Log Horizon Web chapter 61

1


Shiroe felt a brief moment of vertigo and found himself on a white sandy beach.

The sunlight reflects off the clear ocean.

The waves roll in slowly, making faint sound as it washes to the shore, leaving foams in its wake.

The ocean meets the sky at the horizon and extends to as far as the eyes can see.

Shiroe was surprised by the crunching sound he made when he took a step.

He starts to walk along the pure white shoreline, looking at the flawless beach in awe.

He can't do anything by staying here, something seems to be guiding him on.


Shiroe lift his head as the wind blows into his face. A shadow looms from behind and took to the sky.

What kind of seabirds has such beautiful wings?

The bird frolic with its mates in the dark blue sky.

Looking at them gliding in the air, Shiroe is reminded of a novel by Richard Bach. The birds flew like seagulls, flapping their wings wherever they go.


(Speaking of which, what an amazing place this is...)

He has no impression of this even though this is a near death experience.

Did he come here when he was young, he wonders. He read somewhere that human who forgot about stuff has simply lost their means to recall the repressed memories. The memories of human are encrypted into codes and written into the nerve cells and synapse of the brain. So they won't be able to retrieve the repressed memory unless they break the encryption.

But he came to such a beautiful place which he has no memories of.

The clear winter skies and the sand dunes which extends all the way into the air.

The cream coloured beach forms a perfect contrast with the aquamarine ocean.

Shiroe walks alone along the shoreline with waves coming in periodically.

Shiroe left footprints in the white sand which could look likes traces left behind from millions of years ago. It's a record that follows Shiroe's path.


Maybe he left it behind at the bench in the park, or it was siphoned away by the silvery sand under his feet. Shiroe's sense of helplessness no longer lingers in Shiroe's chest. A faint sense of guilt still remains. He has to return this after he respawns.

Shiroe walk for a long time, looking out into the ocean as he organizes his thoughts. Light ripples in the sand with every step he took.

A clear crystal sound raises Shiroe's doubt.

The heavenly body that illuminates the beach is a sphere of blue covered with clouds, something he has only seen through photographs. He thought it was the moon at first, but it is bright enough to light up the sky, a blue planet.


(... Is this the moon?)

As he looks around him, this appears to be the correct answer.

The sand dune that is like parched dragon bones and the turquoise lights surrounding him. This is a scene out of a fantasy.

Shiroe checked the name of the server hastily, and is convinced this is the rumoured 14th server.

The name of the server is Mare Tranquillitatis.

It is not registered on the auto translation system. Taking the original text into consideration, this place should be called Sea of Tranquillity.

This is probably the test server of the Ataravu Corporation which is filled with content that are in the midst of development. He chanced upon this place because of the Apocalypse, but Shiroe is not sure if there are other ways to this place other than through death.

With no means of finding out, Shiroe is thankful that he can still breathe as he explores the depths of his memories.


According to the Half Gaia project, the earth-like world of Elder Tales is divided into 13 servers. This means that the 14th server is the unofficial test server.

But it is open to the public.

Players can create freely create characters on the test servers. Avatars created on the test servers cannot be moved into other normal game servers. They can only be used to explore the endless dungeons and the wide underground world.

This is a win-win situation for both the players as well as the developers.

Elder Tales with the basic knowledge of the game are excellent debuggers, pointing out bugs and errors for the systems being developed by the company for free. Apart from balancing the damage and effect of new skills, it also helps to garner feedbacks from users and improve the gaming experience.

For the players, the test server allows them to experience changes that might be implemented into the game in advance. The combat system balance, new skills, items, monsters and how this changes will affect the game environment. Being part of the test server debugger is the best way to obtain first-hand information on the new system.

The operation of the test server is only possible with the mutual benefits of both parties.

North America's Ataravu Corporation developed Elder Tales, and this test server is created with the cooperation of these debuggers to create global generic contents and version upgrades.


Shiroe has an alternate character in this test server.

That avatar is a female summoner, so the Apocalypse happening to his main account is a relief.

Shiroe is quite knowledgeable with the test server, but he wasn't aware there is a surface. The overseas site doesn't have such information either.

Just like its name suggest, this is an environment created to conduct test.

The test server Shiroe knows is a collection of dungeons identified only by numbers. There is no concept of time, with old and new versions coexisting.

