＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

□ ■ January 2004

New Year's Eve in 2045.

It would have been a season and a memorable time for many.

It is time to celebrate the New Year for those who had not yet begun < Infinite Dendrogram >. Many of them were sparring for their current impending college entrance exams, including Lingji Tsubaki.

For users of < Infinite Dendrogram >, there were also delightful events such as increasing the occurrence of monsters that included a large amount of experience (resources) in the New Year event.

But at a time when there was such a New Year's aftertaste, there was an event that was not pleasant… and inevitable.

That was an incident between two kingdoms: the Kingdom and the Empire.

It is a declaration of war by the Empire to the Kingdom….

A military invasion of a kingdom that has cut itself off by an empire starved by repeated heinous assassinations.

It was also observed on the Kingdom side that it was about three days away from arming up in the country, forming an army and invading from the former Lunnings territory. It is highly probable information that has been confirmed by [Daiwei] and domestic intelligence.

In doing so, on this day Eldor Zeo Alter, king of the Kingdom of Alter, recruited a prostitute.

It was directed at all those who worried about this predicament, without distinction between Tian and the Master, … on the contrary, it was the opposite of the Empire, which promised a high reward to the Master.

Consequently, the response was particularly dull for the < master > known as the playwright.

Even for the worlds, many gave priority to defending their hometowns from the confusion of war over participation, and as a result fewer people participated on the kingdom side.

Above all, there was not a single participant from < Super > … [Tripolar Dragon Gloria] who completed the crusade.

◇

In the evening, in the open terrace of a coffee shop on the corner of the Wang Capital, where the sun was about to set, a whole dressed animal was seated.

The person in the raccoon's dress is reading the evening paper with the ordered tea in one hand.

That wasn't the biggest newspaper in the kingdom, or that < DIN >, but it's famous for its dry, critical articles.

…………

The content of that evening's newspaper, if I told you so, was a rebuttal of the < three giants >.

First of all, [the Pope] on the occasion of this < War >, he demanded an unprecedented right on a massive scale in consideration of his participation in the war with himself.

However, the negotiations broke down without the Kingdom's side drinking this, without any promises of compensation to the general < master >, and without a breaking of the month and night of the dependency.

The article disputes its proficiency doctrine.

With regard to this, I was convinced that the wearer was' 10% true '. "That's what that female fox does," he said. In fact, it was when [Gloria].

But to add, it was decided that there would be no ban on participation in the war with regard to those who wished to participate individually among the < masters > of the < lunar meeting >.

Although it is a religious group, unexpectedly, it is more liberal.

In other words, the doctrine is, "Sing your freedom in a free world, as your soul goes". There's no way to limit it until you protect it.

The next article is about [Superfighter] Figaro.

When a reporter from this newspaper asked about his intention to join the war, it says he was turned down as' not interested in cluttered battles'.

The article scolds that [superfighters] are only in duels and solo fights, and that they are reckless combat fanatics who prefer to fight.

"... it's not even off the hook."

But if you try wearing it to know the truth, you're somewhat short of words.

Wearing Guru was in the place where Figaro was interviewed.

Actual interactions include:

"Mr. Figaro, are you going to participate in the War?

"... I won't"

"Why! This is the opportunity to show the world your strength......!

"I'm not interested. Besides, enemy allies, most importantly, in a messy battle between Tian and < Master >... I'm sure it won't help."

…………

It was such an interaction. The article shrinks the wording, but it's not that uneven as a word.

However, reporters seem to have interpreted the intent of the shrunken words as' I'm not interested in cluttered battles, and it doesn't help (my), 'but it's actually not.

Firstly, a situation in which enemies and allies are disturbed. This sharpens Figaro's prowess that 'you can only fight solo' a lot.

Plus, 'Tian and < Master > get in trouble' sucks.

Because...... Figaro has never killed (...) Tian before (...).

Unless you come back from death, such as the opponent or the duel stage, he won't kill Tian.

But this isn't just for him, it's not uncommon for a worldly < master >.

The exchange of life is more of an issue with Tian in the daily routine than it is with Infinite Dendrogram.

Many of them even feel repellent about killing monsters and devote themselves to production or retire.

In other words, in "You can't fight solo, you still have Tian mixed with your opponent," you can't fight Figaro at all, either physically or psychologically.

When he said 'useless' he meant himself, which is nothing else.

Nor can it be compelled that the reporter misunderstood. I would never have dreamed < super > that the dueling king would affirm that 'I am useless', etc. If you don't know his faults, you're still here.

In fact, if you join us, you could even be picked up by a miscellaneous soldier.

If he can show strength in War, it's just a case of "He can fight alone" and "There are only enemies".

But at least this < war > wasn't in that format.

"Well, and."

And the end of the article was about [Destroyer King].

The article touched on the message received from [Destroyer King] for each newspaper, publishing the message.

- I don't want to inadvertently expose my face by attending (a massive event).

- I don't go to war.

That was the message from [Destroyer King].

