kscans

Chapter 730 - Full of Aspiration

"Whoa, everyone's really fired up."

"Except for one person?"

"I don't know about that. Compared to previous years, Mei-chan seems to have a bit more motivation."

And so, while watching the great war of inhuman beings projected on the screen, the ladies let out a string of carefree, peaceful chatter. Even though they'd been fired up by Ui-san and Alicia, as expected, it was in moments like this that you could feel the difference in their caliber and composure.

They're way too calm, all three of them. I, for one, am trembling at the sight of my two friends going at it for real. As for the other two, I don't even know what they're doing in the first place—

"They're amazing, those guys…"

It was a thought that slipped out unconsciously. A murmur tinged with genuine feeling, which was promptly caught by the sharp ears of the red one, who tilted her head and said, "Huh?"

"Says the person who caught up to 'those guys' in just a few months?"

Well, she had a point. In terms of my position and pure combat ability, perhaps I could be conceited enough to say I was 'on their level'… but that's not what I meant.

"It's not about that, it's more like, the aura they give off is different."

"The aura they give off."

"Like a certain presence, or conviction."

"What are you talking about?"

Judging by the way both the red and blue ones tilted their heads, maybe it was something hard to convey to others. Or perhaps, this kind of feeling is unique to boys.

It wasn't just Irori and Uni that I felt 'it' from. It was the same for [Thread-Weaver] and [Screen] who I fought earlier, and in fact, regardless of win or lose, it was something I felt equally for all the senior rankers in all the matches so far.

Every single one of them is just so cool. They have a depth that I don't.

Irori, seriously, what's with him? I mean, I know he held a 'sword' in real life, but how did he acquire the skills of an invincible master swordsman in just a few years? And the way he so coolly and confidently flaunts that strength, having a perfect grasp of his own abilities, is so refreshing it's actually annoying (in a cool way). That perfect superhuman Blonde Samurai.

And Uni's the same, seriously, what's with him? How did a man who was just a kind young chef before his debut manage to maintain his position as one of the virtual world's top PvP experts, at the high rank of number two, ever since the ranking system was established? He must have had talent, of course, but what's more incredible is the sheer density of his self-training. I read an interview with him the other day, and his training menu was beyond stoic.

They're both fundamentally different types of players from me. At least, I could never push myself to such extremes and aim for the top without a second thought. Our mentalities are on a whole other level.

Maybe it's a case of the grass being greener on the other side—

"Those stoic freaks. They have no idea how a junior feels, desperately chasing after them."

Every time I watch the stage of my great seniors, I'm forcibly reminded of my respect and admiration for them, and it's exhausting. They praise me to no end, but they really 'have no idea.'

And then…

"Eh, you had the mentality of someone chasing after us? For real?"

"Of course. I've never once looked down on my seniors."

"I thought you were just flying around without a care in the world."

"If I had that kind of invincible mentality, my daily life would be a lot more peaceful."

"And here I was thinking I was no longer the one being chased?"

"Says the person who can take two-tenths of my health in a fair one-on-one. To be frank, every time I get beaten down from a super-advantageous position, I get seriously and genuinely depressed."

They're all like this, so from the perspective of someone who wants to meet their expectations, it's honestly quite nerve-wracking. That's why I don't have the time to leisurely watch the stage like my seniors do.

I have to watch, learn, and apply it to myself—and,

"Hmm. So that's why you were watching with such a serious face. I see, I see. Good boy, good boy."

"Serious. Good boy."

"Mmm… if you showed that side of yourself more often, you might become more popular, Haru-kun."

"I'll have to pass on that… Hey, you little squirts, stop messing with me in weird ways, don't pat my head—when did you get out of your restraints!?"

"Heh-heh! Don't underestimate your g-r-e-a-t senior, you big dummy!"

"Are you an elementary schooler…?!"

And again, they're all like this, so even though I think, 'This is impossible, I'm exhausted,' I can't help but want to meet their expectations… and so, one more time.

"Now… I wonder who'll win."

I shall carve the valor of my great seniors into this 'memory' of mine.


The protagonist is prone to admiration, fundamentally a junior at heart.

On another note, I have a fever and I'm dying. The headache and chills are terrible. Updates may be shorter and have fewer words for a few days, so please bear with me.