Log Horizon - Volume 2 - Chapter 4

 

After Crescent☪Moon opened, Akiba had become more vibrant.

The problem of food looked simple, but that was not true.

The citizens who had so far eaten food like chewing wax were infatuated with Crescent☪Moon in a blink of an eye. Crescent☪Moon's meals focused mainly on takeout, and by the real world's standards, it should not be any fancy food, but in this alternate world, it was the the best thing ever.

The 3 shops could not meet the demand, but the 4th started operation a few days later. Crescent Moon Alliance's summoner conjured a salamander to heat up the hot plate to keep the pizza slices warm. Custard pudding was made from fresh milk. These two new products received great reviews.

Akiba citizens knew right from the start that Crescent☪Moon was operated by the small guild Crescent Moon Alliance, and some criticized them for hogging the new recipes. But in the game world, whoever had power was in the right, this concept made everyone accept this fact.

In fact, there were people sending threatening letters to Crescent Moon Alliance demanding them to make the new recipe public, but even the writers knew this was just an excuse.

After the 4th shop opened, a rumor started to spread.

Crescent Moon Alliance might have formed an alliance with the 3 major production guilds, Oceanic Systems, The Rodrick Firm, and 8th District Shopping Center.

The 3 major production guilds had over 5000 members, a third of the total population in Akiba. Some of the ingredients had a high volume of trade in the market, there had been news of 8th District Shopping Center members who were buying them in bulk, as if to confirm this rumor.

Even after expanding to 4 outlets and improving the menu, the increased speed did little to stem the demand. They could serve 1500 people a day at most.

Most of the citizens already had a taste of Crescent☪Moon's burger, and they wanted to eat it again. Since they could eat the food of the old world again, it was a pain to go back to the days of tasteless moist space food again.

There was already a queue before dawn at Crescent☪Moon, and queue numbers needed to be issued.

The economic vibrancy caused by Crescent☪Moon brought other positive effects.

First, Crescent☪Moon was expensive, a meal was priced 3 to 6 times more than others. In this world without entertainment to spend money on, there were no players who would hesitate in paying this amount of gold. But even so, they still needed a sizable amount of cash on hand. If you ate 3 meals at Crescent☪Moon a day (If you somehow managed to buy so many!), you would spend 1350 gold a month.

Up until now, life in Akiba didn't require much cash. There were some people who just curled up in a ball in the ruins somewhere, drowning in their sorrow of never returning home. But even players like them were thinking of earning money. This was a major change.

Akiba's central square had not seen people recruiting for raiding partners in a long time. This was unrelated to guilds, just a temporary team of random players going out farming or raiding together. In this world, this was a rare sight, and it garnered more attention than usual.

As they left, Crescent☪Moon employees in the same area would shout "Bon Voyage!" together and cheer them on.

Of course, these groups would buy a bottle of Black Rose Tea before leaving, maybe they knew the staff personally.

But this had never happened in Elder Tales’ new world before, and it was a wonderful and heartwarming scene. The leaving party would have a soothing smile as they began their journey.

Other than personal financial activities, there were also movements in the market. Young deer meat, potatoes, and thunder bird meat; these types of ingredients were beginning to rise in price.

This was the result of the 8th District Shopping Center's discreet buying of stock. But if the price increased, there would be people who react and increase the supply. Several guilds who heard this news organized ingredient transport teams, flooding the market with these ingredients in order to reap the profit.

But the 8th District Shopping Center's Charasin had already anticipated this. He had already arranged with several small guilds he was on good terms with to organize expeditions to farm for the ingredients.

Charasin planned the hunting expedition that would take several days, delegating the responsibility to the local farming team and the transport team. Using the production guild's support system, he set up a supply line.

This went beyond the Catastrophe, or the history of the world when it was a game itself. For the first time ever, a system of 'a production guild directly supporting a battle guild' was formed. The plan was a success, and 8th District Shopping Center did not rely too much on the market for supply, and could retrieve a large amount of ingredients at a fixed price.

The players who had been holing up at home had started to come out, bringing up the purchase of consumables and equipment repair. Blacksmiths had more business, and little by little, Akiba was changing.

Wasn't the source of the change Crescent☪Moon?

If Crescent Moon Alliance teamed up with the 3 major production guilds, the scale could be as big as one sixth of all players in the Japan server. This would be the birth of the biggest, strongest, and most influential force. The players in other cities had been asking about Crescent Moon Alliance via telepathy, and member application were overwhelming. But Maryele had declined them all by saying 'please wait until the end of the month.'

Battle guilds who usually had no interest in the affairs of production guilds were starting to take notice too.

In this world with no internet or WebTV, which meant no entertainment at all, the joy of living came mostly from gossiping.

Citizens would gather in every corner, discussing news and ideas. The Crescent Moon Alliance came up in the discussion frequently, and the cheerful and kind guild master Maryele, the talented Henrietta, and the young battle team leader Shouryuu got mentioned frequently. At the same time, a part of the more experienced players who knew the details would mention the names Shiroe, Naotsugu, Nyanta, and Debauchery Tea Party as if they were reminiscing.

But it was not only the Adventurers who were gossiping these news, but no one seemed to notice.

It had been 10 days since the campaign started.