Thinking back, players can't log into the test server the week before the release of the expansion pack as the administrators are tasked with implementing the upgrades.


Shiroe chews on the information he already has on hand, but is unable to come up with fresh theories. He has never heard any rumours about being transported to the test server if he dies.

Have any other adventurers notice that this is the test server?

Since the Half Gaia project doesn't encompass the test server, does that mean it is situated on the moon? Such topics have been brought up in overseas forums several times, but are not a common among Japanese players.

Shiroe wouldn't have known this is the sea of tranquillity without this prior knowledge. The name is in Latin after all.


As Shiroe thought about this, he noticed a figure looking up at him from a very close distance. The figure belongs to someone Shiroe is very familiar with, Akatsuki. The young girl in caramel jacket gazes up at Shiroe with a mixed or troubled, wary and pleading look.

She reminds Shiroe of the shy stray cat that keeps on running to his side.

Shiroe nods, calming Akatsuki down.

He knows that smiling at this elegant lady will turn her pout into a gentle expression.

A happy, satisfied and a bit of shyness in his smile.

Shiroe stats to walk on the beach, an invitation for Akatsuki to join him. He won't be able to get more information by staying here, and Akatsuki who is twirling by the ocean seems eager to move on.

The couple took their time strolling along the beach.

They can't sense any hostility in this place, but this is a whole new world for them.

Shiroe is watching the surroundings carefully while Akatsuki is taking it easy.

Looking back, he can see her meandering footsteps in the sand.

Shiroe stops and turns back. Akatsuki caught up effortlessly with her weightless steps, running circles around Shiroe.

The couple continues to advance. Akatsuki leads sometimes, playing with the waves once in a while, or pointing at the birds flying gracefully.


The caramel coat suits the cute swallow like lady very well.

Maybe it is cold, her face appears to be slightly red and will hurry to the front at times.

This must be the world of Elder Tales. With its clear skies and carefree sound of the wind that is unique to the outdoors. It creates a symphony together with the waves, forming the background music to this world, with only the footfalls of the couple audible.

Akatsuki might be afraid of the unknown as her pace slowed and she fell behind.

Shiroe waits patiently for Akatsuki.

He is not bothered by the wait.


Suddenly, shiny snowflakes fall from the sky.

The scenery is white all around, be it the sand, the sea, Shiroe or Akatsuki. They are all showered under the white glow.

Shiroe reach out and attempts to touch it, but his chest heart as he is reminded of the fragility of his dreams.

Just like touching snow as a child, he can't grab and observe it even if he wants to.

Shiroe nods at the wide eyed Akatsuki.

The two of them are looking at an unbelievable sight.

They are going through an incredible experience.

It brings an unfounded sense of quietness and satisfaction to Shiroe.

Fear, anger, and regret all melts away in this wintery sea side. The two of them are speechless in front of this silence.


"This is such a quiet place."

Shiroe said as he stops at the cove with clear blue waters.

"Yes."

Akatsuki besides him answers.

Although it is a short exchange, Shiroe can feel the sense of awe from the sound of her voice.

The toll of a bell sounded from the other side of the sea.

It feels like a race that spent tens of thousands of solitary years which he has never seen before, signalling to its comrades that it is still alive. Shiroe has no basis for this conjunction, but he believes this cove is a special place.

Akatsuki trembles slightly, sighing sadly.

Right then, Shiroe remembers that Akatsuki is also experiencing 'death'.

Although it is temporary, but 'death' is still 'death'. It fell onto Akatsuki miserably, leaving a mark. It must be painful, full of humiliation and regret.

But Akatsuki is more than Shiroe imagined, her eyes filled with strength.

If this will teach him the meaning of 'death' just like William suggested, Shiroe has the obligation to not waste this lesson. Shiroe swears an oath in his heart.


If this cove takes away memories in exchange for teaching Shiroe the meaning of death, then he could offer it himself.

Shiroe hopes so.

In order to become a better person than yesterday, a necessary ritual to move beyond regrets and work towards his goals.

Shiroe took out a small blade from his pockets and cut off a piece of memory.

Akatsuki follows Shiroe's lead and cut off the tip of her pony tail, letting it fall into the sea.

The falling snow and the blue seas are all made from the fragments of memories.

The soul in visible liquid form plays the symphony of the waves.

