Chapter 255

"Hahahaha! Long time no see."

Saying this, the prince approached and hugged Uranus. Oh.

"Oh, oh, you're telling me not to do that anymore, aren't you?"

Uranus was in trouble because he was being hugged by his uncle. But I wouldn't resist that much...

The uncle stopped hugging as soon as he was told. Friendly as always.

"Hahaha, sorry, I missed you so much."

"... We met not long ago..."

"Someone cleared the game, I thought you had already quit the game."

The uncle put on his sunglasses,

"Hmm, of course I stopped.

... How about it? If you have time, why don't we find a place to talk?"

"Speak, hey..."

Uranus looked at us. Hmm...

Or rather, the name Jatesari doesn't sound familiar. Yes? No, this face looks familiar...

"Of course, I don't mind you coming with me.

I'm traveling alone right now, but I plan to meet my friends later.

If it's an exchange of game information, wouldn't that be a terrible story?"

"Hmm..."

Information exchange? I learned something from my conversation with Mr. Motarike. We are still missing information regarding the reopening of Greed Island.

For the time being, I nodded slightly at Uranus.

"Okay...

However, we are busy with game capturing, so we can't stay too long."

"Hmm, I understand.

There's no need to stand and talk in a place like this, let's change places."

The uncle turned and started walking somewhere, Uranus nodded at us and followed.

We also started to be late. Meleoron naturally pulled his hood over his eyes and asked me anxiously.

"... Aisha. Do you know that person?"

"Hmm...

The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite remember.

I vaguely feel that he is a Professional Hunter, but..."

"You are a Professional Hunter..."

That's all I can remember... Did you just glimpse someone saying something?... No, then why is your face so familiar... If you are a Professional Hunter, is it election time?

Entering an imposing art museum, worthy of the name Art City, not far from the city gate.

We visited a cafe inside the museum. Various artworks such as Painting and sculptures were also displayed there, and tables were placed in the spacious area. It was great to be able to eat and relax while looking.

6 seats, 3 people facing each other. There, we discussed how to sit, I sat next to my uncle, Uranus opposite him, and Sim and Meleoron sat next to Uranus.

"Hmm, first of all, there are probably people who don't know me, let me introduce myself first.

I am a Professional Hunter, Jaitsari.

I am ashamed to call myself a Hunter."

Hmm. A Game Hunter, huh... I don't know. Is this also an ant?

Uranus poked the uncle with his chin,

"This guy bought 7 copies of Greed Island software before."

"WHA-!?"

Eh, what is that? Although Mr. Battera is collecting so many, so many...

"... One.

Think about it, how many pieces of software does Mr. Battera have?"

Hearing the name of classmate Battera, the prince openly darkened his face. Yes?

Uranus thought for a while,

"... If it was just before I handed everything over to Chairman Rockbert, then as far as I know, it was 37.

Even if I did that, 6 of them belonged to Jaitsari."

Yes? 6 copies? Where did you buy them?

"What do you mean? Six or seven?"

"Hmm...

Jaitsari, can I talk to you?"

"I don't mind.

If this is something you can find out from research, then there is no point in hiding it."

"Yeah... It's a long story, let me make it short.

First, Jaitsari asked me to research seven pieces of software contracted to be exhibited at the Southern Peace Auction.

I mean, why would you sign such a contract? I just don't understand either."

Asked, the uncle shrugged.

"Because we need someone to protect Joy Station while we are capturing the game."

"In exchange for the safety of the Southern Peace Auction, the prerequisite is."

"A book?

If it is tatemae, what is the real intention?"

"...... It is very serious.

A phantom game that no one has cleared. I was someone on equal footing from the start, so even after a clear statement came out, it would be awkward to aim for a clear target."

...... And then we also want to set a deadline and keep our morale up. If you are also nen, you will understand what I am saying, right?"

"I don't understand, but...

There is a limit to inefficiency, such as buying 7 of them and playing with 7 people..."

"Regardless of efficiency, Professional Hunters like bringing dozens of people to clear out sales tickets, this is getting involved in

Hmm, I think this is ironic for the hame group. I am sure there are others like this."

"Well, I understand the pride of a Hunter.

Even so, I am still surprised that I got 7 of them."

"Greed Island is still better, there are 100 of them.

Some things, like Game Software, only have one in the world. Greed Island, which can be managed with money, is an easy thing for a Game Hunter.... However, it is expensive."

