＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

Somewhere in□ the Kingdom

It was a space that was not in harmony with the room and furniture.

Walls and ceilings... the room itself is a simple prefabricated facility.

However, the furniture placed along the wall is made of wooden antiques, and the expensive bookshelves hold a number of valuable books.

The same was true for the desk, which was decorated with elaborate and large dollhouses.

…………

There is a teenage boy lying on a bed in the center of the room.

However, he rose from his bed, aware that the morning had been greeted by the sunlight streaming in through the window.

Start to change, putting on a yellow coat, a white coat and finally a black coat on top of your clothes.

Without worrying that his silhouette was distorted by too many layers, he picked up what was on the table and put it in his coat.

I opened the door to my room and went to the cafeteria where my companions were gathered.

"Oh, owners. Good morning."

"Yep. Oohaha. It's a nice day today, isn't it?"

“That's right, it's warmer than usual.”

Looking out the window, you can still see the "clouds at the same height as yourself" under the sunny weather today.

"I followed the passing clouds with my eyes..."

I hope nothing happens today.

[Storm King] Cadence, the owner of the Wellkin Alliance, said so.

◇

Over the Alter Kingdom, at an altitude of 2,000 meters.

Inside the cumulus clouds floating in the air, the facility... was an important hub for the Alliance, the Terminal Cloud.

An airborne base built on the foundations of Cadence's "Clouds as Floating Substance" bonus armament.

However, there was no architectural expert in the clan at the time of construction, and even if it was an outsourced craftsman, it had never been built in the clouds, so the base itself was made easy.

In the first place, the disadvantage of having an empty base is much greater.

"Exposed to the threat of powerful monsters living in the air at 46 o'clock", "There are no saving points to return to", "If you don't bring food from the ground, you won't have enough water" and so on. If you count them, you will need two fingers.

And the advantages are small compared to the disadvantages.

Advertising (commercial) is a few things. Having a base that stays in the air enhances confidence in the concept of "air transportation", which was declining in the world, and leads to work.

But it's also the disadvantage of 'members must always be packed for defense'.While the members are trying to fly and quest, they are at the answering machine.

"Hey, do you know ~?"

A round table in the cafeteria with more members than usual and a core of members.Cadence talks to his peers as they crunch around the baked goods on the plate.

With the exception of the sub-owner's reef, the fellows are as thick as they are stationed in a polar base.Due to the poor construction of the facility, the insulation of the walls is weak at altitude.

It should be noted that even in such a space, the leaf is similar to a folk costume with exposed skin.

"This baked goods (Langdosha) means' cat's tongue 'in French."But the German "cat's tongue (Katzenzungen)" sweets are chocolate sweets.I wonder why there are different types of sweets, but they all have the same name. "

“Not because people in Europe really wanted to eat their cat's tongue!”

Maybe.

Members laugh at the interaction between the owner and the sub-owner.

The owners' misconduct is the usual thing in the Werkin Alliance.

However, due to the wartime, normal transportation operations have stopped, so everything is not as usual.

“By the way, owner! Is it okay to eat sweets cheerfully?”

What do you mean?

“The first day is over, but we're not doing anything![Demon General] and Figaro fought!What should we do! "

"It was our job!""Cadence replied to the troubled reef without changing the way she spoke.

"Isn't it okay?" The destruction of the "Fort" was confirmed, and no matter who gets in, the score will be scored.Now the war is one point ahead of the kingdom. "

Facilities in the Neutral Zone, where both heads of state are isolated, have scoreboards linked to the destruction of the flags.

The information obtained there is transmitted to the participants of both countries via communication.

"It's only advantageous!"But it's strange! I heard from the previous information that the kingdom is disadvantaged! "

Anyway, the total number of semi- and supermasters is more than double the number of imperial powers.

Therefore, if the < Master > is the main force in the war, the kingdom will be disadvantaged by the difference in numbers.

Isn't the balance adjusted?

“Balance?”

"Probably. I don't want a one-side game of the Empire anywhere."I wonder if you're pulling a lot of legs. "



I don't think you want to win the kingdom just because you don't like one-side games.

Cadence muttered something like that while looking at the sky somewhere far away... in the direction of the day after tomorrow.

"Besides, it's more exciting to be close to anything in sports, and there are more interesting scenes to watch."They say drama is something to make. "

"Sport is an unwritten drama!" I understand! "

(...... I'm saying that there's a script)

Cadence was a little worried about the sub-owner, who apparently could not read the intentions contained in the story.

(Well, I'm also selling, so I can't really say that.What? You don't want a case to be settled lightly, whether it's a managed AI or a Cardina... or something)

This is what Cadence heard from a real acquaintance.

There is a management AI that tends to encourage the evolution of Embrio, and there is a cardina that wants to harm other countries.Either way, this war will be long, flashy, and more damaging.

Therefore, there is a high probability of invisible interference.

