34 - CHAPTER III "Verification Experiment"

So, I came here for a picnic with Lillipha.

Well, although we call it a picnic, it is really just a walk to a nearby courtyard.

As escorts, I have brought with me the SS of the First Legion and a couple of living armorers, but I left Lieve at the castle. The situation regarding the domestic issues had just been settled, and there was a sense of resistance about both myself and Lieve leaving the castle.

For now, they are working with Ertina and standing by in case of an emergency.

"Well. Well then, let the experiment begin.

I give a brief explanation to Lillipha, who seems to be in a daze.

What we are going to do now is to verify the functions of the game in the form of a play - an experiment to verify the various abilities possessed by the King Player. We have already verified the basic abilities of the player, but there are still some other functions that need to be verified.

"Experiments?"

"Oh. I want you to come along with me for a little verification experiment. You can think of it as a simple play thing as far as the refurb is concerned. Take it easy."

"Isn't that your job?"

It's not the same as work. Besides, I'd be happy to have your help if you'll go out with me.

"Hmmm ......"

He gave me a suspicious look, but I didn't lie to him.

I am not lying. If Rilifa, who doesn't need to be bothered, is willing to accompany me in my experiments, I would be very happy to have her.

Besides, I have been holed up in my office for a long time now. It would be a nice change of pace to get out of the office once in a while. And it would be a good thing to get one task done.

The guards are guarding the courtyard from a distance, keeping their voices out of earshot. They can see us, but we don't have to worry about their eyes on us as we act as if we are there to make friends between the two countries with the child (Rilifa).

"Let's get started. Let's start with the experiment of .

[ Information Sharing (Data Sharing) ]

"What's information sharing?"

"It's the ability to suck up information held by my subordinates in my vicinity and visualize it in various . ...... doesn't make sense, does it?"

"I don't know."

"Right."

It's hard to explain.

If you want people to understand, you have to start from the explanation of , but even then, it is doubtful if the concept of "screen" is understood by the residents of this world, the reflections.

"Hmmm......... Simply put, it's a function (capability) that allows us to know about information (things) that the referrer knows, without having to be explained in words.

"Hmmm. What do I have to do to get a reli-fer?"

"Nothing in particular. Maybe you'll feel like you're being asked to do something sensory, but just be open to it."

"?　Um, I'm not sure."

I'm sorry, but I don't understand that part either. Maybe if you're willing to give me the information, I'll see what I can do. ......

Since Rilifa is not a subordinate, but a citizen of a country, it is not possible to automatically. They need to manually, but the Helians do not know what it feels like to be connected (accessed).

"I don't know, but I get it. I'll try!"

"Hmm. Well then, let's give it a try.

Function Window: Open.

Ability On: Information Sharing: Direct Access.

Target Input: Direct Select."

If you perform with the of Leifa displayed in another , some unknown items are revealed. After successfully connecting with Lilifa, her has been updated.

The basic statuses such as STR and VIT have already been determined by Levee and Eltina. The skills list has been updated.

As for the summoning magic that Leifa used before - "I call fellow", as much information as Leifa knows about it is revealed.

"Oh, really? Was that a unique skill of Leifa's?"

Apparently, it was not a common magic.

At least according to Lillipha's understanding, "I call fellow" is a magic that can be used only by Layfa.

The other updated item is a change in the "Remarks" column, where special notes are written.

"...... Three sizes?"

Why does this stuff appear in the remarks column?

"What do you think, brother?　Did you get the message?

"You got the message. Some of the information I didn't understand was in ......."

"Did they get your sister's body shape and everything?"

...... you did this,ref.

should show up in the Remarks column for what the target of recognizes as or , but for some reason, Rilifa thought that her sister's three sizes were that she should tell the target.

Incidentally, it is possible to manually correct the information - since incorrect information may be shared - and to delete it if you wish. I can also delete the size,

"............Yeah, well, information (data) is information (data). It's not like it's a problem to have it. There's no need to delete anything."

And that's how it came to be.

I have no other intention.

[Compression key (macro)

"Okay, next. Now try ."

"Makuro?"

A is a set of freely composed commands.

In short, you can think of them as shortcut keys that you can create as you like. If you perform a specific action (motion), you can instantly execute a command according to the registered contents in advance.

As an example of usage, if you put in , you can give a routine command to your subordinates on the spur of the moment.

In addition, can execute not only a single order. It is also possible to form a that combines multiple commands.

For example,

In the early stages of the game, when tactical-level combat is required, the composed of such template tactical commands was often used.

