Log Horizon Book 3 chapter 1

Chapter 1 To Summer Camp

Name: Itsuzu
Level: 24
Race: Human
Class: Bard
HP: 1778
MP: 1832

Equipment
Howling Spear
- Magical-class item obtained from Kobold Leader. The "Howling" prefix increases the damage of Bards special skills slightly.

Walnut Decorated Hat
- An accessory that drops from the mob <Nuts Eater>, which appear in the quest "A Tuners worry". Its fashionable color matches Isuzu's tastes. The defense it provides is a bit low though.

Crescent Moon Lute
- Stringed instrument crafted by Marielle who is a Woodcrafter, it resembles a guitar. One of the handmade items prepared by the members of the Crescent Moon Alliance for the runaway beginners from Hamelin. Isuzu uses it almost every day.


1

According to the lore of the world, a black stone film covers the soil, and several flourishing cities are built on top of it. But maybe it is a reaction to being suppressed for too long, nature once break out to its surface and invades the urban cities.

This world is based on Japan, but the vegetation have incredible vitality. That's why the lush grass seems to sprout from everywhere, and trees are so tall that it looks like a tunnel when you looked up.

Among the gaps of the growing plants, you will not only see black soil.

There are signs of tar road everywhere, which shows that this forest trail used to a road from ancient lore.

The sun pierce through the barrier of leaves, or left shadows on the ground. This tunnel seems to go forever.

But because of this, when the scene beyond the trees is even more beautiful.

"Wah!"

Minori can't help herself and shouted happily.

The 30 or so comrades with her reacted the same.

"Yah Hah! So cool! So cool so cool so cool!"

Brother Tohya rushed forward, as his horse shifts from a slow walk to a gallop down the slope

The wind with the taste of the tides blow up the slope, towards Minori and the others. The lush greenery extends from the slope all the way to the beach.

What is this big river in front of them called?

On the other side of the beach is a hill, with several windmill built close together, not sure if it is operational or in ruins.

The beach is like a snow white line sparkling in the sun

From the distance of 10 kilometers away, you can only see the flickering shine, you cannot make out any details.

"Alright alright! We need to reach there before we can do anything. If we don't find our camp site soon, we won't be able to eat dinner!"

"That's right the whole lot of you, you won't be able to keep up with the trip if you miss any meal!"

Marielle says and Naotsgu added teasingly.

The beginners cheer happily, mount the horse they didn't have the chance to ride in the forest trail and move down the slope in two rows.


This is the Sand leaf zone.

In the real world, this is centered around the Boso peninsula.

Using the 'half gaia project', shrinking the proportion of the real world by half, the distance is roughly 50 km from akiba. They have been traveling in this abandoned world for 3 days.

"Minori, still doing okay nya?"

"I'm... I'm still fine!"

The tall and thin figure blacking the sunlight that pierced through the trees is Nyanta from the same 'Log Horizon' guild as Minori. He squints his gentle eyes, and Minori hurriedly replies to the positively.

Turning to face the front, the guardian leading the group Naotsugu is also looking this way, and he waves at Minori signaling her to relax. Surrounded by her guild members, Minori feels safe.

Minori reaffirms the fact that joining a guild like Hamelin and here are totally different matters.

But this group is not entirely compose of Log Horizon members, but is a mixture of many different guilds with a total of 60 people.

Including Oceanic systems, black sword knights, west wind brigade etc. Akiba's top guild have assign people to participate.

This is the main party with 35 people, but an advance party has already arrived at the destination. They plan to meet them there soon.


The reason Minori's group is in this training camp is because of Marielle.

Minori was not present, but from what her friend Itsuzu said, this is what happened.

...I want to go to the beach, want to eat shaved ice, ramen and curry rice at the beach, i want to eat means i want to eat! Can we go? We can't? We really can't? I want to go to the beach! Let's go...!

Crescent moon guild master Marielle propose in this way.

(I can roughly guess the situation then...)

Minori is in the guild Log Horizon, but before joining, she lived in the crescent moon guild hall for a short while. At that time, Minori just escaped from the evil guild Hamelin (which has been dissolved), and was busy the few days right after.

Crescent moon guild member was very kind to her during her time there. Headed by Marielle, Henrietta, Shoryu and the other members took care of her. Marielle saying such willful words and Henrietta's frowning face, this is a common sight in the guild hall, Minori and imagine it easily.

(She must have been waving her hands and feet around on the coach.)

Minori smiles as she picture Marielle hugging her cushion and shaking her legs.


Having such feelings is unavoidable.

Minori knew that many players still want to return to the original world, but this is not a wish that can be achieved simply through hard work. There have been no news of anyone finding any clues to solve this problem.

If you just want to survive here, you just need some money. Since there are no place for you to expend your efforts, it is no wonder the players are all bored out of their mind.

So even if anyone wants to take a summer vacation, no one will stop them... probably.

But Marilles and the crescent moon guild are in a special position. In June, Shiroe proposed the formation of the round table council to govern the various issues in Akiba. Crescent moon guild is one of the 11 members of the council, guild master Marielle is also one of the senator.

After founding the round table council, Akiba's trending topic is centered on revolution, and they are the one leading it.

It will be fine if the elected senator takes a couple days off, but it will be troubling if the vacation lasts for weeks. The round table council has only been started for 2 months, there are new information coming in daily, now is the time to appreciated the progress in Akiba.

With Oceanic systems taking the lead, the 3 major production guild's steam engine experiment is coming to an end. The original design uses burning coal, but has been refined to summoners controlling fire lizard to provide heat. This made the device much simpler, a big technical break through.

There is also the new grill box and water pipes for use in cooking. Clothes that has never been seen before (mainly undergarments) was developed rapidly. There is even a giant Onsen, this two months have been filled with a series of new invention and discoveries.

But at this important period, if a senator leaves the city (for this case, a vacation), it won't be good for the council's reputation... But Marielle did not give up and thought of a plan together with Henrietta and Shoryu.

The main topic is 'Summer training camp for beginners.'


"The surrounding area seems to be farms nya."

Just as Nyanta said, along the slope of the small hills are full of trails cutting into farmland. Pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers... the trees in the distance seems to be fruit trees, the wind has a sweet aroma in it.

"Minori, look, these are pears, this is great!"

"Wait up Tohya!"

Tohya left the road and climb up the stone wall as he shouts. How long has it been since she ate a pear? Minori cannot recall, but it looks nice and delicious.

"Those are planted by the people of the land, don't pick them!"

Minori warned Tohya as she thought about it.

A summer training camp for beginners.

In the end, rescuing the beginners from Hamelin was a personal decision executed by Shiroe and the others, it has nothing to do with the round table council. They have also clarified with the public that Hamelin has been dealt with before the council was formed.

But 'providing aid to beginners' became an agenda for the round table council anyway.

The reason the council approved Crescent moon's request so fast is because out of the 35 rescued beginners, 19 of them are in crescent moon guild, and it is even known as the beginners training guild.

