Another Frontier Online

The day after the Deep Impact Battle was over, Hayato thought about it from the morning.

Because there was a possibility that everyone could not take it seriously because they were being held hostage.

At least Esha and the others weren't there. They were the Demon King's army, led by Lunaria, Ney and members of the big clan.

Even if it appears on the monitor, it's possible that we didn't find it, but if Esha shoots Destroy, we know for sure. Without it, Esha and Ash didn't participate.

I can manage without myself. Hayato thought so, but after thinking about it, he didn't log out because he didn't know what was going on. It is not strange to think that something worse is happening.

(Rather than being a force to fight against, it's a situation where my legs are pulling. However, I checked yesterday, but I can't go outside the Demon King Castle... I think I can at least tell you the situation and be serious.)

After the battle was over, Hayato figured out if there was a way out of the Demon King's Castle. But of course, I wasn't allowed to do it by myself, and Hypnos came along.

Amanda wanted to inspect the ingredients for her meals, so she went to the food vault. She said that she wanted to see the armor in the Demon King Castle as a production job, so she went to the vault. She went to all the places where she could go.

But I didn't know where we could get out.

The only thing left was the balcony on the top floor of the Demon King's Castle on the east side.

It has a great view of the demon city of Zardogia, which is the easternmost part of the Demon King's Castle, so if you jump from there, it will be treated as outside the Demon King's Castle. Outside, you can log out, voice chat, and die.

But of course, Hayato can't get to that place. The room to go to the balcony is locked and cannot be opened by Hayato. Only members of the New Demon King's army were able to open the lock.

This information is from Hypnos. I had already figured out why Hayato was investigating the Demon King Castle and had given me more information than I needed.

As a result, it turned out that Hayato could not leave the Demon King Castle alone.

We need to get some information to Esha and the others.

Hayato was determined to do so when he heard a knock on the door.

Hayato, are you awake?

The voice is Hypnos. There is still an event today, so I heard about watching the game on the monitor yesterday.

Hayato asked him to go in immediately.

Hypnos said, "Okay," and then opened the door and came in. And when he saw Hayato, he smiled and said, "Good morning."

Hayato is calm, but he returns, "Good morning."

"What do you think? My greeting was quite natural, wasn't it?"

It was certainly natural.

"That's right, that's right." I've practiced properly.

Hypnos said that in a good mood, but as Hayato, I only had the impression that he had practiced greeting. I smiled a little when I imagined it, but I returned it with a normal smile that I would be angry if I said it.

Sometimes time was wasted, and I immediately got to the point.

Actually, I have a favor to ask of you.

Oh, what is it?

"I want you to tell Esha and the others about my situation." Just not being able to log out is no problem. "

"... I see. I imagined that Hayato's life would be in danger if Lunaria and the others won, so I pulled out." That's how Hayato thought about yesterday's battle. "

"That's a good idea." But you're right. I just can't log out. If they know that, they can fight for it. "

“Maybe so, but unfortunately I can't send voice chats to the other members. That's what Amanda told me to do."

Hypnos was found by Nani to have wanted to provide information to the Hayato. Because of this, I was ordered not to send information to the Hayatoes.

Hayato decided that it was working.

"Then why don't you go out to the balcony and unlock the room?" I'm gonna jump out and run. "

"No, I won't."

"Isn't that right...?" You don't think Amanda ordered me to say no? Do you mean to say no at the will of Hypnos? "

"That's right."

"No, that's right with Doya's face." May I ask why? "

"Because it's more interesting."

For a moment, Hayato was not sure what Hypnos had said, but he understood that it had been a while. I just don't understand what the words mean. At least Hayato isn't funny.

What's so funny?

“Funny is funny. Life since Hayato came is interesting. I really want to continue."

"Um, do you have...?"

For some reason, it was Hayato who thanked me, but I didn't know whether that was the case or not, so I questioned the form.

Hypnos laughed and continued.

What if Hayato took Amanda's side?

"You want me to betray everyone?"

