Log Horizon Book 6 chapter 4

Book version



Chapter 4: Mare Tranquilli




1



The lines start to move as if they was shoved from behind.

Akatsuki lost track of her thoughts as she is pushed along with the moving crowd. The petite Akatsuki walks briskly in the giant intersection in a gloomy mood.

There are tall black shadowy figures all around her moving with the flow. She heard a car horn from nearby, probably a horn of frustration in a traffic jam. No one seems to mind the sharp metallic noise.

Akatsuki wonders if she is the only one who is intimidated by this sound. Akatsuki thinks that it will be nice if someone do something about this, but that has never happened before. The human wall moving around her is intimidating. Salary man, office lady, students. People of all ages and occupation are moving along mechanically.

Some of them are speaking loudly. They chat with a cell phone in their face, talking about their business. The sound on them lecturing their subordinate made Akatsuki flinch. There are also sweet voices of people agreeing to go on a date. Akatsuki knows the lady speaking honeyed words into her phone is not even smiling.

She just knows. She can't see the expression of the people around her. In this chaotic flow of people, Akatsuki can't make out the faces of anyone. There is not enough space and she can't tell even if she lifts her head.

She was hurried along pushed by the crowd. She moves along bearing a frightened, frustrated and gloomy mood.

The streets are bustling with noise. She can hear the siren of a emergency vehicle in the distance; The horns of cars' The exhaust pipe that sounds like angry beast. People talking on their cell phone forms an unending chorus of sound. The neon lights and the music playing to different beats merges together, the human traffic is just like a weird tasting pizza sauce.

Akatsuki walks on with her head down, unable to understand the content of the music and conversations in the air. It is a mixture pressuring her ears, she can catch bits conversations, but it is washed away by the torrent of information. That's right, this is a violent flood. Akatsuki did not drown because she knows how to shut off her mouth, ears and eyes. But she is still being washed away with the muddy flow like the others who are drowning.

The torrent of humans forces Akatsuki to climb the slope along the railings below the building. Where are all these people going? This place full of buildings made from concrete and glass goes high up into the heavens, and the people goes in and out of these buildings. Just like a giant alien swallowing and vomiting the torrent of people, the buildings stands tall in the streets. Akatsuki and the crowds are moving in order for the buildings to devour them, and exit just to be eaten by another building.

An evergreen tree planted here is covered by brown dust. It seems to be saying 'this building is owned by an environmentally friendly organization', and planting this tree is just a decorative alibi of their efforts. Although Akatsuki wasn't fall and got trampled on in the streets, but she still has to endure the crowd pushing her along 8760 hours a year, tormenting beyond salvation. Akatsuki merely glance at the tree before moving on. She is moving as fast as the black imposing crowd around her, following the pace of everyone living in the city in order to survive. You will fall out from society if you disrupt the pace.

The asphalt goes on endlessly in Akatsuki's eyes. In the view of Akatsuki who is keeping her head down, the asphalt surface suffering the blows of all kinds of shoes is the main character. The rain last night should have wash it clean, but the tired road is full of disposable chopsticks, unknown posters, plastic bags, silver wrappings and key chain that is bloated with muddy water. These should be things she saw for the first time, Akatsuki can't confirm before the crowd tramples on them. But there is one item that keeps appearing on the road.

This plastic bag used to hold merchandise purchased from the shops, but it has lost its purpose and is merely trash now. This piece of garbage that is trampled by the crowd is indistinguishable from another tattered plastic bag that appears 5 minutes later. Everyone will just see it as trash, including Akatsuki.

The flow by in a rush, but seems as slow as a snail too. The burst of advertisement music like a sudden storm slices away at Akatsuki's time, controlling Akatsuki's life with its rhythm. But she is not so busy she can't think about things. The time that is being cut into smaller portions which leaves no space for reading or playing, so it is spent on accomplishing small things.

For the people around her the time is used to talk loudly on their cell phone, or waste money on their smart phones games lethargically. Akatsuki who is not interested in these actions reflects on herself in these short amount of time she has, enduring wasting her time like this. Her angry emotions freezes over time and turns into self loath. Living her life after dividing her time into the smallest denomination is not living life like a human. Akatsuki feels she is no different from livestock. The proof is that she lack the means to escape from this place.

The crowd stop as one, they reached a traffic light. When all the lights blinks red several time, it means they can cross either normally or diagonally. The herd of cars screech past Akatsuki as if they are being hunted. Akatsuki knows the next traffic light is 50m away in the inner city. Even if the light is green, they will still need to stop at the next junction. The driver accelerates pumping out smoke from the exhaust pipe because he can't stand waiting this short distance seems weird to Akatsuki. It is probably a secret that Akatsuki who can't drive can't comprehend.

Akatsuki who is mindlessly watching the cars that detest gaps on the road sneezed. She realized she has been sneezing since reaching this street and rubs her nose. She regrets immediately after rubbing. She can't shake this unfeminine habit no matter how hard she tries. Akatsuki keeps sneezing because of the sour exhaust gas of the cars.

Akatsuki moves faster in an attempt to move ahead of the crowd. Although it is walking, but it is more of a jog for Akatsuki.

She suddenly wonders where she needs to go. She should have a destination after squeezing with the crowd, and is definitely meeting with someone. Arriving at the appointed time, making plans to go somewhere. That's right... They are going to some place. A place of learning. Should be a college. But this goal vanishes from Akatsuki's heart for some reason.

The sense of disappointment came faster than the feeling of confusion. In this street that is like a manufacturing line, she don't have a destination, her heart and soul is being crushed by this sense of unease. Laughter; the sounds of advertisement cars; the screech of cars braking; the sound of the train in Yamato line passing by. The pain is stuck in her throat, her vision becomes blurry. Akatsuki wants to stop, but she push herself on so she won't impede others. Passing by the blinking signal lights, walking pass the convenience stores. Turning the corner at the bank, she moves forward, forward, forward in the crowd. Going somewhere that is not here. Maybe everyone is just like that plastic bag, moving without a destination. Just like Akatsuki who can be simply replaced by someone else. But Akatsuki is the only proof that Akatsuki existed. It is fine even if this example cannot be proven.

Before she knows it, she is running up a flight of stairs. The stairwell reminds her of a lonely apartment building. Although it is a place she is familiar with, it lacks substance, Akatsuki just can't remember where she have seen it. The important thing right now for Akatsuki is to climb up the stairs as fast as she can. This is not an enjoyable experience, she simply wants to get away from this place.