The tears of adventurers who did not make it to this cove congregate into this ocean. It is not an assumption but a belief. Shiroe can see the spirit theory at that moment.

A tiny hand grabs Shiroe's coat.

Shiroe didn't look away from the sea and muttered "Amazing."

Both Akatsuki who is nodding and Shiroe calm the excitement in their heart as they look out into the sea.

"Did you fell, Akatsuki?"

Akatsuki looks surprised by Shiroe's words and nodded gently.

Akatsuki raise her head and opens her petite mouth.

It is open.

But this is very difficult for the young lady. No matter how hard she tries, it ends up becoming a single word.

Instead of sorrow, Akatsuki's tearful eyes are filled with regret. Akatsuki withholds the pain in her chest, keeping it away from Shiroe.

Shiroe's heartaches as he looks at her. Akatsuki failed after taking on a tough challenge. Shiroe wants to help her, but he is not by her side.

"Is that so? I am the same too. I died."

"You too my lord?"

"Yeah."

He can see that scene when he closes his eyes. He can hear the steady counting of the Silver swords.

The clashing sounds of blades, the burning inferno and freezing gale magic.

He is not regretting because of failure.

Shiroe is regretting for not giving his best. Not accomplishing the things he should have done.

But Akatsuki's eyes are bright.

She might have failed, but she is not defeated.

Shiroe didn't know what has transpired, but he senses that Akatsuki feels the same way as he does. This pain is Akatsuki's treasure. The determination to take back her glory.

So there is no need to console her.

"I failed. My forecast was too naive... I didn't put in my trust."

He didn't speak more than necessary.

He didn't offer his hand in assistance.

He didn't do his best.

"I'm not sure."

Akatsuki sounds like she is on the verge of tears, tempting Shiroe to say something. No worries. I understand. Akatsuki did her best, I know very well. You are a little lost now, but a detour is necessary for Akatsuki.

But Shiroe can't say all this right now. The young lady is still battling. Shiroe is also fighting. The raid battle has not ended for either of them.

"This is strange. I never thought I would meet Akatsuki here."

"Right. My lord, this is strange."

He touched Akatsuki's small forehead. He prays that he can convey the things he is unable to convey over to her.

Shiroe can't erase the past. But as adventurers, they can rise and take up the challenge again.

"That's why, I want to try again."

"I want to have another go too... That's what everyone taught me."

Countless snowflakes fell from the sky.

This world is made from countless memories, forming a horizon with no ends.

Understanding this makes the world shines brighter.

Shiroe can hear the sound of waves from far away.

Light floods the whole area, drowning Shiroe and Akatsuki to their toes.

Shiroe smiles at Akatsuki. Their time here has ended.

But they will definitely meet again.

The hand Shiroe is resting on Akatsuki's head fidgeted, he feels troubled. If it is the norm, Akatsuki would have given him a flying kick, admonishing him for treating her like a kid. But the kick didn't come and Akatsuki has a serious expression, so he missed the chance to let go.

Akatsuki look as if she wants to say something. But her voice was overwhelmed by the sound of flowing water. He can feel the touch of her silky hair lingering on his fingers.

Shiroe was definitely saved by her gentleness.



2


William opens his eyes and stares at the sky high ceiling.

A painful and broken sound leaks from his throat.

He is not sure how pitiful he looks, but he can't bear making such a sound. He rubs his eyes violently. He knows it is wet before he even touches his eyes.

He cried like a child. His pitifulness makes him feel deflated.

The number of groans he can hear around him increases.

The members of Silver swords respawned one by one.

This is the entrance to Abysmal shaft, the starting point of the zone.

William's group was wiped out and respawned here.

This is an unavoidable annihilation in raids, but somewhat different.


Three raid bosses appeared at the same time and decimated William's group.

Two things are clear to the Silver swords.

First, there is no way to win this fight.

Raids are balanced in difficulty, allowing the players of similar levels to win by a tiny margin. Guilds train repeatedly and equip their best items to duke it out with the boss, only to win by a hair in the end. That is what raids are about. For a fight with 3 raid boss at the same time, it is no exaggeration to say that the chance of winning is zero. They know this very well because they have gotten used to raid battles.

There is no chance of winning this.

The dark despair fills William's heart.

