Log Horizon Web chapter 57

1

Going above the party limit of 6 adventurers, a raid group allows a large group of adventurers to work together and challenge difficult quest in dungeons. When Elder Tales was just a game, challenging end game content was all the rages, and raiding quest was the most popular among them.

There are different types of raids, categorized by the number of participants. The largest are called Legion Raid, consisting of 96 adventurers, but only a handful Legion Raid quest exist in all of Yamato.

The most common raid quest on the server are Full Raid, which condense the essence of running a raid into a well rounded package, requiring 4 parties of 6 adventurers each. Needing 24 adventurers, conquering such raids are the path to fame within the server. When Elder Tales was still a game, there are weekly announcement detailing the achievement and expectations of the major guilds in raids, a well received news in the game. The Debauchery Tea Party which Shiroe took part in was an active group that aims to complete Full Raids. If you include the reserves, Legion Raids require over a hundred people to challenge, so even the famous guilds seldom take parts in them. That's why Full Raids are the most popular and perfect challenge in the server.

There might be some misunderstanding, but Full Raids does not require powerful equipments.

If you are a rookie in raids, and requires powerful equipment obtained through raids to complete the raids, then no one will be able to complete such raids. No matter how difficult the mission might be, they are still a game. If no one wants to play this game, then there is no point for the developers to release such contents.

It needs to be tough enough to challenge the players, but must not be impossible to beat. For the developers of raiding content, this requires good taste and experience.

So what are the contents of a good raid challenge?

When Elder Tales was just a game, the game creator who is known as the lead designer said this.

... Contents that allows you and your companion to grow.

Shiroe feels that these words literally reflects the message the creator wants to convey.

A raid should be challenging enough for a team of a certain level of equipment to complete with some training. The raining here refers to the analysis of the raid content, scouting the characteristics of the enemies, formulating a suitable battle plan and training til you are proficient enough to achieve the mission objectives.

The strength and abilities of the character plays an important role. With the right mix of people, the group will be able to complete the raid content. But sooner or later, you will run into contents that you cannot master. To overcome it, you will need to move as one with your team mates and work together. This goes beyond the limits of your avatars abilities and the strength of their equipment, it is the bond between comrades.

If you are determined to challenge difficult raid content, you will need people you can rely on as comrades. The level of teamwork requires time to improve. When a bunch of rag tag adventurers rush into a difficult battle, the fragile relationships will deteriote under pressure. If that happens, the coliation that is similar to a guild will crumble.


That's why Shiroe is so troubled.

Shiroe made a lot of close friends after the battle of SandLeaf. Even a long time player like Shiroe increase the people on his friend list multiple times. Although he can contact people by telepathy, he is unable to log into the internet. The chance of success will definitely increase if he request for aid from the professional raiding guild like the black swords knight or the West wind brigade. But right now, the prominent guilds might be under the surveilance of some group. No, Shiroe has already confirmed that someone is keeping tabs on them. So he is unable to tap into these guilds for aid.

The ability of individual adventurers aren't bad either. But since the raid is a group content, they will need to have a training camp if he choose that route. Building a new team is very risky. It is nice to deepen the relationships between the team, but he wants to finish the mission as soon as possible. With that condition in mind, Shiroe is hesitant about creating a new team.

There won't be such problems if the Debauchery Tea Party is still here, Shiroe thought. That was a bold group of people, dating to take on any raids. He remembers Turi who likes sake and rush into battle screaming. If it was this group who grabs any chance to gain fame no matter the hardship. If Kanami and her comrades are here, this raid will be a piece of cake.


"I understand. Okay."

Shiroe sigh in relief although he expected this answer.

The silver haired man in front of him accepted Shiroe's request with a complicated expression.

This is Susukino, one of the 5 player cities. According to modern geography, this is approximately the city of Sapporro. There is a large bar in the center of the city which doubles as the guild house of the Silver swords.

Although it is a bar, the ceiling is high so it does not feel humid. The couch feels more like a long wooden bench. And 'Mithril eyes'  William Massachusetts is sitting on it, looking at Shiroe sharply.

"I am very grateful... But don't you want the details?"

"You will tell me even if I didn't ask."

Shiroe who contacted the guild master of the Silver sword organize the things he wants to say in his mind. William accepted the request, so that is a start. He will need to give a detailed explanation to strengthen their relationship.

