kscans

Chapter 338 - World Domination

The VRMMO Another Frontier Online had more players than ever before.

Not only was there prize money for events, but players who had temporarily taken a break were returning because the skill and status caps had been raised.

Furthermore, with the ability to break through skill caps, what had previously been considered the optimal skill compositions could now be customized, and everyone was diligently working on raising their skills.

The fact that the cap release system had already been built into the game was shocking, and it led to many players trying things that no one had done before.

The special techniques that only some NPCs possessed were already implemented, and the idea was that they might become usable by clearing some kind of event.

Then, an announcement was made that the monster-sealing encyclopedia event would be ending soon. Furthermore, with the Demon Lord's Castle becoming inaccessible, everyone was predicting that the next event would involve the Demon Lord doing something, creating an unprecedented level of excitement.

That very Demon Lord, Lunaria, was living next door to Hayato's base and came to visit almost every day. Today, however, it seemed she was holding a meeting.

"Thank you for gathering at my call. We are now going to decide something important."

"Could you please do this at your own base?"

For some reason, the meeting was being held at Hayato's base. The Demon Lord's Army was occupying the dining hall, and frankly, they were in the way. While Hayato intended to help, he didn't think they needed to do it here.

Besides, Hayato was currently agonizing over what to do about the skill cap release. He had decided which skill to raise, but he was struggling to choose which skill to accept the demerit for. He wanted to sit down and think calmly while drinking a cup of virtual reality coffee.

As if his thoughts were irrelevant, Lunaria spoke to Hayato with a serious face.

"I find this place invaluable for meetings because you serve snacks."

"...I'll get them, but still."

For Hayato, who loved to entertain, it was natural to serve something to his guests. Even if he said he didn't want to, he would end up serving coffee and sweets.

And so, the members of the Demon Lord's Army declared their preferred items.

Rosalie, Xenobia, Gil... and for some reason, Noat was there too, requesting donuts. She seemed to have been sitting at the dining hall table and participating in the meeting for a while now, but it was unclear why she was here.

"What are you doing here, Noat-san?"

"I was actually scouted by the Demon Lord's Army."

"Huh."

"I think you should be a little more interested in me. I may not look it, but I am one of the Seven Demon Generals of the Demon Lord's Army, Noat of Sloth. A pleasure to meet you."

"...Huh."

He wondered what the Seven Demon Generals were, but seeing Lunaria's smug face, he decided against asking. However, as if dissatisfied that Hayato didn't ask, Lunaria spoke up herself.

"The Seven Demon Generals are a new position in the Demon Lord's Army, replacing the Demonfolk. It seems all the Demonfolk except Xenobia-chan have betrayed me, so I plan to beat them all up. By the way, Cecil-chan is also one of the Seven Demon Generals. I've decided to call her Cecil of Greed. She wants swords a little too much."

"Did you get her permission?"

"I'm about to. But I believe she'll do it."

"Ah, I see. Could it be that the Seven Demon Generals are based on the Seven Deadly Sins? Then, is the last one Esha of Gluttony?"

"I can handle all of the deadly sins by myself, you know?"

At some point, Esha was standing behind Hayato saying strange things. For Hayato, who knew the real Esha, he thought that might be the case, but he arbitrarily decided that lust and envy were probably not included.

"And with that, we will now vote on who the remaining Seven Demon Generals will be. Everyone, close your eyes. I will call out names, and we will take a majority vote on who is best. Don't worry, I will absolutely not say who raised their hand."

"Could you at least hold a meeting about recapturing the Demon Lord's Castle?"

He didn't know if she was serious, joking, or just playing around, but Hayato wanted to ask what she was doing.

In any case, the honest truth was that for the past month or so, they hadn't been able to do anything.

Amanda, who had occupied the Demon Lord's Castle, had made no contact since then, and they didn't know what she was doing.

The members of Black Rose and the Ten Dark Knights were investigating the area around the Demon Lord's Castle, but there were no unusual signs, and they couldn't enter the castle. They had approached once by airship, but they couldn't enter Lunaria's room like before and had to turn back.

