Chapter 225

"—'Companion/Companion' activated! Otania!"

Uranus used a Spell, and with a feeling of floating, he flew through the sky once more.

Ah, yes... it's truly comfortable once you get used to it. It's great to be able to move around easily using Spells.

Land.

Warm air accompanied by a slight chill. The temperature shouldn't have changed much, but it feels a bit cool.

The scent of plowed soil and the fragrance of moderately dense vegetation.

The cityscape reflected in my eyes might be close to Eril. High-rise buildings are scarce, and autumn leaves and fields are spread out.

To put it poorly, it's the countryside. In other words, it is very peaceful. There is a relaxed atmosphere different from Eril.

Is this... Sakura City, Otania?

"A good place."

Meleoron said, muttering. Rolling along. It feels like a tourist.

"It's a place like Eril, the place I just visited."

"Yeah... it has the impression of spring and autumn right now."

I nodded alone at the exchange between Seam and Uranus. This place also has an atmosphere similar to Japan. If you said it was a Japanese rural town, you would be convinced.

It's not as moving as when I visited Eril, but it seems like a comfortable place to me.

Uranus put his hands on his waist and looked at us again.

"Alright, I have to decide on a policy."

Meleoron tilted his head a bit strangely,

"Hm? You're thinking, aren't you?"

Uranus replied with a wry smile.

"I have a plan.

I just can't decide in what order to proceed.

I thought about it while drinking tea, though it wouldn't matter if it were Eril. I feel that city is a relaxing place. I can't get my thoughts together."

I don't understand. When I look at cherry blossoms with such a warm and cheerful mood, most things become irrelevant.

"So, these are the things to do in Otania.

Basically, sightseeing, Collect cards, and Training.

I want to finish Training. When you're tired from Training, you don't want to go sightseeing or Collect cards, right?"

Meleoron and Seam nodded. I shrugged understandingly. Well, I don't like that either.

"Yeah. Then, we'll start Training after lunch. I ate a little in Sakura City, so I don't think I'll need it right away.

Until then, let's combine sightseeing and card collecting. In Eril, we moved separately, but here we are basically in a group of four.

I will pay attention to the surroundings later, but please put on the hoods you two are taking off when I give the signal. Until then, you can take them off."

"Yes."

Come to think of it, Meleoron and Seam weren't hiding their faces at all. I will be more vigilant. The problem is that Eril is too carefree. Very suitable for catching one's breath. I want to go again.

But oh, well.

Even just walking a little, you can see that it is peaceful enough here too. You can see blue leaves, but you can still see yellow and red trees. The number of buildings themselves is smaller than in Eril, and many are simple wooden structures.... After all, wooden buildings are nice. Looking at them calms me down.

Various crops are planted in fields large and small. The scent of fruit hanging from the fruit trees we pass by makes your nose itch.... Can't you take it? That's not good, I'm sure.

"Is this a game item?"

Seam asked Uranus, pointing at the crops in the field. Come to think of it, Seam, you have completely stopped using honorifics for Uranus. I wonder if something happened to you... in the public bath.

After pondering for a moment, Uranus

"It is an item.

However, that doesn't mean there's no problem with taking it."

Ah, is that so...

"Then, if I take it, will I be treated like a thief?"

When I asked, Uranus agreed.

"Strictly speaking, a thief incident should occur.

If you forcibly take items in the city, the game characters will treat you as a thief. Actually, yes.

The situation afterward will change depending on the player's actions.

Escape. Try to run away and get caught. Thank them and return it. Apologize and buy things at a discount.

By the way, even if you Escape, if you return to the original place, you will be treated as a thief immediately.

This isn't suitable for Wari."

Very detailed.... Come to think of it, if I eat and drink without paying, I will most likely call the police. In this place, if you get caught, you will most likely be forced to work in the fields.

"If you want it, the shops sell the same things, so just buy it there.

... I can negotiate to buy it directly. It's not cheap, either."

Hmm. But hey... I also feel like I just want it like this. No, I am a thief.

"... There are some things you can't get without stealing."

Look at Uranus who is pouring out. He doesn't seem to mean to explain anything, casting his gaze toward the autumn leaves. What is it.

"I see, but is there any activity that allows me to get a nice card?"

Meleoron asked. Uranus looked at him with half-closed eyes,

"... I think it's nice to enjoy the atmosphere a little.

However, the real Toko is on the way. Just walk leisurely."

The surrounding scenery is basically fields and wooden houses. Some places look like shops, but places that look like general stores, clothing stores, and inns stand out. In addition, there are many snack stalls.

Looking at the place where Uranosu is walking, it seems that the other side of the road is a slightly open area.

"Hmm... there are previous customers."

