Chapter 78

A little bit from everyone's perspective.

"..."

It was a little past 9:00, a bit late for morning.

After waking up, Rinne moistened her throat with the mineral water by her pillow and let out a sigh.

Next to her, Nana was sleeping soundly without even a snore.

It hasn't changed since childhood. When it came to Nana, Rinne often had this thought.

Nana basically made no noise in her daily life, whether walking or sleeping. She was so quiet that she seemed like a ninja to the young Rinn.

Nana would surely not hear anything even if she fell asleep during a live stream.

While thinking about such trivial matters, Rinne looked at the sunlight seeping through the gaps in the blackout curtains. It seemed to be a ridiculously nice day again.

Today was the day before the event. Rinn had to return to Feas, so it was going to be a busy day.

Nana probably had a few things to do as well, but there was no sign of her waking up.

She was sleeping very quietly, continuing her slumber.

Ever since the day she slept for over 24 hours, the frequency of Nana being asleep when Rinn woke up had increased.

Nana, who should have no problem with an average of three hours of sleep, was now going to bed earlier and waking up later than Rinn.

Rinn herself believed in the importance of sleep and never skipped her six hours a day. Despite this, this phenomenon occurred almost every day.

Sleeping for more than eight hours was not just rare; it was something Rinn, who knew Nana well, couldn't help but notice.

While it was undoubtedly a blissful time to watch Nana's sleeping face, Rinn also cherished the moments when Nana would be by her side when she woke up or greet her in an apron.

However, this wasn't the first time Nana had been like this.

According to Rinn's memory, it was the third time.

So she wasn't worried, but the thought of not being able to play together in the game made Rinn want to be affectionate with Nana in real life.

"Nana, Nana"

"..."

While gently calling out and shaking her shoulder, Nana didn't wake up, but instead held Rinn's hand.

This was a sign that she had no intention of waking up.

Nana knew, even unconsciously, that if she held Rinn's hand, it would never be let go. It was a habit Nana had when she wanted to be spoiled since childhood.

"Well... there's nothing I can do about it."

Rinn was weak for this. Just as Nana was weak for Rinn's requests, Rinn couldn't refuse when Nana was being spoiled.

More importantly, Rinn knew that for Nana, holding hands was a very courageous act.

Nana had a fear of touching human skin.

Ever since she crushed her dear mother's hand when she was very young, Nana had lived in fear of destroying the people she cared about.

For a long time, even after learning to control her strength with Rinn, Nana still feared herself.

"It's okay, I'm here."

While stroking Nana, who had a slightly pained expression, Rinn gave up on getting out of bed and lay down next to her.

Was she having a bad dream? Probably. The current Nana was very similar to the one from six years ago.

Even though she was supposed to have forgotten, those memories still tormented Nana from the depths of her mind.

However, this was something Rinn couldn't fix. She understood that.

All Rinn could do was be there for Nana.

Nana had to overcome it herself. Her past trauma, her sealed emotions.

All it might take is a little push, and Nana would remember. But Rinn didn't know how to provide that push.

"I hope that time comes as soon as possible."

While gently stroking Nana's back, who was lying on her side, Rinn could see her frowning face gradually relax.

It was just a hunch, but Rinn thought this event might bring that push.

All she could do was wait for that moment.

"But... I'm looking forward to it from tomorrow."

Since the first day. Yes, even though she invited Nana to play WLO to play together, Rinn hadn't been able to play with Nana for nearly two weeks.

While there were various thoughts, the top priority for Rinn was to enjoy the event with Nana.

☆

"Haa... haa..."

In front of the blazing furnace, Haruru panted while hammering the steel.

Blacker than black, it was a steel that seemed to absorb light. Hammering, hammering, and hammering. The steel, which had lost its luster, returned a terrifying load to Haruru's arms with each strike.

Overheavy Metal. A super-heavy metal created by melting and mixing heavy metals to increase purity and density.

More than ten dark ingots scattered around Haruru were all Overheavy Metal ingots.

"Hehe... hehehe..."

Gong... Gong... A heavy, bell-like sound echoed through Haruru's workshop.

Haruru, who looked like she was about to collapse, laughed happily while swinging the hammer.

All for the sake of someone with the talent to wield this. Yes, it was the crystallization of Haruru's own desire, or perhaps the first step towards a weapon.

While maintaining a steady rhythm, Haruru continued hammering endlessly.

It had been over two hours of intense forging.

The forging with Overheavy Metal was approaching its climax.

☆

The fifth city, Griffith.

In the clan house prepared there, Arthur was swinging her sword at a very leisurely pace.

