Part 299: Tomorrow's Plans

"Kanazu Nanami is... well, you can tell just by watching her videos—she's a delinquent."

"A delinquent... like a gang girl?"

"Not quite the same, I think. She's a delinquent, that's all."

How exactly is she different?

Reading my expression, the "gambler" gave a sarcastic smile.

"Maybe a bit more of a tough girl vibe than a typical gang girl?"

"Kind of understandable... and kind of not."

We're currently enjoying a fairly high-society luxury by sipping warm tea instead of breakfast in a cool, air-conditioned studio.

"Shall we? If you're worried, I'll come with you tomorrow."

"No, it's fine."

I couldn't possibly make someone like an overbearing older sister do something like that.

"Gambling Master," — "Tora-san," you've got editing work to do, right? The income from that video is essential for me too."

"I see."

Saying that, "Gambling Master" looked slightly disappointed.

"I was looking forward to seeing the duo back in action after such a long time."

"We'll have to wait for another chance."

"…………. By the way, what's the lineup for the collaboration project with Nanami?"

"Four people, apparently."

"Ah."

"The lineup includes one person from 'Guardian,' one from 'Queen'—specifically, someone connected to Shizukawa Reika. Both seem to be 'Players,' though."

"True, that's to be expected... But it's annoying that we don't even know their names."

"The one sent from 'Guardian' is probably Mr. Toll."

"Ah, the woman with the brown breasts?"

"Yes."

That nickname does seem a bit inappropriate, though.

"If you're with that guy, our combat strength is perfectly fine."

"By the way, 'Gambling Expert,' have you ever been to the other side of the gate?"

"Of course not. But I do frequent the cafeteria run by the 'Guardians.' I've heard things through the grapevine."

"What kind of things?"

"Nothing much different from what you already know. The other side... well, it's not much of a place. You won't find anything particularly useful there."

"Is that so."

It feels like a good opportunity to get closer to the truth of the world.

Even if Nanami’s already prepared something, bring goggles and a mask for zombie defense. Also, don’t forget something nutritious to drink—supplies like that won’t be available on the other side.

I see....I understand now.

Nodding, I finished eating the cookie from Gran Deliria, and only then did I finally begin today's work.

I handed the recording of my thoughts on yesterday's game commentary to the "Gambler," asked for a bit of editing input, and then brought up the topic I'd been putting off for so long.

"So about the matter with Hane Kusa Yoriko..."

"Yeah... that one."

"You've already earned enough VP, haven't you?"

"I've already reached the point where I can revive up to five people."

Hmm. Five people.

"Then why are you putting off reviving Ayaka-chan?"

"Well, the thing is... it seems Rika is reluctant to revive that girl, Ayaka."

"Reluctant?...Does revival even have priorities? Like, maybe you don't want to revive strong 'players'?"

"Or maybe that girl has her own agenda... something of her own."

"An agenda?"

"Or perhaps, that girl, Ayaka... might already have been revived."

"Wait, what?"

Could that really be possible?

Frowning at the thought,

"It's not impossible. Maybe she's forcing Ayaka's cooperation in exchange for her revival, or something like that."

"No, that doesn't seem right, does it?"

"Maybe not."

"Besides, I'm already something of a celebrity in this 'unreal kingdom,' aren't I? If she notices me, she's bound to make some kind of move to contact me."

Of course, I've already confirmed Aya's appearance.

Even with my hazy memories, I couldn't possibly fail to recognize her if we met face to face.

"Well... that's true enough. By the way, do you know anything about the 'Immortal Corps'?"

"Immortal Corps?"

Now that's a word that really tickles the middle-schooler in me.

"There's a group of powerful 'players' known as the 'Immortal Corps.' They're essentially the royal guard in this 'unreal kingdom.' Rumor has it they're made up of players revived by Reisen."

"Hmm."

So that's what the 'Immortal Corps' is all about.

"They're exactly what their name suggests—a team completely liberated from the fear of death, invincible. The reason even players as high-level as Hakka can't interfere is because Reisen is tightly protected by the 'Immortal Corps.'"

"I see. Then, it's impossible for them to overlook a player as high-level as Sayoha."

"That's right."

Hmm.

I've heard that Sayoha-chan tends to be easily deceived, you know.

...No good.

I'm starting to get worried about her.

"By the way, when you joined Abienia, didn't you meet a woman with the 'Dancer' job?"

"Yeah... I did meet her."

"By the way, she's also a member of the 'Immortal Corps'."

"Hmm."

I figured she was on the side of the system anyway, given that she's stuck guarding the gate.

"Regardless, if we're traveling with that 'Immortal Corps' member tomorrow..."

"Yeah. Might be our chance to gather inside information."

We nod at each other.

Up until now, our vague goal had been hazy, but suddenly, it began to come into clearer view.