Only Sense Online - Volume 05 Read online

  Understanding the situation, Cloude drank the coffee that was just served and stood up. Then, as if he recalled something, he called out.

  "The preparations for the Crafting Guild-sponsored event are mostly complete. Look forward to it."

  Seeing Cloude's wink as he was leaving made me half expectant and half anxious considering the accidental outburst earlier.

  The event will be carried out during the two days of this weekend.

  I don't know how do Taku and Myu with others plan to spend it, but I intend to spend it relaxedly.

  Chapter 1 - Event and Stalls

  School after classes were over. Numerous students were leaving back home with just some remaining behind because of cleaning duty or for their clubs, people who had various affairs to deal with. Among them, I walked right next to a single female student.

  "Endo-san, I'll help you carry half."

  "Thank you, that's a great help."

  Endo-san from the class committee collected notes submitted from entire class, but after it was all gathered it had become quite heavy. Since she was someone I managed to get a step closer among our classmates, I somehow got worried and offered to help.

  "It's easy when Shun-kun helps out. How about you do some work for the class committee like this?"

  "I hate work like this. It's tedious."

  "Should you really call it tedious in front of me?"

  "Sorry."

  In response Endo-san chuckled and said "it's a joke".

  "Since you're taking initiative to help with work you hate, don't you have something you want to talk about then? Something about me you don't want Takumi-kun to hear."

  "Yup. Well..."

  I was seen through, I thought. Then I nodded confirming Endo-san's words.

  My connection with Endo-san was that of fellow OSO players. Endo-san knew that Takumi and I were playing OSO. I had no idea that she was playing it as well and learned it just recently.

  At first, she hid her identity from me as well, but now she interacts with me openly. Though, it seemed like she was still hiding it from Takumi.

  "So, what you want to ask, is it about those two?"

  "Yeah, I've left it all to Endo-san so, I wondered how was it going."

  The two in question was about Lyna and Al, after whom Endo-san was looking after recently. When asked by me, Endo-san raised a slightly worried voice and gave her evaluation.

  "Let's see. To a certain extent they seem to understand their Senses, so there's no problems. Level-wise, if they work hard for a little bit longer they'll leave the newbie zone. Also, if they join some party they should be able to hunt Big Boars. Still, they're not good enough to hunt them solo yet."

  "I see. So no problems."

  I was relieved hearing Endo-san's evaluation.

  By chance, together with Endo-san we have encountered and saved the twin novice players from a strong mob, a Treant. With that as a trigger, we have made a connection with them, I was relieved to hear they are steadily growing.

  "Since they are about to leave beginner levels, I wonder if we should give them a present as senior players."

  "In that case, let's decide on it before the weekend's event. You're participating too, aren't you, Shun-kun?"

  "Yeah, let's decide on it then."

  The participation Endo-san was talking about referred to the Crafting Guild-sponsored event.

  There, the crafters will provide a richer assortment than usual in their stalls and stores, there will be also stage shows and PVP events.

  While I originally came to talk with Endo-san to ask about the novice players duo Lyna and Al, while at it, I decided to consult her about gifts.

  "What should I give them? I'm not too knowledgeable on what items are in fashion."

  "How about you pay for something they like on the day itself? Rather, I don't think there's a need to concern yourself that much."

  As Endo-san smiled wryly, I thought it was the most reliable method. Convinced.

  While talking about how much should we spend on it, we passed the class notes to the teacher in charge and returned to the classroom.

  "Shun. Where did you go?"

  "Takumi, you were waiting? I helped out Endo-san. The notes seemed heavy."

  "Thank you. See you."

  When Takumi had shown his face, to avoid being found out that she was an OSO player, Endo-san returned back to her seat.

  Takumi squinted seeing our exchange of words, starting intently.

  "W-what is it with that look."

  "No, I just wondered when did you become friends."

