落とし穴６０堀：新しい物への心構え (Part1)
**Pitfall 60: Mindset for New Things**
**Side: Yuki**
In this world, there are things people simply cannot yield on.
To an outsider, these things might seem incomprehensible. Yet, there is an unwavering resolve behind them, and many people make such things their life’s mission.
*Why do you climb the mountain?*
*Because it is there.*
Well, that is technically a misuse of the phrase, but in a sense, it perfectly captures the idea that there are things which others may not understand, but which one absolutely cannot compromise on. To put it simply, it’s a "hobby," but it is so much more than just a "hobby."
The world is full of apt expressions like "misdirected effort" or "wasted talent." These are phrases used to describe something trivial, yet acknowledging that the talent involved is worthy of praise. But in truth, it is precisely when people pour their energy into something trivial that they make a leap forward.
The origin of Earth’s technology—no, the origin of all intelligent life—is curiosity.
That is what leads to the technology we have today. Whether it’s picking up a tree branch to swing it, burn it, or build a house with it—that is the nature of innovation. Curiosity and imagination are the beginnings that lead to everything.
"And so, what we are about to do is not mere play!! It is a new step for humanity!!"
"Ohhh!!"
Taiki-kun responded to my speech. And standing next to him, tilting his head in confusion, was Taizo-san.
"...Ah, I understand what you’re saying, Yuki-kun. But are we going mountain climbing or something? You don't look prepared for that. If you underestimate the mountains, you'll die, you know?"
"Ah, no, no. We aren't climbing any mountains. Today, it’s this."
Taiki-kun pointed to the object placed in front of the television.
"What is that? It looks like a lump of machinery. Is it a video player?"
As expected of a legendary engineer. He’s sharp.
"This is called a PG4."
"Pee-Gee-Four? Four as in the number four?"
"Yes. The P stands for 'Play' and the G for 'Game,' so we abbreviate it to PG4."
"I see... a 'Play-Game 4'? As in the fourth model?"
"Yes."
"That means you can play something with this, then."
He really is quick on the uptake. It saves me a lot of explaining.
"Exactly. It’s called a computer game. You run a program designed for entertainment on this machine, feed the visuals into the TV, and use this controller to interact with it."
"Ho. So such things exist in the future. But why today of all days? We’re busy, couldn't this wait for another time?"
Indeed. If it were just about playing the PG4, any day would do. There’s no reason to play when we’re this busy. But today, there is a reason.
"It’s because of this, Taizo-san."
I handed him three items.
"This is... the game data you mentioned, right? By loading this into that machine, this game will..."
Taizo-san stopped mid-sentence. His eyes were glued to one specific software package. It was the latest entry in the famous series: *Ambition of the Sixth Heavenly Demon King: Legend of the Warring States.*
"C-could you explain the contents of this game in detail?"
"Understood."
"For now, let's sit down."
Normally, I wouldn't invite Taizo-san to play games like this. However, since a title that would pique his interest was coming out, I invited him along—and it seems to have been a bullseye.
*Heh.* Everyone wants to run through that era at least once.
I brought out the low table, poured some tea, set out rice crackers, and prepared everything perfectly.
"Now, I understand your impatience, but let me answer your question about why today. Taiki-kun, if you would."
"Yes. Taizo-san, you know that we can order items from Japan, right?"
"A-aye. I assume this is one of those items?"
"Yes. But we can't order things that haven't been released yet."
"That makes sense... Wait. Seeing how much you were looking forward to this..."
"Yes. It’s the latest release, which just came out today."
"...I see. So that’s why today. I’ve never had much interest in trends, but this is different. I understand it, too. How many times have I wished to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sengoku warlords!! Look at this advertisement—it says I can create my own avatar, serve a daimyo, and achieve unification of the realm!! Does this mean my Shimazu clan could actually take the world!?"
"Yes, that’s exactly right. Well, you probably gathered as much from the back of the box, but you build strategies and defeat your enemies just like that."
"Fufufu, so you’re telling me to become the modern-day Zhuge Liang!! Come, teach me how to play!!"
At this moment, Taizo-san and our feelings became one.
Well, it’s a shame I couldn't explain the other two games. It would be pointless to explain a spin-off of a legendary Japanese RPG, and the "fantasy of despair and more despair" is too hard to control without experience, so I figured we’d start with the *Ambition* title.
Oh, by the way, Seraria was looking forward to *Dark 3* so much that I already gave it to her, and she’s currently holed up in her room. As expected, she’s locked away. I doubt she’ll come out for a few days. The other wives, perhaps because the concept of a "game" was entirely new to them, found it refreshing and didn't complain about taking time off for gaming.
Actually, even if not to the same extent as Seraria, everyone is enjoying the new games.
...*Kukuku*, long live the otherworld!!
The fact that I can take paid leave so openly is wonderful!!
Back when I was in Japan, I had to make up all sorts of excuses to take leave. You know, like a relative passing away, a memorial service, or someone being hospitalized. Even then, there’s a limit, right? So I had to tearfully prioritize and allocate my leave. The higher-ups would glare at me, too.
Plus, there’s this societal trend that games are "harmful," which makes it incredibly difficult to enjoy them. What are they talking about? It’s a massive industry!! Do they have any idea how much effort goes into making them?! What’s wrong with taking a break to fully enjoy that effort?!
Games are now the cutting edge of Earth’s technology. I hear VR is coming out soon, too—my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!
Well, I’m in another world now, but I still want to try it!!
Listen, these aren't just "games"—they are not mere play!! The people in charge just don't understand that!! I work for the sake of my hobbies, after all!!
And so, that is why today is a holiday for the sake of gaming. It was partly to let Taizo-san enjoy himself, and partly because I felt guilty enjoying it all by ourselves. A little luxury like this should be fine. We’ve worked hard until now, and since the useless goddess won't complain, it’s all good.