'Splash, splash' She could hear faint footsteps in her ears as well as the blue waves washing up the beach. She pulled her coat closer because of the chill and continued to walk. She took her time, there was no need to hurry. The sun reflected from the sea got in her eyes when she raised her head. The winter sun didn't bring warmth, just blinding light. Quiet footfalls and the tiny set of footprints extended out like a tiny chain. Whenever her bare feet touched the blue sea, the shiny particles dissipated.
She squinted her eyes to look into the distance, a person appeared in Akatsuki's field of vision. A tall figure swaying his body as he looked at the ocean with a troubled look. Akatsuki was surprised by how light her body was, and realized she was running. The distance that seemed far was much shorter than she imagined. She was close, within just a few steps, and slowed her pace. She was not the type that would throw her whole body out to embrace others. But she still followed her feeling of affection to raise her head to look at that figure.
(My lord's hands are big.) Akatsuki thought as she looked at Shiroe, who brushed his hair and adjusted his glasses a couple of times. She increased her pace as she looked at the pair of hands stuck into the coat pockets. No, it was better to slow down. Slowing down would give Akatsuki an excuse to tug at the hem of his coat. Akatsuki pouted as she thought of this. But she didn't look upset. Akatsuki hid her expression, twirling along the coastline. She must be smiling as she stretched her coat, the color of caramel. Shiroe stopped, turning back to look at Akatsuki. The two of them once again strolled on the beach that was like fine sugar. She knew the sand was changing its shape under their feet. She didn't mind the chilly breeze brushing across their cheeks. There was a warmth flowing in her body. For Akatsuki, everything about this was precious and enjoyable. Shiroe's oversized boots sank into the sand. Akatsuki felt happy looking at the footprint that was deeper than hers. Shiroe looked cute when the occasional strong wind made his coat flutter. Although Akatsuki wanted to try putting her hand into the pocket that was 5 times larger than her palm, it was too embarrassing for her. As a replacement, just looking at Shiroe and her footprints on the beach was enough to satisfy her.
They walked into the clear blue water and scattered the hair into the sea. The sound of crystals colliding came from somewhere as if to acknowledge the receipt of something and the snow that didn't feel cold flew all around them.
"Is that so. I am the same too. I died." Akatsuki raised her head when she felt a hand patting her. Shiroe looked troubled and smiled gently. Akatsuki knew Shiroe was worried about her. His self-mocking smile was the expression Akatsuki's guild master wore when talking to her. "You too my lord?" "Yeah." They fell into silence. Shiroe stroked Akatsuki's head, thinking with a troubled look on what to say. Akatsuki was fine with this awkward side of Shiroe, but Shiroe was concerned about that. "I failed. My forecast was too naive... I didn't put in my trust." His speech was not showing weakness, but a form of self reflection. "I'm not sure." Akatsuki replied in an equally strong manner. "This is strange. I never thought I would meet Akatsuki here." This sentence followed after countless snowflakes had fallen. Akatsuki was surprised. This was weird indeed. It had been a while since she met Shiroe. Speaking of which, she wanted to see Shiroe. Very much. She wanted Shiroe to pat her head. She remembered that she wished for Shiroe's compliments. That was why this was a strange reunion. They actually met in this place. She didn't have time to think about it until now. Encountering Shiroe here was such a weird experience. Akatsuki was not sure, but she sensed that this was not a normal place. She was thankful for this miraculous coincidence. "Right. My lord, this is strange." She remembered the beach they strolled on and the deep blue sea. In the bright scenery that had been bleached white, she could see Shiroe turning back to face her. She rushed over and lifted her head, a large hand caressed her face. It was just a coincidence. But this coincidence was a blessing for Akatsuki. She had no other wishes. That thing Akatsuki was unable to get, would definitely be lying in wait within her reach. But there should be countless such existences out there, in the dark corners Akatsuki had yet to notice. In the smiles she missed because she wasn't looking for it. The luck in your hands would make one arrogant. You wouldn't think the luck you didn't have ever existed. Be it luck, encounters, or assistance, they were lurking in all kinds of places waiting for Akatsuki to discover them. "That's why, I want to try again." "I want to have another go too... That's what everyone taught me." Akatsuki grabbed Shiroe's coat tightly. Just like the feeling of sand crumbling under their feet, Akatsuki sensed that this memory would be left behind. That's why she grabbed on tightly even though it might crease the coat. She would be separated from Shiroe again, she didn't say anything and clasped the coat strongly. But her wish was in vain as the endless sand dunes and its light grew brighter. The sound of the ebbing tides faded along with the offered hair, taking some memories with it. Following this, the surroundings turned 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 could still feel the rough fabric from earlier. It's okay. When Akatsuki opened her eyes, her small hand was clenched as if she were holding on to something. Akatsuki knew her memories were crumbling like the sand. Lying on the hard stone bed with tears on her cheeks, her memories of her dream were fading. Akatsuki clenched her hand and wiped away her tears, attempting to wipe away the guilt and loneliness she felt in her dreams. Akatsuki sat up on the simple marble bed. For some reason, she felt as if she went through some incredible place. Serene, lonely, gentle, and translucent place. Akatsuki journeyed there, encountered, awakened, and stood up again. She sensed that she had an important conversation she wanted to take with her. She could still feel something in her hand. Probably, the sensation of a fabric. It faded away with the bits of gentleness she felt. Akatsuki willed with all her might to stop memories of her dream from vaporizing, but she knew it was in vain. The chime of the crystals faded off into the distant. But she brought one crucial thing back with her. She successfully brought the most important thing back with her.