This was a routine for Arthur.

She called it "the most important training." No one understood the meaning of those words, but Arthur didn't elaborate.

"Arthur-sama, the eight Round Table Knights who can gather are here."

"Thank you, Sleigh."

Arthur, who was swinging her sword gracefully, sheathed it in response to Sleigh's call.

Today, Arthur had called the Round Table members for the event.

The Round Table Knights. This title was given to the top 11 players in the clan "Round Table Knights."

While the lineup was supposed to change every month, the current knights were the 11 chosen in the "First Selection." Even though the game had just started, they were currently top-tier sword players.

Arthur sat in a specially prepared chair and looked around at the knights waiting for her in the clan house.

"Well, well... you all gathered well. Especially Leo, Erimi, and Nushi, I've been a bother to you."

"Not at all. Rather, the leader should use us more."

"Uh-huh, uh-huh."

The two swordsmen called by Arthur, Leo in first place and Erimi in fourth place, knelt before her without showing any dissatisfaction despite rushing from the sixth city.

"The others also made time well. After the event, the time of the "Selection" will come again. I wanted to see Nushi and the others' faces before then."

The "Selection" was a PvP tournament held once a month within the clan "Round Table Knights."

The results of the tournament directly affected the Round Table's ranking.

In other words, the eight people in front of Arthur were the survivors of the first selection.

"Hmm, hmm, you all look different from three weeks ago. Especially Rando, you've improved a lot, haven't you?"

"Eh! Really!? That's great!"

Arthur praised the fully armored knight, Rando, who showed childlike joy.

His rank was sixth. Since being chosen as a Round Table Knight, he had worked harder than anyone else to become stronger, and being recognized for his strength was the happiest thing for him.

While watching his delighted expression with a smile, Arthur called out to the next person she noticed.

"Don't get cocky and keep working hard. How are you doing, Shuya?"

"Uh, well, it's going okay. Oh, I found a beetle cuisine restaurant, so I'll send you the location later."

While receiving looks of "What have you been doing?" from everyone, Shuya's ability to find new places for Arthur's tastes couldn't be denied.

Most importantly, Arthur liked Shuya because of this ability.

"Good job! ...Hmm, Merry and Berry, did you change your weapons?"

"Yes, I switched to a greatsword."

"I switched to a saber."

"Good. Make sure to get used to them during this event."

The next two she called out to were the twin swordsmen, both dressed in dress armor like valkyries.

Their ranks were eighth and ninth. Arthur nodded approvingly and encouraged them for choosing their own paths and abandoning one-handed swords early on.

"Benobenon, I heard you were killed by the Murder Princess?"

"Uh..."

Benobenon, in fifth place, wielded a very rare dual short sword.

He shrank when called by Arthur.

"Train hard so you can take her down."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Losing to a PK player didn't mean losing anything in terms of items or Iris.

However, the Round Table Knights were the face of the clan. If the ace of a large clan lost to a PK player, it would tarnish their reputation.

While Arthur didn't care about this, Leo probably would.

As a clan leader, she was giving Benobenon a pep talk.

Well, with that said, Arthur began.

"A few days ago, Sukuna came to visit. Thanks to Shuya for inviting her."

"Huh. She came, huh?"

Shuya's surprised expression was genuine, but he had no other reason for inviting her besides trying it out.

However, he reconsidered that it was natural since Sukuna was connected to Toka and Arthur.

"She's a player who's been in the news... Hehe, she seems like a good friend."

"M-Master's friend... can eat weird things..."

Whether Arthur meant it in that sense or not, as a common understanding among the clan members, Arthur only called those she had eaten with "friends."

Thus, everyone's hearts resonated with Rando's slightly hesitant words.

Arthur, oblivious to the change in the atmosphere, moved on to the next topic.

"Well, let's talk about the event. I don't plan to aim for the rankings, but what about you all?"

Arthur herself couldn't aim for the rankings during the event due to her busy schedule.

However, she honestly hoped that one of the Round Table Knights would place in the top rankings, as she believed this event would have a significant impact on future strategies.

If everyone spoke at once, even Prince Shotoku couldn't understand.

So they quietly raised their hands to indicate their intentions.

Leo and Erimi, the frontline raiders, raised their hands first, and Benobenon, perhaps feeling awkward, also raised his hand.

Merry and Berry, and Rando, did not raise their hands. Like Arthur, they couldn't dedicate much time to the event.

"Leo, Erimi, and Benobenon, you'll do it, right? Hmm, Shuya, you too?"

What surprised Arthur was that Shuya, who was usually a night owl, raised his hand a bit late.

