Sunday, June 17, 2012

Accel World:Volume 2 Chapter 5

Chapter 5

‘-Unlimited Burst!’
After he shouted that while preoccupied, the many times louder volume of acceleration’s noise hit his consciousness.
His view instantly became dark.
However, the darkness was soon pierced by silver light. That was the effect light that changed Haruyuki’s real body into a steel mechanical body.
Normal acceleration - with the «Burst Link» command, he would first become his pink pig avatar, that phase is now skipped and Haruyuki is changing to his pure silver duel avatar - «Silver Crow».
Right after that, the surrounding darkness was also blown away by rainbow light.
What appeared beyond the radiating aura was shining blue black steel.

Accel World:Volume 2 Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“Then, I will be going.”
“I... I am leaving.”
“Okay, have a nice trip... Ah.”
To Kuroyukihime and Haruyuki’s farewells, Niko rubbed the side of her face lightly and then wrinkled her eyebrows.
“...Hey. Isn’t this a bit weird?”
“Nn, what is?”
“No... even if you ask what is...”
While Niko crossed her arms and started thinking, Kuroyukihime shrugged her shoulders lightly and said.
“Strange girl. Instead of that, I will leave the details of today’s battle plan to you. «Chrome Disaster»’s appearing location and time specifics, you have no problem with that?”
“Y, yea. Leave it to me.”
“Umu. Then, I will be going.”
“I... I am leaving.”
“Okay, have a nice trip... Ah.”
Then she closed the door and after backing off a step, Kuroyukihime turned away.
January 23rd, Friday 7:30AM.
Up till now, the situation was similar to the many «going to school» moments he had daily. The grey light shining in the apartment public hallway, his white breath in the cold air, were all the same as yesterday's.
However just one thing was different - right beside him, wearing a neat Umesato middle school uniform with a blue ribbon tie, right hand holding a school regulation bag, and left hand carrying a shopping bag, a female student’s shape was there.
Turning on her Neuro Linker and looking in the air, Kuroyukihime said casually.
“Today will be cloudy, I hope it doesn’t rain. Then, let’s go.”
“Y... yes.”
He nodded, took his normal position to her left and behind, and while walking, Haruyuki thought in a daze.
‘- Ah... this person, is my onee-san? And the one earlier, imouto?
No no, this kind of specification should not exist in the real world. Going to school together with onee-san, like some antique novel game.
As he shook his head slightly, the empty elevator came down, and he went in after his onee-san.
‘- Even if this was a game, with the girls being only «older sister» and «younger sister», that is not possible right?’
With his brain that wasn’t working too well due to slight lack of sleep, he thought up to that point while spacing out, the elevator went down just two floors, and stopped on the 21st floor. Haruyuki backed up one step by reaction, to make space for people coming in.
And then, after the door slid open, with an energetic jump inside, a similarly uniformed girl - «childhood friend» Kurashima Chiyuri’s eyes collided with his.
‘NO - .’
As Haruyuki screamed in his mind, Chiyuri’s large cat like eyes blinked and a big smile appeared on her face.
“Ah, Haru, morning! How come today you are so early... wh... wha...!?”
However, once she recognized the person standing to the right side behind Haruyuki, her voice and expression changed abruptly. From relaxed, passed through surprise, then approaching right before an eruption.
“...Haru? What’s this?”
With her eyeballs jerking, Chiyuri whispered.
In contrast to the totally solidified Haruyuki, Kuroyukihime greeted her lightheartedly.
“Ya, morning, Kurashima-kun.”
“Ah, g..good morning.”
After she bowed in reflex, Chiyuri grabbed hold of Haruyuki’s necktie and shouted.
“What’s going on!!”
“...It, it’s not what you think.”
While Haruyuki shook his head, he used his hand behind him to start the Mailer program, asking help from the only person who could resolve this situation. That is, “Taku, I need help badly”.
“What isn’t what I think!!”
When more of the tough interrogation was about to continue, the elevator finally reached the first floor and the door opened. Haruyuki took hold of Chiyuri’s shoulders, and turned her half way around.
“Th, there, let’s go to school! Let’s take classes, let’s return home and forget about this in the weekend.”
“Hey, don’t change the topic!”
He kept pushing the shouting Chiyuri’s shoulders from behind, passing between the wide eyed residents in the lobby and somehow exited to the front courtyard when a helpful sound came from behind.
“M... morning, Chii-chan. Morning, Haru. Mo... rn...”
“...Good morning, master.”
Then somehow, after reading his email and coming in a full dash, his comrade murmured to Haruyuki while blowing out large clouds of white breath in the cold morning air.
“...Haru. You seem like someone who likes stepping on tiger’s tails.”
“I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.”
After replying, he turned the still yelling ‘Explain it!’ Chiyuri toward Takumu then released his hands from her shoulders.
Just like Takumu, he said to Chiyuri with a calm voice.
“Chii-chan, I was at Haru’s house yesterday too.”
“Wha...? What does that mean?”
Facing the suspicious face of a childhood friend and able to voice a clear explanation; that kind of smooth speech, Haruyuki could not imitate.
“A little problem dealing with that application occurred. We used Haru’s house as a conference room. But it got late and if a middle school student walking at that time was captured by the social camera, it would be troublesome. So without any choice, senpai had to stay over at Haru’s house. Isn’t that right?”
To Kuroyukihime who was asked that, fortunately she dutifully nodded.
“Well, that’s what happened. Don’t need to be strangely suspicious, Kurashima-kun.”
“...”
Chiyuri continued to be silent with a complex expression for a few seconds - .
Eventually, she said with a low tone.
“Again, that. Brain... Burst?”
She looked at the three who nodded together, then puffed up her cheeks.
“Somehow, I am not convinced! That’s just a game right? Then, why would you talk for so many hours about it!”
“It... it’s a game, but not just any game.”
After looking around the wide apartment courtyard to make sure no one else was around, Haruyuki continued.
“I have told you before... that accelerated thinking and creating a different world from this one. That’s why, similar to reality, many problems occur...”
“...Muu.”
Chiyuri’s lips became sharp, and she murmured while looking unsatisfied.
“I do not believe that in the first place. Even if you say accelerate or whatever, I can’t imagine it. ...Then...I got it. If you let me see it, I will accept it.”
“Huh?”
To the wide eyed Haruyuki, Chiyuri said it like it was nothing.
“That game, can be copied and installed right? Let me have it too. Then I too will become, what was that, that... «Burst Linker».”
“Wha... whattt - !?”
That shout, came not only from Haruyuki but from Takumu and Kuroyukihime as well.
And then all three held their right hand in front of their face and waved it left and right.
“Im... impossible. Absolutely impossible.”
Haruyuki who leaked that truthfully, his round cheeks were pinched by Chiyuri.
“What’s that! Just hand it over!”
“No, I told you... that game needs aptitude.”
“I won’t understand that till I try!”
“But you are... ultra bad.”
At that moment, Chiyuri’s cat-like eyes shone.
“I see... you have the nerve. I get it, you will see! I will train too, and win over Haru and Taku in games!”
“Wha... whattt!?”
Haruyuki opened his mouth wide and saw a look of challenge shining in Chiyuri’s eyes. This, he often saw when he played with Chiyuri in the past, is the «won’t turn back after saying it» face.
While pulling Haruyuki’s cheeks to the limit like a flat rice cake - .
“After that, let me copy that Burst something!!”
After saying that she let go of Haruyuki’s cheeks, stuck her tongue out for a ‘Be -’, then the similarly aged childhood friend ran away at a tremendous speed.
“...Training huh.”
Haruyuki murmured that while rubbing his cheeks, then turned toward Takumu beside him.
Then, he bowed deeply.
“Sorry, Taku. I made you lie to Chiyu.”
Earlier, Takumu’s explanation to Chiyuri was not 100% the truth. When Kuroyukihime announced that she would stay over, the meeting was already finished.
Takumu smiled and slowly shook his head.
“...It’s okay.”
His expression was calm, but Haruyuki felt that it contain some self-deprecation, so he bit his lips lightly. Then, Kuroyukihime too said in a caring voice.
“Takumu-kun. Asking might be an intrusion... you and Kurashima-kun, still... that is...”
“Being back to normal...will take a long time.”
Takumu shrugged and looked towards the street tree canopy that had lost all its leaves.
“I did a lot of things. Or more like, we might never return to being boyfriend and girlfriend again. But... if it’s part of Chii-chan’s wish for me to be at her side, I think just that is fine.”
“Taku...”
Haruyuki tried to find the words he should say, however just at important moments, his throat was stuck. On his behalf, Kuroyukihime’s quiet voice said.
“If... you feel burdened, or if it interferes with your relationship with Kurashima-kun, you can erase it... the Brain Burst.”
Takumu’s eyes opened wide instantly.
However, he soon greatly shook his head left and right.
“No. I still, to you... and to Haru too, need to make amends for.”
“Y... you don’t have to. There’s nothing like that, Taku.”
This time, he said in reaction.
“I don’t desire any amends from you. Senpai should be the same. Brain Burst does not exist for that reason... that is, that software is...”
However, just there, Haruyuki’s poor vocabulary ended.
Takumu looked at him with pain filled eyes, then pat him on the shoulder.
“It’s fine, I too still enjoy «duels». Instead of that, master. I want to consult with you.”
He turned toward Kuroyukihime and continued with a serious sound.
“...Chii-chan’s possibility of being a Burst Linker, do you think it is really zero?”
Compared to the wide eyed Haruyuki, Kuroyukihime almost did not change her expression, she tilted her head with ‘Fumu’.
“...The first condition has been cleared?”
“Yes, it should be.”
Takumu instantly nodded.
The first condition for being a Burst Linker is «to wear the Neuro Linker right after birth». Takumu’s was from his parent’s educational policy that is full of enthusiasm and Haruyuki’s was used to remotely monitor him since both of his parents worked, their condition was fulfilled.
Chiyuri was raised in a family full of love, the new born her had worn the Neuro Linker for a different reason from them. Chiyuri’s father was treated for throat cancer, so it was difficult for him to produce physical voice. That meant Chiyuri was raised while hearing her father’s mind talk through the network.