The Crescent☪Moons that were full of people everyday had become a part of the landscape. The long queues were a famous sight. Today the 4 stores were also operating at full speed under the clear summer sky.

But this was a spacious room far from the bustle of the city.

It was the building known as the Heart of Akiba, the large meeting room was on the top floor of the guild building.

This meeting room was open to everyone who had a guild hall. But there was no electricity in this world, so the lift was just a metal box used for decoration. No one was crazy enough to climb 16 levels of stairs.

In the center of this spacious room with a tall ceiling was a round table and the people sitting there were all people that could be seen as representing Akiba.

Black Sword Knights’ Grand Commander Isaac.

Honesty’s Guildmaster Eins.

D.D.D’s Chief 'Berserker' Krusty.

Silver Sword’s young leader William.

West Wind Brigade’s harem style Guildmaster Soujirou.

Oceanic Systems' 'Strong Armed' Michitaka

The Rodrick Firm’s Guildmaster Rodrick.

8th District Shopping Center’s young boss Charasin.

Crescent Moon Alliance's Maryele.

Grandeur’s Alchemist Woodstock.

Radio Market’s expert mechanic Akaneya.

And Shiroe of Log Horizon.

Behind the twelve leaders, they had a few aides with them. The thirty-odd players in this spacious room all had different expressions.

Some felt uneasy, some were surprised, a few were expressionless, and there were those who looked confident. All of them received the invitation to gather here the night before.

The agenda was 'the future of Akiba'.

Hosted by Log Horizon's Shiroe and Crescent Moon Alliance's Maryele together.

Most who were gathered here were leaders of large guilds. Oceanic Systems, The Rodrick Firm, and 8th District Shopping Center were all major production guilds.

 

 

 

Black Sword Knights, Honesty, D.D.D, Silver Sword, and West Wind Brigade were either large-scale or successful battle guilds.

Crescent Moon Alliance, Grandeur, and Radio Market were part of the leading group that failed to form an alliance among the small guilds.

Only Log Horizon was a totally unknown guild.

 

 

 

But the people qualified to gather here had a wide information net, and those who were surprised by Shiroe's presence were less than a quarter.

As the people gathered began gauging each of the participants, Crescent Moon Alliance's Serara came in and served cold fruit tea to everyone. This beverage had not been sold in Crescent☪Moon yet, surprising all of the participants. But this small sense of shock passed quickly, and the room remained silent.

Shiroe sat calmly.

But his emotions were not calm.

This meeting was Shiroe's battlefield.

He was not losing to a major raid battle where the fight spread across the arena. Shiroe felt the fever of a heatstroke and the chill of the tense air. The participants were all people he needed to consort with, but only a few were allies he could trust. No matter what happened, he could not let them know how perilous his position was.

(This is a fight I started on my own will.)

Just like Soujirou said, this world was a prison, everyone was bound by the need to survive. The hopelessness of being trapped, the monsters in the wild, and the feeling of helplessness bound them.

Shiroe had been busy with various events since the Catastrophe, dealing with the problems at hand, and increasing the odds of surviving.

But this campaign was different. No matter if it was rescuing Tohya, saving Minori, or building some form of order for Akiba, in the extreme you could say it was just Shiroe's selfish will. This was Shiroe's dream he wanted to fulfill even at the expense of fighting unnecessary battles. Of course Shiroe thought this action was beneficial.

Not only beneficial to himself, but also the people important to him and to the whole Akiba city, Shiroe believed.

Even so, this was still Shiroe's willfulness, this fact could not be changed.

Based on this, Shiroe had found freedom for the first time since the Catastrophe. He used his willfulness as a starting point, started battles for the sake of fulfilling his wish, and gave it his all. This brought a high degree of tension and pressure that made him weak. But it also brought along a strong sense of joy.

"Shiroe-chi? Are you fine nya?"

Nyanta who was standing behind him asked. Shiroe could accept this concern directly. Including Nyanta and the two not present, Naotsugu and Akatsuki, they had also accepted the Log Horizon label. This was the first challenge of this guild with only four members, and even though they were carrying out different assignments, they had a common battlefield.

To fight and win for your comrades.

Shiroe swore with determination in his heart

The tension increased in the room. Everyone was finally seated.

Shiroe stood up to give the opening speech.

"Thank you everyone for making time from your busy schedules, I am very grateful. My name is Shiroe from Log Horizon... I invited all of you here to discuss an agenda. The content is complicated, and I will need to spend some time on this, so please be patient."

Shiroe paused momentarily, looking around the table.

(... No matter what happens, I am grateful that everyone attended, probably with the help of Soujirou working behind the scenes... But this will save time visiting all the places to convince them. On the other hand, this is the final battle.)

"Keep your speech short, 'Debauchery's' Shiroe, it's not like we don't know each other."

The one speaking was 'Black Sword' Isaac, one of the top few players in the Japan server. He had experienced hundred of battles, leading the way as the vanguard in various major raids. Shiroe was invited to lend his support several times too. Shiroe thought he wouldn't remember a player with such an unpopular class as Enchanter, but it seemed that was not true.

"What is the purpose of this meeting?"

The one commenting impatiently was Silver Sword's young leader William. This youth had a head of long silky white hair tied behind him. He had the appearance of an elf prince. He kept crossing his legs alternately, and seemed to have little patience.