  Damn you, aren't you strangely sharp with weird stuff like this. Still, it was Takumi. It would be seen through were I to spit out a strange lie.

  "We just met during the shopping and chatted for a while. She recommended me some sweets... well, lots of stuff."

  "Hmm. Oh well. By the way, want to walk around the event together on this weekend? Or are you with Miu-chan and Shizuka-san?"

  "Umm... I've got a prior engagement. I guess Miu and Sei-nee are doing something separately from me? But, probably, we'll pass through by each other."

  "Well, there are also times like this. Got it."

  Probably convinced by my answer, he grasped the bag and saying "I'll be going" Takumi went home.

  What, so he just wanted to know my plans for the weekend. I heaved a sigh and looked towards Endo-san.

  "Cheers for good work."

  "Well, it's just the usual. Rather than that, let's go home.

  I prompted Endo-san and the two of us went to the exit, leaving to the outside.

  From how low the sun was and the falling temperature, I felt the autumn come day by day. Talking about silly things we have headed towards the school gate to go home.

  On the other side of the school gate I found a familiar back and called out to it.

  "Miu. You going back now?"

  "Eh? Onii-chan. Yup, I was on cleaning duty. And... a friend?"

  "Hello. I'm Shun-kun's classmate, Endo."

  "Okay. There's no need to speak politely. I'm the little sister from middle school, Miu. So, what's your relationship with my Onii-chan?"

  "Hey, Miu."

  What rude questions you're suddenly spouting, geez. When I squinted and stared at Miu, she said "it's a joke" and took a step back.

  "Let's see. A classmate and a friend, I guess."

  "Endo-san, you don't need to answer her seriously."

  "Then, Miu-san, won't you become my friend?"

  "Yes! Endo-senpai!"

  When Miu made a broad smile, Endo-san also smiled and the two walked side by side.

  Naturally, I moved slightly behind the two and listened in to the conversation but... sorry. What, just what is this parade of unknown terminology.

  Was it about games? I think it was, but to me the two's conversation sounded like casting spells. Something about avoiding, attack timing, game-making staff's previous works, field type increases, move variations based on colours, mutants and abnormal species, download content... I understand nothing.

  As they spoke about it, Miu made a sparkly and joyful expression that had resonated with Endo-san's. So Endo-san is a gamer on Miu's level, huh. I pondered.

  "Onii-chan! It's amazing! Endo-senpai really knows a lot of stuff!"

  "Is that so. Good for you."

  The brother who couldn't keep up with their conversation had started speaking monotonously out of loneliness.

  "Are you sulking because I took lil' sister? I wonder."

  As Endo-san started giggling, I said that's not it. I was just overwhelmed by you two, I relayed with my gaze but it wasn't noticed at all.

  "In the end, I just have knowledge. Certainly I love games, but out of all of it I enjoy reading the walkthroughs, configurations and other information. I'm someone who enjoys staring at data."

  "Ehh, I wanted to play a game with Endo-senpai..."

  "I'm sorry. Probably, I'm not that good at games."

&nb
sp; Can you really say that? I stared at Endo-san with half-opened eyes, but I was ignored.

  "All right, this is as far as I go. See you, Shun-kun. Lil' Sister too, thank you for the time spent fun."

  We've seen off Endo-san who went in her own direction. As compared to the first time where Endo-san called Miu per "Miu-san", imperceptibly it had become a familiar "Lil' Sister".

  Miu called her "senpai" too, so their relationship wasn't too bad.

  "To think there was one more person who loves games so much! She was very knowledgeable, it was fun to talk to her."

  "That's great."

  "Yup! Still, it's a pity she's more of a hidden gamer than one that moves aggressively. But..."

  "But?"

  "I feel like I've seen her somewhere before."

  ...as usual, this little sister of mine has a good intuition. But, this is where I divert the topic.

  "Want to buy a cake before going home?"

  "Eh?!! Can we?"

  "Once in a while, it's fine."