But not all the beginners from Hamelin joined Crescent Moon guild. Some of them want to go into production, and have join the corresponding guilds.

There are also beginners who did not join Hamelin, who are lucky in a sort of way, and joined the various other guilds in Akiba.

Since the training camp was approved by the council, it won't be fair if application is not open to the public. With this decision, all beginners whose location is known receives an invitation to participate. Notices were also put out announcing 'In order to support beginners below level 40, a summer training camp will be organized.

As it come to this, the prestige of the guilds come into question.

There are also opinions that since this is a round table council approved event, they can't just leave everything to Crescent moon to handle.

Sending beginners to participate but not taking part as a camp leader... Some senators feel that they cannot do this with their position in Akiba. If it is a guild with tens of members, it should be acceptable, but if their member number in the hundreds, it would be shameful not sending one or two members as camp leaders.

The guilds not only send their members to support, but also provide all sort of food and clothing. There was even a donation event, canvassing for equipment suitable for beginners after they level up.

As they proceed with the preparation, the camp grows to the size of 60 people... This is what Minori heard from Itsuzu about the training camp.


The slope gradually flattens out, the group moves into the abandoned ruins that was a city during the ancient times. The surrounding area should be a residential neighborhood back then. Compared to  the concrete high rise building, the wooden houses deteriorate much faster.

With no obvious sign of concrete debris, only a few decaying residential structures which is covered by thick vegetation.

The peninsula of Sand leaf is made up of the forest, mountains, hills and the uneven grounds a place filled with the feeling of mother nature.

The river that is right in their field of vision is the Sand leaf river, which flows into the blue sea. In the real world this is a place called Gyoukei. Even in this alternate world, the pacific ocean in August is so clear and blue you can see the bottom, beautiful like the merging of the sky and blue sea.


Reaching the river side, there are a few houses over there.

If you look around there are several such houses along the river banks. Her lively brother who went to scout around reports that these houses seems to be able to let boats dock there.

It is close to the coastline, there should be fisherman who goes out to fish pushed by the river flow.

Keeping the boats away from the river mouth, they won't be damaged even if there are raging waves, probably the wisdom of the fisherman. Marielle says that people of the land who work as fisherman lives near the river banks, if you walk upstream there will be a mid sized town.

Minori's group leaves the river side, made a detour around the dense forest and reach a pond roughly 500 meters wide. Besides the pond is a structure that is rare in this zone, a relatively new abandoned concrete structure.

"Woah! This is a school!"

Just as Tohya says, this should be a school in ancient times. Looking at it again with this in mind, the flat ground in front should be the a field for sports. The wire fence around it long gone, but there are still signs of it being here.

"Okay..! Everyone! From today onward, this will be the place we will sleep in! We will split into the 3 teams as previously arranged, we will be cleaning 3 classrooms. That is the the 3 room on the east end of the 1st floor, with 20 people living in each room... If we can spare the time, we will continue cleaning tomorrow as well, let's make this a comfortable place to live in!"

As if on cue, the advance party members came out of the school and started working together with the beginners.

"Dinner tonight will be BBQ on the field! So please make do with bread for now. And also... Team 3 and people with chef subclass, follow me for grocery shopping at the town! Remember to greet the town chief properly, and be courteous. We leave in 30 minutes, start the battle!"

Everyone responds to Marielle's cheer in high spirits, and starts setting up the training camp site.



2

Marielle and the food transport party walks along the farm trail with the loud sounds of cicadas.

The beginners she is leading display their 'summoning flute' proudly and prominently on their neck or waists. This is an item to summon horses. There are different kind of flutes and the one they have can only call forth a low quality horse, and is restricted to only a few hours use per day.

But this is a precious magical item for the beginners, as they caress it gently and protectively with their fingers.

They were donated items distributed to them at the start of the trip.

Marielle and the others are travelling to the neighboring town on foot.

On their way there, they can see people of the land working on their farm.

Marielle don't want to alarm them with a large group of people, so they are moving at a casual speed.

Everyone owns a summoning flute, and they will be riding on their way back with their groceries. But it is only 3 km from the campsite to the town, and walking will take just an hour, So Marielle wants to scout out the area at the same time.


"Hmm... Smells good!"

The sweet fragrance of the pear surrounds the area.

"That's right nya, if there are nice pears I hope we can get some nya."

"You are right, I want to eat pears!"

Nyanta is with the good as the head chef with Serara tagging along. When Minori heard this she nod her head politely. The few beginner chef is also commenting on the quality of the fruits as they pass the farm.

Bathing under the summer light, the tomatoes and eggplants shine like jewels, the tomatoes are rubies, the eggplants are gemstone, both of them looks solid and ripe, their condensation sparkling brightly.

Using the old cooking methods, there is no need to be concerned on the quality of the ingredients. Even ingredients that are small, dry, or even starting to turn bad, if you can identify it as the correct ingredient through the game menu, it will not affect the final product.

Tomato salad made with fresh or dried up tomatoes are absolutely the same, even the tasteless soggy cracker flavor is identical.

But if the chef uses his own skills to cook food manually, they will need to pay attention to the ingredients they use. If they use a rotting tomato to cook, no matter how good the chef is, the food will still be bad. The skills of the chef is important, but it requires the fresh and pretty ingredients to complement him.

"I want to use this to bake pizza!"

"Making them into ketchup should be nice too."

With this fact in mind, the beginner chef moves on they keep their eyes full of interest on the field.


Noon has just passed, there are people of the land taking breaks in the shades after their lunch all over the place. The group waves at them some times, ask them about the vegetables some times, and even make arrangement to buy some on the way back.

Charasin of the 8th district Shopping center have already informed the town about the training camp. The news must have spread around, the farmers are all very nice and kind.

"Seems like this will be a comfortable vacation♪"

Marielle says cheerfully, but Nyanta correct her "This is a summer training camp nya." Marielle's true intent for the trip has already spread among the other members, but Nyanta still has the obligation to advice her as a senior.

But the advice was not from the heart, and feels more on the level of a punchline.

The town is situated near the Sand leaf river.

It is some distance away from the river bank, maybe as a precaution to floods.

The land in this area is relatively flat. The slightly undulating grounds seem to have been divided into individual squares, to be used for vegetables, paddy fields and fruit farms. The squares are further divided into smaller sections, and you can see sheds and warehouses. They reach the internal part of the town eventually.


This is not a town you read about in middle age knight tales, with fence or militia walls protecting the town.

In the town center, wide tar roads and drains run in parallel, giving the feel of the national roads of the old world. Many houses made from wood or stones stands along either side of the road. There are few ancient towers that is abundant in Akiba, only the giant warehouses by the river is like similar to them.

There are 5, 6 shops with signboards in the streets.

Marielle heard from Shiroe describing the villages he encountered while doing his Susukino quest, but he did not mention any shops.

Farmers are basically self sustaining. Villages with live stocks and farmlands forms their community and help each other.