The article explains that it declared that it would not participate in the war in order to continue to cover itself up, which is “unidentified".

It is scattered down about it: 'A prominent wandering son of a bitch who made such a declaration while hiding', 'He's really weak but he's hiding because he's afraid it'll find out' and 'Wasn't it the spill of the other two even when [Gloria]'?

The article is more harsh than the other two, I guess, because unlike Figaro, the head of the giant organization, the Dependent Moon Night or the dueling king, the reality of [the Destroyer King] is as uncertain.

…………

Such a curse against the [Destroyer King] is followed with his eyes as if he had no particular idea - [Destroyer King] Shu Sterling himself.

It was as if he felt nothing to be criticized by others.

Or…….

"I searched."

Unexpectedly, I can call from behind.

When Shu shook off, there was a huge hamster...... a domouse that was the whole of the managed AI and the pet of the third princess.

He is one of the few in the kingdom to know who Shu is, the [Destroyer King].

"Hey, Dormouth. Long time no see Kumar. For what, Kumar?

In contrast, Shu asked Hikiin somewhere, as he always did.

"It's not me, it's Theresia I need you for"

That's what Dawmouth said, taking out crystal balls, a type of magic item for communication with polarity, from within his body hair.

From there, I hear a young girl.

"Hissing, Shu"

"... like"

One day, the two voices were no longer leaking outside Shu's seat.

Or maybe a doe mouse beside him is hitting his hand.

"So, what are you kumar for again?

"Shinbun shaggy tegami, is that really what Shu did?

"Oh. You can't fool every newspaper because you don't have to check with me to make sure it's in the True and False Judgment, right? I mean, just check with the Dormouth, I'm sure. '

'Right...... But Shu was afraid of exposing Kao, so he didn't feel like a shrug. "

Theresia, who knows who Shu is, is not going to contest his non-participation in the War.

It's just that he sent a doe mouse to ask questions about his sincerity to wording that doesn't look like him.

'Really?

'Yeah...... If you did, you wouldn't have had Shu in any of the jikens that Shu was involved in, would you?... That's even Ziken with Zex'

'... that's it, I just batted him and the other side'

Shu exhaled, remembering so much that he was missing with his fingers on both hands.

"As you can see, I wasn't afraid to expose my face. No, maybe a little. Whatever, I'm not sure about your face, Kumar. '

…………

Shu put it that way, but Theresia just returned the silence.

Therefore, Shu also had difficulty settling back and continued with a slightly more serious voice.

Either way, there's no hope of entering the war. But if you don't keep the sweet prospect of me coming to help you, the damage could be bigger. Then I just thought I'd declare it first because I didn't look good. "

"Really, what liyuu can't sanka?

Theresia was convinced that Shu could not participate (...) for any reason, rather than not of his own volition.

In contrast to her like that, now Shu has been silent for a while... cutting out words.

"... because the love letter arrived, right"

Back to back with that word...... Shu inside the dressing goose looked horribly serious.

"Love letter? From who?

"............... Dormouse, read instead"

That's what Shu said and took a single letter out of the item box.

The letter, which would have been gripped strongly, had become gushagusha, but it was possible to read it.

Dormouth stood cleverly on three legs and received it with one of his forelegs and began to read it.

"Dear Mr. Shu Sterling................!

Before proceeding to read in words, Dormouse was stunned after the string with his eyes.

It was stunning enough.

Here's what it says there.

◆

Dear Mr. Shu Sterling,

At the time of writing this letter, they say there will be a < war > between the kingdom and the empire in five days.

We know that Shu will go to war to defend the kingdom, whatever Shu wants.

So six hours before the beginning of the war, we will raid what Shu or Shu protects.

If Shu is in a kingdom position, he will target those in that position.

If Shu is challenging the Single Empire, he will target the absent King's Capital.

If Shu is deathpenalty or logged out, he will destroy the kingdom's cities in turn until he returns.

And if Shu is somewhere far from home, he will aim for Shu himself.

I don't care where you are.

Wherever you are, this I (...) move, as I foretold.

At this point in time, in this situation now, we can fight Shu to the end.

Shu will fight for real now, won't he?

So this I, now, challenge Shu.

Wherever Shu is then, I will always try.

If it comes true, I pray it is the most desirable form.

Sincerely

[King of Crimes] Zex Wurfel

◆

That's the most causal < master > to him.

[King of Crimes] It was a - fulfillment letter (love letter) from Zex Würfel.

◆ ◆ ◆

■ < Cruella Mountains >

It is the border between the Kingdom of Alter and Cardina, < Cruella Mountains >.

It was a prolific area of bandits targeting traders.

Built deep in the mountains, the mountain villa was the root castle of those bandits... but there are only two of them there now.

The sitting bandits had been lightly killed by both of them.

There is no particular reason. Two people who were moving around the mountains avoiding the eyes found the mountain villa, and the bandits who were sitting there took hostilities and were only instantly annihilated. I can also say that I was unlucky.

"... are you really motivated, Zex"

One of the two was a man not so tall in a gray fashion suit and trench coat and a gangsta hat.