She is not sure what she is running from, but she knows she will be capture if she hesitate and think about it. It was probably the plastic bag. Being trampled on mercilessly, wet, sticky and tattered. It is sticking on her back, wrong, it is sticking to her sole as she climbs the stairs, making 'sha sha' noises. But there is no such sound if she listen carefully. She is wrong about the bag being stuck on her. But why is Akatsuki rushing so hastily, not daring to look at her feet? The disgusting pressure stick into her spine like ice needles.

The lack of oxygen stops her brain from thinking as she is unable to breath. Even if she knows this is wrong, she can't prove it since she don't know the correct answer. After reaching the top of the stairs, she use her momentum to heads for the next flight of stairs as she ascends the stairwell. She run like a rat on a wheel, giving her a sense of futility. She hear the sound of concrete being drilled somewhere and is running as if she is hating the concrete stairs itself. But she has to climb up the stairs in order to escape. This is a viscious cycle.

After climbing dozens or maybe hundreds flights of stairs, Akatsuki realize this is not a stairwell. Her feet sinks into wet concrete with the texture of glue. Akatsuki miss a step and fell together with the rest of the crowd. The horn of a car; the noise of advertisement; incomprehensible murmurs of conversation. Akatsuki fell into the abyss of howling wind and is certain she saw the plastic bag again.



2


Smooth white beach.

Clear blue skies.

The blue endless sea that looks like part of a water color palette, with ripples everywhere.


Akatsuki is walking alone on the beach.

The only person strolling on the vast coastline that is unique in the winter.

The sound of the sands crumbling at her feet makes her fearful.


She lowers her head and sees her feet taking another step

She left another footprint in the pure untainted white beach.

Looking at the shadow flying far far away, that is probably a seagull.


Splash, splash.

She can hear faint footsteps in her ears as well as the blue waves washing up the beach.

She pull her coat closer because of the chill and continues to walk.

She took her time, there is no need to hurry.


The sun reflected from the sea get in her eyes when she raise her head.

The winter sun doesn't bring warmth, just blinding lights.

Quiet footfalls and the tiny set of foot prints extends out like a tiny chain.

Whenever her bare feet touches the blue sea, the shiny particles dissipates.


Akatsuki don't know where this is, but she has completely calmed down.

This is not her destination, but it is a safe haven.

Strolling along the quiet beach is an enjoyable experience that put you at ease.


She don't know how far she needs to travel.

She tried soaking her feet in the deep blue waters and twirl around in a circle.

She attempts to leave footprints close together like the dance of a bee.

Because she is alone, Akatsuki does all these with a serious face.

She tried expressing her joy with a smile.

Akatsuki's faithful footprints follows Akatsuki where ever she goes.

She feels so happy that she wants to include all these in her diary.


She squint her eyes to look into the distance, a person appears in Akatsuki's field of vision.

A tall figure swaying his body as he looks at the ocean with a troubled look.

Akatsuki is surprised by how light her body is, and realize she is running.

The distance that seems far is much shorter than she imagined, she is close with just a few steps and slow her pace.

She is not the type that will throw her whole body out to embrace others.

But she still follows her feeling of affection to raise her head to look at that figure.


Shiroe smiles when he noticed Akatsuki.

Shiroe who is always wearing a bitter and sullen expression is smiling like this, making Akatsuki feel so satisfied.

A bit shy, shining brightly and embarrassed.

After a moment of hesitation, Shiroe who is smiling with squinting eyes acknowledges Akatsuki with a look and starts walking along the beach.

Akatsuki walks with him akin to chasing the hems of his coat.

Shiroe is consciously taking it slow.

Shiroe remains silent just like Akatsuki besides him.

The echoes of the wind and the sound of the tides adds to the beauty of the scene.

The two of them are hesitant to disturb this serenity.


(My lord's hands are big.)

Akatsuki thinks as she looks at Shiroe who brush his hair and adjust his glasses a couple of times.

She increase her pace as she looks at these pairs of hands stick into the coat pockets.

No, it is better to slow down.

Slowing down will give Akatsuki an excuse to tug at the hem of his coat.

Akatsuki pouts as she thinks of this.

But she doesn't look upset.

Akatsuki hides her expression, twirling along the coastline.

She must be smiling as she stretches her coat the color of caramel

Shiroe stops, turning back to look at Akatsuki.

The two of them once again stroll on the beach that is like fine sugar. She knows the sand is changing its shape under their feet. She don't mind the chilly breeze brushing across their cheeks. There is a warmth flowing in her body.

For Akatsuki, everything about this is precious and enjoyable. Shiroe's oversized boots sinks into the sand. Akatsuki feels happy looking at the footprint that is deeper than hers. Shiroe looks cute when the occasional strong wind makes his coat flutters.

Although Akatsuki wants to try putting her hand into the pocket that is 5 times larger than her palm, it is too embarrassing for her. As a replacement, just looking at the Shiroe and her footprints on the beach is enough to satisfy her.


The cold speck that fell on her nose surprised Akatsuki

The pure white snow flakes are falling silently.

It melts the instance it touches her fingers, before she can feel its chill.

It's snowing.

Akatsuki looks up to convey this to Shiroe. Shiroe smiles and nods, so Akatsuki knows there is no need to report this.

Shiroe helps Akatsuki wears the hood of her coat and continues walking.

She is not tired at all, but it feels like she have walked for a long while.

The sky gradually becomes transparent as it turns a darker shade of blue and shines like a gem.

The light from the water surface seems even brighter as the white snow flakes slowly falls in.

"I didn't think it will be this quiet."

Shiroe comments quietly and stops.

The 2 of them has reached a cove before they realized it.

"Yeah"

Akatsuki answered.

She wanted to respond more emotionally and with more feminine charm, but she can't think of a good way to do that. Shiroe doesn't seem to mind as he gaze out at the sea as dusk approaches.

Clang.

Clang.

A sound similar to giant crystals colliding.

It appears to be a signal from the other end of the boundless ocean.

Suddenly, Akatsuki is aware of something, but it was gone the moment it hits her.

Something that is not Akatsuki brushes across her heart.

Even though it does not belong to Akatsuki, but this sense of loss fills her with sorrow.

A large hand rest on her upper arm gently. Akatsuki knows Shiroe is feeling the same thing. His expression is serious but not stern.

Shiroe pulls out a penknife and push out the blade. He cuts off a part of his fringe awkwardly. The cut off hair shines strangely, numbering less than a bunch.

Akatsuki receives the knife from Shiroe and shave a small part of hair from her ponytail just like Shiroe did. She don't know why she did it, but she understand in her heart this is necessary.

They walk into the clear blue water and scatter the hair into the sea.

The sound of crystal colliding came from somewhere as if to acknowledge the receipt of something and the snow that don't feel cold flies all around them.

Akatsuki understands these specks are the memories of everyone.

