Accel World: Dusk Robber

by Reki Kawahara

  After hearing the words said with a snicker, Haruyuki blinked hard.

  "Err, wait a minute. Earlier you said that, 'right now there is only one healer'... ah, except Chiyu, that is... Is that right? Then, if the legion that Burst Linker belong to «feels like it», is it possible for them to unify the accelerated world...?"

  "For possibility then it certainly is conceivably. More than enough."

  "Why did they not do it?"

  For Haruyuki's simple question, Kuroyukihime had a wry smile for an instant, that soon disappeared.

  From the narrowed jet black eyes, a sharp light went across them— he felt it like that. The sound that she released, was also mixed with a strangely cold echo that was different from before.

  "The reason is simple. That healer is one of the «Pure Color Six Kings» right now. Even if they have 99% success rate in team battles, with just one loss from another King, at that time «Acceleration» will be lost. Therefore, that person won't appear on the battle field."

  "One of... the Kings!?"

  Haruyuki almost dropped the Oolong tea paper cup he was holding up, and hurriedly held it with both hands.

  "What color!?"

  He asked that after a cough, but somehow the answer did not come soon.

  Kuroyukihime who was looking down, seemed to hesitate for a long while, then eventually shook her head.

  "...Sorry, right now about that person, I don't want you to even hear her name. I don't want you to have a single grain of interest in that person."

  "What? That... What does that mean?"

  Not able to grasp Kuroyukihime's intention, Haruyuki asked a stupid question.

  Instead of answering, a question was asked back.

  "Hey, Haruyuki-kun. Let me ask you something odd... You, in this half year, how many times have you been scouted by other legions?"

  "Huh!?"

  With his back suddenly stretched straight, Haruyuki opened and closed his mouth many times.

  However of course, he could not choose to lie to her. So he told the truth in an almost inaudible voice.

  "That is... including the Niko incident three months ago, from the «King» controlled six huge legions, twice. Other than those, from a small legion, once. Bu-But of course, I instantly rejected all of them right then!!"

  He desperately add the last part, but unfortunately Kuroyukihime did not seem to be impressed by it— on the other hand she was bothered by something else, and winkled her eyebrows as she asked again.

  "Fumu. That other one from the six huge legion, basically what color was it?"

  "...Let's see... that was, Blue I think..."

  After his answer, a few seconds later, Kuroyukihime took a small long breathe.

  "...Is that so, I see. However, Blue huh. Even though they kept sending assassins every week, that is way too shameless."

  "Th-That's right."

  With the white beautiful face finally going into a slight smile, Haruyuki also relaxed his speech, and then tilted his head.

  "But, what about it?"

  "Of course, I believed. That you will absolutely not accept another King's invitation. I believe, but... even so, I cannot stop feeling unease. Because that guy's attraction is absolute..."

  Which color King she mean for «that guy», Haruyuki could not understand.

  While Haruyuki was confused, he looked up at the evening sky, and Kuroyukihime suddenly raised her right hand. With a delicate gesture, she caressed the line from Haruyuki's round cheek to his jaw, and at the same time whispered. That sound was smooth as silk, but at the same time a tense coldness from somewhere was mixed in it.

  "Haruyuki-kun. Listen... You are mine. Up till now, and from now on. For eternity, I will not give you to anyone."

  With the sudden touch and announcement, Haruyuki opened his eyes wide, and forgot to breath as he was paralyzed.

  Taking the words at face value, a confession of love - he could accept it like that. However in Haruyuki's ears, even after Kuroyukihime closed her mouth, he felt that he could hear a sound that did not become voice.

  —If you go to another King, I will cut you before that.

  While feeling terror running down his back, even so Haruyuki answered in his heart.

  —At that time, please cut me without mercy.

  At the same time, he responded with a joking like sound.

  "Of-Of course. If you want, you can write your name on my avatar with an oil type marker pen."

  "...Fufu, that is good thinking. Let me tell you, it really exists on the «other side». A non-erasable pen."

