It seems I might make everyone anxious if I stick to the update schedule, so I decided to break it intentionally!
It’s tough, really tough. I could have updated yesterday, but… ugh, it’s so tough!
“I had a faint suspicion, but it seems I praised you prematurely.”
“…Mm. That’s not true.”
As I walked away from the tower towards the ruins of the Sky City, I heard my companions’ voices behind me.
Glancing back, I saw Mitsuki, with a somewhat tired expression, talking to Ringo.
“… I said I wouldn’t use Bug Skills. One step, forward.”
“That’s, well, I suppose. An endless journey, isn’t it?”
Mitsuki’s words prompted Ringo to clench her small fist tightly, just like she always did.
“… A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!”
“Ah, so that’s what it meant. It’s rather profound, or perhaps even tragic.”
Mitsuki replied with a voice that sounded both impressed and exasperated. Ringo tilted her head.
“… No. It’s fine if you don’t understand.”
“… Mm. I’ll do my best, little by little, okay?”
“However, if we take too long, he might not be able to return to his original world… Ah!”
Realizing she might have spoken out of turn, Mitsuki’s cat ears twitched. She then closed her mouth awkwardly.
However, Ringo’s expression remained unchanged.
“… Don’t worry.”
She stated it with a face devoid of any hesitation.
“Ringo…?”
Mitsuki’s cat ears perked up in surprise. Ringo looked up at her with a playful smile, and then, in the next moment…
“… You promised. So you did.”
Her clear gaze met mine for just an instant… or so I felt.
For some reason, I couldn’t stand still any longer, so I headed towards the ruins, moving ahead of everyone else.
“Um, I think it’s around here…”
Although the switch to activate the shortcut was in the Sky City itself, it was possible to enter the ruins without going to the Sky City.
Despite being half-buried in sand, I managed to find what appeared to be an automatic door and began investigating the area nearby.
“… This is it.”
There, I found the familiar, colorless light switch. I bathed the half-buried switch in light magic. Immediately, the mechanism reacted, and the door next to it opened.
“All right!”
I couldn’t help but do a victory pose. But the real challenge was yet to come.
“First, take this.”
I handed a magic gem to my companions, who had finally gathered.
“What’s this?”
I explained to Ena, who tilted her head in confusion.
“This is the advanced magic of Feather Fall, the gem of Angel Fall.”
The name sounded a bit like falling from grace, and I wondered if it was really okay. But aside from Nekoneko staff’s naming sense, everything else was fine.
Feather Fall reduces fall speed and fall damage for a certain period. Angel Fall, on the other hand, completely negates fall damage while retaining fall speed.
However, the acquisition difficulty is much higher. This gem was among the items I bought in bulk from the item shop.
“After this, I plan for everyone to use a device that will take them directly to the depths of the Sky City via the shortcut. However, to do that, you need to use this gem beforehand.”
“Ah, I see! If something happens and we fall, it would be terrible, wouldn’t it!”
Ena nodded in understanding after listening to me.
Yes, that’s probably what most people would think. I wanted to think that way too. But…
“No, that’s not it. The other names for the shortcut here are ‘Gate to Heaven’ and ‘Stairs to the Heavens.’ Those names aren’t just because we’re going to the Sky City, which is in the sky.”
“Then, could it be…?”
Maki’s words, as if sensing something terrible, made me nod reluctantly.
“Yeah. This shortcut is truly a ‘stairway to heaven,’ where you’ll die if you don’t take precautions, not only when descending but even when ascending.”
Just like other Nekoneko dungeons, the Sky City has many deadly traps for first-time players. The monsters there are less vicious and more annoying, and the boss robot with its terrifying performance is also one of them.
But the biggest trap in the Sky City is that Escape Device. No, not just the Escape Device, but the device that moves you with bubbles, which should be the player’s greatest ally, was the Sky City’s biggest trap.
“When we talked earlier, you said your HP decreased more than you expected, right? I thought it was because you were tired from consecutive battles and couldn’t keep track of your HP, but that wasn’t it.”
The bubble-type moving devices found throughout the Sky City. They float people up in bubbles, so it seems like fall damage shouldn’t apply… or so you’d think. But that’s precisely the trap. In fact, while inside the bubble, you seem to be treated as if you are falling, and the difference in altitude during that time directly translates to damage upon landing.
“In other words, the damage I didn’t account for was movement damage. Every time I used a moving device, I was unknowingly taking fall damage.”
It’s an insidious Bug that exploits the mental loophole of thinking you can’t possibly take fall damage because you’re visually floating. Even the short-distance moving devices in between had a visible effect. You can imagine what would happen if you used the Escape Device, which moves you across a distance equivalent to a thousand floors of the tower. This is why “fall damage prevention magic or items are absolutely necessary” for clearing the Sky City.
Furthermore, normally, you can negate accumulated fall damage by using certain “movement-based skills,” like Illusionary Mirage. However, you can’t use skills while inside the bubble. In fact, it’s a nonsensical situation where jumping off is safer than using the Escape Device.