Death doesn't rob people of their memories, it is the people who offers their memories for the chance to live again. Even if she doesn't recall, deep in her heart is the desire to rise again, that's what Akatsuki knows.

"Amazing."

Shiroe's comments softly, Akatsuki feels the same.

How much memory does these flying snow flakes contains?

How many people made new resolutions on this beach?

The vast quantity and weight makes Akatsuki dizzy.

Akatsuki believe that this is not a privilege or her rights, but unbelievable luck.

Shiroe being beside her is also her luck.

"Did you fell, Akatsuki?"

Akatsuki ponders Shiroe's word for a moment and nods.

I am already dead.

Hit by the demonic blade of the murderer.

But that doesn't matter.

It doesn't mean everything is fine if she can respawn at the cathedral. Akatsuki fought out of her own will and fell. No regrets.

But she recalls the memory of the Akatsuki that fell. Memories of rushing out from Raynesia's residence into the sky; something important Soujiro conveyed to her; the determined profile of the Kannagi that was protecting Soujiro; something elegant and serious she learned from Rieze, Henrietta and the other girls she met at the tea party.

... And it ends.

What is this 'something'?

Akatsuki can only describe it as 'something'.

She didn't improve after experiencing that battle.

She regret not understanding anything and is sorry about it. But she can't do anything but cry.

She touched something important. She finally noticed. But she don't know what 'something' is or what needs to be done. She knows it is something priceless, but she can't use it even though it is a gift.

Akatsuki wants to explain it to Shiroe.

She wants to tell Shiroe she found something precious and beautiful.

There is something important here. She can't confirm its existence, but it is gifted to her.

But she can't put it into words since she is not sure what 'something' is.

Her heart is full of pain and regret as tears flow from Akatsuki's eyes.

She can't express it to Shiroe in words. Akatsuki sense that she has hurt this important thing. She is afraid that her incompetence might limit the value of this present.

There is definitely something there.

In the eyes of Raynesia.

In Soujiro's fearless smile.

Death doesn't mean failure. To lose something that was at her finger tips, that is Akatsuki's failure.

No, it was right in front of her from the very beginning, If that is the case, the Akatsuki that did not notice this is made up of a series of failures. She knows this is true without needing anyone to point it out.

Once again, Akatsuki cries at her own incompetence. That is why she died without accomplishing anything.


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

Akatsuki raise her head when she felt a hand patting her. Shiroe looks troubled and smiles gently. Akatsuki knows Shiroe is worried about her. His self mocking smile is the expression Akatsuki's guild master wears when talking to her.

"You too my lord?"

"Yeah."

They fell into silence.

Shiroe stroke Akatsuki's head, thinking with a troubled look on what to say. Akatsuki is fine with this awkward side of Shiroe, but Shiroe is concerned about that.

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

His speech is not showing weakness, but a form of self reflection.

"I'm not sure."

Akatsuki replies in an equally strong manner.

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

This sentence follows after countless snow flakes has fallen.

Akatsuki is surprised.

This is weird indeed. It's been a while since she met Shiroe.

Speaking of which, she wants to see Shiroe.

Very much.

She wants Shiroe to pat her head.

She remembers that she wish for Shiroe's compliments.

That is why this is a strange reunion.

They actually met in this place.

She didn't have time to think about it until now.

Encountering Shiroe here is such a weird experience.

Akatsuki is not sure, but she sense that this is not a normal place. She is thankful for this miraculous coincidence.

"Right. My lord, this is strange."

She reminiscence the beach they stroll on and the deep blue sea.

In the bright scenery that has been bleached white, she can see Shiroe turning back to face her.

She rush over and lift her head, a large hand carrass her face.

It's just a coincidence.

But this coincidence is a blessing for Akatsuki.

She has no other wishes.

That thing Akatsuki is unable to get, will definitely be lying in wait within her reach.

But there should countless such existence out there, in the dark corners Akatsuki has yet to notice. In the smiles she miss because she wasn't looking for it.

The luck in your hands will make one arrogant. You won't think the luck you don't have ever existed. Be it luck, encounters or assistance, they are lurking in all kinds of places waiting for Akatsuki to discover.

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

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

Akatsuki grabs Shiroe's coat tightly.

Just like the feeling of sand crumbling under their feet, Akatsuki sense that this memory will be left behind.

That's why she grabs on tightly even though it might crease the coat.

She will be separated from Shiroe again, she doesn't say anything and clasp the coat strongly. But her wish is in vain as the endless sand dunes and it's light glows brighter.

The sound of the ebbing tides fades along with the offered hair, taking some memories with it.

Following this, the surrounding turns into the dark blue sky and Akatsuki fell.



3


It's okay.

The lingering sensation in Akatsuki's palm made her smile.

It's okay.

She can still feel the rough fabric from earlier.

It's okay.

When Akatsuki opens her eyes, her small hand is clenched as if she is holding on to something.

Akatsuki knows her memories are crumbling like the sand. Lying on the hard stone bed with tears on her cheeks, her memories of her dream are fading.

Akatsuki clenches her hand and wipe away her tears, attempting to wipe away the guilt and loneliness she felt in her dreams.

Akatsuki sits up on the simple marble bed.

For some reasons, she feel as if she went through some incredible place.

Serene, lonely, gentle and translucent place.

Akatsuki journeyed there, encountered, awakened and stood up again.

She sense that she had an important conversation she wanted to take with her.

She can still feel something in her hand. Probably, the sensation of a fabric. It fades away with the bits of gentleness she felt. Akatsuki wills with all her might to stop memories of her dream from vaporizing, but she knows it is in vain.

The chime of the crystals fades off into the distant.

But she brought one crucial thing back with her.

She successfully brought the most important thing back with her.


Akatsuki checks for any missing equipment.

She carefully get up from bed.

This is her first death since the Apocalypse.

From her knowledge of Elder tales and the rumors on the street, Akatsuki knows she will lose some EXP and memories when she respawn. She don't know what she had forgotten.

Things about Log horizon, Shiroe and everyone is still intact. Memories of the old world, her family, her childhood, she can roughly recall all of it.

If she tries to recollect the details, she might find something missing. But that will take a lot of time.

It is the same with her EXP loss, she doesn't feel much different from before. The EXP loss is not large enough for her to lose levels. According to the rumours, that will make you feel lethargic. But Akatsuki can't tell whether her stiffness is from losing EXP or from sleeping on a hard marble bed. In other words, that's the extent of her discomfort.

She looks around her, this is the inside of the cathedral.

The white marble room has several marble beds, the walls are decorated with simple carvings.

This is the cathedral of Akiba. Akatsuki has memories of respawning in this place when Elder Tales was a game a few times. Akatsuki starts walking as she adjust her Kodachi on her waist.

There is so much to do.