And the 2nd point is... unbelievably grave news. If raid boss can ally with each other, this could happen anywhere. The Silver swords won't be able to win any other raid battles in this world.

If the quest is low, for example level 50, they will be able to handle it even if there are 2 raid bosses. But that is not the raid battle William has in his mind. They are not a group that finds joy in bullying weaklings.

William wants to challenge raids of the same level, and end up dying here.

Williams breathe out a sigh of cold air, feeling a sense of weakness he is unable to put into words.

He can say the same for his comrades. The low spirited grunts can be heard all over the place.

Everyone in Silver swords should have gotten the same conclusion as William.

The world has denied William.


William forced his withered body up. What he saw is the defeated Silver swords. This is not the time to joke that he is not willing to let his comrades see his pathetic side. It won't be so hopeless if they are simply wiped out. The other member's hearts are broken, lacking the strength to even stand, just lying down or curled up in a ball, suffering and devoid of any strength.

Physical pain is not lethal to adventurers. But the scar of being abandoned by this world is burned onto their soul.

He heard the sound of snivelling. It is the pathetic sound of adults crying.

William understands why. William touched it earlier too.

Memory lost is trivial. Compared to the safety conscious D.D.D. Compared to the elite team of Black swords knight. Compared to the fucking egalitarian Honesty. William is certain that Silver swords have been wiped out the most number of times in the entire server.

He understand his blunder and deficiencies the instant between deaths and respawning, freezing his soul. The chilling thoughts grind away his comrade's spirits. Winning by a hair's breadth is fine. Failure is okay too, they can remedy, grow and try again. But this failure they can't atone for and the regret they can't wave off keeps on lingering.


Voices from his past fill his head.

(So, what is the use of this?)

(Eh... Games huh... Hmmph.)

(Still playing PC games? Isn't mobile gaming enough?)

(Staying home for the holidays?)

It feels like your mouth being stuffed with shit.

Williams wants to puke.


(You won't go Karaoke even if we did invite you.)

(So you talks to your PC? Wah...)

(Why not take up a hobby that will be useful in the future?)

(It's fine, there are people like this too. What's the harm?)

Like taking a mouthful of piss.

William rubs his face violently.


He wanted to stand up strongly, but his knees trembles shamefully.

He wanted to scream, but he has no words to inspire his guild mates. Should he promise that they will be victorious for the next battle? He can't deliver that. It is a lie. Should he ask everyone to cheer up and challenge another raid? Running away from here is impossible.

Or he can show a cold face and say "Let them say what they want"? He can't do that. His comrades are in despair, he won't be able to reach them with these words.

William mouth opens wide, his eyes wandering like a lost child.

He looks at Dinkuron. Toko. Junzo. Elten Gracia.

And at his own feet.

William is speechless as he looks at the dismal state his guild is in. After such a merciless beat down, he understands his laziness and incompetence. His heart has sunk to the bottom, there is nothing left.

William search frantically.

Words he can share with his comrades.

But he can't find anything from his cowardly heart.


"Is this the end?"

He heard a murmur.

He doesn’t know who, but it is definitely one of his guild mates. From a corner of this spacious hall. All the members who heard held their breath. This is what everyone is afraid to even think about.

The doubt forces William to a corner.

...Let's return to Susukino and be a charitable guild that upholds the peace. The people of the land will be grateful. This is a dog eat dog world. Life is especially hard in Ezzo Empire with all the monsters attacks. The people have their hands full just staying alive. In Susukino, adventurers just need to be gentle and polite to enjoy enormous popularity. Hang out with the people of the land, get a girlfriend will be great. Stop bothering with raids, Silver swords can handle the task of defending the city easily.

The stupidity of this line of thought makes Williams burn from the inside.


"Maybe. This might be it. I agree... But so what? This is shit."

William's mind rebels against his sense of regret.

That is a great way to live.

Exchanging a life of danger for a peaceful and comfortable living.

But this is no different from the adults who give William 'advice' with a smug expression.


"We failed. Wiped out. This might be the end. It is all in vain. Just like that bunch or people always say we are idiots, trying to do something that is beyond us. A gaming nerd hikkomori. Loser... But, so what. We already know this. From the very beginning. We just like gaming. We chose gaming."

It is fine even if it ends, William thought.

But even if they fail, even if this is the end, he will not stop.

There is something he cannot let go of.