"Betrayal or not is a subjective question. If we're going to take action for everyone, it's not betrayal. Ask, is it evil to put all human beings into virtual reality?"

"If it's good or evil, it's evil."

Why?

"Some people want to live in real life, right? I wonder if we can put them in virtual reality without giving them a choice. I'm depriving you of your right to life."

"In reality, the Foundation is doing something similar to Hayato and the others, using the breadth of the foundation?" Isn't that evil? "

Hayato gets stuck in words.

Sometimes the foundation has real power over the colony, and it has the power to give orders of any kind except blood relatives. That is why it is possible to order that there are no human rights.

If it is good or evil, it is evil.

I can't say it out loud, but it could be evil.

"Then Amanda can do it, right?" Besides, Hayato lives on the system normally. Is the foundation doing something treacherous because it's evil? "

"... you're not doing it, are you?"

“Right? Even if Amanda's conquest of the world succeeds and the whole human race is brought into virtual reality, the foundation has turned into Amanda, and nothing else has changed. Besides, if you erase the memory of reality, there is no problem. Rather, you can have a better life without any illness or injury. How about that? I would never say it's good, but it's no betrayal if there's more happy people. Is Hayato here too?"

Hypnos smiles when he says that.

When I was told that, I thought it was fine, but Hayato shook his head to the side.

"No, it's weird in the first place, isn't it?"

"Is that right? What's wrong with you?"

"You're not talking about good and evil, are you? Let's talk about whether we can put it into virtual reality or not. I don't want to live in virtual reality alone. That's why it's incompatible with Amanda's idea. In the first place, it's going to destroy Diete-chan, so I can't accept it."

That said, Hayato stares at Hypnos.

After staring at each other for a few seconds, Hypnos laughed.

I don't think so. I thought I'd be able to go.

"You had a dream to build a coffee shop, but you didn't want to live in virtual reality alone, did you?"

"Why don't you do a coffee shop in virtual reality?"

"I've been told by Ditte, but I refused."

"By the way, that's right." I want to make the best cup I can. "

"... you know me well, don't you?"

“I've looked it up. Certainly, there are only five levels of flavor in this virtual reality, so isn't it boring as a hayato?"

"It's not boring or anything like that." I want Diete and Hypnos to taste the coffee I brewed. That way, you might understand my feelings-- "

After hearing the words, Hypnos blinked again and again. Hayato pulled it off a little.

Are you okay? It's not broken, is it?

"... I'm surprised the AI wants me to drink coffee." I thought it was Hayato. "

"I just can't explain the virtues of reality well." I just said that because I can't explain it in words. "

Hayato cut off his words there once, but his doubts remained.

Because being on Amanda's side also affects the future of Hypnos.

"Doesn't that mean that Hypnos has been under control for a long time?" Is that okay? "

"If you say it's good or bad, of course it's bad. But it didn't seem bad for Hayato to serve Amanda. If life goes on like this, even if Amanda controls it, it's not so bad."

Hayato is surprised, because he never dreamed that such a word would come out.

Regardless of Hypnos' recent behavior, he had previously behaved in a way that ignored the emotions of Ash and the others. It may be natural because it is an AI, but I didn't understand human emotions, I did.

And no matter what happened, I only had the idea that I should erase my memories, but now I'm talking about something much more human.

I just had more questions.

Is my life so interesting?

"I might not even notice it." Hayato brings many consequences just by being there. That's interesting. "

Just being there will do the trick?

"Didn't Dat tell you that the NPCs in this virtual reality are good people?"

The story suddenly changed, but Hayato nodded without pointing it out.

Virtual Reality - The people on board the spaceship are said to have excelled in each field. It was chosen one day to rebuild the world, and it was said that this was Noah's Ark.

"Amanda is one of them, but Hayat does not build a wall against it. It's always natural. That would be true of Diete and me."

"... maybe, but I don't think it's an interesting reason?"