"Since someone wants to speed it up, let's go directly into the main topic. Should I say question or proposal? I want to discuss the current situation in Akiba. As everyone knows, we are stuck in this alternate world since the Catastrophe with no way to log out, and no clue on what to do. This is something we have to live with. On the other hand, the atmosphere in Akiba is deteriorating, a lot of our friends are losing their drive, and even giving up on life. The economy is poor and exploration efficiency is not improving. I want to settle this situation, that is the reason why we are here."

Shiroe said with his eyes half open.

No problem, the words he needed to say flowed in his mind. It was so clear that he could almost touch them.

"And we are here to do what?"

"So troublesome..."

"Why do we need to discuss this sort of thing?"

"I understand what you mean, but what can we do?"

Calming down the chatter in the room, Honesty's young guild master Eins asked.

"Something like the small guild alliance?"

"Sort of, but I heard that the plan was a failure."

Shiroe swept his gaze towards the plan's initiators, Grandeur's and Radio Market's guild representatives, who nodded their pale faces in agreement. They... including Crescent Moon Alliance, were all small guilds, and they did not seem qualified to sit here with their small scale operation. There were plenty of guilds that had fifty-fold their membership.

"That plan has been dissolved, but I feel it is because we were pushing too hard on a lot of issues. The plan back then was to unite the small guilds to compete against the major guilds... In other words, the small guilds allying together to protect our common interest. That's why our plan failed."

"Yes, we agreed to work together on the surface, but we ended up pursuing our own agendas in the end, so there was no unity and the plan broke down."

The master of the making of watches and fine devices, the high level subclass mechanic, Radio Market's Akaneya chipped in on Maryele's speech.

"So you want to gather all the... or at least the guilds that can represent Akiba's influence to readjust our relations in the city?"

"... small guilds cannot ally together, even more so if they affect the power balance of the major guilds, this is madness!"

The people present started reacting to Maryele's speech.

The invitation included Maryele's guild as the host, this made the participants think that 'In other words, this is the follow up of the failed small guild alliance?'

(This is the natural conclusion...)

Even if some people knew about Shiroe, it was hard to gather everyone for this meeting by using his name.

Maryele's fame, in addition to the fact that Crescent Moon Alliance equated to Crescent☪Moon, the weight of these two names had somehow managed to get the meeting underway. But they needed to clear this misunderstanding soon.

"The agenda is not the same. It is the improvement of the situation in Akiba."

Shiroe's words were interrupted by the sound of a chair moving.

"If that is the case, please allow us to leave first."

The one standing up was the one who had been unhappy and impatient all this while, Silver Sword's Guildmaster William. He adjusted his dagger on his waist and put on his cape.

"We are a battle guild. The atmosphere in Akiba has nothing to do with us. In other words, we are fine with the city being in chaos or in harmony. The affairs of the city should be left to those who are interested. It is probably a waste of time, but we don't think this is a bad thing. We are just simply not keen to take part, so count us out."

William left after saying his piece.

A wave of commotion started in the room.

Grandeur's, Radio Market's, and Crescent Moon Alliance's leaders all had sour faces. Shiroe heard that the small guild alliance had lots of guilds withdrawing like this in the latter phase.

But Shiroe who was chairing the meeting had already expected this to happen.

(Silver Sword withdrew...)

Shiroe analyzed the effect of this incident on the battle and adjusted the scorecard in his heart.

Silver Sword was indeed a big-scale battle guild, but their presence was not crucial here. If the biggest battle guild, D.D.D, and the biggest production guild, Oceanic Systems wanted to withdraw, Shiroe already had a plan in place to convince them to stay. But Shiroe had already planned for 1 or 2 guilds to withdraw.

More importantly, the atmosphere in the room was getting rowdy after William and his guild members left. This could not be ignored.

"Even though there are now 11 of us left, let me continue. As Silver Sword's guildmaster mentioned, the reason for inviting all of you was to form an organization known as the 'Round Table Alliance' to discuss the operation of Akiba as a city. There are two major goals. The first is improving the atmosphere of Akiba, to guide the citizens to revive their vigor. The next is the improvement in security. I hope the organization can operate with these two goals in mind, and slowly become the tool that can solve the problems in the function of the city."

The room was silent once again.

This is because the participants were probing each other for any reaction.

(This is the main event.)

Shiroe felt himself finally reaching the starting line as he looked around the room.

The people gathered here were able to influence 80% of the city; just their members alone totaled 6000, 40% of the population.

Not only that, but since there were so many strong guilds, they should have guilds they were on good terms with, or even formed subordinate-like relationships under them. Raw material exchanges or banding together for raids, these type of horizontal relations spread their network even further.

Those gathered here had a big influence over all the Adventurers in Akiba. Their consensus was almost equal to the consensus of all citizens. This was why Shiroe chose these influential guilds in the first place.

But getting the major guilds to agree was difficult. It was several times harder than "destroying a guild". Shiroe understood, but still made this challenge.

"Before that, can you explain the criteria of choosing the members?"

The first to break the silence was Eins, the guildmaster of Honesty. He asked with a middle-aged voice similar to his appearance.

