That 387: To the Castle

After parting ways with the two guardians, we hurried toward "Avienia Castle."

Along the way, we encountered:

"Wait a sec, 'Nameless'! Come here, gwaahhhhh!"

"Come on, 'Nameless'! Hurry up, hurry up, shooobuugyaaahhh!"

"Let's go! Let's go, let's go, let's go! Fight me, fwoooouuuu!"

"Hello everyone! Well then, I'm sending you to hell—eeeeeeeeeennn!"

Just weak "players" around level 25.

Of course, I'd just quickly one-shot them all.

Only people with decent job skills could even stand a chance against me now.

It was a relief that the ordinary girls who might accidentally kill someone after defeating Ritoru-kun stopped chasing us, but that's been a hassle in its own way.

Honestly, there were actually quite a few "players" here, huh?

"With so many people around, it's only natural. No one's going out of their way to announce it, after all."

"But everyone seems to be at a fairly low average level?"

"Yeah, once you get used to living here, your level hardly ever goes up. Around here, a player with a level of 30 is considered pretty strong."

And, Nanami-san.

It's not bad to live peacefully in a safe place, but if you slack off too much, you'll get left behind, right?

"Well, a lot of people get tired of being superhuman. Not everyone can hunt 'zombies' like that."

"That's true."

Just thinking about what those gray-eyed people were like before they became what they are now is enough to make you feel discouraged.

"By the way, if you win the rock-paper-scissors against Reika, what exactly do you plan to do?"

"For now, we should seize the Soul Restoration Machine and make it available for everyone's benefit."

"What about the rest? What will happen to the 'Unreal Kingdom'?"

"It will be managed similarly to a regular community. We'll allow free passage between Avienia and Grandelina... and leave the rest to the representatives....Is there a problem with that?"

"There's no problem with that."

Nanami sighed slightly,

"Then it'll just be like a regular shelter, won't it?"

"That's unavoidable. At least it's better than leaving things as they are right now, isn't it?"

"I suppose so, but..."

Currently, Reiha was the sole beneficiary of the power granted by the Soul Restoration Machine.

Yet in this world, there are countless people longing to be reborn.

Otherwise, the Soul Restoration Machine wouldn't need to be running constantly for the sake of all those people longing to be reborn.

"If you'd like, I can guide you all to the Kagakyo community. Someone like Nanami-san, a 'player' of your caliber, would be in high demand no matter where you go."

"Hmm. I'll think about it."

As we were chatting, we arrived at the main gate of "Avienia Castle"—the very spot that once served as the entrance to an attraction.

Even though the attraction had closed over a decade ago, I expected the place to be completely deserted—but surprisingly, it seemed to still be properly maintained.

In fact, it appeared even more well-kept and livable than the other attractions.

▼

Leading the way, followed by Nanami, Asuka, Miharu, and Tsumuri bringing up the rear.

Keeping a close watch on our surroundings as we advanced,

"Haah———! Hoo!"

With a cheerful greeting, a young girl plummeted down from above.

Spinning gracefully through the air, she landed as softly as a feather, barely feeling the pull of gravity.

With an elegant bow, she greeted us.

"Good day! Vivian Girls!"

"Oh?"

Turning halfway, blade half-drawn from its sheath,

Hello, Mayi-san.

Feeling down, huh! Let's try again! Goodbye, girls!

Um...

Until you're feeling better! Let's repeat it! Goodbye, girls!

Good day!

No way! Not you, shy little kid and maid girl over there!

I thought I'd had enough.

No way. I can't keep up with that kind of energy.

Hehehehehe

She smoothly covers it up with a wide smile.

From her expression, I sensed something akin to a mysterious professional dedication—“No matter what happens, I won’t break character.”

“Anyway, what do we do? Are we fighting all of us here? Or are we teaming up with you to take down Reisen together?”

“We’re not fighting…!”

Upon hearing her declaration, we all let out a sigh of relief.

After all, facing someone of her skill level would surely leave us badly injured otherwise.

"Direct orders from Reika herself. She said, 'We can't have friends getting bloodied in front of each other!'"

Hmm.

I appreciate the thought, but it's kind of eerie.

"...If it turns into a real fight to the death, even Mayi would waver. If that happens, the entire 'Immortal Unit' would be thrown into chaos. That's why it can't happen, right?"

Nanami said.

"Fu fu fu fu fu."

In contrast, Mayi simply laughs when she's at a loss for words—her way of brushing things off.

Even Nanami, who's known us for so long, seemed to sense it, asking with a hint of irritation.

"So? You're not willing to help, and you're not willing to fight. Then why did you show up in front of us?"

"Of course... I'm here to guide you through the castle! After all, it's easy to get lost! The inside of the castle is complicated—sure to confuse anyone!"

Ah...

I had kind of sensed she'd show up with that kind of attitude.

But at that moment, we were all in complete agreement.

No, I'm still on time. Goodbye.