"Are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?" Akatsuki's sight was enveloped in darkness when she hesitated a moment and was bear-hugged. Henrietta twirled around as she rubbed her face on Akatsuki and said 'So cute~'. No matter how petite, it was 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 was leaning on the stair's railing, commented. Behind her, Raynesia, who was wrapped in thick furry clothes, lowered her head apologetically. Standing behind them was a lady with fox ears crossing her arms and smiling confidently. She was the Kannagi from West Wind Brigade who had fought that night. "..." Akatsuki was speechless. She knew her expression was becoming serious and gloomy. It's not that she disliked everyone. She was reaping what she sowed. 'Till now, she didn't have any close friends of the same age and gender, she didn't know what to say. But she knew in her heart there was something she had to do. From the dream that was lost to Akatsuki, this was the only thing she brought back. She grabbed the hand Henrietta placed on her stomach. She faced the stunned Henrietta, Rieze, fox ear lady, and the troubled Raynesia. Landing on her feet, Akatsuki lowered her head. "I know this is rude to say this, but I have a request for everyone. Please teach me about 'Over level'. I want to apprehend that Murderer." The surprised fox-ear lady and Henrietta standing behind Akatsuki gasped. Raynesia wore a pained expression. "Soujirou-sama was using 'Over level' right, Nazuna-san?" "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 'Over levels'?" Rieze turned the conversation back to Akatsuki. Akatsuki bit her lips. She couldn't explain it well. Everyone must be thinking she was being willful for seeking 'Over level'. Even though her chest was full of regret, she was unable to think of any other explanation. "Akatsuki-san." At this point, her eyes met Rieze's. The girl about Akatsuki's age stared at Akatsuki with a plain expression. Akatsuki still couldn't believe she was 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 made her decision. If she backed off now, she wouldn't improve. She could just do all she could, fail, and comfort herself by saying she tried her best. But there were battles she didn't want to lose, Akatsuki knew there were times like that in her life. No matter who she had to beg, no matter how pitiful she acted, there were still obstacles she wanted to overcome. "I want to terminate that Murderer." Akatsuki said with resolve, but her conversational skills were mediocre. "Not just 'Over levels'. 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 Soujirou 'till the very last moment. She was a Kannagi with long black hair and wore her Kimono sloppily. Akatsuki answered immediately. "I don't know. But it won't end even if we defeat him... If we don't go to the extent of terminating him, it won't end. That's how I feel, we can't let this go on." Akatsuki continued as if she left behind the frustration of being unable to convey her thoughts properly. She hated her awkward self. "If my lord were here, he would be able to do it... So, we have to do this." Questioning eyes pierced Akatsuki. They were wondering about the words 'If Shiroe were here'. Even though she steeled herself, Akatsuki was still stammering and hesitant. "... Right now, my lord is not in Akiba." This was the secret Akatsuki and Log Horizon had been hiding. Shiroe was not here. What they told D.D.D, being buried in endless work to run the Round Table Council, was a lie. Shiroe was probably doing things only Shiroe could accomplish. But she didn't know what it was. But Shiroe requested for Akatsuki to stay behind to guard the base. That was why Akatsuki had to protect everyone from the crisis that Shiroe could manage. That was her promise to him. "Nazuna-san is asking whether you can win." Facing Rieze's question, Akatsuki grew timid. She couldn't promise such things. There was 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 was an unbearable torment for Akatsuki. This way of saying things was akin to admitting she was still an incompetent child, as painful as cutting her skin. The curse-like sensation grew in her heart, lamenting the limited capability of her petite body. But Shiroe had made a similar request in front of Akatsuki before.