As she walk down the corridor, she raise her gaze and sees the winter sun gradually rising through the clouds. The battle started at midnight, so respawning took half a day? No, that's not it. She probably continued to sleep on the marble bed because after she respawned, relaxed from the tension of battle. That's probably why she is aching all over.

Akatsuki looks around the cathedral that is bigger than it appears from the outside as she walks.

There are things she have to do.

There are things she must do.

She can't give up even after losing the first time. Akatsuki realize how lazy she was. She wants to give her all in battles. She thinks she work harder than others. That's just deceiving herself. Just excuses. There is so much more she can do. Akatsuki has been avoiding things that has to be done. She only focus on the things she prefer to do, and think that is working hard.

Akatsuki makes up her mind to move forward as she walks pass the stained glass of the cathedral.

From Akatsuki's field of vision, the streets of Akiba should be right down these wide stairs.

But an unexpected scenery awaits her.


"Are you alright? Does it hurts anywhere?"

Akatsuki's sight is enveloped in darkness when she hesitated a moment and was bear hugged. Henrietta twirls around as she rub her face on Akatuski and says 'so cute~'. No matter how petite, it is a feat to lift a grown woman up, thanks to the strength of an adventurer. But Henrietta didn't seem to care.

"I was thinking that it's about time for you to wake up."

Rieze who is leaning on the stair railing commented. Behind her, Raynesia who is wrapped in thick furry clothes lowers her head apologetically. Standing behind them is a lady with fox ears crossing her arms and smiling confidently. She was the Kannagi from West wind brigade who fought that night.

"..."

Akatsuki is speechless.

She knows her expression is becoming serious and gloomy.

It's not that she dislike everyone.

She is reaping what she sow. Til now, she doesn't have any close friends of the same age and gender, she don't know what to say.

But she knows in her heart there is something she has to do. From the dream that is lost to Akatsuki, this is the only thing she brought back. She grabs the hand Henrietta placed on her stomach. She face the stunned Henrietta, Rieze, fox ear lady and the troubled Raynesia.

Landing on her feet, Akatsuki lowers her head.

"I know this is rude to say this, but I have a request for everyone. Please teach me about Overskill. I want to apprehend that murderer."

The surprised fox ear lady and Henrietta standing behind Akatsuki gasps. Raynesia wears a pained expression.

"Mr Soujiro is using Over skill right, Miss Nazuna?"

"Yeah. That's right."

"But, that won't work."

"Indeed."

In response to Rieze's query, the fox ear lady full of adult charm called Nazuna answered.

"Despite it not working, why are you still seeking the Over skills?"

Rieze turns the conversation back to Akatsuki.

Akatsuki bit her lips.

She can't explain it well. Everyone must be thinking she is being willful for seeking Over skills. Even through her chest is full of regret, she is unable to think of any other explanation.

"Miss Akatsuki."

At this point, her eyes met Rieze.

The girl about Akatsuki's age stares at Akatsuki with a plain expression.

Akatsuki still can't believe she is a core member of a large guild. The lady known as Nazuna, Raynesia, even Henrietta all did their best interacting with others within their social group while fulfilling their duties.

Akatsuki makes her decision. If she back off now, she won't improve. She could just do all she can, fail and comfort herself by saying she tried her best. But there are battles she don't want to lose, Akatsuki knows there are times like that in her life. No matter who she has to beg, no matter how pitiful she acts, there is still obstacles she wants to overcome.

"I want to terminate that murderer."

Akatsuki says with resolve, but her conversational skills are mediocre..

"Not just Over skills. If you have any way of stopping that man, please tell me. Please bear with my willfulness this time."

"You think you can win?"

The question was asked by Nazuna in a lukewarm tone. The healer from West wind brigade who supported Soujiro til the very last moment. She is a Kannagi with long black hair and wears her Kimono sloppily. Akatsuki answers immediately.

"I don't know. But it won't end even if we defeat him ... If we don't go to the extend of terminating him, it won't end. That's how I feel, we can't let this go on."

Akatsuki continues as if she leaves behind the frustration of being unable to convey her thoughts properly.

She hates her awkward self.

"If my lord is here, he will be able to do it... So, we have to do this."

Questioning eyes pierce Akatsuki.

They are wondering about the words 'If Shiroe is here'.

Even though she steeled herself, Akatsuki is still stammering and hesitant.

"... Right now, my lord in Akiba."

This is the secret Akatsuki and Log horizon has been hiding.

Shiroe is not here. Being buried in endless work to run the round table council is a lie. Shiroe is probably doing things only Shiroe can accomplish. But she don't know what it is. But Shiroe requested Akatsuki to stay behind to guard the base.

That's why Akatsuki has to protect everyone from the crisis that Shiroe can manage.

That's her promise to him.

"Miss Nazuna is asking whether you can win."

Facing Rieze's question, Akatsuki grows timid.

She can't promise such things.

There's no guarantee.

Please don't make her promise such things.

"... I can't do this alone. That's why I need others to help me. Please, help me."

This is an unbearable torment for Akatsuki. This way of saying is akin to admitting she is still an incompetent child, as painful as cutting her skin. The curse like sensation grows in her heart, lamenting the limited capability of her petite body.

But Shiroe made a similar request in front of Akatsuki before.


Akatsuki is surprised by the warmth of Henrietta's hands who hugs her from behind. Nazuna smiles sheepishly without a word.

"I knew it will come to this when Souji says he will not meddle with this. There are so many stubborn people at Shiroe's side, birds of a feather do flock together."

"I can only give you half credit. From the view of the training corps, there is a need for 3 more sessions of extra training. There are 8 sets of Over skill uncovered by my guild... Permission has been granted from my lord. They will be taught to Akatsuki."

The blonde girl announce gently.

"Me too, there is something I have to do."

The silent Raynesia nods and says with a pale face.

"... Really, I didn't expect to act like a middle schooler after coming to Serdesia."

With the soft sigh of Rieze, the mini raid party is formed.

For Akatsuki, this is a huge step forward.



4


Mikakage takes small bites from her rice ball.

The take out meal from Attachment rice ball house is popular in Rod Lab. Statistics wasn't compiled properly, but the words from the grapevine suggest half the lunch in this guild came from Attachment rice ball house.

Behind Mikakage is a people of the land young girl wearing a triangle head scarf with excellent service. She is giving out rice balls along with take out receipt, her shoulder length hair and variety of expression making her look cute. Her name is Kaede.

Attachment rice ball house is operated by 20 odd people of the land, but 5 of them are idolized by others because of their cuteness. They are so popular in Rod Lab that a fan club was started. Kaede and Kuderya is vying for the top spot on the popularity listing, Mikakage recalls seeing her posters in the science building.