"I understand. Firstly, Black Sword Knights, Honesty, D.D.D, and West Wind Brigade are either major battle guilds, or successful ones. Silver Sword who withdrew is no exception. Oceanic Systems, The Rodrick Firm, and 8th District Shopping Center represent the 3 big productions guilds. Crescent Moon Alliance, Grandeur, and Radio Market represent the small guilds. These are the reasons why I chose everyone here to participate. But this is something I don't want you all to misunderstand. The 3 small guilds are representing not just themselves, but also all the small guilds that do not have the chance to take part. They are here to reflect the views of all these guilds and people. Even the smallest guild should have a chance to express their views. If we succeed in forming the organization, I hope these 3 guilds will uphold this standpoint."

Shiroe was expecting some objection to the small guilds taking up 3 seats, but unexpectedly, everyone calmly accepted it.

The major guilds that are invited here had numbers over 6000, but on the contrary, this meant that people who did not join these guilds was over 9000, Shiroe inviting 3 guilds to represent them was acceptable to the participants.

But maybe they are just assuming the organization wouldn't be formed in the first place, so they didn't really care, that was what Shiroe observed.

"What about you?"

The short question was asked by the leader of D.D.D, 'Berserker' Krusty. He looked different than his nickname with his glasses and handsome face.

"I am taking part as the organizer composer."

Shiroe reply curtly.

Shiroe was chairing this Akiba self-governance meeting, but since the criteria of taking part was the guild's scale of operation and fame, Shiroe was not qualified.

Formed only last week with only 4 members, even calling it a small guild sounded too much, it was a super-mini guild. A new guild like this wouldn't be heeded even if he talked about Akiba's future.

From Shiroe's own criteria, he should be disqualified.

(But, this is not important.)

If you wanted to talk about qualification, it did not meet the standard. But the big guilds that did qualify, were they improving the city? If we asked them if they had done anything for the masses, the answer would be no.

(Things will not progress as I wish no matter how much we wait, this has been confirmed... If you want to say this is arrogance, you will not be wrong. This is my willfulness, but I won't be humble, I will give it my all... I have completed the preparations in advance, and I have started this meeting.)

"Erm... In other words, you organized this meeting and sent out the invitation to qualify for this discussion?"

Krusty made this query as he noticed Shiroe's intent, and Shiroe said confidently, "That is correct."

"Assuming we create the organization, how are we going to maintain security? No, firstly what do you mean by the 'deteriorating security'?"

'Black Sword' Isaac asked, making Shiroe tense up.

"Some guilds have confined beginners in the name of 'protection', this is a common knowledge correct? This is not a healthy situation."

Shiroe pointing out this fact made Issac back off.

"... is it regarding 'EXP Pot'? But that is not illegal correct?"

The term 'EXP Pot' caused a commotion, half the participants reacted with 'ah ah, he is bringing this up as expected.' Setting whether it was legal to one side, they still felt guilty about this fact.

"Players do not have any laws to follow, breaking non-existing laws is just an excuse, everyone here understands this point."

Shiroe said to Isaac who had a sinister expression.

"This is not limited to just the 'EXP Pot' incident, the problem is that the players have no legal guidelines to refer to, so we can do as we wish in this world correct? But even so, to us it is not about the legal aspect, the important thing is we don't feel guilt over this."

"You are being illogical, the law does exist. If players fight in a non-combat zone, they will be killed as punishment."

"This is the result, not the law. This is just a simple matter of cause and effect. To clarify, players fighting in a non-combat zone is the cause, the guards attacking is the effect. This is not a rule, but a natural phenomenon. We did not agree to this, and we did not set this standard, this type of thing is not under a legal system."

Shiroe silenced Isaac with his words.

Black Sword Knights was one of the big guilds that was allegedly buying EXP Pots. Issac was trying to wipe away his guilty conscience with this argument.

But this was one of the obstacles in Shiroe's way, he had to do all he could to remove it.

"For example, when I went to Susukino, there is a guild Brigandia abducting young NPCs and selling them to players as slaves, doing this kind of shady business."

The participants all looked at Shiroe with shock.

"Based on your concept, this is not illegal, because the guards did not attack them. But that is not what the law is about right? This action can be done in this world, it is possible. But a legal system is different, the question is 'Is this acceptable to us', that's how the law should be like, correct? We need rules to govern ourselves."

You could make as many excuses as you wanted.

For instance, confining the beginners was for their protection. Taking the 'EXP Pot' was to make up for their lack of combat ability to make money, so they needed this to offset their living expenses.

The selling of NPCs as slaves could be waived off with the excuse 'they are slaves and have no human rights'. Nobody could prove they were human, so they had no rights. And rights were not something you get just because you proved something. It's something you earned after winning fights. The history of the real world had already proven this point.

That's why Shiroe's tactical goal was not to use logic to break all these excuses, but to make them realize 'we need to regulate ourselves in this lawless world.'

The point Shiroe raised made everyone start to talk among themselves. Some expressed their views in a loud voice, not just the guild representatives, but their aides as well, making the room noisy.

There were two types of reactions.

One thought that there needed to be some ground rules.

The other thought there was no way they could come to a consensus.

"Silver Sword declared they are withdrawing, but they seem to be in favor of the meeting carrying on. Assuming an influential group appearing in Akiba who does not agree with the existence of this organization, what should be done? In other words, there may be others who oppose the consensus of this organization."