You do not need gold living in such a place, so there is no need to set up facilities such as ships. At least that is what Henrietta explained.

But this Gyoukei town is more like a town then a village, so shops have a reason to exist.

"Hmmm, this place... is more stylish then I imagined."

Nyanta comment in a quiet voice.

This place cannot compare to Akiba, but there should be a few thousand people of the land living here right? This is what this town made them feel.

Marielle stop in the middle of the road and gathered the group around her. Marielle has the reputation of being friendly and taking care of others. But she feels more like a big sister now, and she is comfortable with that.

"Let me think, hmmm, what should we do, the groceries... I will leave that to Chief Nyanta. And, I remember your name is Ludicious? Here is some money, everyone split into two groups, decide among yourselves what you need to buy, you have the shopping list?"

"Of course nya." Nyanta accept the task.

Marielle nods and check the content of her bag of holding, confirming that she has brought the greeting gift. As a matter of courtesy, she needs to visit and greet the mayor. Her eyes wanders around the group.

Since this is just a greeting, there is no need to bring too many people, but bringing a person or two along to back her up should be okay.

As Marille considers who she should bring, her eyes met with Minori.

(She looks reliable, so why not."

Before Marielle and ask, Minori already express her willingness to come along.

(This girl has keen instincts too."


And so everyone goes about their task.

Nyanta will head to the harbour, the warehouses at the river side seems to be selling seafood. Since Marielle and the others are adventurers, they have less chance to see sea cuisines, they would be pleased to eat these.

"Let's move out."

"Okay, time to greet the mayor!"

Not sure it is her nature, or she really is a middle schooler like she claims, Minori is excessively tense and her back is straight as if she is marching in a band. Marielle rub her hair roughly.

(Even though she is now with Shiroe, she is still a nice kid... Hmmm, since I miss out on a quality member.)

"May... May I ask..."

"What is it Minori?"

"Why are you patting my head?"

"That is because I want to pat you♪"

Marielle smiles to appease Minori who is pouting slightly. The two of them are like sisters with a big age gap walking along the streets.


On their way there, the two of them ask a housewife who is carrying goods where is the mayor lives. They found out that the mayor lives in a mansion with 2 stories at the junction ahead, is a 70 year old man who is kind and friendly, so there is nothing to worry about.

"Just greeting should be enough right?"

"Yes, just present a gift after greeting him..."

Marille list out the things she need to say.

In her bag of holding is a barrel of peach wine. It is almost 100kg, not something Marielle can carry, but thanks to this magical bag, she feels no weigh at all.

She also need to explain to the mayour... They will be staying at the ruins for about 2 weeks, the place is about 5km from the town, and it shouldn't cause any problems. But they will be here to resupply every few days.

"Yes, we need to greet and build a relationship with them, and ask about how to purchase the ingredients. If we only buy from a single farm, it could cause conflict in this town..."

"Ah, you are right."

"Anyway, we should be fine if we follow the mayor's instructions. The next will be chatting... I want to gather information around this area."

"Information... right?"

"Right."

Marielle nods in response.

The world has changed since the apocalypse, NPCs are now people of the land. Strictly speaking, the players do not know if the functions of Elder Tale are still working.

The people of the land working in the market and banks are still in their post, but just like the round table council wants to hire administrators, some people of the land also want to do different jobs.

If you infer from this discovery, Elder Tale's important quest system might not be working anymore.

Quest are challenges players take on and clear to progress the story line of Elder Tale. For example, Gyoukei town might have quests like 'Eliminate all the ghosts in the neighboring fields' or 'Escort fisherman to an island to fish'.

Some quest are started from secret items or locations, but most of them are in the form of NPC request.

The quest giver which were NPC are now people of the land, is the quest system still in place? This is a serious question, because if the quest giver happens to be people of the land was to die, the quest will be gone forever.

...This is what Shiroe is worried about, Marielle also understand the danger behind this.


When Elder Tale was just a game, there are some basic quests available to all players.

The bag of holding is the reward for one of this quest, Marielle and all the other experienced players love this bag, it is very convenient.

But if this quest is gone forever because of any reasons, all the beginners won't be able to acquire this bag, which will cause serious problems.

"Shiroe always pay attention to all the details, so he request that I do all I can to gather data, anything related to Gyoukei town and the people of the land. As you can see, I don't know a lot of things."

"Oh I see... you are right."

Minori nod with an enlightened look.

"I wonder what Mr Shiroe is doing right now."

"Shiroe might be gathering intelligence in his own wat, but maybe..."

Marielle remembered something and laugh.

"He might not have the time to do that."



3

The performance by the quartet of string instruments are both elegant and classy.

The vast hall is decorated beautifully, filled with the laughter of the ladies and the whispers of the gentlemen, but only about 40% of the guest is here.

People gathered around the coach near the walls or the snack tables, leaving the center of the hall empty.

There is still some time before it begins.

Banquets such as this usually starts later than planned, even more so for the party of nobles. After confirming this with a waiter, he sigh softly.

(Seems we acted like bumpkins.)

Never attended parties like this before, there is no way Shiroe knows about this. Due to his sorrowful inexperience, he arrived earlier to be polite, but caused the opposite effect.

Shiroe's group have no choice but to gather near the wall and drink.


This is the 'Ancient palace of eternal frost'.

According to the game lore, this palace which is 2 hours ride away from Akiba was built by Alv during the ancient time. In the Elder Tale world, the ancient Alv is extinct. They have immense magical powers and all sorts of technology, but fail to withstand the flow of time. The only signs of their existence is the half Alv race which is one of the 8 races available for selection by the players.

Situated in southern Tokyo of the real world, Minato district. The 'Ancient palace of eternal frost' have no distinct owner, and is ruled commonly by the nobles of the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal'

....League of Freedom Cities Eastal

This is the alliance that rules over an area equivalent to eastern mainland of Japan. Elder tale divides the Japanese servers into 5 territories.

The real world Hokkaido is 'Ezzo empire'.

Shikoku is 'Fourland Dukedom'.

Kyushu is 'Neanthel sovereignty'

Eastern main island is 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal'

Western main island is 'Holy empire Westelande'

In the end,in hope that the players will enjoy a variety of different adventures, they showcased the native culture and art unique to each region.

This includes 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' in eastern Japan mainland, which is a country made of the alliance of different cities. They have 20 such fiefdom united to rival the 'Holy empire Westelande'.

Compared to what Shiroe understands of real Japan, the population in this world is small even if you include the fact that the people of the land increased ten fold in number since the game became their reality.

In this world with monsters roaming about, the territory of man is very small. Compared to modern Japan, 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' is like an undeveloped wilderness, just a bubble of safety in this world.

Even if the population is small, there should be about 2 million people of the land in the whole Japan server.

'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' only have influence over the eastern main island, but they still need a political system of governance.