"Too hasty to conclude. Well, it's just a report about me and Amanda and Nanagi, talking to just the three of us. I don't even know the sweets I like because I don't chat. I don't want to understand the other person, and I don't think I need to. It is subtle to say that we are friends simply because we have the same purpose as others.”

Hypnos cuts his words to the point. And then I smiled a little, and then I saw Hayato.

"Just a few days after Hayato arrived, there was more conversation between the three of them. Of course, reporting is the main thing, but Hayato's talk and chatter have also increased. Last night, after sending Hayato to his room, he came over for dessert after dinner, but apparently, he liked dumplings. I thought you said you didn't have my share."

It was difficult for Hayato to imagine. The image is too far apart from the sloth. If you like samurai, you may not be mistaken, but like Simon, you have the image of liking tangy tea and plum cheese.

Um, should I make it?

"I think you'll look disgusting, but do as you please." It doesn't matter, we can be said to have been able to get along humanely thanks to the normal and natural act of greeting and eating Hayato. It feels like a little bit of blood has passed through the inorganic relationship. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, and I don't know what the consequences are, but I think it's interesting. "

Not only is it interesting to have Hayato, but what happens when Hayato is present affects a lot of things. Hypnos said it was interesting.

"But that doesn't have to be me, right?" How much do you usually eat? "

“Hayato has the guts to do it in a dangerous situation where he can't log out. Besides, as I said earlier, Hayato is a natural being no matter who he is dealing with. Humans behave like that in front of people who are socially good or famous, right? Hayato doesn't have it. Neither do I, but I think Amanda likes it.”

I feel that it is said to be dull, but it is praised if it is said somewhat. Hayato decided to think so.

I'm not so worried when I'm told it's a dangerous situation in the first place. Near my body is Esha. Because I believe that if I don't log out, I will do something immediately.

I don't understand what Hypnos is saying, but since I was a salesman at work, I now try to treat all customers equally as the owner of a coffee shop. It may be affected by that.

That is what Hayato concluded.

And I somehow understand why Hypnos told me to put it on Amanda's side.

I want to see the changes that will occur in Hayato's presence.

Based on these, we decided to negotiate with Hypnos.

There is no danger to life, but there is no point in losing this event. In order for Esha and the others to fight in earnest, we need to tell them about our situation.

"I somehow understood what Hypnos meant by putting Amanda on me." I'd like to negotiate based on these circumstances. "

"Negotiations. Interesting. Let's hear it."

"I promise I won't get out of here, so why don't you tell Esha and the others about my situation?"

Hearing that, Hypnos looked dumbfounded.

"That's not negotiable."

"Huh? I see?" It would be more interesting if I were here, right? "

"There's no point in such negotiations because you can't escape in the first place." If you can escape, you can escape. "

"Ahh!"

Hayato cannot escape, much less escape. Then it won't be a negotiation.

"Hayato is a fool sometimes."

"No, not every once in a while." It's been taken hostage. "

When Hayato said so, Hypnos laughed in his belly as he erupted.

"That's right, not sometimes." Always. That's why. If you're the kind of guy who can cut his head, people won't like you this much. "

Is that a compliment?

"Of course I'm going to compliment you." It's not an apology... it's a thank you for making me laugh. I'll give you some information. "

Information?

I'm sure Esha and the others know that Hayato just can't log out.

"Huh? Could it be that Hypnos--"

“I didn't say anything. I don't think Ditte knows that either. But they know what happened to Hayato. It's speculation, though."

“Can I ask you why?”

"You better not know anything extra." Besides, it's better not to show any attitude to what Esha and the others know. If Amanda or Nagi found out about it, it would be troublesome. We're trying to get Hayato back. If you do extra things, you will fail. Just be quiet like the princess who was kidnapped by the demon king. "

Hayato remembered the old days when he heard the words.

Before, Esha asked me if I was going to be kidnapped by the Demon King. And I've said that I don't have such a plan.

Before that conversation, when I asked Esha what she would do if she went somewhere, she told me that wherever she was, I would bring her back.

At that time, I thought of Esha as an NPC, but I still remember being happy. And when Daté attacked me, Esha came to my aid.