Takumu did not explain that far and Kuroyukihime also did not ask.
“I see.”
After consenting, she looked toward the direction Chiyuri ran off to.
“Actually, the second condition... «Brain reaction speed» does not have a rigorous standard. There are people who were bad with VR games that have installed Brain Burst. However, making someone into a Burst Linker without confidence could be said to be a large gamble.”
“G, gamble...?”
To Haruyuki who repeated what he heard, Kuroyukihime gave him a look with meaning and nodded.
“Right now, Brain Burst’s copy and install... that is the privilege of a «parent» making someone a «child», is limited to be only once. And that privilege, even if the installing failed, will be lost and never return.”
“O, once!?”
Haruyuki involuntarily shouted, then he hurriedly held his mouth. He lowered his volume, but continued in haste.
“B, but then, the number of Burst Linkers won’t increase by much. The people who retired after losing all points and the new people who joined... would at best be even...?”
“That means, Haru.”
Takumu who already knew the «once rule», pushed his glasses up and said.
“I think the unknown administrator who manages Brain Burst, that the current number of people... about 1000 people is set as the upper limit. A limit to keep «accelerate» technology concealed, that is.”
“Th... that might be the case... but even as it is right now, the day that the secret will be found out will absolutely come right? Now Chiyuri almost knows about it. If... if that administrator is the developer, eventually the existence of Brain Burst will be exposed to the world and of course then the Neuro Linker would no longer be able to use accelerate function, if he operate while already factoring that in, that guy... what is his goal anyway?”
Haruyuki opened both hands and looked at Takumu and Kuroyukihime one after another.
“Since, we... don’t pay to play the game. I have never seen any advertising either.”
For many net games in the world, their profit structure is mostly of two different types. Monthly fee or item sale to users for money, and a flood like spread of contracted business advertising in the game, one of those.
Brain Burst is unmistakably a net game and also with the «accelerate» technology, thus giving its users extraordinary privileges. With the price of zero, so no matter how you think of it, it does not fit.
Hearing Haruyuki’s fundamental questions that were way too late at this time, Kuroyukihime had a slight wry smile.
“Thinking about it is useless, Haruyuki-kun. To know that, you have to reach level 10 and hear it from the developer directly. However, I can say two things in confirmation. First, like you said earlier, accelerated world probably cannot continue as it is forever. Eventually its secrecy will be lost, and the time all Burst Linkers disappear will come. And the other point... the day that we will pay the proper price for the special privilege of «accelerate» will come. Or maybe...”
What’s ahead, did not come with a clear sound, it was stuck with slight trembling lips.
However, Haruyuki while blowing white breath in the cold morning air, seem to be able to see the short words.
‘- Or maybe, we are already paying for it.’
Kuroyukihime looked at Takumu with a short laugh.
“We went off topic. About Kurashima-kun... I think her chance of becoming a Burst Linker is pretty low, however there is worth in trying.”
“Re... really, master?”
To the wide eyed Takumu, Kuroyukihime nodded slowly.
“Her physical potential is not low. Her earlier dash had a superb speed.”
“Ah, she is in the track and field club.”
After Haruyuki’s supplement, she murmured ‘Fumu’.
“I see. ...For the brain, the circuits for moving the real physical body, is almost the same as the one for moving the virtual avatar. That means in Kurashima-kun’s case, her circuit ability might have fulfilled the required condition. The problem is her affinity with the Neuro Linker, which we can only try by force.”
“Aha... but she can’t even do mind talk.”
“For your case, you are way too specialized in the Neuro Linker side. Move your real body a bit more.”
Kuroyukihime looked away from the immediately silent Haruyuki toward Takumu.
“...Takumu-kun. If Kurashima-kun succeeds in installing Brain Burst, there will be a strong relationship between you two. As in «Parent and child». ...However, that does not always exist as a positive element, please remember that.”
Haruyuki could not immediately understand the quiet but strongly said words.
‘Not positive... that means minus element? Between Burst Linker «parent» and «child»?
What does that mean? «Parent» guide, and «child» admire. There shouldn’t be a dark side to that, isn’t that right? Different from the parent and child relationship in the real world. The father who threw away the crying young me and left the house, and the mother that doesn’t look at my face, nor talk to me, totally different from those. The parent and child in the accelerated world - between Kuroyukihime and me, there is a strong bond.’
Haruyuki’s body momentarily trembled, and looked in the eyes of Kuroyukihime who stood right beside him.
They, like usual, were filled with a gentle shine.
‘- No. Deep inside, there’s a somewhat sad... or more like, a fear like flash, that might just be me over thinking.’
In that instant, in Haruyuki’s mind, since Kuroyukihime guided him to become a Burst Linker, a question he never thought about appeared.
‘Who was Kuroyukihime’s «parent»?’
“...Ah, that is.”
When he fearfully started to say that, Kuroyukihime said as if interrupting him.
“Oh no, we have stood still and talked for too long. It’s the time that if we don’t hurry we might be late.”
“Wha...”
He hurriedly look in the sky, it was becoming bright past the low clouds.
“Uwa, it really is. If might be better to run a bit, Haru.”
“Arg, spare me that.”
As Takumu tapped him on the shoulder, and he shook his soft head, Haruyuki could not forget his earlier question.
While he chased after Kuroyukihime who was already walking quickly, he wanted to ask that question again, but somehow the words did not come out.

Rushing through the school gate right before the first morning chime, and determining that his Neuro Linker successfully connected to the Umesato middle school local net without a late count, Haruyuki left the other two.
However, even during morning classes, one thought kept circling around in his mind.
‘Why did Kuroyukihime say that there is a bad side to «Parent child» relationship for Burst Linkers? And why did she look somewhat sad at that time.
I want to know. No matter what.’
After the second class was over, and confirming that the virtual blackboard had disappeared from his view, Haruyuki started his Mailer without hesitation. With short words [Can we talk right now?], he typed and sent in 2 seconds.
The reply came after 8 seconds. [Let’s meet at the local net virtual squash corner.], after reading that, Haruyuki sat deeply in his chair, closed his eyes and sang the Direct Link command.
Between the 2nd and 3rd classes there is only 15 minutes, so the fairy-tale forest that is Umesato middle school’s local net was quiet. After confirming that his avatar’s short legs touched the ground, he aimed for a large tree standing on the outer edge and dashed.
The leader of the bullies who forced Haruyuki to use the pink pig for avatar is no longer there, his underlings were now in hiding, so he could have changed to a more cool design anytime, but somehow did not have the chance, so he continued to use that. Kuroyukihime said ‘I like that also’ probably had influence on him.
With that shape he bounced up the stairs carved in the tree trunk, when he jump onto the top floor with the squash game, he saw a slender avatar standing quietly in the center of the court.
Deep black dress with silver edges. A similar colored parasol in hand, and on the back, black swallowtail butterfly wings with deep red lines running in them.
Kuroyukihime, who looked like a dark fairy princess, turned her almost colorless white face toward Haruyuki and lightly smiled.
“Hi. It’s been a while since I saw you in that shape. Lately we have just been talking in reality.”
“...Senpai haven’t been to the local net much, the fans of that avatar are feeling sad.”
With about three times smoother voice than reality he replied, and Kuroyukihime’s smile changed to a wry smile as she shrugged her shoulders lightly.
“Really, I was thinking of how eventually it would be nice to use a black pig avatar to match with you. ...Instead of that, what is it, that you want to meet and talk.”
“Ah... about that... that is.”
This time he faltered like usual, and Haruyuki tried to find the words.
Thinking about it, so far he had asked almost nothing about Kuroyukihime’s private matters. And now suddenly, he is doing something like stepping his foot inside.
To Haruyuki who hesitated after calling her out, Kuroyukihime showed a wry smile for a while, eventually the wings on her back waved as she moved. The bells on her parasol made a clear ringing chime.
“...Haruyuki-kun. What you want to ask about, is my «parent» right?”
Kuroyukihime murmured with a somewhat more mysterious silky voice than her actual voice.
Without waiting for Haruyuki’s reply after he took a breath, she continued with lowered long eyebrows.
“Sorry, but... right now, I cannot say that name. I don’t want there to be a chance of you contacting that person. For a legion master... and also as a girl. That might just be ugly jealousy.”
While his avatar stood frozen, and his eyes wide, in Haruyuki’s brain a few thoughts flashed in his consciousness.
With that speech, he understood some things. First, Kuroyukihime’s «parent» is still a Burst Linker existing in the accelerated world. And the other thing, is probably a female.
While moving around soundlessly on the squash court, Kuroyukihime’s voice continued like a harp’s low tones being played with fingers.
“...That person, was... to me, the closest human being. Continuing to forever shine brightly in the center of my world, or in other words driving darkness and cold far away, I believed.”
‘- That is just like what you are to me’, Haruyuki thought in reaction.
“However, one day... at that time, that instant, I learned that it was a fleeting illusion. Right now that person could be said to be an existence as my arch enemy. Just like, this bottomless hate, was born the moment I met that person, I can only think of it like that.”
The voice was controlled to be calm, but the fierceness of those words, it was unbelievable that they came from Kuroyukihime. The lowered eyes took a quick glance at Haruyuki who stood still, and a somewhat hollow smile appeared on the deep black fairy princess.
“If possible, I want to fight with that person right now. I want to cut away her limbs with my sword, throw her on the ground, and while I enjoy her unsightly plead for life, cut off her head mercilessly. However that wish won’t be granted. ...Haruyuki-kun. Do you understand the conclusive difference between Burst Linker’s «Parent child» relationship, and the other for example «Comrade» or «Lover» kind of relationship?”
“...”
After a moment of confusion, Haruyuki remembered that fateful day three months ago, the shining thing that Kuroyukihime held out. That is, the silver colored direct connect cable.
“That is... «Parent child», without exception, know each other’s «reality».”
“Yes, that is exactly it.”
Nodding, Kuroyukihime stuck the tip of her parasol into the court.
“To copy and install Brain Burst, two Neuro Linkers must be directly connected. At that time, the «parent» and «child» must face each other in reality, and also have a relationship that allows direct connection. That means, Burst Linker «parent child» relationship is strongest bond in accelerated world... at the same time, the strongest curse is created.”