There's no help for it; I can only gather information.

Meleoron, Seam. Sorry, please put on your hoods. There are players ahead.

I arrived at a place like a plaza. Cheers were flying everywhere, and numerous game characters were gathered together. It's like sports are being conducted within it.

It looks like baseball. This doesn't seem to be a real thing.

While the game characters are playing baseball, some people look like players. His expression is gloomy. Looking at the scoreboard made of wood, there is a big difference. Top of the 4th inning, 9-1.... A comeback is impossible.

"Yeah... it should be the same method as before."

As you can see, what we are having here is a sandlot baseball game.

The baseball teams designated as opponents are fighting each other, but the gap in ability is huge, and the weaker team's helpers, Suke and I, were requested.

If you succeed in making a weaker team win, you will obtain a "First-Class Athlete's Egg."

Oh, is this event like this? Just as someone said, this seems to be a fairly difficult event.

"Baseball..."

"How many players can participate?"

When Meleoron asked, Uranosu's expression changed slightly.

"I can, but no matter how many people participate, you can only get one card."

By the way, the player's position can be anywhere...

At the very least, if the player doesn't pitch, the game characters will be hit constantly, and there will be no chance of winning. But it's hard to win with only one pitcher. The catcher is also heboi, so if the pitch is too strong, he will make many catching errors. That is why it will be difficult if you don't do this with at least two people."

Hmm. If Uranosu and I participate, we will win.... Are you sure?

"By the way, have you played baseball before?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure I'm not there?"

"I've seen Seam do it, but I don't remember the rules."

"I..."

"Not bad, but I'm not sure if I remember the detailed rules."

It has been too long since I last played baseball. Even if this sandlot baseball has its own rules, that is a problem.

"I see."

"Then I don't have to force myself to accept it. I won't feel bored even if I lose."

"It's fine for experienced players, but it's not as attractive as remembering the rules."

"Is it B-Rank?"

"Yeah, the egg is B-Rank, so that's why it can be bought."

"... Oh right, you can also buy baseball equipment for this weak team. This makes it a bit stronger. Players can take the position of manager and give detailed instructions, so it is an activity for people who like baseball."

Somehow, I was worried about the way he spoke, so I asked him again.

"By the way, Uranosu, are you familiar with baseball?"

"..."

"I just play a small TV game. I think I know the rules, but I'm not sure."

"Generally, I don't really like sports."

You are a gamer, right, Uranosu. I don't feel like I like men's sports.

When he started walking with an uninterested expression, we followed him, bypassing the crowd in the plaza.... Oh, it turned into 12-1. The people participating were very disappointed.

As I walked through the town, a large field appeared on my right hand side. Ging ears grew on one side, swaying with the Wind. Reflecting in the daytime sunlight, it even looked like shimmering gold.

"Really."

"... This is an amazing thing."

Meleoron let out an exclamation. Seam didn't make a sound and paid close attention while walking. For those who live in NGL, there might be some things to consider.

"This is a wheat field. The scenery is very good."

"Yeah... by the way."

"I'm sorry I was moved, but there is one thing that turns this into a nightmarish scene."

"Hmm?"

"What is that?"

"When I talked to the landlord of this field, he said he had trouble with Locusts appearing from time to time."

"So, if you accept the extermination, Locusts will really grow on this land."

Wow, I don't want to see it, but that is...

"Are you sure it's 'Pearl Locust'?"

"Atari."

"For every 1000 Locusts that occur in large numbers, about 1 is mixed with a 'Pearl Locust'."

"By the way, Locusts don't grow in large numbers in real life."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Grasshoppers appear in large numbers and destroy crops. It's somewhat similar."

"So what will you do? Want me to hook you up?"

……Hmm.

Meleoron made a look of disgust.

"What do you plan to do after you retire?"

"Yeah, extermination itself is just hitting Locusts one after another; you give them damage, and they will turn into cards.

... It's just that there are many of them. Even if you kill them, they will come back endlessly, but it only counts as finished once you have killed five thousand of them."

"Uh..."

I couldn't help but make a sound. I didn't know I would be fighting with you like this.

But. You want to train as soon as possible. What should I do?

"... If it's not particularly dangerous, you can do it.

Are you okay?"

Seam asked. How do you see this is a designated Pocket Card, so it is very likely dangerous.

Uranus thought for a while.

"Its attack power is low, so if you keep guarding with your Qi, you will be fine.

However, if it is Seam, please do not keep it until the end.

Meleoron will be fine, but... perhaps the jumpsuit I am wearing now is useless. No, I haven't bought a change of clothes yet. I forgot."

"Even if you don't care about the jumpsuit, as long as you can hide your face and limbs, it is enough.

Ah, but...