Then I began to wonder if you would do something about it this time.

“Okay, then I guess I'll just wait here for everyone to come to my rescue.”

"You look so happy, don't you?" To tell you the truth, it's just speculation. Absolutely not. "

“Maybe so, but I thought I'd trust everyone when I heard the story. Thanks for the guesswork, Hypnos."

Hypnos looks complicated. You didn't expect to be thanked.

"It's strange to be human." Even though I looked anxious before, I just talked a little and my face blew off. I didn't expect you to take my word for it again. I'm worried about other people, right?

"Maybe because the roots are optimistic." Besides, when I heard the story, it seemed quite possible. Even if it was a Hypnos lie. "

"You believed Esha and the others, not my words." Excellent relationship of trust... oh, you've been talking too long. Let's go to Amanda's room. Looks like you're looking forward to breakfast, and if you're late, I'll be pissed off. ”

I didn't think I'd get angry, but I left the room with Hypnos without saying anything.

Then, walking down the long corridor, we arrived at Amanda's room.

As usual, I knocked and then got permission to go in.

Amanda was on the couch as usual, but today she's not lying down, she's sitting normally.

Oh, good morning.

Amanda told me before Hayato said hello. It seemed that Amanda was practicing the same greeting as Hypnos. Somehow it's not awkward.

“Good morning, I didn't expect you to say hello first.”

“I'm always growing. Well, that's fine. Sit down, everyone."

I'm sorry to say that to Amanda, but it's hard to agree when she says she can say hello and grow. Nevertheless, Hayato knew that he was working hard.

And there's a man who's surprised to see how it goes. It's a snapper.

The flapjack looked at Amanda, but when he sighed after trying to hide his face with his right hand, he turned a sharp gaze to Hayato from the gap between his fingers.

"Well, good morning."

I said that to Nanagi, but his gaze got even sharper and he didn't seem to want to return the greeting.

"You're the one who does all the extra stuff..."

Should I apologize?

"Is that incitement...?" I can't tell if it's vegetarian or not..... "

Nanagi sighed again and sat down on the chair.

Hayato and Hypnos also sat down.

Amanda sits on a sofa on the south side, with Hayato facing her, Nanagi on the west side, and Hypnos seating on the east side.

After everyone sat down, Amanda opened her mouth.

“Let's have breakfast and watch the event.”

"Ehh, even Nanagi...?"

When Hayato heard that, Nanagi sighed even more.

"I said no, but Amanda is too loud." I just decided it was quicker to eat. "

"It's fine. I'm not talking about getting along, I'm just going to watch an event while I eat." Now, Hayato, I'm sorry, but can I have some bacon eggs and toast today? ”

Roger that. What about Hypnos?

"I'll have a pizza toast and coffee."

Okay. Where's Nanagi?

Nanagi was quite struggling, but he opened his mouth to observe.

"I want rice balls with dried plum, salt-grilled sunma, and if possible, miso soup."

"You're reluctant to choose. I can make all of them from ingredients I have on hand, so I'll make them right away."

When Hayato says that, he immediately cooks the dish of his request.

And he shall make them all five stars, and shall set them before all men. Hayato made his own consommé soup with lots of vegetables.

And everyone including the nagis said, "I'll take it." Then I started eating.

Amanda and Hypnos are eating happily, but Nanagi is only eating with wrinkles between her brows. It doesn't taste bad, but I don't like the situation.

As Hayato looked at the members, he stabbed the potatoes in the consommé soup with a fork and carried them to his mouth.

After that, the silent time passes.

On the monitor, the battle for the event "Conflict" began.

The battlefield this time is the "Forest of the Immortal."

It was a forest with a mist house, and there were many Undead monsters. Like a mist, there are many NPCs who have become vampires with necromancy and live in a demon country. Of course, such people are allies of the old Demon King's army with Lunaria.

Unlike the area around the previous Deep Impact, there are many shielding objects. Hayato didn't even know what kind of battle it was going to be.