'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' governing organization is controlled by the nobles. Elder Tale is based on middle ages European fantasy world view, and the territory owners are known as nobles.

the land owners have their own castle or official residence or official mansion, wearing crowns with capes or dress, the typical wardrobe of a people of the land noble.

'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' various landowners will gather at the 'Ancient palace of eternal frost' once or twice a year, holding meetings to discuss all sorts of political issues. They will also use the chance to improve relationship with others and let their sons and daughters debut to the world as nobles. They will also conduct horse races or bring up marriage pact with other nobles.

From a certain point of view this is an elegant culture, But on the other hand, 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' alliance is a necessity to help each other in the face of monsters.

Built in the southern part of Tokyo where Hama Rikyu garden is, in this palace that is made with magical ice, the people of the land use it as a social meeting venue for the nobles.

Shiroe just stand around with nothing to do in the 'Ancient palace of eternal frost'.

"Hmm, that is quite spectacular, now I'm nervous.

Michitaka from the production guild Oceanic systems says. This should be his true feelings, he comment on the facility and decoration of the palace without reserve.

"Just imagine that you are surrounded by monsters, and you can stay calm."

the one replying is battle guild D.D.D's leader... Berserker Crusty. Contrary to his nickname, Crusty looks like a pale, intelligent and handsome young man. He is in a well tailored tuxedo today, which suits him very well.

"The only one who will be calm that way is just you."

Michitaka laugh in reply.

He is also wearing a tuxedo, looking just as dynamic or maybe even more so than Crusty. Tuxedo is a type of western clothes, it looks better on people with a big body type, a perfect fit for the 2 warriors.

One of them is the guild master of the biggest production guild in Akiba, the other is the biggest battle guild  D.D.D, also holding the post of senate leader of Akiba's governing body, the round table council.

Considering the purpose of this banquet, being dynamic is a good thing.

"That is right leader, only you will feel safe being surrounded by monsters."

Crusty's words are too wild, the tall and elegant lady standing by beside him counsel him as she serve him a glass of champagne. Shiroe know she is a D.D.D member Takayama Misa.

After hearing about the dress code, they predicted there probably be dancing during the banquet. The 3 representatives conclude that there is a need to bring a female partner along to this social event


"...My lord."

The petite young girl standing beside Shiroe is also wearing a beautiful dress. She did not seem to be listening to the conversation between the two guild master, and is talking to Shiroe with fear from the bottom of her heart.

Shiroe lower her gaze on Akatsuki.

Their height difference is about 30cm, so he can only see the top of her head if they are too close, an inconvenience.

But if he bends down to meet her eyes, Akatsuki will say:"My lord, don't treat me like a child!", so he can only give up.

"What is it?"

"Is, That is.... My appearance... it is weird right?"

Akatsuki ask with a voice like a mosquito, you won't be able to imagine from her normal attitude.

Shiroe doesn't understand what she meant and is confused.

There is nothing wrong with Akatsuki. She in fact looks absolutely stunning.

Her neatly combed hair, her petite body in a dress. The dress is pearl white, her bottom half of her long flying skirt is dyed in layers of turkish blue, which gradually merge with the pearl white top.

The color combination contrast well with her dark eyes and hair, giving her a pure and handsome feeling.

"Hnng..."

"It is not weird, in fact you look very cute, very pretty! Like a sweet and fresh strawberry! It makes people wants to take you home, correction, I want to bring you home!"

(She actually asserted ownership!)

As Shiroe is distress with what to reply, Crescent moon's capable accountant Henrietta butted in. She bundled her blonde hair up high, with the nape of her neck in plain sight, just like a high class lady.

Henrietta has the appearance of a cold beauty, but she prefers low profile clothes that don't complement her looks, but have a refreshing feeling and is well received by her fans. But looking at her formal dressing tonight, you cannot deny that she is better suited in high class and elegant clothes.

"Is... Is that so? I am unable to keep calm, the weapons are also hard to hide."

"Really, where did you took these small assassin blades from?"

"My lord..."

Akatsuki hide behind Shiroe perplexedly.

She want to hide from Shiroe's view, but she don't want to be away from him.

(Akatsuki takes the meaning of body guard too literally.)

Henrietta is concerned about Akatsuki, but she still move elegantly. Shiroe asked if she has been to a dancing party, she answers no. She look calm in the surface, but that might be an act. But Shiroe think she might just be too engrossed looking at Akatsuki to care about her surroundings.

The petite beautiful young girl that is like a sparrow, Akatsuki.

An intellectual and beautiful blond Henrietta.

Shiroe's companions for this trip are these two.

Why is Shiroe's group in the hall of 'Ancient palace of eternal frost'? That is a long story.


One month earlier, July. Akiba revitalized with the revolution, have surprises popping up all over like popcorns.

Round table council received a letter from the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', an invitation from the nobles. Their leader Sirechair wrote in the letter apart from inviting the round table council to join the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', they are also invited to the meeting and dance party at the 'Ancient palace of eternal frost'.

'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' is an alliance form by the nobles in the area corresponding to Japan's eastern main island. Akiba is one of the city situated there.

According to logic, since Akiba has a governing body, 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' will naturally contact them, which is what Shiroe expected.

The round table council members gather to meet immediately.

Shiroe and the adventurers was invited by the people of the land for the very first time. Even if this is within expectation, the meeting was still has a tense atmosphere.

.... One of the governing organization of this world, 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', recognizes the round table council as one of them, and wants to establish diplomatic relations.

Round table council members discuss and analyze the situation thoroughly.

How about accepting this invitation?

The intention of this invitation, should be the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' wants to recognize the governing body of Akiba, round table council as a league member. In this situation, Akiba's territory owner (in this case, senate leader Crusty) will be given a title as a noble.

Not only that, there will be future invitations to meetings. The good thing is this is a way to gather lots of  intelligence on the people of the land, and a way to communicate and negotiate with them. The bad thing is they will be involve in the politics of the people of the land.

What happens if they reject the invitation?

They will lose the benefit that comes with accepting the invitation, losing the chance to set up a communication channel to negotiate with the people of the land. But they can also avoid being caught in the turbulence of their politics by not taking part in the league.

Another con... Will this anger the nobles and push them to war? The council also debated on this possibility.

But from their discussion, the conclusion is that it is very unlikely.

Akiba is a player city.

Not only is their trading infrastructure in place, with so many adventurers gathered, their military might is beyond question. Because of the advance of weaponry technology in the real world, the prowess of a single soldier would not be the factor in determining the outcomes of war.

But there is magic in this fantasy styled alternate world, the fighting prowess of individuals is a major factor in wars. In this world, victory in one on one duels will affect how the battle will play out, and also how the war will end. The people of the land has vastly inferior fighting strength compared to adventurers. Even for the citizens in dangerous pioneer cities, citizens with level 20 is considered very high in level.

The majority of the farmers and hunters are level less than 10, merchants, house wives and kids are only level 5.

But the people of the land also have their own military forces.