  "Wh-What!?"

  With Haruyuki's surprised face, Kuroyukihime finally showed a normal smile, and lowered her hand to pick up her tea for a sip.

  "Sorry, we got a bit off topic. The main topic is about Kurashima-kun. I think that I have already conveyed to you how rare «Healer type avatar» is..."

  She returned her cup, and after looking far away for a bit, she made a small nod.

  "Certainly, as Takumu-kun said, this needs to be handled with care. After the news of the 3rd «Healer»'s appearance in the accelerated world is spread, different powers will be scheming after Kurashima-kun."

  After hearing that, Haruyuki also felt unease.

  He did not think that Chiyuri would easily accept other legion's invitation, however what's said and done, «Nega Nebulas»'s leader is Kuroyukihime who is in no way on friendly terms with Chiyuri. If those two had a big fight, and Chiyuri being impulsive. She might leave the legion on momentum, and the situation where she might be fished up by the enemy group could happen— no, the probability is pretty high—

  "...It could happen, that..."

  After murmuring, a tremor shook his back, and Kuroyukihime said after a big sigh.

  "Here, I really need to open up and have a discussion with her."

  "...Th-That's right."

  When they have that discussion, he definitely would not want to be there, and also he felt uneasy about something that exists but couldn't be seen. At least before that he need Takumu to find ways to deal with all kinds of development, and put effort into them having a good resolution.

  —Let's work hard. Maximum work hard.

  With that decision, he held his right fist that was below the table tightly, and at that moment, however Kuroyukihime said something unexpected.

  "Well, anyway, it's a topic that's ten days too early to approach."

  "Huh? Te-Ten days? Why wait that long?"

  "Why, you say...?"

  With a slightly dumbfounded expression, the black clothed upperclassman readily answered.

  "School field trip."

  "What!?"

  "It should be written in the yearly schedule file distributed during today's homeroom. From the Sunday four days later, the new 3rd year students will be going on a one week school field trip. The destination is Okinawa, so think about what you want for a gift."

  —Okinawa!?

  In his brain, Rafute — Mimiga — Sokisoba[3], those and other words scrolled one after another, but you can't bring those things all the way to Tokyo, so it must be that, that donut like, that is, Sata...

  "Andagi[4]? But if that is not freshly fried, it's not tasty."

  Somehow he had said it out loud, and after Kuroyukihime replied, he snapped back to normal, and hurriedly shook his head.

  "Wa-Wait a minute please. One week!? Then Chiyu's matter can wait... no, before that, what about the next weekend's territory battle!?"

  «Official Territory Battle», or normally called Territory Battle, occurs every Saturday evening, it is a team battle to fight over a legion's area of control.

  The Black legion, «Nega Nebulas» that Haruyuki belonged to, currently controls Suginami 1st to 3rd battle fields, that is all of Suginami, but to maintain that control, they have to keep 50% wins of opponent challenges that come during territory battle.

  Team battle's win or loss is determined by either side's total destruction, or if time up then the remaining number
of people, and furthermore if same number then by the amount of remaining HP gauge. Recently, Haruyuki was no longer completely shot down like before even if the opponent was a sniper, but that was because he had his leader Kuroyukihime with overwhelming attack power for an attacker there, so he felt at ease.

  No, even before that, the reason they could match the challenger's team in numbers was only when they have three or more people for defense. One person, or two people could go out for defense, so this would mean that—

  "Wha? You mean, just Taku and I have to handle three enemy opponents?"

  "Fumu, well, that is what it means."

  After a nonchalant nod, Kuroyukihime swelled the milk tea in her cup.

  "The ideal way is, if Kurashima-kun joined our legion in time for next week, we might overcome that... but one week after becoming a Burst Linker, going into a territory battle might be asking too much. Anyway, with you and Takumu-kun for tag team, you can outdo those three person team."

  "Ye...Yeah..."

  He definitely did not dislike being told that, so Haruyuki showed a subtle smile.

