kscans

Chapter 539 - Reaching for One's Own Star

"Alright, first, let's sort out what you, big bro, think is 'irreversible.'"

"Sort out?"

"Whether it's true or not."

First Mi-na started, then I tilted my head, and Ri-na supplemented—the usual pattern. Saying, "Yeah, yeah, I get it," I adopted a listening posture, and the red-haired girl, playing the part of the lecturer, puffed out her chest proudly and began to speak.

Forgive me for saying so, but she was a far cry from Arshe in terms of dignity and everything else.

"First, on the almost certain parts, it's true that with [Starlight Magic Aptitude], you can only learn one spell per person. So far, there haven't been any reports of anyone learning a second one—hey, I know you want to butt in, but zip it for a bit."

In terms of dignity and everything else, she was a far cry from Arshe.

"Related to that, it's also true that the process of acquiring a spell when you activate the aptitude is treated like a 'gacha.' Depending on how you look at it, that's not wrong."

That business about activating the aptitude skill was probably what happened when I activated [Water Magic Aptitude] and immediately learned the basic spell, [Aqua].

And as for [Starlight Magic Aptitude]—or rather, the special attributes that exist separately from the four basic elements of fire, water, wind, and earth—there's apparently no concept of a 'basic spell,' so the first spell you acquire isn't necessarily a beginner skill.

For example, Sora's [Light Magic Aptitude] also falls under a special attribute. Thinking about it, the [Heal Light] she first acquired, while having a modest effect and being a bit difficult to use, was an extremely excellent healing spell for its low cost and instant recovery.

If you told me it wasn't a beginner spell, I'd probably just nod and accept it.

So, it seems that players call the 'ritual' of the initial skill set, where the acquired spell differs from person to person, a 'gacha'... but,

"Well, naturally, everyone wants to 'pull something good,' right? So they try to mysteriously time their skill set, or they go to a special-looking place that seems related to the attribute to set it, or... they believe in some occult theory that your stats and other factors at the moment you activate the skill are important, so they let it sit for a while."

"Some people believe in it like a jinx, while others say it doesn't matter. Some even argue that the appropriate spell is selected by the system the moment you acquire the aptitude, not when you activate it."

"...Personally, I calmly think it's the latter, but I can also understand the urge to perform some mysterious ritual for a jinx."

In any case, it's related to a rare skill they've finally obtained. I feel like there are a lot of gamers who care about occult-like good luck charms, so it's not surprising.

"So, yeah, I guess. The only answer we can give is what we ourselves did."

"I see. I'd definitely like to hear that."

Everything about her was casual... but she was still the highest-ranking mage, crowned Arcadia's strongest artillery cannon by the power of the 'stars.'

In other words, the path they walked was none other than the path that led to 'the strongest.' There could be no more reliable experience to draw from.

"That being said, it's not like we were thinking about anything special when we were playing the game."

"Yeah, that's right. We got our aptitude on the second day of the dive, and back then, there was no information to gather..."

"To begin with, we weren't serious enough to gather information while playing."

"Oh..."

These two rose to prominence as the 'Eastern Wings' during, I believe, the second or third Four Pillar War. That means they're seniors to that blonde samurai, making them bona fide veterans.

I don't know when they actually became Arcadia users, but it's possible their virtual world debut was in the very beginning, three years ago.

"So, well, we just rolled the gacha right then and there without thinking. And considering the fact that we ended up becoming super famous as a result—"

"In the end, I think it comes down to individual effort and aptitude. And luck."

"In that sense, they're right on the mark. So, I guess the conclusion is—'It's irreversible, but there's no point in worrying about it,' maybe?"

"Yeah... well, I guess you're right."

To be honest, it was something I knew without being told. As long as we can't get an answer about the specifications from 'God,' it's impossible for players to intentionally influence the outcome, no matter what they do.

More accurately, it's impossible to observe the results of their struggles—all you can do is wait for fate. But the fact that they told me this with such convincing words was a big deal.

It probably saved me from a future where I'd challenge the so-called gacha withふわふわ anxiety and other fears, only to be plagued by unnecessary regret.

Well, in that case...

"Oh, you're going for it right away?"

"Now you're being bold."

Immediately after hearing their conclusion, I unceremoniously opened my system window, drawing two kinds of gazes upon me. Amused red eyes, and blinking but quiet blue eyes.

"'There's no point in worrying about it,' right? Then it's more productive to just quickly see what my 'Star Magic' is and move on to the lecture."

If there's no point in hesitating, then wasting time is nonsense. On top of that, I have to get various things finished at a rapid pace by the upcoming weekend—and so...!

Here I go, [Starlight Magic Aptitude]. I pray that a supremely competent grand magic will manifest itself, and on three, two, one—ah, wait a second, stop.

"Huh, why did you suddenly turn into a girl?"

"Even if there's no point in worrying, I should still cling to any easy jinxes I can...!"

Interrupting the 'on the count of three' flow, I suddenly activated [Trance], eliciting a confused voice from the red one, but I was actually quite desperate, though I was trying to maintain a poker face.

I mean, look, acquiring magic skills is related to your MID stat, right? Even if I'm waiting for fate, there's no reason not to do everything in my power!

"You come too, Sapphire! We're connected by the 'stars'! Your master is about to pull the gacha of a lifetime, so watch over me! If possible, I would be most grateful for any blessings or protection you can offer!!"

"Eh...—Huuuuh?! What is that, a dragon?!?! Hey, big sis, who cares about Star Magic, what is that dragon!!!!!"

Suddenly, the red one started making a racket, while the blue one stared blankly at the giant dragon that had materialized from my shadow, her eyes wide. I'll deal with their reactions later, for now—

"Come to me, grand magic!!!"

Let's welcome a new power.

◇ [Starlight Magic Aptitude] has been activated ◇

◇ Skill Acquired ◇ ・《—————…

"—Congrats, big bro. You hit the jackpot."

"............You look at this disaster and call it a jackpot, my senior?"

Five minutes later, after finishing the test run.

Receiving a grinning blessing from Mi-na, who was crouching beside me, I lay crumpled like a rag against the training facility wall and raised a weak, raspy protest.

Listening to the crackle crackle of residual blue magic in the air, I blankly stared up at the high, pure white ceiling—

"Why is it that every weapon and skill that comes my way is..."

On the edge of my vision, ignoring my growing resignation, Ri-na and Sapphire were happily playing together, fellow blue beings.

...Peaceful. It's all very well and good.