kscans

Chapter 890 - A Wonderful Feeling of Freedom

In the world of Arcadia, factors like ‘weather’ and ‘temperature’ generally don’t have parameters that change with the seasons.

Therefore, with the exception of regions where ‘weather changes’ are a field gimmick, the climate in any given area is typically constant.

Our [Zodiac Forest] is a typical and orthodox example of a temperate zone.

Likely reflecting its forest environment, the temperature is set to be slightly cool. As for the weather, I’ve never once seen it rain or get cloudy; it’s always been clear and pleasant.

In comparison, this place, the tentatively named ‘Lake,’ has a similarly mild climate, perhaps just a tad warmer. Still, it’s not hot by any means and falls within a comfortable range.

Given that it was sunny when we found it yesterday evening and is sunny now, the weather seems to be much the same. This being a fantasy world, there's a non-zero chance a sudden hurricane could appear at some point, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Anyway, from a practical standpoint, the temperature is a little low for swimming in a lake.

In an atmosphere that feels like spring or, at best, early summer, jumping into a cold lake would, under normal circumstances, be the foolish act of someone just asking to catch a cold.

If this were the real world, that is.

“Wheeeeeee—y!!!”

Patter, patter, splash, splash, KER-SPLOOSH.

There was no hesitation in that sequence of events. It goes without saying who it was that livened up the lake’s surface with a level of excitement that would put an elementary schooler to shame.

As I watched the orange one’s back, only one thought crossed my mind… a completely trivial one about how she just jumped into the water with that long-sleeved thing on.

Well, while such a rash act would likely cause physical harm in the real world, our player avatars in the virtual world are not normal, so it’s not a problem.

Even without investing many points into the VIT stat, simply reaching the level cap of 100 means our basic specs are far beyond those of an ordinary person. Unless we’re in a scorching volcanic region or a frigid snow-capped mountain range, minor temperature changes won’t affect us.

In fact, our tough bodies are drawn to a much wider threshold of what feels like pleasant ‘warmth’ or ‘coolness’ compared to reality, so even the cold lake water is nothing to worry about.

To us, it probably feels no different from a temperature-controlled pool in the real world. So, as far as the conditions for water activities go, there are no problems at all, but…

“…She’s got guts. Not a shred of hesitation.”

“Ahaha… Well, yeah. I bet the sense of security from having three rankers here is a big part of it.”

“I’m not combat-capable, though.”

My own face was slightly dumbfounded. For the other three, who watched a magic artisan—powerless, weak, and frail compared to a warrior-type player—fearlessly leap into the lake, their reactions were only natural.

Environmentally, it's fine, but in another sense, there's a bit of an issue. Because this is an active field. There’s something far more important to be wary of than the water temperature—

“Whoa, something jumped…”

“Because prey entered the water?”

Well, of course there is.

And there I was, one person who reflexively got spooked for personal reasons.

And then there was one nuisance of a little sister trying to cling to me with a terrifyingly low defense rating, also known as a swimsuit, which I really wish she wouldn’t.

While I fended off her advance with a slightly gentler version of the head-grab I usually reserve for a certain redhead, we—a total of two people—nonchalantly watched the splash in the distant lake.

As for the remaining two, they were on duty.

“Well, no need to worry. I’ve cast a perfect ‘net,’ so not even a tiny fish will get through. And I don’t sense any big ones around right now that could break it.”

Effortlessly manipulating her ‘threads’ even in a swimsuit was the renowned [Thread-Weaver] of the South.

“Hmmmmmm… —Yeah, looks okay. The little ones and the medium ones aren’t showing any signs of approaching. They seem completely scared off or wary.”

And then, wearing not only a pareo but an additional hoodie, shrinking back in complete contrast to the others while her ‘eyes’ gleamed, was the equally renowned [Milmarinus, the Sapphire Fairy] of the West.

Nia isn’t technically a ‘sensory type,’ but it’s a known fact that when she unleashes her Anima and gets serious, she displays monstrous performance in detection.

On top of that, with a ‘net’ in two senses of the word from the [Thread-Weaver] herself, Natsume-senpai—whose primary type is sensory, not combat—our safety was more than assured.

And to top it all off… with a ‘master’ of a completely opposite size whose very presence on the shore was enough to intimidate the aquatic [Stardust Beasts] lurking in the lake, its eye—or rather, its star—gleaming.

“Alright, off you go, ladies. Don’t mind this guy. I’ll be playing with Sapphie and the others, so seriously, don’t pay me any mind at all and go have your girls’ time. Be my guest.”

Just as Natsume-senpai said, there was nothing to worry about. Even if a problem arose, Natsume-senpai herself would, quite literally, ‘handle it’ on the spot.

Even if she was wearing the one outfit that, in terms of fabric area, was honestly the most difficult to know where to look, she was still the glorious seventh-ranked member of the Southern Faction.

“You should come too. I’ll welcome you on the other side.”

“ N O T H A N K S .”

See? She’s a natural at teasing her juniors with a mischievous smile.

When I made a shooing gesture, she must have been at least a little swept up in the situation herself, just as I’d expected.

Normally, after such a cheeky move, it wouldn’t be surprising if her threads came flying at me with a threat to ‘strangle’ me, but the little cat simply kept her teasing smile and strolled towards the lake.

I wonder if cats are okay with water—whoops.

“Alright, you go on too. No matter how much you stick around, I’m not allowing any skinship in that thing.”

“Mmph…”

As I released my little sister, who was getting seriously annoying, I ruffled her hair roughly as if to say ‘this is all you get.’ Though her tone was dissatisfied, her expression showed she wasn’t entirely displeased.

She must have finally given up, realizing I wouldn't budge this time. Instead of being persistent like she usually was, Ri-na-chan obediently stepped away and headed toward the lake…

“…………”

“Huh?”

She turned back silently, and in that instant, her demeanor changed.

As I let out a dumbfounded reaction to the idol who had transformed her aura in a split second, the girl offered me a bewitching smile and—flick—she flipped it up and struck a pose.

“Cute?”

Was she referring to her overall appearance?

Or was she referring to what someone had called her ‘cute tummy’?

Give me a break. I’m gonna cry if you keep this up.

“YES, VERY CUTE.”

“Heehee… you’re cute when you’re blushing, so I’ll forgive you.”

I felt like weeping. And with that, the invincible girl scampered off to join the water fun—

““……………………………………………………””

And then there were two.

My eyes met a pair of indigo orbs that, even with their magical glow subdued, never lost their sparkle.

“…What’s up?”

“…R-Right. Um…”

Well now.

From here on out, is it heaven, or is it hell?