William feels a burning heat goes up his spine and continues.


"This is no big deal. Just losing in a raid. This is not the first time. No need to be so surprised. This is just a mark in the win lose column of this server. Gaming is for kids. Grow up and return to the streets... Don't say anything like this. I won't let anyone say this. We lost, and are the worse kind of people. But even if there is a god, I won't let him say this."

Raids are special for William.

It is the heart of Elder Tales, the centre of this universe.

"You ask if there is any meaning behind this statistic recorded by the server. Of course there is. Because I said so. I decided that it is a great and amazing thing. Even if god has decided the correct value of everything, it is not applicable in the whole world. People who believe such a dumb idea will never understand. You are wrong because the things you believe in have no value, people who say that will never ever understand. No matter how stupid it looks, or if all of this is a bloody fake, it doesn't matter if I, if we feels that it matters. Isn't this our choice? This is what I choose!"

He cannot forgive anyone insulting the sacred oath in his heart. William remains defiant despite the unbearable pain in his heart.

The members of the Silver sword push themselves up and sat on the floor, looking at their guild master.


"We have lived inside Elder Tales for a very long time... Whenever formidable foes appear, we will ready our bow and sharpen our swords and take them on. Assaulting them while shouting like children. We win some, we lose some. That's right, in this server we are either ones or zeroes, so what. We are in this for the thrill of battle. That was great. We party hard when we win, splitting the phantasmal spoils cheerfully. If we lose we will hold reflection meeting till the break of dawn. If you dare say this is meaningless then spit it out. This has nothing to do with toys or cheap loots. If we feel that this matters enough for us to spend our time here, then this is our reality!"


William shouts. Filled with regret and fury, he spit out the thoughts in his chest.

But that is all he can do.

His action is like a flame burning bright and hot and then smoother out.

Winning and losing is a part of battle, a part of it.

And raids are the most sacred of all these battles.

Inviolable.

Denying this is the same as denying the large amount of time William and the others has invest into this. William lost in this fight and is the loser. And they are unable to do anything to overturn this fact.

That's why William and the others have nothing else to say.

He has nothing left to inspire his guild mates.


"... Because this is the way we are, right? We don't give a shit about guys who have this or that. Those Mr nice guys have everything, so they have no need to do this... Do you guys have it too? Good at everything. Able to make friends where ever you go. Or maybe you are smart, cool, or have a cheerful demeanour, even the knack for telling jokes is fine. Anything, able to glitter in the real world, a sparkling feeling. Do you have it...? I have nothing, nothing at all."

William raises his head, rumbling on in a tiny voice.

It is no longer about the secret of holy battles.

This has nothing to do with reality, but the confession of William's love for Elder Tales.

He has even pulled out his real life ordeals into this, William has truly exhausted everything. But even so, the guild master of the Silver swords moves ahead.



3


"I have never mentioned this before, but all of you are my friends. Because I have no other friends besides gaming. How pathetic. I have no motivation... I only made it this far because of this game... It is the reason why I am able to understand how you feel. Just controlling the character with my keyboard. Ah, this guy wants to heal. That guy has retreated, but he really wants to stay in the front lines, something like that. This dude is hesitant to ask, but he really wants that magic buffing gauntlets. Not just these. This one cares about his team mates. Even though he wants to speak up but chickened out. Giving your all into the game despite being dead tired. I know, I understand very well. I really do."

William squeezes out his thoughts in fragmented sentences.

This is his unpolished, real thoughts.

All he has left is a tiny flicker of fire.


Elder Tales has taught William many things. If not for this, this inarticulate high schooler won't be able to found a guild.

Unable to empathize with others. Keeps to himself. Inconsiderate. Uncoordinated. Inpatient. Unable to read the mood. Unable to gel with others.

Being accused of all this, the boy withdraws socially. Elder Tales gives the boy a chance to connect with others. He treasures this connection and guards it carefully. If his friends listen carefully, they will be able to hear the many secrets William shares with them.


The first secret is team work.

There will be players who did well and players who didn't. If there are people with great skills, there will be people with mediocre skills. What needs to be done in order to cooperate is easy; just team up with William. Players fares poorly because William does not know what they want to do. By adjusting their style for each other, most players will be able to get along well.

He slowly gets the hang of fighting raids.