--But even if I explain such a thing to Lillipha, he will not understand it.

Just as in the case of , they do not understand the concept of commands and shortcuts in the first place. Therefore, I only told Riffa that it was "just like a little message game.

"Compression key settings 《Macro Configuration》 : Exit (off). Configuration virtual window (system window): closed."

After registering the compression key 《macro》, close the virtual window that is obstructing your view.

The content of the compression key (macro) is simple and contains only the to . Since the selection method of the target unit is "direct select", all you have to do is to execute the compression key (macro) while the refiner.

Incidentally, Helian mainly used finger-snapping, or finger-punching, for the execution motion of compressed keys (macros). The reason for adopting this motion is that it is quick and easy to perform on the spur of the moment, and above all, it looks cool.

Because, by simply snapping their fingers, the subordinates would move in response.

It must be cool.

<

There were several other motions for drawing letters in the air, but the reason is the same.

"Okay, here we go..."

"??"

In front of Lillipha, who is looking at me with an uncertain expression, I snap my right middle finger.

Rilifa shakes herself in surprise and then raises her right hand.

--The experiment was a success.

"What was that?　Big brother, did you tell Rilifa to ?"

"No, I didn't say it out loud. Instead, I sent with . I wasn't sure if it would work or not against the inhabitants of this world, but it seems to work."

"...... something weird."

Rilifa wiggles her legs, looking somewhat itchy.

"Should I tell her with my voice?　I can reach a certain distance, but I can also use my other abilities to get my voice to you."

"Hmm. Maybe you'll get used to it, but I think you'll be surprised at first. If you can hear me from a distance, it would be easier for you to get used to it. Then it's just like mind-speech."

"When you say 'mind-speak,' I'm pretty sure ...... it's a magic spell that allows a person to hear the voice of someone who is far away."

It is the magic used by the vermin of Noblewood.

It seems to be a rather rare magic and the Fourth Legion has begun to study it.

Incidentally, a Helian can do the same thing if only to reach someone at a distance. All you have to do is to set the chat mode to [super wide area] and shout, just as you did when you made a speech.

There is a chat mode that allows PCs (players) to talk directly to each other, but not to NPCs. It cannot be used. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use communication (chat) to send a voice to a refueller--no.

"Wait, isn't ...... worth a try?"

Suddenly, he wondered how his ability (system) recognized Lillipha.

Unlike Levee and the others, she was originally a resident of this world. [We have no idea what this world is like in Tactics Chronicles, but it is not right to assume from the start that she is like an NPC.

In the case of , the idea of being able to use the same abilities on Lilliputians as on NPCs didn't occur to me until the very last minute, but this time I was about to fall into the opposite trap. We should not put the refiners in such a category from the beginning.

In the first place, I am in a very different state of mind than I was when I was playing the game.

In the game I never felt fatigue, but in this world I am always out of breath.

Similarly, in games, you do not necessarily need to eat, and in the early days when you could not afford to eat, you would give your own food to your subordinates, but if you do the same now, you will usually starve to death.

Since the game is so different from the game, it would be a bad idea to treat the refurls as completely the same existence as their subordinates (former NPCs) from the beginning. What is the point of limiting the possibilities by yourself? It's free to try, and now is the time to test it out.

"--Okay, ref. Just try to get out of my voice for a little bit."

[ communication(chat) ]

So, now let's verify the communication (chat) function.

I have already explained to Lillipha what we are going to test, and she waves her hand in front of her eyes to indicate that she is ready.

"Chat window: open.

Mode select: spoken conversation (voice chat).

Target input: direct select."

A virtual communication window (chat window) is opened and the connection process begins, just as when dealing with a king (player) from another country.

The connection was successfully established. No error message is returned. The connection is successfully completed without any error messages being returned.

>

Rilifa, from the corner of my eye, jumped and signaled to me.

It seems that her voice was heard. This is a happy miscalculation. We should try everything.

The differences from the game that we have found so far have been only a bonus, such as feeling pain, hunger, fatigue, and almost dying from the reaction of the secret of the game. I think I'm getting there.

I respond to Lillipha, who is still jumping up and down and appealing to me, by waving my hand with a wry smile. We were able to reach her for the time being. Then we must try the opposite direction.

Then Rilifa stopped jumping and looked down for a moment as if thinking about something. Then she jumps up and opens her mouth with a childish smile on her face.

>

Helian immediately closed the virtual window.

