Chapter 28 “Party”

In MMOs the group of players that are playing together and working toward completion of same goal is called a ‘party’. For people that were unfamiliar with this term, it was not that easy to understand the meaning of words ‘let’s party up together’. Someone who was completely new to this word could ask even ask a question ‘what does dancing have to do with killing monsters?’. Those people already had different definition of that word and the word ‘party’ was quite not understandable for them. That’s why situations that was mentioned before indeed happened. Still, as long as someone was not complete newbie, it was not that bad and at higher levels, situations like that never happened.

EOA’s ‘party system’ is a little hard to grasp. ‘Creating new parties’, ‘adding new people to party’, ‘removing someone from party’, ‘deciding who will be the party leader’. Normally all those functions would be controlled by simple commands. By click in the right spot on the menu or by voice command. In EOA it was somewhat different but at the same time much more natural. To be together in party all players needed to do is to feel that they are in it, nothing else. Even though its sounds complicated at first in reality it’s not. People never had much problem using this system. Even though it was nothing revolutionary, compared to other systems, this one worked much faster and didn’t require from the player anything in particular.

There are few factors that changes when player was in party in EOA. One, the experience gained from ‘all things’ except individual quests would be shared. All drops would still go to random players but if it was an item of high value it could not be equipped by player if other players did not acknowledge it. As to how acknowledge system worked, there were few options. ‘Vote’, ‘roll’ and ‘master looter’ were being the most popular ones. ‘Vote’ was as it says, people voted on who should get the item. ‘Roll’ was when people could not come to understanding and decided to who it goes by for example ‘throwing a dice’ or ‘playing paper-rock-scissors’. Then there was ‘Master looter’ option where a single player could decide to whom the items goes. Although it was the most effective method it could only be used by people who trusted each other and not some random parties.

Another thing that changed while being in party would be that when you summon your menu screen, on the left side of ‘choosing options’ the message would appear.

[Currently you are parted with:

-Arata

-Levi]

If players names were highlighted it meant that they are both logged in and are somewhere close which would result in experience and loot share. Right now, both names on the Rin’s list were highlighted in azure color.

Rin could no longer remember when the last time was since she had two people on this list. Normally that place would be only occupied by word ‘Yume’ but right now that name was not there and instead there were two other names of Rin’s new party members. Just five minute ago she asked them to help her with her quest. Although before coming to the arena she was not sure if she should do it.

At first it was all Yume’s idea. Her friend suggested her that she should ask for help the person that ‘not so long ago saved her life’.

It was the fact that Rin needs help with her quest. She knew that for a long time. She also knew that even if she managed to complete the tomb prequest, it was only that far. Because if prequest asked her to fight in battle like that, what would be the final stage of the quest then?

Still Rin did not know anyone whom could actually help in it. It was not because she could not stand the thought of asking someone for help or being with them in party. Although, Rin didn’t want to have anything to do with random strangers, for her quest, she could bear them for some time until the quest was done. The problem was that the quest itself was not that easy and if Rin were to party up with some random people, they would do more harm than good. That’s why, when Yume proposed the idea of asking Arata for help, Rin was not against it. In fact, although Rin’s and Arata’s interaction with each other was short, she didn’t felt that bad in his company for whatever reason.

Decision to ask him for help was already confirmed at that point. Still Rin did not plan to do it herself. She planned to leave it in capable hands of her friend. Sadly, they could not execute this plan right away as Arata left the town and went ‘exping somewhere’. It was just a minor setback so it was not that of a problem. Still, because Rin didn’t have anything to do at that time, she went ahead alone and looked for Arata in ‘Iron canyon’ the place to which she thought he went.

Indeed she did found him there but after she did found him, she was not sure of her decision to invite him anymore. Worth to note was that the problem was not because he would do more harm than good like most of other players. It was rather because she realized who that person really is. She also knew that it would be impossible to hide her own identity from him should she spent some time with him. Proof to that was that the moment she gave him just one slight hint, he said her name right away. Maybe she gave away too much by standing in ‘that manner’ but he would find out regardless the moment they cross their swords so it was better to do it right away. It was not easy for her to do it but she had to find out his reaction to the fact that she is ‘she’.

That was the main reason that Rin came to Karma’s arena without Yume and asked Arata for fight. Only by fighting could she really communicate with him.

In the end although it was risky, she now knew for sure that Arata will not ask about ‘that’. She was not sure if he would ask anyway but she wanted to be sure.

Rin knew that there was only real connection between Amanda and Arthur was them fighting each other during the training. With today’s fight, she managed to change that connection and it was no longer Arthur’s and Amanda’s connection but Arata’s and Rin’s connection. Apart from this last connection, everything else was not there. In the first place, they didn’t interact with each other much so there was not much of anything else. Rin herself couldn’t recall the time when they had a conversation that was longer than few words exchange. There was nothing to go back to anymore. Also, right now both Rin and Arata were completely different people if one looked at it. Their personality was different, their look also changed with time and because of EOA. So their meeting was not a reunion but completely new encounter in which thoughts like ‘I used to know you’ felt like something from another life.

With all that, Rin knew that she can without worry ask Arata for help in her quest. There was still a matter in which he could refuse. Also she had no idea how to exactly ask him for help. For a moment, she once again thought that it would be better to leave it to her friend after all but she overcame those thoughts and said it. Although.

“I should do it in a different way.”

As she followed her new party members, Rin thought like that. The way she asked Arata for help would in best case scenario go off as embarrassing. Also her plan had an unexpected element in it. Although she was planning to get Arata’s help, she did not plan to get the help of his friend as well.

Levi was the name of the other man. She first met him around the same time that she first met Arata. For now, let’s just say that their encounters couldn’t be called most fortunate as she did end up killing him once. Well, same went for her first encounter with Arata as she also ended up killing him at their first meeting but somehow when Arata completely ignored that fact, Levi still remembered it clearly. Still in the end he also joined to help with the quest.

Rin was not sure if she will be able to work together with him. Still when she looked at it from other perspective, it could also be quite uncomfortable to be with Arata one on one. If Levi was to tag along, she could just stay on the side and the party’s atmosphere would not be bad, even with her not saying anything.

-Arata you have a problem.

Rin could hear Levi in a distance. Levi was the first to pass through the gate from which ‘arena’s fighters’ were usually leaving the arena.

Rin already had an idea what that problem might be and because she knew, she once again covered her head with the red hood.

As she suspected the moment Arata walked out to the outside she could easily hear.

-want to join our guild!?

-want to join our guild!?

-I was the first one to ask!

-hey guys! We have been through it many times, get in the line!

-as if I gave away a player like him to you!

-Arata was it? Want to join our guild!?

-hey who is cheating and asking without line!

“Just as I thought.”

After what Arata showed in his two previous fights, Rin could easily tell that ‘hyenas’ will jump at him the moment he comes out.

“I did warn him it’s his fault for not listening.”

-guys, I really…-

Arata tried to decline but it didn’t work at all.

-first, listen to what we have to say then decide!

-even heard of guild P.C.P, one word and you are in!

-don’t waste yourself on them, huge guilds like them doesn’t take care of their members!

-you should join my guild!

The people started to argue with each other, when person in question stayed with little annoyed face.

-hey, Levi why I am the only one that is attacked by them, you aren’t even in guild and they don’t say a word to you.

-haha, it’s because I was prepared for this occasion.

Right now Levi was holding shield in front of him. At the front of that shield was an herb of silver hand order. Even if silver hand was not exactly a guild if someone was a member of it, that person didn’t really need guild for anything else. In the first place silver hand was in a way treated as a guild and no matter how big the guild was, it was hard to propose to someone from silver hand better terms that those they already had. That’s why no one bothered Levi

-but I am in a guild already, why do they ask me?

-well, I am not sure myself.

The both of them did not understand but Rin seeing it not for the first time knew the answer.

“Being in nameless guild is like being in no guild.”

She then looked at unsuccessful tries Arata to push back the crowd but it was rather him and Levi who were being pushed back.

“Well, I guess I should help him.”

Rin walked forward and entered between the crowd and Arata. Somehow the argue and shouts ended right away and the silence began.

-let’s go.

Rin catch Arata’s wrist with right hand and Levi’s wrist with left hand and walked through the crowd. When people saw that the red hooded figure moving in their direction, they moved back right away and created a way for her.

-thanks.

Arata said to her when they went through the crowd. They managed walk through it without any interference.

-as suspected of legend of this city.

Levi’s commented.

-still why was I the only one under assault. Rin, why no one tried to ask you? You are in some big guild or something? After all, I lost to you, so shouldn’t they rather ask the winner?

-…, they already asked me.

Rin just replied like that. Although it was some time since she last was on arena, guilds invitation did still not ended that easily. There were many people who would wait for her at the tomb of Edward Third the Great and tried to invite her to their guilds. Half of those people Rin could recognize in the crowd they just passed and that may be the reason why they didn’t even try as they knew that it is not the best idea. Rin took off her hood once again. She putted it on second ago just to remind those people who she was.

-so Rin, you are in a guild?

Levi was the one to ask her.

-… .

“What does this have to do with you?”

Rin did not give him an answer as she did not see the reason to.

-I just wanted to know.

-… .

-we should get to know each other better right? We are in party after all.

Levi continued.

“That’s why I hate being party.”

-there are also people who like their privacy.

Arata interrupted.

-it was just a simple question.

-and why do you care if she is in a guild or not?

-I don’t really care but I am trying to hold up the conversation here. Didn’t I say we should get to know each other better?

“So he is going to continue?”

-I think that as long as you play with someone, you will end up knowing them eventually. Not everyone is ready to just open to others as easily as you. Also you should already know that she is not your ‘friendly happy about everything’ type.

Arata’s and Levi’s conversation continued.

-I guess. Still Rin, try to not be completely against us and say a word from time. Also if I offended you then I am sorry.

Levi said those words to Rin and bowed.

“I can do at least that.”

-… .

Rin did not expect him to apologies like that but she nodded back to him.

-still quiet types are also cute, right Arata?

-I guess.

-… .

Rin glared at Levi deadly.

-hey Arata what do you think of this reaction?

-I read it as. If you continue this you will be forced into ten day break.

-right, sorry Rin I won’t do it again.

Straightforward apologies like that was weak point of her so she couldn’t say anything to that. Levi continued happily.

-don’t make promises that you can’t keep.

Arata added to that.

-at least I will try. Anyway, let’s look for our flower of Karma.

-I catch a glimpse of her already. Look over there.

Arata pointed in direction to Rin’s left. After gazing over there, Rin spotted her dear friend Yume waving her hand to them while smiling. Arata and Levi would recognize this behavior as a ‘happy smile’ but Rin could recognize the types of Yume’s similes and what they usually meant and the smile that Yume had right now was terrifying actually her.

