"I get it," Hachiman said, looking at Asuna, who nodded back. "We'll accept the thanks, then. I'm glad we could help your friends, Daru."
A knock interrupted them as Feyris returned with the drinks.
"Sorry for the wait-nya!"
"Thanks, Feyris."
"Are you off to war again today-nya?" she asked.
"Yeah. We have to participate in at least one battle every day, or we're disqualified."
Daru looked puzzled. "Wait, wouldn't that mean every team except the ones you wiped out yesterday would be disqualified?"
"There's a loophole," Hachiman explained. "As long as you fire at least one bullet—anywhere—during the engagement window, you're counted as participating."
"Seriously?!" even Asuna was surprised.
"Yeah. If everyone got disqualified on Day Two, the event would be a disaster. The organizers posted the 'loophole' on the official boards this morning. Only the people who truly gave up will be gone. The rest will still be out there."
Hachiman checked his watch. "Alright. It's time."
"Good luck to you both-nya!"
"We're rooting for you-o!"
Hachiman and Asuna settled onto the sofa, leaning against one another as they adjusted their gear. They closed their eyes and dived.
Back in the cafe, Feyris sighed dreamily. "It's so nice-nya. You can really feel the trust between them."
"Well, they are the legendary couple," Daru noted. "Hachiman and Asuna... the heroes of our generation."
"And the Black Swordsman, too-nya," Feyris added.
Inside GGO, Shana (Hachiman) pulled up the map.
"Whoa. The numbers dropped fast. I guess yesterday really shook them," Shana remarked.
The tally was grim: Genji Army: 8 Teams (approx. 50 players) / Heike Army: 120 Teams (approx. 900 players).
Shana opened a comms line to Rosalia. "Rosalia, what's the status of the enemy?"
In the cafe, Daru explained the situation to Feyris. "See, this whole war started because that girl Rosalia was essentially tortured by the other side. It was brutal-o."
"Tortured...? A girl-nya?" Feyris's eyes sharpened. "That is unforgivable. They must all be eliminated-nya!"
Back in the game, Rosalia reported in. "No organized movement yet. They're likely still reeling from yesterday and haven't settled on a new plan."
"Sebas, your thoughts?" Shana asked.
"The enemy will be forced to come out eventually," the AI butler replied. "We should use our mobility to harass them near the city outskirts."
"Agreed. Alright everyone, we're moving to the city perimeter. Let's hunt."
The Genji Army struck like a lightning bolt, picking off enemy players as they trickled out of the safe zone like a game of whack-a-mole.
"Go, Shana-nya!" Feyris cheered at the screen.
"Go-go, Shana-o!" Daru added.
Inside the game, the player Usushio Tarako turned to Shana. "Hey, isn't this a little too easy today?"
"Once we cause enough trouble, they'll have to come out in force," Shana replied. "Keep the units gathered. Be ready."
Sure enough, Rosalia's voice crackled over the radio. "Shana! Movement is picking up. A large group of squadrons is heading out all at once."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"