kscans

Chapter 877 - To a Known Unknown

[Starry Paradise]—aside from the [Four Pillar War], it is currently the only regularly held official world event in Arcadia.

Its premise is, in short, a four-day, three-night survival experience in the virtual world.

Players who form pairs and register by the announced date are, upon logging in at 9:00 PM on the day of the event, transported to the exclusive field, [Alvniclo, the Mirror Sky-World].

What awaits them there is a vast and mysterious natural landscape that rivals the familiar Garden of Divine Creation, along with encounters with a wide variety of [Stardust Beasts (Lim)].

Furthermore, during the event, participants must satisfy needs like ‘hunger’ and ‘sleepiness’ within the virtual world. Neglecting actions like eating and sleeping, which are normally required by one’s physical body, results in being hit with a massive debuff and sentenced to immobility. In every sense of the word, it's survival.

There are also fairly strict limitations on bringing supplies into the area; as a rule, everything must be procured locally. This includes not only food but also the crafting materials for essentials like potions, which are normally indispensable in combat. Without even thinking too hard about it, one could say it’s quite difficult.

However, now that this is the third time, things have changed.

During the second event two months ago, the newly introduced ‘Attend’ function allowed for an increase in personnel. With an established foundation already in place, human progress knows no bounds.

In other words—

"Well, it's pretty much a town by now. We’ve even got skilled chefs, so I can guarantee your comfort."

—the pride and joy of our group, the base located in the great forest inhabited by the zodiac-themed starlight beasts… affectionately known as the [Zodiac Forest], has reached a state where we can welcome any guest at any time without shame. It may no longer be survival, or even camping.

At least, that was the prior introduction I intended to give, thinking it would please them.

""………………""

Inside a familiar room in the workshop.

Sadly, the two girls standing before me were directing cold stares at me, as if to say, “What’s with this guy?” I could understand one of them, but the other’s reaction was unacceptable. You gave your approval, too; you’re part of the reason this is happening.

"You… listen here…"

"Okay, Natsume-senpai. I can pretty much guess all the confusion, chaos, and witty retorts you have lined up, so you don’t have to say them. Just be quiet and believe what I’m about to say."

"………………Fine, let’s hear it."

"For this one time only, I am simply the one who got dragged into this. I am absolutely not at fault."

"Sentenced to death as a man."

"How can this be…!!!"

In a flash, a glinting 'thread' wrapped around my neck.

Everything I had just declared was my heartfelt truth. For once, regarding this particular matter, I fully affirmed my own innocence. That’s why I thought my good senpai would be on my side, but it seems she unconditionally sides with the girls over the guys—

"Well… it's not that… I mean… it’s fine, I guess, but…"

And so, as I was held at her mercy, unable to move, she gazed at the small animal relaxing on my lap as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I knew it, all Rankers are weird… Yeah, somewhere, they’re all just… weird."

"Hey, Nia. Please don't lump me in with this."

Nia let out a sigh filled with resignation, her voice tinged with an indescribable expression. Natsume-senpai followed up with a rather rude comment. …And in response to this conversation so far…

"Hey, are you really a small animal? How many times do I have to tell you to stop automatically climbing onto my lap the second I sit down? Thanks to you, I’m about to be strangled here."

"Mmm… —kay, fight-o…"

"Hey, again? Are you sleepy again? The idol business must be tough. Good work."

Ri-na was completely and utterly unfazed. What is this girl, invincible?

"…………So? What happened to lead to this?"

"I, uh, still don’t really get it myself, but…"

And so, the story was told—Nia began to explain the situation to the thoroughly confused Natsume-senpai. Well, I’ll leave that to our dedicated artisan…

"…One last and final check, are you sure you’re okay coming with us?"

I, for my part, posed the question to the companion who had been hastily decided upon in the wake of all this. Her eyelids lifted slightly, and her light blue eyes stared intently at me.

"Even if it’s not okay, I want to be with you."

"What is your goal here? Saying cute things won’t change my attitude."

"Besides, I couldn’t care less if Mi-na isn’t okay with it."

"Are you okay? That was a pretty intense thing to say."

She mumbled a bit more, then closed her eyes again. Three seconds later, the sound of peaceful breathing reached my ears… It looked like she was actually asleep, but she was definitely awake. She had simply let down all her guards and entrusted herself to me.

For a young lady her age, she really is something else.

"—And so, that’s how the conversation went…"

"Hah………………………… Huh? How is any of this ‘brother and sister’?"

"I know, right? That’s exactly what I was thinking…"

"In what world does a little sister happily occupy her big brother’s lap? And so defenselessly, just draped all over him like that. To put it mildly, you look like a freshly-minted couple."

"R-Right… well, right………… Maybe? Even if they're not a couple, don't people do lap pillows? Though I guess the whole idea of siblings happily doing it is something you only see in fiction…"

"What are you getting so flustered for? You two are practically half a couple anyway. Go and take him back already instead of just standing there drooling."

"D-Droo…wha—!?"

And so began their affectionate catfight. The win rate is, as always, 10-0.

From my perspective, Natsume-senpai isn't particularly silver-tongued herself, but Nia-chan's debating skills are even worse. The template is that she suffers a crushing defeat in less than thirty seconds and comes crying to me for help—

And so, here we go. Three, two, one…

"—Nnnnghhaaaah!!!"

"Myu—!?"

"There, there, good girl."

I caught Nia, who charged at me with a mysterious cry, over my little sister. I thought I heard a pained squeak from close by, but it's probably nothing serious, so I'll ignore it.

Right now, more importantly than that…

—The world event [Starry Paradise] is now beginning—

—All participating players, please stand by in a designated safe zone—

—Commencing transfer to the event field shortly—

"Well now, let the vacation begin."

"The way you're the only one looking so calm is the most annoying part of all."

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Can you please untie this thread now???"

—it was time to prepare for the light of teleportation that would whisk us away to that land.

---

For those wondering about Sora-san, the answer was hinted at back in episode 604, where it was mentioned she was with Lux during the second event.