Krusty asked Shiroe calmly as if he were representing all those present.

"That is to fight, basically chase them out of Akiba. Even if they sneak in, it will be hard to perform any activities. We can also consider forcing their guild to disband."

Shiroe's answer caused an uproar.

Similar to the sound made in the Crescent Moon Alliance meeting room by Maryele, Henrietta, and Shouryuu 2 weeks ago. "Disband guild", "Force them out".

Talk was easy, execution was difficult. In this world where you could respawn, even death was not a deterrent. Since it was not a deterrent, the effect of arrest was also low. Taking this to the extreme, even if you were arrested and detained in jail, you could escape by suicide.

With these conditions, destroying guilds was very difficult.

But the reason behind the air of panic in this silent room was not the same as the helplessness they felt in 2 weeks ago. The group here had influence over 80% of the citizens.

If the participants came into consensus, the things Crescent Moon Alliance could not achieve could be done here, such as guarding all the entrances, executing any wanted person by PK. The production guilds could refuse all trade with criminals.

Doing this would use up a lot of resources and manpower, but was able to pressure the populace in both physical and non-physical ways.

"But you will need the help of battle guilds like us to achieve this, correct?"

'Black Sword' Isaac reminded Shiroe.

"In the end, if it is 10 or 20 people, we can perform this type of punishment. But assuming if one of the major guild here opposes this and ignores the decision of the council and announce that the law can go and eat shit... that will be war then? Even if the organization is formed, there is no guarantee every issue will be settled smoothly, I want to know if there is a way to integrate all our views? If someone objects and causes a war, won't this meeting be pointless?"

Isaac had a point.

The participants agreed softly, and the sound of chatter spread through the room.

For example, if his Black Sword Knights revolted, it would be hard to suppress the hundred and ninety level 90 players in his guild. Because the city prohibited combat, they had to arrest or PK them in other zones. Even if they succeeded, they would not be able to deal the killing blow to the guild.

Using economic sanctions was not effective if a guild grew beyond a certain size. For guilds with enough members, they would be bound to have production subclass members among them, and they would be able to self-sustain.

The situation would be based on the members' subclass levels, but if there were more than 50 members, they would be able to form an independent community.

Taking this point into consideration, even if Shiroe's suggestion succeeded, and the big guild was able to bully the council to support their agendas, then it would be the same as the current situation.

Shiroe lowered his gaze, and adjusted his glasses.

(It has been going just as planned. Normally that would be the case, even if the council is formed, what follows will be settling the infighting and disputes... But it won't be like this.)

"Your proposal can only be described as impractical, correct?"

Krusty asked as usual with his chiseled handsome face. It was hard to imagine that this intelligent-looking young man was the 'Berserker' everyone feared. But that was the truth, which he supported with more evidence calmly.

"I think there is merit to forming this organization but... if it will be hollow like this, I don't think it can have any practical effect in binding the people to follow the law as intended."

The criticism made Shiroe raise his hand.

Everyone was intimidated by the atmosphere, and focused their eyes on Shiroe's action. The meeting fell into silence immediately.

"Today... about 4 hours ago, I purchased the 'guild building' zone."

Among the participants, there was a feeling they had been shot with an arrow.

Everyone took a bit of time to understand what his words meant.

"I have the authority to change the settings of the zone, including who can enter the zone... In simple terms, I can blacklist anyone and ban them from using the guild building. This means they cannot use their guild hall, the bank, and the warehouse."

Everyone had the expression as if they were choking on something as they stared at Shiroe. Only Henrietta let out a sigh. In this spacious meeting room, only she had seen through Shiroe's intent. When Shiroe heard her sigh, he let out a sheepish smile momentarily.

"See, it's so black that it shines."

Henrietta seemed to say with a tone of both sympathy and the feeling that it could not be helped. This made Maryele who was holding her breath nod in agreement. Shiroe's words sounded like a death sentence.

After waking up in the morning, she used the water in the bucket to wash her face.

This shabby bucket was meant to be used in stables to store hay. Minori used the cold water from the dirty bucket to wash her face, and wrapped her dirty cloak around her.

This was one of the rooms in the Hamelin guild hall used to let the beginners sleep. There were only simple furniture and minimal facilities inside.

(I need to go to the kitchen...)

The time for morning preparation was very tight, everybody started to move, doing the jobs they had been forced to perform. Minori was in charge of distributing breakfast, she had to collect the food from the kitchen.

Minori prayed that nothing would happen today.

Today was a special day.

Minori hastily tidied her dress and headed to the kitchen.

Comrades with the Chef subclass definitely woke earlier to prepare for making bread. Minori didn't think this was coarse food. No matter how high-class the meal looked, they all tasted the same. Putting it another way, even bread with water was a sumptuous meal, Minori had warned herself for the past two months.

Minori greeted the Chef softly and took out a large tray hastily. Apart from the beginners, there was a guard posted to watch them here. Minori tried her best not to meet his gaze and hurriedly filled the flask with well water.

A total of 35 sets, Minori placed the bread and water on the wooden tray.

"Stop."

The man's voice made Minori shrink her body in reflex.

She felt cold sweat coming out of her palms.

(Why... I didn't do anything, this was just as usual...)

Today needed to be the same as always, but something just had to happen so early in the morning.