During the formation of the Round Table Council, William is impatient and has a short temper. It won't be wise to drag the explanation. Shiroe split up with Naotsugu in order to work separately, and he intends to bring back good news from his foray into the HQ of Silver swords.

"The location is a new raid zone accessible from the depth of Palm. We have scouted the area, it is a full raid challenge. The enemies are level 87 and higher, the discovery were made by us. We have unsealed the entrance. You can assume the difficulty is very high."

"Hmm."

After the talk with Kinjyou, Shiroe's group made another trip to the deepest area of the depth of Palm to investigate the seal. Although the seal was still active, those that are permitted by Re Gun will be able to penetrate through the door with an entry pass given by Re Gun. As expected, they confirmed the interior contains a raid zone.

The ceiling of the inside is high with ancient architecture design... it gives the impression of being an extension of the dept of Palm. This underground space that is illuminated by the glowing crystals are filled with shrines and arching roofs, an amazing facility.

From far, they saw some jelly like monsters that has no fixed form. At level 87, Shiroe and Naotsugu and should be able to take down a single one. But since this is a full raid challenge, this means it has been set to be on par with 24 level 87 adventurers. Shiroe's group retreated without engaging.

As Shiroe expected, there is a limit to the number of people that can enter. This means only 24 adventurers can enter this zone. For quest that places emphasis on numbers, you cannot force your way through with brute strength.


Willam smirks as he listens intently to Shiroe's crisp report. He garnered a lot of information from Shiroe's minimal words. This is expected of veteran adventurers who has gotten used to raids.

"What types of enemies are there? Speculations are fine too."

"What we saw are slime monsters, about 5 meters in width. Although this is just a guess, from experience and the shape of the facility, I think they might be titans."

"Titans."

There are all sorts of monsters in Elder Tales. They are created by the game developers who pushed the limits of their imagination. The monsters are categorized into different types. Examples are the Sahagin and Goblin Shiroe's group fought in Sand Leaf. Others include the undead type Skeletons and the famed strongest mythical beast Dragons. One such gene of monsters are the Titans. Famous in Yamato, they are found in the north of Kanto. There are different types of Titans such as Cyclops and Frost giants. They take pride in their high health and attack power, but are low in agility and speed. Unlike the image others have of Titans, high level Titans are able to attack with powerful magic. Compared to Direbeast and Treants, Titans are strong enemies.

"What a coincidence, I am familiar with these, they roam around Susukino."

William said.

Shiroe nod in reply. This was one of the reason why Shiroe approached Silver swords. Based on Hokkaido in the real world, the Ezzo Empire is the front line of the people of the land's war with the Titans. Silver swords shifted their HQ to Susukino with its many Titan centric raids after leaving Akiba. After gaining this information, Shiroe visited one of the few organization that enjoyed success in such quest, the Silver swords.


"But there are problems."

William continued while keeping his stubborn face on.

"Silver sword is on hiatus right now. Short of people."

"Eh?"

"I mean there are members who won't take part in this raid. There are guys who are adamant not to take part in raids anymore, or intend to stay in Susukino forever."

William gave a tough reply.

"That means I can't take the job. Although we can still take on simple quests, but definitely not a tough one like this... this is too difficult. Although we have reach level 95, it is too big a challenge. It will be a stretch to gather 20 people."

"Is it... because of the memory loss?"

Shiroe ask about the horror of losing your memory, but William shook his head.

"The loss was exaggerated. We are not afraid. And we don't fear the fight. At least not because of the monsters."

"If not, then why?"

Shiroe is confused.

Shiroe can understand if it is because of fear. You might be able to respawn no matter how many times you die, but there is still some physiological inhibition towards dying. The pain has been dulled, and the discomfort is only of muscle ache when you lose most of your health bar. Even the pain during the instance of death is still bearable. But to see a steel sword pierce through your chest is enough to shatter the will of some adventurers. Being shredded by the claws of direbeast and the scenes of disembowelment are not censored. The horror of death remains.

Even famous guilds like the Black swords are hesitant to challenge the hardest raids after the Apocalypse. And the difficulty of battle has increased after the Apocalypse. Team positioning is even harder without the overhead view of the battlefield. The level of monsters they can take on have dropped compared to the past when Elder Tales was just a game, a fact noted by most adventurers. The major guilds has dropped their choice of raids difficulty correspondingly.

(Because of the fear of death, the drop in raiding membership is understandable.)

"Why?"

"Shiroe... Erm, Mr Shiroe."