In the morning, Mikakage gave a presentation. In Rod Lab, there were several presentation events every month. It was the same for the gourmet department Mikakage was in. But the presentation was usually held in the form of a food tasting session. Mikakage expended all her energy in the morning presentation. As a Chef, Mikakage seldom did presentations in the form of hard data, and was not accustomed to long hours of academic discussion. This was a heavy burden on the Chef Mikakage, and she resented her colleagues who shoved this work to her in her heart. She kicked Aomori away, stole a piece of fried chicken and fed it to Allie. "What are you doing?" "Allie~ is it good?" The introverted Ellie did not reply, biting into the chicken. Mikakage relaxed as she watched her cute familiar. Even Adventurers who didn't have the subclass of Chef were gradually able to cook. That was the gist of Mikakage's report. There were 2 ways of preparing food in this world right now. The first was using the game menu. Using the ingredients listed in your crafting recipe you 'learned', you could cook using the game menu while standing beside cooking appliances. By choosing the things you wanted to cook from the game menu, it would be made. No matter what cuisine it was, the cooking time was always 10 seconds. There was a big advantage in using this method. The first was cooking time. Be it stewed or fermented food, they all took 10 seconds. Another advantage was the amount of ingredients that were consumed. The maximum number of ingredients used for crafting items was 5, which included seasoning. Take potato and beef for instance, the ingredients were potato x3, beef x1, strong soy sauce x1. There were no onions or carrots, not even seasoning spices. But the finished products appeared to have these ingredients included, appearing out of nowhere. Of course there was a major disadvantage. The crafted product, no matter what ingredients or recipe you used, it all tasted like soggy crackers. You couldn't really tell whether they had any taste. Its texture was like chewing a soft energy bar, unappetizing. Another way was to cook the food manually by hand. To cook using the methods of the old world. They were not restricted by the crafting menus and were totally dependent on the recipe the chef came up with. The ingredients to make the food were all necessary, and things wouldn't appear out of nowhere. The freshness of the ingredients would also affect the completeness of the cuisine. This meant the same logic as the real world applied. But for both methods, the main difference from the real world was the need for the one cooking to have the Chef subclass. Another feature was the importance of the Chef level when making food through either method. If you cooked using the menu, the chance of success in making dishes would be low if your Chef level did not meet the prerequisite. For manual cooking, there was no way to tell what was the prerequisite level to make food, but complicated cooking involving steaming or frying would have a high chance of failure. Failing in either method would result in the ingredients turning into burnt debris or mysterious paste, just like the game. Adventurers without the Chef subclass would fail no matter what food they tried to make. No matter how skilled you were on Earth, you couldn't even make salads in this world. This was now common knowledge after the Catastrophe.
Why was that so? They were not sure. They didn't know anything about the Catastrophe in the first place, the meaning behind this change was also unclear. It was easy to tell that this would have huge repercussions. Even Chefs like Mikakage were 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 subclasses because of this. Mikakage was surrounded by other Chefs. Including Mikakage, all members had a very high level. It was common knowledge that meals were made by the Chef members of the guild or bought from other Chefs. That's why no one was sure when this change came about. According to the survey of Mikakage and the others in the gourmet department of Rod Lab, about half the Adventurers were able to make salads with a decent chance of success. Even those who failed commented that it felt different from before. They were able to confirm the phenomenon was happening. But they were unable to tell whether this was the result of the unconscious effort put in by individuals, the increase in capabilities of Adventurers, or a loophole in the game restrictions. They also determined this was happening to the People of the Land as well. Even the plant fairy Allie could do it too.
