"Floria, can you give us the full rundown on this place?"
『Of course, Master. I shall begin the briefing with our current location.』
With that, Floria began her tour for the five of us.
『As previously mentioned, this lowest level is designed for vehicle storage. As you are aware, traversing the distance from the capital to this point on foot is a grueling undertaking.』
"Just how far are we from the city?" I asked.
『Approximately fifty kilometers. Roughly the distance of a full marathon.』
"What, was the developer planning on hosting an Olympic event out here?" I joked, mentally calculating the travel time. "The world record for a marathon is just over two hours. For an average player, you're looking at maybe eight hours of walking. Even if you don't get 'tired' in this world, walking for eight hours straight is its own kind of hell."
"By car, it's a thirty-minute breeze," Pitohui noted.
"Even on rough terrain where you can't floor it, you'd be here in an hour," Sinon added.
Floria nodded. 『Indeed. The system anticipated heavy vehicular usage. In fact, these fortresses are highly active on the overseas servers. However, here on the Japan server...』
"I get it," I cut in. "Most players in the JP server live in metropolitan areas. Even in real life, many don't feel the need for a car or a license. In-game, most of the core content is clustered together. The 'national character' just isn't geared toward long-distance driving as a hobby."
『Overseas, there are players who specialize as 'Virtual Explorers,'』 Floria explained.
"That hits close to home," I mused. "We really ought to be enjoying those aspects of the game more."
『I agree. That is why I felt a flicker of joy when I met you, Master.』
Floria tilted her head in a curious, doll-like gesture. 『I am curious as to why you said that.』
"I've encountered several AIs built by Kayaba Akihiko," I said softly. "Whenever I see an NPC with such a rich range of emotion, it makes me... well, it makes me happy."
『Regrettably, the AI core used for my construction is inferior to his designs,』 Floria replied. 『However, knowing you feel that way makes me happy as well, Master.』
We followed her up the spiral staircase to the next level.
『This floor is the Common Expanse. It is intended as a rest and preparation area for arriving players. We have designated zones for shops and supply depots to be established.』
"Logical," I noted.
『Moving upward.』
The next floor looked like a high-end hotel, with a corridor lined with doors.
『These are the Log-out Suites. We offer private rooms for individuals and larger barracks for squads.』
"They really thought of everything..."
"Given how far out we are, a safe place to log off is a necessity," Shizuka agreed.
『The next three floors follow this same layout,』 Floria continued.
Finally, we reached a floor that required biometric authentication at the entrance.
『This is the Command Tier. Access is restricted to the Master and Sub-Masters.』
"And what's the purpose of this room?" I asked.
『Think of it as the bridge of a ship. As this is a 'Fortress,' it is a prime target. Under certain conditions, enemy hordes will lay siege to this location.』
We all froze.
"There are siege events in GGO?"
"I've never heard of anything like that," Pitohui whispered, her eyes wide.
"Floria-san, what triggers these events?" Kei asked.
『The initial trigger is the cumulative number of unique visitors.』
"How many do we need for the first one?"
『Twenty players. Since there are currently five of you, fifteen more must visit to trigger the first wave. The second wave triggers at one hundred visitors, and subsequent waves occur in increments of one thousand.』
We peppered her with questions.
"Does it count if someone just walks in and out?"
『No. They must return to a city before their visit is officially logged.』
"How big is the enemy force?"
『The first wave consists of approximately three hundred units. For subsequent waves, the system scans the number of players within a one-kilometer radius and generates twenty times that amount in enemies, capped at one thousand.』
"Ten players would face two hundred mobs..." I calculated. "Can we use plasma grenades?"
『Explosives are completely neutralized within the defensive perimeter. Grenades, launchers, and mines will not detonate. The system encourages precision fire or close-quarters combat.』
"So, no 'delete' buttons," I grunted. "Standard gunplay only."
"How strong are they?"
『Equivalent to standard field mobs in this region.』
"Win/Loss conditions?"
『Victory is achieved by total annihilation of the enemy force. Defeat occurs if the number of players within the fortress is reduced by half from the starting count.』
"Is the gate left open during the siege?"
