Tokyo: The Player Behind the Scenes

Today is May 14th. Speaking of which, she finished her last game two or three days earlier than this person.

Although... that was her shame.

Speedrun, speedrun—I really did speedrun what was probably the worst possible outcome.

The difficulty of the last game was mainly in the puzzles, and it had a bit of a supernatural element to it, where you could only pave the way with corpses.

She felt that this challenge was more difficult than solving the puzzle, since solving puzzles at least allowed her to leverage technology.

This is like playing a Souls-like game; if you're not good at it, you really won't be able to play it. Forcing yourself to play will only torture yourself and your keyboard and controller.

Do you like my Tree Guardian, Mr. Gudako?

She almost failed to even get past Fa Cheng, the first boss.

Furthermore, if you have weak willpower in the game, you can only get caught up in killing and killing, and it's hard to stop, so you obviously won't reach a perfect ending.

She asked Nobi, who is currently ranked third, about his progress, and he is still a third away from Edo Castle.

Based on this calculation, the player named "Zheng" is quite fast, and being ranked first, it's unlikely to be a bad ending for them.

Oh, I'm so envious.

Please make more games like "Escape from the Other Shore," please, 'Unknown'! I'll do anything!

Uesugi prayed to the "God of Games" without noticing Nobi enter the hall.

"Moonlight, hasn't that new player joined yet?"

Nobita looked at the black mist and asked.

He had arranged to meet Uesugi around this time, and just then he discovered that a new player had achieved the ending, so he asked him about it.

"No rush, that person just finished the game and is probably still getting used to his abilities. Didn't it take you a while to enter the player lobby after you finished the game?" Uesugi was not surprised, because she and others were the same.

Little did they know, the person in question was fast asleep and had decided not to come in until the demon blade was dealt with.

Nobita nodded and then explained the purpose of his visit: "Where is the new clue you mentioned about the possible appearance of the demon sword?"

“Yes, I suspect that information was specifically leaked to you. But have you thought this through? It’s very likely that it has an instant kill mechanism,” Uesugi warned.

"Yes." Nobi nodded. "I've figured it out. I do need a gun pointed at myself to remind myself of the hero I most longed for during my most difficult times. I also want him to truly come to those who need help. I will still kill those who deserve to die, but I'll leave that standard to the victims."

Handing it over to the victim—isn't that just the starting point for the death penalty?

However, Uesugi didn't say much. Young people's values ​​are always easily influenced, and she also felt that it was quite enjoyable.

If it can be clearly identified that person is social scum, such as refusing to pay wages and then mocking them, falsely accusing someone for money and ruining their life, or knowingly committing wrongdoing but going along with it for the sake of others' promotions and bonuses within the system, then it's all acceptable.

In order to maintain society, conflicts of interest are unavoidable.

But when the time comes, who wants to be the unavoidable victim?

Since we can't wait for the law, let the knight enforce it.

That's a bit extreme, but those who aren't extreme either end up in jail or suffer a great loss.

Nobita is different from those people in that he has one gun pointed at himself, but he also has another gun that he can point at others.

"Since you've made up your mind, fine. I also hope you can be a good person, otherwise it won't be easy for us neutrals to survive." Uesugi said his true feelings in a joking manner.

"The new clue is that since the demon sword reappeared last night and killed many people in Shinjuku, the official news has been repeatedly broadcasting two news segments."

"No matter what news channel it is, these two segments are connected one after the other, but they are clearly talking about two completely unrelated things."

"First, the Extraordinary Countermeasures Department, together with the Metropolitan Police Department, the Self-Defense Forces, and the U.S. military, carried out a large-scale blockade and clearing of the Honmonji area, making it appear as if they were going to have a decisive battle there."

"Secondly, the Japanese government has decided to build a Don Quixote statue on the artificial island in the Umi no Mori Park early on the 16th."

The implication is quite obvious.

"Therefore, I reasonably suspect that the authorities know that the Demon Blade has a certain level of intelligence, but probably not too high, so they used this method to give you, the knight, a hint, hoping that you would go and 'uphold justice'."

"This is probably just one of their methods of informing you. If I'm not mistaken, just to be on the safe side, they'll also tell you about your real-life identity through someone close to you, whether or not they know your identity. You can confirm that."

Nobi shook his head: "There's no need to confirm. They've already hinted enough. We'll know if the roads there are blocked that day."

He has the "Guiding Guidance" card; we'll check it later.

Uesugi was still a little uneasy: "But how can the authorities be so sure that the Demon Blade would be there at that time?"

