Chapter 191

Chapter 2 Don’t Accept the Demon Lord’s Invitation! …But I Guess Refusing Is Rude Sometimes. The next morning. To prepare for the Demon Lord Hayato’s arrival, they had an early breakfast and were waiting in the dining hall. “…Dad’s kinda late, huh?” Masato forced his head up off the table, stealing another look out the window. When their vigil had started, they could still see the morning sun—but it had long since cleared the window frame. The whole party were sick of waiting. Wise had her head on the table and wasn’t moving. Medhi had killed some time by brushing her hair, but her patented beautiful girl smile had taken on a distinctively grumpy note. She was taking it out on Wise, dismantling her trademark curly pigtails. Porta was fast asleep. Mamako had gone off to the kitchen, and now she came back with even more tea. Nobody was thirsty. Except Shiraaase, who chugged hers. “Ahhh… He’s definitely a bit too late. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect him at all.” “Yeah… Geez, Dad, get it together.” “I wonder if he overslept like you did, Ma-kun.” “Don’t lump me in with him! Anyway, if it’s gonna be like this, Shiraaase…” “Very well. I have been briefed on the particulars of the Demon Lord quest, so I might as well give you a rundown.” And she rose to her feet. Following her lead, they left the inn. The Catharn convention center was still in the throes of the job fair. The streets were less packed than the day before but still teeming. The party was forced to surf the flow and exit the stream at a side street. They were headed for the Mom Shop, a small café-like store. This was a facility that solved family problems and had become their base of operations. “What are we doing here?” Masato asked Shiraaase. “Nothing, really. I just thought you should be aware of what’s going on.” “Meaning…?” Shiraaase didn’t answer—she just headed inside. The bell on the door tinkled, and a girl’s head popped up from behind the counter. She was the Dark God in charge of spoiling and the sole employee of the Mom Shop—Mone. “Oh, Ms. Shiraaase! Welcome.” “Good morning, Mone. Sorry to intrude.” “Not a problem! Make yourself at home.” Mone greeted Shiraaase with aplomb, but the moment her eyes lit on Masato’s party… “Oh, customers? How lovely to meet you! Welcome to the Mom Shop!” “……Huh?” Weird way to greet people she knew. And that smile of hers just screamed customer service. Mone usually greeted Masato by throwing her arms around him and rubbing her cheek on his chest to refuel her spoil meter. “Uh, Mone? What’s going on?” “Er…why do you know my name?” “Huh?” “Hmm?” They blinked at each other for a minute. “Ugh, both of you, quit goofing off. This is hardly the time for that.” “Mone, I think this prank has gone on long enough.” “Um, uh, what? I’m not pulling a prank…” Wise and Medhi were just making Mone even warier. Only one solution. Masato pushed Porta forward. A purity attack would make it impossible for anyone to pretend to be a stranger. “Um, Mone! It’s me! Porta! Do you not remember me?” “Er, sorry. Have we met?” Even Porta’s pure gaze had failed. “Then it’s time for our last resort. Mom, take it from here!” “Very well. Mone, it’s me. You know who I am, don’t you?” “Gasp! I can sense infinite spoiling!” Mone’s arms went up, ready to wrap around Mamako—but she stopped herself, backing away. She hid behind the counter, like a wild animal suspecting a trap. She seemed to genuinely not know who they were. “Shiraaase, what’s going on?” “Allow me to explain. Mone, I apologize for alarming you. We’ll be going now.” “S-sure. Come again…” Outside the Mom Shop, Shiraaase began strolling leisurely up the street. The others followed her. There were still quite a few people around, but nobody spared them a second glance. Mamako’s swaying bosom attracted a few stares—resulting in some red-faced men—but that was it. A housewife with a shopping basket crossed the path in front of them. Without even glancing in Mamako’s direction. “Mommy knows that lady…” “Seriously? And she didn’t stop to chat? You’ve gotta be kidding me!” said Masato. “That’s just like how Mone didn’t seem to know who we are… Then that means… Shiraaase!” He felt a tug at his heartstrings. Shiraaase paused and turned back, nodding. “I can infooorm you that with the start of the Demon Lord quest, all NPCs in the world have had their memories of you sealed.” “Sealed memories, huh? I figured.” “Wait, Masato, how does that make sense?” “Ms. Shiraaase, could you please explain why their memories are sealed?” asked Medhi. “The reason… Well, I’ll leave that to the exam proctor.” They could hear rapid footsteps approaching them from behind. The Demon Lord Hayato. His greatsword and jacket under one arm, his bedhead flouncing around as he ran. “Oh! Masato’s daddy!” said Porta. “Goodness, the sleepyhead’s finally joined us,” said Mamako. “S-sorry! The meeting last night went a bit late, and I didn’t get to bed until— Cough cough!” As he caught up with them, he crumpled to the ground, his breathing coming in gasps. “Oof, I’m gonna feel that in my legs tomorrow…” How very middle-aged. His heroic son couldn’t bear to watch. “Dad, please… Could you try to be a little more Demon Lord-y?” “I—I’ll try… Whew… Okay.” “Dear, you stay right there. You can’t be a proper Demon Lord with your hair like that!” “Oh, thanks. Please.” Mamako kept him on his knees and began fussing