kscans

Chapter 570 - Encounter: Another

I purchased the VR device, [Arcadia], exactly one year ago. I was exhausted from my busy 'job' and wanted a place to rest my soul.

I let myself drift, aimlessly. I wanted to escape, to turn a blind eye to the undeserved position I had found myself in, to become someone no one knew and just let go.

—It was supposed to be for 'rest.'

And yet, what I found myself naturally engrossed in within the virtual world of Arcadia wasn't a peaceful life in another world, but rather intense, heated 'battles' that wore down both body and soul.

What's more, my own passion seemed to be a bit more excessive than the average person's. When I formed a party, I grew dissatisfied with the pace of those around me, and vice versa, so I never quite fit in.

My 'job' had left me tired of human relationships due to my position, but I didn't dislike socializing itself. In fact, it was a 'job' one couldn't choose if they disliked people.

If possible, I want to play with someone. But I couldn't bring myself to be selfish and burden other decent players. Yet, to suppress myself in the virtual world as well, when I was already holding back in reality… that was just unbearable.

Less than a month after starting Arcadia, I ended up as a lonely solo player.

At first, I was down, thinking, "So the virtual world is just another 'world where people live,' after all." But the power of a so-called 'God-tier game' was such that I still managed to enjoy it more than enough.

In the end, I accepted it all, never broke my own pace, and was content enjoying the virtual world in my own way—until I laid eyes on him.

A brilliant light that, not metaphorically, burned the eyes of the world.

By his own account, it took him a mere two months from his debut to ascend to the heights of a 'rank-holder.' His momentum never stopped, and he soared even higher to the peak of the [Sword Queen]… It's been four months since his name thundered across the world. A true supernova, constantly spreading new tales and legends.

He was 'special.' Not just a little excessive like me, but truly, incomparably special.

That's why my eyes were burned, my heart scorched—by the sight of him, who, despite being more special than anyone, simply aimed for victory with his 'comrades' and enjoyed the virtual world from the bottom of his heart.

And so, I thought it. A phrase that had never once crossed my mind in a life I knew was more blessed than most… I want to be like him.

And so, with that thought, I roused myself, chased after him, and arrived here, now.

After finishing the preliminaries for the Four Pillar War selection match.

The moment I saw the randomly generated tournament bracket for the main event—

"…No… way…"

The player, [Kanata], became certain of the existence of 'God' in this virtual world.

◇◆◇◆◇

The light of the teleport faded, and at the same time as my avatar's senses returned, a tremendous—it would be rude to say so, but it was like a flood—presence of people washed over me from all directions.

I know.

I know that what this audience wants is not me, an almost-unknown player. What they're waiting for is the person who will soon appear across from me.

Not interested? Fine by me. Kanata has no interest in the surrounding crowd either.

The circular arena, the stage for the main selection round, feels both wide and narrow. For my style, it's cramped… and for him, it must be even more so.

It's no longer a matter of being conscious of my opponent. Ever since I saw the published tournament bracket, my virtual heart has been in a state of overdrive, on the verge of exploding.

So… oh, so please, hurry.

Before this heart of mine bursts, please appear.

Before me, who has come this far in admiration of you.

Whether in answer to that prayer or not.

"—…"

The moment a figure of white and blue appeared on the stage, an explosion of cheers stole the sound from the world.

"—…Man, all eyes on me, huh."

Not surprised, not flustered. He just shrugged his shoulders as if to say, "I'm used to this by now," and gave a little wave to the crowd with a wry smile.

Naturally, the cheers, which had intensified into a roar, were met with another troubled smile, and then—

"Sorry, rookie. Your first time on stage and it's a huge uproar."

I swear, I felt like I'd been shot through, and not just figuratively, by the black eyes that looked straight at Kanata.

"…! N-No, I was prepared for it, so I'm fine."

Fortunately, my avatar's HP didn't decrease. Plus, my 'job' has given me the courage to speak up without being intimidated, no matter how great the person before me.

So, when I managed to reply with a composed voice… he smiled, as if impressed.

"A world of difference from my first time. You've got guts."

My heart has been shot to pieces by your every move since you got here—I couldn't possibly say something so incredibly creepy.

So, no, I can't. Any more of this, and I'll start to fall apart.

"—[Haru the Acrobat]-san."

"—…Hm."

I gripped the hilts of the two short swords at my lower back with both hands.

And flipped the switch.

"…It's embarrassing for me, someone who's been playing for a year, to confess this to you, who defeated the great [Sword Protector] in just two months, but…"

"Well, I mean… yeah. It's true that I defeated him on this stage, I guess."

Muttering to himself, he—Haru the Acrobat—prompted Kanata to continue with his eyes.

"…To be honest, I don't think I can win, or even stand a chance."

I looked straight back into those black eyes—gentle, calm… as if gazing into the far distance, innocent, naive, and full of curiosity.

"—Even so, I will fight with the intent to win."

The moment I declared my challenge with an unwavering voice and drew my weapons,

"…Ah—I'd be delighted."

The smile that had once captivated Kanata's eyes appeared on his calm face.

A white sword appeared in his casually swung hand—or so I thought, but with a twirl, the sword became a spear, the spear an axe, the axe a shield, the shield a hammer, the hammer a katana… and then,

A crimson short sword materialized in each of his now-empty hands, as if nothing had happened.

"Alright, let's fight—…That said, this is my first time doing something like this."

With no tension whatsoever, he lowered the twin blades, not even taking a stance.

"I'll do my best in my own way, so let's both have some fun."

He grinned, and I forced a grin back with all the bravado I could muster.

"Then—I, [Haru the Acrobat], Fourth-Ranked of the Eastern Faction, Istia… will face you with all my heart."

The unstoppable monster took a leisurely step forward.