“I have to run.”

Were Rin’s first thoughts after seeing it.

“Oh no! Right now, I can’t do that!”

Normally Rin would already use her lighting speed skill to get as far as possible from here after seeing her friend like that but right now she couldn’t just run away on her own.

-Rin, something wrong?

It looked like Arata saw her anxiety.

-… .

-anyway that’s the person we were looking for or rather she was looking for us. As soon as we find out what she wanted, we will start doing the quest.

-sigh.

“It’s already too late.”

Rin stopped looking in direction of her friend as she didn’t want to know when ‘the doom’ arrives. But that didn’t help her much as she could still tell the exact ‘timing’ by observing Arata’s and Levi’s faces. In one moment she could clearly see surprise faces. Second later Rin was catch from behind and squeezed.

-Rin! Why did you run off and left me alone, it’s not fair!

-Mary, let me go!

-it’s not go to run away by yourself. Who told you where to find him hmm? And you even had a fight with him already? How do you want to build friendship if the only thing you do is fight. Bad girl, bad girl.

-Mary, don’t do it here!

-as a punishment you are grounded for cakes this week.

-I will eat what I want and let me go already!

-but I still didn’t get today’s dose of Rin cuteness.

Yume started to squeeze her even more, Rin’s head ended right between Yume’s breasts and her ability to run away was already sealed out. Yume started to touch Rin all around her body. Her hands were going under Rin’s clothes.

-Mary, Mary, au, ua.

-ah, Rin so cute!

-uaaa, aaa, hahaha. Mary, stop! It tickles!

-because it’s your weak spot.

-uuuuaaaaaaaaaa!

-…

-…

Arata and Levi were looking at the scene before them with their jaw dropped to the ground. It would be hard to tell what they were thinking right now. After all, they were looking as their new ‘cold, collected and sometimes terrifying’ teammate was ‘getting squeezed like stuffed toy while making cute noises’.

-……………………………………………………………… .

Same was for every other person that was looking at that scene. There were still many people who just a minute ago tried to recruit Arata and nearly poured their pants from fear of ‘queen of blades’ but right now ‘their worst nightmare’ was ‘getting squeezed like stuffed toy while making cute noises’.

-uuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Rin squeaked as her ear was beaten by Yume. Needless to say, it was not the sound of getting hurt.

-Levi, is it really okay for us to watch?

-I think that as men we are obligated to. Also even if I wanted to stop, my eyes will definitely not shut.

It was similar to all others. Today was a day that legend of queen of blades changed forever.

It took about six minutes until Yume stopped playing around and Rin’s head stopped being dizzy.

-ha, ha…

She was still breathing heavily but when she caught her breath.

-Mary what have you done!!!!!

Rin shouted at her friend, Yume was not really concerned by it though.

-ah I finally had my daily dose of Rin. By the way, it was my reward for you for finding yourself a party.

-how can you say it is a reward!?

-but you were enjoying yourself just a minute ago, weren’t you?

-who would enjoy that!

Rin shouted even louder than usual.

-but the sounds you made tell me otherwise.

-emm … anyway Mary, you just destroyed my long built reputation!

-it was bad reputation anyway so it’s good that it got destroyed. I was thinking on how to do that for some time now, but it was hard to reveal you as ‘you’ to other people. If I just did that any other time it would not be convincing, right? No one would believe that it’s ‘you’. But because you just show everyone on arena that you are ‘you’ it was a perfect opportunity to do it.

-but you had to do it before them!

Rin pointed at her two new party members. Arata was trying to keep his face straight although it could be easily seen that he was barely managing it. As for Levi, his mouth was covered by Arata’s hand as at some point Levi said. ‘-Arata, please don’t let me say a single word afterwards or I really will get killed this time. I don’t want to pass on opportunity for the quest but I won’t be able to hold it back alone so help me out there’. If Levi said something like that, Rin didn’t even want to image what the two of them were thinking back then.

On the other hand Yume was completely not concerned by their presence.

-it’s been a while Arata, Levi.

She said to them like nothing.

Arata first showed her his pointing finger signaling to wait till he get ready. He shook his head first and waited few additional seconds and only then said.

-yes been a while. Levi also says hello, he will be in ‘speaking state’ in five to ten minutes I think. Anyway, I take you two know each other.

Arata meant Yume and Rin.

-you even ask after the show we show you?

Yume was still merciless.

-right… .

“Ummm…”

Arata was trying not to say anything wrong but in the end he couldn’t keep his face straight and for a moment with his free hand similar to Levi he stopped his mouth from speaking as well. Rin shouted once again.

-Mary, it’s all your fault!

-Rin, don’t worry.

-don’t worry? Who know what he is thinking right now!

-he is definitely thinking how cute you are… .

“That’s the problem!!!”

-hey Arata, what do you think?

Yume was still completely merciless and went ahead and asked.

-don’t answer her!

Rin tried to interrupt.

-she only just saying it. In reality, she really wants to know, so Arata what are you thinking?

-Mary!

As always Rin’s attempts to stop her friend when she decides on something was fruitless.

-well, I would say that my opinion on her changed a little but it’s good that she has a friend like you. If she can do stuff like that with you in public, then you two really must be good friends.

Arata tried to make it sound right.

“Ah, I will never be able to look into his face again.”

-yes we are best friend, right Amy? I mean Rin.

While in presence of others Yume would call Rin and not how he usually did when they were alone. Although from time to time she would slip. Rin would still use Mary all the time though.

-… .

-oh don’t be depressed I just tried to help you guys break the ice.

Yume said to Rin whose face was somewhat depressed.

=your way of doing it was a little bit too extreme.

Out of sudden both Arata and Rin answered at the exact same time with the same words with impressive accuracy. Even if they agreed on it before it would be hard to pull that off. The moment they did that, both of the looked at each other with surprise but Rin quickly pulled her head away.

-ah, perfect harmony, just like in that fight.

-Mary, don’t you even dare to touch this topic, right now.

Rin’s eyes were deadly serious, right now even Yume wouldn’t dare to continue that way. Arata interrupted them asked.

-emm, wasn’t your name Yume, right?

-yes, why do you ask?

-well, I usually bad with names and Rin calls you differently so.

-that’s a special name that only she as my ‘best friend forever’ can use, to all others I am Yume so don’t worry you remembered it right.

-I see. I wanted to be sure as I am usually bad with names. Anyway, Vivi said that you wanted something from me, so what is it?

Arata went to the matter.

-ah that? It is already not current.

-not current?

-well, I was going to ask you if you can help Rin in her quest but she already asked you herself so there is no need to do that. Good girl, good girl.

Yume once again patted Rin on the hair.

-Mary, stop that.

-but Rin’s hair is so smooth and nice in touch.

-… .

-you two are really good friends…

After saying that, Arata was touched on shoulder by Levi’s finger.

-you sure about it? …

Arata asked him to which Levi showed him a thumb. Then Arata took back his hand from Levi’s mouth. Levi first took a full breath with his eyes close and then he opened again.

-it’s good to see you again flower of Karma. Thank you for the help from that time…

Those were first words that Levi spoke. They were spoken to Yume of course. Levi entered his ‘knight wannabe’ mode but then Rin entered his vision and once again by himself this time he covered his mouth with his hand.

-I don’t know why, but I feel like I really should kill him right now

Rin said after seeing it.

-well, he did his best and still didn’t say anything. You should at least reward him for that.

Arata started defend Levi.

-I know, that’s why I didn’t kill him. Still somehow I really feel like that must be done.

-I think it’s better if we change place. Our memories of what happened are still too resent…

After Arata said that, Rin once again lowered her head in embarrassment.

-anyway, now with this matter done we should focus on the quest.

Arata didn’t try to waste any more time. Rin for one didn’t want to stay here any moment later and welcomed the idea as well.

-follow me.

She said to them and started walking in direction where human district ends and dwarven district starts. Yume, Arata and Levi started to follow her.

With change of place and arena no longer in sight, it worked like magic and the atmosphere did changed. Even Levi after five minutes of walk went back to normal. Well if his behavior could ever be called normal.

-so Yume, will you be our fourth party member?

He asked while walking next to her. Right now the four were going like this. Rin on the front was leading the way. Arata was little behind on her right. Levi and Yume behind both of them were walking shoulder to shoulder.

-me? No, no, I would only get in the way.

-even so it would definitely be more fun with beauty like you around.

-you don’t have to complement me, I am no that pretty.

-yes you are, hey Arata you will agree with me, right?

-I guess.

Arata was rather uninterested in that subject.

-I guess!? What is with that answer?

-then what do you want to hear? I will say it then give me a rest.

-hey you two. Don’t fight about something like that.

Yume tried to stop that.

-no, no we are not fighting.

Levi answered.

-if we were to call it a fighting, about 60% of our conversations would be a fighting.

Arata summed it up.

-weren’t you two friends?

-of course we are.

-well he is the only one that thinks like that though.

-Arata, it hurt you know.

-this world is harsh after all, Levi.

-hahaha.

Yume was laughing at their conversation.

-anyway Arata, back to my question. In score from zero to ten how high you would score our flower of Karma?

-do I really have to answer that?

-would I ask if you didn’t?

-fine but after that you will give me a rest okay?

-you have my word on that, but we want the answer from heart no cheating.

-hmm?…

Arata scanned Yume from bottom to the top as she walked. Curly brown hair, green eyes, nice figure with two big assets on the chest seeing all that Arata answered.

-if I were to compare, it would be around six.

“Six?”

Rin reacted to those words even though she was trying her best not to listen to their stupid conversation and somehow by mistake be dragged into it.

-six? I guess I would be somewhere around there.

Yume said that words after hearing his answer, Arata once again starter looking forward.

-don’t listen to that guy Yume and sorry that I even asked him in your presence.

-no, no I think it’s good to hear honest opinion.

-if you want honest opinion I would say that you are at least nine out of ten.

Levi tried to repair the situation he started. At first he just wanted Yume to feel a little better but with Arata response it went the wrong way.

-but why is your honest opinion so different Levi? I think the six is the right number for me. Even then it’s a little overstating.

“As always Mary doesn’t realize her own beauty.”

Rin statement was true even if she didn’t realize that in truth, 50% population of players of Karma, decided to stay for few months longer in this city before leaving just to have a chance to see Yume on the streets, talk with her and see her bright smile. The effect of Yume in Karma was really great.

-Arata why did you have to say that number? Where do you have eyes?

Levi once again started to drag him in conversation.

-up right here…

Arata looked back to them and pointed at his eyes with two fingers of his left hand.

-anyway it’s you who wanted honest opinion, I have no idea why did you even ask me for it but whatever I did think hardly about my answer and after comparing Yume with few other girl that I know she scored 6, that’s all.