“Cu... curse...?”
“That’s right. For example when «parent» and «child»’s path differ, and they have a fighting relation, that hate will definitely expand to the real world. I... right now, even with this much hate could not fight my «parent». Because that person, in the real world, can use overwhelming influence on me. - The proof of existence for a Burst Linker is «duel». To fight each other, we put our mind inside a Duel Avatar. Even so, only a «parent» and «child» cannot fight. What would you say that is, other than a curse?”
“...Senpai.”
Haruyuki whispered that, and tried to find words to continue. However, he did not think he can put the feeling swirling in his heart all into sounds that will express them.
That’s why, he took a step, then another forward, and held Kuroyukihime’s left hand that was hanging down without any strength with his two round hands. For an avatar that is not supposed to have a temperature difference, that hand was freezing cold.
“Haruyuki-kun...”
The quiet voice was similarly cold.
Probably, Kuroyukihime now is still suffering from her hunt of Red King Red Rider, forcing him to forever retire. And then to conform to that action, she must continue to make herself turn her sword against many Burst Linkers. Even if the opponent is her own «parent», or - «child».
Her white hand touched his mouth, more like his big nose like pushing against it, as Haruyuki desperately tried to speak. ‘This is all I can convey to her right now’, while thinking that.
“I said it yesterday too. I will absolutely not fight with senpai. Never become senpai’s enemy. If, for some uncontrollable reason that became the case... before we fight, I will un-install Brain Burst.”
While the virtual sunlight came down the tree canopy with diagonal drawn lines, there was a long silence.
Eventually, Kuroyukihime’s voice with a bit of returned temperature echoed, at the same time she hit Haruyuki’s round head with her parasol.
“Fool, I should be the one to leave. You keep fighting. Compare to me, you who enjoy Brain Burst... «duel» way more, should stay in the accelerated world.”
“No, absolutely no way!”
Then, with a light sound the parasol fell down to the blue carpet of fallen leaves.
On Haruyuki’s face while he was screaming like a spoiled brat - .
Her right hand smoothly caressed.
When he lifted his head up, he was eye to eye with Kuroyukihime who knelt down at an unknown moment. At very closer range, her faint red lips moved.
“No matter what kind of future awaits us, I will never regret choosing you.”
At the same time as her speech, her two hands extended and hugged Haruyuki’s head to her.
That was supposed to be a heavenly moment, but from his almost burnt out sensory signals, Haruyuki felt that an indescribable loneliness floated through.

After school.
Kuroyukihime and Takumu said they would drop off their things at their house first, so Haruyuki returned home by himself.
He opened the front door while somewhat prepared for the worst, but today there were not any loud game sounds or any screams, so he said ‘I am home’ in a low voice and peeked in the living room, and saw the back of Niko sitting on the sofa.
She was so quiet that he thought she was asleep, but soon she waved her small right hand. Haruyuki who came around to the front, saw the girl looking at space with her wide open big eyes - that means she is busy with her virtual desktop, he determined.
“...I am home.”
After saying it once more, Niko replied shortly with ‘Ou’, and instantly looked at Haruyuki.
“What about the other two?”
“They went home before coming here. It won’t be more than 20 minutes I think.”
“Okay, we should be able to make it in time... Chrome Disaster has not started to move yet.”
Haruyuki blinked to that speech. Somehow Niko with whatever method, can monitor the movement of «Disaster Armor» that is «Chrome Disaster» - the Red legion member «Cherry Rook» who was given that enhanced armament, for that purpose of course her Neuro Linker will have to be connected to the outside net.
“Y...you, are fine with connecting to the Global Net? Since this is not Red legion territory.”
To his involuntarily question, Niko showed a fearless smile.
“Earlier I was «challenged» by a daredevil once. I blew him away in 10 seconds, and told him to tell other guys not to bother me, so it should be fine.”
“Is... is that so...”
Inside a «territory», for the controlling legion’s members, while they are not set to accept fights, is given the right to reject «challenge» from other Burst Linkers.
That means, for Haruyuki’s group, at home and around their school is safe to connect their Neuro Linker to the Global Net, but of course that right is not given to Niko. However, thinking about it, only other Kings can win against the King Niko in a one on one fight, but they have a no invasion treaty with each other so they would not be suddenly challenged. Right now, the King who must always disconnect from Global Net when leaving their territory, is the one and only rebel Kuroyukihime.
Thinking up to that point, Haruyuki realized suddenly, that the red haired girl in front of him is a potential person who might subjugate Kuroyukihime.
While they are alone, he should confirm that, so Haruyuki coughed and opened his mouth.
“Ah... that is, Niko-cha... Niko. Can I ask you one thing?”
“No. ...When you know I have no room for that reply, don’t have to be so polite. What is it.”
While he was being glared at, Haruyuki stood by the sofa, and asked in the most simple and straight way.
“Y, you, don’t hate Kuroyukihime senpai?”
“Huh? Why?”
Looking at the true blank stare, Haruyuki was also undauntedly amazed.
“Why, you said... that person has the highest reward on her head... even more the reason for that is from the previous King, that is the one before you, «Prominence»’s legion master being struck down...”
“Ah, you mean that.”
With a snort from her nose, Niko spread her small legs with cut jeans wide in front. While her right hand fingers twilled one of her red pigtails, she looked out the window.
“Nn, even if he was my master. I, with the previous generation... «Red Rider», never directly talked to him.”
“Wha... is, is that so?”
‘Niko’s «parent», is not that Red Rider?’ Haruyuki thought that and unconsciously asked.
“You see, I became a Burst Linker two and half years ago, and a few months later the previous King retired. I was only level 3 or 4 at that time, we have never dived together in the same field. When I heard that the master was sneak attacked by Black Lotus and lost all of his points, all I thought of was ‘Hmm, level 9 seems to be pretty serious’.”
‘Anyway’, Niko raised one eyebrow skillfully.
“In the first place, my booster equip rapidly raise through the ranks to become the next King was also after Lotus killed the previous King, and the Red legion was disbanded once. At that time Nakano and Nerima were big warring states, every day group battles happened at an incredible pace, so I got lots of points here and there from that. Even if I am the strongest, without that it would have taken me at least two more years to become level 9.”
With Niko’s ‘keke’ laughter, Haruyuki was also drawn into a smile.
“I... I see. Then, Niko and the Red legion don’t have a reason to go after the Black King...?”
“Nnn~. To be exact, there are some in the old members that would. But, the ones who really won’t forgive Black Lotus, that burning group, after Prominence disbanded once, moved to other legions. Darn spineless bunch. They only talked about following the previous King’s will, if they really thought that way, then they should have worked hard to revive Prominence.”
She stopped there, looked up at Haruyuki with ‘What is it’ threat. After he hurriedly shook his head, she turned away, and opened her mouth after a bit of silence.
“...After that. That... absolutely don’t tell that girl.”
“O... okay.”
“I, in truth, about that girl... Black Lotus is an awesome, I think. For motivation.”
“Huh...!? Th, that, what does it mean...”
“Don’t tell her. Really don’t tell her.”
After a sharp glare at him, Niko continued in a quiet sound that did not match her violent language.
“The reason is, she is the only one among the «Kings» who seriously announced that she aims for level 10. The other Kings, including me, in the framework of no territory invasion treaty, just play duel. No, maybe worse, there might be people in the Kings that secretly aim for level 10. While saying ‘For the continuance of accelerated world’ to maintain the current situation, those lowest bastards who look for a chance to skip the line.”
“...You are.”
After hearing Niko’s monologue, Haruyuki asked in reaction.
“Which one are you, Niko.”
“...I don’t know.”
The reply was short, but it rang with truth.
The young King laid her too delicate body on the sofa, and held the back of her head with both hands. She extended her bare toes to right in front of Haruyuki, and kicked the air with rhythm.
“...The other Kings, especially «Purple» and «Yellow», said that the moment a level 10 Burst Linker appear, the game called Brain Burst will be «cleared». With a Panpakapaan fanfare, the developer will show up to say congregations or whatever, and the ending roll will scroll... then all Burst Linkers’ Brain Burst will be forcefully un-install, like that.”
“No...”
‘No way would it be like that, that there would be a net game where everyone’s ending is at the same time.’ He wanted to laugh and say that, but Haruyuki’s mouth froze.
He remembered this morning’s topic of talks with Kuroyukihime and Takumu. ‘- Someday the accelerated world’s secrecy will be lost, and the day of the game’s collapse will definitely come.’ The one who said that, was supposed to be Haruyuki himself.
Niko lightly nodded as if she read what Haruyuki was thinking of.
“I too, think it’s not something that’s 100% impossible. Actually, I don’t want to think about what will happen without Brain Burst. For me, it could be better said that side is the reality. But... even so, if it is okay to cling to it like this, I thought. Seven Kings... not that, six Kings’ no invasion treaty might be distorting the accelerated world’s true shape, due to that, right now many things are happening is clear.”
“Di, distortion...?”
“For example, Chrome Disaster is also that.”
After those brief words, Niko closed her lightly red eyes.
“...Cherry Rook lost to the «Disaster Armor»’s lure was probably due to despair with the high level wall. Right now, the accelerated world that is stalled by the treaty, in the «Normal Duel Field», no matter how hard you work level 9... no, even level 8 will be hard to reach. There are no opponents. The reason I got to level 9, like I said earlier, was due to me taking advantage of a time of big confusion due to the incident with Black Lotus... that kind of thing, probably won’t happen a second time. That’s why right now, if you aim for higher levels, you must take risks and fight in the «Unlimited Field». Cherry reached for that «Armor» while thinking like that. And then, the one who pushed him to do that, in a certain sense is a King like me...”
Suddenly Niko strongly wrinkled her brow, and ground her teeth.
Looking at her thin chest shook strongly twice and three times, Haruyuki involuntarily held his breath and whispered.
“Ni... Niko...”
“Shut up! Don’t say anything! Don’t Look! Go away!”
While lying on the sofa, her two feet kicked while she screamed, Niko used her right hand to rub around her eyes.
