kscans

Chapter 671 - The Linked Name Returns

"—'Come again?'"

Not the next morning, but the next afternoon. In the real world, at the private restaurant of the Yotsuya dormitory, our go-to dining spot, one voice and one set of written words overlapped.

Nia and Ashe. The two, famous in the virtual world as the crowned [Milmarinus] and [Sword Queen], both turned their gazes toward me. In response to their expected reaction, I calmly savored my rolled omelet with a mix of resignation and nonchalance.

Mmm, this Japanese-style meal is delicious too. Our chef is truly amazing.

Anyway, let me repeat the 'report' in response to their questions and confusion—

"After a series of events, the Sword Saint, Ui-san, has joined our clan. Starting with the Tri-Duo in two weeks, she plans to actively show her face in public from now on, so please give her your regards."

She did say she would greet them herself if she had the chance to meet them—as I laid out the information for the second time… Nia was looking dazed, but as for the other one...

"………………………………I see. …Yes, I think I understand now."

Ashe, who seemed to have 'understood' something, quietly put down her coffee cup and sighed, her face showing a rare, genuine surprise.

As for her meal, it goes without saying she was the first to finish.

"Her way of thinking hasn't changed… rather, her perspective has shifted. And the reason for that is obvious, I suppose."

And just like that, the speed of her mind was as sharp as ever. Or maybe it's not so much speed as her comprehension being frighteningly high.

"Well, something like that. She also mentioned wanting to participate in the Four Pillar War from next time, so including that, we'll be focusing on 'practice' and self-strengthening for a while."

"Teamwork training for when Ui joins a group, I see."

"Exactly. As for the latter, it'll mainly be me, Sora-san, and Kanata."

Nia, sitting diagonally across from me, gave me a look of exasperation, as if to say, 'Are you still planning on getting stronger?' But let's not forget.

I've only been in the virtual world for less than six months, okay?

"So, for now, we're planning to start moving with 'Green Connect' in mind… The schedule is still the same, right?"

"It is. The assault will be one week after the 'Triangle Duo.' The next meeting will be the day after the event ends, at the southern castle."

We've had discussions about 'Green Connect'—the subjugation of [Jehatreglie of Green Connect]—countless times over the past two months or more.

Unlike the other 'Colored Monsters,' or the 'Five Colored Pillars,' [Tsarkalv of the White Throne] and [Rieltahelia of the Red Circle]… no, it seems to be fundamentally different from any other existing raid boss. A special exploration-type raid.

With its overall direction, limited number of participants, and even the unique nature of the 'slots,' the highly specialized 'Green Connect' can be simply described as an ultra-massive gimmick boss.

It's not the type where 'solving the gimmick makes it easier to defeat or possible to defeat,' but rather, it's speculated to be the type where, without exaggeration, 'solving the gimmick completes the conquest.' Well, that's only natural.

A colossal body that even the word 'several kilometers in diameter' doesn't do justice to. Furthermore, if even a strike from an [Extra] doesn't leave a single scratch on its eyeball, one can surmise that even if it's weakened by some gimmick, it's not an entity that can be defeated head-on.

Well, in a way, its conquest method is even more unknown than the 'White Throne,' so no matter how much we rack our brains, it's all just speculation. To be frank, a one-shot clear is unlikely, but this time, we're determined to at least find a clue.

And the revolutionary new element to achieve that is the [Stardust Beast (Lim)]—or more precisely, the existence of tamers who have mastered the beasts that can serve as a means of high-speed travel.

An exploratory journey across a stage of unknown total area.

For the conquest of 'Green Connect,' the appearance of tamed beasts that can serve as 'legs' for everyone, regardless of whether they are agility-based or not, was nothing short of a ray of hope.

This is especially true when it's an absolute condition for not only those who are not confident in their own legs, but also for players who are not even combat classes to participate. Tamed beasts that can be ridden are, in the truest sense, an essential element.

Anyway—or rather, not setting it aside at all.

"What's with that innocent face, pretending you have nothing to do with this???"

As soon as the topic shifted to 'Green Connect,' Nia-chan, who flinched and conspicuously tried to vanish, caught my eye. Even though her color is different from her virtual world self, her restless movements make her 'blue' self overlap. She started whistling a silent tune…

"I'm sorry, but we'll have to ask all the current rankers of the West to participate."

With Ashe's merciless words, even that whistling came to a pathetic, whimpering halt.

And so, the blue-haired girl, Nia-chan, a.k.a. Liliania Vruberri, a.k.a. my exclusive artisan, a.k.a.—the current Sixth Seat of the Western Faction Vestol, [Milmarinus],

"—……………………………………"

"Even if you look at me like that…"

"No means no. Please give up and lend us your strength."

With a look that screamed 'give me a break,' she listlessly took a bite of her omelet.