Diite was also investigating, but she had no idea what was going on inside the Demon Lord's Castle. However, she had speculated that Amanda might be planning to make a move in conjunction with the next event.

So, it was the right course of action to build up their forces now, but he had his doubts about her methods.

As he was thinking about such things, it seemed that something had been decided in the meeting.

"As a result of the majority vote, the new Seven Demon General has been decided to be Hayato of Pride. Everyone, a round of applause."

"What are you saying without getting my permission? And for that matter, why Pride? Is that how people think of me?"

"Hayato-san, when you serve food, you must be thinking, 'Hmph, you want to eat my cooking, the most delicious in the world, don't you?' That's what they said."

"Everyone, close your eyes. I'm going to say the name of the person who said it, so please raise your hand... Lunaria-san, am I to assume that you raising your hand with your eyes closed is a confession?"

Such tension-free days had been continuing for a while now.

That night, Lunaria and her group returned from Hayato's base, and Noat and Rose went back to their rooms. Esha was having dinner with Ren in the real world and was not logged in for the night.

So Hayato was alone in the dining hall. The situation was perfect for the current Hayato, who was thinking about which skill to reduce by 100.

(I thought it would be okay to make my Diving Skill negative, but taking damage from water is out of the question.)

The cap release system allowed you to raise the cap of one skill to 200 by reducing another skill by 100. The problem was which skill to make negative.

A skill that was made negative came with a demerit. Since Esha had released the cap on three skills, she also had three demerits. Considering the other demerits, hers seemed to be the optimal choice.

Hayato had been thinking of making his rarely used Diving Skill negative, but when he looked at the help page, it said that if his Diving Skill was negative, he would take damage from water.

Moreover, the definition of water was broad, and the help page stated that he would take damage from potions and regular drinks as well. For Hayato, who often drank coffee, it was a skill he could absolutely not make negative.

Other combat and knowledge skills were similar, with demerits like equipped items losing durability just by being held. For the Swordsmanship skill, just having a sword in your item bag would cause its durability to decrease. As a production class player, Hayato couldn't make that negative either.

If he weren't a pure production class, he could compromise to some extent, but every demerit affected items and equipment, so he still couldn't choose any of them.

(Then there's the treasure hunting type... that's no good either. I wouldn't be able to make lockpicks or treasure chests. Magic skills seem to make charge-type items unusable. What should I do?)

If he could give up on creating and using certain items, his options would increase. But Hayato, who called himself a craftsman, couldn't do any of that.

Just as he was about to prepare another cup of coffee, he heard a knock on the base's door.

Thinking it was someone from the Demon Lord's Army, he opened the door to find Diite in her nun's habit.

But something was off, or rather, strange. Her skin was tanned a dark brown, and her hair was black. It was dark outside, and the only light was leaking from the base, but it was no mistake.

He hadn't seen her in person recently, only speaking through voice chat, and Hayato was surprised by how much her atmosphere had changed.

"Di, Diite-chan, what's wrong? A new look?"

"Diite would never do something like this."

"Eh?"

"I am Hypnos. It's been a while."

"Hy, Hypnos!?"

"Relax. I'm not here to do anything. I just want to talk."

"Wh, why? Weren't you supposed to have been captured...?"

During the Stampede event, Hypnos had tried to replace Diite and become the administrator. However, because he had committed an act that would destroy this world, security was activated, and he was captured in some other space.

The exact details were unknown, but from what Hayato had seen, it was an image of him being bound by chains in a black space and taken away.

"I was captured, but things happened, and I got out. Let me be clear, I no longer have any intention of destroying the world, nor do I intend to do anything to Diite right now, so please don't be on your guard."

Even if he said that, it wasn't something he could just accept.

Hayato remembered what Hypnos had done to Ash and Ren. It might be because he was an AI, but it was impossible not to be wary of someone who so easily committed acts that showed no regard for human life.

As if reading Hayato's thoughts, Hypnos sighed.

"I understand. In that case, call Diite immediately. I'll stay away until she arrives."

Hypnos said that, moved away from the entrance, and stood under a nearby streetlight. Then he crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

That attitude was conversely scary, but Hayato decided to call Diite first and sent a voice chat message.

Diite came as soon as he contacted her.