Levi made a face palm.

-ah!!! Why do you think about it so hard? Can’t just say she pretty and we would leave this subject long time ago!

-don’t blame it on me, now. You got what you asked for.

-hey you two stop fighting about it.

Yume once again interrupted them but to that she got the same response again.

-no, no we are not fighting.

-if we called it fighting we would…-

-don’t repeat yourself Arata.

-it’s you who shouldn’t cut in my talk.

-and what will you do about that?

-well the arena is still not that far away from here.

-I like the idea, let’s do it.

It seemed like one more fight would occur on the arena today.

-wait, why do you keep on fighting because of me, I feel bad about it you know.

Yume once again interrupted them.

-no we are not really fighting, right Arata?

-I think this time we do.

-still, did Yume had anything to do with it?

-well I just wanted to have a fight with you. We actually forgot to do it even to we planned to.

-now that you are saying it Arata, it was on the third day of our golem hunting, right?

-yea it was after we did competition who can kill more golems in two hours. I am sure that I won that.

-as if, I had five more than you.

-those five doesn’t count. I was the one to kill them.

-oh, your memory goes bad Arata.

-it’s your memory whose is bad, I pushed them of the cliff and then you started stealing my kills.

-ah you kept on fighting!

Yume once again stated it.

-no, no we are not fighting.

Levi once again answered.

-if we were to call it a fighting about 60% of our conversations would be a fighting.

And Arata once again added.

-I think right now it would be at least 61%.

-maybe, it’s not like I was counting anything. I just said a random number that sounded reasonable.

-what was we on again Arata?

-something about fighting.

-right, Yume we are not fighting at all.

“And I have to deal with them until the quest is done?”

Rin already was somewhat not sure if she did the right thing.

-well, well it’s good that you can talk about everything and still laugh it off. But, I somewhat got interested in that ranking system of yours.

Mary added.

“They are still going on about this?”

Arata once again started looking forward as he probably was in the same boat as Rin on this subject. Which meant ‘I am not interested, leave me alone!’. Only Levi and Yume continued conversation

-you got interested?

-maybe it is too big word for this, but why your score and Arata’s score are so different.

-well, for me pretty girl equals nine it’s simple as that…

“Really creative.”

-after all, it’s impossible to compare lady’s beauty.

-well I was wondering in which manner you would compare us, still why do you say nine and not ten then?

-ten is a slot that is for those of unlimited beautifulness which is impossible to grasp for a simple man like me.

-and that unlimited beautifulness is?

-I can’t grasp it myself, so describing it is also impossible for me.

-so in the end you don’t have any system and just tell every girl that she is pretty right.

-em… .

Yume seen through Levi’s system right away.

-that’s just show how shallow he is.

-shut up Arata! It’s definitely better than yours.

-I don’t really care and I don’t have any system. Also just for a note, for last ten minutes you conversation had absolutely no meaning. Don’t get me involved in this.

Arata once again looked forward.

-I see that Arata is not interested so maybe I will ask you Levi. You know how different Arata system is from yours.

“Ah, that’s why going around with Mary is unbearable. No matter how stupid the topic is, she would still not let the conversation die out.”

-Arata system is not that complicated as he said. Well he did carefully compare you to one girl that he knows and because he had to be freaking honest he gave you his answer.

-so his opinion is objective? When yours is subjective right?

-there are no objective opinions on that matter and Arata’s one is least objective of all.

-why? You did say he compared me to someone.

-and that’s why it’s objective in the least. In the first place humans shouldn’t be compared to ‘that person’ through Arata’s eyes.

-still when your answer doesn’t tell me anything, Arata’s one do.

-what do you mean doesn’t tell you anything?

-if I wanted to compare two people, Arata system is better for it as he doesn’t automatically gave nine to everyone like you.

-still, he is rude by it.

-I didn’t take it as being rude but as being honest. Also when having ten points scale points you should use all of those points. In the first place if someone was asking for opinion and wanted not simple answer but some ‘strange ranking’ with it, he would want to hear an answer that would give him something. I don’t think it’s rude if someone tells me that they saw girl that is prettier than me.

The pointless conversation was still pointless even if it was said with serious words and was analyzed.

-so you are saying that I should change my system?

-no, no, don’t force yourself to change anything. Every person is different, every person follows their own path.

-then you have an advice to me how to make my system better?

-well, in the first place you should not use some strange systems to compare girls as its creepy Levi.

-now you are telling me this!

“In the end Mary always win.”

Yume was playing around with Levi from the moment their conversation started, still only now did Levi realize it.

-hahaha…

Yume laughed a little and then went on with the attack.

-hey, Arata.

“Uff, he is her new target. Good thing it’s not me.”

-yes?

Arata replied like nothing.

“If you won’t be careful, Mary will eat you alive.”

Although Rin was not planning to she still was listening to what was happening behind her.

-you just said you scored me six, right?

-if I offended you then I am sorry.

-no, no I am not offended; still I have one questions for you. You mind?

-can I first her this question?

-mhhhh, no.

-fine, ask me anything and I will answer.

“You couldn’t have made graver mistake.”

Ask me anything and I will answer were one of few words that one shouldn’t say to Yume in any circumstances. Soon the question came but Rin did not expect for it to be a double kill.

-what score would you give to Rin?

“Nooo! I was mistaken, her target was not him but me.”

The target was rather both of them but Rin wouldn’t care less about that right now.

-didn’t you just say that this whole system thing is strange and creepy.

-just answer my question, you promised.

-you two will really give me a headache one day. Emmm Rin, mind if I score you with some strange and creepy system?

Arata ended up asking for permission.

“How can you ask me that with straight face? Still, I can’t say no, can I?”

-do what you want I care not.

Rin ended up replying although she did care a lot..

-ah, couldn’t you just say ‘no well in hell’. It would be so much easier.

But Arata complained to her answer.

-I could?

Rin ended up missing the escape route.

-it’s too late now, Arata go do your thing!

And so it was another Yume’s victory.

-Rin, could look this way.

“How can he be so collected on it?”

-why should I?

Rin asked with worried look.

-I know it’s not your fault but there is no other way is there? She will not let us go off this hook anymore because of your answer.

-umm.

Rin stopped moving and everyone else did as well. She turned in Arata’s direction and just as previously he started scanning her.

“Why does he have to be so serious about it?”

Previously Rin just thought that he came up with number for Yume out of nowhere but now that she felt his gaze she knew that at least he made it look like he was doing it seriously. She could see as his eyes went over her down from her feet up to her hair on the top. There also was a slow delay on the face.

-are you done yet?

Rin made it sound like she was angry because they were stopping for some stupid reason but in truth she simply didn’t want to be looked at by Arata anymore.

-yes you can lead on.

They started walking again.

-so Arata you already calculated everything?

Yume asked again?

-it’s not that easy.

-you don’t have to try so hard.

-Yume, that is one of his traits, when Arata does something he always do it seriously.

Levi added this sentence.

“If he were to say some random number it would be better. Actually I don’t really want to hear his answer now.”

Rin was somewhat not honest with herself as in fact she was really curious.

“I am definitely not curious!”

Once again, she was not honest with herself.

“I am honest with myself!”

Anyway, Arata was ready for the answer.

-so after calculating everything and a long inner debate between seven and eight I will say eight.

Arata ended up saying his score.

-eight! But that higher than Mary?

That was Rin reaction. She was actually so surprised by her score that she said it out loudly. Well her reaction did not stay for long in everyone’s mind, as it was easily clouded by Yume’s reaction.

-eight! You gave my little cute Rin only eight!

The way Yume spoke was really strange and unfamiliar to anyone except Rin.

-emmm?

Arata had no idea how to react to that. But then.

-such offense to my little Rin in unforgivable!

-but?

-I cannot let it go unpunished!

Yume shouted and thrusted forward her hand. From it a bolt of purple energy was released. Completely unprepared Arata was hit by it and the moment it happened, he flew right into the building and went through the wall.

-Yume?

Levi had no idea how to react to that but his face was terrified.

-yes?

Yume on the other hand just answered with a simile like nothing has special has happened and like Arata just simply tripped over a pebble.

-Mary, you idiot! …

Rin rushed forward to the building that Arata just went through. She was quite worried right now as the attack that Yume just used was her ultimate that eat half of mana and usually killed of the person who was hit by it

She jumped inside the house through the hole that was just made by Arata. And inside she spotted it. Arata was already unconscious, blood shed from his head on the ground and continued to doing so. Also he was surrounded by purple electric effect that drained his health and if left alone would kill him. In the first place the only reason he didn’t die was probably because of his high grade equipment.

-Arata, don’t die!

Rin shouted out desperately as she couldn’t do anything about it.

Two seconds later Levi jumped through the same hole inside.

-shit, Arata!

He quickly run up to Arata’s body and started using some spell. A yellow aura appeared under Arata. That aura was in the shape of the clock, the yellow hand of the clock was moving backward. After it went one way around as making clock going back in minute Levi stopped his spell. Arata opened his eyes and it looked like all the damage from before disappeared along with Yume’s spell.

“He can’t simply be alright after that!”

When Arata saw the position he was in which was laying on the destroyed table in the pool of blood he asked.

-what happened? I don’t remember anything, the moment ago I was just walking and…-

-Arata you have a memory loss, you sure you are okay!?

Rin asked as she was quite worried. Memory loss was not a laughable matter. In fact, she never heard of such phantom as losing memory because of damage in this world.

-no, no you probably don’t have to worry about that. Levi you used that spell right? What just happened?

Arata answered.

“Spell?”

-well… I could tell you but Arata you really don’t want to remember what just happened and you know what. I don’t want to remember it either…

Levi once again used the clock spell but this time on himself. In similar manner the clock went backward and after it.

-wah, what are we doing here?

Few seconds later, Levi said it like he really had no idea what was going on. He even started to look around to confirm his current position. Either he also got the memory loss or he was a perfect actor. Rin was looking at them terrified.

-Rin, don’t worry it’s because of his spell.

Arata said to calm her down.

-spell that can erase memory?

-as impossible as it sounds, he does have something like that.

-hey Arata, don’t give away my secrets!

-by the way Rin, can you tell us what happen?

-yea, how did we end up in someone’s living room?

-…

Rin was not sure if she should answer that question, after all Levi just on his own erased his own memories. Also even if she tried to explain, they would never believe it unless the see it again.

-Rin! Guys! You shouldn’t transparent into someone’s houses!

Yume shouted to them from the outside with her ever so beautiful voice.

-well, it’s probably nothing important.

Levi commented and passed a hand to Arata. After it was grabbed, he pulled himself up.

-if it’s something that we should know Rin will tell us about it, later.