Then suddenly her eyes opened wide, and she shouted like she was surprised by something.
“That’s right!!”
“...Huh?”
“That’s right, why do I tell you these things!! Hey forget it!! All of that earlier was a lie!! If you don’t forget it right now I will beat you up!!”
She shouted with a muffled voice, with her feet extended like she was about to kick, that Haruyuki stopped with both hands on reaction.
And then, like hugging them to his chest, he held those small feet tight.
“Gyaaa, wh, what are you doing hentai!!”
“...Niko.”
Despite the straight vocal abuse, Haruyuki put more strength into his hands. He really wanted to hold her hands, but if he did that then getting hit would be the least of his worries.
“Niko, you are not wrong.”
At the moment Haruyuki said that, Niko’s violent movement of trying to take her feet back stopped still. Looked on by the big reddish brown eyes, Haruyuki desperately continued speaking.
“Not wanting the game to end, wanting to stay in that world forever, that kind of thinking is normal. But... I understand after playing mountains of net games till now. There is nothing more lonely or sad than the «termination» of a game without an ending. Net games where users got bored and moved to another one so they became unprofitable, one day suddenly they announce the termination of operation, and without much talk the server is closed. I experienced that moment many times «inside». The familiar weapon shop oji-san[1] and the hotel onee-san while smiling forever «died», after seeing that and Link Out in my own room, I cried many times. That way of termination is wrong. Absolutely wrong.”
Accel World v02 175.jpg
Niko was motionless, with her feet on his chest, both her wide eyes looking at him.
While his palms touch the thin skin, and felt the blood flowing inside, Haruyuki continued to speak in a raspy voice.
“If... if Brain Burst has an ending, we want to aim for that. Even if that will result in the lost of acceleration function, compared to seeing the unreasonable «termination of the world», that’s a much much... more correct way.”
‘Because, that effort, is our compensation to many others in what they paid for the game called Brain Burst. The brooding me, being able to talk using flesh voice for so long with a girl I don’t know, is probably due to Brain Burst.’
He kept the last short thought in his heart, and Haruyuki closed his mouth.
Even in the silence, Niko continued to be motionless and quiet.
‘Uwaa, I said something contradicting again’, while Haruyuki was having a doleful feeling, the young King finally murmured briefly.
“Correct... huh. There actually is Burst Linker who would say that.”
Her eyes looking up settle on Haruyuki, and Niko showed just a little bit of angelic smile.
“You, are a strange guy. Actually, I was thinking of why a round and useless guy like you have the one and only «flight ability»... I feel that I might understand a little bit about that. But, leaving that aside.”
There her expression suddenly changed to a dark look, and Haruyuki extended his back in a shiver.
“...How long are you going to hold onto my feet, you super hentai! I will kill you!!”
The left foot that was thrust at the same time, exploded on his nose bridge, and Haruyuki fell backward helplessly.
Along with a heavy thump, the door chime’s sound lightly echoed.

“I met with master there. Ah, here, a gift. I snatched it from home.”
Takumu who showed the cake like box he was holding, saw Haruyuki sitting on the floor rubbing his nose, and Niko sitting on the sofa looking the other way, he tilted his head.
“...What happened?”
“Looks like they had a big fight. Nice nice.”
Kuroyukihime held her hand at her uniformed waist while lightly laughing, and Niko also snorted.
“Well yea. You can say we are close enough to fight.”
Haruyuki hurriedly jumped in between the two that were releasing sparks.
“W, welcome you two! Taku, thanks for the gift! Let’s eat it, I want one with a strawberry on it!!”
He quickly got up, and moved towards the kitchen, then two voices came behind him at the same time.
“Strawberry is my/mine!”
“...Yes.”
Fortunately, the box contained two strawberry shortcakes and two chocolate cakes. So another fight did not start up again... ‘Is it okay for the cake not to be black?’ ‘Chocolate is not black, it’s just burnt brown.’ while with those back and fore - the four ate the first bite at the same time, and after a swallow of tea, Kuroyukihime’s expression changed.
“...Chrome Disaster’s tracking, did you do it?”
After being asked, Niko looked at her virtual desktop again and lightly nodded.
“Yes. He should be moving soon.”
That reply, made Haruyuki feel slightly uncomfortable.
Burst Linker’s long distance tracking, how is that kind of thing possible? When a target’s «duel» start, if you dive in as gallery then you can find out where, but Niko did not seem like she accelerated earlier. Or maybe, legion masters can find out the real world location of a member, they have that kind of outrageous privilege?
At that moment he wanted to ask, and opened his mouth -
At exactly that moment.
“...There!”
Niko shouted sharply, stuck her fork on her last bit that is the round strawberry, and put it into her mouth.
“Cherry got on the Seibu to Ikebukuro train line. With his pattern till now, today’s hunting ground is Bukuro.”
“Ikebukuro huh. That’s troublesome.”
‘Damn’, Kuroyukihime lightly clicked her tongue. She placed her fork in her empty plate with a clink.
“How should we move? We also can use trains or taxi in the real world... or maybe move through «inside»?”
Not understanding the meaning of those words, Haruyuki wrinkled his brow.
«Inside» probably means «Duel Field», it looked like it extended forever, but it’s actually an area with boundary lines that stop movement. Without that, after one hit, someone can keep running away forward till it timed up kind of battle tactic would be possible.
So, for example from this place - if they dive from Haruyuki’s home, their movement limit will just be to the northern end of Suginami, they will never reach Ikebukuro in Toshima.
However, after just thinking for a bit Niko replied clearly.
“Let’s go from inside. With these members, we probably won’t pull «enemy».”
“...If we are lucky, that is.”
Kuroyukihime too, consented with a serious face.
While Haruyuki was dazed without understanding anything, he was caught by Kuroyukihime’s serious looking eyes.
“Then... Haruyuki-kun. I will tell you the command to dive into us Burst Linkers’ true battle field. It will use up 10 Burst Points, that won’t be a problem right?”
“Y... yea, if it’s just 10 points. Instead of that... t, true, battle field...?”
“Like the words said. Our «accelerated world» calling is based on that. Listen, sing the command right after me. Let’s go... the fifth Chrome Disaster subjugation, Mission Start!”
There she took a deep breath, and stretched her back straight - .
At the same time she pressed her Neuro Linker’s Global Net connection button, the deep black beautiful princess, shouted with a dignified sound.
“Unlimited Burst!”

Accel World:Volume 2 Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Haruyuki could not understand the meaning of Red King Yuniko’s words. Takumu was probably the same, his eyebrows behind the glasses were slightly raised.
The one who showed extreme reaction was Kuroyukihime.
The right hand that she used to reach for her coffee cup was suddenly held together. Banging on the table with that fist, the Black King shouted.
“No way! That «Armor» is... supposed to be totally annihilated!!”
She stopped there with her eyes going empty and face white, Haruyuki fearfully asked.
“Ah... that is. What is that... Disaster Armor? It isn’t a human, but a thing?”
Kuroyukihime continued to be silent for a few more seconds, then eventually leaned back on her chair and took a long breath.
While crossing her stocking legs, she turned her upper body toward Haruyuki.
“Nn... about that... As a human it’s a Burst Linker, as a thing it’s an object... it could be said to be like that. Haruyuki-kun, do you remember your first duel opponent?”
“Wha, y, yes. That bike guy... «Ash Roller».”
While that flashy chop bike and skeleton helmet appeared in his mind, Haruyuki nodded. He belonged to the Green legion whose territory ranged from Shibuya to Roppongi. They still fight once in a while with some wins and some loses.
“That man’s bike. That’s an object other than the rider himself, however together they make up the duel avatar. So that’s a thing and a person, isn’t that right?”
“Let’s see... that, is right. For sure.”
He nodded again.
“That kind of external item, is called «Enhanced Armament» in the Brain Burst system.”
“Enhanced... Armament.”
Somehow, a cool name appeared.
Haruyuki was momentarily excited, but it was soon replaced by depression. For the empty handed Silver Crow, no matter how you put it, he did not have any.
Realizing what Haruyuki was thinking, Kuroyukihime said with a small wry smile.
“I don’t have any either, don’t be so depressed.”
“But I have.”
Yuniko said with relaxed lips. And was immediately bathed in Kuroyukihime’s sharp sound.
“In your case, instead of having, it’s more like the armament is the actual body.”
“Oh, I heard a nice loser phrase.”
Between the two glaring at each other, Haruyuki hurriedly cut in.
“I, I see. Scarlet Rain’s, that incredible firepower container... that is all «Enhanced Armament» right?”
“That is right. However, it’s not such a rare thing that could make this little girl proud. There are four ways to obtain it.”
Kuroyukihime extended her thumb from her raised right fist, and continued.
“First, as beginner equipment at the start. Ash Roller’s bike is probably that.”
“My right hand’s «Pile Driver» is also that right.”
Hearing what Takumu interrupted with, Haruyuki involuntarily said ‘What’.
“Why does Taku also have one!”
“There there, let’s listen.”
“...Continuing.”
Her extending index finger’s nail snap the air.
“Second, obtained using level up bonus. If it does not exist in the bonus selection, that’s impossible.”
“...I didn’t have any...”
Haruyuki whispered after remembering the three level ups till now. Other than that, he already followed Kuroyukihime’s advice and put all his level up bonus into speed and flight time.
Next Kuroyukihime lifted her middle finger and continued with the explanation.
“And the third. Use points to buy in «Shop». Here it is possible for Haruyuki-kun too, well, I would not recommend it.”
“Huh? Shop... that is a store? That, where is it?”
“Secret. I can easily imagine that you will waste all your points.”
“N, no way.”
With ‘Ahaha’ laugh, Takumu also nodded.
“Without doubt. Haru’s personality changes when he goes to that kind of store.”
“Wh, what’s with you two...”
The relaxed air flowing around the living room - .
Was cut by Yuniko’s one sharp sound.
“...Hurry and say the fourth way.”
Kuroyukihime took the Red King’s dangerous look directly, nodded slightly, however did not say anything right after that.
Then, Yuniko extended her hand, forcefully extended Kuroyukihime’s ring finger, and spit out a short sentence.
