Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 115
Interlude
115. Mari-nee and a certain second-team player
I took a blow to the chest, and the impact pushed out the remaining oxygen from my lungs, causing me to collapse on the spot.
Thanks to the rubber mat designed for martial arts, falling didn’t hurt too much, but my breaths were heavy and my rapid heartbeat was a bit unsettling.
No matter how much I wiped away the sweat, it was endless, forcibly reminding me that my body wasn’t what it used to be.
I sensed someone approaching my outstretched legs.
I glanced up and spoke.
“As expected from someone still in active service… An old man who’s been away from the field for a long time can’t even land a single hit.”
Standing there with a wry smile was my former subordinate, Kayanaka, dressed in training wear that clung to his well-trained body like a bodysuit.
“You must be joking. Even among my active subordinates, there aren’t many who can last this long against me in full-contact direct striking. Regardless of your physical condition, your martial arts skills are as impressive as ever, Mikage-san.”
“That’s a point of pride for a former senior, I suppose.”
Returning his wry smile, I took Kayanaka’s offered hand and got up.
“More than just pride. You made my heart skip a beat several times. I said your skills haven’t changed, but your fighting spirit seems even greater than before. What exactly are you planning to fight?”
“Well, I don’t know what I’m going to fight either. After all, I’ve never played those kinds of games.”
“You mean that game everyone’s been talking about lately? The one with such a high draw rate that people say those who win use up all their luck for a lifetime and die? Mikage-san, you were lucky to win.”
“Well, it was just a stroke of fate.”
Though I was evasive, Kayanaka somehow seemed satisfied with my response.
“I’m curious about the kind of fate, but if it’s you, Mikage-san, it’s not surprising. You’ve got quite the track record.”
“A track record, huh…”
Indeed, I do have a record to be proud of from an objective standpoint.
But it’s a record I earned by risking my life…
“As a result of earning that track record, I wasn’t able to be where I was supposed to be at the most important time. And realizing that only after everything is over is no laughing matter.”
“Mikage-san…”
Noticing Kayanaka’s struggle to find the right words, I gave a self-deprecating laugh.
“I must be getting sentimental with age… Well, can I ask for another match?”
“I think it’s too soon to blame it on age, but I’m up for as many matches as you want. However, I have my pride too. I can’t afford to be hit by someone nearly fifty who’s retired.”
“If you manage to land a hit, I’ll boast about it to your subordinates.”
After a good laugh, we shifted our focus and squared off again.
We continued sparring for about an hour, but for the sake of honor, I won’t mention how it turned out.
And which of our honors I’m protecting is something you’ll have to guess.
A few days after the sparring session with Kayanaka.
My stamina and strength were far lower than in my prime age, but my fighting instincts were still there.
Not fully, but I could get used to it in actual round.
Thinking this, I took the blindfold headset in hand and lay down on the bed, when my wife Sakura appeared as if on cue.
She should be nearing forty, a decade younger than me, but she looks so young she could easily be mistaken for her early thirties.
Her long, carefully braided hair was pinned up, and combined with her calm-colored cardigan, she had an elegant and refined appearance.
“Are you really going?”
Her voice was heavy with gloom, but I had already made up my mind. Nothing could sway me now.
“At this point, there’s no stopping—”
“I wouldn’t say something so demure, would I? You’ve made your decision, so go and do it properly.”
Her tone shifted abruptly, dismissing any trace of the melancholy she had just displayed.
I was startled by the change in Sakura’s demeanor. It was strange, I had just convinced myself that I wouldn’t be shaken…
“You, who have always been so reserved, have suddenly become quite assertive, haven’t you?”
“I’ve had many years of dealing with a troublesome husband… and besides—”
“Besides?”
Feeling a stronger pressure than when I was sparring with Kayanaka, I unconsciously swallowed and asked.
“How can I be gentle with a husband who is leaving me to meet another woman? I think you wouldn’t have a right to complain if you got stabbed, don’t you?”
Saying this, she picked up a fruit knife from the drawer table beside the bed and gently traced her finger along the blade, smiling.
I started to feel a pang of worry that I might not wake up from the game…
But then, Sakura let out a small laugh.
“I’m just joking. But I am a woman, and I do get jealous. Especially if the person you’re meeting is a younger woman.”
“You know I don’t have those kinds of intentions, right? …No, actually, that was our mistake. We expected each other to understand without making the effort to communicate properly, and we both suffered for it.”
“That’s true… Including the fact that you helped me realize that, I won’t tolerate any half-measures.”
“Yeah, leave it to me.”
Saying this, I put on the blindfold headset and dove into the game world.
Upon logging into the game world, I was astonished by its high quality. Not only was the realism of the Greek temple-like buildings impressive, but the most remarkable feature was the replication of the five senses.
There was no noticeable delay when I moved my limbs; if anything, it felt even better than reality.
This was a whole different level from the games I knew, the kind you played in front of a TV…
While I was lost in thought, an AI named Zagreus appeared and explained the game to me.
After the explanation, I created my in-game character, chose a job, and then it was time to select a nation. Here, Zagreus’s tone shifted slightly from the previously monotonous explanations.
“Due to the high number of applicants, enrollment in Caldia is determined by a lottery. Please be aware of this.”
Caldia, huh… Ah, I see how it is.
“If you could specify a second and third choice, we can prioritize those if you don’t get selected in the lottery.”
“I’ve already decided where I’m going, and it’s not Caldia. So there’s no need for further explanation.”
Interrupting his next words, I saw Zagreus’s expression turn to one of surprise.
Even knowing it’s an AI, its expression looks human.
“Then, which country do you wish to go to?”
“To the rogue state, Xenoa.”
I answered without hesitation, and Zagreus’s surprise grew even more.
While I felt pleased to have surprised an AI, Zagreus began to explain in detail the peculiarities and dangers of Xenoa.
I understood that his concern was for my well-being, but I was fully aware of all that.
Eventually, perhaps realizing my resolve, Zagreus gave up and initiated the transfer.
And so, my first ever game experience began, starting from the infamous Xenoa, a place even the AI tried to dissuade me from choosing.