The level of difficulty in group fights increases gradually, but William did not fail. The group of people he networked with becomes larger over time. They are people they can get along well with once you get to know them. The 2nd secret is their win rates improve as they chat mindlessly through the night. William learns that those lame jokes have the mysterious power decide the outcome of a raid.

William continues to learn.

Physically fit friends, friends that are hard to get along with. Balance is important. They will care about each other's life. There will be hot headed guys and moody dudes. His friends will bear all sorts of problems. This is expected. William realized everyone is in the same situation. He understood slowly what they want. It is very simple. They are all here for the raid battle, of course they want victory.

Should we heal now? Which enemy should we focus our fire on? Move in to attack or take turns? Do we go all out or cap it at 70%?

They strive to do their best, but they miss out on victory sometimes. Its fine, they just didn't execute it well enough. They work out the errors one by one. Eventually, they edge out a small victory, bringing enormous joy for William and his friends.

William also learns to put up hold his temper. Although he did throw a tantrum at his comrades, but William is taking note of this.

When the inevitable intra guild feud pushes Silver swords to the brink of breaking up, William learns the de-escalation effect of dialogue. It was a lucky break for a battle guild, many such groups will dissolve after operating for half a year.

As William is worrying about protecting this guild, Silver swords is gaining fame as an up and coming raiding guild.


"That is why I understand... that this is the end. Game over. We are finished. I can genuinely feel it. This is probably it."

William understood.

Everybody is disheartened right now.

He knows, challenging such an important raid and ended up here like pitiful dogs. He can't even look at his pathetic friends in the eye.


"I was so happy when I came to this world. You guys probably felt some joy too. There shouldn't be anyone here who totally hates this situation right? This is the world of Elder Tales. The world that pulled you idiots in. The place where we are better at fighting raids than anyone else. I think things will work out. Putting this nonsense aside, I am happy to spend time with you guys. All of you are losers. Well, I am a loser too. Whatever, it's fine if we can fight in raids. In this world, no one can treat us like idiots."

William snivelled.

The battle hardened sniper elf known as the eyes of mystery is no more.


"Even so, it is unacceptable to run away because we failed. Come on! We might not win. We will probably lose. It's almost a given we will fail. But no, there are things we cannot give up on. What are we going to do if we go back now? What legacy will we leave behind if this goes on...? This is like someone dumping a bucket of water on you as you play Elder Tales. I have played Elder Tales for 2 years. I am thinking about it from morning to night. I think about it even when I eat, shower or sleep. I even study for the sake of Elder Tales. It's fine if you say I have no life. I am a gamer with no social life. I will be overjoyed the whole night because of one unique item, a social outcast. I give my heart and soul for this. That's why I won't back down even if the number of raid boss increase by 2 or 3. Besides, where can we escape to! Escape to a place where gamers are treated like retards? Making friends without fighting raids? Calling this a waste of time with a smug smile? Die you plebeians."

Unreasonable.

Not escaping means you will keep on dying? He consider about this for a while.

They are able to hold on so far because there is a chance of victory. But it is hopeless now.

What you are doing is playing games, it is the same even if this world has changed. You bunch of good for nothing can't even beat the game now... How are they going to face this reality?


"I... I have run away before. I was hesitant to admit, but I understand now. In the city of Akiba, at the first Round Table conference. I just came into contact with this world back then and all I wanted to do is fight in raids. For the sake of raiding, I gave up joining the Round Table council. It's true, no lie. Also, I was thinking 'what is this bunch of people trying to accomplish. ‘Isn’t that a waste of time?' I also thought 'going at it so seriously even though there is no way it will work a bunch of pigs.' I despise them. I almost wanted to beat them all up, I really did. What a joke. I understand now. I was running away. I ran away because I thought it would fail."

But there are players who didn't run.

For William, it was a sense of longing.

In the face of challenging raids, a legendary group that did not form a guild held their own against powerful battle guilds.

The newbie William was thrilled by their exploits.

This newbie aimed to join this excellent group one day and works towards that.

When William grinded to level 90, that group disbanded. William felt betrayed. They didn't wait for William. The members all went their own way and did not form a guild. He doesn’t understand why they are abandoning their legacy. That's what William thought.

