Estimated reading time: 6–7 minutes
Chapter 31
That day. The eastern side of Old Osaka City is wrapped in an eerie heat. Gathering are countless players. And placed before them is a single AP. Of course, it is mine. I really should give this machine a name soon, but unfortunately it seems there are things I need to do before that.
Next to me, Reina stands silently. She is wearing her mask and voice changer. She says she doesn’t really want people seeing her face much. I kinda think then she should just always wear a mask, but oh well, maybe she has her reasons.
The time is 6 PM. The sun has begun to set but it isn’t dark enough yet to impact the battle. And on the opposite side of the sunset, that figure comes into view.
「That’s the Strain…」
「It’s way too big!」
「Will our attacks even reach it?」
Its ominous form slowly approaches, cloaked in the night’s darkness. Its speed is about the same as a car, I guess? In less than an hour it will arrive here, destroy the city, and crush everything to dust. If that happens, the oxygen supply will be cut off and people will die.
I especially want to avoid the old man dying. There are still an endless number of things I want him to teach me and help me with. No matter what, I have to ensure his survival.
Momiji isn’t at the scene. She says she will direct us from the rear. Glancing around, I catch sight of her waving energetically to get my attention.
「…..It’s time.」
As the scheduled time arrives, an image is projected above the players. It’s an antique I dragged out just for this. Displayed on it is me, Orange, addressing everyone:
「Thank you all for gathering here today. First I want to express my gratitude to those participating in this operation to subdue the Strain trying to crush this city.」
It’s an incredibly condescending thing to say, but I lost to Momiji’s unusually forceful direction when we recorded this. I hope no one hates me…ah, that guy over there is furrowing his brow. Sorry about that.
My inner apologies don’t get through as the speech continues. Of course the script was written by Momiji and I didn’t come up with any of it myself.
「Let me get right to the point – based on my analysis, there’s a 72% probability this operation will fail.」
Murmurs rise from the crowd and some look at me with shaken eyes. Of course I’m shaken too. I mean, I’m just saying what I was told to, it’s ridiculous to state something like this with such confidence when I’m no prophet. Frankly, it’s annoying to be told to say something that would trouble people.
「However, if everyone combines their strength, we have a chance to overcome this. If we can surpass this obstacle, we may arrive at an even greater place. And most of all, isn’t this frustrating? Losing to the crappy event prepared by the devs…」
Right, right! Voices of agreement begin to emerge from the crowd. But there are also voices saying Orange is hogging too many events himself! Though I bet there are others like me that you all just don’t know about, yep. So please don’t be jealous and at least spare me the relentless hunting that Hiniru suffered.
「That’s why we have to win! We have the Kōmitsu Solutions Manufactured Apollyon Fusion Incendiary Weapon UK-08 and mass produced Apollyon on our side! It’ll be fine, suppress your fears and face reality – there’s nothing to be scared of! Now, let’s win this!」
As I spread my arms wide, a huge cheer finally goes up. Everyone must have been stressed by the devs’ crappy handling of things. Incidentally, our outfits are unified in orange. Supposedly it sets us apart from other players as decoration. Then as the image disappears, I get into the mass produced Apollyon and stand up. Its 5 meter height draws the gaze of all the players. Turning my back to them, I start walking.
This city is dome-shaped with very few entrances and exits that are normally sealed shut. It prevents oxygen waste but right now they stand wide open. Where intersections would normally be are metal gates separating the interior and exterior, but at this point it’s hard to tell which side is more devastated.
At the gate stand two NPC security forces. Seeing us approach, they shuffle to the side and bow deeply. In fading voices they murmur:
「Please… win.」
I can clearly make out their words through the Apollyon’s armor. Silently I raise a hand and step outside the city, countless players following behind as though I’m leading them.
We walk. The Strain steadily draws nearer.
We walk. It seems far larger than it should be, like an optical illusion.
We walk. The old man’s words feel like they’re becoming reality and I shiver involuntarily.
We walk. Still, I have to defeat this shitty game. Because…
「If I can beat you, it’ll prove the mass produced Apollyon can also defeat Strains…!」
The ground no longer holds the familiar dull color and there are no Machine Beasts in sight. The reason Machine Beasts likely don’t attack the Old Osaka City is because the remnants and smell of the other Strain corpse make them perceive it as dangerous. But that doesn’t apply to this Strain. We have to defeat it.
Just 120 meters left. Seeing our puny figures, it doesn’t even glance our way. And that’s why I’ll smash its ugly face in. Lightened by negative mass matter, my machine exhibits overwhelming mobility as I urge it into motion.
「Take this!」
I assemble and fire the Apollyon Fusion Incendiary Weapon UK-08. An impact even greater than before blasts through my body, blowing me back 10 meters. The tremendous recoil makes the gun barrel bounce up 20 degrees, but thanks to my close range, my shot strikes the Strain’s body.
「hjwqecnuijkmicixkdwfnruwvbpuqc!」
It let out an inarticulate shriek. The Strain issues a tremendous wail as it finally recognizes us as enemies, but it’s too late. I’ve blasted a hole clear through its armor, piercing the scales on its left shoulder. Via external speakers I roar to the troops:
「I breached its armor! All forces, charge!」
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