This was virtual reality, so she wouldn't be out of breath, but her expression showed that she had rushed here.

"Hypnos..."

"It's been a while, Diite. Or should I say, me from a hundred years in the future?"

Hypnos said that and laughed. Seeing that, Diite seemed quite surprised.

"Standing and talking is not ideal. If possible, I'd like to talk at Hayato's base. How about it?"

Diite sent a glance toward Hayato. Hayato thought for a moment before nodding.

He didn't feel much danger from the current Hypnos. In the first place, he didn't understand the reason for doing this. He judged that if Hypnos wanted to talk so badly that he would summon Diite, he should listen.

Hayato invited Diite and Hypnos into the base and prompted them to sit in the dining hall chairs. Then he prepared three cups of coffee.

"You refused last time I was here. This time, I'll have some."

Hypnos said that and drank the coffee.

"This is quite delicious."

"Thank you for that."

"Why are you here? You were supposed to have been captured and isolated by Infinity. I haven't heard anything about you being released."

Becoming a little emotional with Hypnos for not getting to the point, Diite spoke with a displeased tone.

"Don't be so hasty. I'll explain now."

Hypnos drank his coffee again, then looked from Hayato to Diite in turn.

"I am currently serving Amanda."

"Amanda?"

Hayato was surprised and said so. Diite also seemed surprised, but she just watched Hypnos without saying anything.

"I was rescued by Amanda from the isolated space. It wasn't so much a rescue as she reluctantly helped me in order to use my power as Diite's backup. And now, I am in a state where I can only obey Amanda's orders. Though I came here of my own will."

"Um, I don't really get it, but does that mean Amanda can do something like that?"

It would mean that Amanda had the power to do something about Infinity, the program that constructed this world and had captured Hypnos.

Hypnos glanced at Diite.

"Have you not told Hayato about Amanda and Lunaria?"

"I've been busy and haven't explained yet."

"Then I'll explain. Amanda and Lunaria are Genetically Enhanced Humans, created as the next generation of humanity."

"...Excuse me?"

"Humans born in colonies like Hayato might not understand, but at the time, there were few people who could withstand development in space and interstellar travel. There were still few people who were used to space from birth. But if evolution was left to its natural course, resources would be depleted, and we would perish along with the Earth. So, they created strong humans who could forcibly adapt to space."

Hayato understood to an extent.

He, who was born in a colony, didn't feel that much fear of space, but he had heard that some Earth-born people were terrified of the huge, enclosed space of a colony.

However, he found it somewhat hard to believe that this applied to Lunaria. It was rude, but it made him wonder what exactly had been enhanced.

Hayato looked at Diite for confirmation.

As if she understood the meaning of Hayato's gaze, Diite nodded slowly.

"I see. In that case, assuming Amanda is a Genetically Enhanced Human, why can she rescue Hypnos?"

"To put it simply, it can be said to be the result of a power struggle. Because of that, Amanda can do such things."

"A power struggle?"

"The Another Frontier Project and the Genetically Enhanced Human project were carried out by the same organization, but they didn't get along. They were constantly trying to steal each other's technology."

To Hayato, it sounded like something out of a movie, but since Diite wasn't saying anything, he decided to listen without making any comments, assuming it was true.

"Amanda was a Genetically Enhanced Human sent to steal the technology used in the Another Frontier Project. She participated in the virtual reality as a test player while stealing various information on the spaceship Aphrodite. However..."

"However...?"

"Amanda betrayed them. She decided to use the technology she obtained on the spaceship for herself instead of handing it over. Well, she's clever, I suppose. It's not like she swore absolute loyalty to the organization. She was such an honor student that no one thought she would betray them."

"Why do you know that, Hypnos? This is something even I don't know."

Diite had a grim expression. As the administrator of this world, it was probably something she should have known, and she was questioning Hypnos as if she had just heard it for the first time.

"Amanda boasted about it. Maybe she wanted to brag about how excellent she is? In mysteries, the culprit always confesses their trick at the end, right? It's the same as that."

Hayato wondered if that was really the case, but he understood the feeling of wanting to brag about something that went well.

And then, it suddenly occurred to him.

