Chapter 222

Cherry Blossom City Eril.

As the name suggests, the main streets of the city are lined with cherry blossom trees. The ground is firm, not paved with Stone like other cities. On average, if it were dirt, many petals would be stained into it.

——I knew that long ago, so I think everyone thinks this the first time they come to this game. When I saw that vast plain, I wondered if I was really in a game.

The sense of incongruity where reality and the game are mixed Together. The Stone picked up becomes a card, and the Stone returned from the card has a realistic texture.

If you stay long enough, you will eventually notice. After all, Greed Island is a reality.

... However, when I came here, my feelings were a bit shaken. This scene is too surreal.

Many varieties of cherry blossoms are planted—as far as I know, they must bloom at different times. It is impossible for cherry blossoms to all bloom at once like this, and first of all, cherry blossoms should not bloom all year round. Even if they do bloom, the flowers scatter quickly.

The temperature and air feel like spring, but...

It reminds me again how far a place where the weather is the same all year round is from reality, which is common in games. This is a very game-like scene. I am in awe of the tenacity of the creator who faithfully Copy it.

Even so, I can understand the feeling of wanting to realize this scene.

It's really quiet... even the game characters taking a walk are very calm, stopping to look at the cherry blossoms, or admiring them while walking. It matches the atmosphere.

We strolled leisurely among the cherry blossoms, trying to blend into the scenery.

"There are many varieties of cherry blossoms..."

Meleoron rolled his eyes and muttered vaguely. The seams are the same, but the hood was completely removed.... I don't want to go. It will be hard to see, and there are no signs of players around.

"Do you two know about Sakura?"

Although I thought I knew, I asked anyway. Meleoron and Seam nodded in unison.

"I didn't know there were so many varieties."

I nodded at Seam's answer. Cherry trees themselves are not rare, but land where many varieties are planted is rare. Only varieties that match the climate of the land will grow naturally; they are not planted.

"This is my first time seeing so many varieties..."

The original world, whether it is Japan where I was born and raised, or the Japan that is close at hand in this world, or when I was wandering around the world. I may have never seen a combination of so many varieties. Unless they bloom at the same time, you cannot distinguish them.

However, I know it can be arranged like this. There are all kinds of things.

"So far, I have seen about 20 kinds."

"There are many similar varieties, but this city has planted more than 30 kinds of cherry blossoms."

The silent Uranus opened his mouth. 20 kinds... Sure enough, I can't tell them apart.

People tend to focus only on the cherry blossoms, but the elegant wooden buildings on both sides of the street stand out. Looking closely, you can see a small figurine decorated with a Buddha statue. This is just like Japan.

When I saw Uranus walking briskly with his hands behind his back, it suddenly occurred to me.

"Perhaps Uranus is from Japan?"

"Hm?

Well... well. Then do you understand?"

Probably. I know about Sushi and public baths.

"Yes.

... It seems like I'm used to it, or rather, I miss it."

"I agree."

His footsteps became a bit Heavy.

"I don't have many good memories of a country myself, but...

I like the food and the four seasons here. The only thing I hate is the people."

"Oh, really...

If I reminded you of something you don't like, I'm sorry."

"No."

Uranus turned and looked at me thoughtfully.

"Aisha is someone who remembers something. It seems like it."

"Are you from Japan?"

... No, but it's hard to deny.

"I was born in a different place, but I lived in Japan for a while.

It is a very memorable place for me. Such scenery..."

"Pfft.

... Speaking of which, I wonder if there is a Kazama Style Dojo in Japan.

Did Aisha study there?"

Ah, did I accidentally make you think that? That's right... I don't want to deny that.

Another strong Wind blew. My field of vision was dyed white and the color of cherry blossoms, and my gaze naturally scattered with the dancing of countless petals.

"... Yeah. I studied Kazama Style when I was in Japan."

"I see.

... Then, I can't say too many bad things about Japan."

Uranus said this with a wry smile.

"You don't have to worry.

It's natural for some people to like it and some to hate it."

As far as I know, it seems natural for him to hate his hometown...

"Well, if you ask me if I dislike Japan, it's a bit hard to answer.

Do you find it complicated?

I really don't want to go home... but I have to go home as soon as possible."

Hearing that makes me curious. I don't doubt Japan is his hometown, but his name clearly doesn't sound like it. I think it's Uranus = Cherry. Is that your real name?

Meleoron is approaching us as we talk.

"You two.

I'm sorry to let the flowers bloom during our Japan talk, but why don't we take a break somewhere as soon as possible?... Siem and I are carrying a backpack, but honestly, that's it."

"Ah, sorry, of course I want to go see the cherry blossoms in comfort.