  Honestly, part of this proposal was because of the lemon cheese cake I couldn't forget, but let's not mind it. Diverting the main topic, diverting Miu's thinking, I exhaled.

  Endo-san, it's probably just a matter of time until you're found out to be an OSO player.

  ●

  Thirty minutes before the start of the event, I confirmed the cleaning and laundry was finished, deciding to log in early. Thinking of that, I headed to my own room.

  I put on the VR Gear, lied on the bed and like usual, my consciousness submerged.

  The place I appeared in, was the 【Atelier】's workshop that was set as the login point. Myu was already logged in and should be somewhere in the town.

  Curious about the outside, I opened the door to the store part. When I looked outside from the store's entrance, I immediately heard a cheerful music and the front was bustling.

  I could see more people than usual in the town. The only times during which this many people gather, was when the OSO officially started and during the official events.

  "That's a lot of people. With so many gathered, it feels like it's going to start already instead of waiting for the official opening."

  I smiled wryly alone, returned to the counter seat, then summoned Ryui and Zakuro.

  As the 【Atelier】 was the meeting place and Emily-san will bring Lyna and Al, I waited for them leisurely.

  Although there were several major meeting points in the town, on a day like this there weren't many we could use considering the amount of people out there, so it ended up being my store.

  As I brushed Ryui's and Zakuro's fur, a shadow had appeared at the entrance to the store and certain people have peeked inside, interested.

  "Welcome. Well, that's a little strange to say. You're just on time."

  "I brought the two."

  Today, Emily-san had a mask and a voice changer on, moreover she was wearing the equipment for changing her name to Emilio.

  "Emily-san. Why that appearance again?"

  "There's Taku-kun and Lil' Sister right? If possible, I don't want them to see my face."

  Convinced by what she said, I invited Lyna and Al into the store.

  The interest of Lyna who had entered the store was directed towards the transparent shallow pot with synthetic mob of three different colours inside. Al looked towards the MP Potions, Enchant Stones and items useful for mages like Boost Tablets.

  "Hee, so there are items like this too. Look at this, Lyn-chan."

  "...hey, won't this squishy thing escape? Like that fox or unicorn."

  Al was analysing the 【Atelier】 and Lyna was seriously staring at the gels with a serious expression.

  With part of their bodies inside the pot, the gels were confirming the situation around them.

  The two are really distracted. Both Emily-san and I thought, making wry smiles.

  "It's fine to touch them."

  "Eh?! Really?! Waii! The blue one's cool! The red one's warm, and this one, is moist!"

  Seeing Lyna excited about something like that, Al had calmed down.

  "Come on, it's time for the opening."

  It was the time and I urged the two. Together with Emily-san we went to the city's centre and looked up at the sky above the guild hall.

  There, spread a dense black fog, just that part of the sky looked as if it was in the middle of the night.

  "W-what's that."

  "It's all right. That's darkness magic's 《Smog》. It's a smokescreen that doesn't deal damage."

  Emily explained to surprised Lyna.

  In darkness element magic, there's an auxiliary magic like that of earth element's 《Mud Pool》, the smokescreen magic 《Smog》. Normally, it's used for blinding the enemy and escaping which is its main use, but it was easily cleared out with light from magic or torches, a disappointing magic.

  "But, this time that's not the purpose for it."

  Something was thrown into the fog from the guild hall below and——burst.

  Along with a dry sound of explosion, the gunpowder inside it had become a colourful ball of fire and on the black 《Smog》's background the fireworks bloomed.

  "Woah... That's the 【Gunpowder】 Yun-san was making earlier, right?!"

  "That's right. Though, I only passed the gunpowder balls and left the design to them."

  It wasn't like I made all of it. Other crafters participated in it and I shared the information on the way to craft them.

  After that, the black had been stretched in the sky to produce an effect of the night sky for the exploding fireworks, causing cheers to erupt in various places in the town.

