Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo.
Returning to his room after eating breakfast, Tatsuo pulled out his smartphone as he sat down on his bed. Looking down at the phone's screen, Tatsuo could not help watching the timer that counted down the time for the update.
00:00:15.
"Only fifteen seconds left." Tatsuo muttered to himself. "I hope this update is worth the boredom that came with the wait."
With anticipation, Tatsuo continued to watch the time counting down. And as the timer showed less and less time, Tatsuo's anticipation grew proportionately.
00:00:03.
00:00:02.
00:00:01.
{[Notifications]
The update is complete!
The {Dimensional Chat] is once again online.}
As soon as he received that notification, the timer on Tatsuo's smartphone disappeared, replaced by the familiar interface for the [Dimensional Chat]. Along with it, messages from the other members began flooding the screen.
{[Dimensional Chat]
James: Finally
James: Class was so boring yesterday
James: I'm so glad I'll have something to keep me occupied again
Violet: You really should pay attention in class
James: 😒
James: We already went over this, Sumire
Akatsuki: But seriously
Akatsuki: I had to work so hard in school
James: Don't compare yourself to me
James: I'm just built different
James: Plus, I went through Venelana's demonic education as a kid
Lici: Ooh! That doesn't sound like fun
James: It wasn't
James: By the time I was 11, I already had a Human World undergraduate education
James: And that's just huma world stuff
James: I still had to learn all the Underworld stuff, too
Violet: By 11?
James: Yup
Zelretch: I'm interested to meet this Venelana
Zelretch: Such an efficient way of teaching students
Zelretch: Quite interesting, indeed
Aletia: Where is Tatsuo?
Aletia: I miss Tatsuo
Akatsuki: Now that you mention it...
Akatsuki: Alfonzo hasn't said anything, either
James: I bet their reading the update notes
James: We should probably do that, too
Lici: Fonzie will tell me about it when he's done}
And just as James said, Tatsuo and Alfonzo were both going over the patch notes from the update. Though, unlike Alfonzo, Tatsuo had the [Chat] on in the background. So, he was able to read what everyone was saying, as well.
{[Notifications]
Version 2 of the [Dimensional Chat] offers several new features.
Please see the list of new features below.
[Training Space]
-For a sum of Coins, members of the [Dimensional Chat] are able to enter a simulated training space.
-Simulations may have any number of features from increased or decreased gravity to environmental settings to training avatars with power levels varying from the strongest to the weakest members of the [Dimensional Chat]
-Please Note: Different simulation settings will cost differing amounts of Coins.
-Members will be able to train together in the [Training Space].
-Time passes at a ratio of 5:1 when inside the training space.
-Please note, injuries and deaths inflicted in the [Training Space] will not physically affect the member's body in reality. Though, any trauma from death or near death will be retained.
[Challenge Tower]
-Members of the [Dimensional Chat] will be able to enter a specialized space to challenge themselves in battle for a flat fee of 100 Coins per attempt.
-When entering the [Challenge Tower], time in the member's world will stop until the [Challenge] concludes.
-The [Challenge Tower] has 100 Floors. By defeating each floor, the member will receive a reward in Coins. The higher the member climbs the [Challenge Tower], the greater the rewards will be.
-Rewards from clearing floors may only be obtained once per member.
-Progress in the [Challenge Tower] can only be saved after every 10 floors.
-Please note, injuries and deaths inflicted in the [Challenge Tower] will not physically affect the member's body in reality. Though, any trauma from death or near death will be retained.
Version 2 of the [Dimensional Chat] will also introduce changes to the [Mission] system to increase the difficulty.
-Please see list of changes below.
[Missions]
-During [Missions], the number of usable [Skills] for each member will be limited.
-Before starting each [Mission], starting with [Mission #4], once the participating members are chosen, each member will be prompted to choose the [Skills] they intend to bring into the [Mission].
-During the duration of the [Mission], all other supernatural [Skills] will be sealed.
-Please Note: These limitations do not extend to [Passive Skills] or [Abilities]. Only [Active Skills] will be limited.
-Member invitations during [Missions] will change, as well. A new member must be voted on by all members of the [Dimensional Chat], with the Administrator's vote counting as 2 votes. During voting, the worlds of all members will resume a normal time flow.
-After every third successful [Mission], 1 Random Invitation will be sent to an individual from said [Mission] world.
-The recipient of the Random Invitation for [Mission #3] was member, [Wizard Marshall].}
"Well... Damn..." Tatsuo muttered after reading the patch notes. "I guess we don't have to grill Zelretch about how he got into the [Chat] anymore. Still, I wonder what everyone will think about the updates."
With that said, Tatsuo shook his head. Then, he dismissed the patch notes and returned to the [Dimensional Chat].
{[Dimensional Chat]
Tatsuo (Admin): So, that's how it was, huh, Zelretch?
Lici: What are you talking about, Tatsuo?
Alfonzo: It looks like I wasn't the only one who read the update notes, huh?