Is that so? Even Mr. Battera was able to obtain 1/3 of the total. Compared to a single item, I don't think it is hard to find one.

Even if you find it, the market price is... The name of the most expensive Game Software in the world is not date.... Most Professional Hunters cannot afford it.

"Come on, let's go back to you.

Jaito and Sari are in the game, the Auction management had to guard the Game Console, and when the agreed date and time passed, the agreement was to auction the machine, but for some reason, the exhibition was cancelled. Brought it up. I see.

Although January 1, 2000, was the scheduled date and time, it was exhibited a few months earlier than that. Although the contract was for several years, I still went to investigate why he broke his promise halfway..."

"Was it a breach of contract... but really, why?

If it was only a few months, I think a big company like the Southern Peace Auction could wait without risking a breach of contract, but..."

Mr. Jaitsari's face was ugly. Uranus shrugged,

"I don't understand.

It was as if he was threatened by something, but of course, he didn't tell me who threatened him.

Well, it's not a big deal now, but the problem is about 6 or 7."

Uranus interrupted him and looked at my face. Yes?

"Battera undoubtedly won all seven Jaytosari exhibited at Southern Peace.

And then there was the player selection meeting.

It was to select players to enter Greed Island, and I just won the bid."

"Yes, I know.

My friends also passed the screening and participated in the game."

"At that time, the upper limit for successful applicants was '32'.

... I asked those who failed at the selection meeting, and several of them told the same story, so there is no doubt about it.

I have already talked to Jaitsari, but it doesn't add up."

"......?"

Uranus looked at the uncle. The uncle nodded,

"Let me explain.

I didn't use multiple clicks, 7 people participated with 7 software.

... Two died, so there should be nine empty slots on the Memory Card."

I see... This person lost two friends.

If you don't use multiple clicks, the original slots are 14, so 7 slots remain to accommodate 7 players. With two empty slots left, there must be nine spots.

If you use multiple clicks, 36 people, which is four times the original.... Indeed, 32 successful applicants don't add up.

Uranus held up a Finger,

"I can infer one thing from this.

For some reason, Battera gave up one of the seven titles he won.

That is why the six of Jaitsari were transferred to Battera's hands."

Ah──

Yes, I remember...

Lina said she got it from Mr. Battera.

The uncle's face. If you think you've seen it somewhere...

Greed Island gave it to me. This person's "face" was reflected on the monitor connected to Joy Station!

Yes, that's right! Leina, I got the software Mr. Battera just won! This is the only possible timing!

Hey... Leina. What kind of deal did you make... Isn't this different from stealing? Battera-san couldn't have given it up easily. Just thinking about it makes my stomach ache...

When I suddenly raised my face, which had been looking down, I met Uranus's eyes. It was used to grin.

Ba... discovered. It was completely exposed that I bought it for you... Oops.

Hehehe...

Since it's about Uranus, you would think Riina is the one who bought it.

Then, my relationship with Leina is obvious... Not good.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

An employee NPC came over and put 5 coffees on the table.

Uh, yes... Let's have a cup of coffee and calm down.

I looked away, took a sip of coffee, and gazed at a painting I thought was wonderful. Hmm... It seemed to heal my heart.

Just as I did that, Meleoron, who hadn't heard a word, leaned close to my face and whispered:

"... Hey, Aisha. Are you okay?"

Ah. Could his behavior be so suspicious that even Meleoron is worried about him...

As I escaped reality by drinking coffee, the conversation continued.

"But why did you re-enter after you put the software away?

This is all the software you have, right?"

"It's simple, I just bought it again.

It was much easier to get it."

"No...

Well, that's right."

"... I know it's ironic, but about 10% of the winning bids for the 7 games that were supposed to be provided for free were transferred to my account due to breach of contract.

"Ah, yeah... 20 billion?

That's a good story."

"Yeah. I think it's because you went out as a professional Hunter to negotiate with company lawyers, and later, fearing the trouble, you transferred the money."

"Enough, that story...

I got paid, that's your luck."

"... But you actually missed clearing it, and now you've started the game again.

Did you buy it too?

I had no choice but to use the Greed Island software."

"... That's correct.

Maybe I'm competing with you on the software. Before you know it."

"Maybe.

You cried yourself to sleep like that, I don't regret it."

"Don't cry yourself to sleep.

I received the card correctly, didn't I? You said you didn't want the money..."

... Cloudy, suspicious.

No, yes...

