene of carnage.

As the sole member with resistance from the very beginning, Mizuki was looking on with a perfectly fine expression, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, but it goes without saying which of them was the exception.

However, this time—

"If you've got a complaint, take it up with my 'opponent.' The reason it turned into such a stupid, motion-sickness-inducing mess, even from a third-person perspective, is all thanks to that do-as-it-pleases bastard."

"Ugh… t-that was amazing, Nozomi-kun's 'Shadow'…"

The one who responded to my reply to Toshiki's resentful glare was the young lady of the Shijo family, who was slumped in her chair with a pale face. The 'Shadow' Kaede mentioned was, needless to say, the common nickname for the infamous [Replica-Nobody].

"Yeah… I think it's one of the most insane patterns ever seen in any footage. In fact, I was impressed you even lasted thirty seconds."

"That's my longest record, and it was by focusing solely on evasion, though."

I'm honored by the praise, but aside from that one instance of self-preservation, most of my attempts were instant kills.

To be honest, I was a little embarrassed to be showing my friends a recording of my own slaughter, but the atmosphere seemed to be a unanimous 'well, that can't be helped,' so I'll gratefully hold my head high.

"Ah, my dizziness is finally going away… I was thinking this again, but the craziest thing about you is probably your survivability. The way you just casually engage in close-quarters combat against an enemy whose attacks are 'instant death on graze' is just insane."

"That. Technically, it's amazing, of course, but aren't you scared, Nozomin? …I mean, I've asked you that so many times before."

And now, my childhood friends were chiming in with their own exasperated praise. What's this, ganging up on me like this won't get you anything.

At most, it'll put me in a good mood and loosen my tongue.

"I've said it many times before, but scary things are scary. I'm just tricking myself into thinking it's not real. Every time a blade, a blunt object, a claw, a fang, a tentacle, a flame, a gust of wind, a bolt of lightning, or some mysterious substance grazes past me, I get freaked out, just like anyone else."

""Then why do you usually laugh in a pinch…""

"That's, you know, that thing. Men are sad creatures who basically become idiots (invincible) when they get hyped up holding a weapon."

Setting Shoko aside, I'm sure Toshiki will understand once he makes his Arcadia debut. Probably. Maybe. He says he has no plans to dive into the virtual world himself for now, though.

"Hey, Nozomi-kun."

"Yes, what is it, Mizuki-san?"

As I was bantering with the usual lively duo, Mizuki, who had started watching the video again by herself, called out to me.

As usual, her voice was quiet, with little fluctuation, but I could tell from the subtle nuance that her tone was serious.

So,

"You want us to edit it. Which means this is a video you plan to release."

"That's right."

"I don't recommend it."

I replied in a serious tone as well, and she, cool on the surface, cut me down without a second thought. And following that,

"Yeah, I agree."

"Same here."

Toshiki agreed with Mizuki's words, and Shoko followed suit. I glanced over at Kaede, and she nodded in agreement with her friends.

"What you're doing is certainly amazing—but, in terms of content, it's a video of you, the [Acrobat], losing over and over without being able to do anything. In terms of image, it's not a good thing."

"Well, there will definitely be people who gleefully poke fun at it."

"I think the fans will enjoy watching it purely for what it is, and I'm sure your allies will do their best to put out the fires on their own, as always. But for you, Nozomin, to provide material that could become your own weakness… we think it's a bit questionable."

A departure from her initial image, Shoko, who is actually more of a jokester and mood-driven than Toshiki, was saying something extremely serious, a sign of her earnestness.

In other words, when she's like this, it's always a particularly serious situation. After hearing the opinions of the three, I once again turned my gaze to my 'manager,' Kaede…

"I can't really agree either, I guess…? Um, you know. I think you understand, Nozomi-kun, but the real world isn't full of nice people like the virtual world is, so…"

And with that, it seemed everyone's thoughts were aligned.

All of this was simply because they were genuinely concerned for me—I hesitated for a moment whether to suppress the smile that was about to form on my face, but decided it wasn't necessary and relaxed.

"Haha."

"Look at you with that relaxed face… We're being serious here, you know?"

"I know."

That's why I can make a face like this. The sense of security that comes from having friends who are sincerely on your side. It's truly invincible.

However, as for the conclusion—

"We're going ahead with releasing the video. You don't have to hold back; it's fine to really emphasize how ridiculously insane [Replica-Nobody] is."

I have no intention of changing my original plan. However, I also have no intention of causing my concerned friends any unnecessary worry… so I won't drag out the reveal.

"And then—a little while later, upload the real video of the conquest achievement as a set with this one."

"Huh?"

"Heh?"

"…Mm?"

"Eh…?"

I announced it as if it were already decided, and a smile crept onto my face at the sight of their textbook-perfect dumbfounded expressions—

"Well, you see. That invincible princess of ours said, 'We can definitely beat it,' so…"

I hinted at the event that had become the catalyst for me to challenge the [Shadow-Infested Arena], and at the same time,

"This weekend, the two of us will just pop over and clear it."

I declared the already-decided matter to my friends.