Chapter 44

Miyabi and I are facing each other, eating breakfast.

Today is a school day during summer break, so we are wearing our private school uniforms.

"The next news item is about people lining up early in the morning to buy the latest VR gear for the online game [OSO], which officially launched last month..."

On the TV news, people are forming queues to play [OSO]. I can't help but think that it's common to see such lines during the hot summer.

"Already, the second wave of people is here. It's surprisingly quick."

"Yeah, I see. The people who buy this will be part of the second wave, right?"

I bite into my toast and nod along casually.

"There seem to be a lot of people pushing themselves to catch up."

"Right. There will probably be people who spend their entire summer break trying to become top players."

Miyabi has already been playing since the first day, so she's already on that side.

"Have you done your homework?"

"Yeah. Actually, Luka and the others are also doing their homework. I'm the only one leveling up in the game. What do you think?"

"Is that so? Have you finished it?"

"Um, about half?"

"Well, it's only halfway through the break. Try to take it a bit easier."

"Okay."

Miyabi gives a lackluster response.

She's willing to do her homework to keep up with everyone else. This summer's end should be easy.

"Today, we have a video letter from Mr. Kazuhito Yoshii, the head of the development department of the currently popular game [OSO]. Please watch the VTR."

"Hello, everyone. I am Kazuhito Yoshii, the head of the development department for [Only Sense Online]."

We stare at the man who suddenly appears on the TV. A sweet-faced man in his late twenties. He looks like an idol.

"The game [OSO] we created has almost no official information published to make it easier for beginners to start."

"Is that so?"

"Big brother, you should at least check the official site! Just listen."

I get scolded by my sister. Hmm, I guess I checked the strategy sites before the official one.

"We deliberately don't release much information because we believe that walking through the game, discovering your own path, and the information you gather will become your own world view and unique strategy.

We also design the game to be enjoyable for new players. You'll see when you try it.

We are looking forward to your visit to the world of [OSO]."

The video ends, and the narrator and commentators exchange some words.

"Big brother, what did he mean by that?"

"Maybe it's an explanation for focusing too much on the system over the world view?"

It's a bit cynical, but that's one way to interpret it.

"But, there must be some kind of information, right? I think so."

"Yeah, like in-game hints? Like murals in dungeons? Something that old people left behind?"

"Exactly."

"That would be nice."

It sounds fun. Like being a treasure hunter. Solving puzzles and adventuring is exciting.

"Ah, I'm getting the urge to play. School is so boring."

"It's only half a day. I'll make sure to have a quick lunch ready when you get back so you can eat and play right away."

"Big brother, you'd make a good wife."

"This sister, what is she saying to her brother?"

I sigh at Miyabi.

We head to school with plenty of time. The walk to school is on foot, and the hot asphalt is mentally draining.

Finally, we reach the school gate. I go to the high school section, and Miyabi goes to the middle school section, so we part ways there.

As I walk down the hallway, I can hear voices from the classrooms. I enter my own classroom.

"Hey, Shun. Long time no see."

"It hasn't been that long. At least show your face in the game."

I complain while throwing a weak punch, which Takumi catches.

"What can I do? The enemies in the mine are strong and keep drawing me in. It's rewarding when you level up."

"Lazy bum. How's it going? Did you get any good items?"

"Not really. Mostly ores, but we don't use them. I'm taking them to the production class. Also, the boss is too strong. I'm trying to level up to the max and push the northern area."

"Got it. I'm doing gathering and production, so if you need anything, come to the shop."

"Will do."

Hmm, the mine. I want to go there sometime. Maybe when my crafting sense reaches 25.

We talk about our recent activities and the morning news.

Takumi, like me, seems to have watched the morning news and thinks they might be focusing on things like murals.

"Well, there are still many places I haven't been. And this morning, I saw a new sense on the information board."

"Hmm? What kind of sense?"

"It's called [Hikikomori]."

"..."

"No, I'm serious. Why are you giving me such a skeptical look?"

"Well... because..."

It's too malicious. But I've never seen such a sense before. It might be a derivative or a grown sense.

"The condition is to log in for ten consecutive days without leaving the town. Your level increases by staying in the town."

"..."

So that's why it's called [Hikikomori]. But such a sense should have been known during the beta phase.

My doubt must have shown on my face, so Takumi explains.

"Maybe it's an update from the beta to the official version. Games evolve while fixing bugs. Besides, the basic senses are too fundamental, based on the total SP, growth, and derivatives. There might be more."

"More like what?"

"Like solo dragon slaying? Or mass slaughtering a specific race?"

"That's not impossible, but it's just a possibility. The game has only been running for a month. New senses won't just pop up. [Hikikomori] isn't rare, right?"

That's true, and Takumi agrees. Still, there are senses that unlock based on actions, which adds to the game's variety.

As the developer said this morning, the game seems to have deep elements that are enjoyable even for new players.

Today, on the school day, we receive a lecture from the teacher, clean the school, and then go home.

Takumi said he would start [OSO] as soon as he got home, mentioning that there might be new senses to gain, and he ran off.

I go home with Miyabi, have lunch, and then log into [OSO] myself.