(No, now is not the time to think about all this. That's not important.)

Mikakage frowns and eat her rice ball.

She don't have the leisure to think about the popularity rankings of female bento clerks.

Mikakage is one of the people causing this commotion. But she is not responsible for this. Mikakage is simply reporting the results of the survey and the possibility in the future, so she don't need to take responsibility. But it still makes her gloomy.

Mikakage offers the rice ball to her tiny plant fairy companion who is climbing up her thigh, the Aruraune Ellie. The Aruraune holds the rice ball with her round hands and take big bites out of it. Mikakage looks around her after being healed emotionally by this soothing scene.


This semi circle conical shape hall is an auditorium.

About 80% of it is occupied.

At lunch time, majority of the participant will take their meal from their bag and open the rice ball delivery packaging.

Normally, there should be more people going outside or to the cafeteria to eat, but because of the contents of the day, there are less people opting to do that.

There are meetings in the morning and the afternoon, but the morning meeting is closer to being a research presentation. It will probably be the same in the afternoon.

The guild members sees Rod Lab to be an organization like a college, so its meeting is akin to graduate research presentation.

There is a heavy atmosphere in the auditorium.

It is not a bright mood. Everyone seems deflated. But rather than simple disappointment, there is a feeling of excitement brewing in their hearts. You can see specialized groups discussing in low voices wherever you look.

There are also groups with members of different specialization conversing together.

That's how shocking the announcement in the morning is.

"This is probably a good thing"

Her collegue Aomori comments with a mouthful of rice.

"Is this really a good thing?"

"Ermm... Maybe?"

Mikakage nods vaguely and respond half heartedly to Aomori.

It's hard to say it is a bad thing.


In the morning, Mikakage gave a presentation.

In Rod Lab, there are several presentations events every month. It is the same for the gourmet department Mikakage is in. But the presentation is usually held in the form of food tasting session. Mikakage expended all her energy in the morning presentation.

As a chef, Mikakage seldom does presentation in the form of hard data, and is not accustomed to long hours of academic discussion. This is a heavy burden on the chef Mikakage, and she resents her colleague who stuff this work to her in her heart.

She kicks Aomori away, steals a piece of fried chicken and feed it to Ellie.

"What are you doing?"

"Ellie~ is it good?"

The introverted Ellie did not reply, biting into the chicken. Mikakage relax as she watches her cute familiar.


Even adventurers who don't have the subclass of chef are gradually able to cook.

That's the gist of Mikakage's report.

There are 2 ways of preparing food in this world right now.

The first is using the game menu. Using the ingredients listed in your crafting recipe you 'learned', you can cook using the game menu while standing besides cooking appliances. By choosing the things you want to cook from the game menu, it will be made.

No matter what cuisine it is, the cooking time is always 10 seconds.

There is a big advantage in using this method. The first is cooking time. Be it stew or fermented food, they all takes 10 seconds.

Another advantage is the amount of ingredients that is consumed. The maximum number of ingredients used for crafting items is 5, which includes seasoning. Take potato and beef for instance, the ingredients are potato x3, Beef x1, strong soy sauce x1. There are no onions or carrots, not even seasoning spices. But the finished products appears to have these ingredients included, appearing out of nowhere.

Of course there is major disadvantage. The crafted product, no matter what ingredients or menu you use, all taste like soggy crackers. You can't really tell whether they have any taste. It texture is like chewing soft energy bar, unappetizing.

Another way is to cook manually by hand.

To cook using the methods of the old world. They are not restricted by the crafting menus, totally dependent on the recipe the chef comes up with. The ingredients to make the food are all necessary, and things won't appear out of nowhere. The freshness of the ingredients will also affect the completeness of the cuisine. This means the same logic as the real world applies.

But for both methods, the main difference from the real world is the need for the one cooking to have the chef subclass. Another feature is the importance of the chef level when making food through either methods.

If you cook using the menu, the chance of success in making dishes will be low if your chef level does not meet the prerequisite.

For manual cooking, there is no way to tell what is the prerequisite level to make food, but complicated cooking involving steaming or frying will have a high chance of failure.

Failing in either method will result in the ingredients turning into burnt debris or mysterious paste, just like the game.

Adventurers without the chef subclass will fail no matter what food they try to make. No matter how skilled you were on earth, you can't even make salad in this world. This is now common knowledge after the Apocalypse.


But this common knowledge is losing ground.

Even adventurers without the chef subclass is able to do simple seasoning or cut up the ingredients. They are able to make salads now.


Why is that so? They are not sure.

They don't know anything about the Apocalypse in the first place, the meaning behind this change is also unclear.

It is easy to tell that this will have huge repercussions.

Even chef like Mikakage are unable to tell when this change came about. The Round table council discovered the restriction of crafting items in the early days. That's how the Round table council was founded in the first place.

Rod Lab became a gathering of people with similar subclass because of this. Mikakage is surrounded by other chefs. Including Mikakage, all members have very high level. It is common knowledge that meals are made by the chef members of a guild or brought from other chefs.

That's why no one is sure when this change came about.

According to the survey of the gourmet department of Rod Lab, about half the adventurers are able to make salads with decent chance of success. Even those who failed comments that it feels different from before.

They are able to confirm the phenomenon is happening.

But they are unable to tell whether this is the result of the unconscious effort put in by individuals, the increase in capabilities of adventurers, or a loophole in the game restriction. They also determined this is happening to the people of the land as well. Even the plant fairy Ellie can do it too.


The frightening thing about this is that it is not only restricted to cooking.

For example, the constructor subclass focus on construction, while furniture are made by carpenters, these are fixed according to the rules of Elder Tales.

But after the presentation in the morning, other reports similar to Mikakage's department findings are starting to surface.

Construction and crafting are not techniques modern men are familiar with, unlike cooking, so there is a smaller sample size for them to go by. But from few cases that have been confirmed, there is enough experimental data to shake the foundation of the theories they have built to this day.

Mikakage is not the only one who is shaken.

Be it Aomori or other friends in the auditorium, all the members of Rod Lab sense some form of premonition.


Mikakage raise her gaze when she sense the hall quieting down.

The members in the hall focus on Roderick standing on the podium. The people who are stuffing themselves with rice balls and sandwiches during lunch hour look at Roderick with a puzzled expression.

Wearing a shabby white lab coat, the usually calm and relaxed Roderick addresses the hall while scratching his head with a tired look.

"Ah... Sorry for interrupting your lunch, but the long awaited experimental results are finally out. Starting from this afternoon, we will need to shift our focus, so let me say a few words. Lunch will be extended another hour. And to by changing gears, I mean we will be shifting our focus to developing countermeasures."

Hearing this announcement caused an uproar in the auditorium.

