kscans

Chapter 350 - An Invitation to a Meal

Tomorrow, the event "Conflict" would begin.

Conflict was an event centered on a power struggle. Two factions, the New Demon Lord's Army and the Old Demon Lord's Army, would fight over nine territories in the Demon Country.

The territories were the "Demon Lord's Castle," "Demon Capital Zardogia," "Magical City Under," "Ruined City Clear," the "Necropolis Area," the "Dark Cave Area," the "Deep Impact Area," the "Abaddon Area," and the "Great Forest of the Undead."

Although it was a fight for territory, the event battles would take place in only one location per day. In that location, massive stones called Area Stones for the Old Demon Lord's Army and the New Demon Lord's Army would appear. The side that destroyed the other's stone would gain the territory. That was the rule.

If neither Area Stone was destroyed, it would be a draw. In the case of a draw, neither side would gain the territory, but if it had belonged to one side before the battle started, their control would continue.

The "Demon Lord's Castle" and "Magical City Under" were the respective headquarters territories, so battle events would not occur there unless all other territories were taken.

The event would last for one month. After that, a battle between Lunaria and Amanda would be forced. However, even if one side captured all territories except the headquarters, a one-on-one duel would be forced at the Demon Lord's Castle.

The number of territories held would affect Lunaria's and Amanda's combat power, so it was best to capture as many as possible. But since it only changed their combat power, the outcome of the battle was not absolutely guaranteed.

Even if they took all the territories, there was still a chance of losing. The reverse was also true, but in the end, it wouldn't be a true victory unless Lunaria defeated Amanda.

To increase that possibility, they needed an Excalibur for Lunaria, but it had yet to be made.

They had obtained the materials "Zaratan Core" and "Talos Gear."

Esha and the others had found Arcadia in the Spirit Country and defeated its guardian, the giant bronze automaton Talos. They were even defeating it regularly to obtain multiple items.

However, they had yet to obtain "Phoenix's Blood."

Today, despite their busy schedules, Maris and Surya had made time to log in, and they were heading to the island where the Phoenix lived with everyone else.

It wasn't a guarantee that they would get it by taming the Phoenix, but just like with the Unicorn's horn, there was a high probability of obtaining the item through taming.

Hayato held onto that hope as he raised his skills in his room at the base.

His Alchemy and Crafting were already at 200, but Blacksmithing, Sewing, and Cooking were stuck at 199. Just one more level, but that last one just wouldn't come.

He had a large amount of materials for skill grinding, but not an infinite supply. And once the event started, Ney and the others would have less time to gather materials. In the worst case, he might not reach 200.

(This is a problem. Considering the situation with Alchemy and Crafting, it's best to have all of them at 200.)

The Compounding of the Alchemy skill and the Synthesis of the Crafting skill were functions that could change the current environment. It was highly likely that similar functions would be unlocked for the other skills. If it could lead to victory in the event, he had no choice but to level them up, but whether the skill would increase was a matter of probability.

Feeling impatient, Hayato silently continued crafting items that would raise his skills.

*

He had been skill grinding since morning, but the skills wouldn't level up, and time passed.

He looked at the clock. It was eleven in the morning.

(It's almost time to log out, but I wonder what happened with Maris and the others?)

He had work at the cafe in the afternoon. It was time, so he thought about logging out, but there was no word from Maris and the others.

He refrained from using voice chat, as it would be a bother if they were in the middle of a battle.

As he was wondering what to do, he heard a knock on his room door.

"Hayato-sama, may I come in?"

"Come in."

Rose opened the door and entered. She had a slightly perplexed look on her face, which was unusual for her.

"What's wrong?"

"Hypnos-sama is here. Um, aside from his hair and skin color, he looks just like Diite-sama. Are you acquainted?"

"Huh?"

It was discovered that Hypnos had been passing information to Hayato and the others, and he was no longer able to make contact. That's what Hayato had heard.