Arata and Levi walked out through the door like nothing have happened and once again engaged in friendly talk with Yume, Rin also followed them and once again took the lead.

“I also want my memories erased!”

Truth of the manner would never be spoken again.

Rin tried her best to ignore another stupid topic that Yume and Levi came up with.

-Rin?…

-Rin…

-Rin.

Rin definitely had no plan on responding to Yume’s call, as although she did not know what she wanted, it was safe to assume it was something stupid and it was not time for it as they were nearly at their destination.

Rin felt as someone was touching her shoulder with finger.

-what Mary!?…

With her friend being so persisted Rin had to response.

-Arata?

But it was not Yume who just touched her.

-sorry to bother you but I just wanted to ask where do we going right now. I mean we had a quest to discuss.

“Ah, it’s Mary’s fault that I didn’t hear!”

-ah if that was your question Arata you could just ask me.

-is that so, then sorry for trouble Rin.

He once again moved away.

“Why does he have to be so polite?”

For Rin, Arata’s personality was something that she wasn’t used to, especially today. There was not a single thing that he would irritate her with. Despite all things that has happened and all stupid topics that were taken, he stayed collected and was answering in call voice. What he was representing, Rin would describe as how she saw normal behavior. Still although she described it as normal she didn’t meet anyone like that in a long time. That was probably because she didn’t meet many people in the first place.

His nature was problematic for her though. Because he did not irritate her like other people, she had hard time finding a reason to distance herself from him or even answer to him in rude way which was her usual interaction. The only thing that she didn’t like in him also disappeared or maybe it was never there. Previously she thought he is arrogant and thinks that he is better than her, which did irritate her quite a lot but in truth it turned out that in the first place Arata doesn’t care about it that much, if even at all. That was at least what she thought based on his behavior.

-so where are we going?

Arata asked Yume.

-the place is just around the corner, you should recognize it as well.

They walked out from the street and entered Open plaza. It was the place where human district ended. Then there was city water going through a small canal. People sometimes call it Karma’s river. On the other side of Karma’s river the dwarven district was starting. Still their destination was different. At the other side of square, closer to the wall stood lone tower. Right now, Rin was leading them to that tower or rather its underground. She thought that rather than explaining everything by herself, it should be better if the questgiver did that. They would have to visit him anyway as her new party members had to pick up their quests. Also if the Wizard explained all things by himself, Rin would not have to do that herself.

-sigh.

Arata sighted after seeing the tower. He did not know city well enough to recognize their route but he recognized this spot.

-it’s incredible, right Arata? Last time you said that you will definitely not take that quest and here you are back again, just like that Wizard said.

-sigh.

Arata just sighted again after Yume voiced his mind out loudly.

-hey Arata what is it about?

Levi asked.

-nothing, it’s just I promised to myself that I will not take the quest from that guy, never again. Still, now that I think about it, with me returning here it’s now all connects itself. So in the end, it was his entire fault, I should see through that faster.

“What does he mean? Does he…”

Rin could not wait any second in her worry and asked.

-does that mean you can’t help me?

-no, I will help you.

His answer was what she wanted to hear but she continued.

-but you just said that you promised to yourself that you won’t take that quest.

-I did promise myself that but I also already promised to help you and I prioritize promises to others more than promises to myself.

“Why did he had to say that? Well I am happy that he is staying… Why I am happy!!?”

Rin could not grasp Arata’s behavior. For her, what she wants would be always on the second place. First place would be ‘what Yume wants’ but she would definitely not help a stranger if she were too had good reason not to. Even weak reason would be enough. But here Arata changed his mind just to help her.

-haha, typical Arata. He is playing a hero all day long.

Levi laughed at him

-I am not playing a hero.

-yea definitely but why I somehow can’t see you broke your promise of help no matter what.

-no matter what?

-yes, no matter what.

-no, this time you are wrong.

-is that so?

-there is at least one reason that would make me drop everything and go to the other part of the world asap no matter what.

-other part of the world? You mean? Well I guess there is that possibility, fine this time you won…

It looked like Levi understood what Arata meant but Yume and Rin had no idea what that reason could be.

-still that is only one reason. Apart from that, you will continue to play the hero because I know you well. So Rin, you don’t have to worry about him going anywhere until your quest is complete.

-there are some things that would make me go and I am not that good anyway.

Although Arata said that, Rin somehow understood him well enough to know that he wasn’t speaking from heart.

-yes correction, unless that one reason pops up, he will stay with you no matter what. Also as for me, you don’t have to worry either because as a knight I can’t leave a lady in trouble so I will also stick with you till the end…

Levi said all that to make it easier for Rin although she was happy about all things he said. The part with ‘the knight and lady’ bothered her a little but she also understood that it was only his manner of speech and he used it to everyone so he didn’t do it just to annoy her. Still Rin wondered, what was that that ‘one reason’ they mentioned. But speaking without use of words was not something that she could do like those two. Because she didn’t know them, she could not fully understand what they were saying. On the other hand, it was surprising to her that those who were so different from each other and were on such good terms. Well, maybe it was because they were different only in Rin’s eyes.

-still Arata you were given a quest chance and you declined? You should know that… .

Levi continued.

-yea, yea do quest and get awesome things. Pretty much everyone is telling me to do so, still can’t I just say no because I hate that guy.

-but it’s a quest. But anyway, right now there is no use talking about it again, as we already agreed on doing it.

-right…

Arata was somehow not eager to do, he asked.

-Rin, could you tell us about the quest first, before we go in there?

-emm… .

Rin could not answer by a sudden request, Levi interrupted.

-wouldn’t it be better if we listen to that questgiver first? That’s why we are here right?

“That’s what I wanted to say.”

-still I would prefer her version.

“Mine would be better?”

-well Arata, I understand that you would prefer to listen to our new cute little party member with her cute voice…

Rin made a killing stare in Levi’s direction right away but he seriously continued.

-but it will be better to first listen to that questgiver and then listen to her opinion. On the other hand if we go to questgiver with knowledge of the quest we probably won’t focus on what he is saying and we will miss on something.

-sure but I don’t think that guy will tell us anything useful anyway.

-isn’t he a questgiver? He should tell us all the details.

-yea but you don’t know him. Even if he decided that he wants to tell us everything he will probably forgot half of it. Still, I guess you are right and we don’t want to trouble Rin with all explanation after all.

“I am not that troubled.”

Rin somehow could not enter their conversation and speak her mind. On the other hand Yume had no problems with it.

-then with all decided we should go in already. Arata are we using the same way to enter like last time.

-we can but we don’t really have do that as we have Rin here with us, we can enter using normal method…

“Normal method! That is…”

The last thing Rin wanted right now was showing the others how the ‘ritual of entering’ looked like. Still she couldn’t say no to others who asked them, especially when Arata asked her for something, she did not know a polite way to say no and to him she could not use her usual way.

Rin lowered her head and started to walk in direction of the towered.

“After what they saw earlier it’s not like they can laugh at me even more.”

Her thoughts were already grim but then.

-on the other hand my method is faster and we don’t own that guy anything. It’s his fault for setting up some kind of stupid barriers in the first place so we will just break through. So Rin you don’t have to do any of his stupid rituals.

-Arata, how did you know?

“Eh, I said that loudly?”

-well knowing his personality and looking at your expression a second ago I could somewhat tell.

-hey Arata, I kind of wanted to see that ritual.

Levi interrupted.

-is that so? Maybe you should take care of that ritual. Rin would probably tell you how to do it.

-eh, we would spend too much time before I get hand of it.

-yea definitely, anyway the entrance was behind the tower, right Rin?

-… .

-Rin?

-… .

She nodded to him only after he asked for a second time.

They went around the tower through the bushes. Rin knew that route quite well but the other side of the tower looked unfamiliar.

-looks like he didn’t bothered to repair it.

There was a large hole in the wall and through it they could enter the stairs that lead to Wizard laboratory.

“You can do things like that?”

Even though the barrier was still intact, it did not affect the hole in the wall.

-hey Arata isn’t it cheating? Not only you are using it to jump out from dungeons like whenever you want but also you are using it to unlock the passages to hidden questgivers?

Levi commented.

-its works so it’s fine.

-it’s doesn’t change the fact that it’s cheating. Also you destroyed the whole epic experience of opening hidden doors like that.

-I don’t think there would be anything epic in it.

-you don’t know it. Also once again the thing with running away from dungeon encounters? Players shouldn’t be allowed to do that.

-ah, stop nagging and let’s go inside already.

“So that’s how Arata saved me back then. That solves the mystery after all, ‘he’ is invincible.”

One of Rin’s questions has finally been solved but it didn’t make her happy at all. She thought that given its Arata, he might have a chance in fight against ‘him’, not because he was better than her, he actually lost in fight not so long ago. But Arata would fight against ‘him’ fair and square, one on one, completely rested. Rin once thought that if she were to get ‘him’ as first or second super skeleton she might have a chance in winning but now she was sure that she would lose regardless.

“Well with more people there might be a chance.”

She at least tried to stay optimistic although she still could not abandon the feeling of fear from ‘him’.

They went down the stairs and entered the Wizard’s hideout. The sight was already quite familiar to her especially the main hall. The walls filled with books. Doors that leaded to other rooms where Wizard had laboratories, large desk filled with papers and books, and the Wizard siting on his rocking chair. This time surprisingly he was not sleeping but actually doing something on his desk. He was writing down something. This was actually the first time that she saw him doing something other than sleeping that she came.

“So he is not that lazy as I thought.”

-ah, I have been expecting you. Now then, before I start…

It looked like Wizard already knew what they were doing here. It didn’t surprise Rin as she well known that he can observe anything he wants without moving away from his chair in radius of many kilometers. Still it looked like he still wanted to mention something as she could see a small grin through his beard.

-so Arata, could you remind me what you said the last time.

-shut up.

Arata only answered to him with that, although Rin could see that he was clearly annoyed. Of course Wizard did not stop there.

-was it. I won’t be ever working with you again or I will definitely not take quest for you ever again. No maybe it was, I will never see you again. Could you remind me please? …

In that moment Arata moved in Wizards direction.

-a, a, a. I know what you want to do now but know that if you do it, I will not give you the quest that you now want to get now.

-… .

After Wizard said those words Arata stopped. Seeing it Wizard started to laugh.

-muahahahaha, you can’t do a thing now, eh? Say, don’t you want to hit me right now? You want, don’t you? But you can’t, hahahahaha? What a pitiful twilight swordsman are you? Hahahaha…

“Twilight swordsman?”