“But you know what! That’s not the only nonsensical thing! You also take fall damage when you’re moving *up*!”
The calculation of fall damage is a black box, so we don’t know the exact details, but the prevailing hypothesis among Nekoneko players is that it’s based on the “difference in altitude during the fall,” which they proportion into damage. That’s why, even if you open up the direct shortcut to the Sky City, you’ll die instantly if you don’t take precautions. It makes you question what fall damage even is.
— It gradually drains the players’ HP without them noticing within the Sky City.
— It offers a sudden death at the Escape Device, which players finally reach after a fierce battle with the boss.
— It makes players think everything is over, and then leads those who use the shortcut without any caution back to the fate of falling to their death.
Honestly, if anyone had done even a single test play, they would have noticed this, right? You guys never actually used this yourself, did you?
I wanted to reprimand them for about an hour, grumbling about it.
That being said, it’s unfortunate that monsters can’t enter, but there’s no better way to brutally murder an NPC. It’s a common story to drag a troublesome character here and give them a literal “ascension” experience. I’ve never done it, but I’ve often thought, “Ah, I want to take this guy to the Sky City right now…”
“Um, uh. So, we just need to use this right before using the moving device, right?”
It seemed my dark thoughts had leaked out. Ena, with a somewhat strained expression, nodded at me.
“Yeah. The effect lasts long enough, so using it a little before moving should be fine. However, as I said earlier, the Sky City is full of dangers, so first, I’ll go alone, secure the area, and confirm the safety of the Escape Device…”
As I was saying that, Mitsuki and Ringo interjected.
“If it’s dangerous, then I should definitely go too.”
“… Mm. I’ll go too.”
— This is troublesome.
I was perplexed by their offer. The enemies are quite strong, and due to the issues with forced paralysis and aggro management, it would definitely be better if I went alone. Well, of course, if it were just for my own safety, more people would be better, but if someone gets hurt or dies from stray bullets, I won’t sleep well…
Looking around, it wasn’t just Mitsuki and Ringo. Maki, Sahzan, and Ena were all looking at me with unyielding eyes. It seemed like it would be difficult to persuade them.
“… Let’s just talk about it after we go inside.”
Feeling a bit intimidated, I postponed the decision and decided to retreat. If it came down to it, I might just slip away and get to the Sky City alone. Thinking that, I stepped into the ruins of the Sky City.
Whether it was good or bad luck, I couldn’t tell. There were no enemies in sight. I couldn’t believe that monsters wouldn’t pop up, given how long this place had been left unattended. Since only one group of monsters appears here, they must be patrolling elsewhere.
“Listen up. From here on, be cautious, and whatever happens, follow my instructions. Also, regardless of my instructions, when you use a moving device, always use the gem beforehand.”
When I said that, everyone nodded obediently. Considering what happened earlier, I felt a slight twinge of guilt, but the enemies here are dangerous. I can’t afford to have anyone get hurt over something like this.
“Let’s go all out, this way.”
I felt like I was on a stealth mission. Leading all my companions, we headed towards the deepest part of the SF-like corridor. Of course, this was part of the Sky City that had fallen. We reached our destination in just over ten seconds.
“Hmm. Is this the moving device you mentioned?”
The machine’s sphere, which had not yet been activated and was thus unlit, was rolling on the ground. As an amateur, I couldn’t tell the specifics, but at a glance, it didn’t seem broken. For now, things were going smoothly.
“Understandably, there doesn’t seem to be a mechanism nearby to activate this.”
However, naturally, an activation switch was needed to operate this moving device. That switch was not here, but in the depths of the true Sky City.
— Now, this is where the real challenge begins. I somehow have to get to the Sky City alone.
Ignoring Mitsuki’s questioning gaze, I opened my mouth.
“I’ll say it one more time, but this time, please let me go alone.”
As soon as I said that, my companions’ gazes sharpened. Undeterred, I continued to persuade them.
“No, it’s not just the boss, but the enemies this time are much stronger than before, and they have many troublesome special abilities. They appear here too, those guys…”
Just as I was saying that, my sensitive ears twitched, sensing the approach of someone other than us. And then, in the next instant…
“Nyaa!”
… Not from the corridor where the enemy was expected, but from beside me, came a strange sound, like a cat seeing its favorite food, or a girl seeing something cute, an incredibly peculiar sound.
“Mitsuki? Did you say something?”
“No, more importantly, they’re coming.”
Although I felt a sense of unease, this was a crucial moment.
“… I’ll go.”
Stopping Mitsuki and the others, who were readying their weapons, I stepped forward.
“However…!”
“Listen. The enemies that appear here, like those in the Sky City, all have special abilities. The lasers have a fast startup, making them difficult to dodge, and even with Mitsuki’s high resistance to abnormal status effects, she might become immobile. Also…”
“Soma!”
Sahzan’s cry, filled with a sense of urgency. I saw a short, stout robot emerge from around the corner about ten meters away.