I don't know what to do... Aisha, do you want to eat something?"

"Hm?

Even if you say that, it's my first time in this small town, what kind of things are there...

Is there a place here where you can eat Japanese food?"

"Yes.

It's quite delicious, though the portions aren't large, and there are quite a few flavors. However, it's still too early for lunch."

Well, yes. This is what the Japanese style is like. The side dishes are delicious, because it costs money if you eat too much. First of all, I haven't had lunch yet...

As I worry, Siem puffs out her cheeks and urges me. Hmm...

"Then...

If Uranus recommends it.

Throw it all the way. Even if you make me decide suddenly, I can't decide.

"Ahaha.

For now, dumplings beat flowers, let's have a cup of tea.

It's too early for a full meal, so be sure to watch the lunchtime and eat well."

In a quiet storefront, a true Japanese atmosphere.

Uranus and I sit on a lounge chair covered with a red cloth. Meleoron and Siem sit together on another sofa.

Next to the seats are tea, rice cakes, and dumplings. If you look up at the weeping cherry blossom tree. It's more like dumplings than flowers, or more like flowers and dumplings. It's a good place for cherry blossom viewing.

The background is a shop called Sakura Tea House. It really feels like it.

Putting your mouth to the lukewarm teacup,

"Hmm..."

Take a breath.

... Somehow, I start to feel like everything is fine.... I'm satisfied just coming here. No, no.

Before my eyes is a plaza, where game characters come and go leisurely. So far, the cherry blossom petals covering the ground like a carpet are thin, and the ground is exposed in the color of dirt. This will give your eyes a rest.

People come and go, people come and go, and the sound of footsteps rings out. Everything feels good.

"Hmm..."

A similar sigh comes from next door. *Huhu*, I wonder if everyone else feels the same way.

"This is a good place."

When I say this, Uranus returns a smile.

"This is my favorite place.

... Before, when I got tired of playing games, I would come here alone to drink tea."

I see.... If you keep playing alone, you won't be able to relax. You've done another amazing thing, Uranus.

"Then...

Is there really no player who can cooperate with you?"

I will ask. He might have too much information. The amount of information collected might be impossible for one person.

"Well, that's right.

Cooperation, or rather, having like-minded players, teaming up for the time being.

To be honest, if I go on the field again this time, I don't know if I can negotiate.

The information after clearing is a bit lacking."

"... Don't you want to play with people like that?"

"..."

At first I thought I was alone.

But as the game progressed, there were many things I thought would be easier if I had friends.

That's why I was thinking, if there was someone I could get along with..."

Uranus takes a sip of tea,

"However, we are the same, but people who have a cooperative relationship with someone were already partners before entering the game.

Even without actually hearing the story, there is such an atmosphere.

Snuggling up for the sake of the game afterwards is, uh... I'm timid."

"..."

After listening, I understand. I guess he's not good at so-called "joining the circle." So you don't have friends?... There's no way, you can only solve it slowly or something.

If Gon and the others weren't here, I would be suspicious too. I'm glad I brought Gon before we left, really. Otherwise, he might still be unwilling to talk to us.

"So this time I'm looking for companions first, you don't know if you can trust them until you enter the game.

... I think it's going well."

Hmm. Frankly, I think I'm losing Uranus. I'm pushing the leader, I'm getting the game, and he's studying modifying items to get clear rewards.

Well, I can't be an Obstacle for a month. There are 29 days left, let me spoil you. After lifting the forced 'Absolute', although I won't use Mobile Magic, I intend to cooperate with him.

"Is that so..."

"I am very happy to hear you say that."

"Yeah... by the way,"

"Yes?"

Tilting your head, what is it? Uranus stares at me.

"Aisha, you have been eating the whole time I was talking to you."

I look away.

"Ah, no.

That said, the dumplings are delicious. The sakura mochi also has a strange scent."

"Do you know that we will be eating lunch after this?"

"Hm?

Oh, of course. No, I was eating for one person—"

"It is her.

I secretly added it in, you know."

"What are you doing!?"

No wonder, no matter how much I eat, I never seem to lose weight!

"No, you didn't notice... hm?

Ah, right. Meleoron, are you activating your ability?"

"Yes.

I used my share of the tea, dumplings, and rice cakes, and quickly swapped the bowls."

"... Sister.

If it is to provoke people, you are willing to sacrifice yourself.

Clerk. Sencha, Mitarashi dango, and sakura mochi, please, for two people."

"Yes."

"Oh, Seam, you are very smart."

"Even if I am praised by my idiot sister, I am not happy.

Let me quietly enjoy the cherry blossoms."

"Excuse me..."

The three voices are very harmonious.