There was a high chance something had happened. Hayato told Rose they were acquainted and immediately headed to the dining hall.

In the dining hall, Hypnos was sitting in a chair, drinking coffee.

When he noticed Hayato, he gave a slight wave of his right hand.

"Hey, Hayato. It's been a while."

"Um, it has. Did something happen?"

"Don't be so wary. I came on business this time."

"Business...?"

"Amanda wants to speak with you."

"What?"

"The event starts tomorrow, right? She wants to have a meal with you and talk before then. I haven't heard what she wants to talk about, though."

Hayato looked at Hypnos, but with his faint smile, his emotions were unreadable.

"Is this a conversation where I have the right to refuse?"

"I've been told to bring you, whether you like it or not."

Rose, who was next to him, immediately drew her knives and jumped in front of Hayato.

Seeing this, Hypnos slowly drank his coffee and smiled.

"It may be a professional relationship, but it seems you have many people who will protect you, Hayato. A stark contrast to Amanda. But that's beside the point. Would you be willing to come of your own volition? I'd rather not waste time."

Hayato told Rose in front of him, "It's okay," and stepped forward.

"I'll go."

"Hayato-sama!"

"Sorry, Rose-san. I'm just going to the Demon Lord's Castle for a bit, so when everyone gets back, please let them know."

"Then, please take me with you!"

"I need you to look after the base, Rose-san. I'd like you to earn as much money as possible."

"But..."

"This is something only I can ask of you. It's okay, I'll be back soon."

Hayato smiled as he said this, and Rose, with a pained expression, bowed her head deeply.

"Understood. I will use any means necessary to earn money. However, all the products here are handmade by you, Hayato-sama. Please return before we run out of stock."

"Got it. Well then, shall we go?"

"A wise decision. Trust, faith... I can only understand these things vaguely, but it seems you have such bonds."

"I trust you too, Hypnos."

When Hayato said that, Hypnos froze as if he had stopped. But it was only for a moment. He immediately offered a faint smile.

"I suppose I should say thank you. Then let's go."

Hypnos approached Hayato and grabbed his right hand.

"Huh?"

The moment that sound escaped Hayato's lips, a black haze-like substance enveloped his surroundings.

His vision was covered in black, and he heard Rose's shout, but it was only for an instant before his vision returned.

"Where is..."

Unlike Hayato's base, this was a room that seemed to have exhausted all extravagance, lined with luxurious furnishings.

The gold bed and furniture were rather unsettling. If he were told to live here, he'd probably give up in a day due to the sheer luxury.

"Welcome to the Demon Lord's Castle. Though this is just a room in the residential area."

"This is in poor taste."

It was the best insult he could muster, but Hypnos laughed at his words.

"So you think so too, Hayato. I feel the same way. If you have sensibilities close to mine, perhaps I should be pleased."

"...You seem to be in a good mood."

"The job ended easily. My apologies to that maid, but I was glad you came quickly, Hayato. Well, the job is still halfway done. Let me guide you to Amanda's room."

"The food must be more delicious than what I make, right? In that case, I'll gladly partake."

"To be able to show such composure, even in virtual reality, is impressive."

"On the inside, I'm terrified. My heart is pounding, baku baku."

"Then shall I hold your hand like this?"

Hypnos was still holding Hayato's right hand.

Hayato glanced at it and hastily pulled his hand away.

"You're flustered, even though I'm an AI? I've thought it before, but you're an interesting one, Hayato."

"When it's a woman this realistic, with thoughts that are indistinguishable from a human's, it's natural to be flustered."

"...I see. I think I understand why Diite is so attached to you. Now, this way. Follow me."

Hypnos said this, opened a door, and left the room.

Hayato, having come this far, psyched himself up to bring back at least one piece of information and followed after him.

*

After walking down a corridor for about a minute, there was a door at the end. There were several other doors, but this one alone was magnificently decorated. In a game, it would be the final boss's room.

