Hahahaha!
Unbelievable, I’ve updated consecutively!
And with the most text I’ve written recently!
I slack off when everyone expects me to be safe, and then I get serious when I think it’s all over!
This is the Nekoneko style!
Yahoo!
I wanted to go to the unimplemented regions as soon as possible to find new monsters, but there are things I need to take care of first.
First, explanations.
Maki came to the mansion in the afternoon and made a fuss, saying “Eh?! Aren’t you going to watch the final episode!?” but I managed to persuade her.
Then, I explained to everyone except Sahzan that I planned to use the forced logout bug called “Forbidden Synthesis: Death Flash” to return to my original world. I also explained that in addition to the Bubble Chain magic obtained from the Layla event, I needed Stardust Flare, which could only be obtained from the Sahzan event.
Stardust Flare is, as you know, an annihilation magic with extremely high range and power.
And the bubbles created by Bubble Chain magic have a strange property: after activation, if magic hits them, their graphics multiply.
Using these two simultaneously creates a scene of agony and chaos within the field of vision due to bubbles and explosions, which triggers the safety device of the VR Machine due to excessive stimulation.
Well, to be precise, Stardust Flare and Bubble Chain would definitely cause Death Flash. I’ve heard that if you layer two spells with intense effects instead of one of them, a forced logout can occur.
However, it’s not guaranteed, and those spells are also difficult to obtain, so I’m thinking of going with the standard two for this time.
“If you use that, will you all really be able to return to your original world?”
Mitsuki’s question was sharp and to the point.
“I don’t know.”
The question is whether the will that created this world perceived Death Flash’s forced logout as a phenomenon within the game.
And if so, how it was reproduced in this world is the focal point.
This bug, which includes the VR Machine, might be judged as an external element and thus might not exist in this world.
Even if it did exist, if it interprets forced logout as death, there’s a possibility that we’ll simply die the moment we use it.
Or…
“Isn’t there a possibility that the world will disappear at that moment?”
Mitsuki made a sharp point.
That’s what worried me the most too.
“I can’t say it’s zero, but I don’t think it will happen.”
Unlike forcibly shutting down a game, when forcibly logging out with the VR Machine’s safety device, the operations up to that point are somewhat saved.
I haven’t tried it myself, but apparently, when you start it up next time, you can choose “Continue interrupted operation” and return to the game screen.
There are concerns about how the magic effects will be handled or if there will be any issues upon resuming, but the risk of forced logout leading to immediate world annihilation shouldn’t be that high.
“But the game does pause if the player doesn’t resume, so if that’s reproduced, there’s a possibility that time in this world won’t advance unless I come back…”
“…If that’s the case, it’s convenient.”
My hesitant words were interrupted by Ringo’s surprisingly confident voice.
“No, ‘convenient’.”
“…Because Soma will definitely come back.”
Ringo stated that it would be easier for her because she wouldn’t have to wait for me.
I had no choice but to fall silent before her words, which were devoid of any doubt.
But it’s true, if time doesn’t advance here even after spending years in the other world, in a sense, I can leisurely search for a way to travel between worlds.
At that moment, the ending of an old sci-fi novel I read flashed through my mind, and I shook my head.
No, no, it’s unlikely to happen, so there’s no need to worry, but if I’m too laid-back…
“…However, there’s still a possibility of losing our lives the moment we use it.
I don’t want to oppose reaching this point, but…”
Mitsuki corrected my straying thoughts.
However, despite her words, the main body on top of Mitsuki’s head was flickering, as if expressing her opposition.
“Soma-san…”
Ena and Ringo, who were looking at me, also exuded a worried atmosphere.
“It’s okay, it’s okay. About that ‘Death Flash,’ I’ll try it first.
Well, if the world gets destroyed, it doesn’t matter who goes first anyway.”
Maki interrupted with a light tone.
However, what she said was not something I had considered.
“No, what are you talking about? The first one to test a bug like this is…”
“Mmm. No. …I’m here so Soma can go back, right?
So let me at least do the most dangerous part.”
“Maki…”
Faced with her determined gaze, I was speechless.
Feeling like I was about to be pushed around, I decided to put the matter on hold for now.
“…Let’s talk about that later. For now, securing Stardust Flare is the priority.”
“Understood. But I’m not backing down!”
With Maki’s powerful declaration, the conversation shifted to the day’s plan.
There was a proposal for everyone to go and get Stardust Flare together, but it’s frankly not an event that requires that many people.
So, we decided to each do our own errands today, and split up in the afternoon. Soma, Sahzan, and Maki would go together to obtain Stardust Flare.
The reason Maki is coming along is that when Sahzan obtains the magic, if a Player is present, the Player can also learn Stardust Flare.
We have doubts about whether we’ll have an opportunity to use that magic, but it’s magic that can only be learned during this event.