“Fourth. «Take forcefully by killing».”
“Ki... kill...”
To the wide eyed Haruyuki, Kuroyukihime sighed and added.
“This, is still not fully understood phenomenon but... when a Burst Linker with an «Enhanced Armament» loses, if at that point his Burst Point became zero and forever leaves the accelerated world, there are cases where the ownership of the loser’s armament will transfer to the winner.”
“Low rate random event, is the current theory.”
Yuniko interrupted with that, then held the back of her head with both hands.
“But, that does not apply to «Disaster Armor»... Transfer rate 100%, a perfect cursed item...”
“But... however.”
Murmuring that, Kuroyukihime ground her teeth and snapped.
“Not possible. It was supposed to be destroyed. Two and half years ago, I clearly saw that «Armor»... «Chrome Disaster»’s final moment, and confirmed its annihilation!”
‘- Chrome Disaster is the legendary name of a Burst Linker from the early days of accelerated world from seven years ago.’
Kuroyukihime’s story started with those words.
‘- Covered in metallic grey knight like «enhanced armament», his incredible fighting power covered the ground with many dead Linkers. His fighting style was severe, or more like cruel, those who surrendered, heads were cut off, limbs disemboweled, it was violent to the extreme.
However, he who forced many opponents to forever lose Brain Burst, his final day also arrived. Aside from him, the highest leveled Burst Linkers at that time allied, and continued to go after only Chrome Disaster for duels.
Eventually his points dropped to zero and at the moment he «died» in the accelerated world, he shouted with a loud laughter. “I curse this world. Corrupt. I will revive again and again”.
Those words were true. The Burst Linker named Chrome Disaster retired, but the Armor... the enhanced armament did not disappear. Its ownership transferred to one of the people in the subjugation alliance; lost to the lure of curiosity and the mentality of the Linker who put that on... was taken over. The till then admired noble leader, changed into a cruel killer over night. That savage shape could not be distinguished from the «First generation».’
Kuroyukihime stopped there, after she wet her throat with coffee, she continued in a low voice.
“The same thing happened three times. The owner of the «Armor» went on fearsome ravages, and was subjugated. However the armor did not disappear, it changed owners and changed personality and shape one by one... that Burst Linker no longer used his original name and became known as Chrome Disaster. Two and half years ago when I was already one of the «Pure color seven kings», I joined the subjugation of the fourth Chrome Disaster with the other kings. How incredible that fight was... I still feel it in my skin now. It could not be told in words...”
She returned the cup and rubbed her arms through her uniform, then Kuroyukihime’s tone suddenly changed.
“Then, Haruyuki-kun. Sorry, but can you find two direct connect cables?”
“Wha... ca, cable!? And two of them...?”
“I have one already. The length, well, about one meter is fine.”
“O... okay.”
Haruyuki stood up while not understanding what’s going on, ran to his own room, took two XSB cables from the wire rack on the wall and returned to the living room.
“There were just two cables. Let’s see the length, this one is one meter, this one... err, 50cm.”
While he shrug his head and dangle the cables from his hands, Yuniko stood up with an understanding like face.
“Hahaa, that huh. OK OK, I will endure the 50cm one.”
She grinned, took the short cable from Haruyuki’s left hand and plugged that into the connector on her red Neuro Linker. At that moment.
“H... hey, don’t kid me! I will use that!”
“No way.”
Yuniko dodged Kuroyukihime’s extended hand and jumped to Haruyuki’s left side. Her body with youthful hardness was stuck to him and a sweet and sour like smell also drifted by. Haruyuki was lightly stunned. She hung onto his neck and extended the plug. Without any time to avoid, it was plugged into his Neuro Linker and wired connection warning appeared in front of his eyes and disappeared.
“U, uwaa!? Wh, what...”
Looking up at the flustered Haruyuki, Yuniko said with a fearless smile.
“Hey, hurry and plug in that long one, then give it to that girl. Ah, also, if you peek in my memory you will be sorry, so careful.”
With that speech, Haruyuki finally understood the meaning of three cables. Kuroyukihime wanted to daisy chain the Neuro Linkers of the four people here.
Takumu and Yuniko’s Neuro Linkers are the light weight type with only one external connection terminal. To connect four people, it has to be done with the double terminal high end type Neuro Linkers of Kuroyukihime and Haruyuki in the middle. Yuniko who realized that quickly, must have picked the shortest cable to annoy Kuroyukihime. With an instant effect, Kuroyukihime’s right check jerked and her fists shook as she shouted in a threatening tone.
Accel World v02 107.jpg
“Hey you, don’t stick so close to him!”
“I have no choice, the cable is short.”
“You selected that one!”
Kuroyukihime who raised her voice, eventually snorted and looked down at the Red King with an absolute zero degree black snow smile.
“Exactly, that’s why I hate kids. Cable length as a measure of intimacy, truly ridiculous!”
“Oho, no one said that right? I just thought the shorter one will have less signal lost.”
“Y, y, you...”
Seeing that absolute zero temperature raising quickly to the temperature of the sun’s surface, Haruyuki extended the cable, connected the other terminal on his Neuro Linker towards Kuroyukihime with ‘Your majesty please excuse this with your understanding!’ look in his eyes desperately. Kuroyukihime snatched that, while plugging it into her own Neuro Linker, she took out the usual two meter cable from her pocket and handed it to Takumu.
As the half amazed and half smiling Takumu looked on while plugging that in, another two direct connection warnings appeared and the four people’s Neuro Linkers were finally directly connected, Haruyuki relaxed with a sigh.
“...Ah, th, this... what is it for?”
“First, let’s sit.”
After saying that with a still gruff voice, Kuroyukihime sat down properly onto the living room floor. Before the cable was pulled tight, Haruyuki hurriedly follow suit, and Yuniko also sat down while sticking to his left side.
Finally, Takumu sat down properly like he was wearing a kendo uniform, and glanced at Kuroyukihime.
“Master, do we «Accelerate»?”
“No, no need for that. After the full sensory mode, fly towards the access gate shown. Then, let’s go... Direct Link.”
Seeing Kuroyukihime closing her eyes and relaxing her shoulders, Haruyuki hurriedly sang the command.
“Direct Link!”
Bit by bit, his fully body senses and the surrounding view went away. The Neuro Linker canceled the five real senses and led the consciousness towards the virtual world. In the darkness, only a strong falling sensation could be felt. If he kept waiting, he would full dive into Arita house’s home net. But before that happened, a round and shining access gate floated in front of him.
He extended his unseen right hand and the moment he touched it, Haruyuki’s consciousness was drawn in by the gate.
Light expanded from the center of his view and covered Haruyuki. The scenery from deeper inside was an unlimited wilderness lined by many strange purple rocks.
While he was wondering where this place was, he looked down and was a bit shaky when he could not see his own body. However soon, he realized that this is not a virtual world but a VR movie that is a recorded video directly played in his brain. As evidence, the lower right of his view had a number that counted the play time and a slide bar.
“Ah... senpai?”
When he asked, a reply came from his right side.
“I am here. Takumu-kun, and the little girl is here too?”
He could not see her but it was without a doubt Kuroyukihime’s voice. Continuing, “Yes”, and “Stop calling me like that” two sounds echoed. Haruyuki looked around again, after determining there were only rock formations, he timidly inquired.
“Err... wh, what is this movie file that is playing? If it is just watching a movie, why go to the trouble of direct connecting everyone...?”
“To stop any chance of it leaking outside. If I send it through your house’s home net to everyone, there will be a cache left in the apartment server.”
“I, I see.”
He now understood the reason for direct connection, but the content of the movie was still a mystery. It could not be a movie that needed such precautions, as Haruyuki tilted his unseen head, at that moment - .
Suddenly he heard a sharp wind cutting sound above. Without the time to look up, around 10 meters in front of him, a shape landed with a sharp sound.
Deep black shining half transparent armor. Long and sharp sword like limbs. V shape head. Without a doubt, it is Kuroyukihime’s duel avatar, «Black Lotus».
“That is, senpai...?”
To Haruyuki’s involuntarily shout, Kuroyukihime answered with a ‘Un’.
“That’s me. That is, two and half years ago.”
“Two... and half years. No, before that... since senpai is in that shape, this is «accelerated world» right? That means this is a recording of a «duel»...?”
‘Does Brain Burst have this kind of function?’ he wondered and was about to ask, this time from his left side, Yuniko’s voice echoed.
“Something called «Replay». A shit expensive item that can record. Instead of that, two and half years ago means this is what you earlier mentioned as «Pure color seven kings» vs «Chrome Disaster» fight’s replay, right? Then why just you?”
“No, another will come soon.”
Before those words were finished, from left side of the scenery a new duel avatar’s shape appeared. ‘Is this a many vs one battle?’, while Haruyuki wondered in mystery, he stared at it.
About one head taller than Black Lotus. Slender, but with athletic limbs that have a feeling of volume. Left hand held a thick rectangle shield and right hand empty. The color of full body armor is - emerald like deep green.
“What a beautiful green color... master, that is...?”
Kuroyukihime replied to Takumu’s low sound.
“Yes. The «Green King». Affinity type is close range or indirect... but, the second name more accurately describes the ability. That is «Invulnerable».”
“Looks stiff. From rumors, all losses were from time out, and at those times its HP never went below half... that must be a lie.”
“You will understand if you watch.”
When Kuroyukihime curtly replied to Yuniko’s mocking tone, in the movie, Black Lotus approached the green avatar, and indicated with gesture the shade of a large rock right nearby. The Green King nodded silently, went behind the rock and leaned back against it. The Black King also hid behind a rock a bit further away. Clearly, they were trying for an ambush.
Even understanding that this was a past recording, Haruyuki looked on while holding his breath. Suddenly ‘crackle’ like small sound echoed from his left side.
He moved his view. The crackle crackle sound of dry ground being stepped on came slowly closer.
A few seconds later, what appeared between the rock formations was a very huge duel avatar. Probably 50cm taller than the Green King. The body covered in bellow like metallic armor was strangely elongated, and the head tilted forward like a snake. Left and right arms were unbelievably long too. The hands that dangle down held a crude broad ax, its thick blade almost scraping the ground.