Hypnos knocked on the door.

A voice from inside said, "It's open," and Hayato and the others opened the door and entered.

Amanda's room in the Demon Lord's Castle was just as luxurious as the previous one, with glittering furniture. Amanda was sitting on one of those luxurious pieces of furniture, a sofa, elegantly drinking tea.

She looked a little surprised to see Hayato and the others.

"You're rather early, aren't you?"

"Hayato was very reasonable. I was able to bring him without any trouble."

"That's boring in its own way. You could have resisted a little."

"I was taught not to refuse an invitation from a lady."

It was a lesson from Ren's Girls' Heart Study Group, but of course, that wasn't the reason. It was sarcasm.

Amanda looked blank for a moment, but then she burst out laughing.

"You're funny. And that composure, it's the first time I've thought someone else was wonderful."

"Thank you very much. If you think I'm so wonderful, would you mind losing the event for me?"

"If I fell in love with you, that might be fine, but just being wonderful isn't enough, is it? The world and you aren't an even trade, are they?"

"That's a shame. If only I were more handsome, I could have saved the world."

Amanda laughed even harder. This time, she was clutching her stomach and kicking her feet.

After laughing for a while, she caught her breath and smiled at Hayato.

"I like you. You, become my ally. I'll treat you well, you know?"

"I have no intention of joining the losing side."

"...Truly wonderful. Even if you're weak in virtual reality, you're strong in the real world. I've decided. After I conquer the world, I'll use you as my subordinate."

"I'll take you up on that then. If you manage to conquer the world, that is."

"That's certainly the biggest problem, isn't it? But now I'm more motivated than ever. I promise I'll definitely conquer it."

"You can break that promise anytime, you know. By the way, I have something I'd like to ask, if that's alright."

"What is it?"

"Where's the food?"

Hayato said this and looked at the table in the room. Despite her saying she wanted to have a meal, there was nothing on the table. Maybe they were too early, or maybe it was somewhere else, but he asked to show his composure.

"Did you come here for a meal?"

"That's the invitation I received, so I came."

Amanda turned her gaze to Hypnos.

"What did you say to bring him here?"

"I told him that Amanda wanted to have a meal and talk. Something like that."

She turned her gaze back to Hayato. Her face was more exasperated than before, her eyes looking at him as if he were a disappointment.

"You came with Hypnos for a reason like that?"

"Yes, but could it be that's not what this is about...?"

"I just said to bring you here as a hostage. I left the method up to him."

"What...? I didn't hear about this."

Hayato shot a reproachful look at Hypnos. But Hypnos was unfazed.

"You wouldn't have come if I had told you, would you? My apologies, especially after you said you trusted me."

Hypnos said this and laughed. At the same time, Amanda also started laughing.

"You're funny. But it's strange. Both Hypnos and Nanagi told me to be careful with you, Hayato, but so far I don't feel any danger at all."

"I'm often told I'm harmless. I've maxed my production skills, but my combat power is nonexistent. By the way, my HP is always at 1, so please don't be rough with me. If I get a Return from Death, I won't be much of a hostage."

"Oh, could it be that's why you seem so composed?"

"That's right."

"Unfortunately, even if you are defeated, you won't return to your base, Hayato."

"Huh?"

"By the way, you can't log out either."

"...What did you say?"

Hayato was surprised by those words.

From the moment he was invited for a meal, he had thought he might be taken hostage. He had agreed with that in mind. This was virtual reality. He had thought that even if he were trapped somewhere, he could manage somehow.

"Um, what was her name again... that's right, Ronios. I gave that girl an item that seals Return from Death. You had it used on you, didn't you?"

Hayato remembered. When he went to the dining hall with Maris and Surya, that item had been used on him, sealing Return from Death, teleportation, and voice chat.