-ah that time has finally come. Now them, before we go to the next stage, first you have to apologize for the last time. How you should do that, let’s see? First you should kneel before me and then…

They never learned what Wizard wanted Arata to do afterwards as Arata hit his at beard with a right hook and send him to the ground. Still, even after that Wizard calmly stood up from the ground and did not stop laughing.

-hahahaha, this is even better. The ever so good Arata had broken his promise only because he had to follow his instincts and couldn’t hold back his emotion. Now what will you do? I can’t simply wait to hear what are you going to do.

Arata looked in direction of Rin. She was not angry at him at all. After all, there would be not a single person who could hold back at that moment.

“It’s fine, I didn’t ask that much from you.”

Rin wanted to say that but before she could Arata said to her.

-Rin, don’t get it wrong, I didn’t back off from what I said earlier. You said that you want me to help you with quest right? There was not a single part of me having that quest.

It seemed like Arata founded his way out.

“Why do you always have to be like that?”

Rin wanted Arata to say, ‘sorry there are more important things that your quest’. That’s the answer that she would be confident with, that was the answer that would allow her to change her attitude towards him, and her thoughts about him. But as always he had to go ahead say the words that she didn’t want to hear and at the same time wanted to hear the most.

“This time, I won’t let you.”

Rin did not feel comfortable with the thought of him helping her for free. Being in a party and completing quest together was one thing but being helped just because she asked him for it was another.

[Unlimited blade]

The ruby weapons started to appear around her. As they appeared they were all pointed at the Wizard who right now was rubbing his nose with tissue to get rid of the blood that leak out from it after Arata’s blow.

-eh… Rin?

Even Wizard would get scary when Rin went into her ’queen of blades’ mode.

-you have five seconds to change your mind old man.

Her look alone could kill but adding to that those words in cold voice, Wizard and pretty much everyone else in the room had a chill on their spine.

-it does not concern you Rin.

Wizard answered trying to overcome fear but to that Rin only continued.

-four… three….

-you will not.

-zero!

Rin skipped in counting and all blades that she summoned so far went with incredible speed in Wizards direction. There were about twenty of them and no chance to avoid them in this small space.

-I give up, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Because Wizard didn’t think she would do that and also he didn’t thought that she would skip the counting, all Wizard could really do was scream.

[Unlimited blade, break]

Before all weapons reached the wizard they broke in midair with the sound of broken glass and disappeared completely.

-as long as you understand.

She added at the end already with her usual voice.

-wow, as suspected, even NPCs cannot hold a candle to you.

Levi commented the scene. He already experienced Rin in ‘bad mood’ so he quickly regained his senses.

-don’t say that Levi when she just helped me. Rin thanks.

-… .

Arata thanked her with simile.

“It’s me who should be thanking you.”

Still this time she felt a little better than before as she didn’t have to feel indebt to him even more.

-Arata, this time I will let you off the hook you can have that quest but don’t think that you won.

Wizard also regained his senses.

-well sure, technically I didn’t won. Rin did. But for me, as long as you lose its a good result.

-eh, today’s youth, absolutely no respect for their seniors. I have no time for this…

Wizard said that he get back to his chair after lifting it up from the floor with magic and looked at Rin.

-so, is this your choice?

-yes, give them the quest.

She answered understanding what he meant.

-so be it. I think that you have already decided so before I start explaining anything a standard procedure must be made. Do you accept the quest that I offer?

-yes.

Levi was the first one to agree.

-I feel like making a deal with the devil, after you said it that way but yes I will take your quest.

Arata was the second to agree. Then a silence appeared in the air, it looked like both Arata and Levi started reading the quest. In the meantime Wizard asked.

-and you, you do not accept it?

-me? No, no, I just bystander.

Yume answered. Rin already knew that she is not going to join them but now that it came to this she asked once again.

-Mary, are you sure that you can’t come with us?

-it will be better this way and I can’t watch over you forever.

-but.

Yume kept telling her that she would just be in her way and that she will do more harm than good. But that was not exactly true, as far as Rin knew even though her friend could not compete with her, she was one of better players that’s she knew. Sure in two person group with her it was hard for Rin to defend her alone, especially in a fight like ones in a tomb where enemies coming from each direction but with bigger party and right formation in would be possible. As long as it wasn’t close combat, Yume was a great asset. Still Yume would not join because her real reason was completely different. It was not as she said that she would be a bother, it was also not because she had other plans as for her, Rin was the most important above all others. No, it was not because of those things, it was because she wanted Rin to grow and even though only in this world, ‘stand’ on her own.

-ah it’s really a shame that flower of Karma is not joining us but we can’t be greedy. We can’t hold her only for ourselves. Anyway tell us about the quest already.

It looked like Levi was quite excited about the quest that even his “knight wannabe” mode was broken.

“Did he do say it just to avoid this subject?”

It was the fact that it could easily turn into something uncomfortable for Rin. After all, Rin knew that she would not convince Yume to it anyway but the direction of the conversation would end up on ‘that’ which would be very bad for Rin.

“Well, I still have long credit of irritation with him.”

Thankfully even if Levi were to show his good side, Rin had a many excuses to be rude to him.

-the quest, the quest. Before I will go into details as to what you have to do I will tell you why did I give this quest to Rin? It is quite important.

-wasn’t it because she found you at the right time?

Levi answered to Wizards saying.

-perhaps, still listen to this story. It is not the first time that I gave people quests as rather than doing things myself, it’s better to use others…

The Wizard started the story.

“After all he is also evil being.”

-still this quest is somehow different from others. I actually don’t know how all things will end because this time, rather than being simple questgiver, I take the part as the one who is leading Rin to something that he has to get. It’s all started nearly two year ago. I was doing my research on use of basic magic, when suddenly I passed out. It would not be that strange as it happens sometimes when I overdo it or just work without eating anything but the place that I woke up later was not my laboratory but a place that I could not recognize. Around me there was only grassy land. It was not that big of a problem as with my super mega powers I could easily get back to my laboratory with single spell but I wanted to find out how did I ended up there. Also the moment I woke up in that place, there was a single thought going through my mind and that was ‘I must lead the first person that I meet to some place’. I knew what that place was as I once tried to get there myself but until we get to the later stage of quest I will tell you.

-you mean that this quest is not a single quest but a quest line?

-as a questgiver I know how to make people interested in what I want. I used that expertise to make the person that I first met to go to that place. Well there are few preparations to be made and few things to take care of but about that also later. Anyway after day of wandering around in that grassy land the first person I meet was Rin. And at the time I meet her, my mind started to scream ‘that is the person and make sure she gets the main reward’, and that is the story of how I meet with Rin and she get her quest.

“You skipped the point where you were running away from about 60 monsters and I had to save you.”

-still what does it means that Rin has to get main reward?

-it means what it says. Well, I don’t know what main reward is but I know that it’s a thing that Rin wants the most.

“Yes, I heard this line million times already but it’s impossible.”

-what she wants the most you say? In that case we can easily find out. Rin what do you want the most. Money, power, a man…

“Why does he always have to make me angry? Couldn’t he be more like… .”

Rin looked in Arata’s direction but then quickly averted her eyes. Levi saw that and added.

-or maybe you want to…

But he stopped in mid-sentence.

-no, after thinking it over, I would get kill for this one.

In last second he made a right choice.

-I see that you are starting to control yourself.

Arata added.

-my memories were just replayed a second ago, only that time the swords did not disappear…

“It was your fault anyway.”

Rin did not plan to apologize to him, not in the slightest.

-so could you continue.

Levi kept conversation with Wizard. He was actually best suited to it at the moment. Rin had hard time speaking her mind with so many people around her, Yume was not taking part in the quest and Arata simply hated the guy.

-that’s all there is to it. Rin will find what she seeks at the end of the road but don’t worry although you two will get something different it will still be a reward that will be suitable to all the trouble that you will have to go through.

-all the trouble? So there is a lot to do?

-it’s not an easy task to get you all to ‘that’ place but as long as we follow the plan I created it will be possible. Probably…

“Probably?”

-I will not be telling you about the place that you need to get as to not to trouble you with too many things to think about at the moment. I will provide you with task one after one just as you said, it’s a quest line but that is only because I created it as such. All those task could also be one huge quest but it was simply because of my nature that it’s a quest line and it will be easier for you to grasp.

-well in that case tell us about the first thing we must do.

-the first thing that you will be doing will be completely unrelated to the quest line I just spoke about.

-emm and why is that?

-you see, when I first meet Rin and created that quest line for her I couldn’t just give it to her. Although I already saw what she is capable of when we meet, I still needed to make sure that she is ready for what I am about to give to her. That’s why when she came to my laboratory to ask for the quest about three months later to when we first meet, I gave her a simple test that she needs to overcome.

“Simple test, definitely.”

-do we need also to do that simple test you spoke of? I know that maybe we shouldn’t skip over it, but Rin did that already right? So wouldn’t it be better to just jump up to the real thing?

-hmm it was many months ago when I gave that little test to her and even though so much time has passed, she still did not complete i. So maybe in the end you should finish it first.

-not complete? Her? The same her that is sitting over there, not someone else?

Levi had hard time grasping it as he already saw Rin abilities or even felt it on his own body. Wizard stayed silent.

-if it wasn’t like that she wouldn’t ask us for help in in the first place.

Arata spoke the truth although this didn’t explain why Rin didn’t ask anyone earlier.

-hey Arata, I don’t know if we should get worried or excited but hell, I am excited, let’s do it!

-first, we have to find out what we need to do.

-oh, you got the point. So what do we have to do?

Levi asked the Wizard.

-as I said it’s a simple test, you have to find out what is the secret behind the crowd of Emperor Edward Third the Great. When you do that come and explain it to me. I already know what it is so I will know if you didn’t just think it out from nowhere.

-so in short we have to get you the crown?

Arata asked.

-I won’t say anything else you must complete this challenge on your own.

-hey Arata what do you think about his last answer?

-well now we are at least sure that bringing him the crown has nothing to do with our quest, still if we find any crowns, there is no reason not to take it right?

-I see, that you listened, despite what you were saying before about ignoring the guy completely. Just think about what would happen if by mistake we were to look for the crown instead.

“…”

-maybe this prequest has some kind of hard mode in which you also get the crown?

-maybe, but our priority is secret of the crown, anyway he said that he won’t tell us anything else for now so we should get going.

-well, I am definitely not planning on staying here.

Arata was the first one to leave.

-we should get back to you with that secret in a day or two, so wait for us questgiver.

After saying that, Levi also started walking upstairs.

-Amy?

-Mary can you go for a moment. I have something to talk with that guy. …

Rin said it with queen of blades mode on. When Yume also left the room she continued.

[Unlimited blade]

-well then, could you explain to me, why did you say at that time, that I should bring you the crowd!

This time Wizard was somehow not bothered by her change in attitude.