"Eh, yes."

Minori squeezed out a reply, even she felt that it was soft like the hum of a mosquito, and could not be heard.

"Ha, just look at your smelly face... What is it? Don't you know how to greet others properly?"

"Yes... good morning."

The guild member on guard duty corrected her as he snorted.

Minori suppressed her emotions and greeted him.

"Nevermind... You are a Tailor right? What level?"

"Level 31."

"That means you can sew level 30 leather armor, help me make a leather apron and gloves today as your training."

"I understand."

Minori bowed repeatedly and left the kitchen, her heart pumping so fast like it was going to break down.

After that night, Shiroe and Minori communicated several times.

Every time was after the sun had set, when the night was young and the guild was quiet.

Minori laid down on the ice-cold concrete wrapped in her cloak and waited. A ring tone only she could hear sounded in her ear, this signaled Shiroe calling by telepathy.

In the sleeping room of Hamelin, late in the night when all was quiet, it was hard to hold a conversation, she had to cough and knock the floor softly as signals. Only when there were no guards could she put in a few short sentences. In order to not let her voice sound choked which was embarrassing, she could only speak in a whimsical voice.

Shiroe's content was usually normal daily stuff.

Once or twice a day, and the duration was only about 10 minutes.

For example where he went and who he met, the topics were like this.

Shiroe seemed to have comrades now, Naotsugu who liked to make weird jokes was a Guardian. The short lady with a cruel and sharp tongue was an Assassin, and the one Shiroe addressed as Chief, the mature Swashbuckler Nyanta. Other than this, she also heard about the Crescent Moon Alliance's Maryele, Henrietta and Shouryuu.

Shiroe described what he had achieved and his ongoing plan. To put it concisely, she could catch a glimpse of Shiroe's world.

(Shiroe-san and I are in the same world... We are in the same world, but this world is tired and dirty to me, .. but pretty and wide to Shiroe-san.)

Minori felt a pang of sadness.

She didn't feel it was unfair, seeing the world to be shabby was because her eyes and soul had been covered in shadows.

Shiroe's side was full of cheerful and kind people, but not for her. Minori understood her heart felt jealousy. Shiroe's world was bright and wide, but her world was dirty and cold. In other words, it was like the filth in her heart had spread to the outside, thinking about this made her sad.

Shiroe described slowly and calmly.

He had not joined any guilds before.

Roaming around the place like a mercenary who offered help.

Even if he made progress, he would destroy the relations himself, never thinking of building anything. Even so, he was determined to build his own home. Even now he had jitters, afraid of working with others, afraid of asking for others, inviting others.

But from Minori's view, this was not Shiroe troubling others, he was just worrying about nothing.

Because he treated Minori and Tohya kindly before. To Shiroe, this may be a kindness not worth mentioning, but this kindness was still helping them even now.

Shiroe's world was won through his battles. If she could not have the world Shiroe had, it meant she was not qualified.

Minori probably lost her chance the first few days after the Catastrophe.

(After the Catastrophe, I was just hoping to be saved and was crying the whole time, that's why I lost...)

Minori thought with a bitter and tortured feeling. Joining Hamelin was the same, she was hoping to be rescued, she didn't want to do anything by herself, only focusing on others to save her, that's why she lost everything. The chance Shiroe and Minori received equally was used effectively by Shiroe, but squandered by Minori.

Because of this, her current situation was not unfair.

Minori didn't have the bright things Shiroe had, but it was totally not his fault.

(If I have any thoughts of blaming him, I will really be... not worthy to talk to Shiroe-san.)

Shiroe had taken steps to build his own home, so Minori could do that too... Maybe she had lost all her fortune, but she was a beginner anyway, so she didn't have much wealth in the first place.

(I have Tohya, my most important family.)

Even when she was scared and lonely on the streets, and could only hide in the dark corners of ruins to live, that was definitely better than here. If she had this kind of resolve after the Catastrophe, she wouldn't be in this position.

Minori cheered herself up, and headed to the room for the beginners.

Shiroe was really executing the plan to rescue Minori and the others, and deducing from what Shiroe had said, not only Minori, but all the beginners in Hamelin would be rescued in this operation.

(Shiroe-san is amazing... calm, mature, cool, knowledgeable, tall, and gentle...)

Minori felt her thoughts going into a loop, her face became hot and red.

Someone like him was coming to rescue her.

Shiroe thought of Minori as a friend worth helping.

Minori didn't believe she had such value, concluding that Shiroe was just kind by nature, that's why he felt responsible for the twins he had spent such a short time with.

But Tohya was the same, he said before that 'Niichan is so cool', and after a long pause, he continued: "... Can I be like him?"

Tohya was a brother Minori was proud of.

Since Tohya felt this way, Minori must be like this too. Minori must prove to Shiroe that 'helping her was not the wrong decision.' If she didn't do this in the future, Minori would not be qualified for Shiroe to talk to her anymore.

For this, her heart was set on deleting any thoughts of 'unfair'.

You could be envious, and could feel sad because of envy.

But if this pain could become the force to push her onward, Minori would welcome it with open hands. But she would not have time to entertain negative thoughts about 'unfair'.