We concluded that Soma and Maki, who have Player attributes, should at least learn it.
“Then, I’ll go to Ramurick.
Um, Mitsuki-san, thank you so much for the Transfer Stone!”
First, Ena received three Transfer Stones from Mitsuki and headed to Ramurick.
She plans to meet Tiel, a healer who is both a benefactor and a comrade. She said she would spend the night there and, if Tiel wished, return to the Capital City with her using the Transfer Stone.
Ena doesn’t know it, but Tiel was the only character Soma had ever considered marrying in the Nekoneko game.
He had strong feelings for her, but he barely knew Tiel in this world.
He cautioned himself to avoid acting strangely if they met.
“Then, we shall be going too.”
“I, I’ll be back. I’m going to learn a lot of dishes that will give you a lot of energy for Soma!”
“Oh, don’t be too hard on me.”
Layla and Mitsuki went to Hisame Dojo.
Layla had always been interested in the cooking of Mitsuki’s family, and she was going to learn now.
…He could only pray that Layla wouldn’t learn any strange new knowledge.
And finally, the pair of Ringo and Bear,
“… Mm. We’re going too.”
Decided to go to the castle, to meet the King and Queen.
When the free time in the afternoon was decided, Maki said, “Then why don’t you go to the castle and meet your parents?”
Apparently, King Richter had told her to bring Ringo along today as well.
Ringo seemed hesitant at the sudden proposal, but if game settings were to be believed, King Richter and the Queen were good people, and they were Ringo’s parents.
Besides, it was necessary to expand Ringo’s social circle in case Soma disappeared.
Soma also encouraged the hesitant Ringo, and Ringo was persuaded to visit the castle.
However, Maki had already made arrangements, and Ringo had a strong bodyguard sitting on her shoulder.
With this, even the unassertive Ringo shouldn’t be anxious… or maybe more anxious.
In any case, it was the spirit of “spare the rod and spoil the child.”
“Alright, Ringo, be careful. Bear, I’m counting on you to look after Ringo.”
When he called out, Bear, who was on Ringo’s shoulder, responded with a confident grin.
Just as Soma was about to return to Sahzan and the others, feeling at ease,
“…Wait!”
Ringo’s unusually wavering voice called from behind.
Thinking she might be anxious, Soma turned around, and Ringo jumped at him…
—Chu.
A soft sensation on his left cheek.
“Wh, what…?”
He understood what had happened, but his brain couldn’t catch up.
In front of Soma, who instinctively clutched his cheek, Ringo’s face turned red, just as her name, Ringo, implied.
“—See you again,”
With a small wave and words that could be taken as suggestive depending on how you heard them, she ran off.
Acquiring Stardust Flare was surprisingly smooth.
At first, Maki was inexplicably in a bad mood, making sarcastic remarks like “You’re just blinded by a pretty face.” Sahzan also seemed to be upset for some reason, lecturing him with something like, “You’ve been quite promiscuous lately.” However, they were both fundamentally people who lived for the moment.
By the time they reached the shrine where Stardust Flare was sealed, they had forgotten their displeasure and were having fun.
No unexpected events occurred at the shrine. Sahzan, who had an affinity for dark magic, was able to enter with the medal obtained from the trial. After listening to the magician’s unnecessarily long story, all three of them successfully learned Stardust Flare.
The problem arose after they learned the magic.
“We’re done! Hmm, but if we go back now, it feels a bit early.”
Ringo and the others who went to the castle, Layla and the others who went to the dojo, and Ena who went to Ramurick all said they would return late at night.
However, our task was finished.
If we went straight back, we would probably be the first ones to return to the mansion.
Coincidentally, only we finished our errands early and would return home a little sooner than everyone else.
Yes, coincidentally!
“Then, since we have time, why don’t we go check out the swamps?”
So, Soma calmly suggested, pretending it was a sudden idea.
“You just want to fight new enemies, don’t you?”
“I’m against fighting unknown enemies with this group. I prefer to crush them in an overwhelmingly advantageous situation.”
Maki showed her displeasure.
Sahzan also didn’t seem very enthusiastic.
But Soma couldn’t back down now.
If Ringo or Mitsuki were around, they wouldn’t let him do anything too dangerous, so this was his chance.
“N-no, but you see. It’d be a waste of time, wouldn’t it?
A-and! Sahzan, you must want to test out the Stardust Flare magic, right?”
“That’s true…”
Seeing Sahzan nod, Soma inwardly smirked.
Now it was two against one.
In terms of majority vote, they had the advantage.
He looked at Maki triumphantly, but for some reason, Maki smiled wryly.
“Haa. But you don’t have to worry about that. I brought something amazing just in case.”
“Amazing?”
“Yeah. …Ta-da!”