  "I will put in the effort, but... th-then, if that could not happen it could not be helped right. We can take it back the week after right."

  "No, that's no good."

  She turned her head to the side.

  "This Suginami, I cannot stand having another legion's flag on it. Since it's like this, Haruyuki-kun. Defend it till death."

  "Defend it till death!?"

  Looking at Haruyuki who was going to be in tears, Kuroyukihime gave an 'Oh dear!' kind of smile.

  And then, suddenly said an incredible line.

  "Let's see... Then, let's do this. If next week's defense is successful, as a reward I will grant you one wish. It can be anything. How about that?"

  "Reward!?"

  Suddenly, Kuroyukihime's words that could only be like a physical attack hit him directly between his eyes, and Haruyuki leaned back on his chair. He dangerously recovered his balance, and returned to the front with a *Clank*, with both of his hands shaking.

  Anything...? What is anything!? All I can eat of school meals? No, that is possible for shops outside school too?

  Nono, it's not limited to eating. Like just the two of them going out somewhere... No, asking her to come play at his home... Then getting direct connection... Furthermore with cable length of one meter, no, 50cm, no, 30cm is also possible? Is it possible!?

  "Ah, let me warn you, a wish beyond my ability is impossible. Like eating spaghetti through the nose."

  "Wh...Who could do that!!"

  With his pink fantasy fully wiped, Haruyuki slid down on his chair.

  After shaking his head lightly many times, his thoughts returned to normal.

  "An...Anyway, I will put out my full effort... Also, while senpai is away, I will give Chiyu the basic lectures..."

  "Good. After that, I will give her joining request for the legion."

  At that point, Kuroyukihime took a quick glance at the clock display on the edge of her view.

  "...So, I should return to the student council room soon. That's right, didn't you have something you want to talk about?"

  "Ah, I had."

  After nodding, Haruyuki quickly continued.

  "No, it's not something important though. The new first year students, there doesn't seem to be a Burst Linker in it, just that."

  "You also checked huh. I also looked at the matching list through the school's Local Net earlier, indeed the addition was Kurashima-kun... «Lime Bell» only..."

  As she said that, there seemed to be a bit of unclear feeling mixed in her tone, and Haruyuki suddenly remembered Kuroyukihime's one instance of stare from above the stage during school entrance ceremony. So he timidly asked about that.

  "Ah... Senpai, after you finished your speech, did you notice someone in the first years?"

  Then Kuroyukihime made a "Fu" wry smile, and shook her head.

  "You managed to see that. No, it's not to the degree of noticing. To say it strongly... I felt a presence, something like that."

  "P-Presence?"

  "You should also have experienced it. In the «Duel Field», somewhere a sniper is hidden while aiming the scope at you, like that..."

  That was the highest rank unpleasant feeling for Haruyuki in the accelerated world, so his face involuntarily stiffened, but soon after Kuroyukihime shook her finger with 'Nono' gesture.

  "In the end, there were no new Burst Linkers in the first year students, so it's my hallucination. ...Well then, I will excuse myself here."

  "Ah... I am going home as well."

  Haruyuki had already become a brand new 2nd year student, so he now had the privilege to use the lounge, but he did not have the guts to remain in this fancy space by himself. He stood up after Kuroyukihime, and put his cup in the recycling bin, then an incoherent thought crossed his mind.

  —That earlier «Anything reward», could that also apply to Taku?

  No, no way, he wanted to deny it like that, but to Kuroyukihime for Brain Burst related matters, she treated Haruyuki and Takumu exactly the same way. If it was a reward for working hard during territory battle, then it would not be strange to be for both of them.

  —But, even so, for Taku who is single minded about Chiyu, he should not request something far out of senpai.

  —But that guy also hardcore worships senpai. He used «Master» to call her too. For a knight, Taku is way more appropriate... Senpai would also not be dissatisfied with it...

  Following to the left behind of Kuroyukihime who was walking towards the cafeteria entrance, with his brain giving out steam due to over thinking, Haruyuki involuntarily said.