Minori distributed the bread to the others, then moved to her usual west corner of the room, taking small bites from the bread. The bread was bad, but it was not disgustingly bad. She swallowed mouthful by mouthful the dull and uninteresting food, and waited with bated breath.

There were no mid-level guild members in the room.

The beginners who had gathered around stole glances at Minori. Minori nodded to acknowledge them, and encouraged them softly.

Shiroe's lessons were mostly related to the basic functions of Elder Tales. It was very basic knowledge, but in this world with no internet access, the knowledge and the tips became a huge advantage for Minori and Tohya. Not limited to class or subclass this common and basic knowledge separated them from the normal beginners.

The two of them used this knowledge to settle the unreasonable demands of Hamelin the best they could. This attitude had earned the trust of the other beginners over time.

Minori took some warm water for her comrade that was not feeling well. As she handed it over, she continued to think.

Shiroe said he would make contact today, and to take action immediately after that.

She had already mentioned it to her comrades, Tohya definitely knew that they needed to act today.

Even though she didn't know when the message would come, Minori predicted that it would either be at dawn or at night. Tohya would be going out to farm during the day, if the rescue subjects were separated, it would be hard to execute.

After finishing the bread, the farmers moved under Tohya's lead to the other room to prepare. The beginners involved would be ordered to gather, confirm the farming location, party members, and assignment. The appointed party members would check and put on their equipment and then head out.

At this moment, a ringtone sounded in Minori's ear.

(He's coming... it is Shiroe-san!)

Her heart beat like a fire alarm bell, from the tense feeling of the coming commotion. Even if her brain knew she wouldn't die even if she was killed, she would still be afraid when a weapon was pointed at her.

Minori knew what kind of battle plan would come next, but it might become violent, and there was a high chance it would turn into a battle. But Minori had already considered that might happen, and was determined not to show her shameful side.

After the telepathy connected, the voice only Minori could hear said,

"Morning.... Minori? Time is of the essence, we will begin the operation now, the signal is the same as usual... Are you in the room you usually sleep in?"

Cough. Minori coughed once to convey the word yes.

"Tohya is in the other room preparing?"

Yes again.

"Understood. Later when the time comes for Tohya to leave, exit the guild hall together. Same for all the beginners, just walking out the door will do. Don't worry, we have control over the guild building."

(Control?)

Minori did not understand what he meant, just replied with a yes.

"Also, if there is any incident inside, and you respawn after being defeated, just run to the guild building from the cathedral. The guild building's lobby is the HQ of this rescue operation."

Minori concentrated hard to remember these instructions.

"I am having another important battle at the same time, so I won't be there. This operation will be commanded by a child named Shouryuu. Also, another Assassin named Akatsuki can be trusted. She will be at the lobby or nearby."

Minori was so nervous that her legs felt weak and her chest hurt. But she worked hard to control herself, and acknowledged softly.

"Naotsugu will be at the cathedral, if the worst happens you can depend on him. Let's begin... Operation Escape."

Tohya received the same telepathic message.

(Niichan, the battle begins.)

Tohya swallowed, his hands that were adorning his armor transmitted the sensation of nervousness. He breathed slowly and moved his gaze. It was still too early to inform his comrades.

Shiroe's instructions were to lead all the beginners and escape to the guild building. Tohya and the others were in the Hamelin guild hall, just a door separated them from freedom.

If everyone got through this door, then they would complete Shiroe's goal. If it was just him alone, Tohya was confident he could escape in 10 seconds.

But Minori wouldn't do that.

Minori would leave only after confirming Tohya had left. No, big sister Minori would be the rear guard, would only leave after everybody else had gone.

(Since that is the case, I cannot leave first either.)

He knew his elder sister's - Minori's nature tended towards self-reproach.

This was the negative side of being responsible, and Tohya felt this sense of responsibility came about because of him.

Tohya liked his sister.

Classmates had said that a brother and sister's relationship was one with lots of conflicts. Some habits or thoughts were tolerable if it were others, but if it was someone living under the same roof, it would create pressure. Tohya remembered thinking that this concept made sense.

But from Tohya's point of view, this pressure came from seniority relations, normal siblings had an age difference, their difference in abilities could not be overlooked.

In the elder sibling's eyes, a younger sibling was like an untalented version of themselves. For the younger ones, the elder siblings were tyrants.

That's why there was pressure living together.

But this was more relaxed for twins. Minori was the elder, so she would take care of him in all manners. But their time of birth differed by only a few hours, Tohya wouldn't view her as his protector.

But treated her as his family, loved her like his partner.

Because they were twins, they coordinated with each other well when playing or quarreling. Normal siblings had an age gap, but they had no such experience with seniority, Tohya thought they were very fortunate.

But even if their age was the same, his sister was more timid when it comes to relationships. Tohya was a boy, so he needed to protect his sister. Tohya had always thought of this as his duty.

"Hey, time to move out, I will report to the guildmaster. You guys go and fall-in in front of the guild building."

The one issuing the order was the farming leader, the proud Summoner. He left the room after saying that, probably to the guildmaster's room.

Tohya secured his cheap taichi to his waist, faced the door, and said to his comrades behind him,

"The help that I mentioned before is coming... Move to the guild building lobby now, hurry."

A choking sound came from behind, everyone should have sensed the situation and started moving in a hurry. Someone wanted to bring his stuff along, but was stopped by the words 'don't bother with that, we got nothing valuable anyway'.