Mikakage raised her gaze when she sensed the hall quieting down. The members in the hall focused on Roderick standing on the podium. The people who were stuffing themselves with rice balls and sandwiches during lunch hour looked at Roderick with a puzzled expression. Wearing a shabby white lab coat, the usually calm and relaxed Roderick addressed 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 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 was half the reason the people in the hall were shocked. The other half was because the cautious Roderick decided 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 back in the game world. According to various case studies... or rather, based on all the cases, there have been reports 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 marked the end of this statement. The auditorium was so quiet that the pen dropping seemed 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 it again. Even so, I think this is an established fact. The distance between Akiba and Mount Fuji is growing. Meaning the distances between any two places are getting larger." This report was like a bolt out of the blue for all those present. "Excuse me..." A craftsman raised his hand timidly. Roderick acknowledged this question which was asked on everyone's behalf. "Is this happening everywhere? Does this mean that Yamato... is expanding?" "That's our hypothesis." Roderick's response made everyone gasp. "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 had significant effects? What did this mean? Take a magic weapon for example. 'Attack +5%, additional flame damage 180~216, STR +15'. This was the magical prowess of the weapon. Able to provide additional powers to normal weapons, strengthening them. In contrast, flavor text would go something like this. 'The flaming spear is gifted to the excellent knights of the ancient Westelande 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 described the features and origin of the item. You could read this information by appraising items, but it had no influence in the game, it just added some lore to let players immerse themselves in the world of Elder Tales. Flavor text only existed to provide some entertainment for the masses. They had no effects. That's why they were called flavor text. That's all. But what if they were in effect? Mikakage was not able to grasp what this might mean. Because she didn't understand, she looked towards Aomori. Aomori didn't know either and stared back at Mikakage. Most of the people in the auditorium were looking at each other. Roderick closed his eyes and let out a sigh. It was time to bring up the pressing issues, and the members were prepared for it. "These are not independent phenomenon. It is not a coincidence for all these to be happening 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 Catastrophe 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 didn't know about this phenomenon yet. 5 Akatsuki and Raynesia sat side by side in the bustling office. In front of them were Rieze and Henrietta. Many maids were walking around, busy with work, while Nazuna was eating a strawberry Daifuku lazily. Akatsuki, who was brought back straight from the cathedral, was told to eat both breakfast and lunch together while they asked her for the details. Akatsuki found it hard to explain the details and looked at Raynesia from time to time. Henrietta directed Raynesia to sit beside Akatsuki. The luxurious carpet was fluffy enough for her to sit on her knees comfortably. Akatsuki had always lived in a Japanese home, so she was fine with sitting on her knees. But what about Raynesia? She looked uncomfortable as she did her best to imitate Akatsuki.
"Akatsuki-san is my friend!" Raynesia shook off Rieze's restraint and said with anger, shocking Akatsuki. It filled a hole in Akatsuki's heart. They were words that were lost because she failed to hold on to them, the key to Akatsuki's closed-off heart. This sentence that she had never expected the silver-haired princess to say, Akatsuki felt 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 was unable to speak properly. She was full of embarrassment and helplessness. But she had the resolve to see this through. In order to break through this situation she was unhappy with, Akatsuki took a half step forward. Just a tiny step. The word 'friend' came out of her mouth along with her hesitation. Akatsuki had come to understand this in her heart. Raynesia who seemed to be smiling from a faraway place was real, the Raynesia who was seething in anger beside Akatsuki was also real. The Henrietta who treated Akatsuki like a toy was real, but so was the Henrietta lecturing her. Rieze who did in-depth research on the clothing of the People of the Land was real and so was the Rieze who commanded the troops in battle. If she looked carefully, there were many people who cared about Akatsuki around her. Akatsuki was not inferior or mediocre. The Akatsuki who couldn't forgive herself was also the real Akatsuki. There were so many people concerned about the Akatsuki who fell to the blade of the Murderer. She was starting to understand why Rieze referred to her as a middle schooler. She was at the middle school level after all. To only learn all this now, Akatsuki thought she was worse than Minori. But she did not panic. It was correct to say that she was not as good as Minori. And the people worrying about her were 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 calmed Akatsuki. She would get it right this time. 6 Henrietta looked out at the streets from the top of the stairs. Although most of the leaves had fallen from the trees, there were still some evergreen trees on the streets. The greenery scattered amongst the grey ruins looked pleasing to the eyes. Crescent Moon Alliance was based in this guild building, so she was used to the scenery, just that the elevation was different. The guild hall of the Crescent Moon Alliance was on the fifth floor. This corridor was on the tenth floor. They were both on the upper levels of the guild building, but her destination right now was the Round Table conference room. Henrietta