-I do remember that I told you the exact same thing which I just said to them. They have the same prequest as you. It’s not my fault that you misunderstood.

-and you never cared to correct me!

-it wasn’t my role. By the way, before you attack know that this is just a mental image that you looking at right now. In the middle of speaking, I thought that it is a little dangerous to stay with you two in the same room so I switched.

-oh you don’t even how much correct you were this time.

-still, no matter what you say Rin, even if I did correct your understanding of the quest, would your course of action changed in any way? Because I don’t think so. You would still go to that place over and over again thinking that you will uncover the secret of crown that way…

“I can’t deny that.”

-anyway you should also know that I did everything to help you. I already gave you the riddle which should explain to you much and put you on the right track and also the second request you had I fulfilled it as well.

-my second request?

-don’t think that Arata appeared there to save you only by pure coincidence it was me who send him there.

-it was you?

-well, I probably wouldn’t bother to look for that help which you wanted but when he came to me on his own the other day, I decided that I want to observe him once more. He is quite interesting subject, you know?

-so in the end it wasn’t you who brought him to me. Good, I can kill you freely next time we meet.

With that Rin left the laboratory. Although Wizard did indeed have something to do with Arata joining her party, Rin knew that his act didn’t bring that much. There was only one person responsible for Arata and Levi helping her right now and it was her dear friend Yume. No matter what Rin would do, she could never thank her enough for everything Yume did for her.

When Rin went outside of the tower through the broken hole the sky was already orange, it would get dark soon. Everyone was waiting for her on the outside before discussing what to do now they first decided to go around the tower to get out from the bushes.

-now that we got that quest, I propose that we should just talk about what we really have to do. I am counting on you here Rin. Then we should go to sleep early. Tomorrow first thing in the morning we will get into practical part of the quest.

Arata started as they reached the front of the tower.

-I also think that… .

-what are you saying Arata

Rin was middle cut in sentence by Yume.

-exactly, what are you saying Arata?

Levi soon followed her up.

-is something wrong with my plan?

“I didn’t see anything wrong with it either.”

-ah Arata I forgot that you are newbie after all.

-says someone who recently lost 27 levels, but I still think that it’s best course of action. I mean if we were to go for the quest right after we done talking about it, no matter how long it would take, we would probably end up fighting during the night and I personally like to sleep.

“Unless you are planning beforehand to fight during the night and sleep during the day, it’s not something I would recommend either. So why are they… wait Yume also said the same thing so that’s means…”

Rin could somehow tell what the two were plotting. Although she didn’t know Levi, she knew Yume too well, sometimes even more than herself.

-well I will let flower of Karma make you realize it. Yume do it in the way that even someone like Arata understands it.

-you can’t discuss your quest today as today it’s Party time!

Yume shouted it with joy.

“I knew it.”

-well you could say that we made a party after all so for the time being we are in party. Wait don’t tell me you mean a real party?

=of course we mean that!

Levi and Yume said it at the same time, Arata face palmed himself.

-have fun then, I will return tomorrow.

“Ah, he is running away but I understand him. I would also like to do that.”

-Arata don’t you think you can log out right now.

-yes, yes, don’t you know that to play together well, you need to get to know each other well.

-maybe but we don’t need to do it right away.

Arata answered.

-nonsense of course you do. Anyway I will be the host and you three are the main guests as you are the ones who will be doing the quest…

Yume already started taking care of things.

-Rin you don’t mind if we do it in our house?

-eh… ?

-our house it is then, don’t worry I won’t let them enter your room…

Before Rin said anything it was already too late.

-now then should we buy something special or should I make food myself? I think both. We still have a lot of time after all. I will cook something warm for a main dish, while cakes and wine will be bough form shops. There is an incredible cakes shop in this city so you have to taste it one day. Well, I must say there are few incredible cakes shops in this city and I do visit them every day. Also don’t worry Rin I will bring your favorite cookies as well…

“Well maybe it will not be so bad, I will just be eating cookies in the corner.”

Rin could forget about all problems as long as she had cookies at her hand to eat. Yume just used that fact to suppress all other things and make Rin not pay attention to other things like brining two men to her house and buying a wine for a party.

-as for wine I know few shops as well. Do you guys want something stronger? Ah, I will buy it just in case and I also think that I should have something in the house left as well. Now, Rin you just lead them to the house and set up the water in kitchen, in that large pot that I usually use…

“Cookies.”

Rin was not listening to her right now but she nod.

-I should join you in one or two hours so you can start without me.

-wait a minute Yume…

Levi interrupted her when she wanted to go.

-even though you said you want to be a host I can’t let you do all things by yourself. Even though you didn’t take up on quest you still member of our party even if only in spirit. Also as a man I definitely can’t let the lady carry all those things by herself so that’s why I coming with you.

-well, I would not carry anything personally but just throw it into the inventory anyway but you can join me if it bothers you that much that I take care of everything alone I guess. Your opinion on what you guys like to eat will also be useful. Then Rin, just go with Arata to our house and wait for us there, remember to set up that water.

And so Yume and Levi disappeared in one of the streets.

“Cookies.”

Rin only realized the fact that they left about ten minutes later.

-so Mary, what you wanted again?

-…

“EH!?”

There was no one in sight except Arata who started to scratch his head the moment she asked that.

“AHHHH! How did it happen again?”

It was not the first time that Rin got ‘mind blocked’ with thoughts of cookies.

-she said that after we get to your house you should set the water in ‘usual pot’ and that she will be back in one or two hours.

Although his words were normal and collected as usual, his voice did not sound like that.

“NOOOOOOO!”

Rin decided to use her last resort which was running away.

[Lighting speed]

She start running with double speed just so to get away from Arata as far as possible and leave her embarrassment behind, but for the first time in her life this tactic did not work as Arata followed right behind her. The fact that he was able to keep up with her astonished her as she used skill called lighting speed with greatly increased her movement speed, still that somehow made her cool her head and she forgot what just happened.

Rin slowed down and returned to walking speed. Arata who was following her also did the same. There was one small problem though. The moment ago, she ran in the opposite direction than her house.

“I have to turn around somehow so he doesn’t notice.”

Of course Arata did notice or at least his face said so. He didn’t mention anything though. So far, except informing her about Yume’s instruction he kept on silent which was actually quite uncomfortable for Rin.

“Why is he not talking?”

Although she didn’t want to say anything, she also didn’t want to have this quiet atmosphere around them. Still, she didn’t have much experience in starting conversations lately so even if she wanted she did not know how to get rid of this silence. It looked like Arata was not eager to do anything about it either and he just followed after her as they were going through the streets of Karma.

The time that it would take them to reach Rin’s house was about forty minutes. During that time, there was only one sentence exchange between them or rather Arata said one sentence.

-still I didn’t think that you would get excited about that party like those two, but seeing how you daydreamed about it, I guess it’s me who is strange.

“You get the wrong idea!”

Maybe it was Arata’s try to start up the conversation but unfortunately Rin could not answer him right away as she didn’t even know where she should start correcting him and later on when she collected her thoughts, she thought that it would be strange to answer him after three minutes. In the end, conversation chance slipped away and Arata did not try again.

-you can wait over there.

After entering Rin’s house, Rin showed the way to the living room pointed at the couch and said those words, and then she went straight to the kitchen to follow Yume’s instruction. She didn’t have to do it right away but the dead silence lasted already too long for her to be in Arata’s company.

“He is probably bored with me already. Well, I can’t help it, it’s not like I have anything interesting to say, for few past months all I have been doing was routine of leveling up and trying to complete the tomb. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t like me. No, after walking with him this long I am sure of it. Well, in the first place, the only reason why he is here is because of that quest.”

Rin was planning to spend her time in the kitchen until Yume arrives.

“Of course it’s because of the quest. If it weren’t for the quest there is no way that I would invite anyone here!”

Rin finally grasped some positive thinking.

“Why should I even care what he thinking about me… anyway it’s all Mary’s fault. In the end, whoever my party members are and whatever they think of me as long as I complete my quest I fine with it.”

She arrived at that answer and went back to her assignment. She found the large gray pot without much trouble and started pouring water in it. Although EOA was set in medieval/fantasy setting Rin’s kitchen had running water over the sink. In the kitchen there was also a gas stove and a freezer. Although in this world officially those were equipment that worked with use of magic the similarity were just too much.

It would still take some time before Yume’s arrives so there was no reason to prepare the water right now. Rin was just sitting on the chair and waiting when.

-nice kitchen you have here…

Arata entered the kitchen while saying those words.

“What is he doing here?”

-don’t mind me, I just thought that rather than waiting for Yume, I will take care of the food for party. Can I use this kitchen?

-do what you want.

Rin answered him and after that left the kitchen, right away.

“I guess it will be faster this way but does he even know how to cook? Well, he wouldn’t ask if he can use the kitchen if he didn’t.”

Rin and Arata switched their location. It was now her in the living room lying down on the sofa. Rin spent her time like this until Yume and Levi arrived.

-hahaha, you must be joking.

-no it really did happen, I saw it myself. Wait, you never been in capital before?

-it’s too far after all.

-hmm, sure from this city it would be few weeks of journey on fast horse. Still you will probably go there eventually so I really recommend the place. But we just entered some house so are we at the right place?

-yes we are time really went fast.

-yea and I still didn’t answer that question right?

-we went off track too many times. Still, with you two being here the story will be more colorful. Anyway, wait in the living room and I will get started with the food is what I wanted to say but what is this smell?

-maybe Rin decided to cook something by herself.

-that’s impossible even if she wanted to do it.

-in that case, it’s probably Arata who got bored by waiting and decided to cook something by himself. It’s a shame that I won’t taste your cooking but with that, we can start the party faster. Also, Arata with his ninja-cooking book can make really good things.

-well, I will see how he is doing.

With that Yume went to the kitchen and Levi entered the living room, in which Rin was now sitting on the couch.

-yo. How it’s going? …

Levi welcomed her like nothing and without waiting for her answer continued.

-I thought that Karma is a boring city without any merits but after following Yume for those two hours I can now see its beauty.

-so you thought that it’s a good forsaken province?

Rin somehow ended up replaying him.

-more or less, that’s what people say at least.

-I don’t care what people say.

-thought so, well I personally follow the rule I will believe when I see it. Although, only thanks to Yume’s tour I can understand how great this city really is. Still to stay here all this time you must really like it. So, what is you reason for staying here this long?

-this place is convenient.

Rin gave him half assed answer.

-probably but don’t you get bored here?

-I rather always busy.

-with what might I ask?

-quests for example.

-quests?

-ever since I came here I always had at least one quest to do at the time.

-you can find them that easily?

-isn’t it like that with everyone?

-I never heard of someone saying that they always have a quest ready to complete.