"Just Shiroe is fine."

"Oh. How many times have you died so far, Shiroe?"

He is probably referring to the period after the Apocalypse, so Shiroe replies "None." William's dour face twist with displeasure after hearing this response.

Instead of displeasure, his expression is closer to hesitance.

"I can't explain clearly to someone with no experience."

"..."

"Just die and you will understand. The incompetence, the bad and the ugliness of yourself. Die a hundred times and you will understand a hundred times. They can't go on because it is too hard to face them."

William looks very young when he bite his lips.

Shiroe sees a young guild master who is disappointed in losing a place for him to prove himself. Although something Shiroe should understand is right there, but the time for Shiroe to think about it is up. With an explosive sound, a familiar man approaches Shiroe with a menacing expression.



2

On the other hand, Naotsugu and Re Gun are wandering around in Susukino.

It is December. Susukino in the depths of winter are covered in silvery white. Two man are walking along the wide streets of Susukino. There are plenty of restaurants in the direction they are heading. They are going the other way from Shiroe, hoping to find members for their raid.

In Elder Tales, information like name, class and levels can be seen easily. Shiroe and Naotsugu feels that the lowest level limit for this adventure is 90. Other information like guild, equipment, attitude, the way they speak all plays a part in their search. But Naotsugu thinks that the most important thing is their instinctive feel.

"Looking for members?"

"Yeah."

Naotsugu answers the hunchback scholar walking besides him.

"I don't think we can gather 20 in an instance, but I was hoping for at least one for a start."

"Is it that easy to gather warriors for raids?"

"When things goes smoothly, it is."

Naotsugu answers halfheartedly as he surveys the streets. Compared to his first visit, the place is much more peaceful. The Susukino where adventurers look at each other with suspicion is no more. Silver swords have improved this place dramatically. That's the news he heard from Shiroe. This guild which left Akiba in search of raid quest came to this city in the north, and was very influential. Silver sword brought salvation to the violent anarchy of Susukino. Although they are not a part of the Round Table Council, they were still a strong guild that was chosen as one of the twelve founding guilds. They are different from the haughty people who rules Susukino city. Even if the level is the same at 90, Silver swords is a guild who are trained through the fires of raiding.

A single top tier battle guild managed to improve the situation in Susukino, that's what Naotsugu heard from Shiroe.

A people of the land elderly woman wearing fur coat and round russian hat is walking slowly with a large bag in her hands. She is probably carrying food inside. She doesn't seem to be in a good mood, but she isn't on guard either. The kids are enjoying themselves in the snow, meaning the state of the city are not too bad. People are rushing because it is too cold outside.

From the looks of this street, the snow has been shovelled to the side, piling up 15cm high. But it is still freezing out here. It matches the scenery well, Naotsugu thinks the place looks great. Shiny icicles form under the roof of buildings, the city looks like a work of art decorated by crystals.

Passing through the residential area of the people of the land, the roads widen. The artery that links to the heart of Susukino. Although the abandoned buildings still look like a frozen fortress to Naotsugu. He is used to this view compared to his trip down in May. This is the structure of this country of snow, it is not meant to intimidate by nature, but to serve practical protection from the cold.

"Have you been to Susukino before, old man?"

"A few times."

"You would be have to hold down the fort without us though."

"I was prepared for that. It would be troublesome to escort me and explore the secrets of the depths."

Re Gun replies with a hint of regret.

In a raid zone, the strength of the monsters requires 5 to 6 adventurers to defeat. With Naotsugu and Shiroe being above the requisite level, it is possible to fight with Re Gun in tow to explore the depths of Palm. But for a raid that requires 24 adventurers, the fight will be very intensive. After discussing with Re Gun, it will be best for him to stay in Susukino while they go for the raid.

"It is a pity."

"Of course. We are talking about the secrets of the Kunie. The truth we can undercover there is worth more than gold."

"We will bring back whatever information we can."

Naotsugu promised Re Gun.

"No, please don't mind me. This is the duty of the sage of Mirror Lake. There are lots of mysterious items in this city as well, a place the adventurers are developing. While Sir Naotsugu is adventuring, I will research in Susukino in my own way. Just the thought of experiencing new things in the north makes me excited."

Re Gun giggles and looks around the streets as he says this.