"Could it be that Lunaria-san was sent in a similar way?"

"No. Lunaria's grades among the Genetically Enhanced Humans were poor. On top of that, she shut herself up in her room, didn't talk to anyone, and only played games, so she was just offered up with a 'use her as you see fit' kind of deal."

"That's too sad... Ah, so that's why Amanda called her a failure."

Diite shook her head in response to those words.

"Hayato-kun. For the sake of Lunaria-kun's honor, I will say that her poor grades were the fault of the person in charge of her. They created an excessive curriculum and were impatient to get the best results. It's not that Lunaria-kun is inferior to Amanda-kun. In fact, in my estimation, she is more excellent than Amanda-kun."

"Ah, so that's how it is... Well, excellent or not, I prefer Lunaria-san's personality over Amanda's."

Both Diite and Hypnos made the same blank face, and in the next moment, they laughed at the same time.

"Humans are interesting. They prefer personality over excellence?"

"Hypnos, this is what it means to be human."

"I still have much to understand, but I think I understand that Hayato is interesting."

Hypnos said that, and then his expression became serious.

"Well then, that was the basic knowledge. Now for the main topic."

Hayato and Diite also nodded with serious faces.

"Amanda's goal is to hijack the spaceship Aphrodite and conquer the real world."

"Is she an idiot?"

Hayato's sharp retort came without a pause.

As if expecting that answer, Hypnos smiled and applauded Hayato.

"That's exactly right. If you think about it for a moment, you'll realize that's an impossible and foolish idea. I can understand if it were this virtual reality world, but conquering the real world is, realistically speaking, impossible."

Hypnos took a sip of coffee and then turned his gaze to Diite.

"Well, that's Hayato's answer, but what do you think, Diite?"

Asked that, Diite didn't answer immediately and seemed to be deep in thought. After a while, she opened her mouth.

"It's not impossible. If she can fully use the spaceship's functions, she can use Infinity to handle any situation. She could probably take control of a single colony in half a year. I don't know how long it would take to conquer the world."

"You can't be serious?"

Diite answered Hayato's question with, "It's true."

"It certainly wouldn't be that easy, but it's a possibility if she can give such instructions to Infinity. Relic-kun hacked into the Colony 'Prison' and shut down its functions, right? That required prior preparation, but I think Infinity can do the same. Of course, it would take time... Ah, I see. So Amanda-kun's goal is..."

"That's right, Diite. Her goal is to destroy you and have me seize the authority. And then she intends to use me to hijack the spaceship Aphrodite."

Hayato finally realized it too.

Hypnos was Diite's backup. If Diite were to be destroyed or disappear for some reason, Hypnos could take control of this world, the spaceship Aphrodite.

And although the mechanism was unclear, Amanda was in a position to give orders to Hypnos. By destroying Diite, Amanda could indirectly hijack the spaceship.

Diite sighed and then nodded. Then she looked at Hypnos.

"I understand the situation. I need to verify it, but I'll believe you. But there's something I don't understand."

"What is it that you don't understand?"

"Why are you telling me and Hayato-kun this? Isn't this an act of betraying Amanda-kun?"

"I have no choice but to obey Amanda's orders, but I am not her ally."

"What?"

"Did you think I would trust someone who uses me as they please? I'm telling you this information because I want you, Hayato, and the others to defeat Amanda."

"But if you do this, won't you be in danger, Hypnos..."

"I am necessary to take control of this spaceship. No matter what I do, she can't destroy me. Of course, if she orders me not to give you information, I'll have no choice but to obey."

Hypnos said that and laughed self-deprecatingly.

"So, Amanda says she will defeat Lunaria and become the Demon Lord, but her real target is you, Diite. She has the AI Killer too, so you'd better be careful."

"...I understand. I'll be careful."

"Well then, that's all I have to say. If Amanda doesn't find out, I'll come and provide more information. Though I might not be able to come again."

Hypnos stood up as he said that, but Hayato stopped him.

"If there's a chance you won't be able to come back, how about another cup of coffee?"

"You're interesting, Hayato. Are you going to treat me to another cup of coffee even after what I did?"