『No, it begins sealed. However, the enemy force includes 'Saboteur' units. If they reach the gate, its durability will decrease. Ten Saboteurs working for five minutes will breach the gate, shifting the battle to the interior corridors.』
"I see..."
『From the upper floors, players can fire down with relative safety, though range penalties apply. This is considered a 'Bonus Game'—a reward for the pioneers.』
We all blinked. "A bonus game?"
『Yes. The fate of the planet is not at stake,』 Floria said with a hint of what might have been humor. 『If you lose, the fortress simply reverts to a neutral state after a set period. The next player to enter becomes the new Master. However, if the fortress falls while the Master is offline, ownership does not transfer.』
"What are my perks as Master?"
『You receive one percent of all entry fees—though the fee is currently nominal. You also gain exclusive access to the Master's Suite and a daily allowance of ammunition of your choice.』
"And the rest of the entry fees?"
『They are reinvested into the facility. As the visitor count grows, the shops will upgrade their inventory and the facilities will expand.』
"Wow... it makes you want to invite all your friends just to see the shops grow," Shizuka said.
"Twenty people, huh?" I mused. "Maybe we should gather a crew and trigger the first wave ourselves?"
"I love it!" Pitohui cheered.
Floria gave us a small, genuine smile. 『The first clear offers the highest bonus. Rare items are guaranteed to drop. This is a reward for the discoverers and their allies. I recommend inviting those you trust most.』
That was all the motivation we needed.
"Who are we calling?"
"We don't have that many close friends," I said, "so we'll have to be selective."
"Let's finish the tour first."
"Right. Floria, take us to the top."
『Understood. This is the final level.』
She led us out onto an open-air observation deck. The view of the Great Plains was breathtaking—a 360-degree panorama of the digital wilderness.
"Wow! It's incredible!"
"So beautiful..." Sinon whispered.
"I assume we snipe from here during a siege?"
『Yes. The elevation provides a significant tactical advantage.』
"Are there other places like this in the world?"
『This is the World Tree. My database mentions others, though I am forbidden from disclosing their exact coordinates. Locations like the 'Dragon Valley Gate' and the 'Aerial City of Light' are known to exist.』
"Man, now I want to find those, too."
"Someday," I promised.
『I believe you will find them, Master.』 Floria smiled.
"Alright, time to head back. We need to report this to the Master and the others."
"Let's coordinate our schedules and come back ASAP!"
I turned to the NPC. "Floria, we'll be back soon. It'll be lonely until then, but hang in there."
『Hearing you say that... I am truly glad you are my Master.』
She gave me a radiant, full smile. Then, her expression shifted back to professional calm. 『However, that concern is unnecessary.』
She handed me a small, ornate stone.
"What's this?"
『The mark of the Master. It is called the 'Window of the World Tree.'』
"How does it work?"
『Press the switch on the side.』
I clicked it. Suddenly, a second Floria appeared right beside me.
"Whoa!"
『She is my proxy,』 the first Floria explained. 『We share a synchronized consciousness. While I remain here to manage the facility, she can accompany you on your travels. If you have questions, simply call upon her.』
The two Florias spoke in perfect alternation. The 'original' Floria bowed.
『I shall now enter standby mode to manage the systems. Please, take 'this' me with you.』
"Thanks for everything, Floria."
『Of course.』
The original Floria vanished into the console. The proxy Floria looked at me.
『Now, I shall return to the Window.』
"Wait, hang on, Floria."
『Is something wrong, Master?』
"Since we're here, why don't you ride back in 'Black' with us? You can watch the scenery on the way."
Floria blinked, looking genuinely stunned. 『...In all the records of the overseas servers, no Master has ever made such a request.』
"Is your AI a learning type?" I asked.
『Yes, Master.』
"Then you should see the world. It'll help you grow. It's better for you that way, right?"
"Yeah!" Shizuka added. "And when no one's at the base, you can tell us what the weather's like!"
"I want to help pick out clothes for her!" Pitohui chirped.
"It feels like I have a little sister now!" Kei beamed.
『I... I see. Yes.』
I reached out my hand. "Come on, Floria. This way."
『Y-Yes!』
Floria took my hand, her expression a mix of bewilderment and shy happiness as we descended the stairs together. The other four followed, wearing knowing smiles.