What a strong sense of curiousity. Although Re Gun uses honorifics when speaking, Naotsugu sess him as a man of the same generation. Naotsugu thinks that Re Gun looks like a graduate student from the science department who lives in the lab. The outgoing Naotsugu sees him as an interesting fellow he can talk to without reservation. And Re Gun has hit it off with Shiroe as well.

"Well, you are right. There are lots of sights to see in Susukino too."

"Correct. I will use this chance to investigate the inter city transport gate."


"Mmmf."

A sound interrupted their conversation.

They looked over on reflex, the top half of a person is buried in the snow pile by the road. That is an impressive way to fall. The person dived at an angle into the snow, so Naotsugu can't see the face. But the well proportioned butt in hot pants stick out nicely.

"Nice Panties!"

Naotsugu gives a thumbs up with a bright smile.

The outline of the behind flows smoothly to the thigh.

"No arguments there."

Re Gun says with a smile. Ahh, this guy is a bro, Naotsugu thought. Although he is similar type with Shiroe, expressing his compliments in this situation is much more manly.

Re Gun continues level headedly.

"I am not familiar with the customs of the adventurers, isn't this a low cut hot pants? So it will be wrong to call them panties."

"Well said."

"Help please!"

The person exploded out of the snow pile in protest. Her head was probably buried very deep, she probably fell from the roof. She doesn't seem to be hurt, just a slight redness on the tip of her nose.

The strong body of adventurers plays a part here too.

"My bad."

"I forgot what to do when I saw that great ass."

Facing the unrepentent attitude of these two, the girl with small stature growls.

"It will be a loss for all men if my pretty face was to get hurt."

What a pretty and cute figure. A slender body, loose white blouse, hot pants that accentuate her long snow white thights. The space between her pants and knee high socks shines brightly, an area called the 'absolute territory'. The top half of her costume looks like a uniform, but the bottom half is excessively exposed.

Even for men who are not looking to date, it is a fashion sense that makes your heart beat accelerates. Naotsugu's face is already burning hot. He is holding back on ceremony, but that cute face wearing a small silk hat which suits the taste of man betrays the atmosphere.

This is a sense of fulfilment and happiness Naotsugu has never seen before.

...It is an arrogant face declaring to the world of how cute she is. The confidence to declare any injury to her face as a loss to all men, and she seems to have total faith in it.

Cute.

She is definitely cute.

Naotsugu doesn't wants to admit it, but it would be a lie to say she isn't cute.

But saying "It will be a loss to all men" is a bit too much for Naotsugu's taste. Even so, he is still hesitant about retorting a girl smiling at him with pudding like lips.

"That's too arrogant to declare that."

Re Gun retorts without inhibition.

(Re Gun's stock is rising.)

Naotsugu is impressed.

"Hmmp... Meanie."

"Ah, she stood up."

Re Gun is just teasing the girl who is recovering from her fall. She has a cheerful expression, but her face is red from Re Gun's retort.

But she is still wearing a happy and proud expression. She is missing a sense of humbleness present in pretty girls. But this might be her unique way of expressing herself. The girl with a wonderful expression gives off a charismatic air about her.

"Hmmm...  She is very cute but her expression is too arrogant, so even though she is cute I don't want to acknowledge it... By adding all the elements and judge the overall score, by volume and panties it is Ms Marie's victory! In summary, a festival!"

"Huh?"

Naotsugu blurt these out unintentionally as he cross his arms across his chest. Fortunately, the girl and Re Gun don't understand what he is saying. Naotsugu look into the distance and waves his hands, pretending nothing happened. Naotsugu then pullede a towel out from his magic bag and toss it to the girl.

"Oh, I understand. I am kind to my fans."

The girl catch the towel and wipes away the snow without hesitation. She use her thumb to brush away the snow on her hat clumsily. Naotsugu took the chance to check the girl's status screen.

"Tetora."

"Call me Tetora chan!"

Naotsugu was stunned by the forthcoming girl. Level 92, just like Naotsugu. An adventurer who continued to battle after the Apocalypse. She belongs to the Guild Light Indigo, her class is Cleric.

"Well done, you are not totally mesmerized."

"It sounds ineffective when you are the one saying it."

As Naotsugu was retorting, Tetora lept agilely like a cat and hug onto Naotsugu's left arm, threatening to tear it off.

"Really? No effects? None? Even my hugs...?"

The confident face that recognize this to be the basics asked him. The answer is no effect!

