Chapter 197

"Now, let me explain the game.

Lady Aisha, would you like to hear the explanation of the game?"

Since he had returned to his business-like tone, the conversation was finally over.

"Hmm...

It would be nice if it were the same as the explanation before clearing the stage."

This explanation is simple. As expected, hearing the same content over and over is troublesome. I really wanted to hear if there were any changes.

Just as I was thinking this, the floor of the room made a sound, and stairs appeared. Fresh air came in.

"Then, good luck—"

"Ah, before that.

I want to chat with my friends for a while, can I go back to the anteroom?"

"Fine, go ahead.

However, until Lady Aisha leaves here, none of the rest of us can enter this room."

"I understand."

Good. I wonder what I would have done if they had told me not to go back.

I left the room through the door I had just entered.

When I hurried back to the original room, the two people who looked a bit bored looked at me.... Is Uranus still not awake?

"Meleoron, Sim. Thanks for waiting.

If I go down the stairs in the back room, one of them can enter the back room.

... By the way, what time is it now?"

"Hmm. It's 6:10."

Meleoron looked at his Mobile Phone and answered.... I asked for the time, but if I use a Mobile Phone instead of a watch, I can't Recharge it, so there will be a problem. I'm leaving, so it doesn't matter.

"Then I'll wait downstairs."

I returned to the back room.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I called out to her and walked toward the stairs without stopping.

"Then, good luck."

Somehow, I looked back into her eyes and tried calling out again.

"Ita-san, how are you?"

"... Hmm, Aisha-san is also doing well."

He responded with a gentle smile.

Not applicable. I guess she really wanted to talk about things outside the template.

A building called the Perilla Tree. Walking down the spiral staircase. Finally, the sound of the door closing upstairs.

Sakura, and also.

When I walked down the last step, the trampled grass let out a cry of protest again.

An endless plain. The sky was still pitch black, but it was dyed with a layer of color by the tranquility of early morning, making it even more exhilarating.

... Yes. Last time I came, I felt a gaze, but this time I didn't.

Inhale and exhale a large amount of comfortable air. Whoosh, somehow, I'm not so nervous anymore.

The Wind blew gently, blowing away my messy black hair.

Alright, just wait for everyone to come. Hmm, it feels really good.

Using aerobics to strengthen your body solution to loosen up, while doing this, I vaguely thought about the future. If you see Meleoron hasn't come down for a long time, you must be listening to the explanation properly.

Actually, I think it would be difficult to carry out game strategies while protecting me. Last time when I was forced into "Absolute," I couldn't receive cards at all. Well, thanks to the information I got from Mr. Genthru, I was able to save the trouble of researching it, and because we prioritized our training, but...

One. Come to think of it, it was really careless of me to come down first. If I were attacked at this time, I would be helpless. I should have let Meleoron come down as soon as possible. Oh damn, I'm not good at Greed Island after all... I can't think properly.

Well, no one is looking at the starting point, so I think it's fine... Even if I were there, they wouldn't think I couldn't use my Nen at all because I'm currently in an Absolute state.

On the contrary, you have to bluff. Tell them there is no value in a prey that is easily targeted. Pretend to be strong, right? I don't know.

Well, I have no choice but to act like usual...

Where is a good base this time? I think being close to Antokiba like before is bad. I'm worried about my defense, so I want a place that is harder to find. There were many people before, and it was impossible to hide without being discovered. Hmm... like a toilet. You can't erase the traces. Oh, what should I do this time? In the past month, I've encountered a lot of trouble. Because there's always someone around me...

............ Stop, don't worry alone. Chat with everyone, yes.

Just as I was thinking this, I heard the sound of the floor opening upstairs.

Looking up at the Perilla Tree stairs.

"Yo. I kept you waiting."

Meleoron walked down the stairs with a backpack on his back and a smile on his face.

My worries became ridiculous, and I responded with a smile.

"Thank you, Luke."

"Welcome to Greed Island."

"What what?

If it's for the princess, hmm, Yakura."

"Ahaha."

By way of apology, he gave a wry smile to deceive. I don't emit an aura. Well, that princess is not only being protected this time, but also moving around.

"... Yo. What a beautiful view.

NGL has similar scenery, but that side is developed amazingly, not such a pleasing landscape."

"Hahaha..."

I gave a bitter smile again. Because NGL was a nest for drug manufacturing. There were also many Rocky Mountains. When I stayed in NGL, I was busy running around, subjugating Chimera Ants and evacuating Hunters who came to investigate, so I didn't have time to look at the scenery.

"Even so..."

"What?"

"... Is this really inside a game?

It's a bit too realistic, I can't believe it."

"What do you think?"

Uranus seems not to speak, and Meleoron seems not to know either. Think about it, does Uranus know this is reality? I wanted to hear your opinion, which is why I dared to ask back.

"..."

I think it is too big for a game."

I didn't answer, just smiled. If you think about it with common sense, yes. Saying that all of this is accomplished by game programs and Nen Ability is truly too unreasonable. Meleoron's answer is Absolute and correct.

"Perhaps Meleoron is the first Chimera Ant to visit Greed Island."

"Hoo..."