Zelretch: Oh, I read them, too
Zelretch: Quite the interesting set of additions, I'd say
Akatsuki: Wait, you read them, too?
Akatsuki: Why didn't you say anything?
Zelretch: Because I thought you'd understand them better if you read them yourself
Akatsuki: I guess that makes sense
Zelretch: Besides, I'm not a babysitter
Zelretch: The information was there, and you had no issue accessing it
Zelretch: I already have two people I have to take care of in my world
Zelretch: I don't want to add all of you to that list, as well
Akatsuki: *Sigh* And that makes even more sense
James: Eh~, I would have gotten around to it eventually
James: Anyway, anything good in the update?
Alfonzo: Read it yourself
Alfonzo: I'm with Zelretch on this one
Tatsuo (Admin): Me, too
Tatsuo (Admin): At least they added something that makes it seem like my Admin status actually means something
Violet: Really?
Violet: I'll go check it out
Alfonzo: It's not all that big of a deal, though
Alfonzo: I mean, with that, there's an even number of votes, right?
Aletia: Tatsuo!!!
Aletia: I missed you!!!
Tatsuo (Admin): Yeah, you're right, Alfonzo
Tatsuo (Admin): Hey, Aletia
Tatsuo (Admin): How are you?
Aletia: 😁
Violet: Wow! That training thing sounds cool
Tatsuo (Admin): I know
Alfonzo: It's given me some ideas for the training chambers at the guild hall
Alfonzo: But I probably won't be able to add them for a long time
Alfonzo: Sounds like I'll need to learn a lot more kinds of magic for that
Zelretch: Oh, you have specialized training chambers for yourself and your colleagues?
Zelretch: Perhaps I could hear more about that
Zelretch: I'm rather curious
Lici: Oh, Lord
Lici: He's really getting Fonzie started, isn't he?
Tatsuo (Admin): Save it for later, you two
Tatsuo (Admin): We should be talking about the update and not your personal hobbies right now
James: Oh, Tatsuo's trying to be a leader
James: It's kinda cute, isn't it?
Tatsuo (Admin): Bite me
Violet: By the way, where is Sakura?
Violet: We haven't heard from her since the chat came back up
Tatsuo (Admin): Hmm?
Tatsuo (Admin): At school or getting ready for school, probably
Violet: Oh, that makes sense
Lici: So, you're gonna tell me about the patch notes later, right, Fonzie?
Alfonzo: You're really not gonna read them for yourself?
Lici: I just like it when you explain things to me
Lici: As long as you don't go into too much detail, anyway
James: Ha! She's saying you talk too much, bro
Alfonzo: Nothing new there
Alfonzo: Anyway, I'm calling now, Lici
Lici: Kay~~~~!
Sakura: Hello, everyone
Sakura: I was in class when the update finished
Sakura: I read the notes during the break between classes
Tatsuo (Admin): What do you think of the update?
Sakura: I don't actually have much of a point of reference
Sakura: I didn't even have a whole day with the chat before it updated
James: Yeah, I kinda forgot about that
James: Zelretch and Sakura won't have much to say about the update
Zelretch: Actually, I think the features that were added were quite fascinating
Akatsuki: Hey, I have a question about the update
Alfonzo: What's up?
Akatsuki: The thing about the training space says we'll be able to train together
Akatsuki: How will costs be split up if we do?
James: That's actually a pretty good question
James: Let's just drag Tatsuo into all the training sessions and make him pay
Tatsuo (Admin): As expected of an objectively evil being
James: Thanks for the complement
Aletia: I'll help
Violet: I'll pay my own way
Akatsuki: Yeah, I'll probably have to borrow coins at some point
Akatsuki: I don't wanna be in even more debt that I already will
Zelretch: Why would you end up in debt to Tatsuo?}
From there, the group continued to chat, mostly about the update. Though, Sakura and Zelretch were made aware of the fact that Tatsuo had many more Coins than the rest of the members of the [Chat].
However, the time for Tatsuo to log out eventually came, as his alarm rang, letting him know that he would need to head to Kurashikku Ensō.
After a quick shower and getting dressed in some casual clothes, a white button down shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and a pair of white and blue Airforce1's, Tatsuo came out of his room, heading to the living room. However, before he could get too far, Tio also came out of her room, dressed in secretary attire. And since they were both ready to go, they headed to the elevator.
With Tio driving, it only took twenty minutes to reach Kurashikku Ensō.
"Which practice room are we supposed to meet Miyazono-San in?" Tatsuo asked as he and Tio climbed out of the car, a dark blue Maybach S 680.
""Room four on the third floor." Tio replied after pulling a tablet from her bag and checking Tatsuo's schedule. "It seems we'll be a few minutes early."
"Cool." Tatsuo replied. "Then, I can take some time to warm up before Miyazono-San gets there. I'll have time to flood the room with my [Energy], too. She should have an easier time practicing with that. We won't waste time if her disease starts acting up, either."