"That Shiroe lowered his head and asked for help, so I took the job gleefully... It is natural to have no chance of success. With the black heart glasses here, so you know how hard this trip is going to be. Just look at his smug and sadistic face and you will understand! But... I still felt happy. I thought it will be fine if we win. Because... I am a plebeian gamer."

The atmosphere is heated. When William looks up, he saw the pained expression of his comrades who have nowhere to go.

They might win if they try again.

He entrusted the heat of this feeling into them. William has ignited the fire in his guild mates.

Guild Master William is leading his guild to a hopeless place with no chance of victory. Neither Crusty nor Isaac will make such a decision. They will maintain their identity of a battle guild, understand the intent of the Round Table council and provide assistant, that's how good they are.

(I am a seriously stupid guild master.)

William bit down on his trembling lips.

The taste of iron spreads in his mouth as he ignores the eyes on him and search for a solution.

They thirst for victory like never before, not for their own glory, but to win it for their friends.



4


Shiroe awakens like the dawn being dyed blue. He can hear a speech as though it was reflected from the water.

A sorrowful groan.

The voice of a man protesting against an unreasonable reality.

William's confession was soft, but Shiroe heard him clearly as he regains conscious. Pushed along by William's words, Shiroe begins to talk to himself.

Shiroe who spends plenty of time alone talks to himself frequently. Since there is a 'self' that answer questions, it is evident that he is consciously replying to the question.

He starts with working out the situation and evaluating what the future holds.

Sweeping aside the feeling of being hung over and his doubts about respawning, Shiroe starts analysing the strategy for raid battles and the surrounding zones.


He understands that the first 15 seconds are very difficult. It is more appropriate to say it is impossible. Only 24 players can invade this zone, it is impossible to match the enemies in strength.


They can defeat 7th of the garden Ruseato by itself. They understand its 'characteristics' very well. Black mode possess powerful single unit attack, reflects close proximity attacks, wide area attacks. White mode regenerates health and summon minions.

In general, all raid bosses have 'characteristics'. They will perform special actions or take on alternate forms according to the amount of time that has past or the percentage of health left. Understanding these 'characteristics' and coming up with plans to counter them are the basics of fighting raid boss.

They have completed their research for the 'characteristics' of garden of the 7th Ruseato. This doesn't mean that victory is assured, but they can win this by practicing a few times. The practice run need not be a fight to the death. Even if the front line collapses, they can make a strategic retreat. This means there is a chance of victory.


The attack of the titans, 4th of the garden frost giant Tarutauruga and 3rd of the garden flaming serpent Ibra-Habura is another matter. The scouting reports for these raid bosses are incomplete. They are not sure how similar they are to 4th of the prison Tarutauruga and 3rd of the prison Ibra-Habura, but the blow that wiped out Shiroe and the others are wide area attacks. Probably big flashy attacks with cooldown time of 50 to 150 seconds. They are not mortal blows or 'characteristics' they have to work around. Shiroe don't know where to start.

The attack was launched simultaneously. On top of that, there is a chance the other boss in this zone will enter the fray. No matter you how you look at it, you have to wave the white flag. There is no way to win this.

Shiroe hears the alarm ringing in his heart. "This is not the reason it can't be done, think about a way to solve this." It is easy to say, but the requirements are always so intense.

In Shiroe's mind, there are blue cards to his right. These are his advantage and weapons. Silver swords' proficiency, the existence of allies, and the support of the Round Table council, things he knows intelligence.

The challenge he faced morph into cards in his hand. Ruseato, Tarutauruga and Inra-Habura. And an unknown boss. They have explored and mapped out the dungeon for the most part. There are just 3 or 4 more bosses left.

He came up with several plans and lines them up before him according to their feasibility. All of them provide dismal chance of success, so he tries to mix them up to increase the probability of winning. There is not much to discuss as they are not ready for practical application.

All sorts of reform in this world are limited to individuals. Take the development of cooking recipe for example, the level of the chef dictates the success of making the dish. The constraint is much stricter in battles. There are lots of powerful weapons in this world, but they are governed by the level requirement. For example, if Shiroe makes a Gatling gun or mortar, he can't use them. Instead of powerful weapons and magic, what is important is grasping the situation.

He knows this is just picking on semantics, but Shiroe is dismissing the word retreat from his dictionary.


This time, Shiroe is analysing the weak points of the enemy instead of the advantage Shiroe has.