  This staging was made so that people could see beautiful fireworks in the daytime, thought of by 【Darkness Element Talent】 users centred on Cloude. In the end, the ones that were most flashy were the attack magic's illusions that cut through the darkness magic's fog.

  A diffused voice had spread throughout the town.

  『"Thank you for coming to the event planned by us for today! How was the opening ceremony?! There are various events hosted so please look forward to it! Well then——I declare the event's opening!"』

  "That voice's Magi-san's, huh. Since it begun in the earnest, we should go too."

  "Indeed. Well, let's hang around the stalls buy something, eat something and ask for prices."

  The two behind me and Emily-san made somewhat lonely expressions.

  "What is it? You two."

  At the same time I noticed, Emily-san asked. Even despite the fact the upper half of her face was hidden behind a mask, I could tell she was worried from her soft tone of voice.

  "We're beginners, we don't have money. I wonder if we have enough money even despite selling the items that dropped from mobs."

  "And we can't splurge because we're gathering money for new equipment..."

  When I looked towards Emily-san, it seemed like she didn't talk with them about the equipment presents. I guess it's fine to tell them beforehand, but they'd be happier with a surprise present.

  "Umm, let's say that for today's goal, in addition to buying and eating from the stalls, there's one more. We want to give you some equipment as a gift."

  "Somehow, since you were with us the entire time you ended up still being in beginner's equipment, right? That's why after talking with Yun-kun we decided to pay for the equipment you two purchase, is how it ended up. Of course, there's a limit to how much we'll pay."

  So that's that, Emily-san had supplemented my words. We planned 200kG for the two together. What we can find in that price range is a 60kG weapon and 40kG armour piece. However, embarrassment had welled up from my belly and I couldn't put it that way.

  "W-well, that's why it's fine if you use the money you earned as planned. Yup."

  Because of embarrassment I ended up talking sloppily. Still, even as I thought that, the two's gazes felt itchy so I looked away from them.

  "Um, that's, I don't know what to say. Thank you very much."

 
"Uh, in order to answer your expectations we shall devote ourselves from now on as well."

  "You two sure are dutiful. It's a game so it's fine to play as you want."

  Even though Emily-san said that, as if they didn't heard it at all, they directed sparkly and pure gazes towards us.

  "It's something my little sister said, but at first it seems like someone's expecting something of you. But don't think about it so deeply. Also, if you two get stronger, you'll just purchase consumables in my store. If that happens, I'll get it back. You must lose a fly to catch a trout."

  With that said, the conversation on the topic ended. Then, I took Zakuro and Ryui and walked forward as if to run away.

  Behind me and Emily-san who walked by my side, Lyna and Al discussed something happily. While watching the two with a sidelong glance, Emily-san whispered quietly to me.

  "Yun-kun, you sure aren't honest. To say you'll get it back if they get strong."

  "W-what is it."

  "If you were a person like that, you wouldn't set a limit on the prices so low that you don't break the market and didn't put a purchase limit in the shop."

  "Geez... all right, I'm just not honest, okay."

  I was completely seen through by Emily-san and pouted displeased.

  In order to calm myself, I pat the two tails of Zakuro who had entered my hood, healing myself. Because I brushed it, there was a very smooth feel to it.

  Little by little I calmed myself and corrected Emily-san's misunderstanding.

  "But, even with that price I've got enough methods of making profit."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah, because I grow materials on the field beside the 【Atelier】, the costs are smaller than those of other players."

  When I said that, she asked "You prepared it yourself?". I told her that story items can be used to do some gardening even in a planter inside of a small room. However, the efficiency was lower than that of a field and seeds were also required. Since Emily-san had the 【Alchemy】 Sense, it wasn't a problem.

  And then, we headed towards the stalls. Since they were supported by Emily-san and me without entering the town, Lyna and Al looked at everything as if it was unusual, distracted by one thing after another.

  What was ahead of their line of sight, was a food stall.