Although it is easy to deny, but this is the pitifulness of men. Even if you knew that she is only toying with you, you won't feel irritated when a pretty girl hugs you. Tetora has an orange like fragrance.

"Re, re, release me."

"Haha. That won't do Mr Naotsugu."

His status screen was read before he realized it. In this world, it is not strange for people who met for the first time to know each others name.

"I like to grind against men who are panicky. By the way, I hate people grinding me, so don't mix that up!"

"Like I said, let go!"

Tetora swings onto Naotsugu's back, grabbing his head and climbed up his shoulder. Adventurers since to move weighlessly with their agility.

She giggles and claims to be cute as she hugs Naotsugu's head. Tetora is certainly a cute girl.

With the system clean up, it is not surprising to see handsome man and beautiful woman all around. But that is on the outside, the atmosphere around a person cannot be faked. Tetora gives off an elegant and sunny air, Naotsugu thinks she is on way ahead of others adventurers in grabbing attention.

"Just like a pika rabbit climbing a tree."

"The skeleton uncle over there is so mean!"

"She called me a skeleton."

Re Gun and Tetora seems to be having a fun conversation.

"It's a tragedy. You should help right? A poor girl like me to bruising my nose will make my fans cry. Really, a disgraceful fall like that could have ended my career as an idol."

"Wearing your panties outside."

"Not panties! Hot pants!"

Re Gun is not backing down. He realize that Tetora is concerned with her awkward appearance earlier and is attacking her.

"Hot... warm panties... ah... Did you leaked because of the fright?"

"Leak, leaking is impossible!"

"Really?"

"This snowy country really chills your stomach..."

"That's right."

"What are you saying you blind old skeleton!"

Tetora is hugging Naotsugu's whole head as she bicker with Re Gun. Naotsugu lift his giant hands up and grab Tetora by the armpit and put her gently onto the ground. He felt Re Gun's gaze on him.

He understood the meaning of this gaze immediately. Re Gun is asking whether Naotsugu wants to invite this girl.

Naotsugu simulates a raid battle as he observes Tetora.


Cleric is a front line healing character. Equipped with heavy armour, they occupy the heavy responsibility of healing the main tank. That's why out of the 3 types of healers, Clerics are the only one that can equip heavy armour. In fact, out of the 12 classes, together with Guardians like Naotsugu and Samurai like Soujirou, Clerics are one of the 3 classes that can equip heavy armour. With their ability to equip shields, their defense are second only to Guardians.

Clerics are dependent on equipment, responsible for holding up the health of the defense line. The defense line have to withstand the brunt of the enemie's attack. They are not limited to the blows from swords or axes, but also area attacks such as dragon's breath. Although the attack is directed at the defense line, the clerics will also suffer damage if they are in range. Clerics can use powerful healing spells in close range, but the front line is still a scary place. The Clerics who face the risks fearlessly are also known in Elder Tales as the toughest defense. Observing Tetora again, she is wearing armoured lightly.

Tetora might be wearing casual wear for traveling in the cities, so he can't judge from this alone. If Shiroe is here, he might be able to tell whether the girl is wearing the best set up of equipment for her built, but these are all meaningless gimicks to Naotsugu. Naotsugu is inconclusive about that. Her level is excellent, but Naotsugu is scouting for an excellent healer that can fight in raids.

But on a separate note, Naotsugu is hesitant about pushing a girl into a dangerous battlefield.


"A beauty like me will spread pheromones wherever I go."

Tetora says with a 'can't be helped' expression.

She is misunderstanding why Naotsugu is looking at her from head to toe. Although Naotsugu is troubled by this, but Tetora seems to be enjoying herself as she stands with her hands on her hips. Pheromones pheromones, it can't be help nya, I know what you are thinking nya fufufufu... She is so happy that she is almost singing out loud. Naotsugu doesn't know what she is so happy about, trying to hug Naotsugu whenever she has the chance. Naotsugu does his best to dodge.

"I think the smell coming out from your ass is not pheromone, but fart."

Re Gun put his finger on his chin and comment, stopping Tetora's arrogant attitude.

"What did you say?"

"What?"

Her face turns woeful, her knees slackens and then straighten in defiance.

"Idols don't fart!"

"What about pee?"

"We don't!"

Naotsugu's retort on reflex made Tetora fall into a trap. What a perfect combo.

"Well done you pass."

"Huh?"

"You pass... Ermm, this is kinda abrupt."

As Re Gun said, it falls on instinct in the end.

