Following its transfer to Mynoghra, Dragontan has developed into a startling city. Through the spread of the religion that deifies Takuto Ira’s pioneering efforts as a god—commonly known as Iraism—the city itself is expanding with astonishing speed and a distinct character.
The city hall, the administrative heart, was wrapped in a solemn atmosphere for the first time in ages.
This was because today, Ira Takuto, the leader of Mynoghra, was scheduled to hold a conference with a certain individual.
That individual was a "Hero"—in other words, someone likely connected in some way to the Demon Lord’s army and the RPG faction.
What could possibly be their reason for attempting contact with Mynoghra?
If it were merely a ruse or foolishness, they could have simply breathed a sigh of relief, dismissing it as unfounded worry.
But that this was not the case was evident from the fact that Takuto had agreed to this audience.
Yet, the overcast sky seemed to ominously hint at the uncertain path ahead.
◇ ◇ ◇
In Dragontan’s reception room, the very place where the Brain Eater had once carried out a gruesome slaughter, Takuto and Atou now stood facing the man and woman who had requested an audience.
A certain tense, heavy atmosphere hung in the meeting room.
As if forcefully dispelling that oppressive mood, the man spoke up, having made up his mind.
"Ah, sorry to bother you like this! I never thought you’d be the first person to actually meet me. Umm, should I call you the King of Mynoghra? Well, even if I’m talking to a king, I’m not really used to formal language, so just bear with me, okay?"
"...It's fine, really."
The man spoke flippantly, appearing to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. About the same age as Takuto, or perhaps one year older—it was certainly close.
At first glance, he seemed like an utterly unremarkable young man, with nothing particularly noteworthy about him. But his distinctive appearance clearly indicated that, like Takuto, he was a player.
(Now that I think about it, this is probably the first time I’ve seen another player in person. Looking at him like this, he doesn’t seem that different from me, but I wonder if he’s also some kind of top player related to Brave Questus?)
He wore a distinctive student uniform, with black eyes and black hair. An unfamiliar design, yet one that was relatively common in his own world.
At his waist hung a sword that appeared to be from Brave Questus.
While the possibility of some form of disguise had been considered initially, the "Failure" hiding in the ceiling possessed the ability to see through such things, and no warning had come.
The air was heavy with the gravity of the place.
Forcing a decision, the man spoke, breaking the silence.
"Uh, sorry to barge in like this! I really didn't expect to meet you right off the bat. So, uh, King of Mynoghra works, right? Sorry, I'm not used to talking to kings, so don't expect any fancy language or anything!"
"...That's fine."
The man spoke with a casual, almost flippant tone. He looked to be around seventeen or eighteen—about the same age as Takuto, maybe a year older, but certainly not far off.
To all appearances, he was an utterly unremarkable young man, but his distinctive look made it clear that he, too, was a player.
(Come to think of it, this is the first time I've seen another player in person. Looking at him now, he doesn't seem that different from me. I wonder if he's also some kind of top-tier player related to Brave Questus?)
He wore a distinctive school uniform, with black hair and black eyes. The design was unfamiliar, yet something you'd see commonly enough in his home world.
At his hip was a sword that appeared to belong to Brave Questus.
While the possibility of it being a disguise had initially been considered, the "Failure" hiding in the ceiling possessed the ability to see through such things, and no warning had been issued.
Unless an extremely high-level or unusual ability is being used, the person before me is almost certainly who they claim to be, just as I am myself.
"Takuto, that is the individual in question, without a doubt."
Atou, sitting beside Takuto on the sofa and making no effort to hide her alert posture, reported to him via telepathy, her voice audible only to him.
When the preliminary report came in that a person calling themselves a hero was requesting an audience, Takuto had already formed a rough idea. It was the outsider who had suddenly intruded upon the battle between the Demon Lord and the twin sisters during the conflict with the Brave Questus Demon Lord's army. That man.
Having learned of this man's mannerisms and appearance through Atou's senses, Takuto was now convinced that this man was a player of Brave Questus—that is, from an RPG faction.
Therefore, Takuto had accepted this meeting, and was now present with the utmost caution. So much so that he had made thorough preparations to ensure that, even if the other party attempted violence, not a shred of harm would reach Takuto himself.
"I will observe the other party's actions for now. If anything is needed, I will give instructions via telepathy as needed, so for the moment, please remain on guard but silent."
"Understood. Should anything occur, please give your command immediately."
Once the brief exchange with his subordinate was completed within a timeframe the other party would not find suspicious, Takuto set about attempting what could be called a first peaceful contact with another player in this world.
"Well then, first allow me to express my gratitude for you coming all the way into our territory. I am Takuto Ira, the leader of Mynoghra. Would it be easier to understand if I say I am an SLG player?"
He was honestly not very skilled at role-playing as a king. Moreover, he felt he had recently been too forthcoming in front of the Dark Elves, so maintaining a formal demeanor was something he hadn't done in ages. However, a certain level of tension gave an imposing air to the other party, and it was actually easier to maintain without letting his guard down too much and risking a slip.
