That 271, Searching for a Treasure

It was during a time when Aizuki Miyako was aimlessly walking through the surreal streets of a cartoonish town.

"Hey, big sister."

Looking toward the voice, she saw a girl with dark hair, her expression strangely vacant.

She was peering out from the shadow of a warped wooden box, ghostlike.

At first, Miyako thought, oh, unusual—this is rare.

In this peculiar country, "Avienia," it's quite rare to find girls younger than the speaker. While not entirely nonexistent, such cases are difficult to come by unless the girl possesses truly exceptional talent.

Though there is some demand for children's playful videos, acquiring the necessary skills requires a certain level of intelligence and effort.

Generally speaking, a child's heart naturally longs to live freely with their parents at "Grande Liniere" rather than forcing themselves to stay here.

"What's wrong with you?"

Migan, who showed no interest in either her parents or a carefree life, slightly raised an eyebrow and turned her face toward the girl.

Of course, a throwing knife was hidden in her left hand, out of the girl's line of sight.

If the girl tried to harm her, she was prepared to kill her for real.

Maintaining a state of alert even in a safe space is truly characteristic of this girl.

Moreover, I've heard that murder isn't considered a serious crime in this place, "Avienia."

The girl's death after entering the country is guaranteed to be reversed by Shizukawa Reika.

Still, everyone carries with them the conscience developed through their past lives. No girl would willingly take another's life—except for this one, Ringetsu Mii.

"Big sister... are you strong?"

On this question, I can fairly confidently answer.

"Strong, huh."

"Is that so?...Then, how about exploring together?"

"Exploring?"

"Yeah....I want to find Rikka's, uh, Reika Deadmann's secret treasure."

"You silly. How could treasure be in a place a child could reach?"

"But I know where it is. My friend found it for me."

Migen then stared intently at the girl's face.

Long hair run through quickly with a comb.

A face as delicate and symmetrical as a doll, though faintly pale.

Round, dark eyes that seemed to pull one in.

Aizuki Migen was skilled in detecting lies.

At least this girl wasn't lying—her eyes and expression showed it.

Still, what was true for her wasn't necessarily an objective fact.

There was always the possibility of mistaken perception or self-deception.

Migen asked cautiously.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Someone with a strong body like yours is needed. I can't do anything on my own."

"Hmm."

I didn't mind hearing that.

This aloof girl, who rarely received praise from others, was easily swayed by such simple flattery.

"How far is it, exactly?"

"No, it's right here—in this cartoon zone."

That wasn't far at all. It was almost right there.

It couldn't have taken more than ten or fifteen minutes on foot.

Checking the clock, it seemed there was still plenty of time before dinner.

—After all, I might as well have been wandering around aimlessly.

If things went well, my companions would be happy.

Asuna and Tsumuri have been working hard for me.

They always give me the best meals and let me go first for showers.

Asuna even cut my hair last night.

And so, it's the leader's duty to repay them for their efforts.

Migan sighed, deliberately creating an air of having thought deeply, then said,

"Well, I guess there's nothing we can do about it. Let's go, then."

"Alright."

"My name is Ritsuki Migan. —And you?"

"Midori, Rui. 'Rui' comes from 'ruri,' the color of lapis lazuli, and 'ui,' meaning 'to request.'"

"Hmm."

I wonder how exactly "ruri" is written in kanji.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but ever since a moment ago, this girl has been giving off an air of remarkable intelligence—almost as if she's interacting with adults.

Then, let's go? Big sister.

But her innocent smile quickly dispelled those concerns.

I'll just consider it lucky if things go well.

And with complimentary words, Rui entered the backside of Cartoon Town— the area marked "Staff Only" alongside Rui.

▼

Normally, that area would be blocked off by partitions, making it impossible for "Land" visitors to enter. In stark contrast to the clean, orderly appearance of the main street, various supplies were scattered haphazardly about.

Still, the backstage view wasn't so disappointing as to warrant excessive praise from a child.

It's because people work hard behind the scenes that the stars like Nakkī shine brightly on stage.

"……Nakkī"

"Hmm?"

I haven't seen Nakkī since I came here… I wonder if someone’s been taking advantage of him."

"Yeah… maybe. But I’m sure they’ll be fine. They’ve got magical power on their side."

Rui responded with a mature tone.

Feeling slightly annoyed at being treated like a child, Miharu quickly changed the subject.

"Anyway, what exactly are you, inside there?"

"…A 'Player,' maybe that’ll make it clearer?"

"Yeah, that... those fake ones, huh?"

Then Rui let out a quiet chuckle,

"That's right. It was those phony guys who found it....The treasure that Reika's been hoarding....The 'Achievement Reward Item,' you know?"

"Hmm."

"Sure, there wasn't the Soul Restoration Machine—Soul Replicator—but still, we found something pretty rare. No surprise, really. After all, they're the 'Players' managing a safe zone of this scale."

Muttering almost to herself, she began to feel as though she was no longer the younger one.

"Any weapons that seem strong?"

"Eh?"

"I wish I had a weapon that could squash evil like bugs—pop, pop, one after another."

"Um... well, I'm not sure... but probably, if we look hard enough, we'll find one."

"Ah, I see."

The two eventually reached an elevator connecting the underground and the surface—used for transporting supplies.

The elevator doors bore clear signs of having been deliberately removed, and peering inside revealed an impenetrable darkness, as if leading straight into the abyss.

Even the bravest words would struggle to suppress the fear it evoked.

"…Could it be that you're scared?"

"Of course not. Don't mock me."

"Right. You're the strong one, after all."

"Yeah."

"There's a breaker underground. If you activate it, the elevator will move. I'll ride it down."

"Hmm."

"Just so you know, if you don't turn on the breaker, it'll be pitch black—there's no way you can reach the treasure room."

I see. The hole looks like it might be manageable if I brace myself by bending my arms and slowly descend.

Migen took a deep breath... and pictured the faces of her two subordinates in her mind.

And then, without pause, she thought of the third woman—somewhere napping at the moment.

At that moment, she thought she heard their voices calling, "It's lunchtime!"

Undeterred, she leapt forth on her treasure-hunting journey.