"This time, it's even more amazing. It seals logging out too, and the range is wide. This entire Demon Lord's Castle. I'll have you know, you can't even get a forced logout from your physical body weakening. As long as you're in this Demon Lord's Castle, you won't be able to log out, no matter what. You can't use voice chat either, so you can't tell them the situation. You'd better pray someone notices and takes care of your physical body."

That wasn't a problem, since Esha was there.

But that was just a coincidence. It was a coincidence that he was living with Esha. Even if he wasn't, there was a chance his friend Ney would notice. But if that didn't happen, it meant he would die from lack of water and nutrition.

It was unclear how much she knew about his real-life situation, but Hayato decided to continue the conversation while concealing his real circumstances as much as possible.

"Are you planning to kill me?"

"That's the easiest way, isn't it? As I said before, Hypnos and Nanagi say you're dangerous. If you think about how to eliminate a dangerous person, killing them is the best way, right?"

Amanda said she would kill him without any hesitation. Furthermore, her expression didn't change. It was an expression that said it was nothing.

"That's morbid. I didn't think you'd actually try to kill me."

"What I'm trying to do is conquer the world, you know? I'm not thinking of doing it without any sacrifices. This isn't a game, so of course that's how it is."

"...I can't work as your subordinate if I'm dead, though."

"Now that you mention it, that's true. Then I'll pray for you not to die. Don't die until I've broken that girl, Diite."

"I won't die if you let me go."

"That was a blind spot. But no, I can't. I don't know why, but you're apparently dangerous, and Lunaria and the others seem to hold you in high regard, so you're the perfect hostage."

"Are you saying you can't win without using dirty tricks?"

"No, not really. Since I'm going to win anyway, I just took the easy route. Besides, complaining about dirty tricks is just an excuse for the loser, isn't it?"

"...So you have no intention of fighting on equal terms?"

"You think you're my equal? Are you telling me to hold back so we can be equals?"

Hayato was at a loss for words.

It was only natural, but Amanda wasn't playing a virtual reality game. She was doing this to destroy Diite, to conquer the world.

There were no equal conditions or rules like in sports, and no thought of fighting fair and square. It was a battle of win or lose.

"Are you done with your questions? I'm having fun, so I'll answer anything."

That seemed to be the truth, as Amanda was smiling the whole time.

(This is my own fault, but the situation isn't good. Still, I'm not that worried since everyone will probably figure something out. And I have a feeling Hypnos will help me too. So I should do what I can here to increase Lunaria-san's chances of winning, even by a little.)

"If I were to ask an unpleasant question, can you promise not to get angry?"

"That depends on the question."

"That defeats the purpose."

"Alright, fine. I won't get angry no matter what you ask. I promise."

"Then, what's your favorite sweet?"

"...Huh?"

"Your favorite sweet. A chocolate parfait, pancakes, anything is fine, so could you tell me your favorite food?"

"...Matcha ice cream."

"Got it. I'll make it now. Since I came all this way, why don't we have a meal and talk? I don't know if you have the time, though."

Amanda stared at Hayato with a surprised look on her face.

And Hypnos started laughing.

"Amanda, what's wrong? Do you have some urgent business? Hayato is inviting you to a meal."

"...No, I don't."

"Then what will you do about Hayato's invitation?"

"You want to have a meal with me?"

Amanda asked this as she looked at Hayato with a curious expression.

"That's what I came here for. Though I was tricked."

"So you did... Then shall we have a meal together...?"

"If there's anything else you want to eat besides matcha ice cream, I'll make it. Oh, what would you like to eat, Hypnos?"

"Is it alright if I join too?"

"I've been wanting to talk with you at length, Hypnos. If you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind. Is that alright with you too, Amanda?"

"...I don't mind."

"Then it's settled. Make me a cream puff. I've been wanting to try one. Preferably strawberry flavored."

"Got it. Then let's get cooking."

With a smiling Hypnos and a bewildered Amanda, Hayato took out his beloved knife and began to make the requested sweets.