Going as far as to research countermeasures, this is half the reason the people in the hall was shocked. The other half is because the cautious Roderick decides to play an active role in this matter.

"It's fine to listen to me while you eat. There are 3 things I need to announce. I will start with the appearance reset potion and its difference from the game world. According to various case studies... or rather, base on all the cases, there has been report that your personality will be affected by your body, but it seems that the voice will be affected too. It's not certain if this has something to do the vocal cords structure of the body, but adventurers with female bodies will gradually sound more feminine. This is so even for players who are male in the old world."

The untimely sound of a pen dropping onto the floor marks the end of this statement.

The auditorium is so quiet that the pen dropping seems so loud.

"Next is the studies on optics... Ah, regarding this, we have not confirmed the results yet. We can't be certain even if we measured again. Even so, I think this is an established fact. The distance between Akiba and Mount Fuji is growing. Meaning the distance between any two places are getting larger."

This report is like a bolt out of the blue for all those present.

"Excuse me..."

A craftsmen raised his hand timidly. Roderick acknowledge this question which is asking on everyone's behalf.

"Is this happening everywhere? Does that mean that Yamato... is expanding?"

"That's our hypothesis."

Roderick's response made everyone gasps.

"One last thing, this is the result of a study commissioned by an external source... The flavor text describing the background of an item, has been found to be effective for some tested items."

Mikakage was dumbstruck.

Flavor text has significant effects? Wheat does this mean?

Take a magic weapon for example. 'Attack +5%, additional flame damage 180~216, STR +15'. This is the magical prowess of the weapon. Able to provide additional powers to normal weapons, strengthening them.

In contrast, flavor text will go something like this. 'The flaming spear is gifted to the excellent knights of the ancient Westlande army. The decorative flame dragon tooth is embedded with the hidden flame prowess. It is said that Logger Zari used this spear to inspire his men.' The text describes the feature and origin of the items. You can read this information by appraising items, but it has no influence in the game, just adding some lore to let players immerse in the world of Elder Tales.

Flavor text only exist to provide some entertainment for the masses.

They have no effects. That's why they are called flavor text. That's all.

But what if they are in effect?

Mikakage is not able to grasp what this might mean.

Because she don't understand, she looks towards Aomori.

Aomori don't know either and stares back at Mikakage.

Most of the people in the auditorium are looking at each other.

Roderick close his eyes and let out a sigh. It is time to bring up the pressing issues, and the members are prepared for it.


"These are not independent phenomenon. It is not a coincidence for all these to happen in this same period of time. This means we have to treat this as one big incident. Right now, this world is going through a major change. The Apocalypse has not ended. I propose we collate data on a grand scale."

Roderick's speech stunned every single member in the auditorium.

Most of the citizens of Akiba doesn't knows about this phenomenon yet.



5


Akatsuki and Raynesia sit side by side in the bustling office.

In front of them are Rieze and Henrietta. Many maids are walking around busy with work while Nazuna is eating A strawberry Daifuku lazily.

Akatsuki who was brought back straight from the cathedral was told to eat both breakfast and lunch together they ask her for the details.

Akatsuki finds it hard to explain the details and looks at Raynesia from time to time. Henrietta directs Raynesia to sit besides Akatsuki.

The luxurious carpet is fluffy enough for her to sit on her knees comfortably. Akatsuki has always lived in a Japanese home, so she is fine with sitting on her knees. But what about Raynesia? She looks uncomfortable as she does her best to imitate Akatsuki.

"I have a rough idea of the situation. The murderer is a people of the land, one of the Kunie clan. That means his powers originates from the mobile suit. It is powered by the magic circle used to defend the city, and giving him the strength of a Full raid boss."

Raynesia lowers her head when faced with Rieze's words.

Seems like Raynesia explained everything to the tea party participants.

Akatsuki is surprised.

People of the land killing adventurers.

Raynesia who was panicking when she found out about this should be cowering in fear and trouble. But she is wearing a determined as she looks at Rieze and Henrietta while sitting besides Akatsuki.

But that might be within expectation. This is the people of the land princess whom Aatsuki wants to help. She even rode here on a griffon to raise a volunteer army for the war of Sand Leaf.

"...If the public knows about this, the relationship between people of the land and adventurers might deteriorate. If distrust in the Kunie clan rises, it will fracture life in the city. Akatsuki is worried about this, and wants to resolve the issue, not kill the murderer. Am I right?"

Akatsuki maintains her position and thinks for a moment before nodding her head.

That is how her thoughts will sound like in words.

She still remembers her actions of taking off into the night without any plans. Akatsuki just wants to convey to others that Raynesia is not at fault. If she can stop the murderer, she will be able to express her feelings. No, she is rationalizing it this way after the fact, she really wasn't thinking back then, just acting on a whim. She is just throwing a tantrum at the world that don't understand her and Raynesia.

She don't want to express these thoughts into words, so Akatsuki just look at Rieze in silence.

"I can understand how you feel. I don't think we think hide this matter for long, but to resolve this as soon as possible and suppress the commotion is the important thing."

"We already have quite a number of victims after all."

Nazuna takes some sweet sake from her bag interrupting Rieze's lecture.

"...Will West wind brigade expose this incident?"

"Erm, no. Soujiro is taking his hands off this. We won't expose this or seek revenge. There are definitely people in the guild who are against this, but Soujiro will think of something. That's the type of guild we are. I'm the one who cleans up the mess. But all this is dependent on what the two of them decides."

"Erm..."

"Let's not confirm this in a roundabout manner and lecture them directly."

Rieze and Henrietta sighs at Nazuna's suggestion.

They are not trying to ignore Nazuna, but wishes that she will go through the process normally. But Nazuna don't see to care. She looks really lazy and don't care about the gaze of others, showing off her snow white cleavage supported by her chain mail. The way she is lying on the sofa looks more like a big cat instead of a fox.

She looks different without the tension of battle in the air. Akatsuki thinks this is how Nazuna is when she is relaxed. Maybe that's her true self.

(But a real 'true self' doesn't exist...)

The Shiroe that pats Akatsukis head is her real lord.

But the one hard at work reading complicated letters is also her true lord, the one coordinating fights on the battlefield is also the real lord.

It might pain her heart, but the one complimenting Minori and smiling at Marielle is also her real lord.

Raynesia besides has lost her usual dreamy grace. She is not exhausted, just wearing a determined expression.

There are no complete lies in this world.

In this world that has become slightly wider and more colorful, Akatsuki understand this fact.

There are many truths in this world.

"Is that everything?"

Henrietta cross her arms and says calmly to Akatsuki and Raynesia.