Each landowner will have their own soldiers, cavalry and magicians, but they are small in number. From what Shiroe gathered, the elite of these armies is about level 50-60.

Not only that, some people of the land like the city guards have unique abilities. Their level is not really higher than adventurers, but their special equipment 'mobile suits' allows them to protect the specific city zone.

'Mobile suits' is a magically engineered armor, powered by the magic that is available around the city, giving them powerful combat abilities.

Other then this, some NPC is also far stronger than them. In Elder Tale, they are called Ancients, Shiroe is not sure of their relationship with the other NPC, but the people of the land view the Ancient of one of their own.


The Ancient... leaving aside the game lore, there have a specific function in the game.

The people of the land are set to be inferior to adventurers in all aspects.

Adventurers can power up indefinitely through battles, and their strength will be stronger by tens of folds after constant leveling.

Even after receiving a fatal injury, they will not disappear forever, but respawn back at the cathedral. They can raid ancient ruins and rob powerful equipment from weapons, increasing their prowess even more.

From the eyes of the people of the land, adventurers is like a type of superman.

This is correct in the game setting, in a character developing role playing game system, if all the characters are stronger than the player, it will be a source of shame and causes stress on the players.

From the view of the game developers, setting the people of the land as the weakest has its uses. But some story requires a powerful people of the land to be the companion of the player.

When Elder tale was still a game, the countless story quest is one of its selling point. It can be the background story of an adventure, or comes in a form of a quest, stories are scattered all around the world.

There are all kind of stories, and some of them need heroes. For instance, something like 'please help that hero in trouble!'.

Since it is a game, the one who is rescuing is the player, but if the NPC that is saved has a level that is too low, it will affect the willingness to execute this quest.

For example, a level 90 player who can defeat dragons is suppose to raid a Lich nest to save the hero. But if the hero is only level 15, the story will feel disjointed.

This might result in 'Why is a weakling like you doing here in the first place? Don't even think of fighting, even coming to save you feels stupid!' this kind of feeling.

It needs to be 'I have come to help! Let's defeat the enemies together!' this level of strength, the story will feel more exciting.

From this we can infer that it is based on the story writing team's request that results in the existence of Ancients.


(It feels like inference like this is affected by 'settings when this was still a game'...)

Anyway, the people of the land also have military forces.

The first is the army of the territory owners, levels are low, but the numbers is high. The 2nd is 'mobile suit' guards, using magical equipments unavailable to players. The last is Ancients.


Rejecting to join the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' might cause some conflicts, so this is something to be considered seriously. But as they concluded, the possibililty is low.

The 3 fighting force of the people of the land has disadvantages.

Even though they have their advantages, but 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' forces cannot compare to Akiba's adventurers.

The council is still hesitant on joining the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal'.

Those who agrees based their argument on the lack of cons in joining. Joining will also open a communication channel with the people of the land. Since there are few worries over the military threats, it is unlikely they will raise up unreasonable requests, so there are not much con in joining.

For the opposition, their main question lies with the nobility title. Players accepting noble titles from NPC and becoming one of them, this does not sit right with them.

After discussing all the points, they are trending towards joining the league.

It is obvious that those opposing do so out of emotion, not logic. But being emotional makes things more troublesome than it should, and most players understand why they feel this way.

The round table council think about this point and put up notices in the central square. It mainly explains the round table council has decided to join the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' to exchange information with the other members of the leagues.

And when it is August, the council chose and sent their representatives to the 'Ancient palace of eternal frost'.



4

The group reached 'Ancient palace of eternal frost' in the morning, the journey from Akiba was uneventful. It took only 2 hours, closer than Shinjukugyoen.

Shiroe's group have about 10 people.

A big group might cause the league to be wary, so the group members were carefully selected.

No matter what, the first choice to go is the senate leader of the round table council, berserker Crusty.

'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' has a deep rooted culture system based on nobles and titles, they do not know how they will receive a organization like the round table council. But since they are treating the noble as equals, round table council must send their senate leader as well.

The next in line is the 2nd in command of this team of envoys.

Crusty is the leader of the biggest battle guild D.D.D, so to maintain balance and form, they should send someone from the production guild as well.

Candidates are Oceanic systems boss 'strong armed' Michitaka, the Rodrick firm's Rodrick, 8th shopping district center's leader Charasin, but the 3 of them keep pushing this responsibility around.

After a short discussion, Michitaka from Oceanic systems was chosen.

The 3 major production guilds are on good terms, each has their own unique points, forming the pillars that supports Akiba. But with all the new discovery around the city, production players wouldn't want to leave the city, which was the hidden reason for them not pushing for others to take on the role.

Michitaka announced "Following the news report of all the upcoming inventions is more interesting" and want to decline, but after losing the best out of 11 'rock paper scissor' match, he accepted the role. He tried convincing Charasin to take the job, but he failed.

Michitaka is a helpful person by nature, and he displayed the fortitude of a guild master of thousands, saying inspiring tone "Since there's no other way, leave everything to me". But he expressed begrudgingly later "If anything important happens, I will rush back to the city, it's just a two hour trip." This is a secret among the round table council members.

For balance, someone who can analyze and put available data to use should be chosen as the 3rd representative. When the council came to this conclusion, all of them stared at Shiroe.

The senators that forming the round table council are all leaders for their guilds as well. They have their own  intelligence department to gather and analyze information.

But Shiroe's display of tactics and strategy was still fresh on everyone's mind. The important thing is everyone still bear the feeling 'you are the culprit behind the forming of the round table, take responsibility and do work'.


Shiroe was interested in the summer training camp that is taking place at the same time.

This is an event for the training of beginners, so Minori and Tohya from Log Horizon is also participating. Other then this, it is also a chance to gather intelligence from the villages around the border of Tokyo. Shiroe have occasionally went out to investigate this past two months, but he still felt there is a serious lack of contact with the people of the land.

He don't want to give up on either activity, giving Shiroe a headache. But Michitaka expressed "No, you need to come, I cannot allow just me leaving the city" and invites him passionately. Shiroe have no choice but to accept to be part of the palace visiting team.

Shiroe accepted the task from the round table council as the 3rd in command of the ambassador party. Akatsuki announced before hand 'I will ensure my lord's safety' and followed Shiroe automatically. Instead of an attendant, she is more like a retinue.

On the other hand, Naotsugu and Nyanta were assigned as the camp leaders. Naotsgu and Nyanta has always taken good care of their juniors. They have plenty of fighting experience in the alternate world and is reliable in both live battle practice and handling any emergency situation.

Shiroe miscalculated. When Akatsuki decides to join the ambassador team, Crescent moon's Henrietta who was also present decided to join in too.

Henrietta is taking part as 'Shiroe's attendant'.

This part is fine, but being Shiroe's attendant means she will be in the same bedroom as Akatsuki, Henrietta was overjoyed by this prospect.

(...She is obviously in this for Akatsuki.)

Shiroe has nothing to say.