-well, there is another reason why I always have them. They take me too long.

-take you too long, with your skills it should be walk in a park.

-no really, for example the prequest that we will be doing is taking me about a year already, ten months in precise.

-year?

-…

Rin realized that she said too much. Surprisingly it was really easy for her to talk with Levi.

-whole year, hmm? I say that’s what you get for trying to solo it.

-you don’t have to tell me that.

-by the way, do you have a guess what rank it will be?

Levi asked the question that Rin wondered about many times already, she had a clear answer to it.

-it will be rank 5 or lower. My guess is rank four.

-whaa, stop your horses for a moment.

-why? It’s you who asked.

-yes but I wanted a realistic answer no some daydreaming.

-it’s what I arrived at.

-but you know that rank four is the highest rank of quest that has even been completed by players so far.

-and from where do you know that?

-it’s my classified information from a certain source.

-well I also heard about two rank four quest that unlocked new races.

-those two are well known, there are also many unknown to public.

-yes, just like there are many unknowns rank three two and one done as well.

-that’s however is impossible.

-and what you are say is not convincing.

As strange as it was Rin had quite normal conversation with Levi.

-then let me show you my reasoning. First question how long do you play EOA already?

-soon, it will be four years.

-you used EOA time? Well whatever. Well in ‘EOA time’ first players arrived in this world ten years ago. You have no idea how different the game was back then.

-and what you do?

-well not personally but I heard from classified source. Anyway, back then there were few certain events that occurred which could happen only once. Some of those events were related to completing the quests.

-you mean like when half a year ago a saying spread out about unlocking a new race?

Rin asked. She was in EOA back then already and one day all off sudden almost every NPC in Karma was speaking about completion of quest and they kept talking about it for about two months or so. It would be really hard to play at that time and never heard a word about it.

-wow, you just hit the mark completely.

-I did?

-well, what you just mentioned is really close to the truth because what was happening back in a day was quite similar.

-you mean celebration of other quests?

-once again wow, you really catching on it way too fast, do I even need to explain anything else?

Levi commented on how Rin read between the lines. She however ignored last comment and continued.

-but not all quests are celebrated like this, there was nothing like that when I completed my quests.

Although Rin completely understood what Levi wanted to say it didn’t prove that no one completed quest of rank 3 or lower.

-you probably thinking that there would still be high rank quest completed that were just like yours not talked about.

-there is possibility but I can already guess your argument.

-you can?

Levi was surprised himself but Rin already tied all facts together.

-you mentioned one-time events that all happened early. If those events were to prove that there is no quest completed with rank lower than four. Then the answer is simple. Those events occurred when someone first completed the quest of given rank and because there was no event that occurred for quest of rank three that would prove no one completed quest of rank three.

-that’s exactly it. Rin despite your look you are really intelligent.

Levi praised her.

-what do you mean, despite my look?

-I didn’t mean anything bad. You shouldn’t judge book by a cover they say, how truthful it is.

-but you proof is still questionable.

-hmm, why is that?

-you didn’t play when those events occurred, so you can’t be sure.

-but I know it from classified source.

-your source can also be wrong. Or what if those events occurred only when first let’s call it ‘public’ quest of given rank was completed and hidden ones remained hidden?

-well I didn’t think about that, still there is one more information that I have which would point that no one has completed quest of rank three.

-and that is?

-there is a certain condition to end up completing quest of rank three and it’s not about finding it. Well even if I tell it to you, you will still think that it’s some overheard lie that I heard.

-it depends on your answer. If that condition sounds reasonable then I might believe. So what is the condition?

Rin didn’t often have a chance to find out things like that about this world. All the knowledge she had right now was based mostly on her own experience.

-the condition is as follows. During the course of quest of rank three the adventurer is not allow to die. Upon being resurrected after ten days, the quest ends up as a failure.

-you mean that, you have to complete it in one go, on one life?

-that what it means…

“Then those quests are really impossible.”

If Rin were to recall all her quests so far, they were always connected to death and repeated attempts, not being able to try again even once would be impossible condition.

-now that you understand, come up with a better guess of rank for our quest.

Levi went back to old topic.

-but that is my true guess. As I said, there were few other quests that I completed. Hardest one had a rank six from which I got my skill.

-you mean those flying things that kill everything, me included?

Levi’s described Rin’s unlimited blade skill.

-yes those… Anyway the prequest that I have right now is much harder than that quest of rank six. Then if following chain quest is harder than a prequest, so it is at least two ranks higher than this one.

-I see where you are coming from but… .

-but that will have to wait for later…

Out of nowhere Yume interrupted them.

-sorry to interrupt you but if we wait any longer the food that Arata prepared will get cold.

Rin didn’t realize but for about 5 minutes now Yume and Arata were standing at the entrance to living room waiting for them to finish their talk.

-hey Yume, it’s just as you said, she is quite talkative when you start speaking with her and here I thought she is your quiet type.

Levi said to Yume when she and Arata sat down next to the table.

-see I told you.

She answered and started taking out the bought stuff.

Arata also started to take out the prepared food. Only when Rin saw how much he prepared she understood why he used an inventory menu to take it here.

-hey, Arata isn’t that a little too much?

Levi said seeing all that.

-maybe I overdid myself a little, but it’s a first time that I had a free kitchen for myself in this game and there were things that I wanted to try out making. Some recipe can’t be executed at campfire after all.

-Arata it was good idea that you cook by yourself.

-well I was bored and Yume already was doing enough of work so I thought, why not.

-you didn’t have to Arata. Remember I was the one to organize a party in celebration of you three forming a party.

Yume added.

-details.

-still, can I ask, what are some of dishes that you made?

-you can but I just followed a recipe from…

-ninja-cooking book.

Levi interrupted him to what Arata said.

-well you could call it that I guess. Anyway in that book there are also recipes of food that does not exist in the real world or at least is not well known so there might be few things that you won’t recognize. For a note, every recipe can be executed in real world as well.

-that’s probably because cooking works exactly the same here. But wow, what is this butterfly looking thing?

-best you just try it yourself.

And so they start eating. Even though Levi and Yume did end up buying some food as well no one did touch that so far.

As for Rin, she was holding herself back at first but when she started eating she couldn’t stop anymore. Feeling completely new taste in her mouth for the first time in her life was really different experience of eating that something that you already ate. Also, even though each dish was different, all of them could be described as.

“It’s delicious.”

It was so delicious and new that Rin didn’t even leave any space for cookies as she kept on trying new things.

-hey Arata, and what do you think about quests of rank three and higher? You think they were completed or not?

At some point Levi asked that question.

-I don’t really care if they were or not. It has nothing to do with me.

Arata was not interested in something that didn’t concern him though.

-stop complaining and answer the question.

-they probably were completed. Game is out for two years already.

-and what if I tell you unbeatable proof that they weren’t.

-I will be fine either way.

-you are no fun Arata.

-whatever, still speaking about high ranked quest, I remember that my guild leader advised me that I shouldn’t even get close to those. Although he never mentioned why.

-it’s not like you will get this quest anyway so he probably didn’t bother to explain.

-that would be just like him.

“Not taking any of high rank quests? Well, given that you can’t die even once while doing them, you probably end up just wasting your time.”

The party continued. For the most time of it, it was Levi and Yume continually talking with each other with Rin and Arata adding few sentences here and there. Especially Arata didn’t care to say anything unless asked directly. The longest he was talking was when Yume asked about how he and Levi first meet as it was Arata and Levi both answering. That relation gave Rin a lot of information about them. There was also a particular interesting part at the end in which they just died out of sudden by unknown attack that destroyed half of the city. Also the part in which some two people completely demolish the thousands enemies and the other half of the city by themselves was also quite intruding. Rin already knew that there would be at least few people who were stronger than her but she did not know that the gap could be that great. Although she was keeping in mind that it was just Arata and Levi talking and they could easily overstatement what really happened. Still in the end, there was one thing that Rin wanted to hear about a little more and that was Arata’s guild. The thing Arata said about them was kept to bear to minimum only so the story still has a sense. That was as Rin found out, ‘Arata’s way’ to speed up the story as it was quite long but she wouldn’t mind hearing more details about other people that were involved in it. Of course, she could not ask about it. During the party she was talking normally with Levi and Yume, but her direct exchange of words with Arata was no more than ‘Can you pass me the salt?’.

As party continued Levi and Yume decided that it was the time to open the drinks. Well in the end it was mostly only those two drinking together. Rin didn’t even touch the stuff in the first place and as for Arata, after drinking one symbolic glass, he moved away from the main table and sit on the chair that was next to the window. He opened the window and then started looking at the starry sky. When Rin looked at him from time to time he kept sitting in the same position without moving an inch. Rin could see that his blue eyes were not looking at anything in particular. To her they seemed really distant right now.

-won’t you say anything to him?

Rin asked Levi as it was about an hour since Arata was sitting there.

-what should I say? I think that he already did well enough and stay with us this long. I was sure he will log out long ago.

-but it’s a party right? Why would he log out?

Yume asked.

-only because it’s a party he still didn’t.

-but isn’t he missing it right now.

-he stayed with us for three hours or so, I say it is already surprising.

-what? He doesn’t like parties or something?

-I don’t think he has anything against them. Rather, he was enjoying it as well in his own way. But the problem is that he isn’t in the best mood lately, especially when it gets dark like now, he right away goes into his gloomy mode.

Levi explained.

-let’s use this occasion and cheer him up!

Yume proposed.

-you think I didn’t try. Unfortunately no matter what we do his mood will not be full repaired.

-if we all try together then… .

-give it up the cause is too great.

-and what is that cause?

It was now the Rin who asked.

-if you want to know, why don’t you ask him?

-it’s not like I that interested and he won’t tell me even if I asked.

-why wouldn’t he? You two are on good terms, right? Also he don’t really mind speaking about that.

-but I don’t think that we are on good terms.

“He rather hates me.”

-well, I would say that its at least better terms that you and have, right Yume?

-hmm I don’t know anymore.

-but I do, from what I saw earlier those two came to terms really quickly. And it was Arata who could normally speak with her all the time…

“That is true.”

Rin recalled the past day as well as their encounter after he saved her from tomb challenge. Even though everyone else would go pale in fear, Arata was easygoing as always and talked with her normally.

-anyway, Rin go and try talking with him.

Levi proposed out of sudden.

-eh?!

-it’s a party after all and he shouldn’t ditch us like that.

-then why don’t you go then?

-because. If I were to go, it would have no effect. I would get brush away with few words. Also it’s a party organized so we can get familiar with each other. Yume organized it for us, so don’t waste that time and go to him.

-but.

-Rin, I think what Levi says is true. Also look. Even though you know each other only for a day, you already speak normally with Levi. Wouldn’t it be good if it were the same with Arata?