"You wanted to do everything yourself because of your ego. You already know the right thing to do is to discuss it over with everyone correct? Both of you, aren't you letting the blood rush to your head too much? Are you treating those around you like idiots?"

Henrietta's eyes are no longer mischievous.

It is a very serious expression.

Akatsuki has nothing to say. Henrietta is right.

It was fine at first. She can use the excuse that she went off with a head full of steam.

But she don't have any excuses now since she has been hiding behind Shiroe's shadow all this while.

When things got out of hand, she didn't approach others to resolve the issue. Nyanta, Naotsugu, even the junior team Minori and Tohya, she could have conversed more with them.

Akatsuki does support their activities, such as guarding them in the dark, providing ingredient, recon the training grounds in advance. But she avoided moving or conversing with them, even though she has no reason to.

Because this is not her area of responsibility, so she avoid it with excuses.

Akatsuki is in pain after who sensing this.

"How long do you want to keep at this alone? Are you still wishfully thinking that everything will be fine if Mr Shiroe is by your side?"

Akatsuki lowers her head while listening to the lecturing voice of Henrietta.

She has nothing to say. That is absolutely right.

She is overly reliant on her lord, so she became useless when her lord is not around. She can't even keep her promise with her lord. Even though Akatsuki was the only one he asked of this.

"Did you intend to just be a guard when you came to this consulate?"

Sensing someone answering the query she wants to ask, Akatsuki raised her head.

"Visiting the Water Maple consulate, becoming part of the security regime is not the sole task of Akatsuki. That's Rieze and my role as well."

Akatsuki's face turns red from shame and pain.

It is only natural if she thinks about it. Raynesia is one of the most important woman in Akiba, there is no way for Akatsuki to guard her alone. Raynesia's tea party was Shiroe's instruction. This is very obvious.

Thinking that 'Shiroe is depending on me' is such a lofty thought.

This pain and regret turn into tears.

But now is not the time for crying, Akatsuki definitely wants to protect Raynesia. And not just as a guard protecting her life. That day, that moment, the girl shouldering the heavy burdens for the people of the land, she should be watching over her noble dream.

"Lady Akatsuki is, ermmm... Eh."

Raynesia who finds it hard to interject spoke.

But she was stopped by Rieze.

"I want to borrow your strength. I have to."

Akatsuki struggles to form her words.

"Ah, as promised, Rieze and I will help. But who are you saying these words too?"

This is a hard question for Akatsuki.

Who are these words for? For Henrietta and Rieze? Or Nazuna? Or for Mikakage and the others who are not around?

Whoever it is for. She is asking for their aid. Does she has the right to do that?

But, there is definitely something here.

Just that Akatsuki is unable to find the right words to describe this gift.

Akatsuki definitely noticed in that faded dream.

The thing that overflows in the light of dawn torment Akatsuki.

She was holding on to Shiroe's coat, but her hands are empty when she wakes.

She can't bring it back from the dream.

There is a sense of frustration and unhappiness in her heart.

It is right here in her chest but she is unable to tell everyone.

Akatsuki feels like tearing her chest open in order to share her wish and thoughts with everyone.

But that is not something they can see if she open her chest.

Blaming her own incompetence, Akatsuki's expression become twisted and tears starts to fall.


"Lady Akatsuki is my friend!"

Raynesia shakes off Rieze's restraint and says with anger, shocking Akatsuki.

It fills a hole in Akatsuki's heart.

It is words that was lost because she failed to hold on to it, the key to Akatsuki's closed off heart.

This sentence that she never expected the silver haird princess to say, Akatsuki feels warmth and strength returning to her.

"Raynesia is working hard. That's why I want to help. Everyone... please help, everyone. Ermm... because we are friends..."

She is unable to speak properly.

She is full of embarrassment and helplessness.

But she has the resolve to see this through.

In order to break through this situation she is unhappy with, Akatsuki take a half step forward.

Just a tiny step.

The word 'friend' came out of her mouth along with her hesitation.

Akatsuki has come to understand this in her heart.

Raynesia who seems to smiling from a faraway place is real; the Raynesia who is seething in anger besides Akatsuki is also real; The Henrietta who treat Akatsuki like a toy is real; but so is the Henrietta lecturing her; Reize who did in depth research on the clothing of the people of the land is real; and so is the Rieze who commands the troops in battle.

If she looks carefully, there are many people who cares about Akatsuki around her.

Akatsuki is not inferior or mediocre. The Akatsuki who can't forgive herself is also the real Akatsuki.

There are so many people concerned about the Akatsuki who fell to the blade of the murderer.

She is starting to understand why Rieze refer to her as a middle schooler. She is at middle school level after all. To only learn all this now, Akatsuki think she is worse than Minori. But she did not panic. It is correct to say that she is not as good as Minori. And the people worrying about her is right in front of her eyes.


"I understand. Let's start the strategy session. In order to end this problem. I already have permission from the Round table council to impose a curfew. Let's subdue the murderer 3 nights from now."

Rieze's words calms Akatsuki. She will get it right this time.



6


Henrietta looks out at the streets from the top of the stairs.

Although the most of the leaves has fallen from the trees, there are some still some evergreen trees on the streets. The greenery scattered amongst the grey ruins looks pleasing to the eyes. Crescent moon alliance is based in this guild building, she is used to the scenery, just that the elevation is different.

The guild hall of crescent moon alliance is on the fifth floor. This corridor is on the tenth floor. They are both on the upper levels of the guild building, but her destination right now is the Round table conference room

Henrietta keeps walking. With the lift just a decoration in this world, it is a pain to climb all these stairs. But with the durable body of adventurers, it is not an issue, they can even make round trips ferrying wooden crates without breaking a sweat.

The staircase reveals its concrete base seems to be cold, but it is not a problem for Henrietta as she reaches her destination floor.

Henrietta greeted the people of the land girl she is acquainted with and enters the secretariat. This is the core of the Round table council. The Round table council refers to the governing organisation based on its 11 founding guild, while the secretariat is where the administrative work is done.

It will be unnatural for the 11 guilds setting the policies of Akiba to not have a central base of operation... Such an opinion is growing strength among the public, so each of the 11 guilds set up an office in the secretariat. But most of the 11 guilds are all major guilds big enough to run Akiba by themselves, so their guild master usually has a office in their own guild base, doing all sorts of administrative work in their private office. The mid size guild Crescent moon alliance also has a private office for their guild master Marielle, decorated according to her preference.

That's why the office in the secretariat are run by people working on shift, serving as a communication base. Unfortunately, Crescent moon alliance does not have the manpower to be on duty at all times, so Henrietta will check in periodically to handle the letters and paper works.

There are many people of the land working in the secretariat.