She looks up at the sky with a Bodhisattva-like expression on her face, while Rilifa continues to speak from the corner of her eye.

--Why is the sky so blue?

Looking up at the majestic azure sky, Helian indulges in escapism.

[ TRANSLATION ]

"I'm home. Hey, did you hear what Rilifa said?"

"...... Well, yeah. At least we can confirm that we can hear Rilifa's voice. I just couldn't make out what she was saying."

"Huh?　Is that so?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Well, I'll tell you again. I'll tell you again... my sister's favorite..."

"You don't have to say it. Anyway, I think we can call it quits on this experiment. Let's move on to the next experiment.

Rilifa's cheeks puffed out.

I am very curious as to why she is unhappy, but it is dangerous to continue this topic any longer. The next time I see Leifer, it will be awkward one way or the other.

"Next time we'll have to transition."

"What ......?　What do you mean, that transition where you can move to another place in an instant?　Mr. Helian, I thought you were ......, big brother, can you use transfer magic?"

Why did you say it again? Why didn't you just say "Mr. Helian"?

...... Well, it doesn't matter now.

"That's the right transition. You have to have more than one base to use it, and you can only move from one base to another.

"............ Let's see. Transference is supposed to be a very rare magic among the lost magic,...... but I think only the legendary great sage can use it,......."

"It's not really magic, but, you know. I can transfer anyway."

I'll cut this short as I see fit.

I am at a loss for details since I don't even know the magic word "ma".

The king's (the player's) use of transference is, to put it bluntly, a means of moving from one base to another.

In most RPG games, the means to move from one base to another is available after the midpoint of the game when the player's area of activity has expanded, and it is positioned in the same way.

As an overview of the function, it is possible to set up a "teleportal" only at the base you have conquered, and you can move to another teleportal instantly via the teleportal.

This ability cannot be used without a base under your control, and if the base is conquered by another power, the teleportal will disappear. It is only an ability to move between the bases of one's own forces.

In addition, only one teleportal can be installed in the same location, but it can be re-installed any number of times in different locations. And it is not only the player who can move. Using the teleportal, your subordinates can also move from one location to another.

"...... Oh, shoot. I didn't reconfigure the teleportal in RATESTWOOD, so it's still at the default setting.

"Initialization?"

"In this case, it means you can only fly near the throne (symbol). You have to go to the site to reconfigure it, and it's ......."

"Hmmm ....... Hey, so can Rilifa go first?"

"No problem. I mean, I can't go in this situation. I can't jump into the Ratest Wood and near the throne without notifying the queen (Leiffer) in advance.

, he set up a teleportal for the capital of Alkimaira---- right in front of him. If there is no symbol in the vicinity, a faintly glowing ball of light appears in its place. The created ball of light floats at about waist height.

It is possible to set restrictions on the destination, the direction of transfer, and the use of each character, but most of these settings are currently disabled for the purpose of experimentation.

I briefly explain the method of levitation to Lillipha, who lets out an impressed "wow" sound. If you touch the light ball, a list of possible destinations should be displayed.

Rilifa reaches for the ball of light and the list appears at her eye level. There seems to be no problem. Rilifa's eyes sparkle in surprise at the sudden display of the list.

--But then a question came to her mind.

So far, all the experiments had been successful. In fact, there were even some unexpected results, but thinking about it again, it seemed to me that there was a risk in the case of transference.

It would be fine if the transfer was not triggered, but there is a possibility that it could be triggered halfway and the patient could be transferred to a completely different place.

I am not trying to prioritize lives, but Lillipha is royalty. We should first ask the others to cooperate with us in this experiment.

"Wait, Rilifa. I don't think we should do this experiment. There's a danger..."

"Hmm, I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm off then!

"What?　...... Oh, wait--!"

Before we could stop her, Rilifa activated the teleportal. As soon as Helian reaches out his right hand, the ball of light emits a strong light for a moment, and Rilifa's figure disappears instantly.

<>

He tries to communicate with Rilifa using the chat function that he just tried a few minutes ago.

The transfer itself should be instantaneous. If all goes well, she's already in Latticewood. I have to be there.

>

<

The reply was easy-going.

Helian's chest heaves with relief at the cheerful voice, oblivious to the worries of others. A deep sigh naturally escaped her.

<

The conversation can be heard leaking through the communication (chat) that has been left connected. Apparently, they are talking with Wenli, who is a close associate of Leifa. Within a minute, the teleportal installed in the courtyard begins to glow.

