Chapter 13

I ranked 11th in the daily overall.

The number of people bookmarking it has been increasing rapidly, and I even wonder if this isn't a dream.

(￣(エ)￣)つ "Pillow"

□ Ryoji Mukudori

“……!”

Right after my body was shattered by that swarm of monsters, my consciousness returned to reality as if I had just woken from a dream.

Unlike waking up from sleep, my mind was clear.

However, I couldn't accept the situation.

I remember the final announcement.

So I understand that I received my first Desperation Penalty.

Still, I can't help but be preoccupied with what happened there and what went wrong.

But I can't log into <Infinite Dendrogram> right now.

When I try to log in, the display embedded in the device only shows, [You are in the penalty period. 23 hours 55 minutes 16 seconds remaining].

“……This is a problem.”

Looking outside, it's still dark.

It's just before 5:00 AM.

I decided to try to sleep again.

Lying down on the bed, I try to fall asleep.

But as soon as I close my eyes, the moment of my death is vividly recalled.

At the same time, I start thinking about what I could have done differently to survive.

It's like simulating a drop game I've played over and over, even with my eyes closed.

I keep thinking about it, and each time I do, I notice how clumsy my movements were.

All I can think about is how I should have acted differently, and regret fills my mind.

While thinking about these things, I eventually drift off into a dream.

◇

The next morning, I wake up around 8:00 and eat breakfast while watching the morning news.

I tried making a proper breakfast for the first time in a while, but it tastes inferior compared to the feasts I've had in the game.

I idly thought that if this continues, I might lose my enjoyment of meals in the real world.

After finishing breakfast and cleaning up the dishes, I checked the internet forums to see if there was any information.

The incident I experienced was easy to find with a little searching.

The tragedy in <Noz Forest> had become a major news item on the <Infinite Dendrogram> community forums.

It wouldn't have caused such a stir if it were just a simple PK (Player Kill).

But this time, it was special.

Because players are being hunted in other beginner hunting grounds besides <Noz Forest>.

And it's limited to the Alter Kingdom.

Simultaneously and continuously, beginner players in the kingdom are being PKed.

It's clear that it's not the work of a lone individual but rather an organized group.

The question is, who is behind it?

On the forums, the Dryfo, rumored to be planning another attack soon, is the leading suspect.

The reason is that they might be trying to prevent the kingdom from increasing its combat strength in preparation for the resumption of the war event.

Since the incidents are only happening in the kingdom, it seems plausible.

The kingdom's players have also taken countermeasures.

Volunteer players formed a vigilante group to hunt down the PKers.

Battles between PKers and vigilante players have occurred in several hunting grounds.

However, in all these battles, the vigilante side has been defeated.

This suggests that the PK group is composed of highly skilled players.

Even in <Noz Forest>, where I "died," the PKers couldn't be defeated.

But <Noz Forest> is a bit different.

The PKers couldn't even be found.

The hunting of beginners continues, but no one has discovered the culprits or been able to fight or defeat them.

“……It's him, isn't it?”

At that time, I saw the bullet-spewing monster <Embryo> and its <Master>.

He was shrouded in a strange mist, making it impossible to determine his age or gender.

Could this be related to why they can't be found?

On the forums, opinions about the PK incidents include "The kingdom is really in trouble," "Dryfo is really out of line," and "If you're thinking of defecting, Cardina is recommended. They welcome new players."

Along with these, there are also comments like "I was killed just by passing by. I was about to evolve, but this Desperation Penalty has set me back" and "I was almost ready to join the advanced players, but now..."

Is there something else that happens when you get a Desperation Penalty besides the login restriction?

Curious, I posted, "I just started and got killed for the first time. Does a Desperation Penalty do anything else?"

There were some playful responses like "Newbie," and "I'll tell you. First, take off your clothes," but there were also serious answers.

Apparently, there's a rumor that the more Desperation Penalties you get, the slower your evolution becomes.

In the player community, this is treated as relatively reliable information.

Since <Embryos> vary greatly, it's difficult to verify, but in general, people with more Desperation Penalties tend to evolve more slowly.

This disadvantage might be one of the reasons why players on the kingdom side were less enthusiastic about participating in the previous war.

I thanked them for the information and moved on to other threads.

Thinking that the only topics on the forums would be about the war and PK incidents, I was surprised to find that wasn't the case.

The forums for Tiandu and Yellow River were buzzing with peaceful event topics.

In Tiandu, there was a cherry blossom viewing event hosted by Tian's [Sei-i Taishogun].

In Yellow River, there was a story about how a panda-type monster had multiplied so much that a whole mountain turned black and white.

Looking at the forum responses and screenshots (which can be taken with a camera item and exported to external media), I felt a warm, relaxed feeling.

Even in combat-related topics, like the Legendary's "Battle Royale for tickets to the [Fairy Queen]'s memorial concert," the atmosphere seemed fun despite being PVP (Player vs. Player).

“……Why is the Alter Kingdom always on the brink of destruction or being terrorized?”

I can somewhat understand the feelings of players who have defected, which is a bit troubling.

Feeling down, I turned off my computer.

What should I do now?

The Desperation Penalty will be lifted before dawn tomorrow.

I can't play <Infinite Dendrogram> until then.

So... I might as well take care of some things now.

Buying daily necessities and food, unpacking the remaining moving boxes, and preparing for my university enrollment next month.

I'll take care of the things I need to do in the real world.