With an onomatopoeic sound, Maki pulled out a slate that was all too familiar.
“Wh-what’s that!”
It was definitely the slate containing the video recording of the Evil God War.
He had told Maki he would take it, but he had left it at the mansion, reasoning that it would be a problem if items disappeared when traveling between worlds.
He wondered why Maki had it.
“You see. I think this.
Sahzan-chan is waiting for Soma to come back, so she hasn’t watched the final episode, right?”
“Well, yes. …But don’t call me Sahzan-chan.”
Ignoring Sahzan’s displeased words, Maki nodded and said something.
“—Since you believe he’ll come back, it’s the same whether you watch it now or not!!”
Soma’s jaw dropped.
“B-but, that’s, well, there’s…”
Sahzan also sputtered out a rebuttal, looking troubled.
Well, he understood the argument that if he was going to come back anyway, it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t leave unfinished business in this world.
But wasn’t this a moment to respect politeness, or Sahzan’s rare and beautiful decision?
“See, so let’s watch it secretly.
You’re curious too, aren’t you, Sahzan-chan?”
“Ugh. Well, I can’t say I’m not curious…”
Surprisingly, Maki’s words seemed to sway Sahzan’s heart.
And to make matters worse, perhaps because they had watched the video at an earlier time yesterday, the slate’s text had already regained its light.
“N-no, impossible. If you’re going to watch it, at least do it where everyone is present.”
“Ehhh! Soma, you stingy!”
“It’s not stinginess. Give it here.
What if you accidentally press the final episode? It’ll be a disaster.”
Soma reached for the slate, but Maki didn’t comply.
Instead, she held the slate high, moving it away from him…
“Mmm. Soma’s such a worrier. That kind of accident wouldn’t happen… Ah!”
At that moment, the slate slipped from Maki’s hand.
Miraculously, it shifted to the perfect position due to chance, and Maki’s finger touched the characters “Episode 15,” the final episode, on the slate.
“Ah, geez, I told you so.”
Soma put his hands on his head, wondering what to say to Maki, who had accidentally watched the final episode alone. At that moment.
—Clink, the slate fell to the ground.
“Ma-ki…?”
Her cousin, who hadn’t even noticed the dropped slate, stood there dumbfounded.
Her lips, which had been smiling happily just moments ago, were pale, trembling slightly.
Her eyes, which had been shining cheerfully, were wide with shock, unfocused.
Soma had never seen Maki so scared before.
“Wh-what do we do, Soma? It might be bad.”
Soma thought perhaps the final episode of the slate had been a tragic story.
But would that alone make Maki so disturbed?
It was as if she was scared of a real threat, not something from the past…
“Just calm down. What did you see?”
Soma suppressed his own panic and asked. Maki, her voice trembling, began to speak.
“Alex and the others couldn’t defeat the Evil God.
So, they sealed its body by dividing it into the main body and four fragments.”
“…And?”
The fact that the Evil God was divided into five parts and sealed was knowledge already revealed in the game.
That alone shouldn’t be cause for alarm.
However, Maki shook her head vigorously, saying, “No, it’s different.”
“Two small fragments were placed in the underground of Ramurick and at the altar of sacrifice.
The second largest fragment was placed on the Southern Isolated Island.
And the largest fragment, which couldn’t be sealed by normal means, was to be sealed by a special method.”
“A special… method?”
“They decided to seal the fragment, which was only its core, by continuously applying holy power to it!”
If an attack with the same power as self-regeneration was continuously applied, it would be immobilized.
But the power to continuously attack a large fragment of an Evil God…
Thinking that far, Soma realized a certain possibility.
“N-no way…”
“Hero Alex created a magic circle on top of the largest fragment and a city to supply power to the magic circle!
Richter’s magic circle, the light of the Cathedral—they were mechanisms to seal the Evil God’s fragment!”
Maki’s cry, which seemed absurd.
But Soma had no logical reason to deny it.
That’s right.
To create a magic circle using an entire city, the people who built the city must have cooperated.
It was too large-scale to be a mechanism created by the church to increase its own authority.
“Wait, wait. If that’s true, then what happens?”
The Magician’s Guild, for its own greed, had activated the magic circle meant to seal the Evil God, even if only briefly.
And the associated stench from the Cathedral and the ill health of visitors.
If that wasn’t a psychological issue, but the influence of the miasma emitted by the Evil God sealed in the Cathedral…
– Could it be that the seal in the Cathedral is about to break?
“Wh-what do we do? Father was troubled by this.”
Maki’s muttering was probably correct.
King Richter immediately ordered the repair of the magic circle, which would normally only cause harm to his people.
This was undoubtedly because the King had been informed of the truth about the Evil God’s fragment sealed in Richter’s Cathedral…
“W-we shouldn’t be talking here! W-we should probably go back to Richter!”