I have to hide my tail, so I have to wear loose clothing."

"Yes.

Then, the only ones who can participate are me and Aisha.

What about Aisha?"

"Hmm...

I don't mind participating."

"Of course," Zhou said. "Indeed. Let's talk about that premise."

"Then I will do it.

Basically, it is more about whether or not you can find the 'Pearl Locust', rather than exterminating the Locusts, right?"

"Of course, this is the most important thing.

If you can see their Qi, it is easy to discover them, but they run away as soon as they appear, so the key is whether you can accurately capture them. Oh, right, don't get rid of the 'Pearl Locust'. Pick it gently."

"Oh, yes..."

It's troublesome. Well, it is a designated Pocket Card, so it is natural to have this kind of difficulty.

"Come on, let's start an activity together.

But before that, just in case... the book."

Uranus took out a Binder and picked up a card.

"──On the 'Roster/List'. 52."

Oh, that's right. Of course, confirming in advance is important.

Currently 52 'Pearl Locusts'.

Players who possess them:

8 people.

Number possessed:

17 cards.

"Yeah. Although quite a few have already been taken, I don't have to worry about being stuck in the 30-card limit.

Aisha, just to confirm. Do you want to stop when you obtain one 'Pearl Locust', or continue to defeat 5,000 Locusts? Which is better?"

"Hmm. If the time is too long, we can cut it halfway, but wasn't the initial goal the 5,000 exterminations?"

If the 'Pearl Locust' comes out quickly and it ends, that doesn't count as a campaign.

"I thought it would come.

Okay. Shall we go talk to the landlord now?"

"Hee hee."

After receiving the request at the landlord's house, I went outside to look at the fields again. Meleoron groaned.

You can see them jumping here and there.... The scenery of this wheat field is really good, but if it were my first time seeing it, my impression would be different.

"Amazing...

Don't these Locusts go out?"

Seam is obvious. Indeed, if there were so many, they would jump out of the field, but I couldn't find one outside.

"It's fine.

Basically, it only flies around in the field. Therefore, if you try to force them out of the field, it will be easier.

That is to say, if you want to discover the 'Pearl Locust', you should be near the center."

Uranus looked at me.

"Aisha. I will run a lap, and you turn around."

"Yes."

Turning around to wait for a while. Not long after, my body was wrapped in his Qi.

This is it. This is really helpful. Compared to the original faint Qi, it is not as good as the forced 'Absolute' state, but it is still better.

Gently move the body, letting the Aura absorb into the entire body. From now on, I will continue to move forward. Let's pull ourselves together.

Uranus is also heating up slightly. However, this is a bit unbalanced. A figure moving while wearing a skirt. Are you saying the princess is reckless?

Meleoron and Seam... look very blank. My god.

"You two.

We are going to enter the field now, so please watch out for attacks from other players.

And please keep your hoods up. Uranus is no different."

"Ah, yes. I understand."

"Okay."

I am carrying a backpack, so if I actually get attacked, it will be very difficult. I don't think so, but I must remain vigilant.... If they are attacked, Uranus and I will go to help immediately.

"Alright, let's start."

"Yes."

We stepped into a sea of golden ears infested with Locust.

As soon as you step into the soil of the field, the Locust will fly toward you. With minimal movement, perform as if gently stroking your fingertips. The Locust must be groomed.

Seeing this, Uranus also hits a card with one strike.

《745: Locust》

Rank H Card Limit ∞

Large numbers of Locust eat crops

It has a small amount of Aura, so it has a certain amount of attack power.

"Aisha.

Since we don't have the Pearl Locust now, attack without hesitation.

You cannot sell the card, so you can just throw it away."

"Yes, I understand."

Uranus said this while throwing one, and I also stomped while cleaning up three with my Sword.

This is a fairly large field, but naturally, it is covered with a lot of wheat, so the range of movement is not that large. It is best not to touch this wheat.

A little further away from Uranus, walk around the center of the field. It really will attack every Locust that catches its eye and jumps in.

Its speed is not that good, but it is small anyway. Rough attacks shouldn't hit; you must hit it with the shortest distance and accuracy.

While silently continuing to shave the Locust, I also got used to my body. It feels good that my consciousness is becoming sharp. Not bad for Training.

──Gradually, the number of Locust in my eyes increased. I thought it was just my imagination, but there were more than the number I had defeated.

"Uranus, aren't the Locust increasing!?"

"They are increasing!

As the number of knockouts increases, the spawn rate increases immediately! The 'Pearl Locust' should come out from around the plateau!"

Probably. If you are aware of the 1-hour "lap time," you shouldn't take it easy.

I'm used to it, so I'll speed up. Striking, thrusting, striding, flipping, scratching, mowing, handling, and kicking while moving around. Yes, pest control.