  "Ah... That is, senpai."

  "Nn?"

  Looking at the profile of the white face that turned around with glossy hair swaying, after he opened and closed his mouth a few times, Haruyuki fearfully inquired.

  "Earlier, the talk about two princes and one princess. That, how would senpai decide...?"

  Then, Kuroyukihime put up a fearless smile and instantly replied.

  "I don't even have to think about it. Fight with me, I will pick the winner."

  And then, while walking, she extended her left hand index and middle fingers lined straight, and aimed right at Haruyuki's heart.

  Hiii'

  His back cowered, and after stubbing his toes on the leg of the cafeteria long table, Haruyuki again realized.

  Having strange suspicions of this person is absolutely meaningless.

  Chapter 4

  On the following day, Thursday after school, afternoon 2:50pm.

  Haruyuki was hurriedly walking towards an area of the school that he did not remember going too often in his one year of school life.

  Umesato middle school was built like very old traditional schools where the normal classroom building is connected to the special classroom building by the sports building in a H shape.

  In the horizontal part of that H shape, beside the gym that held the school entrance ceremony, was the martial arts gym that Haruyuki was aiming for. Of course, he was not going to join the judo club to work his overweight body. If there was a «Special Forces Club» that taught shooting and martial arts, then he might have thought about joining, but unfortunately those did not exist.

  In the first place, it was not Haruyuki who wished to join a club, instead Takumu was today's main focus.

  When he neared the martial arts gym, from inside already came echoes of discrete cheering, and dry impact sounds that overwrote those. He took off his indoor shoes and put them in the bag he brought, then stepped onto the polished wooden floor.

  In the line of not too many visitors, he spotted the familiar short-haired back of the head, and Haruyuki jogged near. Chiyuri who turned around, instantly pouted and complained in a small voice.

  "Haru, you're late! Ta-kun has already finished one match!"

  "Sorry. But it should have been an instant win, for the first match."

  "Well, tha
t is true."

  He looked away from Chiyuri's puffed up face, and stood on tiptoes to look around, then in the line of kendo members sitting with defensive armor, he soon spotted his childhood friend with a strikingly cool appearance. He might have seen Haruyuki at the same time, as he made a small movement with his right hand.

  After returning a slight nod, Haruyuki turned his attention towards the match area.

  "Eaaaa!"

  "Shieee!"

  Two slender members, vigorously attacked each other with their shinai. The high pitched fervor, and their straps being green, meant they were probably both 1st year students.

  Today, is Umesato middle school kendo club all member participation tournament battle. In the name of selecting regular and semi-regular members, but it also seem to have the goal of allowing new members to bash the upperclassmen's power. Umesato middle school has an exclusive use dojo, so the kendo club is somewhat strong traditionally, and this year about ten people seem to have joined. In that, there was only one 2nd year new member, which is Takumu.

  While Takumu personally wanted to devote all his time to Nega Nebulas, but Kuroyukihime strongly remonstrated that. "Don't mix all your real life with Brain Burst", after his worshiped «Master» told him that, the kendo that was always inside of Takumu was renewed, and he wanted to do it here as well, so this spring he finally handed in the club joining application form.

  To Haruyuki's understanding, the reason Takumu invited Chiyuri and him to this tournament was to show his decision that: even if he lost, he would not use «Acceleration» in kendo again. That was also the reason why Haruyuki stepped into the sports territory that he was truly intimidated by.

  "Body hit, winner decided!"

  With the echo of the advising teacher's voice, Haruyuki's thoughts were interrupted.

  After returning to the start line, one 1st year student who lowered his shinai, with undisguised chagrin and stumbling footsteps, returned to the line of members. On the other hand, the student that seemed to have won, turned his strikingly slender body around, and left the match area without a sound.

  Haruyuki who made a "Hmm" sound as he chased that slender back with his eyes, was interrupted by the teacher's voice that came next.