kept walking. With the lift just a decoration in this world, it was a pain to climb all these stairs. But with the durable body of Adventurers, it was not an issue, they could even make round trips ferrying wooden crates without breaking a sweat. The staircase revealing its concrete base seemed to be cold, but it was not a problem for Henrietta as she reached her destination floor. Henrietta greeted the People of the Land girl she was acquainted with and entered the secretariat. This was the core of the Round Table Council. The Round Table Council referred to the governing organization based on its 11 founding guilds, while the secretariat was where the administrative work was done. It would be unnatural for the 11 guilds setting the policies of Akiba to not have a central base of operations... Such an opinion was gaining strength among the public, so each of the 11 guilds set up an office in the secretariat. But most of the 11 guilds were all major guilds big enough to run Akiba by themselves, so their guild master usually had an office in their own guild base, doing all sorts of administrative work in their private offices. The mid-size guild Crescent Moon Alliance also had a private office for their guild master Maryele, decorated according to her preferences. That was why the offices in the secretariat were run by people working on shift, serving as a communications base. Unfortunately, Crescent Moon Alliance did not have the manpower to be on duty at all times, so Henrietta would check in periodically to handle the letters and paperwork. There were many People of the Land working in the secretariat. They were 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 tasked to handle liaisons in the future, but that concept had not been put into action yet. The People of the Land were busy enough without the extra duties, handling the coordination and notification of hundreds of guilds. Henrietta headed for the office after greeting them, and screamed softly when she arrived. The documents had once again piled into a mountain on the desk. She had gotten used to it, but she still felt dejected looking at this. Crescent Moon Alliance who had been assigned lesser work was already in such a state, Henrietta didn't want to imagine how the other guilds must be like.
There were 2 central figures, Akatsuki and Raynesia. Not only were the 2 of them not good at this, they were not suitable as well. They were experiencing all of this for the first time, making them nervous and uncomfortable. As the initiators, the 2 of them were at the core of all this, but they were not reliable in group maneuvers. That was why Rieze and Henrietta would be managing in their stead. That was the only way. Henrietta, who was frustrated with all the paperwork, leaned back in her leather chair and stared at the ceiling. Unless they were looking for her, only members of Crescent Moon Alliance would enter the office, so she was assuming a more relaxed position than usual. In her guild, the lively members headed by Maryele were all running about, so she couldn't think in peace. Henrietta adjusted her glasses gently and sighed as she took out a card from her card holder. A plain card with just a few simple words written on it. This card was linked to a bank account. This card represented the only bank in Elder Tales, that was situated on the first floor of this guild building. It was an ATM card that didn't exist in Elder Tales before. Elder Tales was a game before the Catastrophe. The bank here was not the same as the old world's, it was a non-profit organization that stored the money and items of players. No, it was not even a non-profit organization, it was simply a game function. In the game, the moment the character was born, meaning when you started playing, an account would be set up automatically for you. It was the same with guilds, an account was given the moment it was founded. This was all done by default, there was no need to spend time applying for an account, but you couldn't oppose it being created for you either. That's how the setting for bank accounts was. The bank didn't provide statements of accounts or ATM cards. Because the game was able to identify the users and manage the account accurately without needing all this. But it was different for the card in front of her. This was one of the cards that was planned for 3 representatives from the Round Table Council to utilize. It represented a certain bank account that didn't belong to a person or a guild. It held potential beyond the imagination of the Adventurers of Yamato. "... This is why I was hoping it would be peaceful during this period of time." Henrietta spun the card on top of her finger and closed her eyes. She had already felt that Shiroe was not in Akiba. Although she was not informed outright, Shiroe entrusting this card to her... it was a clear sign. This card was meaningless right now. Because there was no money in this account and there were no transactions linked to it. It was just an account set up in advance. But its potential in the future was bright. Henrietta understood this point. She shivered just at the thought of how this card might be used. They had not publicly disclosed the existence of this card because the card was still meaningless right now. That was to say it was still in the experimental phase, it was not the time to announce it yet. That's what Henrietta heard about this. On the other hand, Henrietta sensed that this was not the whole truth. Shiroe was probably wary of information leaks if they announced it prematurely. Akatsuki hiding Shiroe's absence was also proof of this. Krusty, Shiroe, Michitaka, and the others were preparing for 'problems that might arise in the future', and the existence of enemies was one of them. Unfortunately, they had to be wary of enemies from within the Round Table Council itself. Henrietta could feel Plant hwyaden looking towards Akiba from the west. The small but infamous 'Odyssey' faction was also fearsome. (Believing they can return to earth after clocking enough deaths...) Henrietta sighed at their absurd idea. These troubles were too much for an