(I was told to gather as much information as possible.I haven't even fought this much... and I don't even want to fight...)

Cadence sighs.

"Honestly, you wanted me to stop fighting wars."We'll be late for work.I have to respond to your request. "

"I see. The big job has stopped, too."NPC (customer) access is restricted. "

"Even if you just move the field, it's a 'Wranker'!'and eyes are set on it. I was shot from the ground yesterday. "

"However, I don't have the time to stop my normal work."It's 30 times the time at the corner, so I was wondering if I could attend the event. "

Cadence's stupidity was followed by voices of general agreement among the members.

In addition, although Werkin Alliance was the top four clan in the kingdom, it was not the main clan in the fight.

Large-scale high-speed transport and passenger operations are the main commercial clans.

Unlike other games, the so-called Transfer Gate and Fast Travel are significantly restricted. In Infinite Dendrogram, air transport is the most advanced mode of transportation.

However, travelling through the sky, a habitat of powerful monsters, is just as risky as the sea being hit by the ambush of giant water monsters, and high flight and combat power are essential.

Nevertheless, all air and passenger personnel of the Wellkin Alliance meet these conditions and are granted air passage rights.

Well, we earned money before the war.

They can make a lot of money on their regular business because air flights to other countries move quite a lot of money at a time.In terms of air transportation, the presence of item boxes is associated with significantly more traffic and greater profits than on Earth.

In particular, after the last war, before this war, a large number of requests from bourgeois people who wish to escape to other countries, and on the contrary, merchants who see it as a business opportunity, are making a lot of money.

"If the Kingdom continues, I don't have to be troublesome, so I want to win. Even so, I'll still miss my normal work."

"Then I wish I hadn't entered the" tournament "with the desire for perks and weaponry!"The owners were participants, so they were forced to participate! "

"Just the right thing to do."

Cadence won the tournament on the seventh day of the tournament.

Benefits Weaponry has also been successfully acquired.

For this reason, neither Cadence nor I refused to participate in the war itself.I am troubled.

"I mean, the estimated characteristic is' warp '."even as a transport clan..... "

It was more about thinking about the danger of being deprived of a share of the perk than about getting it for myself.

In addition, the actual [UBM] is [Warp?It was a substitute for '.

Although it was useful and the share was not taken away, as a cadence, I felt that it was "different from what I thought".

In addition, members who agreed with the foolishness were also participants in the "tournament".

Speaking of which, Reef hasn't played in the tournament yet, has he?

When I asked the subowner who was still seriously questing during the "Tournament" why he was in the war...

"I am the Crusade Ranker of the Kingdom!"This is not the place to do your best! "

A motivated answer came back.

Some applause goes out to sub-owners such as the privatization of the positive sports club system, and members say, "I feel the sun..." and "Mr. Reef won't change at this time."

Cadence nods, not saying anything in particular to what she says.

Cadence is in charge of the clan, but someone as motivated as her would be a good lead.

I can't leave it to the owner because I don't like the idea of profit.

"So the owner!" I'd like to do my best!Let's go patrol again! "

"If I'm free, I think that's fine."I think there's a request for backup at some point, so please stand by. "

"Reinforcements?"

"Here. It seems that the owner of the apparent despiri has been seriously injured, and other damage is being done."Take it to the owner who can treat it, or the other way around.Either way, we're a relatively safe way to get around.That's why I'm waiting for an air transport request. "

Upon hearing Cadence's words, the members are convinced, “So you've reduced the number of sentries and gathered them at the base.”

If we were to escort important people, we wouldn't have much of an escort force.

”... I wonder if I can get an extra reward from Despiri”

"Owner! Isn't that a bit cheap?"You'll get a reward for your hard work! "

"Savings are important." Savings are comparable to even quasi-savings.... well, I lost to the [super] that I saved.Even though Seraeno is a bad hobby, she's strong... "



The second half was a little solitary, so the reefs didn't hear it.

Cadence reassures herself by putting her hands together and talking about different topics.

"Well, the main members are gathered, so I think I'll ask them while I'm at it."What if the Kingdom loses the war? "

It's not even my fate!

“Important. Important.Risk management. Actually, I'm thinking of relocating to another place if the Empire wins. "

"That's right. If the Empire were up there, the limit would be tight."The top clan over there is too intertwined with the country. "

"Because public funds are a back-to-back match."

Leave the leaf unprofitable and consult with Cadence and the members.

"What are the candidates for relocation? Is it too much for Caldina because she's crushed all the interests there?"

“The main thing that crossed the continent was Cardina, which held the desert route, and then Gran Baloa, which was far away.That's where we came in, and it affected the market share.It's no wonder I'm resented. ”

"If that's what you're going to say, then there's only Legendary in the world or the Yellow River."No matter where you are at the edge of the east or west, you can continue to do business. "

"No, Legendary is a bit... there are people who don't want to be in the same country..."

