kscans

Chapter 62 - Bandit

A week before the Clan War, the opponent for Hayato's clan, "Daedalus," was decided.

"You've got to be kidding..."

It was no wonder Hayato was surprised to see their opponent. It was the currently number one ranked clan.

The clan's name was "Bandit." It was a clan whose name meant mountain thief, but Hayato had heard their fighting style was far from that of bandits, more like a highly refined order of knights.

They were a so-called balanced clan, not a specialized formation. Because of that, they had no apparent weaknesses and were an all-around versatile clan capable of handling any situation.

Hayato's former clan, "Kokuryu," was also this type. And as for his current clan's type, it could also be called balanced. It seemed more like a one-woman-army type focused on Esha, but that was due to their past battles. Overall, they were a balanced type.

(They say a balanced team is fragile if even one person falls, but apparently that's not the case with this clan. I've heard that their members also have versatile skill compositions, so they're fine even if half of them are defeated... And the biggest problem is me.)

Hayato could be called an expert in production skills, but in a Clan War, he was dead weight. It wasn't that he was completely useless, but as pure combat power, he was useless. If he could be useful, it was as a one-time shield. Just enough to be defeated once in someone else's place.

(Self-destruct items probably won't be of any use either. It seems they don't have any infiltration-type players... In that case, I'll just have to prepare thoroughly beforehand.)

With that in mind, Hayato began his preparations for the Clan War.

The day before the Clan War, Hayato was at the base conducting a final check.

He had shared the information about the opposing clan from the Maid Guild with all the members. The checks on everyone's equipment were finished, and he had prepared as many dishes and medicines as possible.

Ash and the others had said their coordination was confirmed. However, since Lunaria had only recently joined, he had also heard it was uncertain if it would work against their opponent.

He felt a little sorry for Lunaria, who was sitting in a corner of the base hugging her knees, but according to Ash, she was the Demon Lord, so she should be strong enough on her own. In the worst-case scenario, they would forgo coordination and have her charge in alone. Hearing that, Lunaria became even more dejected, but Esha and Ren were comforting her.

Hayato recalled this as he continued his final checks, and at last, he was finished.

(All that's left is to leave it to fate. If we beat the number one ranked team, we'll definitely take the top spot in points. Then, even if we lose the next battle, we should be able to remain in the top five.)

Points were cumulative and never decreased. You just got zero points when you lost. And the higher the rank of the opponent, the more points you received.

If they defeated the number one ranked team and their points were added, they would have a considerable lead over third place and below. Even if "Daedalus" lost to second or third place in the next Clan War, by his calculations, his clan wouldn't drop below fifth place in points.

There was also a special point rule called Giant Killing, but that just swapped points. In the first place, he had no intention of fighting a clan with a ranking low enough for Giant Killing to occur in the final Clan War.

For these reasons, the next battle could be called Hayato's final showdown.

Thinking about it made Hayato shudder. There was still a chance even if they lost. But if they won, they would get the prize money. That was what was exhilarating him.

Hayato drank some coffee to calm his nerves.

"It seems your preparations are complete."

Esha appeared before Hayato as he was drinking coffee in the dining hall.

She had closed up shop earlier than usual today. He didn't know if NPCs experienced fatigue, but he felt he shouldn't overwork her, so he decided to have her close early.

The Clan War was tomorrow, so it would have been fine for her to take the day off, but Esha had insisted she wouldn't be able to eat her chocolate parfait then, so he let her do as she pleased.

"Good work. Want some coffee?"

"I would like some Melon Juice, please."

"...One bottle should be fine."

Hayato said this and brought a bottle of Melon Juice from the storage. He handed it to Esha.

"You're always drinking this. Do you like melon?"

"I've always liked the flavor. I've never eaten an actual melon, though. Apparently, long ago, there was a drink called a cream soda that had ice cream on top of this?"

"What's with that expectant look? Are you telling me to bring out some ice cream?"

"Esha is blessed to have such an insightful master."

"I didn't say I would, though? Hah, just a second."

Though he looked reluctant, Hayato prepared some ice cream. He placed a scoop of regular ice cream in front of Esha.

Esha ate it with a smile. There was no item called a cream soda, but it was probably similar enough if she ate them alternately.

Hayato watched Esha and spoke.

"How has your body been since then?"

Since that incident, Esha hadn't complained of any pain. But knowing Esha, she might not be saying anything just so she wouldn't bother him.

That's what Hayato thought when he asked.

"Of course I'm fine. You're as overprotective as ever."

"Anyone would be worried after seeing that. In the first place, do you not remember what happened then? You were in a lot of pain, you know?"

"Was I? But I remember it well. Like how you carried me in your arms, princess-style. I'll just say that if you say I was heavy, my Beelzebub won't remain silent."

"Isn't it a bit unfair to bring it up yourself and then say that? Also, forget about the princess carry. That was an emergency, after all. You're not going to call it sexual harassment, are you?"

"I am not so ungrateful. I am thankful that you are worried about me."

Hayato was a little surprised to hear Esha say she was thankful. But he thought it would lead to more trouble if he teased her about it, so he responded normally.

"It's natural for allies, right?"

"In times like these, you're supposed to say something like, 'It's because I like you, Esha,' you know?"

In the real world, he would have choked on his coffee. He almost choked even in virtual reality.

"Hah, I wish you'd cut back on that kind of teasing. It's bad for my heart."

"You should train your heart then."

"I think it's more likely to stop before it gets trained."

They spent a peaceful time making small talk like that, and Hayato finished his coffee. Esha had finished eating too.

"Alright, let's call it a night. I'm counting on you tomorrow."

"Please leave it to me. I've caused you a lot of trouble this time, so I'll be more fired up than usual."

"I'm counting on it."

After seeing Esha off, Hayato decided to go to bed early today as well, and logged out immediately.