with his bedhead. “I’ve got a brush.” “Porta, do you have a spritzer?” “I do!” Wise, Medhi, and Porta all chipped in as an impromptu hair and makeup team. They even put his jacket on and greatsword on his back. The Demon Lord had returned. With Mamako at his side, Wise, Medhi, and Porta close by, and even Shiraaase right behind, Hayato turned to the Hero, Masato. “Mwa-ha-ha-ha! We meet again, my heroic son!” “Uh, you’re kind of in my spot, but whatever.” “Moving right along, if I could just address the itinerary for the day—” “We’ve already been briefed. It’s a Demon Lord–supervised quest, right? You left without explaining it, so Shiraaase covered for you.” “Sh-she did?!” The Demon Lord turned toward Shiraaase and gave her a polite bow. “I do apologize. That was entirely my shortcoming.” “Not at all.” “Can you not keep the Demon Lord act up for two seconds?” Masato demanded. This was an especially humble Demon Lord. After taking a moment to recover: “Well, Masato, anything you wish to say to your dad?” Hayato asked. “Sure. Why have all the NPCs had their memories of us sealed? Start there.” “Very well! It’s quite simple, really. You and your party have done so much, and people across the world have recognized you for your efforts. But that works against the test. So we sealed their memories.” “Works against it how…?” “I’m here to test the power you have, Masato—the power to progress toward the future.” As for what that was supposed to mean: “It’s nothing particularly complicated. Typical stuff, really. For instance, say you had amazing grades at school.” “S-sure.” “But if you moved on to college, or got a job—found yourself in a new environment—what would happen to you? Everything would be different. You wouldn’t know a soul. Nobody would have a clue what you’ve accomplished. You’d have to start all over from square one. You’d have to progress from that point.” “So I need this power you speak of?” “And as your father, I merely want to know if you have it. That’s why the test must be done where nobody knows your party. Well? Do you have the courage to give this a try?” The Demon Lord shot Masato a daring wink. Granted, the wink was coming from a forty-something-year-old man. Masato rolled his eyes, but took the question seriously. The future… The thought had crossed his mind at the job fair. A future he couldn’t quite picture—did he have the power to move toward it? Might as well give it a try. “Sounds worth it. Let’s find out!” He gave Hayato his best grin. “That settles it, then. Let’s head to the Adventurers Guild. That’s where the quest begins! …And Masato…” “What?” “This may be a game, but everything you experience here is real. Don’t let that reality get you down.” With that ominous utterance, the Demon Lord turned to leave, the girls in his wake. Masato followed them. “Okay, seriously, why are you all sticking by him? That makes no sense!” Nobody paid this any heed. He was alone. But he wouldn’t let it get to him. He had to proceed toward the future! “Don’t worry, Ma-kun. Mommy will always be with you.” “Gah, when did you get there?” Mamako had her arms tightly around his, cradling him in the valley of her bosoms. The party reached the guild. “Well, Masato,” said the Demon Lord. “Pick any quest you like, whatever looks good to you.” “Lemme see…uh…” “Oh, Ma-kun! What about this one? It says ‘gather seasonal ingredients’!” “That’s what you want to do.” Mamako was still clinging to him as they scoped out the quest board. Not far away, the Demon Lord was doing the same thing. The girls and Shiraaase were at his side, waiting. “Yo, Shiraaase is one thing, but why are you all over there? Are you trying to make a point? Come back already!” “We could do that, but…your dad’s going on about how he wants to test your ability to manage on your own, right?” said Wise. “If we’re with you, wouldn’t that get in the way?” suggested Medhi. “Okay, good point. But still…I know someone who doesn’t seem concerned about all that…” He gave Mamako a pointed look, but she not only failed to let go of his arm, she grinned. She definitely had no plans to leave his side. Demon Lord Hayato was stifling a laugh. “You in the same boat, Porta?” Masato asked. “S-sorry! I think your daddy could tell me things about my mommy’s work, so I’m gonna stay over here!” “Huh? Why would Dad know about Deathmother?” “I can infooorm you there is nothing unusual about that. Hayato is a business-side consultant working with this game’s management division and regularly meets with admin reps.” “…Huh?” Masato gaped at Shiraaase, but she didn’t bat an eye. He turned and gave the Demon Lord the same stare. “News to you?” Hayato said, sounding proud of himself. “Maybe you’ll take a little more interest in your father’s work from now on!” “This is real?” “That it is! But just to be clear, I’m not involved in test player selection or the actual running of the game itself. My involvement is purely on the business end of things. I was aware that the two of you were involved, but that’s all.” “I’ll admit your relationship to Hayato did play a minor role in your selection. Heh-heh-heh.” Shiraaase chuckled. “Shiraaase…I really wish you would stop sharing all our behind-the-scenes secrets…,” said Demon Lord Hayato. Masato elected to ignore the uncomfortable facts. “You knew, Mom?” “I heard he was in charge of something very important, but I didn’t know it was this game. Mommy’s