The head was covered in a worm like slippery cylinder, with two black holes at the top. From the darkness inside, red filled eyes moved around.
The full body armor, was deep black cloudy silver. The avatar that looked around while sunlight reflected lightly off it suddenly stood still and stared straight at Haruyuki. At that moment, Haruyuki forgot that this was a recorded movie, and froze on the spot.
‘- What is this. This is a... Burst Linker? An avatar controlled by a real person?’
‘No way. This is like a robot... no, a wild beast.’
“This guy is... the fourth «Chrome Disaster»? Compared to the currently ravaging fifth, the form and size are totally different.”
To be expected, relaxed, however some light tension mixed in Yuniko’s murmur.
“It should be like that. That black silver armor is an «Enhanced Armament», it would change depending on the shape of the avatar who wears it. But, it’s characteristic won’t change no matter how many hundred generations. That is, thoughts of only insane attacks...”
Kuroyukihime responded quietly, like being led by those words, the huge black silver avatar raised the large ax silently.
What the blade aimed for, was clearly the rock «Green King» was hiding behind. With whatever method, or just direct feeling, Chrome Disaster found out about the ambush.
“Gaa!!”
With a carnivorous beast like roar, the ax was swung down with furious speed. The thick rock was cut in half like butter, however right before that, the green avatar jumped out to the side of the rock’s shade.
To chase after that, the huge ax was swung again. The Green King that turned around, this time he did not dodge, and held up the shield in left hand instead.
Right after that, with a sharp metallic sound the shield extended in four directions, and from its rectangle shape changed to a huge cross shape. It was a size that covered all of the Green King’s body. In the center of that, the crude ax hit with power from high up.
With a loud noise that hurts the ears, waterfall like sparks flew. The ax was rebounded, but the Green King also knelt down.
“Gaa, Gagaa!!”
An angry and joyful sound leaked out of Chrome Disaster, with unreasonable moves, he swung the ax down many times. The attacks where even one hit could cut apart a body, the Green King’s cross shield continued to guard against them simply.
It was then that Haruyuki finally noticed that Chrome Disaster’s black silver armor had many deep wound like openings. While the ax was swung, from those wounds came black fog like substance that spread out in the air.
“Wounded...?”
After he unconsciously murmured, Kuroyukihime coolly replied.
“That’s right. That guy fought with other kings earlier and was driven here. As for health gauge, it’s near death. But still that savage. At that time, I was frightened to the depth of my heart.”
‘That would be the case. Even watching a replay like this, the urge to run away is strong.’
While he whispered in his mind, he felt that his supposed to be sensory cut real body’s hairs were raised. Actually, it’s unthinkable. Against the strongest in the accelerated world, the «Kings», this one sided crazy rampage - furthermore, this was near death stage. This means, Chrome Disaster’s actual strength, could only be beyond level 9.
Maybe Chrome Disaster got annoyed with the Green King since no matter how many times the ax hit, it could not break the defense, so it made a low growl. While continuing the attacks, that long head extended - suddenly, the mouth opened with a wet sound.
From the mouth, or more like a concentric suction hole’s center, a long tube like tongue extended, that Haruyuki stared at while dazed. At that time Kuroyukihime said with a sharp sound.
“That, is one of Chrome Disaster’s abilities, «Health Drain». That guy can steal duel opponent’s HP gauge.”
Like those words said, the long tube went around the Green King’s shield and extended near the neck.
“Look out!”
Haruyuki shouted in reaction, and right after.
The till now not joining the battle even once, hidden Black Lotus jumped out from deep to the view like a black lightning bolt.
Her right hand sword swung down with unseen speed and cut off Chrome Disaster’s tongue from the root.
“GaaGagagagaa!!”
From the round mouth, a clear scream and black darkness spew as the huge avatar leaned backward. Aiming for the large wound on its chest, Black Lotus’s left leg sword pierced all the way through without mercy.
The long blade that pierced through the back suddenly shone a dazzling violet. The Black King raised her leg and cut upwards, dancing higher above, and elegantly flipped around. Before the shining deep black avatar landed, Chrome Disaster’s head was split in two - .
There, the slide bar that showed play time in the lower right reached the far end.

With Link Out command, Haruyuki returned from full dive, he noticed that his real hands were wet with sweat.
Takumu who sat in front of him also looked similarly green in the face. Looking left, he saw the Red King Yuniko too was silent with stiff lips.
“...That guy continued to fight in that condition for another two minutes before it finally ended.”
Kuroyukihime murmured just that, and pulled out the two cables plugged into her Neuro Linker at the same time.Haruyuki did the same, while controlling his stiff hands, he inquired with a dry voice.
“That... is that really a Burst Linker? Like us, a real player was inside that...?”
“Without a doubt. The current fifth too, with big difference in fighting method... But, that’s that, Black King.”
Yuniko stood up while saying that in a low voice, and glared at Kuroyukihime with an unusually grim look.
“You guys went to a lot of trouble to defeat the fourth, that is certain since there is a replay to prove it. But... then, why did that «Armor», that enhanced armament did not disappear!?”
“It disappeared!”
Kuroyukihime stood straight up and shouted back.
While grinding her teeth, Kuroyukihime sat on a chair by the table, and waited for the other three to sit down before continuing with a suppressed voice.
“...When the owner of that «Armor», the fourth Chrome Disaster left the accelerated world forever, the Green King and I met up with the other five people, and checked our status window there. Everyone there clearly said it. That the «Armor» was not in their storage. That meant it disappeared... the curse about it transferring to the one who killed the owner was broken at that time. In fact, Chrome Disaster did not appear since then!”
That final part was almost said with a shout, then Kuroyukihime glared at Yuniko with a challenging look.
Withstanding the pressure from the deep black eyes directly, the second Red King returned sharply.
“Then, explain the current situation! The fifth appeared, ravaging like the past is a fact!”
“...What is the name of the fifth? Even wearing the «Armor» and mentally corrupted by it to become the fifth Chrome Disaster, the name registered in the system would not change. In a duel, you should be able to find out the name of the avatar inside the armor. The one who was taken over by the armor, which King was it!!”
This time, Yuniko looked down and was silent.
After a few seconds, blowing out a long breath, the girl shook her head left and right.
“...It’s not a King. The fifth, is my... Red legion, «Prominence»’s member. The original name is «Cherry Rook»... but, he’s no longer the original person. He was eaten by the armor, and has disappeared.”
That voice, contrary to the violent language, was somewhat dry and wavering.
Kuroyukihime’s eyes became small, and she touched her thin color lips with her right hand finger.
“Not a... King...? Red legion member...? However...”
Kuroyukihime frowned and started thinking, then Takumu lightly raised his hand and said.
“It might be like this, master. Enhanced Armament, even ones from shops, can be transferred to another Burst Linker in the real world with direct connection. It’s not something I should say, but thinking about that backdoor program incident, I don’t think all the kings are incorruptible pacifists. One of the Kings with an agenda might have sworn a false oath and secretly kept the «Armor» and might have given that to «Cherry Rook»?”
“It would be... like that... It was mentioned earlier, Kings... level 9 players have no reason to desire lots of points. Since no matter how much is gained, you can not become level 10. That’s why, if given out... it’s only for the reason of strengthening your own legion and weakening other legions... so releasing the uncontrollable Chrome Disaster has way too high risks. Before that, for a Red legion member to have it, it should have come from the Red King. That certainly might be the case but... the Red King that had joined the subjugation two and half years ago...”
Momentarily, Kuroyukihime’s voice paused, probably only Haruyuki noticed it.
Suddenly under the table, Kuroyukihime’s cold left hand touched Haruyuki’s right hand. Gaining warmth from there, the suppressed wavering speech continued.
“The Red King from then is no longer in the accelerated world. After just three months since the subjugation of Chrome Disaster, he was also struck down. So, it could not be from him.”
“At that time, I was still a growing Burst Linker chick so I don’t know the details.”
The Red King did not seem to notice Kuroyukihime’s momentarily conflict and interrupted with a somber voice.
“Obviously, I did not obtain the «Armor» from the previous generation King and even if I did obtain it, I would not think of letting a member wear it. There’s no way... after seeing that fiendish like battle...”
“Is the fifth also... that incredible?”
To Haruyuki’s question, Yuniko looked up slightly and spit out.
“In a certain sense, beyond that earlier replay. That guy is no longer a Burst Linker, or more like fighting is no longer a «duel». I... I saw him eating a fallen opponent’s arm.”
“Gee...”
He unconsciously imagined the scene and groaned.
After overwriting the sour after taste with his coffee full of milk and sugar, Haruyuki asked the two Kings.
“B, but... earlier you said «taken over» and «mental corruption»... enhanced armament, that is just an item right? To be able to interfere with the actual Burst Linker’s thoughts, is that possible...?”
“Yes. It’s possible.”
Kuroyukihime instantly said.
“Do you remember? At the time Haruyuki-kun became a Burst Linker, I explained it. That Brain Burst read the owner’s inferiority and obsession, then compressed them to make the Duel Avatar.”
“Y... yes.”
“That means, not only can the Neuro Linker access the sensory part, but it can access the thinking and memory part of the brain as well. For normal applications those are strictly forbidden areas. ...That is, enhanced armament is tainted with negative awareness of the Burst Linker who created it. If another person wears it, that awareness could be thought of flowing the opposite way.”
“That... kind of thing...”
Haruyuki’s back shivered. He had no more room other than carrying his own negative thoughts, so he is sure that he would be instantly crushed if he had to carry someone else's burden.
“I... I don’t want enhanced armament.”
“That’s good.”
Kuroyukihime nodded after a short laugh.
“Well, to be able to corrupt personality, probably only the «Chrome Disaster». The first generation, what kind of person was he...?”
“I don’t know and have no interest!”
Suddenly, with a chair clanking sound, Yuniko stood up and shouted.
“Big troublesome shits, the idiot who made it, and the one who got and hid it to give «Cherry Rook» as well! Cherry was... a nice guy. He did not have any flashy ability, but slowly he worked hard to get to level 6, and the fun was just starting! And then... shit, damn!!”