◇

By the time I finished buying supplies, unpacking, and eating dinner, it was already past 10:00 PM.

Checking the forums, it seems that the incident in the game hasn't been resolved even after two in-game days.

If the Dryfo are really behind this, they'll probably maintain this situation until the war resumes.

That brings up the question of where I should level up.

All the hunting grounds just outside the capital's four gates are PK kill zones.

So right now, beginners can't even leave the capital.

Even if I manage to break through the blockade and move to another city... at my current level, there are no suitable hunting grounds in the country outside the capital.

There's a paradox where I need to level up to go to a place where I can level up.

So, what should I do... but the answer is already clear.

“There's no other choice, is there?”

The beginner hunting ground my brother told me about.

Most of the information was about the hunting grounds just outside the four gates, but there was one exception.

That place hasn't been touched by the PK group.

There are no reports of it being targeted on the forums.

However, my brother said there was a problem with that hunting ground.

When I asked what the problem was, I thought the hunting there would be tough.

But if I can't use other hunting grounds, I have no choice but to go there to level up.

I went to sleep early that day and logged into <Infinite Dendrogram> at dawn the next day when the penalty was lifted.

◇

When I logged in, three in-game days had passed. The time was the same as when I died, at dusk.

Incidentally, the login point was not the <Noz Forest> where I died, but the fountain where I was supposed to meet my brother.

I learned during my shopping trip that this is one of several save points in the capital, so I set it as my respawn point.

I see. After a Desperation Penalty, you automatically respawn at a save point.

“...Welcome back, Master.”

I suddenly noticed that Nemesis, in human form, was standing next to me.

She must have appeared without me noticing.

“Hey, I'm back.”

“...”

“...”

It's awkward.

It's awkward because I got a Desperation Penalty.

Since Desperation Penalties hinder the evolution of <Embryos>, it's a big problem for Nemesis too.

I should apologize since I was the one who got killed...

“S-Sorry...”

“It's not necessary.”

She rejected me before I could finish. Right, Nemesis can read my thoughts.

“Don't misunderstand. I'm the one who feels awkward, and I'm the one who should apologize.”

“Huh?”

Why?

“...I boasted about how great I am, but when it came to a battle between <Embryos>, I couldn't protect you. I'm angry at my own incompetence.”

Nemesis bit her lip so hard that blood trickled down the corner of her mouth.

She clearly blames herself.

But...

“That's not it. If you hadn't blocked the second attack, I would have received the Desperation Penalty even sooner. I was the one who was clumsy. It's a joke that I said I wanted to be a ranker.”

“No! If my skills were stronger, I could have blocked the final attack!”

“Don't be ridiculous! We knew our capabilities, so I, as the <Master>, should have handled it better!”

When I said that, Nemesis punched my chest.

The punch was weak.

But the words that escaped her lips...

“It's my incompetence... If you weren't the <Master>... If you weren't a player, I... I would have lost you forever... I'm so afraid of that...”

Her words were weaker and more fragile than the punch that hit my chest.

She, who had always claimed to be superior, was now exposing her weakness.

“Nemesis...”

“...”

Nemesis was crying.

Her tears were transparent, fragile, and ephemeral.

Crying Nemesis... didn't look like a game.

“...Maybe you're right, Nemesis.”

When I said that, Nemesis's shoulders trembled.

I placed my hand on her shoulder.

“But, Nemesis, this time it wasn't just your... your incompetence.”

I met her eyes, which were a head or two shorter than mine, and looked straight into them.

“And... it wasn't just my incompetence, either.”

“Master...?”

It wasn't just Nemesis's incompetence.

It wasn't just my incompetence.

“This time, it was our incompetence.”

That's the answer.

“My level was too low. You hadn't grown enough yet. Most of all, we lacked experience. That's why we were killed.”

That defeat is now in the past.

What's done is done.

This Desperation Penalty will remain as a blemish.

“But, we're still alive.”

We were killed, but I, the player... the <Master>, am still alive.

Nemesis is safe too, even if her evolution might be delayed.

“So it's okay. We can still do it, we can still get stronger.”

We are the <Master> and the <Embryo>.

We can always make up for it.

What's the point of being flawless?

We never sought a perfect, unblemished path.

Even if we get hurt... we won't kneel.

“Let's get stronger together and take revenge on that guy.”

Rather, let's consider this as a new goal.

Level up, evolve, hone our skills, and one day defeat him in a fair fight.

“...You're surprisingly passionate, Master.”

Nemesis smiled wryly at my words.

“But you're right. We can't wallow in regret and give up. There's still a path ahead of us.”

Nemesis wiped away her tears.

Then, she wore her usual smug smile.

“I don't even know his name, but I'll settle the score with that <Embryo> and its <Master>.”

Then, Nemesis raised her right hand.

“Let's go! Master! Stronger! Even stronger! So no one can break us apart!”

“Yeah. Let's do it, Nemesis!”

We clasped each other's arms.

No cheesy announcement like [Bond Deepened] played, but I could feel it.

Right now, Nemesis and I have deepened our bond.

This moment is our true starting point.

◇

Incidentally, I didn't notice it during my conversation with Nemesis, but since the fountain is also a save point, there were many other players around.

They had been watching our conversation, and when we clasped arms, they applauded.

We blushed and fled the scene in an undignified manner.

To be continued

Starting tomorrow, updates will be at 21:00 every day.

I hope you will continue to follow <Infinite Dendrogram>.