kscans

Chapter 4 - 4

"By the way, why are you alone today, Elena? You’re usually in a party with three warriors, right?"

Even if it was in a game, it was rare for the daughter of a massive conglomerate to be playing alone.

Those three warriors were her in-game SP, or bodyguards. Specially trained female pro gamers were always protecting Elena.

"I figured you wouldn’t want other people to see you in a PVP match."

"I see. Thanks."

She has her good points.

If her guards had been there, I wouldn’t have used my secret technique, Haze. I like to keep my trump cards hidden. But well, once I can’t use the four-sword style anymore, there will be no need for that.

Incidentally, even if my opponent is the daughter of a huge conglomerate, I don’t use polite language in the game. I use it with players I meet for the first time, but once we’ve crossed swords, I arbitrarily recognize them as a rival and adjust my speech to match theirs.

Elena doesn’t get angry even when I don’t speak formally.

"It’s impressive you made it up to this floor alone."

"I followed the path you took. There were almost no monsters."

I see. She came through before the monsters could respawn.

"Can you get back on your own? Your equipment looks like it would have a big death penalty, so should I escort you to the bottom floor? It would be a waste to use a Return Feather, right?"

FWO is a game where the goal is to climb a tower-type dungeon and reach the very top. There are rare dungeons that go underground, but the one we were in was the type you climb up.

And in this game, there’s a penalty for death, commonly known as a death penalty. If you’re killed by a monster or die in a PVP match where kills are enabled, your equipment’s enhancement level is lowered.

Elena’s equipment looks like it’s been enhanced to the maximum level. There’s an item called a Substitute Talisman that prevents the death penalty, but it’s very expensive, so I only use it on my main armor.

And the Return Feather, an item to escape from a dungeon, was also an extremely rare item. I carry just one as a good luck charm. When the time comes, it’s a tough choice between taking the death penalty or using the Return Feather.

"I have Substitute Talismans on all my equipment, so I’m fine with the death penalty."

"What?"

"I have a lot of Return Feathers too."

"Seriously?"

...I see.

Come to think of it, both Substitute Talismans and Return Feathers can be bought with real money.

"You rich girl."

"You earn money from streaming, don’t you?"

"I have my hands full just enhancing my equipment. I have to give my parents money for food and stuff."

"Oh, so you live with your parents."

"Y-You do too!"

I feel like she was making fun of me.

"I’m going to start living alone next year. I’m a little worried if I can manage, though."

"Should I introduce you to an apartment managed by one of our affiliates? I’ll prepare a room with the best environment for playing FWO. If you agree to my condition, the rent can be free."

It was an unbelievably good offer.

But actually, I’ve been made a similar proposal before.

"...In exchange for joining your party, right?"

"That’s right! I think you’re an amazing player, Hayate. Even if you can’t use the four-sword style anymore, you’ll become the strongest with another weapon in no time, right?"

That was laying it on a bit too thick.

I became a top ranker because I used the four-sword style. If I switched to another weapon, I wouldn’t be able to get as engrossed in FWO as I am now.

"I would be willing to form a party with you, Hayate. You should be honored. You’re the only one I’d ever invite."

I seriously can’t tell if this obvious tsundere behavior is her true nature or if she’s playing a character to tease me.

If it’s her true nature, she might be a little cute.

Especially since in real life, she was a quiet and beautiful girl, the very image of a high-class lady. The gap between that Rena and Elena is really something.

"I’m happy you invited me. But I’m sorry. As I’ve said before, I’ve decided not to join any specific party."

"B-But I’m the one inviting you!? I’ll prepare a room for you in the real world, and if you need money, I’ll even pay you a salary as my SP! Why are you refusing? Tell me the reason!!"

I haven’t told anyone the reason why I don’t join parties yet. And I plan to keep it that way.

"I’m sorry."

"...Fine. Then, just for today. Just until we clear this dungeon today, please form a party with me."

She appealed to me, looking straight into my eyes. I didn’t think I could refuse.

"This is the most difficult dungeon currently available, you know?"

"If you’re the vanguard, Hayate, I won’t be a burden. If things get dangerous, I’ll escape with a Return Feather. Is it still no good?"

Asking with an upturned gaze and slightly teary eyes is just unfair.

"I can only play for about two more hours today. If that’s okay."

"Yes!"

Elena made a small fist pump.

Is she that happy about being in a party with me?

...No, that’s not it.

She’s probably excited about the possibility of being the first Japanese players to clear the most difficult dungeon. That must be it. It’s not good to misunderstand.

But, maybe I can hope just a little?

That Elena, the daughter of one of Japan’s four great zaibatsu and a beautiful girl in real life, has feelings for me. Such an unbelievable situation.

If that’s the case, I can’t show her anything uncool.

So, I’m going to clear this dungeon with everything I’ve got!