Uranus, your personality is always like this... After being Together with you these few days, I understand...

That's right, this uncle also likes Uranus... He is a very kind person.

"Well, I have no intention of forcing you to accept what you said you wouldn't accept.

If you say you hurt a Hunter's dignity, then I apologize."

"No, no, it's not like that..."

Yes, yes, yes, it's exactly that kind of place. I think I'm cute, I can't help it.

Looking at the Angel depicted in the painting, I thought there must be such a person.

"And, jatesari also has a clear one, so it's fine now, right?

Why did you bother re-entering the game again?"

"Hmm..."

Curious, I turned my gaze to the uncle beside me. I just took off my sunglasses.... A bit cool. That sad expression somehow made me think so.

"Strictly speaking, it's not that someone announced a clear, but... an event occurred in the game that seemed like a clear.

I finally took the risk and left the game for the first time in eight years..."

Eight years... That's a long time.

"In the reality I returned to after a long absence, I cleared out the outdated things I had neglected for years, went to Chase rare games, participated in elections, but..."

... Hmm, what is that?

Greed Island, which had become a part of my life, felt uncomfortable as soon as I entered.

There were signs that it would eventually be restored, so I would watch the trends while doing miscellaneous things—

Upon learning that the game was restored, I immediately got the software and contacted my friends on Greed Island.

I got the same answer. ──Want to go again.

That's how I visited...

Reminding me again, this game is unique."

Speaking of this, jaitsari put his sunglasses back on.

Hmm... That's life. Everyone has their own feelings about this game...

"jaytosari-san, is your goal to clear it?"

"Yes?"

When I asked, he gave me a puzzled look. Showing a little thought,

"There are some comrades who showed enthusiasm for this time, but..."

Personally, I don't like it that much. If it looks like it will take too long, or if I have a strong team, I will give up. I'm old too.

That said, the game's predecessor served as a backward auspicious year to be easily simple, I have no intention of handing over the pass."

Ah, hahaha... You are too short. What...

Jaitsari looked at me,

"……You are Aisha. I saw you during the presidential election.

It was a farce and a boring election, but the final counterattack was exhilarating."

"Oh, yes……"

That wasn't my idea…… I wonder what it feels like to be praised.

Jaitsari turned to Uranus,

"Are you also looking to clear it?

How about you cooperate with us?"

Uranus tilted his head slightly and remained silent.

Finally, he shook his head.

"Are you coming with five people this time too?

As you can see, we have four people here. Nine is too many for one team.

Even if you think carefully about the distribution of rewards, I don't think the balance is right."

"Hmm……

That is correct. Now that Battera's bounty has disappeared, the distribution of rewards is a serious problem."

That's right…… because it's hard to cooperate with people who might break up with you. In fact, Hame-gumi also went bankrupt because of this.

Every time someone clears it, the Specified Pocket Cards and items seem to disappear…… These rules also make collusion between players difficult. One must be careful when cooperating with someone.

……Anyway, because of Meleoron and Seam, I cannot team up with someone.

"I'm sorry.

I thought if you were here, this time would be……"

"Last time I was a loser too.

First of all, solving the game quickly is not a grand event."

Ah, you are talking about something similar to Meleoron. ……As I looked at Meleoron, I tried to hold back my laughter.

"Me too.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been playing for eight years."

"But this time is different, isn't it?"

"……"

Probably.... People familiar with the game should understand. If the first step is taken, liquidation is difficult. The number of cards is limited, and I am tormented by this rule.

"Well, that's right……

Anyway, let's exchange information.

Is there anything in particular you want to know?"

"Just as I thought, what changes are there before and after clearing?

There is no better information than this."

"We are currently collecting information on this aspect as well.

Since that's the case, is there any mutually beneficial information now?"

"Hmm...

On what day does the game resume?"

"September 6th. Am I right?"

"Yes.

A player who has been in the game said it was that day, so I am almost certain."

"Hmm.

You said the events for obtaining Specified Pocket Cards have changed, but have you had any Discovery?"

"No, not even one at the moment.

It might be unexpectedly few…… I guess those events that don't need to change won't change in the first place."

"Hmm…… We will continue to investigate.

Do you know about the changes in the effects of spell cards?"

"Yeah. 'Purification', right?

The others are just errata, only 'Purification' has changed significantly."

"Is the information you have almost the same……

The viewpoints are so similar that it's a way of thinking."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Saying this, Uranus gave a wry smile.