Shiroe doesn't hate Henrietta. She is beautiful, smart and reliable. Shiroe has a good impression of her. But her abnormal passion turns Shiroe off. But in the eyes of the round table council members who did not know about her hidden intention, Shiroe seems to enjoying the attention of both the young maiden and a beautiful lady at the same time. Shiroe's claim "That is not true" was rejected.

After rounds of selection, the members attending the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' banquet have been decided. The ambassador team representatives are round table council's senate leader Crusty, 1st deputy is Oceanic systems Michitaka, 2nd deputy is Log Horizon Shiroe, with secretary and attendants accompanying, a total of 10 people.


(How should I say this... How uneasy.)

Shiroe recalls the selection process as he keep a low profile in a corner of the hall and mumbles to himself.

The guest in the hall increases in number gradually, Akatsuki hides behind Shiroe, Henrietta stand beside Shiroe with a bright smile.

"Shiroe is amazing, showing no sign of unease."

Crusty mention to Michitaka, but that is just a misunderstanding.

"That's normal for a hero like him. Hee, even in this grand event, with 2 such beautiful girls with him, he remains totally at ease, right?"

"That's rude, a party like this is the hunting ground for Mr Black heart glasses."

Michitaka understands the true reason but can't help teasing him. Shiroe decides he will take revenge later. Henrietta's praise seems pretty misleading as well.

There is a reason for this.

After the formation of the round table council, Henrietta setting of Shiroe in her heart is 'an invincible scheming master and black hearted tactician'.

If that is the case, he can dismiss it as a rant. But when she express that she have absolute trust in his black heart, it made Shiroe speechless.

He is not sure why Henrietta considers black heart to be an important quality. Shiroe is unable to dismiss her praise casually, which troubles him even more.

"Welcome everybody and thank you for coming."

Even so, he needs to say something to Henrietta. When Shiroe was about to speak, a man in a white cape with furry edges who is definitely a noble address Shiroe's group.

(Wah, this is serious... he is the real thing.)

Just as Shiroe was thinking of this, this elderly man who looks like the 'real thing', who is a noble with a short beard and sharp eyes under his silver hair. His muscles lines are obvious because of his advanced age, but his sturdy muscles suggest that he must be active in the battlefield as a young man.

Dark blue shirt and pants with dark brown edges seems to be summer clothes which doesn't look thick or heavy, decorated with several metallic designs and fastened by a belt. He is wearing high class leather books that is black and shiny.

"First time we met, thank you for inviting us, I am the representative of Akiba's governing body 'round table council', known as Crusty."

(Mr Crusty is so graceful and steady, just like a noble.)

Crusty responded smoothly, his expression showing no sign of retreat.

Michitaka introduce himself next, and also seems to be smooth and at ease, in terms of courage, these 2 lead the round table council members in terms of fearlessness. Shiroe think choosing them as representatives was the right choice.

"I am Shiroe, please take care of me."

Thinking about this, Shiroe introduce himself simply. This simple attitude seems to be the opposite of nervous to the others. All present doesn't see them as 'the fearless duo' but as 'the fearless trio', Shiroe did not notice this.

I will introduce myself in detail later, I want to know his identity anyway.)

"I am Sirechair, holding the position of director-general in the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal'.

(So this man is... the man with the most authority in the east.)

Akiba is the largest player city in the Japanese server, but it doesn't mean it is the largest city.

The largest city is the Japanese server is which 'Maihama capital' which is centered around 'grey princess castle'.

In this alternate world, Tokyo has lost its function as a capital.

Compared to the real world Japan with a population of over 100 million people, the alternate world has only 1 percent the populace.

People forms small communities everywhere, building walls to keep out threats, living in shelters like these. It is the same at the border of old tokyo. Including Akiba and this palace, there are remnants of high technology and magical culture in the ruins. A few cities was built using these ruins as a base, the population is too sparse, it is impossible to manage and govern the whole zone.

The kind and gentle human race have lost their place as the main characters in this world, unable to maintain the influential range of ancient times.

Hence, the old capital is separated into several small cities that can defend themselves, with Maihama capital being the biggest.

(The second biggest is Akiba and the player city Shibuya. Sentai have the tower of sunlight, so it is also very big. As for alternate world counterpart for Shinjuku, the game lore says it is destroy by underground giant beast. So the next will be Yokohama and Akakusa which is even far away... that's about it.)

That is the summary of the humans living in the Kanto region.


The elderly noble in front of them, is the ruler of the biggest city in the Kanto region, Maihama capital. There are no cathedral in Maihama capital, so that is not a player city. But apart from that, the trading infrastructure in that city is all in place there, and there are a large variety of quest available there. When Elder Tale was just a game, all mid to high level players have visited it at least once.

The sky gardens and the stairs made from delicate steel pieces leaves a grand impression, and the land mark 'grey princess castle' is said to be the most beautiful, clean and white palace in the whole of Japan server.

Crusty immediately continues the conversation with Sirechair.

Crusty explains the make up of the round table council, how it is made up of senators representing the citizens. He acts as the senate leader, and is happy to be part of this banquet.

"Yes, yes... I understand, put simply, guilds are like nobles with out land, and your council is made up of powerful and influential guilds, governing through mutual consensus? This is a smaller scale of the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', which also gather the nobles to discuss future actions and policies.

"That is correct."

Crusty nods in response to Sirechair's words.

"But if that is the case, hmmm..."

As an elf waitress pass by, Sirechair took a glass from her to drink as he thinks.

"Even if there is a senate leader, giving the title of the noble to just one person will cause unnecessary conflicts?"

"That is the case. If possible, please allow me to decline this offer."

"Hmm, but if this happens, our position will...."

"How about this, can you recognize the 'round table council' itself as the equivalent of a noble, and bestow upon us the right to participate in your meetings? This way, we will be able to participate as equals."

This is Michitaka's suggestion. He has a calm air of an important person as he assist Crusty in convincing this old noble.

(I feels that we have a big generation gap, but it seems to be going well.)

Shiroe remains a step behind, paying attention to the conversation between the three.

Crusty is definitely young, but Michitaka is probably less than 30 in the real world too. But they show no signs of fear or unease talking to the nobles of this world. Even if they fail in their negotiation, Shiroe entering the fray will not be of any help anyway.

"We are drawing a lot of attention."

Henrietta whisper into Shiroe's ear. Shiroe turn his head, and see that a lot more guest has arrived, making the banquet more lively. From previous investigation, 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' is an alliance of 24 cities.

Each city will have one representatives, 2 advisers, 4-5 attendants. Some are bringing their children to debut in the social world, so the total should be a few hundred. From an estimate, about a hundred is present.

The spacious hall is decorated with red and gold, and doesn't feel crowded even with so many people. There are groups chatting all over in the vast hall, with many peeking over here. Shiroe can feel the gaze of the crowd.

(Even so, they are not coming over to chat... because of Sirechair? Or maybe they have decided to do this before hand. Or maybe they are discussing some weird news we don't know about?)