They are not only hired to handle the menial tasks, but also to test the possibility of adventurers working alongside people of the land. They might be task to handle liaisons in the future, but that concept has not been put into action yet. The people of the land are busy enough without the extra duties, handling the coordination and notification of hundreds of guilds.

Henrietta head for the office after greeting them, and screams softly when she reached. The documents has once again piled into a mountain on the desk. She has gotten used to it, but she still feels dejected looking at this. Crescent moon alliance who has been assigned lesser work is already in such a state, Henrietta don't want to imagine how the other guilds must be like.


Henrietta sorts the papers deftly, putting them in the wooden crate she brought. Their numbers are great, but most of them are reports and acknowledgement notices. Those that doesn't need to be brought back to the guild hall are signed and sorted into the permitted box.

She falls into her office work routine and reminiscence about the events of the past few days.

Things progress speedily after that day.

Rieze's command was excellent, but the other participants are also a match for her. If you think about it, Nazuna, Kyoko and Azuki might be girls, but they took part in major raids before the Apocalypse, so moving as a team should be a piece of cake for them.

Raynesia's living room is now the temporary operational base, Rieze has moved a table from her guild to this room. It is also a hive of activities over there, matching the hectic pace of the secretariat. Large amount of notes containing various data overflows during the editing and amendment process. The adventurers like Herietta who lived on modern earth without papers has a headache just looking at this scene.

The members call this anti-murderer mission as 'operation capture' or 'operation retake'. The base is set in Raynesia's place, so the members are limited to the female tea party participants. Henrietta and Marielle are also a part of this.

There are 2 central figures, Akatsuki and Raynesia. Not only are the 2 of them not good at this, they are not suitable as well. They are experiencing all of this for the first time, making them nervous and uncomfortable. As the initiator, the 2 of them are at the core of all this, but they are not reliable in group maneuvers. That is why Rieze and Henrietta will be managing in their stead.

That is the only way.

Henrietta who is frustrated with all the paperwork leans back on her leather chair and stare at the ceiling. Unless they are looking for her, only members Crescent moon alliance will enter the office, so she is assuming a more relaxing position than usual.

In her guild, the lively members headed by Marielle is running all about, so she can't think in peace. Henrietta adjust her glasses gently and sigh as she takes out a card from her card holder.

A plain card with just a few simple words written on it.

This card links to a bank account.

This card represents the only bank in Elder Tales that is situated on the first floor of this guild building. It is an ATM card that didn't exist in Elder Tales before.

Elder Tales was a game before the Apocalypse. The bank here is not the same as the old world, it is a non profit organization that stores the money and items of players. No, it is not even a non profit organization, it is simply a game function.

In the game, the moment the character is born, meaning when you start playing, an account will be set up automatically for you. It is the same with guilds, an account is given the moment it is founded. This is all done by default, there is no need to spend time applying for an account, but you can't oppose to it being created for you either. That's how the setting for bank account is. The bank doesn't provide statement of accounts or ATM cards. Because the game is able to identify the users and manage the account accurately without needing all this.

But it is different for the card in front of her.

This is one of the card that is planned for 3 representatives from the Round table council to utilize. It represents a certain bank account that doesn't belong to a person or a guild. It holds potential beyond the imagination of the adventurers of Yamato.

"... This is why I was hoping it will be peaceful during this period of time."

Henrietta spins the card on top of her finger and close her eyes.

She already felt that Shiroe is not in Akiba. Although she was not informed outright, Shiroe entrusting this card to her... Is a clear sign.

This card is meaningless right now. Because there is no money in this account and there are no transaction linked to it. It is just an account set up in advance.

But it's potential in the future is bright.

Henrietta understands this point. She shivers just at the thought of how this card might be used.

They have not publicly disclose the existence of this card because the card is still meaningless right now. That is to say it is still in the experimental phase, it is not the time to announce it yet. That's what Henrietta heard about this. On the other hand, Henrietta sense that this is not the whole truth.

Shiroe is probably wary of information leaks if they announce it prematurely.

Akatsuki hiding Shiroe's absence is also proves this.

Krusty, Shiroe, Michitaka and the others are preparing for 'problems that might arise in the future', and the existence of enemies is one of them. Unfortunately, they have to be wary of enemies within the Round table council itself.

Henrietta can feel Plant Hwyaden looking towards Akiba from the west. The small but infamous 'Odyssey' faction is also fearsome.

(Believing they can return to earth after clocking enough death...)

Henrietta sighs at their absurd idea. These troubles are too much for an accountant from a mid sized guild to bear, there is no way she can handle it. But who will shoulder this responsibility? Just leaving everything to Shiroe is easy to say, but is that right? Shiroe is even younger than Henrietta.

(Right, that person who is darker than black is younger than me. Really.)

Shiroe is probably not interested in Henrietta as an individual. All the things he did was not for Henrietta's sake. Henrietta can't just assume Shiroe can shoulder all this and leave him alone, that would be abandoning him.

That is why she has to take part in the hunt for the Murderer. Henrietta is sure of it.

Rieze will direct from the battle aspect, so Henrietta will help from another angle. She will provide the stubborn Shiroe with covering fire. Henrietta thinks it will be nice to lend him a hand.

After dancing at the ball in the Ancient palace of eternal ice with Shiroe, Henrietta feels fine with helping Shiroe. Aiding Shiroe and Akatsuki from the dark suits Henrietta's personality well.

Rieze is training the teamwork and discipline of Akatsuki and the battle members.

Before dusk is Over skill training. There are several other volunteers besides Akatsuki taking part, so information pertaining to Over skills is becoming more commonplace.

After dinner and their conference, Akatsuki, Rieze and the others will spread out in Akiba for surveillance, hunting for the Murderer.

After listening to the reports of Akatsuki and Nazuna, Rieze thinks the Murderer will not resurface int eh next few days. Henrietta feels the same, and is thankful for this window of time. The Murderer who suffered the fierce attacks of Soujiro and Akatsuki has taken huge amount of damage, and will need time to recuperate. Since he is not an adventurer, he will need more than 1 night.

Henrietta negotiates with the Round table council to impose a night curfew in Akiba.

This is the plan they came up with after discussing with Rieze to prevent more victims and lure the Murderer out. Akatsuki and the others on guard duty will patrol til dawn and sleep in the morning.

Now is also the time for Henrietta to work.

Henrietta listed the people she needs to convince and got up. She dump everything on the desk into the wooden crate without sorting and contacts Hien through telepathy.

The first is Michitaka and Charasin, followed by members in the 11 guilds. This task can become a cover for Shiroe's plan too. Henrietta is not sure how much of this was predicted by Shiroe, and smiles with a mischievous feeling.

"Not everything will go as Shiroe planned, especially... the resolve of the ladies."



Chapter 4 ends