The Red King who quickly turned her back, Haruyuki saw some wetness in her big eyes.
Glaring at the high-rise buildings outside the balcony, Yuniko squeezed out a shaking sound.
“...That guy, while belonging to the Red legion, attacked other Kings’ legion members left and right. Breaking the no invasion treaty. I... have to purge him.”
The brief heavy silence was - .
Broken by Kuroyukihime’s quiet sound.
“...I see. For Chrome Disaster who is normally hard to defeat... to still belong to a legion. For you who is his legion master, just one blow will forever exile him from the accelerated world. - With the «Judgement Blow».”
“...”
After a few more seconds of silence, Yuniko slowly nodded, however she shook her head left and right next.
“...Ten days ago, I challenged him who just had reached level 7 while being negligent. To purge him. But... do you believe it, Black Lotus. That guy... Chrome Disaster avoided all of my long range attacks.”
“...Say what?”
“«Judgement Blow», no matter for which legion master, is an almost zero range contact ability. For it to hit, you have to score a number of normal attacks and stop the person. But no matter how many times my main cannon and missiles were fired, I was not even able to scratch him... I was hit here and there by his sword and lost HP. In the end... it was time up and I lost.”
“Lost!? Let’s leave «Judgement Blow» alone, a King like you lost!?”
“Such a big show of surprise... you also fought it before so you should have understood. That mobility, other than a monster no one has. Huge distance jumps, changing path in the air... it was almost like flight.”
“Fly... ing...”
With that whisper, Kuroyukihime first looked at Yuniko standing pass the table, then at Haruyuki sitting next to her.
Then, she slowly and deeply nodded.
“I see. Finally, your goal... using a very troublesome way to do reality intrusion on Haruyuki-kun and using yourself to do social engineering, I understand the reason now.”
At that time, Takumu seemed to have reached the same conclusion. Looking dubiously at the three other than himself, Haruyuki moved his body and view around.
“Wh... what is it? The goal... what is that anyway?”
“Isn’t it obvious, onii-chan♪”
Yuniko’s mood suddenly changed sharply and said sweetly with angel mode pure simile.
“I need Haruyuki onii-chan to capture Chrome Disaster.”
After about 5 seconds of relaxed feeling.
‘No way...I am scared. Don’t joke.’
Haruyuki screamed that, falling from his chair and went to hide behind Kuroyukihime.
However Kuroyukihime titled her head as if thinking about something, then ruthlessly held the back of Haruyuki’s uniform and pulled, saying with a saint like smile.
“Haruyuki-kun, you should experience everything. I think there’s no harm in trying.”
“Wh... whattt!?”
“I never said it would be a one on one fight. Also, this is not just the Red legion, it’s all of accelerated world... including our «Nega Nebulas»’s problem. Then here, it’s time for you to stand up like a man as a Burst Linker.”
‘- This person saying that with this face, she is planning something.’
That appeared in Haruyuki’s mind, but he could not determine what that «something» was, so he desperately tried to find excuses.
“B, but... that’s an opponent that the King, that is level 9 Scarlet Rain could not deal with! Level 4 me would be instantly blown away and it would be over! I don’t want my head and arms to be pulled off!!”
“I won’t let that happen to you.”
Another smile that can melt the highest grade gelato[1].
“Use your speed and flight ability to chase Chrome Disaster and just stopping him for a short while is fine. Afterward this little girl and I will rob him of mobility.”
“So... so simply said, but...”
Being a bad loser, Haruyuki put this normal run away skill into full gear, and mumbled his final rebuttal.
“That’s right... that requires a team battle to happen first right? Also, against just Chrome Disaster, at the very least needs senpai, Scarlet Rain and I. He would not accept such a disadvantageous duel!”
For Burst Linkers, while their Neuro Linker is connected to the net, could not refuse a normal one on one duel from other Burst Linkers. But if the battle mode was «Team» or «Battle Royale», that’s another story. In that situation, it would be three against one with Chrome Disaster, with that kind of disadvantage, there’s no way he would accept.
‘- No, wait. Earlier, didn’t he have the same question?’
After nodding lightly to the speechless Haruyuki, Kuroyukihime took a glance at Yuniko and asking in confirmation.
“If Chrome Disaster would have been rampaging with normal battles, I would have heard about it already. However I have not heard a single rumor, so that means...”
“...That’s right.”
The Red King put her hands into her cut-jean pockets and twisted her slender upper body around to nod.
“That guy’s hunting ground is no longer the «Normal Duel Field». Above that... in the «Unlimited Neutral Field».”
‘...What is that?’
Haruyuki raised his head with a question mark, instead a bit to the right front, Takumu shouted sharply.
“Da... dangerous, master!”
He rose up with a clank from the chair and continued.
“With our lineup, diving «above» is way too reckless! For me and Haru maybe, but you are chained with a special rule! If you were suddenly ambushed by other level 9 players, with one loss, at that instant you would lose Brain Burst forever... no, in the worst case...”
Takumu took a quick glance at Yuniko to the right and after a bit of hesitation, touched the bridge of his glasses with his right hand finger and said.
“...It’s my duty to say this, so let me say it. - The worst case, all of this act... Haru’s reality intrusion, the talk about Chrome Disaster, all of these could possibly be the Red King’s trap. To lure master into the «Unlimited Field», with a big army in ambush, planning to take your head, is possible.”
Yuniko who again returned to the little devil mode, with her hands in pockets, point her small jaw and glared at Takumu.
“...Well said, Cyan Pile. Everything you said earlier was in a clever way, what are you? Glasses character. Nickname Professor?”
Hit.
His little hurt face soon returned to normal, Takumu said in rebuttal.
“Show some kind of proof, then we can talk, Red King. We are just a three person legion, for us to dive «Above» knowing the danger, you should provide some kind of proof!”
“Here is your proof.”
Yuniko took her right hand from her pocket and manipulated her virtual desktop for a bit, then snapped three fingers. In Haruyuki’s view, another half transparent name tag appeared. But, this time bigger than the one earlier. Not just the real name, below that also showed home address.
Starting from Nerima ward in Tokyo, ending with unfamiliar school and dormitory name, Haruyuki looked on in amazement. With face and name can be said to be plenty of «Reality intrusion», showing home address too, is way past courage into recklessness.
Takumu and Kuroyukihime too were surprised by that, while being looked on by three silent and wide eyed middle school students, Yuniko removed her right hand from her virtual desktop and poked her small chest with her thumb.
“You still do not understand why I personally contacted you? The real world me is an elementary kid with no strength, economic or organizational power. I have no way to defend against «attacks» on me. If I betrayed you, you can come get revenge anytime you like in reality.”
Yuniko who said that, her eyes seem to be burning from the left over winter sunlight coming through the window.
He thought she was reckless, but she had tremendous resolution. To be true, she could not possibly overlook the problem of her legion member breaking the no invasion treaty and attacking other legion members. However, before everything else, Brain Burst is just a «Duel Game». Something that exist for play, enjoy and excitement.
That’s why Haruyuki thought that sacrificing your real self for Brain Burst is a mistake. That deceived Takumu three months ago, and he is still tormented by it now.
“Yuniko... -chan.”
In place of the overwhelmed Takumu, Haruyuki involuntarily called out, trying to find words to continue.
However, that one word seemed to allow the Red King to see through his heart, she lowered her right hand and said with a self delirious smile.
“I understand what you want to say. But... you will eventually come to understand when you get to this height, that this game with «accelerate» technology can make the wall of real side thin. If you knew how much time that girl and I spent in the accelerated world, you would certainly fall right down.”
“Wh... total play time...?”
Haruyuki titled his head and did a little calculation. Right now, he had about 10 «duels» per day. Each fight average around 20 minutes, so total 200 minutes - a bit more than 3 hours. It’s a bit high playtime for a middle school student, but not way too absurd.
If one day is around 3 hours, one month is 100 hours. One year is 1200 hours. Since Yuniko became a Burst Linker for about two and half year -.
“3000... hours or about?”
That’s a big number, but compared to actual VRMMO-RPG addicts, that’s nothing. Those people dive at least 10 hours a day.
However, after hearing Haruyuki’s hard mental calculations, Yuniko laughed aloud and Kuroyukihime too had a slight wry smile.
“Wh, that’s not right? Yuniko-chan, then how much total time...?”
“Not telling you. That answer, you can find out yourself. Also...”
The Red King suddenly put on a scary face and said in a threatening tone.
“Stop calling me Yuniko-chan. I get shivers in my back. ...Niko is fine. Call me Niko, absolutely not allowed to add -chan or -tan.”
Somehow feeling that they are off topic, Haruyuki nodded and looked around.
“Let’s see... So the result is that «Nega Nebulas» will assist Niko-cha... the Red King, is that right?”
“...Umu. There are many risks, but for now we will swallow it whole. Also, there is some merit.”
“M, merit?”
Kuroyukihime looked away from Haruyuki who asked that, towards the Red King.
“That’s right. «Prominence» under the sun coming to request this very big favor, must have prepared some kind of exchange condition. For example... from now on do not touch our small territory, things like that.”
“Chii.”
With that small click of her tongue, the Red King - Niko light waved her right hand.
“I understand. If you are fine with a verbal promise. My guys won’t touch the Suginami area.”
Kuroyukihime nodded slowly, then one finger from her folded right hand came up.
“However, just one thing. Scarlet Rain... how are you supposed to ambush Chrome Disaster in the «Unlimited Field»? In that place, it’s almost impossible to purposely encounter someone, you should have already known that.”
“...I won’t trouble you guys. It’s my responsibility to determine the time and place. Not right now, probably tomorrow evening... is all I can say.”
“Ohh. You can do that?”
To Kuroyukihime’s question, Niko nodded.
“I will leave it to you. Tomorrow after school, we will meet here again and dive into the «Unlimited Neutral Field». Is that okay, Haruyuki-kun and Takumu-kun?”
‘- What is that Unlimited Field anyway?’
Before that question, Haruyuki was surprised with ‘Arg, my home again!?’ that shout in his mind. His mother won’t be home till the day after tomorrow so that is fine, if he returned home tomorrow, and this time Niko played with praise the «other type of Z games» in the living room - if that happened, he would not be able to stand up again.