very surprised.” “Yeah, same here…” The game they were playing, MMMMMORPG (working title), was sponsored by the Japanese government. It was headed toward a nationwide rollout. And not only was Masato’s father involved, he was working at an executive level. “Dad, are you, like…actually a big shot?” “Ha-ha-ha! Good question.” His father just laughed it off. This Demon Lord was powerful in more ways than one. “Picked out your quest yet?” Hayato asked. “I’ve already chosen mine. I’ll be over here, accepting it.” “Go right ahead. I won’t be long.” “Is that a newfound note of respect in your voice?” “Kinda, I guess?” Masato turned back to the board and grabbed the quest he’d been eyeing. Then he followed Hayato to the counter. The Demon Lord went first, handing the receptionist the quest card. “I’d like to accept this quest, if you would be so kind.” “Exterminating monsters on the main road? Who’ll be joining you?” The three girls behind Hayato—Wise, Medhi, and Porta—all raised their hands. Shiraaase began coughing like she had consumption, stepping away. Obviously not joining in. Clear on the party size, the receptionist turned her gaze back to Hayato. “In that case—Ultimate Art: Receptionist Search! Hnggg!” This was a strict eyeing-up that allowed her to determine if he qualified for this quest. Top-tier gear, balanced physique, the confidence earned through years of high-level job experience, and the maturity his age provided… The receptionist’s scan complete, she nodded. “You seem trustworthy. I’ll accept your request. Good luck out there!” “Thank you.” Demon Lord Hayato’s quest was approved. Next, Masato. He handed the posting over. “Hi there. I’d like this one.” “Exterminate the midsized dragon in the dungeon near town. And joining you…” “Hello!” Mamako said, waving—still pressed up against her son. “Mommy’s with her Ma-kun.” “Right. And since Shiraaase didn’t join Dad—” “Negatory. I’m afraid I can accompany neither party. I must prepare for the next phase.” “‘Phase’?” “Ahem. Pay that no heed. If you’ll excuse me…” She turned and hustled off. Clearly up to something. Something no good. And thus, Masato’s party was left at two. The receptionist gave both of them a scan and frowned. “Just the two of you? I’m afraid this might be rather difficult…” “Nah, it’ll be fine. We may not look it, but we’re pretty good. We’ve cleared quests like this before.” “Inexperienced adventurers love to make these claims…” “I swear it’s true! Go ahead and do a proper check—you’ll see!” “Well, if you insist… Receptionist Search! Hngg.” She seemed highly unenthused, but gave him a once-over nonetheless. Not bad equipment, properly growing physique, the vigor of youth, face still pretty boyish… Her check complete, the receptionist gave him her best smile. “Choose something else.” “Whaaa…? No, wait! You can’t judge me on looks! C’mon, check my stats! You’ll know how good we really are!” “No need. As a seasoned receptionist, I can gauge anyone’s abilities at a glance. Heh.” “And I’m telling you, you’re not doing that at all!! …Damn, starting without anyone knowing us is tougher than I thought. Do I really look that pathetic?!” “Regardless, for the two of you, I’d say… Yes, this quest would be more appropriate. What do you think?” She handed over a quest posting. It said… About halfway between the Catharn capital and the school town, Mahweh. What should have been a safe thoroughfare was teeming with bears, wolves, and giant insects. The moment these monsters saw a human, they roared so loud, their bodies vibrated—it was very intimidating. But the Demon Lord Hayato’s party didn’t flinch. “Oh? Are those dragons I spy? …No matter; let’s make quick work of them. Everybody ready?” “You bet, Masato’s dad! My ultimate magic will knock ’em dead!” “Porta, ready items to cure magic seal. It’s highly likely Wise’s magic is already sealed, and she merely has failed to notice.” “You got it! Here!” “I’m not sealed! Medhi, don’t even joke about this!” “Ha-ha-ha, as lively as you are lovely. That’s what adventures are all about… Off I go!” Hayato darted forward, the cursed greatsword Universo in one hand, making a sweeping slash. The air before him split asunder, revealing the universe underneath. Incredibly tiny meteors shot out from the tear in space like incendiary arrows. The moment they hit their targets, the meteors exploded—again, and again, and again. Like they’d been carpet-bombed, the monster pack was annihilated. The girls stood stunned. “Uh, Masato’s dad? You’re hella broken…” “The power of the universe… It’s essentially an upgraded version of the Heavens. We really shouldn’t let Masato see this.” Glance. “Masato’s daddy is really strong! Just like Mama!” “Am I? That’s nice to hear. Let’s keep it up! Come on, everyone!” “““Okay!””” Demon Lord Hayato was a born leader. The girls tagged along, and the four of them made swift work of any foes. And while they were getting super into it… Over here… “Argh…Medhi totally knew I could hear her…” “Oh my. Ma-kun, your hands stopped!” Masato and Mamako were picking weeds by the side of the road. This was the quest the receptionist had chosen for them. Masato was ready to cry. “I…I can bring down a meteor or two…if I really want to! I can do spectacle fighting! I just haven’t yet. But I could! Sniff.” “Ma-kun, if you feel like crying, come right over here to my chest. Mommy will hold you close.” “Yeah, no thanks.”