Urgent recruitment‼ How to Save the Ending World ▚ I'm a certain NPC girl from a discontinued VRMMO service, but somehow managing to survive again today - Chapter 28

Episode 28: Passing Years

“Huh, there are indeed detailed parameters even for NPCs here…”

The slightly perplexed blonde AI girl murmurs while in a fused state with Black Dog. Players who participated in the Fourth Campaign Battle are likely to be even more confused.

At this moment, without delay, the function projecting images onto the retinas inside the masks of each mechanized being, Kaijin, activates. The modal window that floats in the void displays a result called “Battle Record Report.”

Not only direct combat actions are evaluated, but the prestigious first place goes to Palm Regina, a small queen who planned and led the overall strategy, including the subjugation of the area boss.

Similarly, the guild master of the Enka Guild, who survived while waiting in the rear, has also penetrated into the upper ranks. Although some pain is alleviated, the struggles of those bitten by the giant beast or torn apart by blade wings are quite daunting.

“Well, it’s a bit delicate that the ‘Invisible Hunter’ who hid in a safe place all the time is second overall.”

“Not just the rear guard, but we’re also in single digits. It’s a relief. It’s unfortunate that Silver Fist isn’t even included in the evaluated targets, bitten by the beast and all…”

In terms of damage dealt alone, the silver mechanized being, who took the raging Valbado’s dominant arm with him, also contributed significantly, but his name only appears in the list of those defeated.

After receiving words of consideration for those who became the cornerstone of victory, Severing Maiden Halberd, who seemed satisfied with the results, talks to Shiro, who is clad in black iron armor.

“He seems to have awakened a new special skill in the midst of the battle, so I don’t mind.”

“… We’ve gained some new cards too, what about yours?”

Casually mentioning it, Kotone, who was by his side, and another survivor in the boss battle, a Gunslinger from the Nekonabe Shopping District, approached with slow movements. When asked, the person in question didn’t bother hiding it and admitted the fact with a simple “Well.”

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Black Dog, who also acquired “Pseudo-Personality Fusion and Separation II,” nods in agreement. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Crim whispers, not intending to be concealed.

“I actually… Well, it might be a byproduct of delivering the finishing blow.”

Inserted with a slightly awkward hushed tone, Shiro’s display, which also serves as a small-sized visor on Black Dog, shows a clearly labeled special skill called “Blade Wing Ability.”

The image of the giant beast, already turned into the phosphorescence of quantum materialization, lightly grazes the mind. Shirou wonders if the pseudo-personality’s avatar has wings and can fly. Just then, communication from Noa, who is currently engaging with giant apes and other monsters, interrupts.

“Both of you, great job. The small types nearby have been taken care of by the first squad, and the safe retreat is secured by the minimally depleted sixth squad. Let’s withdraw to the safe zone. Are the Nekonabe people coming too?”

“Of course, if we’re left alone like this, unable to reach a retreat point, we’re confident we’ll end up being mercilessly hunted down by annoying little pests!!”

Even in a virtual pseudo-experience, being devoured by countless jaws is undesirable. The mechanized being from the White Cat Squad, holding the reserved bullet for self-destruction, oddly puffs out its chest with determination.

Slightly amused, Black Dog and Severing Maiden Halberd exchange glances and, after joining up with Queen Palm Regina and others at the entrance of the outdoor substation, turn their feet towards the exit of the labyrinth area.

By this time, the decoy group has also concluded their battle, starting to move towards the nearest exit point. The New Year’s Eve festival commotion comes to an end, and tranquility returns to the Iron Tree Forest.

However, those who suffered forced expulsion during this campaign received penalties and cannot log back in until a certain amount of time passes. Therefore, the celebration, involving Nekonabe Shopping District and Enka Guild, is postponed until the New Year. 

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Original author’s comment:

“I’ve outlined this as a mid-length story tailored for the ‘Fateful Love that Changes the World’ contest. For now, how is it? I’ve written it in a way that could also serve as the prologue for a longer story, so I hope to write the continuation of the tale at some point. 

To the few of you who have read this far, thank you very much!!

I appreciate it!”