Shiroe thinks slowly.

Just like Shiroe's council do not have all the intelligence regarding the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', they probably also have limited information on round table council as well.

The invitation letter is a good example.

The league have influence over their member cities, should they accept them and join the league? Or they need to be wary and treat them with respect, or they will receive painful punishment? Both organization do not understand each other well enough.

They want intelligence on each other, but they need to be careful when conversing and gathering info, to avoid being taken advantage of.

So they need a longer time to interact.

(Seems like this meeting will be a challenge.)

Shiroe close his eyes and presses his thumb between his brows. Crusty and Michitaka is doing all they can to negotiate, so Shiroe's responsibility is to find any gaps to cut in, but he has no good ideas so far.

Shiroe has put in a lot of effort before the trip to collect intelligence on the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', but that is only from city bars and books. The first hand information of the noble social network rarely flows out to the commoners.

The noise in the hall disappears like a retreating tide, the people near the door separates to either sides. A prominent group appears from the door. In the crowd's gentle expectation and soft chatter, 3 ladies appears with their male escorts.



5

"This is my granddaughter Raynesia, 15 of age this year."

Duke Shirechair squint his eyes.

He reign in his dignity and pride of a noble, replacing with the gentleness of a grandfather.

"You must not be familiar with our customs. When a lady reach a certain age, she will debut in the social world at the banquet. The meeting starting tomorrow will last 10 days, aside from handling all of sorts of issues of the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', this will also be the place for us to socialize... We nobles use the military might and wealth that is accumulated daily to protect our territories, but that is not enough in this harsh world. No, we cannot guarantee that we will always be ready. Compared to swords, money and walls, friends and families would serve better in protecting us and our citizens."

Maybe because he have slightly let down his guard, Sirechair explains the meaning behind the noble social circles to Crusty and Michitaka.

"I understand, we also form organizations like this with guilds, with comrades helping each other like family. Sometimes we will go beyond the invisible lines of a guild and help each other, that is the mission of the round table council."

Michitaka answers.

"There is limits to the power of an individual."

Crusty continues.

These noble and stately words fit right in with this stately occasion.

"You are absolutely right."

Sirechair find their words pleasing and smile in return.

As Michitaka and Sirechair and look towards the main attraction, the 3 young ladies just reach the center stage. The knights lead them gently by the hand, all of them are handsome and manly.

"All of them are beautiful."

Michitaka express his thoughts.

This praise is very merchant-like, Michitaka is glad that he don't need to lie out of courtesy this time.

The beautiful young lady that is stepping forward seems younger than her age of 15. Her slender neck gives others an ethereal impression.

"The one in the middle is my granddaughter Raynesia, the one on the right with green hair is Marquis Racetar's daughter Pulletan from Owly. The girl with fiery red hair is the granddaughter of liberty city Yanton's Lord Sigil. The 3 of them are debuting in the social world this year."

(So that is how it works... The 3 of them are all beautiful young girls who will be ushered into the social world in this way.)

The music resumes under the stares of the crowd.

This should be the first time dancing in front of the crowd. But maybe they have gone through countless practices, their movements are smooth and graceful, although their facial expressions remain stiff.

The gentle string instruments and the new sound of wind instruments give the music more dept. Shiroe finds the music familiar, this is the opening soundtrack when you start up Elder Tale the game.

Only the 10 people in Shiroe's group feels the nostalgia and surprise from the music. As they look at each other, their face is covered in bitter smiles.

At the moment their eyes meet, all of them feels "I am really in an alternate world with no way to leave", a sense of loss. But they cannot give in to emotions here, they have heavy responsibilities to bear.

As the music draws to a close, the princesses curtsy gracefully to thank the crowd.

"Next will be the 2nd piece... Please join us in the dance too."

"Ah?"

Michitaka gives a look of confusion in lieu of a formal question for the aging Sirechair.

"I explained before right? This banquet is a socializing event before the meeting, look around you. Everyone is interested in your group, I'm just taking the lead for them as the representative. But they are on guard because they are not sure on how to socialize with adventurers. If we maintain this status quo, we won't be able to exchange information properly, let alone mutual trust."

The old lord representing 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal' says his piece, his majestic face shows a hint of mischief.

"Everybody wants to enjoy the dance of our guest. The young girl with black hair, how about it?"

Akatsuki who was suddenly questioned jump as if she was shocked by electricity and hide behind Shiroe in a hurry.

"I am the ninja of my lord, ninja are like shadowy body guards, there is no...no...no way I can show myself in public!"

Duke gaze towards Michitaka next, but he has a face with cramps and shake his head:"No no no, I am very clumsy, so not me!"

Michitaka focuses on production, but he has the strength of an adventurer, he is so fast when he shake his head that he leaves after images, looks very funny.

Seems like the best candidate will be Crusty, Shiroe thought with a laugh.


Crusty has the scary nick of a berserker, but he looks intelligent and handsome.

He is best described as an American footballer who has a 'Strong body, talented elite styled glasses wearing gentleman'. His position should be quarter back, a commander who is capable of breaking through the defensive lines himself.

With a muscular body, he looks good in a tuxedo, and has a female companion from the same guild accompanying him.

"It is time for Shiroe to shine."

Before Shiroe can speak, Crusty suggest calmly. Shiroe wants to ask if this is a joke, but Crusty who made the first move has a serious expression.

"I would like to talk with Lord Sirechair for a while, considering Shiroe's talent, what was mentioned just now... I remember, 'this party is like a hunting ground' correct? I hope you can contribute your skills for the sake of the round table council."

(Mr C...Crusty, you did that on purpose right? S...Shit...)

The color is gone from Shiroe's face.

When faced with a high level monster or a grand scale discussion in a meeting, Shiroe can manage to win. But he is a tactician type of person, and prefer to prepare a detailed plan before hand. In other words, he build his battles with tactics that is sure to succeed.

For instance, no matter how hard a problem is, Shiroe will come out with some sort of plan if he have 10 days of prep time. But if he is faced with a request all of a sudden, he will be dumbstruck.

But Crusty who is representing the round table council has official business with the leader of the 'League of Freedom Cities Eastal', so asking Shiroe to cover the dance for him is within reason.

And add in the fact that Crusty and Michitaka have been holding the conversation the whole time while Shiroe did nothing. He was thinking hard on the future plans, but he has not found any good ideas yet. So when he is assigned this task, he can only accept it out of guilt.

(Hai... This is going to be embarrassing.)

Shiroe hang his head in depression. As he raise his head, he sees Henrietta smiling beautifully in front of him.

"Mr Shiroe, being depressed doesn't suit you."

"Even if you say that... This is something I can't do."

Shiroe who have given up sigh hopelessly, but Henrietta shake her index finger like a teacher.

"Guys cannot display their insecurity, even if you have to fake it, even more so for a guild master right? Marielle is slow and dense, putting it simply only her breasts are big... But she understand this rationale."