“That guy!”
Was it a good or bad thing that this guy appeared from the start? I shouted as I ran towards the robot wielding my stun baton.
“Don’t move from there until I get back! I’ll move to the Sky City immediately! Even if the switch is activated, don’t forget to use the gem before moving!”
I barked this out and leaped in front of the robot.
— I can do this, right?
I asked myself. Currently, my attack power and speed have increased compared to the game era, but my Endurance has clearly decreased. The enemy, although a low-level monster, has stats comparable to those of a final dungeon monster. It’s not an opponent to be taken lightly. I haven’t been to the Sky City in a long time, so my memory of this enemy’s attack motions is also hazy. Do I have the strength to contend with it?
“INTRUDER, DETECTED! INTRUDER, DETECTED!”
But the enemy didn’t wait for me to make up my mind. It swung its stun baton down at me with an ear-piercing voice.
“Tch!”
Instinctively, I tried to block with Shiranui, but quickly pulled my arm back. Due to my speed, which had been tripled, I narrowly avoided it.
— That was close.
I almost forgot about the special ability and tried to counter with Shiranui. Seeing the robot raise its baton for a follow-up attack, I immediately backstepped. I created a small distance.
“… Phew.”
If I fought as usual, it wouldn’t work. In case of a worst-case scenario, I couldn’t afford to take the attack with Shiranui, and if I moved too far away, it might unleash a long-range attack. I might be able to dodge it, but then one of my companions standing behind me could be hit.
“This is quite difficult.”
If it were the game era, where there was no risk of death, I wouldn’t have minded this level of handicap. However, even such minor skirmishes, or rather, precisely because it’s a battle where I have time to think, the pressure of death weighs on my shoulders.
“Still…”
I’ll do it! I’ll show you! That’s the pride of a Nekoneko player!
“HOSTILE ACTION, CONFIRMED. ENTERING FORCED EJECTION SEQUENCE.”
“Bring it on! Do your best if you can!”
With a defiant line, I charged at the robot once more, which was raising its baton.
How many tens of seconds passed?
“INTRUDER, EJECTED!”
I parried the stun batons held in its left and right arms, and the light sword extending from its hidden back arm, using my triple speed to my advantage.
— It’s okay, I’m getting used to it.
Indeed, triple speed is a significant advantage. I can still react even if the opponent moves first, which leads to a sense of calmness. The narrowness of the area, where using a Horizontal Slash would get me stuck, was a drawback, but at this rate, I might just…
… That’s when my guard dropped.
“Ah, wha—!”
As I jumped back, my foot caught on a small step on the floor, and I lost my balance.
“No wa—!”
It was a ridiculously comical situation, but there was no time to laugh.
“Soma!”
I heard Ringo’s voice from behind me, but my line of sight was blocked. Even with her lightning strikes, assistance was impossible. And then, the stun baton swung down mercilessly. If it hit me, it wouldn’t be good.
“Haa, you—!”
Forcefully bringing my body up, I activated the Step skill. Despite my precarious posture, my body leaped sideways, stopping when I hit the wall. The stun baton narrowly grazed my body as it passed.
“Soma!”
Hearing a new voice, I briefly looked down the corridor. There, I saw Ringo and Sahzan running towards me.
“You… idiot, what are you—!”
I mean, really, with Ringo it’s one thing, but what was Sahzan, a mage, planning to do by coming forward? In that moment of distraction…
“FORCED EJECTION SEQUENCE, PROCEEDING TO FINAL PROCESS.”
From behind me, a word of the worst possible outcome echoed, a voice that should never have been heard.
— This is bad!
By the time I realized that, it was already too late.
“You two, run—!”
Before I could finish my words…
“INTRUDER — FORCED, EJECTION!!”
The robot, having exceeded its critical point, emitted a dazzling light.
“Wha—!”
“…!”
That light engulfed me, and even Ringo and Sahzan, who were trying to rush to my side—
“—Haa. As expected, it turned out this way.”
— In the next moment, the three of us were standing before a giant monolith.
“Wh… Huh? Wh-where is this?! Where did the robot go?”
Sahzan was confused, suddenly finding herself in an unfamiliar place. Meanwhile, Ringo, more concerned about my safety than the abnormality of our surroundings, rushed to me and kept patting me.
“… I told you not to move.”
This wasn’t my intention, but it couldn’t be helped. As I sighed, Sahzan pressed me.
“Hey, Soma! What’s going on…?”
“It’s its special ability. It sent us back to the starting point.”
“Huh? The starting point? You mean…?”
It was self-evident. To Sahzan, who still hadn’t grasped the situation, I spoke the words that needed to be said.
“—Welcome to the Sky City.”
Back to square one!
I should mention this once, otherwise, no one will probably read it. I’ve started a work called “Gifted” on Narou. Incidentally, about two months of the delayed updates for Nekoneko are due to this! The style probably won’t be popular on Narou, but I think it turned out to be a fun story, so please read it if you feel like it.
