Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 72
72. Mari-nee and walking with reliable younger siblings
The next morning, when I fell asleep, I was awakened by Masato and carried to the living room.
Perhaps because I’ve been sleeping well lately, I didn’t feel the usual sluggishness after waking up.
I thought it was a very nice way to start the day, but…
<From now on, we’re going to break through the Ogre’s defenses! Those who want to come with me, stay behind. Those with extra energy, please support those who have been injured!>
As Maria’s voice and figure appeared on the large screen display mounted on the wall, any such feelings I had were blown to bits.
“I mean, the last-minute comeback involving everyone is nice and all, but I think it’s even better when big sis makes a breakthrough against the Ogres!”
“Well, even if she falls, she’ll just get back up, right?”
“That’s admirable, too, but kicking ass with a scripted line, it’s like being a hero, isn’t it? Oh, because it’s Onee-chan, does that make her the heroine?”
“Well, I guess you could say that.”
“…Hey, Maki, Masato, what are you doing so early in the morning?”
I shoot a somewhat colder glance at the two, but it’s as if they couldn’t care less.
“We’re picking out your top 10 iconic scenes! We asked Yuuki-san for some extras, but there are some with different angles, so it’s hard to narrow it down. And honestly, 10 is too few! I understand it’s for your consideration, but still.”
“Give it up, Mari-nee. By the way, it seems like the scene Maki picked will be used in the promotion.”
“I haven’t heard anything about that!?”
“Well, if we let Onee-chan choose, it would probably end up being something too safe.”
“Well, that’s to be expected.”
Even though everything has been getting bigger and bigger lately, I’m already fed up.
But if the promotional video airs, it will definitely become an even bigger deal than it is now…
Thinking of Estelle and the others, I don’t regret agreeing to be in the promotion.
No, I don’t, but maybe I should’ve kept it a secret from my siblings.
You know what? I’m blaming you, Yuuki-san.
After that, during breakfast, I endured what felt like torture, being continuously shown my own scenes.
Someday, I’ll delete all this data quietly.
I silently swear to myself as I finish breakfast.
I don’t remember the taste of breakfast well.
After finishing rehabilitation, since the weather was nice, I decided to take a walk outside.
It’s not much of a walk since I still can’t walk properly, just riding in a motorized wheelchair.
Masato accompanies me, and we head from the elevator of the apartment to the park within the premises of the apartment.
Many trees were neatly planted, and the lawn was carefully trimmed to the same length.
It’s early June now.
It’s neither too cold nor too hot, and it’s not humid yet before the rainy season.
The greenery is getting denser, and it would probably feel really nice to lie down on the lawn and bask in the sun.
Thinking of such things as I push the wheelchair forward, I notice a young man in a suit sitting alone on a bench, slumping down as if in despair.
You can tell he’s feeling down, but the way he’s slumping down caught my attention.
He seems irritated, repeatedly fidgeting, and occasionally checking his phone, clicking his tongue.
Masato must have sensed the unsettling atmosphere, as he tried to pass by a little further away.
But unfortunately, the wheelchair’s wheel hits an empty can, and the man, who reacted to the sound, turns his gaze toward me, who made the noise.
“You’re just living comfortably, relying on others. Don’t you feel sorry for being alive?”
I think it was probably just a slip of frustration from a troubled heart.
It wasn’t even that loud of a voice.
As for me, that’s fine because it’s true…
Glancing at Masato, I saw the familiar sight of him from the boisterous days, veins popping on his temple, exuding hostility.
“What did you say, you bastard? Talking trash about my family? If you want a fight, I’ll give you a loan of me, you hear me? Come on, say it again!!”
Ah, the switch has been flipped entirely.
Masato still couldn’t control himself when it came to family matters, as evident from his teenage past.
It’s a reflection of how deeply he cares about family… But you know, Masato, even if you take a loan, I bet it’ll be Maki who ends up footing the bill, right? If she finds out you spent money on something like this… Well, she might not just get angry, she might double down on the expenses.
The man in the suit seemed overwhelmed by Masato’s approach, hastily lifting his head only to recoil and tumble off the bench.
His face, previously full of contempt aimed at me, now bore no trace of it, replaced by sheer fear.
“St-stop… please…”
The man, lifted by the collar by Masato, struggled in mid-air, spilling his words in agony.
Well, Masato has certainly honed his physique through his daily tasks of carrying me around and assisting with rehabilitation.
But now isn’t the time for idle thoughts like that.
“Masato, that’s enough. Put him down.”
“But, Mari-nee!”
“Ma Sa To.”
I consciously adjusted my facial muscles to smile as I called out each syllable of Masato’s name.