‘Defend till death. This time he will defend his room till death!’
With that oath, Haruyuki and Takumu both nodded.

“Then, for today from now on is free time. Haruyuki-kun, thank you for the coffee.”
With those words Kuroyukihime stood up, she again looked at the tens of years ago vintage collection of western games scattered in the living room.
“Next time, I will come to play normally. There are many titles I don’t know of.”
“Y... yea, please do.”
‘Something that doesn’t have a lot of blood and guts spilling.’
He added that in his mind, then walked Kuroyukihime and Takumu to the entrance.
“See you Haru at the school tomorrow. Uwaa, it’s already this late.”
First Takumu waved his hand then walked out of the hallway to another part of the apartment, next Kuroyukihime put on her loafers and turned around.
“Ah, that is. I will walk you home, it’s late...”
Haruyuki said that, but she waved her hand lightly and said.
“No need to worry, with student council work it’s even later than now, so this is nothing. Also, this place is pretty close to my home.”
“Is that... so. But, be careful.”
“Un, then, sorry to have disturbed you. See you tomorrow.”
Kuroyukihime smiled, raised her right fist, then was about to step outside the door.
To her back, from behind Haruyuki, Niko’s drawling voice called out.
“See you, black one. Don’t be late tomorrow. Okay then, time to continue.”
To the Red King who then skipped to the living room, this time Kuroyukihime turned around with incredible speed and shouted.
“Hey wait, wait a minute, red one!”
“What?”
She glared at Niko who stuck her head out and cross-examined.
“You are not thinking of staying here today as well.”
“Of course. It’s troublesome to go back all the time.”
“Don’t mess around, go home! A child should go home, do homework, brush teeth and sleep!!”
That fiery sharp tongue was washed away by a grin from Niko.
“But, my school is a boarding school. After getting a three day pass to go out, even if I return, there won’t be any food. ...Anyway, onii-chan, what should we have for dinner tonight♪”
After saying the later part in angel mode, Niko disappear into the living room.
“Wha... wha...”
While her face quivered as if right before a huge eruption with her fists shaking, Kuroyukihime glared sidewise at Haruyuki who stood there dazed.
“...Cancel the ‘See you tomorrow’. I will stay over here tonight too.”
With that fearsome announcement, that was declaration of war, she forcefully shut the door, took off her shoes and stamped pass the hallway into the living room.
It took more than one minute for Haruyuki’s totally frozen brain to restart.

‘- What is this?’
‘What is this....what is happening...is this reality? Or is everything and everyone a polygon created fake reality?’
Haruyuki sat on the living room sofa, hugging a cushion, and stared off into space.
Maybe everything from the beginning - meeting Kuroyukihime, obtaining Brain Burst, and becoming Burst Linker «Silver Crow» was all a dream. Maybe an escape from reality application was running that allowed him continue to see such long delusion.
Those were Haruyuki’s serious doubts, but the hamburger he ate just 30 minutes ago, it’s slightly burnt aftertaste, the happiness in his stomach, and also from the bathroom in the hallway, sounds of water and girls’ playful sounds were way too real.
After Kuroyukihime’s sudden announcement, the three of them went shopping in the mall under the apartment, made dinner together, washed dishes - and then Niko and Kuroyukihime went to use the bathroom first together. That’s what happened.
The situation where everything occurring all at once was so unreal that Haruyuki wasted it, being mostly on automatic mode. «While parents are away» «two girls came to stay over» «made dinner and went to bath», those kind of situations could not be adjusted into his consciousness.
What is the best way for him to act? Normally in this situation how is a man suppose to choose as best selection?
While steam puffed from his ears, Haruyuki tried to spin his overloaded thoughts. In this type of game or anime, for this kind of scene usually the man went to ask how the bath water was, and «something» made him stumble into the bathroom. Then buckets, shampoo and things will be thrown at him to drive him away.
‘Then, me doing that would be an optimized solution.’
Accel World v02 137.jpg
Haruyuki stood right up and turned towards the bathroom. In his brain, there already floated an event graphic where Kuroyukihime and Niko washed each other wearing just bubbles.
However unfortunately, or in other words fortunately, right before he opened the living room door, he heard two sets of footsteps heading there. Haruyuki teleported at light speed to the sofa and sat down properly.
After the knob’s violent turn, Niko jumped in first shouting ‘ice ice!’ and ran to the kitchen. Haruyuki turned around in reaction to the loose sweatshirt and shortpants rough shape, this time his eyes met Kuroyukihime’s.
It must be the one she bought in the shopping mall that evening, she was wearing a light pink pajama. Her head tilted, drying her shining hair with a towel, that shape is different from her normally all black clothing that rejected others, she stood there unbelievably defenseless and lovely, Haruyuki could only watch in a daze.
“...Don’t stare so much. This color was the only size that fits.”
As Kuroyukihime said that while looking away, Haruyuki finally snap back and shook his head hard left and right.
“N, nooo way, m, matches nicely.”
“I, I see. Isn’t it a bit childish?”
“Absolutely not. Great. Perfect. Critical.”
While sitting properly he stretched his back and desperately said up to there, from the side Niko showed her face while waving a popsicle in her right hand.
“Hey, do you know, Silver Crow?”
“Wh... what about?”
“This girl, even looking like that, after she is naked, is unexpectedly sugofuu”
The end of those words was messed up by Kuroyukihime’s unsparing one hit.
She then held the Red King’s neck from behind, and laughed generously.
“There, you should hurry and use the bathroom. The bath water will get cold.”
Looking at Niko who collapsed, Haruyuki gave a scream in his mind and jumped off the sofa.
“Y, yes, then excuse me, I will go take a bath! There’s barley tea and things in the fridge so feel free, I am off!”

That night turned out to be a late night Z type retro game spree night.
Sitting around the large game hardware from 40 years ago, with excited shouts they massacred creatures in the flat screen, Haruyuki still continued to think a little about if that was really real.
‘- These people and me, are basically connected to each other through a VR game called Brain Burst. That’s why their relationship is online, that is net based, it should be recognized like that.
Certainly, I love Kuroyukihime senpai, and she said she love me too. However, the intermediary of those feelings were usually quantum signals exchanged through the Neuro Linker. Their relationship is mostly made up of vector data, he thought it was fine like that.
But today, they made dinner and ate it together in my home, took turns to bath, and now are sitting a few 10cm or so from each other, feeling each other’s body heat.
This world - the separation between real and virtual is infinitely thin, in a world where information from your five senses are hard to distinguish which are analog and which are digital, this is what would happen? Things like «Offline human relationship», how do I capture and recognize it? So far in the offline world, all I had been doing was run away, hide, and huddle.’
His thinking that went round and round, was covered by a flashy scream from a huge boss monster in the screen.
At the same time, Niko let go of her controller and lay down backwards.
“Ah... I can’t take it anymore. Sleepy. Sleepyyy!”
“That’s why I said, children should hurry... Fuwa...”
Kuroyukihime also covered her mouth with her left hand, letting out a refined yawn.
Since his Neuro Linker was taken off, he looked at the clock on the wall, it was past midnight.
“Th, then, we should sleep. Let’s see... Yuniko-cha, not that, Niko is fine with the sofa today too right. So, senpai please use my mother’s bedroom. Ah, but the heat wasn’t on for a while so it might be cold...”
Haruyuki said till there, then Niko interrupted loudly.
“Never mind, too troublesome. Just bring out blankets, I will sleep here... it’s fine...”
Then, she buried her head in a huge cushion, and closed her eyes quickly.
“Un, that’s fine with me too. Sleeping together around game software, is truly a historical experience... or not...”
Kuroyukihime too lay down onto a cushion.
‘Whattt - .’
What he was thinking was, he would not be able to imitate «carry both to bed», so he did as told and took out some blankets. He used them to cover the already sleeping Niko and Kuroyukihime, and thought ‘now then’.
‘Should I be sleeping in my own room?
But, with both guests sleeping on the floor, wouldn’t it be bad manners for me to sleep in a bed? Here, shouldn’t I sleep on the floor as well for fairness? Isn’t that what a gentleman should do?’
After his own suggested justification, Haruyuki turned the ceiling lights to the lowest level, and slowly became round there. The floor was slightly warm from the buried heating pipes, the large semi-fluid cushion was fluffy soft - and within hand reach distance, was extremely nice smell.
‘There’s no way I can sleep in this situation!’, while thinking like that, Haruyuki closed his eyes under the blanket.
However strangely, in exchange of tension, a mysterious peace covered Haruyuki, and his consciousness slowly fell into the gentle darkness.

Deep in the night, Haruyuki woke up just once.
He stood up thinking of going to the toilet, and look around casually, in the dim lighting and blue white moonlight, there was an unexpected scenery.
Niko and Kuroyukihime who were supposed to be one meter apart, some unknown time ago, had fallen between two cushions and were sleeping soundly.
Furthermore, Niko had her face buried in Kuroyukihime’s chest, her right hand holding tightly on to the pajama fabric.
And also, Kuroyukihime had her arms around Niko’s red head like she was holding her.
That scene, before he was surprised by it, his heart was moved by something and Haruyuki opened his eyes wide.
«Red King» and «Black King». They are level 9 Burst Linkers chained with a special rule of sudden death.
Those two spent an unknown amount of time in the accelerated world and fought many fights to the death. What they were looking forward to, Haruyuki could not imagine. However he could say this. If they both aimed for level 10, someday they will have to fight. To defeat other Kings, is how a King moves forward.
But.
Tonight, these two, with a coincidence brought together by complex situations, slept together in the real world like this. Just like at the bottom of their hearts, they wished for that.
This is, this scene, is just one night’s illusion? An incidental miracle that won’t happen again?
Or it could be - .
Haruyuki at that moment captured a premonition that he had arrived at a very important something.
However, the unknown feeling overwhelming his heart and the tears flowing out of his eyes, he could not put his thought into words accurately.
So Haruyuki just stood there, looking at the girls sleeping soundly in the blue white moonlight, without being full no matter how long he continued.