Meleoron looked affectionately into the distance.

"By the way, what was Eta's reaction?

Look at Meleoron."

Yes? Meleoron tilted his head. I don't think I would have noticed it because I was wearing a headscarf. It's impossible for me not to look at my companion.

"Oh, you mean Eta, you mean that girl? Just now you explained the game..."

"Yes, that's correct.

She is a real person, just like us."

"Hmph. I thought she was a game character, right?

Did you not respond to anything else? This is normal."

Hmm... is it caused by the normal mentality of staying in that place all the time?

Because I wasn't there, I don't know.

"Please wait a moment."

Seam also struggled down the stairs carrying Uranus's backpack.

"Welcome to Greed Island."

"Yes!"

"Seam.

Did you wake Uranus up properly?"

Seam's feet stepped on the grass.

"Mm-hmm. After listening to the instructions and coming back, I was already awake.

I told you to come down quickly."

I am impressed. Seam, you are a bit stubborn.

When I thought this while looking at Seam, Seam looked back meaningfully.

"What's wrong?"

"Mm.

Aisha is also cute without her hair tied up like that."

Hmm. I won't show it to many people.

Depending on the clothes I wear, sometimes I don't tie them up, but I still get annoyed when they are loose. I don't know if this is normal, but for now.

"Thank you.

But this makes moving a bit difficult. I will assemble it soon."

"I think both are cute."

"That's that, this is a compliment."

Seriously... if you said it naturally, I would have accepted it. Someone said it because I am still a child. But when Gon said it, it made me a bit embarrassed.

... So, Uranus is here, what should I say?

The three of us chatted for a while, then heard the sound of the floor opening upstairs.

Accompanied by light footsteps walking down the stairs, Uranus appeared.

She walked down with a slightly sleepy expression while lifting the hem of her white dress.

He landed on the grass without looking at us.

I looked up.

"Wait, everyone.

Thanks Seam and Luc. I'll keep it."

"Yes."

Seam obediently passed the canvas backpack. Uranus carried it on her back and looked at me.

"... Aisha. That..."

"..."

For example, I have heard about it from Meleoron.

But for now, why don't we talk about the details tonight?

I can't stay here for too long, even if I have to report on the match starting now."

Yes. In any case, the priority is the monthly tournament. If Uranus has a means of succeeding even in this, he must hurry. I am also hungry.

"... Hmm, I understand.

I apologize again for tonight, but I am sorry. Aisha"

If you apologize with a face like that, I wouldn't be able to stay angry...

"... It's nothing. Thanks to you, my physical condition is good.

Thank you."

"Yeah... that's good.

Oh, this. I'm sorry for holding onto it."

Uranus extended a white hair tie. I accepted it without a word.

Hmm. It's getting hotter.... It's fine.

"Uranus.

What did you do?"

"..."

"No."

Wow. You adjusted something? That's a secret too.

... It doesn't seem like Uranus would do something without my permission, I wonder if he is preparing something like him?

The appearance of the rubber hasn't changed at all, and the feel is the same. I can't feel any aura right now anyway, so I don't know what it is. Oh, how are you?

I tied my hair back.

... Phew. Calm down.

If it's confidential, I think I will hide the issue of the staff account for now. I don't know if I should tell everyone.... I don't want to bother you with too many unnecessary things.

"That is Uranus.

As the leader, please decide the first policy."

"... Alright. Then, okay."

Uranus cast his gaze toward the vast plains. Blown by the Wind, his cherry-colored hair swayed.

The destination is definitely Antokiba. But you don't know the direction of the city.

"Hmm.

Do you know what time it is now?"

"About 6:30."

Meleoron answered immediately. Upon hearing this, Uranus cast his gaze toward the direction where the Sun was shining. Looking down, following the growing shadow with his eyes.

Not long after, he pointed in a direction with a thin Finger.

"About 10 kilometers north from here... the target is the reward city, Antokiba."

──This sentence made my skin crawl.

To be able to determine north from the time of day and the position of the Sun...

He knew this place was real, and he knew where it was in the world.

The four of us walked onto the plains, where the early morning air still lingered.

Uranus was the only one who knew the exact direction of north, so he was the first to walk.

I followed behind him after a short moment, but I could tell from his line of sight which area he was aiming for, so I walked side-by-side.

Meleoron and Seam walked side-by-side behind them. Uranus and Meleoron were carrying backpacks. I think it's fine.

"Come to think of it, Uranus—"

I was about to ask him, but he reached out to stop me. I followed his gaze, which he did not let go of.

A shadow. A quadruped... a dog? It was walking.

With an incredibly light pace, he carried a backpack and walked toward that dog over thirty meters away. My hand was placed on the dog's back. The dog turned into a card.

It was fast... no, it was smart. During the meeting, he showed me a gait that would cause disorder, but what he just displayed could be called a brisk walk. I couldn't see it, but it certainly had an aura.

Considering the nature of the Nen Ability he uses, I know he must have accumulated enough Training to move his center of gravity... but even so, it isn't too complicated.... Is this a level that can be reached at seventeen? Even though he usually walks weakly.

You said you didn't want to optimize your movements as unarmed martial arts...