Outside the museum, we were facing Mr. Jeitosari.

"This is interesting.

If there is another chance, let's exchange information. Please feel free to contact me via 'Contact'."

"Oh."

To the short-answering Uranus, Jeitosari approached and extended a hand.

Uranus clasped his hands together in a handshake.

Jeitosari then hugged Uranus again. This person likes hugging...

"Don't do that then……"

"Uranus. War luck."

"......

You too. Jaitsari."

I loosened my embrace, and the uncle turned and walked away.

Hmm. Somehow... he is a person of Pitch Darkness.

As I looked at Uranus, he watched the uncle's back with a hint of distress on his face.

"What a... difficult old man."

"Not applicable.

Very interesting, Uranus."

"Uh..."

"That uncle is a very formidable enemy, isn't he?"

Seeming to ask with interest, Uranus shook his head awkwardly.

"Jaitsari and the others might not be able to clear it.

Honestly, I am not that strong. He used to have a short temper, but after his two comrades died, his fighting style became much more cautious.

After all, it took 8 years, I didn't say 70 types.

I traded several times, but I don't have most of the original Pocket Cards used for combat activities."

Hmm. I don't know about being a Nen user, but at least I am not good at martial arts or combat.

"So there is no benefit in teaming up with Jaitsari.

I can trust him, so he is not bad as a trading partner."

"...... Isn't that the only reason you guys don't form a team?"

Uranus shrugged at Meleoron, who was peeking at him.

"Indeed, not only that, I also didn't pay attention to you two.

First, I am not good with that old man..."

"However, the uncle seems to like Uranus."

Uranus has a delicate face. Yes, I also agree with Seam. This is obviously popular. Considering the age difference, it's probably like a cute grandson. In fact, both his appearance and personality are cute.

"Well, I am good to Jaitsari.

I have eaten up the time, but let's start the Bensei tour as soon as possible.

Searching for books, sightseeing, game strategies, I am going to the intricate ones. I am very busy."

"Please take me to the Bookstore."

"How many designated Pocket Cards are there here?"

"Quite a few.

This is one of the reasons why Bensei takes so long."

"Aren't there many facilities like the art gallery I mentioned just now?"

"There are many museums, but since it is an art town, there are many more.

Now, let's go."

We started walking with Uranus.

I am not talking about Uranus, but...

I guess he cares about Mr. Jaitsari, who has been working here for many years. Definitely.

"Aisha."

"What?"

It seemed like he was calling me, so I looked at him while answering.

"That uncle, what kind of face did he make when he heard Aisha was innocent?"

Cormorant.... I don't want to know.

Uranus, who was walking diagonally in front of me, shook his head with a "kukkuu" sound.

"I wanted to know too, so I was a bit worried about whether to tell you."

"Please stop, that kind of thing..."

"Well, I think it's bad for him, so I stopped.

... He is a man, and he is serious."

"You are you, you seem to like him?"

"......

I think he is a weirdo.

Besides, I really don't care."

"...... But why did you accept his Contract request?

You deliberately quit the game in the process of capturing it.

If you don't mind, what is the reason?"

Meleoron asked.... This doesn't bother me either. I really don't understand why Uranus cried himself to sleep.

"Ah...

He didn't want to go out until he or someone else cleared the game.

... He said he could only trust me, he didn't understand much either, and also said he would give me four designated Pocket Cards, can you help me check?

I was told he would keep my cards when I leave the game. I also wanted to change my mind a little."

"At first, I intended to refuse, but when I heard about his contract, I changed my mind."

"Eh. How so?"

Meleoron kept asking questions. After a moment of silence, Tianwangxing said,

"…There is nothing to hide about this, I can tell you.

Hmm...

If by January 1, 2000, the completion status of the Greed Island game is made public, and it seems no one has proven it…

Even if 7 players, including myself, are still playing at that time…

We will provide these seven games and the hardware to the Southern Peace Auction for free…

I am declaring that I am entrusting the dream of clearing the game to a talented junior.

…A Professional Hunter, Jatesari."

…………That old man is so amazing…… My eyes are getting wet.

Heavenly King looked at me meaningfully, and my heart sank.

"If Aisha clears the game using the software Jatesari possesses…

His dream will be realized.

That is why I really want to teach you a little."

Tianwangxing moved his gaze away from me and looked up at the blue sky.

After all, have you made a Discovery regarding this software…

…But, yes. I understand very well why Tianwangxing cares about that uncle.