Yes, Tohya said they didn't have anything that could be described as wealth. The most he had was the cheap Bag of Holding that ignored the weight of items, and the clothes and junk inside.

Tohya put his ear on the door and looked behind him. Several comrades nodded in reply. Tohya opened the door that led to the corridor of the guild hall, and headed straight to the other beginners' room.

Tohya walked to the door, and heard a scream and the sound of a collision. Tohya opened the door without hesitation, and he saw Minori struggling with a mid-level guild member.

(They found us out?)

Tohya breathed lightly, and headed to the girls who were watching the two struggling in fear, signalling them to leave, and slamming into the short-haired bandit that was pushing his sister down.

"Eh, what are you up to!"

A sound of a man sucking in a big breath. That should be the the bandit preparing to bellow loudly. Sister gave a fearful expression, just seeing her face made Tohya move his body unconsciously.

Lowering his center of gravity, his left hand turning smoothly. Instead of pulling the sword out, it was more like the taichi flew from its sheath. The bright silver light turned into a line, going straight for the target's throat. This was the Samurai's skill 'Lanius Capture'.

The effect of the skill was destroying the opponent's voice box preventing the chanting of magic. The short-haired bandit under this effect was not planning to cast any spells, but the effect still worked, as he put his hands to his throat and coughed.

Guild halls were normally a non-combat zone. If you performed battle actions, even if you were alone, NPC guards would teleport in immediately.

But the non-combat zone setting could be toggled by the owner. Hamelin had set the zone to allow for battles in order to 'manage' the beginners.

Mid-level members used this setting to torture the beginners.

... at least until today.

"Take everyone and go!"

Tohya's voice made Minori stand up and lead her female comrades to the entrance of the guild hall. There was no time to waste, she could only cheer them on and guide them.

On the other hand, Tohya was facing off with the mid-level bandit.

He had a rough face and eyes burning with hatred. The beginner he looked down on made him lose his voice, spurring his wrath. Tohya and him had a difference of 20 levels.

The bandit drew out a curved knife that was 50cm long from his waist and slashed at Tohya. 'Lanius Capture' could only remove the ability of chanting spells and talking, which was a threat to sorcerers and healers. But it could not seal the combat ability of a melee character like him.

The bandit's knife was sharp, breaking through Tohya's defenses easily and cut his body. The difference in ability between the two of them was too big.

Tohya's surprise attack worked because of two reasons. The first one was the arrogance of the opponent who was careless in thinking that the beginners would not revolt. The 2nd was that Tohya used 'Lanius Capture'.

Samurai's skills had long cool down times, most of them could only be used once every 5 to 10 minutes, they were single-use skills. But in contrast, all the skills were set to be very strong and accurate. This special trait meant that the skill was effective even on a player who was 20 levels higher.

The moves were strong and had many varieties, but convenient mid-level skills to tide over the cool down time were few in number, that was the Samurai's characteristic.

"Lanius Capture" lasted for 15 seconds.

There were less then 10 seconds left, Tohya suppressed his panicking emotions, as he tanked the bandit's attack.

(No need to win, just hold on until everyone escapes!)

Blood mist sprayed all around him, which obviously came from Tohya's body. The pain was hard to bear, almost to the point of numbness. He could feel his limbs turning cold and heavy.

"Tohya!"

The bandit's attack was suddenly blocked by a barrier that looked like a mirror. The mirror could not withstand the attacks of the higher level bandit and was starting to crumble. This was Minori's 'Damage Prevention' magic. Tohya could see the bandit sneer in rage.

"Everyone is at the entrance, let's go to the corridor!"

"Okay, go!"

Tohya waved his blade in a wide arc to stop the bandit and followed Minori, leaving the beginner's room for the corridor that was less than 2 meters wide. He could protect Minori here, preventing them from flanking from the side or back.

"Cough, kah ah!"

But the 'Lanius Capture' skill lost its effect at this moment, he held his throat, coughed hoarsely and shouted,

"Do you know what is the consequence of this! Damn brats, I will kill you at least a hundred times!"

Just as the twins feared, this roar could be heard throughout the guild hall. Several doors opened along the corridor, with Hamelin's core members appearing hastily with their weapons.

The guildmaster with sunken eyes, the frustrated Summoner, and the production-based man who looked at the beginners with disdainful eyes.

They shouted threateningly in the same way and drew their weapons.

"What are the two of you doing?"

The Summoner waved his hands widely, and a black wind appeared. The flying mob of insects which were as small as ants was the 'Deadly Bug Squall', an attack spell that had the effect of obscuring your field of vision. It bypassed Tohya and went straight towards Minori. Minori chanted 'Damage Prevention' spells with all her might, but the level difference was too great, the relentless wave of black bugs was slowly breaking the shining barrier, which shattered like glass.

(Even in a narrow corridor, I cannot stop magic from directly attacking my back line, I am so stupid!)

Tohya blamed himself. He slashed at the black fog of bugs. What Tohya saw was the Sorcerer behind the fog waving his wand.

"Tohya, Tohya!"

"Minori, just a bit more! Keep your head down!"

Tohya hugged his sister with his bruised hand from the attacks and ran into the door which connected the two zones.