Most raid boss has a fixed attack pattern. There might not be any obvious weak points, but looking carefully, there are gaps between attacks which he can exploit.

The moment of inspiration strikes, and Shiroe grabs hold of this line of thought desperately.

Be it prison or garden, they are the guardian of something. Now that they are self-aware, are they still bounded to their obligations? Although they work together in the last fight, the fact that reinforcement only arrive when the battle is heating up is something they could use. But he might be putting too much expectation in this.

Shiroe throws his wishful thinking away and search for a more practical strategy. But after dozens of simulation, he can't think of a more realistic idea.

The plan with so many flaws holds the best probability of success.

He didn't work out the correct probability, but it is worth a shot.


"Rise and shine Shiroe."

"...Yeah."

The voice came from Naotsugu who is looking around him.

Shiroe sat up and stretched his stiff back. Beneath him is a marble platform covered with a blanket. He is not sure what happened, but it seems that someone carried him onto this marble while he was asleep.

Naotsugu who is glancing his way relaxes when he see Shiroe adjust his glasses. He turns around and gaze into the central square.

Tetora sat with her knees to her chest nearby. There are just the two of them besides Shiroe.

He can hear William talking. He can't believe that this is the guild master of one of the leading guilds within the server. His voice is trembling slightly but it is full of pride.

Shiroe heard his speech when he was lying there with his eyes closed.

He can hear plenty of groans and sighs.

Shiroe lets out a long sigh.


The Silver swords members in the central square pick themselves up slowly with their eyes on their guild master. This speech was not meant for outsiders like Shiroe to hear. Shiroe felt awkward about this and was glad that Naotsugu moved him to this corner away from the crowd. But William's speech was necessary for Shiroe. The man standing there is the 16 year old version of Shiroe.

Elder Tales brought too much pain to Shiroe.

He was given lots of nicknames. He was constantly judged by others and no one looks at him in the eye.

But at the same time, it brought him great gifts.

Chief Nyanta, Nurukan, Aihye. Everybody is great friends. He learned to be easy going from Kanami. He learned self-restrain from Kazuyan. He learned about trust from Naotsugu.

Shiroe watched the Silver swords from afar, thinking to himself that this is a fine guild. Not only is William a fine guild master, but so are the guild members who make it through 'that'. He felt a stinging pain in his chest. What if he was the one there under these circumstances? He will definitely pull himself up, but whether he will be able to inspire his comrades will be another question.

What will he says to Minori and Tohya when he is disheartened? Maybe Isuzu and Rudie can do something about it. He doesn’t see himself being able to do anything.

He thought briefly what Akatsuki will do, but all he can see in his mind is the angry face of the petite assassin.

Shiroe laugh at himself mockingly.

Protecting my lord is my duty so mind your own business, she probably said something like that before.

Humans are complicated. Shiroe knows that Akatsuki is worried about him. She always looks like she is on the edge of erupting, but Shiroe notice that she is more worried about him than anyone else. Shiroe knows that Akatsuki is fighting her own battles out there too.

This is not the time to wallow in self-pity.


"You want them to win. Right, Mr Shiroe?"

Tetora who is hugging her knees sways her body and muttered.

Shiroe can only see her back from his angle. But he still replied with a determined 'yeah'. He was relief. Shiroe wants to win. He wants to make it through this challenge with this raiding group, the Silver swords. Tetora's straight forward words helps Shiroe materialize the will in his heart.

"You have a way with words."

"I am a top class idol after all."

Naotsugu and Tetora made a short exchange as they look at William who is gazing into the distance.

Even though they didn't say much, their will overlaps. They are not sure what victory entails, but they definitely won't let Silver swords rust away.

They have already decided. The problem now is how to execute it.


"So, what should we do? Any ideas strategist?"

Naotsugu tone remains bright and positive. Although he phrases it as a question, he just needs confirmation. Shiroe's best friend has no doubt that there is a way to win this. Shiroe definitely have thought of something. Shiroe adjust his glasses and replies.

"I have something I need to tell Naotsugu. And Tetora. And William. And everybody... I have a plan that just might work. But just barely. The chance of success is 15%."

"Just the way I like it."

"Perfect."

"I also have things I need to tell Mr Kinjyou. This time, I am going to look him in the eye and say it."



End

Next update will be slow.