Rilifa, who has returned from the Ratestwood, appears near the teleportation gate. When she spots Helian, she smiles and opens her hand holding something.

What Lillipha was holding was a small piece of cloth. It is in the shape of an inverted triangle. Its color is black. The cloth, which seemed to be slightly transparent, was...

"Ta-da!　I brought it from the wardrobe in my sister's room, her treasured bread..."

"Stop him, you poor thing!"

As expected, Helian was annoyed.

+ + +

"...... Hey, Lillipha. Why are you using your own sister as an excuse?"

Helian asked with a tired look on his face.

She had wept so much over her sister's life, but she had treated her too roughly, hadn't she? Especially in the last act, Leifa should have cried in a different way.

Reluctantly putting away her underwear, or something else in the shape of a triangular piece of cloth, she complains in a bored tone.

Because my sister doesn't give me much attention these days..."

"That can't be helped. Rayfa is busy too.

After all, Leifa is the queen of Latticewood.

She must be just as busy with her work as I am.

Besides, it's a pity to bring Wenli's underwear.

"Wait. Why are we supposed to bring our underwear? And why doesn't that consideration apply to Leifa?"

I don't understand Lillipha's thought process. Leifa is so pathetic.

"?　Because she's my sister. I don't mind."

"........................ I see."

It is an idle act to meddle in the affairs of sisters.

Herrien decided to fool himself with that logic.

"Well, what the heck,...... you should care about Leifa a little bit, too. She must be really busy too.

"Well, you sure seem to be having a hard time these days. Yesterday was the first time in a long time that an adventurer had returned.

"I have heard reports of this. I hear that he is staying in the village now. The Sixth Legion is supposedly working to keep them away from the capital.

"Yes, just one party of adventurers from the border city. I heard that the herd of demonic beasts has been defeated, but there is something wrong with the labyrinth (dungeon) near the city, and most of the adventurers who originally came to the Abyssal Forest are now going there.

However, the labyrinth (dungeon), unlike the defense of the border city, has no compulsion for adventurers, so they said they came to the Abyssal Forest to dive.

"Labyrinth (dungeon),Hey ......"

The labyrinth [dungeon] is an element that was also in [Tactics Chronicle].

However, according to the information I obtained from Rattestwood, the labyrinths or "dungeons" in this world seem to be a little different from those in [Tactics Chronicle].

This too will have to be investigated at some point in the future.

Besides, we must also investigate the world outside of the forest, in the sphere of human life.

The information that RATESTWOOD had was mostly about the world inside the forest.

Some of the leading figures had seen and heard about the world outside the forest through the few diplomatic opportunities they had, but almost all of them had died in the last war. The first and second generation half-elves who had lived in the sphere of human life had also been turned into offerings to the fairy dragons by the vermin because of their strong elven blood.

The only thing that those who remain know about the world outside the forest are the names and sizes of the neighboring countries, and some general knowledge. It is not surprising that they were so occupied with their own lives.

"......, is it that late already?"

If you check the time in the , it is almost 12:00 in the afternoon. After a brief dinner, the informal meeting with Lillipha comes to an end.

I also wanted to try , but I was not in a hurry to do so. We will continue this another time.

But the time passed remarkably quickly.

I left the courtyard with Lillipha's hand, wondering when I would see her again, with a faint feeling of loneliness.

Lillipha followed silently for a while, but just before we entered the castle, she suddenly opened her mouth.

"Hey, Mr. Helian."

"What?"

"Have you had a chance to relax?"

The question was a whisper.

I looked next to him and was met with a gaze that stared up at me.

In those innocent eyes, I saw my own face with an expression of exasperation.

"---- is..."

I'm in trouble.

<<>, but it seems that I was the one who was being considerate to her all the time.

When I checked my condition again, I found that my shoulders were somewhat lighter.

Perhaps because it had been a long time since I had a conversation with her without any feelings, the heaviness that had been stuck in a corner of my head had been lightened considerably. If I looked in the mirror now, I would probably see myself there with a refreshed expression on my face.

I put my right hand on Lillipha's head with a wry smile, thinking that I am losing my face as an older woman. The soft white hair felt good to the touch. I stroke her small head with a careful hand so as not to ruin her hairstyle.

It was a nice break. Thank you, Rilifa.

He expresses his gratitude without any adornment.

What came back from the girl was not a word, but a hearty smile.

--Let's work hard from noon onwards.

With a cheerful expression on her face, Helian returns to the castle with Lillipha. Herian takes Lillipha with him back to the castle. Her steps are surprisingly light.