It was nice that he let go of the man’s hand obediently, but he didn’t need to stand there like a statue.
He looked more like a drill sergeant from some army camp…
Now, the issue at hand is this man, lying there, struggling to breathe.
“Are you alright? My brother was rude. However, he won’t apologize. Because if he did, he might feel like he did something wrong by defending me.”
Ideally, I’d offer a hand to help him up now. But given my current condition, that’s out of the question.
“Like you said, my current state relies on my brother and sister for care. And honestly, I do feel guilty for being alive sometimes.”
“Mari-nee…”
Come on, Masato, why the worried face?
With a wry smile, I expressed my thoughts.
“But, even with that, there are people who need me. People who wish for me to stay alive. That’s why I want to keep fighting, no matter how hard it gets. I’ve come to feel that way now. What about you? You seem to be suffering just as much. Could it be because there’s something important to you too, something worth living for?”
“M-me? Well…”
What followed were bits and pieces of the man, Sawa-san, recounting his journey up to this point.
Specializing in AI-related research during university, his papers were recognized, leading to a job in a major corporation.
He was provided ample funds and equipment for his research, diving headfirst into it.
The results of his research visibly contributed to the company’s performance, earning him praise within the organization.
On the other hand, due to focusing solely on his research and neglecting interpersonal relationships, Sawa-san incurred jealousy and resentment. When a fatal mistake was discovered in a large-scale system, his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates all shifted the blame onto Sawa-san.
As a result, his reputation within the company plummeted, and he lost his place there.
Even when he decided to switch jobs, no company would hire him due to the high profile of the system and the perceived issues with Sawa-san.
Perhaps part of the reason lies in Sawa-san’s high demands for conditions. Additionally, his poor interpersonal skills might have made him undesirable to other companies. Even in part-time job interviews, personality is often valued more than skills.
Once he started expressing his thoughts, Sawa-san didn’t stop talking, as if he had been holding it in for a long time.
And after he finished his story, he uttered one word, spilling his emotions: “I just wanted to create something useful for everyone…”
Saying so, he quietly shed tears.
“Goddamn, what a touching story…”
Masato too was shedding tears, as if it were pouring rain.
Well, Masato, there’s no need for you to cry, especially not more than the person himself.
Come to think of it, Masato might have always been sensitive to emotionally stirring stories.
As I was grappling with the chaotic situation, a sudden inspiration struck me.
Ah, yes, I’ve got it.
“Considering the potential consequences, it’s very disheartening, but…”
Even so, I couldn’t help but think that this might be a turning point for this person.
“Masato, can you call Maki for me?”
“Sob… Yeah.”
Wiping his tears with his sleeve, Masato called Maki on his smartphone and then held it to my ear.
“Maki? It’s me.”
“Onee-chan? What’s going on?”
“There’s someone who wants to meet with the person in charge of personnel at Yuuki-san’s company. Could you arrange that? And tell them they can double the limit if they want.”
“That’s another odd request. I can get in touch with Yuki-san right away, but are you sure about this?”
“Well, it feels a bit too late for that now.”
“If it’s what you want, then it’s no problem at all. In fact, I’m happy to double the limit!”
My sister is truly honest.
While waiting for Maki’s response, which seemed to be accompanied by several wry smiles throughout the day, I sensed some kind of exchange happening on the other end of the phone.
After a few minutes of waiting, Maki replied, “Yuuki-san said, ‘Understood. From now on, please directly communicate with that person.’ I’ve also sent you their contact information.”
It’s impressive how easily Maki can get in touch with Yuuki-san, the PR representative of such a well-known company.
“Thank you, Maki.”
After ending the call, I showed the contact information to Sawa-san.
“It’s a company deeply involved in AI. If it’s alright with you, why not pay them a visit? I’ve already made the connection with Yuuki-san, the PR representative, and mentioned that you were referred to by Mari Akizuki.”
“A company deeply involved in AI… Could it be… Caduceus Corporation!?”
“It seems so. Well, I’ll leave the rest to you, Sawa-san. Goodbye.”
Having transferred the contact information to Sawa-san’s phone through Masato, I left the scene with Masato.
When I glanced back for a moment, Sawa-san still seemed stunned, looking at us. I wonder if he’ll be okay?
Well, I’ll try to believe that he will be.
That’s all I can do for now.
By the way, when I got home later, I was greeted by Maria’s videos, which seemed to have multiplied since the morning, and Maki, whose excitement had increased several times over.
I’m sure my eyes must look distant again.
I wonder how far they’ll wander this time, my eyes…
…No, I don’t want them to wander any further!
I don’t need eyes like that, okay!?