Gangsta - Man of the Hat...... [Vessel God] Rascal the Black Onyx keeps his back in the pillars of the mountain villa and asks the other as he turns something like a gear in his hand.

Another man with dark hair, dark eyes and mediocre outfits... [Crime King] Zex Wurfel replied with a smile, "Yes".

"I apologize to Mr. Rascal for taking me to the kingdom to persuade you, but this will of mine is solidifying"

A little irritated by that response, Rascal continues his conversation as he turns his gear again.

"Our home base, [Tetra Gramaton], is not finished yet. Even members are soliciting [soul sales] (fifth person), and there are not many support members. Coalition with [Reaper] has just begun. It's dawn time, we are."

Together they belong to one clan… < IF > which consists only of criminals of < super >.

Besides, he was its owner and sub-owner.

This is an important time right after the start of the clan.

Even so, Zex, the owner, is trying to prioritize his personal feelings over his clan.

"Right. But couldn't you have done it when it came to the home base?

"It's just Gawa. I don't have an operator to operate all those giant battleships in small numbers, and I can't find a high-performance operator after fishing for civilized relics from earlier periods. Anyway, there are a lot of cases where you become < UBM > with your self."

"Can't you substitute in Mr. Rascal's makina?

Upon Zex's inquiry, Rascal glanced at the gear in his palm and shook his head.

"Naturally, I use this guy who is also a coupling for control. But my deus ex maquina only connects (...). If there's no connecting thing, there's no point. If you want to function as a high-performance operator, you need the operator itself. That's why he should have dived into one of the most massive < ruins > in Cardina soon. It will be a big job. I was going to ask Zex to help me, too."

"I'm sorry about that. But I've already made up my mind."

Even if Rascal said 'we need Zex's help', Zex would never respond.

Because it's so important to Zex.

"Why are you setting me up now? Our purpose and the benefits when it is achieved. You never forgot, did you? It's only a risk now, but it can disappear in the future."

"Yeah. Sure. I'm aware of this, too."

Nodding at Rascal's words, but Zex still does not bend his will.

"But perhaps there are opportunities for Shu to fight for us for real... not so many"

To the words, Rascal is astonished.

"... you were out of touch with Zex?

"I guess I was doing my best. But I'm sure you've never fought for the purpose of defeating me (...)"

As he looks back at his memories, Zex closes his eyes and continues his words.

"Ever since Mr. Teresia, this I've been nothing but the aftermath of a case he was sometimes involved in. There has always been a priority over defeating me."

Two people who have been involved, who have been in contact, hostile, and fighting together.

But I've never bumped right out of the front at one time.

Because each of their purposes was slightly uneven from the other.

"So now"

"... I see,"

Rascal immediately understood and was convinced of Zex's words.

"Create a situation where you have to defeat me now, now, before the war. Then you will fight to defeat me."

Even if we simply put terrorism out there to engage, Shu might avoid a confrontation and solve it.

But now that the kingdom itself cannot afford anything, now that the kingdom is in such a state of tension that even a little terrorism is not about to collapse, it's a different story.

If it strikes the kingdom's armies heading to the battlefield and strikes the rear city... it will shake even the kingdom's defensive line and bring in a devastating defeat in War.

If Shu tries to minimize the damage, he has no choice but to fight and defeat Zex.

"Do you mind if I become a death penalty and take the risk of being sent to“ prison ”?

"Yes."

"Do you mind if I throw out the clan I created?

"Yes."

In response to Rascal's inquiry, Zex responds only with affirmation.

"But...... I want more than others conveniently. Isn't that us?

"... right"

If you say so, there's no word to give back.

Because their common purpose of forming a partisan party to exchange money is, in the end, nothing more than an aid for the purpose for which each of them held it.

Rascal and I are playing this < Infinite Dendrogram > because we have something to do.

"I'm sorry, but you might be left to run the clan for a while"

"Well said. Clerical. Management of the lower organization would have almost thrown it at me before it was formed...... Huh. Well, fine. Ok.... I owe you one, including Emily's. I'll keep it together while Zex's away."

Rascal exhaled one sigh, but respected Zex's will and approved of his risky deeds.

"But leave a letter for Zeta before you go. Without that, it looks like a May fly later. Worst case scenario, I'm being pushed into internal division."

"Yeah, okay."

To Rascal, who said so with a bitter smile, Xex also responds with a smile.

"... if you lose. I don't know what“ prison ”looks like, but come back within a year in this time. Be ready by then."

"You think this guy can get me out of jail?

"Oh. Even if you have a failure - it's not impossible (...), is it?

In response to Rascal's remarks, Zex responds silently.

But that face was still... smiling.

"Go, my lord, if that's what you want."

"Yes. I'm coming"

So Zechs began to walk toward the king's capital where Shu was, and Rascal turned his back on Zechs on his way back to Cardina.

As soon as they broke up here, they haven't been reunited until the time before the second War.

But we didn't even think this was the last of each other.

To be continued