“Right, right. Maki, do you have a Transfer Stone?”
Sahzan’s words brought them back to reality.
They could think later.
What needed to be done now was action.
“Y-yes, I have it. Then I’ll go talk to Father first!”
Saying so, Maki quickly took a Transfer Stone from her bag, but—
“Ah, huh? I can’t… transfer…”
She looked at Soma with a face that was a mix of a smile and tears, unable to form a proper expression.
“Let me see!”
Soma tried it just in case, but for some reason, the transfer to Richter didn’t work.
This place wasn’t a location where transfers were impossible.
If that was the case, the problem was happening…
“…Let’s go on foot. I’ll carry Sahzan.”
“Eh? W-wait a minute, you, you…”
“Just hurry!”
Soma scooped up the resisting Sahzan and ran without even confirming that Maki was following.
He wanted to say something to the frightened Maki to reassure her.
However, despite his desire, words failed him.
As they ran at full speed on the darkening road as the sun set. They returned almost without rest to the vicinity of Richter, and what they saw there was…
“What is this…”
The Capital City was enshrouded in mist.
Soma had never seen anything like this, even in the game.
What could possibly lead to such a situation?
“…That was quite fast.”
A familiar voice from behind.
“Mitsuki! Thank goodness!”
Soma breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the resolute cat-eared girl.
The heavy premonition in his chest lessened slightly.
“What happened?”
Mitsuki rushed here because she sensed they were nearby with the Explorer’s Ring.
If she was at the dojo, she should know about the situation in Richter.
Soma asked urgently,
“—The Evil God’s fragment has revived, and Richter’s city has been devastated.”
Mitsuki answered so casually.
“Devastated, you say…”
“It’s as I said. Transfers and communication are impossible within the mist, but I was able to pinpoint their location with the Explorer’s Ring.
There should have been hundreds of people in the Capital City, but their habit of gathering in groups seems to have backfired.
Also, the Evil God’s fragment seems to have a means of accurately sensing the location of nearby humans.”
Mitsuki spoke flatly, without any emotion.
Soma couldn’t believe it.
There were many acquaintances in the city, including himself and Mitsuki!
There was Poison-tan, who was sharp-tongued but somehow lovable, the boisterous old lady at the greengrocer, the shrewd item shop clerk, and then the King and Queen, and the adventurers he had relied on during the game!
“Anyway, I’m going. Mitsuki, please take care of Maki and the others…”
Mitsuki grabbed Soma’s arm as he stepped forward.
“Please stop.”
Her eyes were devoid of emotion.
Her inorganic words tried to stop him.
“…What are you trying to do?”
Soma couldn’t help but reply in a hostile tone.
“Inside, there are many acquaintances, many important people.
Right now, I’m probably the only one who can defeat the Evil God’s fragment.
So, I have to go immediately…”
“I understand. However…”
He admitted it.
But it wasn’t right.
“You don’t understand! Inside, it’s not just acquaintances!
Ringo is in there too!”
The image of her small wave and blue hair running towards the castle flashed in his mind.
“She said ‘see you again’!
So I have to go see her again, I have to go pick her up!
Because, if not, then that’s…”
Mitsuki’s emotionless expression flickered for a moment at Soma’s nonsensical outburst.
But it wasn’t the change Soma had hoped for; it was more like an expression of overwhelming emotion she had been suppressing.
However, in the end, Mitsuki didn’t break down.
“I understand how you feel. But it’s futile.”
“Futile? What do you mean, futile…”
He wanted to shout again.
To scream, to say that it wasn’t true, to drown out Mitsuki’s words.
But his mouth wouldn’t move.
He couldn’t move, as if he already knew what Mitsuki was going to say, that it would be meaningless to do so.
“When I say devastated, I mean it literally.
About ten minutes ago. The reactions of the last humans in the city disappeared.
In other words—”
He screamed in his heart, “Stop it, please stop,” but his tongue was tied.
So, Mitsuki’s lips slowly moved…
“—Ringo is dead.”
Soma’s legs lost their strength.
“…Ah, what?”
Seeing the ground getting closer, he realized for the first time that he was on his knees.
He had to stand up.
He shouldn’t have time to rest like this.
But why did he have to stand up?
His mind went blank, and he couldn’t understand anything.
He didn’t know what he was doing now.
What he should do, everything, everything, he didn’t know.
Only, in his empty mind, a deep voice echoed.
“Transcendent Soma! I shall give you a prophecy!”
Words he had heard long ago reverberated in his mind.
“You will lose something precious and irreplaceable in the not-too-distant future!”
Round and round, round and round.
“It is fate! A future that cannot be avoided!”
And then, the prophecy, the fate, had caught up with him.
The real battle begins now. Are you ready?
The next update is scheduled for tomorrow.