Naotsugu feels a nostalgic air from Tetora. That is the feelings of his friends who presses forward even though they are not concerned with victory.

That's how Naotsugu managed to solicite a new raid member.



3


"You have guts to show your face here, Log Horizon's Shiroe."

Shiroe turns around and see the wrathful Demikas draws near.

He leaves a trail of overturned table with food and dishes fallen onto the floor. The members of the Silver swords looks uneasy on the sight of Demikas, as they watch the table where their leader William are seated with our guest Shiroe.

This zone is situated within Susukino city, which is obviously a no-combat zone.

That's why no one drew their weapons. One of the adventurers told a stunned people of the land "Don't stay here, take a break inside."

Shiroe's expression soften when he heard this. This guild is not bad at all.

But the agitated Demikas doesn't care.

"Your easy going attitude is still the same."

"Long time no see, Mr Demikas."

This muscle bound giant looks no different after half a year. Although his equipment has been updated, his thick arms and bloodshot eyes are still the same. This is indeed the world of Elder Tales, appearances doesn't change with time. For Shiroe, this is both expected and amazing at the same time.

He knew the possibility of this happening. When they were planning the trip to Susukino, the first concern of Naotsugu is meeting Demikas and his guild Brigandia again.

Shiroe clashed with Brigandia in Susukino when he rescued Serara after the Apocalypse. Because Brigandia was using violence to control the city, Marie was worried about Serara's well being, leading to the operation to rescue Serara. In this world where there are no permanant death, Shiroe's victory probably didn't have much effect. But they succeeded in taking Serara with them, and wounded Brigandia's pride.


"Let's take this outside Shiroe!"

Demikas' iron fist smashes onto the table.

Naotsugu was right. It is hard for him to be wrong though, since it is unrealistic for Demikas to forget what happened 6 months ago and let it go with the wind.

With this in mind, Shiroe tries probing.

Although he knows what Demikas wants, Shiroe can't skip the necessary steps. Going back and forth wth taunts and bickering. This is the karma Shiroe wrought, there is no escaping this. But he is soliciting for raid members right now, so Shiroe has to avoid showing his weak side to William.

"Do you prefer hamburgers or chicken cutlet?"

"Tofu."

"Tender and soft, just the way I like it. I will tenderize you til you are half dead, so get out there!"

"Shut up Demi."

William cut him off curtly.

"This man is my guest."

"Like I give a shit! William, this is my..."

"You lost."

"Eh!"

"You lost. Just walk away."

"But..."

"I will kick your ass again, Demikas."

William warns Demikas in an icy tone.

Shiroe adjust his glasses and thinks. He understands the situation in Susukino from the information he gathered. Half a year ago, chaos continues to reign after Shiroe left Susukino. After forming the Round Table Council, several exapedition parties was sent to Susukino to evaucate anyone who wants to leave. After the Silver sword migrate to the north, there are still bloodlust in the air, but it is relatively stable for a player city in the border areas.

In this city ruled by several battle guilds, a high ranking guild within the server like Silver swords brings stability to the region. William's gang are ranked 3rd behind Black sword knights and D.D.D. Although they did not actively patrol the streets, but they does not tolerate adventurers that disturbs the peace. From their perspectives, adventurers who bullies the powerless people of the land are despicable weaklings. They will not allow such people to throw their weight around in Elder Tales.

An example of such reports are right before Shiroe's eyes.

There are 6 ears sticking out from behind the kitchen counter. The werecat people of the land revealing just their eyes are observing the situation. They seems to think this is troublesome, but there is no fear in their eyes.

Silver swords earned the trust of the people of the land in Susukino. When Elder Tales was just a game, Susukino was set to be the frontline city in the fight against Titans, a pioneer city built from the wilderness. This setting might have positive implications too.

Instead of Brigandia who rules the city with an iron fist, the Silver swords playing the role of the guardians of the city with no ulterior intentions are a much better upgrade.

Demikas grinds his teeth at William's threat and glares at Shiroe.


"You can't beat Shiroe with your skills."

"I have upgraded my gears though difficult raids!"

On closer inspection, Demikas' Wyvern shin guard seems to have been modified heavily. From the equipment he is using, it is clear that Demikas took part in many raids in these 6 months. And they are not easy quest. The Beast King's coat is a loot from the level 90 raid quest 'Ruler of the Tenvuikutori plains', an admirable achievement.