────About ten minutes or so have passed since the start.

The number of Locust, which used to be a dozen, has now swelled to dozens. It touches the nerves of my eyes and ears, but I don't care. Leave it to me, and keep moving your limbs.

Defeating it is easy, but the problem is when you turn it into a card. White smoke is produced, so if you hit it in a bad position, it will block your vision. The effect is especially great near the face.

While keeping that in mind, I anticipate the movement of the Locust, which jump around and effectively reduce their numbers.

Uranus's movement changed. Ignoring the Locust, he headed straight somewhere. Stopping his feet, the movement of releasing both hands.

When I watched the Locust without losing consciousness, he took out a Binder. It seems he has already obtained the "Pearl Locust." I wiped off the Binder and started killing Locust again.

That is to say, the number of Locust that can appear at one time has reached the limit. Perhaps the "Pearl Locust" will also appear.

──I think we can speed up a little. Hurry up.

"Wow..."

Groaned Meleoron. Looking at the two people raging on the field and the astonishing number of Locust, I also had nothing to say.

The two narrowed their eyes and disappeared into the swaying wheat and the swarm of Locust.

"... Both of them are amazing.

It just keeps moving."

Uranus does not stop walking, and he keeps swinging his arms while walking. He drives the Locust away almost with the corner of his eye, not letting a single Locust on his clothes, let alone his body. I tried to intercept everything.

Aisha's movement is both an attack and a movement. She moves by kicking and stomping, and with every swing of her arm, she clears the Locust within reach by the handful. Added to her speed, her kill count is probably higher than hers.

"One."

Meleoron discovered it. Near the field, a Locust appeared with many white pearls growing on its belly. At the same time, Uranus rushed toward us.

I reached out and gently picked the Locust. Good! It turned into smoke. Throw the card.

"Tto."

Seam panicked and was caught.

"Probably in less than 15 minutes."

Leaving these two words, Uranus returned to the center of the field while eliminating Locust.

《52: Pearl Locust》

B-Rank Card Limit 30

A Locust with pearls in its belly

Occurs once every ten years

Looking at the card in Seam's hand,

"Oh, my God, I will tell you how to pick it up so easily..."

"Can't you clear the stage easily with just these two?"

Looking suspiciously at Meleoron who was joking,

"Book.

... Sister, Uranus is sweating. Don't say it's easy or carefree."

My sister was unhappy that my brother said harsh words while collecting cards.

"What.

... You are really worried about him, aren't you?"

"That too, but...

We will undergo Training from those two. I have to watch you move."

"Oh yes..."

Seam sighed in his heart. He had been taught by Aisha many times, and he realized that he could not keep up with Ryu unless he concentrated. The real Training starts now. If you don't prepare yourself, you won't be able to endure it.

────About 20 minutes after entering the field.

The number of Locusts gradually began to decrease. No, it was dropping rapidly.

"Uranus!"

"Oh! Stop popping!

If you clear the guy currently there, it will be fine!"

Then there is no need to consider continuing to fight. Use the accumulated power to accelerate further. The fact that the number is decreasing means it is difficult to defeat them immediately. Instead of defeating the numbers, realize that you should defeat them without ignoring them.

Uranus increased his movement speed. I want to cover a wide area. Judging that it should be left to Uranus who can see Aura, I continued to hunt the Locusts in my line of sight one by one.

Eventually, Uranus, who had been walking around the entire field, slowly returned to the center. The rest I could see were just some things perched on the Ging ears and a bit out of reach.

"Aisha, those four are finished.

Can you beat me?"

"... Yes."

Tighten the footing. Kick.

────Curving the trajectory, capturing all four. As the ears moved, four plumes of smoke rose.

"Don't do anything clever...

Well done. Aisha is the undisputed MVP."

"Thank you for your hard work.

... Even if they are called MVP, only the two of them participated."

In response, Uranus showed a bitter smile.

"Even if we both did it, Aisha is the best.

I never thought it would end so quickly. This is an event that takes over an hour to complete, even with several people, right?"

"... Well, I wasn't looking for 'Pearl Locust'."

I will say that I completely forgot.

As I spoke, I walked toward the two waiting outside the field.

Locust Extermination Event Results

Aisha: Locust Extermination Score 359, Pearl Locust Capture Score 0

Uranus: Locust Extermination Score 1241, Pearl Locust Capture Score 3, Locust Extermination

Score: 5000 Locusts x 20 Jenny = 100,000 Jenny

Locust Extermination Bonus: +100,000 Jenny

Supplement: Pearl Locust Trade Shop selling price is 80,000 Jenny

Event clear time: 23 minutes 18 seconds