kscans

Chapter 83 - Brother and Sister

"Are you really going, brother?"

"Yeah. Aren't you curious? Blackjack, the clan that won against all the others. We never ended up fighting them, so I thought I'd like to talk to them at the end."

It was evening, with the sun already setting, as a young man and woman walked across a grassland. They were the Brandle siblings, famous even in this virtual world.

Their destination was the fortress that served as the base for the clan Blackjack.

Today was the day this virtual reality world would end for a time. All the residents here were enjoying their final moments. Many felt uneasy about it, but even more felt anticipation.

The real world was facing its end. There were no dreams or hopes there, just days of wasting away their lives. Even so, a portion of humanity resisted. And it was said that they might be able to avert the world's end.

But that would be many years in the future. The days would continue as they had been. It wouldn't change in their generation, their children would barely make it, the only possibility was for their grandchildren's generation. To ask if one could live with such a distant future in mind, the vast majority would think it impossible. To live with an eye on fifty, sixty years in the future would be difficult for humans who only live for about a hundred years.

It was at such a time that the permanent login to virtual reality was proposed. The people who had already lived here for several years had little resistance, and with no expectations for reality, they all accepted the proposal.

And today was the last day they would have memories of that reality. When the sun set, their memories of the real world would be gone, and when they next awoke, a different life that fulfilled their wishes would be waiting.

Before that, Ash wanted to talk to the members of Blackjack, the clan that had won the Clan War, and was on his way to their fortress base.

He didn't know how much of his current memory would be erased. But still, Ash wanted to talk to the members of the clan known as the strongest.

To be number one is difficult in anything. There is something beyond effort and skill. If he talked to the members of the strongest clan, he might understand what that something was. That was his thinking.

His younger sister, Ren, had come along, worried about Ash, but she herself was not very interested.

"I think it would be better to be with Dad and the others, though."

At those words, Ash stopped.

"Then shall we go back? It's not like I absolutely have to talk to them, so I don't mind going back. You can decide."

Ren smiled at Ash's words. Her brother always prioritized her. She often said such things just to hear those words. And her reply was always the same.

"It can't be helped. Then this time, I'll respect your opinion, brother!"

"I see! Alright, let's go then!"

Ren watched the joyful Ash with an affectionate smile, and the two of them started walking towards the Blackjack fortress.

A large number of people had gathered around the fortress.

It seemed everyone was thinking the same thing. Ash thought this as he moved to the back of the line of people waiting at the entrance.

Ren stepped slightly out of the line and looked towards the front.

"Looks like it'll take a while. Think we'll get in before the world ends?"

"Well, it'll probably be fine. This fortress is one of the largest among the clans. It can probably hold about five hundred people. And look, the line is moving pretty fast. I think we'll be able to get in in about five more minutes."

As they were talking, the man in front of them turned around. He was smiling, but his cheeks were sunken. Although this was a virtual reality, he looked as if he was suffering from some kind of illness.

The man opened his mouth with a smile.

"Excuse me, but could you be the Brandle siblings from Dragon Soul?"

"We are, but you're... oh, no, I've seen you in the Clan War. Mist from Undead, was it?"

"I'm pleased that you know of me. I must be lucky. To think I'd meet Ash-san of Dragon Eater and Ren-san of Dragon Curse on the final day... Oh, but before that, my greetings. As you seem to know, allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Mist."

As Mist bowed his head, Ash and Ren bowed their heads as well.

Ren smiled at Mist.

"Did you also come to talk to the members of Blackjack, Mist-san?"

"Yes, I did. Are you two here for the same reason?"

"I'm the only one who wants to talk. Ren is just keeping me company."

"I see. I also wanted to talk to the strongest clan at least once at the end. However, from what I've heard, the leader, Ivan-san, isn't here."

"Is that so!?"

Ash raised his voice in surprise. The purpose of coming here was to meet that very Ivan. The Hero Ivan, who was not only in the strongest clan but also its leader. He had wanted to talk to the man called the strongest at least once.

"Do you know why he's not here?"

"Apparently, he went to see Lunaria-san of Ambrosia. Something about a confession."

"Ah, I've heard something about that. Is there a high chance it'll go well?"

"Considering Lunaria-san's personality, I don't think Ivan's passionate personality will work, do you? Besides, I hear quite a few people have gathered at their fortress today too. According to a friend I chatted with, the line is even longer than this one. He might not even be able to meet her."

"Ambrosia has a lot of follower clans too. Like that Gothic Lolita group, Black Rose, they're fanatical."

"My clan lost to them..."

With their plans disrupted and unpleasant memories resurfacing, both Ash and Mist sighed.

Seeing Ash like that, Ren tried to change the subject.

"Well, well, Blackjack has other famous people too, so you can just talk to them, right? Look, the Goddess of Annihilation is here too."

"That's true, but she's a magic user. I'd rather talk to someone strong with a close combat weapon."

Mist opened his mouth at Ash's words.

"Then how about the Collector? The vice leader of Blackjack also primarily uses close combat weapons, right?"

"That woman... you're right. I'll try talking to her. By the way, Mist, did you come here to meet someone specific?"

"Yes, I came for the Prima Donna. I would be happy if I could hear her sing one more time. The last time I heard her was magnificent."

"Ah, the support expert. I heard she's a singer in the real world too. It's rare in an age where synthesized electronic sounds are mainstream."

Mist looked a little surprised at Ash's words.

"Oh? However, your parents, Ash-san... ah, no, I'm sorry."

Mist bowed his head apologetically. Ash was the one who was flustered by this.

"No, don't worry about it. It was a long time ago. Besides, I'll forget about it in a little while anyway... ah, sorry."

This time, Ash bowed his head to Ren.

"I told you not to worry about it anymore. As long as Dad and you are with me, I'm fine."

"R, right. I'm, sorry about that."

"Speaking of your father, that would be Veru Brandle-san, right? I knew he was in the same clan, but is he also staying here?"

"That's what he said. He's probably not interested in this world himself, but he's probably worried about me and Ren. It seems the reason he came to this virtual reality in the first place was because he was worried about us."

"Brother, you understand Dad that well, so why do you always fight with him?"

"I don't want to fight. I'm trying to fire him up. I understood after doing the same job as him. Dad is amazing. The dad I see now is a shadow of his former self. That's why I wanted him to go back to the dad he used to be, but..."

Just as Ash said that, a voice called out from the direction of the fortress entrance. It was a voice telling them to enter quickly.

Looking around, there was no one in front of Ash and the others, and a long line of people had formed behind them.

Mist urged Ash and Ren on.

"I'm sure you have a lot on your minds, but let's go inside first. And since our memories will be gone, it's fine if you tell me, right? I'd love to hear the rest of the story. What happened between you and your father, Ash-san?"

"...You're right. Then it might not be a bad idea to tell someone at the end. Since I'll forget it all anyway."

"I want to hear it too! But if it comes to this, maybe I should have asked the AI to let me keep my memories."

"There's no way that wish would be granted."

Saying that, Ash and the others entered the fortress.

There, many of their comrades, enjoying their final moments, were happily chatting away.