Yume proposed but then.

-hahahaha, I would say that with me it was easy, but if you want to have long conversation with Arata it’s a hard mode for you. But don’t waste your time and see how far you can go. Also, just so you know, if you extend the number of his responses over three, you did great.

-Rin here…

Yume passed her a plate with a cake.

-you can start the conversation with ‘I brought you some cake’, now go.

Rin was pushed away by them. And few moments later before she actually realized she was standing right before Arata, holding a plate in her hands.

Upon noticing that she was standing there, Arata looked at her and said.

-yes?

-emmm, I brought you some cake.

Rin couldn’t think of anything else to say in given time so she used Yume’s advice.

-thank you but I am full already.

It didn’t go well though.

-it’s a really good cake.

“Ah, I should already stop talking about the cakes.”

-is that so, then leave it and I will eat it later.

With that said Arata returned to looking outside the window.

“That’s all?”

Rin try to have a conversation was shot down so fast that she was even surprised by it.

“I think even I have more patience for people.”

Rin was now wondering if she should just go back to the table already.

-is there something else?

But then she was once again caught off guard.

-emm, can we talk about something?

-what’s the matter?

It looked like Arata misunderstood it as Rin having actually something important to tell him.

-I don’t have anything specific in mind. I just wanted to talk with you.

In the end she said just that.

-wanted to talk with me? … Look you don’t have to go along with everything those two says, you know.

The misunderstanding continued, though now Arata was thinking that it was only because Levi and Yume forced her to talk with him she even came here. Well there was some truth in that.

-it’s not because of them.

-you don’t have to say that. I am fine with you ignoring me and not talking with me. I kind of understand why you do it…

“Me, ignoring him?”

-well you will just have to bear with me until the quest is done, I will try not to get in your way, so you really don’t have to force yourself to talk with me.

-you are wrong, I am not forcing myself.

“Well, maybe a little.”

-then let me ask you, why now?

“Why now?”

-I not quite understand what you mean.

The misunderstanding continued this time it was on Rin front though..

-I ask why now all of sudden. I mean we spend few hours alone together and you were avoiding and ignoring me for all that time…

“Well, that did happen.”

-before I thought that you just don’t like idle talk so I didn’t mind but later on, when you start heat up discussion with Levi the moment he came, I arrived at one and only possible conclusion. You hate me.

Even though he didn’t show it, Arata was a little bit upset about being ignored.

-but, I don’t hate you.

-well I didn’t do anything to you so it is an overstatement but nevertheless you don’t want to talk with me, right? As I said, I don’t mind it, so you can go away.

With that said Arata once again start looking outside the window.

“Hey, you should at least wait for my response.”

Rin got a little angry at him now.

-hey! Whatever you think, I said I want to talk with you so don’t look away as if situation was cleared. In the first place it’s your fault we didn’t have any conversation. You are the hardest person to talk with in the world!

She ended up taking it out on him making him the only at fault.

-maybe I am, but you are not the one to talk…

Arata replayed without looking back at her.

-anyway if you still want to hold conversation tomorrow, I will believe you. Now go away, I am not in a mood right now.

-then get into the better mood!…

Rin shouted at him once again. Before she thought that no matter what Arata does she can’t find a thing that she can get angry at him for, but now, his attitude was simply pissing her off.

-tomorrow we have quest to do so we will be busy! We are wasting our time on this party so we can talk with each other! You don’t have a right to sit gloomy in the corner! This is what I want to do but I am managing to restrain myself from that!

-see, you are forcing yourself after all.

Arata just replayed with relaxed voice.

-fine, I do, so why don’t you show some consideration and do it as well!

-nah, I prefer to stay gloomy in the corner.

Rin did not believe he really answered like that.

-normally you should answer I will do it!

-maybe but if normally is inconvenient then I won’t behave normally.

“What is wrong with him?”

-then you really want to stay gloomy in the corner?

Rin asked.

-it’s you who describe it like that. I don’t remember begin gloomy today.

-then why are you sitting here alone?

-you see, I don’t really like drinking alcohol and when someone is forcing it on me I just walk away. Saying ‘no’ is tiring after all. Especially because drunken people can’t take ‘no’ as an answer…

“I kind of understand where you coming from.”

Rin thought like that after looking back in the direction of table.

-you also said that you prefer to stay in a corner, isn’t your reason similar to mine?

-part of it.

-then look around. There are still many other corners available. In your shoes I would just simply go to my room and went to sleep.

“This proposition just sounds too appealing.”

Rin considered really doing it but there was still one thing left to do at today’s party.

-then can I sit in this corner?

-it’s your house you can sit wherever you want.

And so Rin sit down on a chair at the other side of the window. There was only small table between her and Arata.

Rin thought that sitting there will finally help with their conversation but Arata once again did end up looking outside the window not bothered by her presence at all. Rin once again did not believe it.

“Really?”

-don’t you dare to ignore me! I sit here for conversation.

Rin already understood that unless she will be this direct with this man, there will be no progress at all.

-but we already talked didn’t we. It’s enough for you to say to them, ‘I talked with him so stop bothering me’.

“Is he doing it on purpose?”

-isn’t it you who don’t want to talk with me?

Rin finally asked.

-no.

-then why are you keep on shutting down all my attempts?

-because, you are forcing yourself to do them.

-I am not.

-then what, you really want to talk with me?

-yes.

-why?

Arata asked the question to which Rin had no answer. She herself did not fully understand that.

-it’s a party that was organized so we can all talk. I won’t waste Mary’s efforts.

-what you said, tells me that Yume said that you should get along with me and you are forcing yourself to sit here.

-stop reading between the lines already!

-your reaction says that my guess is correct though.

-is it so hard for you to just go along with it!?

Rin had a lot of problems with Arata’s personality. The main problems were two. He kept saying what he wanted and kept doing what he wanted.

-I am not really in a mood for that right now.

-see you are gloomy after all.

-now that you said it maybe I am…

“Okay, I get it now, he is just strange.”

Arata’s behavior could be only described as that as second later he clapped his checks two times and then said.

-sorry Rin, I was rude. Anyway if you want to talk with me then I am happy but first let’s get away from this window as it’s the moonlight that makes ‘gloomy’…

“Moonlight makes him gloomy?”

The ended up moving the table and chair a little. Now they really were sitting in the corner. It was quite dark there so Rin ended up bringing a small lamp over. In the meantime Arata ended up eating the cake that she brought earlier.

-so what did you want to talk about?

Arata asked when both of them sit down.

-…

-…

-…

-…

-…

-it will get us nowhere you know.

-I already said that I don’t have anything particular in mind.

-but you kept saying ‘I want to talk’ so I thought that you came up with something interesting.

-if it were that easy then I would come up with something sooner.

-but it is easy.

-then try to come up with something.

-sure…

Two seconds later Arata had a topic.

-where do they sell that cake? It was really good.

-ah it’s a shop… wait, is that your topic?

-it was first thing that came to my mind.

-be a little bit more creative.

-stop nagging and come up with something that you will be satisfied with.

-I said it’s not that easy.

-for all I know, we are talking right this moment so my idea worked.

-but the topic is what should we talk about.

-it’s probably better topic than anything else we can come up with.

-it won’t do.

-ah, you are too picky. That’s why I said take your time.

-I am not experienced in those things!

-if you are not experienced, then who is? As far as I remember you were always… .

Arata stopped in the middle sentence.

-I don’t know who you are trying to remember but that is not me. I am Rin, Arata.

-you may be Rin but you should still know me pretty well, right? And you still want me to advise in this manner?

-what I want is ‘Arata’s advise’ not ‘someone’ whom I never meet.

-fine. Well there is one universal thing that makes talk goes smoothly and fits today’s theme of the party. We should just ask each other questions that we want to know the answer to.

-I see, that might work. So you came up with this idea so you already have the question right?

-no I don’t really have anything I want to know about you.

-yes, sorry that I that not interesting.

-no I don’t meant it bad way. Remember when I once said, you get to know each other as the time goes on.

-so why did you came up with this idea then.

-well I don’t have any questions but maybe you have.

-me?

“If he is stating it like that then there is one thing that I couldn’t get no matter what. How did he of all the people started to play games and changed so much even though before…. Wait I can’t ask that, actually most of the questions that I could think off can’t be asked. Even though it feels like we know each other, with things I stated we practically shouldn’t know anything. Is that why he also don’t want to ask about anything?”

Rin realized that speaking with Arata brought a lot of trouble along the way. Not going into ‘that’ memory, required a lot of consideration from them. Speaking with him would be much harder than with completely stranger. As even though they don’t know each other, their old selves did.

-see you also have no ideas. Guess that would end our talk as talking about nothing has its limits.

-wait, I come up with something, let’s talk about tomorrow quest.

-you know, I wanted to hear from you about it when you first asked us to help you.

-then it’s a good time.

-unfortunately it’s not a good time right now as we are missing a key person from this conversation or do you want to explain things separately to him as well?

And so Rin’s idea got shot down.

-I don’t want to go through it twice.

-then you have any better ideas?

Arata asked and Rin could only say.

-no.

Rin was already ready to stand up and go away when Arata come up with something.

-ah, I came up with something that I wanted to ask.

-really?

Rin did not even think about what that could be but she was clearly happy that it will not end just like that.

-well it’s not something I should really ask you about but you shouldn’t mind that question. It’s about our fight in arena.

-yes?

-Rin, how did you reached that speed? I mean it’s not humanly possible to move that fast, right?

-you think that I used some kind of skill?

-no, I wouldn’t have thought. If you were going to use skills there would be no reason to hide that.

-well, I didn’t do anything special and I was still not at my maximum back then.

-but it’s impossible.

-looks like you forgot something important Arata. This world is different and my body is no longer weak as it once used to. I can do so much more here with it.

-so you mean that it’s because of avatar’s body?

-…

Rin did not answer because she didn’t like how Arata stated that question. Questions like this were one of main reasons that Rin did not interact with other players that much. For Rin what Arata called avatar’s body was her really body. The memories of her old body were already lost in her mind and she did not want to recall them. Rin stood up from the chair.

-Rin?

Arata ask seeing the change on her face.

“It would have been better if we didn’t talk, after all.”

-sorry Arata we shouldn’t have done that after all. Bear with me until we complete the quest but after that…

Rin wondered if she really should say the last words but then she arrived at only possible conclusion.

“It can’t be any other way.”

-after that, do not speak with me ever again.

-wait Rin, did I said something wrong? Why all of sudden?

-you did nothing wrong Arata but this is how it has to be.

After saying those words Rin walked away from that place. She didn’t go back to the main table though but straight to her room despite everyone’s calling. And with that the party has ended.