『Master, what is this 'Black' you mentioned?』
"Ah, right. That's the name of my Humvee. I have another one named 'White.'"
『I see. Black and White.』
"Yep. There she is."
We reached the garage, piled into Black, and began the trek back to the city. Sinon took the wheel again, while Floria was given the place of honor in the passenger seat.
"Alright, Sinon," I warned from the back. "Don't do anything crazy. I don't want Floria's first memory of the outside world to be us flipping into a ditch. I'm watching you."
"I know, I know! I'm being perfectly safe!"
"I'll take over once we get close to the city to park it," I added.
As the scenery blurred past, Floria spoke up.
『Master.』
"Yeah?"
『I had all the topographic data for this region in my memory banks.』
"I figured."
『But... looking at the map data and seeing the actual horizon... they are completely different.』
"Yeah," I said softly. "They really are."
I reached forward and patted her head. Floria leaned into the touch, her eyes fixed on the world outside the window.
When we reached the outskirts of the city, I parked the car and the group headed toward our base at Mt. Kurama. Floria walked among us, her head swiveling to take in every detail of the bustling streets.
"This way, Floria-chan!" Shizuka called.
『Coming, Shizuka-san.』
As we walked, we ran into a familiar duo: Usushio Tarako and Yamikaze.
"Yo! Shana's not with you today?" Tarako asked.
"He's just putting 'Black' in the garage," Shizuka replied.
"Black? What's that?"
"It's his heavy-armor Humvee. The other one is 'White.'"
"Hah! Simple and punchy. I like it," Yamikaze grinned. "And who's the new girl?"
"Uh..." Shizuka looked at me for help.
Pitohui stepped in. "We're going to need her help soon anyway. Why don't you two come back to Mt. Kurama with us?"
"Mt. Kurama? Your base?" Yamikaze asked.
"Whoa, look at Yami-yami using his brain," Pitohui teased.
"Hey, it was an easy association with 'Shana,' right? I've got culture!"
"I'm impressed," Shizuka giggled. "You're much sharper than Tarao."
"Damn right! I'm an intellectual! I'm in a different league than Tarao!"
"Will you two give it a rest with the 'Tarao' crap?!" Tarako snapped. "My mom's name isn't Sazae, alright?!"
"We'll explain everything at the base," Shizuka said. "Come on, you two."
The group made it back to Mt. Kurama just as I caught up with them.
"Yo, you guys are here too?" I asked the duo.
"Yeah, ran into them outside," Yamikaze said. "They mentioned something about an event, so we tagged along."
"Perfect. I was going to invite you anyway. Hang tight, I've called the whole squad. Pito, can you log out and see if M can join?"
"On it!"
I started counting on my fingers. "We need fifteen more visitors. Our core group is nine. With Tarako and Yamikaze, that's eleven. We're still four short."
"What about Eva and her crew?" Shizuka suggested.
"Good call. I thought about Dyne's squad, but there are too many of them to keep it a 'pioneer' bonus. Just Eva's team should put us right at the limit."
"What about Dyne and Ginrou specifically? We just talked to them."
"Let's stick with Eva for now. Tarako, Yamikaze, thanks for waiting."
"No problem," Tarako said. "Our squadron disbanded, so we've got nothing but time."
"Ooh, the suspense!" Yamikaze grinned. "I love it."
Nyangoro, Rosalia, and Ikoma arrived shortly after, followed by Pitohui and M. Unfortunately, Dyne and Ginrou were offline. Sinon had considered inviting Spiegel, but he wasn't around either.
A few minutes later, Eva and her squad entered the base, looking visibly nervous.
"U-um, hello. Thank you for having us..."
"Glad you could make it," I said.
"Shana-san! Long time no see!" Eva beamed.
Tarako waved at them. "Yo. Long time no see, girls."
"Tarako-san? You're with Shana now?"
"Life is full of surprises," he shrugged. "Yesterday's enemy is today's drinking buddy."
Yamikaze chimed in. "So this is the famous 'Amazon Squad'? I'm Yamikaze. Nice to meet ya."
"Oh! Yes, we've heard the rumors!"
Once the introductions were out of the way, I cleared my throat and addressed the gathered group.
"Alright, listen up. Here's the deal..."
-------------------------------
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