Will Nanagi not join the fight this time?

When Hayato hears that, Nanagi looks toward Hayato and squints a little.

"You and I are enemies, aren't we?" I can't answer that all the time. "

"You're eating breakfast I made for you?"

"... but I want to throw you out of the balcony right away... okay." Only the members of the Holy Demon Ten Swords were participating this time. I'm not joining. "

Why?

"Last time, the opponent was too weak." So I just wanted to check on the situation. ”

That's what Nanagi looked at the monitor.

"Besides, I don't have any of your friends, Esha Crown or Ash Brandle." We may be standing by as a backlog, but we won't be able to win by storing that firepower. I was wondering if there was another intention. "

"I was just asking a few questions, but can you tell me that much?"

"I just thought it was okay for you to know." Rather, if you know why it won't come out, why don't you tell me? "

I wonder if it's revenge, or if it's because Nanagi is provocative toward Hayato.

Of course, I don't know Hayato, but I do know what he thinks.

I'm worried and I can't really do it.

"I was afraid I could say it was worthwhile as a hostage."

Oh, but that's right, isn't it?

Amanda smiled and sandwiched her mouth. Then I put the last bacon in my mouth and chewed it.

Nanagi narrowed his eyes at Amanda.

"Do you know anything about it?"

"I don't know if it's Esha Crown or not, but I have a team to recapture Hayato from the Demon King Castle." The team won't fight in the event, and they're near the Demon King's Castle. ”

Hayato is surprised at Amanda's answer.

Why do you know that? Asserting is based on facts, not speculation.

Hypnos said that Esha and the others were planning something, but Amanda knew more.

Well, Amanda can see around the Demon King Castle?

"It's not like that." There are many secrets about women. But thank God you're trying to help Hayato. Well, I don't know what exactly is going on this time, so I'm more worried than I need to be. "

Hayato felt uncomfortable with Amanda's words.

Hypnos said they knew what was going on, but Amanda said they didn't. It's even more like someone asked me that.

I don't know what the situation is, but I'll take care of it by following Hypnos' advice not to show it on my face.

"Well, if that's the case, I'll have to thank everyone later." That's right, I have to thank you properly even if it's real... I guess I have to buy you a barbecue... "

"Reality... three days after Hayato arrived, I was surprisingly well." Even if I don't feel pain or hunger, my thoughts will be cut off due to lack of moisture, and my body will flutter. Is someone already caring for the real body? "

Anyway, Hayato has heard that if you don't drink a drop of water, it will be dangerous in a few days. Considering that, it must have been a dangerous situation on the third day, but it hasn't been a strange situation so far.

"I'm running a coffee shop, so I've given the shop keys to someone who can help me." I think you noticed that. ”

"That's right." Then your body will feel more secure. "

Amanda said that and flattened the rest of the breakfast happily.

You look so happy, don't you?

When Hypnos heard that, Amanda tilted her neck.

"Looking happy? Who?"

"Haven't you noticed? Your face was smiling like never before. Were you glad that Hayato didn't die?"

From a happy face, Amanda looked at Hypnos abhorrently.

“I just thought we'd be eating good food for a while. And sympathy means there's no need to let them get away. There's no other reason."

(Quick talk, huh...)

I know you're saying it quickly for the sake of shadows, but it's so pathetic that you find out too much. And Hypnos laughed as he tried to hold the eyebrows tightly with his fingers.

That said, Hayato is a little relieved. We have a team to rescue Hayato. I don't know the specific method, but if it's true that I'm doing some sort of plan, I thought I could wait with peace of mind.

"That's right, there was still a reason to be happy." While Hayato is being held hostage, they can't take it seriously. But I couldn't get into the Demon King's Castle, and there was no way to save Hayato. This is going to be the fastest way to win! "

Amanda said happily.

And I can say that it will be realized.

The undead monsters in the Forest of the Undead had attacked the old Demon King army. In the presence of the Ghost, Lunaria is always more of a pimp and loses faster than the previous day. It was as if I was going to fight for the future.