Was he trying to say that if you have the will and the time, you can optimize it?

Uranus elegantly held the card between two Fingers and walked toward us normally. The three of them stopped and waited for him to return.

Coming over, he showed a card. Especially to Meleoron and Seam.

"Items that can turn into cards can be obtained by meeting the acquisition conditions like this. In this case, you can turn it into a card by touching the dog.

Once you get it, or take it out of the Binder, it can turn into a card—a book—within one minute."

A Binder appeared from the Ring he filled. He opened the Binder floating in the air with a familiar hand.

While pointing the open page toward me, I clicked on the card that entered the Free Pocket frame. If it's there, take it out immediately.

"This will add one minute.

It is easy to inadvertently create items when time runs out, so be careful.

Also, when you are holding cards like this, don't casually say 'Goo' and 'In'. Even if you don't intend to, the Ring reacts to the sound, and the card can be resolved.

... Well, there's no helping it if I do that."

Saying this, Uranus stuffed the card back into his own Free Pocket. I am already very used to it. If you stay in the game for a while, everyone can do it, but when you come back after a long time, it's suddenly like this.

Uranus tried to give Seam an open Binder. Seam received it.

"Meleoron, Seam.

I want you to look closely, but there is a number written on that card, right?"

Both of them stared at the card in the Empty Pocket.... I was also a bit curious about what kind of card one could get in a place like this, but explaining things to a Beginner should be my top priority.

"As I explained outside the game, the number in the top left corner is the card number.

The F-215 in the top right corner is the card's rarity—the rank and the card's limit."

"1308: Ask Dog"

F-Rank card limit 215

A pet dog loved by an elderly couple who have no children.

Wandering habit.

"... I roughly understand, but what is this card, or rather, what is the item?"

Facing Meleoron's question, Uranos made a slightly puzzled expression.

"Actually, the situation is the exact opposite.

The reward city Antokiba has an event that requires you to find this dog.

There is a prize Poster hanging on a Wall, which says that whoever finds the person with the Ask Dog will receive the 'Cursed Goddess of Fortune'.

If you take this card to the specified place, it will be exchanged for that item."

... Hm? That.

Listening to Uranos, I tilted my head.

"Hmm. Then, what is that 'Cursed Goddess of Fortune Statue'?

It's called imif, what on earth is it?"

Uranos shrugged.

"If it stays as it is, it's just a cash item. It doesn't have any effect.

It can only be sold for 20,000 game currency Jenny.

Also, this exchange event is a one-time event."

"... If it stays as it is?"

With my questioning voice, Uranos responded with a smile on his lips.

"Did you notice?"

Is that so...!

I couldn't help but shout,

"────The curse of the 'Cursed Goddess of Fortune' can be lifted with the 'Paladin's Necklace'!"

Uranos deepened his smile and gave him a thumbs up.

"Yes, that is the condition to obtain the 'Goddess of Fortune Statue'.

The item itself only says it can bring good luck; I don't know the specific effect, but if you sell it at the Trade Shop, it's worth 700,000 Jenny."

Uranos still turned his gaze toward me meaningfully. After all, is that so...

"That thing is...

It's a hint for obtaining the Specified Pocket Card 'Fortune Alexandrite'."

"Hmm. Full marks."

Oh. It's been a long time... the catharsis when solving this kind of mystery.

Am I a gamer after all? Hehe.

"The items required for this event can be obtained from the Perilla Tree to Antokiba, so it must be a hint.

If you ignore it just because it's not a Specified Pocket Card, you will miss these hints.

After clearing the game once, the acquisition conditions for Specified Pocket Cards might have changed, so we must be careful."

Ahahaha... this person is amazing. This is a walking strategy guide.

More importantly, it's not just the answer; it's a very good textbook that teaches you how to find the answer. Sorry, I'm not like Mr. Genthru.

If Uranos hadn't fought alone last time, he might have been a powerful enemy...

The condition for obtaining luck "The beggar's illness is actually a curse, and it will be dispelled," this is also related to the fact that Mr. Battera's lover's illness is actually a curse, just in case. Of course, this is a Coincidence. Ha... there are all sorts of things.

Meleoron and Seam were silent, listening to our conversation.

Meleoron opened his mouth.

"Hmm... how did you get the Emerald?"

"I heard the Paladin is a monthly subscription."

"Ah."

For some reason, Uranos and I both groaned.

We couldn't help but look at each other.

One. This is...

We are both going through the same thing.

Uranos and I noticed this. ──The next moment, both of them burst into laughter.

"──No ha!! Eh, is Aisha the same?"

"Uh, Uranos too? Ahahaha."

Enticed by Uranos, I couldn't stop laughing. As we laughed out loud, Meleoron and Seam's eyes lit up.

Sorry, you two. It's hard to explain how they were dressed up and stripped by the beggar—"Unfair!"

"Ahahahaha, my stomach hurts!

Sorry... hahaha! Itai!"

"Woah, ah! I fell into the same situation too!"

Hahahahaha! Yay! Haha!"

I clutched my stomach, and Uranus tapped against my knees. For the moment, the urge to laugh did not seem to subside.