"It's unusual for the owner to avoid people explicitly."Who do you think? Because the thick coat will be peeled off, so is it Bulk Volcan? "

"I'm not a forced exposed person, but..."... that country is not limited to specific individuals, but rather not scary?I've been doing transportation work many times, but is there any disturbing air? "

"" "Indeed." "

Not only the core members, but also the other members, are joining us and talking about the future of the clan.

Um! I was wondering!

Then, the leaf, which was slightly outside the mosquito net, raised its hand.

What is it?

What are we going to do about this (...)?

"Ahh..."

In the words of the reef, the members looked at the wall of the terminal cloud.

If you want to relocate to another country, you can sell off your home base on the ground, but this will change again.

It is an airborne base, so there will be a limited number of people available. There is no buyer.

"Do you want to tow them? Take turns transporting them and we'll manage."The owner and the reef can take it alone. "

It stands out, and if you go through the desert at this facility, you'll be able to spot Cardina.

"Isn't it okay to break this place and rebuild it over there?"The foundation will be ready as soon as the owner consolidates the clouds.Besides, there are members of the architectural staff who are raising their job level, and they can do better than this. "

"Huh!? Such an idiot!"There's attachment here!? "

"But Mr. Reef, to be honest, I don't feel comfortable living here."Let's make it more comfortable. ”

There was an exchange of views among the members on the handling of this facility, but the owner, Cadence, did not speak out.

Still, after a few minutes of talking, he said, "What do you think of the owner?"He asked me..."

"I'm fine with rebuilds."The clouds won't be a problem in the east either.Well, it's easier if the Kingdom wins the war and keeps using it.In that case, I was also in favor of renovating the facility.Otherwise, we'll have enough safety commercials, and we'll have to make it just a ground base. "

and replied suddenly.

The reef said, "Owner! You should take care of things!"He was angry, but the other members had some doubts.

Wasn't it the owner who strongly recommended the construction of this facility? ', and

We have acquired the Perk Weapon to fortify the clouds and built an airbase.

In addition, he also played many of the dormant roles in maintaining the facility.

"I'm not good for airlift, and I'm not good for charging Embrio," he said, "but it must have been a very pleasant experience to stand alone on top of this cold sky."

He easily admits to the destruction of the facility he has maintained so far.

The members thought about the reason for the change of heart and concluded that "it was harder to maintain than expected, so they wanted to stop."

At such a timing, the magic communication device suddenly sounded.

"Ah, that's an example of a request for backup?"This is the Welkin Alliance. Is it a request for airlift?... eh? "

It was Cadence who started the communication, but the members noticed that it was a little strange.

Cadence only listened to the communication partner for a minute, but finally cut the communication by saying, "Thanks for the information."

――――

There was no joy in his expression after the correspondence, nor was he frustrated.I don't have the feeling that it's troublesome.

It was just expressionless.

There was a mechanical expressionlessness there, like a 3D model with a disappearing facial expression pattern.

It's the first time I've seen any of the members in this room.

"Owner...?"

Cadence stopped expressionlessly and smiled bitterly as Reef spoke worriedly.

"No, I'm cumming." Imperial flying squadrons are coming to attack here. "

Huh!?

Seriously, owner!

"No lie, it's a direct message from the King's City." - Preparing to Intercept "

In response to Cadence's words, members rise from their chairs.

"Find the enemy in confidence." I also explored the airflow manipulation so that even the opponent with camouflage and signal blocking would not miss it.After discovery, you'll always have the Fall Special Skill.The slugs were aimed at the Guardian or the Servant that didn't fall.Slides inhibit enemy action.The other members are on the scene, following Fall's command. "

Roger

The members responded to Cadence's instructions.

There is no air there that has been wasted and relaxed.

Cadence's gaze then shifts to the sub-owner.

"Reef"

Yes!

"Ruin (...) Nice to meet you"

Roger that!

Reef understands Cadence's simple request as a matter of course.

Everyone in the clan knows that Leaf can do it.

"Ahh. And in the meantime, I'll put my personal belongings back in my belongings box."This facility will be dismantled as soon as it flows.Let me know if there are any members who are not here.

Members can only laugh bitterly at Cadence's ridiculously joking advice.

As a result, the members move to prepare for the interception and to notify the members outside the cafeteria and on patrol, leaving a cadence in the cafeteria.

His lonely expression turned expressionless again.

([This is where the treasure is stored], right?)

Earlier communication partners... according to information from Luke in the King's capital, Cadence's heart was not at peace.

(Is it the result of guessing from the surrounding situation that the Empire came to that idea, or did someone else pass on the information?Either way, we'll be sure to fight.Troublesomely....)

"... hmm? Battle sure (...)...? No way... is that so?"... you can do it, already... "

Muttering in a very troubled tone, Cadence also moved to intercept.

While doing so, he was expressionless... and didn't even open his mouth.

To be continued