Though it sounded as though Tatsuo was being cold and utilitarian, Tio could tell that he just wanted to help Kaori. And that made Tio smile. Tatsuo, on the other hand, only shook his head at the gentle smile on Tio's face.
A couple of minutes later, Tatsuo and Tio were in the aforementioned practice room with Tatsuo playing the piano while Tio sat near the door, waiting for Kaori to arrive.
Meanwhile, Kaori, having just arrived at Kurashikku Ensō was making her way through the company's main entrance.
"Pant* *Pant* I'm gonna be late." Kaori muttered to herself as she struggled to move quickly, the grip on her violin case slipping more and more with every step. "*Pant* *Pant* I hope he's not angry with me."
"Miyazono-San, you're here." A pretty woman sitting behind the reception desk said in a relieved tone. "Tatsuo-Sama is waiting for you in room four on the third floor. Please don't keep him waiting for too long."
"*Sigh* I know." Kaori replied, sounding much more tired than a fast walk from the subway station should have made her. "I'll head up, now."
Then, without another word, Kaori walked to the elevator, leaving the receptionist behind with a worried expression on her face.
"Hey, the receptionist who spoke to Kaori just now said to her colleague. "Did she look… off to you?"
"Yeah." The other receptionist replied while glancing in the direction of the elevator Kaori just took. "It's probably her disease acting up again."
"Disease?" The receptionist asked, a slight panic making it into her tone.
"It's not that kind of disease." The second receptionist said sharply. "It's something that weakens her body. I guess not everyone knows about it yet. But it's the reason she joined Kurashikku Ensō. Apparently, Soramoto-Sama promised to put all her effort into finding a cure for her."
"Really?" The first receptionist asked with her eyes shining. "Soramoto-Sama is so kind."
"Yes, she is." The second receptionist replied with a smile filled with admiration. "And I bet her son is just as kind and generous. Plus, he's so handsome."
"I know, right?" The first receptionist said energetically. "I mean, those eyes, that long hair, that strong-looking body. Mmm~, I bet he's gonna break a lot of hearts."
Just like that, the two receptionists' conversation devolved into gossiping about Tatsuo and his good looks. However, thanks to the company's training, they continued to work efficiently.
Meanwhile, Kaori finally reached the third floor. She then slowly made her way to the proper practice room. Though, judging by the expression on her face, it was clear that her condition was not particularly good at the moment.
"*Sigh* I don't even know if I'll be able to practice at this rate." Kaori said as she stopped in front of the door to catch her breath. "I feel so weak. *Sigh* I hope Soramoto-Kun doesn't blame me for wasting his time if I can't get my body to work right."
A few moments later, Kaori's breathing was under control. She then reached out to open the door, doing her best to keep her hand steady while keeping a tight grip on her violin case with her other hand.
"No, I can't think like that." Kaori whispered to herself as she wrapped her hand around the doorknob and shook off the negative thoughts. "I'll just do my best. That's all I can ask of myself, right? Right!"
Then, with another deep breath, she twisted the doorknob and pulled the door open, ready to greet Tatsuo as energetically as she could before they started practicing.
{BGM: "Moonlight Sonata" – Ludwig van Beethoven}
However, just as the door opened by a crack, Kaori heard the sound of a piano. AT the same time, some of the fatigue and numbness she was feeling seemed to be blown away. On top of that, the way the song was being played made her stop in place to just listen for a while. Until the voice of Tatsuo's manager, Tio, brought her back to the here and now.
"Ah, Miyazono-San, you're here." Tio said, standing up from her chair as Kaori opened the door. "Please, come in. Tatsuo-sana is just getting warmed up before your practice begins."
Blinking her eyes a couple of times, Kaori got her wits back. Then, she opened the door enough to step into the room before closing it behind her.
"Okay, thanks, Klarus-San." Kaori said politely as she made her way to a chair placed near the piano. "I'll start warming up, too. And I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh, think nothing of it." Tio replied politely with a smile. "You're actually right on time. We just got here a little early."
"I see." Kaori replied, knowing that Tio was just being polite, as she was already aware that she was about five minutes late. "Well, let me just get prepared."
With that, Kaori took a seat in the chair near the piano. She then laid the violin case across her lap and reached for the latches. Then, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the struggle that getting the violin out of the case would be. Yet…
*Click!*
… without any issue, her fingers nimbly opened the latches and flipped the case open.
'What?" Kaori asked herself with her eyes wide open as she looked down at the open violin case blankly. 'But I felt so weak and numb only a moment ago. How did I do that so easily?'
After having that thought, Kaori turned to look at Tatsuo, who was playing the piano with his eyes closed while he swayed his head to the music.
'Is it his music?' Kaori asked herself while staring at Tatsuo. She then shook her head. 'No, that's impossible. Although music can be soothing, there's no way it could restore strength, right?'
Chuckling to herself, Kaori decided not to think about it so much. Instead, she reached into her violin case and pulled out her violin and bow before placing the violin on her shoulder and starting her warm up, as well.