As she said, Marielle's smile even when things are hard, cheering her members on to this day, Shiroe reflected on his actions.

Using his intellect to consider all details is a good thing, but Shiroe also realize his weakness lies in worrying unnecessarily, or being anxious of the uncertain future.

"I understand, I will reflect on that."

"A good answer, and so... let's give some magic to our good kid Mr Shiroe as a present."

"Ah?"

Henrietta turns gracefully on her toes, extending her silk gloves to him.

"Akatsuki chan? Watch this carefully."

Shiroe touch her fingers as if he has been enchanted, Henrietta take his into hers and lead him to the middle of the dance floor.

(Wait... Miss Henrietta!)

Shiroe think this is too much.

Even if they need to dance, they can choose a place with less people and finish in a low profile manner through one piece of music. Like deep in the corner of the hall, near the southern entrance, there are many places to choose from. The middle of the dance floor should be reserved for the host, main guest or excellent dancers.

"Mr Shiroe, please smile and push out your chest."

"..."

Shiroe swallowed. He feel just as nervous as the meeting that lead up to the formation of the round table council. He experience similar feelings before a PK battle or a big scale raid, but this is a unique sense of fear.

The hall is crowded with people who seems to be observing them and laughing at them. Shiroe is unable to wipe about this delusion.

"Listen to me, maintain this posture, put your hand on my waist... no, higher.. yes, just like supporting me from the back."

"I need to confess, I totally don't know how to dance."

"Ah, listening to your confession in this position will makes me fluster."

Henrietta smile at Shiroe with her head raised.

Probably to complement her dress, Henrietta is not wearing her frame less glasses, her eyes appears to be bigger. Looking at her smile made Shiroe's face red and heart beat faster.

"That is not what I meant, please don't change the subject!"

"Mr Shiroe? You know what is my profession?"

"Aren't you an accountant...ah!

Henrietta lower her gaze to Shiroe's chest, listening carefully to the music and talk softly. She speak so soft that you almost cannot hear it, just like the gentle song of the birds.

Even though she is listening to this waltz for the first time, Henrietta is able to grasp the beat and the predict the timing.

"Okay Mr Shiroe, shall we dance."


Like the bubbles coming out of a champagne bottle, the hall is filled by the music of the 3rd music piece. Henrietta seems to be lost in the melodies as she dance with Shiroe.

Shiroe pump out his chest and support Henrietta by her waist as Henrietta speak gently to him, like flower petals circling in the air and guiding Shiroe.


"Oh right, Miss Henrietta is a bard."

Bard.

This is one of the 12 classes in Elder Tale.

This is a weapon-based class, but compared to the high damage potential of assassins and swashbuckler, it is a support class in Elder Tale.

Support class mainly serve to increase the battle potential of allies and decrease the powers of the enemy in order to gain the advantage in battle. Only Shiroe's enchanter and Henrietta's bard are considered support class in Elder Tale.

Bard's unique feature is the control of music. As you can see from the name, bard have abilities based on music, and can learn many status effects that last for a long time. Most Skills in Elder Tale last between instant and 10 seconds, but bards have many skills that can last for minutes, some are even permanent effects, they are a very unique class.

Henrietta has never taken part in a major raid. Compared to normal battles, players are more stressed and have to fight for a longer period of time. You can really see the value of bards in this situation.

Other then this, bards are not as skillful as assassins and swashbuckler in melee combat, specializing in light weapons like rapiers or arrows.

Weapon attacks do not consume MP. So in long battles, using 'attacks that do not consume MP' together with 'MP efficient long effects skills', their MP to damage efficiency is very high, suitable for long term fighting.

On the other hand, this class is designed for long battles, so its attack, heal and support skills are comparatively low, lacking the ability to break through stalemates with excellent reflexes. When using this class, you need to plan far ahead and predict how the battle will shift in the future, it is a hard class to master.


Henrietta lean into Shiroe in the middle of the dance floor and turns repeatedly with grace.

He did not force Shiroe to move his feet, but takes the initiative in leading him to move. Shiroe grows accustomed to her action slowly.

Their alternate world body is better then their old ones by ten of folds. Even an mage class like Shiroe, compared to his real life body that is addicted to the internet, has an agile and strong body here, just like an athlete.

As Shiroe begin to grasp the feeling with his body, continues to hums a quaver to guide him.

"Mr Shiroe, do you understand?"

"Yes, I get the basics."

Henrietta ask softly while humming the quaver.

C is sweet orange.

D is the color of lemon.

E is yellowish green, F is dark blue.

G is the color of the deep ocean, A is the beautiful purple.

B is the red of the evening sky between day and night.


He don't understand how Henrietta is communicating the musical notes, he also don't know why she can hum while she is speaking. But the colorful notes appears from her chest, dancing like fairies around them before disappearing into the air.

This should be the effect of some skill unique to bards, but the notes and music is synchronized so perfectly, that should be her own talent right? Or any bards is able to do this?

(In simple words...this is like a music game.)

Shiroe is not good at this type of game, but he played it before in the original world. The real world have drums, disc jockey stations and huge consoles with stepping mechanism for gamers to dance.

Compared to these games, the music beat is slower, the steps are simpler. Shiroe concentrates in synchronizing the music with the colorful notes that is flashing in front of Henrietta's delicate face.

"That's right, right step, right forward step... half a turn."

"Yes teacher."

Shiroe laugh in response, Henrietta looks distracted for a moment, but pouted a little. Even tiny interaction like this makes him feel happy.

Ah, it's been so long, listening to music is fun, I haven't exercised for quite a while, Shiroe thought.

Internet TV, podcast, MP3, the music that is always around him, because it is so prevalent and free, he forgot how special music was.

Music is very special.

It doesn't exist in nature, it is a man made discovery.

This experience is similar to food, you only know how good it is after you lose it. Everybody has forgotten about music in this period of time, but bards continues to play their song, Shiroe is thankful for the beautiful lady in front of him.

"Since you have the found the heart to tease me, can you straighten your back, we are the center of attention in this hall alright? We need to dance as gracefully as feathers... Because Mr Shiroe is our tactician that is darker than black."

But Henrietta did not know how to interpret Shiroe's smile, and adopts the attitude of a teacher to warn him.

Shiroe focus on straightening his back, being aware of Henrietta in his arms. He lift his left hand to avoid unnecessary actions, leading the dance with his fingertips.

Shiroe and Henrietta danced elegantly.

The music sound clearer then before, his body moves naturally to the melody, his feet and Henrietta move in sync with the beat of the music up and down the dance floor in beautiful steps.

His heart is at ease, the scene of the hall which was just a background fill his eyes.

The dancers around them move like flower petals, lost in the music of the performers.

There are countless pair of eyes on them, the soft conversation of the guest saying 'seems like we can't underestimate these plebian bumpkins' can be heard clearly.


"So, let's go another round to shut them up?

"Understood... my lady."

Shiroe and her starts to dance with to the tune of the new music piece.


Chapter 1 end.