With such intent, the King of Ruin spoke, and it seemed he had successfully seized the initiative against his guest. The fact that the other party had refused to enter the Great Cursed Realm but agreed to an audience in a conference room—an abnormal accommodation for a ruling king—appeared to have been sufficiently explained away for now, which was a relief.
"A-ah! No, well, sorry about this. Getting a meeting on such short notice. I'm not really used to this kind of atmosphere! I guess I'm technically an RPG player? Name's Yū Jingūji. My surname is a bit tricky, so just call me Yū. Nice to meet you!"
"That depends on what we discuss next. Now, Yū Jingūji, RPG player. You and I should, by our very origins, be anything but friendly toward each other. Could you tell me how you came to desire such an opportunity, and the circumstances behind it?"
Hero or not, the other party was from an RPG faction.
In other words, the Demon Lord's army he had defeated in the previous battle also fell within the bounds of his system.
If so, they were clearly enemies, currently at war, and moreover, the hostilities had been unilaterally initiated by the other side...
Even understanding this, the fact that he had come here of his own volition was an incomprehensible situation.
But in that last battle against the Demon Lord's army, at its final stage, he had assisted the Elful sisters, albeit in an unwanted manner.
The relationship between the Demon Lord's army and heroes was never friendly.
He was not in a position to summon and command subordinates like a King of Ruin.
That single point was the reason Takuto had chosen to dialogue with him.
So, what kind of words would come out now?
Even for Takuto, who had experienced various situations in "Eternal Nations" and other games, this kind of exchange was a first.
Whether to clash or to join hands, nothing could begin without first grasping the other's stance.
"Um, that is... um..."
But contrary to expectations, Yū only stammered.
It seemed the intimidation had been a bit too effective. Had he been too wary of the other party? Or was it an act?
Perhaps if they shared a similar origin, they weren't accustomed to this kind of rough dealing or negotiation?
Several predictions raced through his mind in an instant, and just as he was about to open his mouth to offer a lifeline from his side—
"The Master is nervous! Um, do your best, Master!"
"O-oh! Thanks!"
The girl who had been silent beside him until a moment ago raised her voice in encouragement.
She was seated opposite Atou, who happened to be sitting right next to Takuto.
Trying not to be noticed, Takuto observed the girl, who until moments ago had, in a sense, given off no presence at all.
(……This is rather strange attire, isn't it?)
A single girl. Her age was just a bit younger than the Hero's. Dressed in rags and wearing a collar, her appearance was that of a slave, yet she sat on the sofa as if it were the most natural thing in the world, maintaining a closeness to Yuu.
The relationship seemed too intimate for a mere master and slave. Rather than that, she felt more like one of Takuto's own trusted confidants—the sort one would describe as a right-hand companion.
(If that's the case, why is she dressed like this? Well, the accessories do seem to be of some quality…)
Adorned on both hands and wrists were several ornaments, likely magical tools or some form of equipment. While they appeared substantial, her disregard for proper clothing was puzzling. Unlike Yuu, she carried no weapons, which also struck Takuto as slightly odd.
A sense of unease came first, but it was premature to jump to conclusions with insufficient information.
However, since the Hero himself was employing her, there was no reason to lower his guard.
In any case, he wanted more material to go on; for now, observation was key.
Fortunately, it seemed the slave girl's words of encouragement had reignited Yuu's courage.
Gone was his earlier, somewhat cowed demeanor. Now, he regarded Takuto with a sharp, serious expression full of resolve.
"This time, my proposal to the King is a single, simple thing—join forces with us, and help us stand against that Succubus."
This time, it was Takuto's turn to feel cowed as Yuu finally broached the main topic.
(Stand against… huh. A welcome offer, but it raises even more questions…)
Takuto twisted his face in response to Yuu's proposal. Yuu, perhaps understanding that his proposal was a bit outside the norm, gave a slightly awkward smile.
"Master! Here, this is the big line delivery moment! Come on, hurry! Your cue card!"
"Huh!? Seriously… Okay, ahem!"
The girl produced what looked like a memo pad from nearby and, somewhat discreetly—though it was completely obvious to Takuto and the others—showed it to Yuu.
Yuu spent a moment reviewing the cue card's content longer than Takuto expected, then muttered a quiet "Alright." With an expression and posture that felt somewhat performative, he spread his hands wide.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Yuu Shinju, my patron deity is 'The Ridiculous God,' my assigned game is Brave Questus—and I am one of the poor God's pawns to have come to this world."
He declared this as if setting the stage for a grand scene in a story, putting on a show.
Facing that bold attitude and supremely confident expression, Takuto found himself thinking it was precisely the type he was worst at handling, a remarkably out-of-place and naive observation.
=Eterpedia===
[Hero Yuu] Combat Unit
Combat Power: ■■ Movement: ■■
―――
~~When the world is cloaked in darkness and humanity stands on the precipice of despair
That one shall appear, dispel the demon, and bring light unto the world~~
Hero Yuu is an existence that has come from a world other than this one, known as Brave Questus.
His power is comparable to that of a hero, and due to his nature granting a special effectiveness against evil, he will be able to triumph against almost any being of darkness.
Furthermore, he possesses magic with various effects, making it possible to respond to any situation.
It is precisely because he can save the world alone that he is called a Hero.
―――