By the way, one of the extra orders was given to me. Oh, this is a kind of consideration, it's a bit hurtful...

With nothing to eat, I look up at the weeping cherry blossoms.

Compared to other cherry blossoms, the flowers blooming here are quite red.

Placing a falling petal on my palm.

Good!

"Eh!?"

The petal placed on top turns into a card.

Uranus does not look surprised, watching me.

"Ah. I wondered if someone would do this, but that is Aisha."

"This...

Can even petals turn into cards?"

<321: Red Starl>

Rank H Card, Limit ∞

Crimson petals blooming on a tall weeping cherry tree.

Bang in the back! I hear a sound. Like me, Seam has a card in her hand.

"That?

Even if I pick up petals, they don't turn into cards."

Meleoron has a petal in his hand, wondering. What is it?

Uranus smiles slightly,

"This is a bit special. Just like that kind of event.

Placing a falling petal on your palm. This is the condition to obtain the card.

You see, even for the petals on your head or shoulders, you didn't turn them into cards until you came here, right?

You can't even pick them up. The fallen ones are no longer processed. The same goes for those stuck to your body.

The cherry blossom cards here can only be obtained by placing the petal in the palm of your hand while it is falling."

"Hehe... Buff."

The card turns into smoke, and the petal is in my palm. Hmm, I feel like it's a bit of a hindrance to my taste. I just wanted to put it on my palm.

"Is this something?"

The card limit is ∞, this won't make money. But I don't want to think of it as a Trash Card. The card number is also surprisingly young.

"But there..."

Uranus hesitates. I don't think I want to tell you clearly.

"What?"

The two people behind also show signs of leaning forward. After all, I am curious.

"Well, I'll just say it straight.

... The Specified Pocket card, the card needed to obtain 'Blue Planet'.

"──Huh!?"

My voice and Shim's voice overlapped. Meleoron tilted his head in a carefree manner.

"What is it, a gem in the Specified Pocket?"

"Yeah, it's a gem! It's an SS-Class card!

Do you know how to get it, Uranus!?"

Uranus's complexion was poor. We had obtained it last time too, but no one taught me how to obtain it.... I didn't ask either.

"I know, but...

This is too annoying. I might have already changed my method.

Do you still want to hear it?"

Shim and I nodded. Uranus scratched his cheek reluctantly.

"I will explain in order.

Didn't I tell you that there are 30 types of cherry blossoms here in Eril?

Collect 30 types of cherry blossoms with a card, and collect the number of temples in this city. If the owners hand them over, you will mainly get a Gem Card called 'Crazy Garnet'.

If you collect a total of 9 types of gems including that card, and take them to a certain place, you can obtain a 'Blue Planet'."

"Nine types of gems... Can you get them all here?"

Uranus shook his head with a sad expression.

"You can only obtain one type in each of the nine cities.

By the way, 'Crazy Garnet' is C-Rank. Among the nine, there is also a B-Rank card."

Troublesome... As expected of an SS-Class. Well, 'itsubonokaigansen' is almost the same. Even 'Angel's Breath' is difficult. I don't know if it would be better if I could collect it steadily.

"Since the Specified Pocket is squeezed, this is really difficult.

If you don't want to collect everything, don't be half-hearted. I'm talking about the cherry blossoms here."

"Whew...

I mean, shouldn't we collect them separately? 30 types."

Meleoron said casually. Separate?

"Atashi and Shim. Aisha and Uranus.

Split into two groups, thirty types, and trade once collected."

"... Don't suggest useless, risky proposals. Of course, even if attacked, there is Hatsu, and one can Escape. I mean, collecting 30 types is very difficult, you know?"

"Isn't it for Training?

Besides, collecting things is like a game."

Training... It would be nice if I could walk around the city with luggage for Training. Maybe he said that because he wanted to reduce the time spent on full-scale Training.

"Well, I understand Meleoron's opinion.

What do Aisha and Shim want to do?"

"I want to try!"

Seam seemed to be doing it purely for that. Well... I don't want to say anything that would dampen my motivation.

I am worried about letting these siblings act alone, but with Meleoron's strength, I shouldn't be in such a dangerous situation. If you just Escape, even if Seam drags your leg, you will make a difference.

If I cannot get help from Uranus right away, I believe I will feel nervous even if I don't like it. Regardless of the physical aspect, it might be a form of mental Training.

"... I don't mind either.

If we can't be Together anyway, then you just have to give up."

Uranus showed a puzzled expression.

"I don't think so...

If it's just a little bit after resting, I can see it developing desperately.... I don't mind.

Alright then, let's go collect them when we relax a little."

Saying this, Uranus stretched.

"I think maybe it will turn out like this...

In the end, it turned into a game strategy."