"Yeah, I managed to free up a little time."

"Good, good! It's getting exciting!"

Arthur laughed happily, and Sleigh had no particular opinion.

As Arthur's attendant, being a support player was the most important thing for Sleigh.

Since Arthur said she wouldn't seriously participate in the event, Sleigh would just follow her lead.

The general flow was decided.

The tension in the clan house, which had slightly relaxed, returned in the next moment.

"Well, since you all gathered, if anyone wants, I'll spar with you a little."

Arthur's sparring. For those who aspired to be Round Table Knights, inspired by her sword skills, this was a miraculous time.

In front of Arthur, who slowly drew her sword, everyone's gazes intersected.

Who would be the first to receive guidance? The biggest battle before the event was about to begin.

☆

In the vast forest near the fifth city, known as the "Forest of Wandering," Kohaku walked alone, heading for the depths.

A few days after parting with Sukuna, the Forest of Wandering at twilight was beginning to cast shadows of darkness here and there.

When she reached a place where a hint of crimson light shone, Kohaku suddenly stopped.

"You can come out now, can't you?"

Her voice, though not loud, strangely reached far and deep.

Kohaku had chosen a place where no one would disturb her to call out to the one she had felt watching her for the past few days.

"Hehe, you noticed, huh?"

A golden-haired, red-eyed girl appeared, cloaked in darkness, and Kohaku couldn't help but catch her breath.

It was a color only allowed to vampires.

Except for travelers from other worlds, Kohaku knew that in this world, only one person possessed this color.

"Hello, princess of the Oni. It's nice to meet you, right? Last Vampire, should I call you 'Heavenly Eye'?"

"Sure, that's fine. I only want to be called by one person in this world."

Thinking of that one person, the vampire's expression, like a lovesick maiden, made Kohaku think, "Just as rumored."

The strongest hero and absolute being. Even from Kohaku's perspective, she was far superior. Yet, her appearance was that of a young girl.

The world's last vampire, Melty Bloodheart.

Kohaku was amazed to finally meet this monster, who had never been encountered despite the passage of decades and becoming one of the world's strongest.

"So, what's your business? Did you come to destroy the Oni village?"

"Hehe, you have a sense of humor."

Kohaku's playful question. It was a black joke that only worked because they both knew that the Oni had destroyed the vampires, but Melty laughed it off.

"Do you know that the 'Gate' will open tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course. The announcement was made worldwide yesterday. It's been eight years, hasn't it? The stars are as whimsical as ever."

Melty's sudden change of topic was expected by Kohaku.

The Gate, also known as the Gate of Trials, was a small entrance created by the Creator to delay the invasion of the Apostles, the vassals of the Seven Star King, who had once been a large hole.

"The stars are like that. Last time, I had to clean up after them, but this time it seems different. It will be a trial for the travelers and entertainment for the inhabitants of this world."

"Considering their curiosity and the rewards from the Creator, it makes sense. Most importantly, they don't have the concept of death. It's better to leave it to them rather than the people of this world risking their lives to close the gate."

The Apostles, or the vassals of the Seven Star King, were the vanguard of the Seven Star King's invasion from a different dimension and the greatest enemies of humanity.

If they can't be defeated, humanity will perish. Therefore, the Creator shrunk the large hole into a gate to delay the Apostles' invasion and protect humanity.

By weakening the power of the Seven Star King swirling behind the gate, the strength of the Apostles would significantly decrease.

Thus, every time the gate opened, the people of this world sent troops to defeat the Apostles, even at great cost.

This time, it would be left to the travelers. As beings who had transcended death, they could weaken the Apostles indefinitely.

In that sense, Kohaku saw no problem, but there were concerns.

"Still, they are young and inexperienced warriors. Even if they weaken the Apostles, it's uncertain if they can defeat them."

Kohaku's concern was valid.

No matter how much the Apostles' power was weakened, they would never die.

They would only die if their power was weakened, they were isolated in another dimension, and the chosen warriors of the Creator defeated them in the final battle.

If they failed in the final battle, the Apostles would appear in the world, leading to a disaster like the one eight years ago.

"Still, if we intervene, it will hinder their growth."

"Considering the potential loss of human lives, it's inevitable."

"...Either way, if I intervene, I'll destroy everything around the Apostles. I'll leave it to you. Of course, only if they fail to defeat the Apostles."

The Apostles are strong. Being named monsters or named beings, they are as such.

In short, Melty had come to ask Kohaku for this. She had searched for someone who could eliminate the Apostles without causing large-scale destruction and found Kohaku.

Kohaku, understanding this, relaxed her shoulders.