"If you think you can win because of your gears, you will definitely lose."

"!!"

William maintains a casual attitude while facing the silent anger of Demikas. Shiroe doesn't know what kind of relationship these 2 have, but he gets the general gist. They probably had a duel which William won overwhelmingly.


"Like I said, Brigandia has lost half its members. Mah, it can't be helped. They were defeated by a werecat swordsman who is not even in a guild. It is obvious that no one would want to stay. And the poopy Londark was headhunted by people from Kansai."

"Hey, idol wannabe. Is it okay for you to say poop?"

"Don't say poop, your popularity will plummet."

"Hah! I, I didn't say that okay? Idols don't say things like poop. That will tarnish my image."

"So you are going for the comedy route."

"I am a traditional beauty galaxy idol. Even the Voyager will rush into space without wearing shoes for me!"

"Just like a grade schooler. So what about Demikas?"

"I am not a grade schooler! Demikas is like the little brother of the Silver swords, or rather the whole guild is falling into that role. Anyway, peace came into Susukino. Really, I am not a grade schooler okay? We have Demidemi's wife to thank for that. Before I forget, I am not a grade schooler from this point onwards alright."

The loud obnoxious voice travels to the tense table where Shiroe, Willams and Demikas is. They seems to be heading this way as the sound is getting louder. They are talking without sparing a thought for others.

"Really!? Wife!? What the hell!!"

"Marriage huh. How wonderful."

"Although he still denies the marriage stubbornly, but my sources from the people of the land network tells me he cleans the sheets daily and provides 3 meals a day. It makes the other guild members jealous, saying that his aristocratic people of the land bride has Demidemi under her thumb."

"Eh..."

"The people of the land he kidnapped to be a servant is being treated so delicatedly. Like the opening to a hentai game. Ah, Mr Naotsugu. Want to serve me? Hehehe. It can be arranged, I am an idol after all."

"Enough, get down you fake idol!"

Shiroe hears the cute voice giggling while uttering uncute contents.

There are 2 male voices accompanying this approaching trouble, and they sound so familiar.


"That's why in this period of time, Demidemi has become a more rounded person, just like a ball. Ah, it's Demidemi."

Demikas flew through the air instantly without any running start. Wyvern Kick. Gliding 5 meters through the air with a powerful kick, the renowned attack skill of Monks. He probably did it with his body movement instead of using the game menu as it seems faster compared to half a year ago.

The attack with no preparatory movement was blocked by Naotsugu who grabs his shield in an instant. The clear clashing sound shows that Demikas was attacking seriously. If it is a real fight, the Guards operated by the Kunie should be rushing into this no combat zone. Naotsugu didn't really want to fight. He is just taking the blow with the shield on his shoulder as a warning.

But the attack still reach the target. The slender girl hanging off Naotsugu's neck is being squashed by the pressure. Her mouth is open wide, hugging on to Naotsugu like a koala bear.

The ones at the doorway was Naotsugu, Re Gun and a cleric. Naotsugu knows that there is a high chance Demikas will attack Shiroe, so he came here to meet up with Shiroe. Unfortunatly, they were just gossiping about Demikas when they showed up.

Although they meant no harm, Demikas was stilled angered by their talks. Well, Shiroe don't blame him. Discussing such things in public and in such a tense situation, no wonder Demikas is angry. The kick is a bit too much, but it is no problem for Naotsugu. Naotsugu has gotten used to Akatsuki's kicks. The leading expert in being kneed and kicked in Akiba is definitely Naotsugu the Guardian. With his 50% success rate when defending against Akatsuki, Naotsugu matches up well with Monks who specialize in kicking.


"A flying kick?"

"Where are you putting your hands at a time like this? Don't put your weight on me."

"Damn you Tetora, running your mouth off!"

Their conversation is going nowhere as the scene descends into chaos.

Seems like the cleric hanging on Naotsugu's neck is Tetora. A rather cute name. Shiroe understood when he reads her level and guild. Naotsugu is probably recruiting members. With a couple more people, together with himself and Naotsugu, they should barely be able to form a full raid. As Shiroe breathes a sight of relief, William laughs and announce.

"Great, with the healer and Demikas, we will have the numbers. You have so much energy, save that kick for the actual raid, Haha."

Shiroe's sense of relief dissapears when he heard the mocking laughter.

The raid beyond the depths of Palm. Shiroe feels all sorts of worries piling up no matter where he goes.


End