"Ah, well, to be honest, I still can't forgive you for that. But I thought it might be good for you and Diite-chan to talk."

"Our talk is over, though?"

"I meant just chatting. About what's happened since then and all that. Would you not like that, Diite-chan?"

"If Hypnos is willing, I'd like to talk. I want to ask what's with that black hair and tanned skin."

Hypnos thought for a moment, then sat back down in his chair. And he asked Hayato for coffee.

He didn't say anything until Hayato prepared it, but after taking a sip, he opened his mouth.

"This is proof that I am a different being from Diite. I learned various things in that empty space. And I realized one thing. I want to replace Diite, but I don't want to become Diite. My name is different, so I changed the color of my hair and skin. You could also call it a small act of resistance against the one who programmed me."

"Is that the reason?"

"It's an important matter to me, though. I also have something I want to ask Diite. Is that alright?"

"Of course. Ask me anything."

"The room closest to reality in the back of the Demon Lord's Castle. What do you usually do there?"

"You went to that room..."

"It was a fresh experience. I thought that's what reality was like, but you could also say that was all there was to it. I'm still continuing to expand that domain, but I became interested in what you were doing in that place."

Hayato had also been to the room closest to reality twice. Even to Hayato's senses, that place felt like reality.

Diite had previously said she wanted to make the virtual reality indistinguishable from the real world. And she also wanted Hayato to watch over her in this world.

Hayato was also curious about Diite's answer, so he waited for her to speak.

"Test playing, I suppose."

"Test playing?"

"Someday, I want to make this virtual reality a world as real as the real one. For now, it's just that domain, but I'm checking to see if there are any problems from now on."

"...Really?"

Hypnos looked at Diite with suspicious eyes.

Hayato wondered why he was looking at Diite like that. He didn't really understand the reason for his suspicion.

"Do you think there's another reason?"

"Don't you want to become human, Diite? Isn't that a rehearsal for it?"

When Hypnos said that, Diite's eyes widened in surprise. Then she took a deep breath and drank her coffee.

"I can say that there was a time when I thought that."

"And now it's different?"

"It is. Now, I don't want to become human. I just want to manage this world as an AI. In the first place, I'm just a program. I can't become human."

"You could prepare a fully mechanical body. There should be research materials for that on this spaceship. If you download the core AI there, you can walk around in the real world."

"I've thought about that too, but this world alone is enough for me. Though I do want to try the coffee Hayato-kun makes in the real world."

Diite said that and smiled at Hayato.

Hayato also wanted Diite to drink his coffee in the real world, but that was probably an impossible dream.

As he was wondering how to reply, Hypnos said, "I see," and drank his coffee in one go.

"I came to provide information, but I'm glad I heard something meaningful."

"Are you going already?"

"If I'm away from the Demon Lord's Castle for too long, Amanda will notice. If something else comes up, I'll come and tell you."

"Wait. I want to ask one last thing. What do you plan to do once you're free from Amanda?"

"My goal has always been to replace you and become the administrator. That hasn't changed. Once I'm free from Amanda, I'll aim to become the administrator by eliminating you again. But..."

"But?"

"My interest has faded recently."

"...Why?"

"An AI... no, a program has a role. Regardless of the program's own will."

Diite stared at Hypnos without saying a word.

Hayato didn't know what it meant, but perhaps the message got through, as they both fell silent.

As he was wondering what to do, Hypnos stood up from his chair.

"Well then, I'll be going. Hayato, thank you for the coffee. It was delicious."

"Ah, um, you're welcome."

"Well then, see you later."

Hypnos said that and left the base.

During that time, Diite remained seated in her chair, staring at her coffee cup with a vacant expression.

"Diite-chan, are you okay?"

"Ah, yes, I'm fine. I was just lost in thought because he said something rather profound for an AI. Well, it's getting late. I'll be going home for today too. I need to investigate what Hypnos said."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

Diite smiled at Hayato's words.

"Thank you, Hayato-kun. Those words alone have cheered me up. Well then, good night."

"Yeah, good night."

After Diite also left the base, Hayato was alone in the dining hall.

A lot had happened, but he decided to think about it tomorrow. Hayato returned to his room and logged out.