"The incident originated at Honmyoji Temple, which is a Nichiren sect temple. The authorities may have made some discoveries there." Nobi's grandfather was buried there, so he knew a little about the temple.

Moreover, after learning about this, he recalled that the atmosphere inside Honmyoji Temple was strange when he went there, and perhaps the demon sword was already inside from that time.

I wonder if that monk Richeng has any connection with the demon sword.

"By the way, this is for you."

Uesugi gave Nobita the red paper doll that served as a substitute.

"Hmph, I'm not as stingy as 'Hao'. Remember to use it immediately when facing the enemy head-on. That way, I might be able to determine whether the demon sword can directly connect to our weaknesses. If the risk is too high, just run away and don't risk your life."

"Thank you." Nobi didn't say many words of thanks. Good people are bound by rules, but they can also feel the affection more deeply.

It may be a weakness, but it can also be an advantage.

[You already have some understanding of "Moon," and have obtained the common card "Lightness."]

[Within ten minutes, speed increases, jump height is enhanced, and fall damage is reduced.]

Does this work too?

He didn't even know what Yue Sang's real name was.

Nobi compared his feelings to when he first received the Asano card and found that they were indeed very similar.

They all stem from a feeling of being cared for and appreciated.

The understanding here does not refer to things like height, wealth, or family background, but rather to understanding and appreciating one's inner world and personality.

In a way, both of them were like mentors to him.

They offered help when he was lost and confused.

"However, I can't accept these points for nothing, so please take them!"

The substitute paper doll costs 100 points in the store, but it can also be obtained as an entry reward in each game, so the price is hard to calculate. Nobi simply gave all 40 points he had to Uesugi.

The other party has already helped him enough; he shouldn't try to take advantage of them. Friendships should be mutually beneficial.

"Hey!"

Before Uesugi could react, the other person went offline.

The trading function can only be performed when both parties are in the player lobby, and she can't force it back now.

"Ahem, well then, I'll reluctantly accept it!"

Uesugi suffers from a severe fear of not having enough points.

She spent 60 points to exchange for health-enhancing pills for her parents last time, and the richest woman in the world suddenly only had 50 points left. She was also planning to exchange one Seven-Star Longevity Pill for each of her parents, a longevity-enhancing pill that can be used by non-players.

But each one requires 100 points, so every little bit counts.

"I've got ninety points already. After this game ends, I should have enough to buy one, right? Should I give it to Mom or Dad first?"

Oops! I just realized I mixed up Iwasaki Kosuke's sister's name. I used Iwasaki Misaki first and Iwasaki Miyabi second. I've changed it to Iwasaki Miyabi now. I'm so sorry!

Chapter 159: A White Rainbow Pierces the Sun

"She needs a shipment of high-strength metal?"

Even though he might have to face the Demon Blade tomorrow, Leon, as the executive director of the Extraordinary Countermeasures Department, still got a good night's sleep and refused to work overtime.

"Yes, this is a request she made this morning after she got up." The subordinate emphasized that it was a request, not a request.

"What's the reason?"

"To deal with the demon sword."

Leon stroked his beard, finding it amusing.

"Was she acting strangely last night?"

"No, I just woke up a few times in the middle of the night."

“Okay, grant her request. Go to the materials department and transfer the materials.” Leon pondered for a few minutes before making this decision. “Also, arrange for me to meet with her. After the meeting, give her the materials only after you get my permission.”

"Yes."

Leon walked to his office, put on his bulletproof vest and portable automatic defense belt, and grabbed two pistols, a knife, and a stun grenade.

Looking in the mirror, I'm alright, just a little puffy.

"That should be about right. We also need to deploy an automatic turret at the entrance."

With everything prepared, Leon put on a relaxed and friendly expression and arrived at Muramasa Taki's door.

Knock politely.

".Please come in."

Taki looked at the large one-way glass window next to her, which offered a clear view of the room except for the bathroom. Was there really any need to knock?

Leon walked in and gave Taki a proper bow first.

"I am Leon Hasegawa, the executive director of the Extraordinary Situation Countermeasures Department."

“Ms. Muramasa, thank you very much for your cooperation during this time. We are deeply sorry for the trouble caused to you, but for the sake of the people and to eliminate the demon sword as soon as possible, these are things that cannot be done. I assure you that the country will provide you and your family with compensation beyond what is expected afterward as a token of our apologies.”

Seeing a foreign-looking man speaking fluent Japanese, bowing at a perfect 90-degree angle, and repeatedly saying "for the people," Muramasa Takii felt that the little essence of this country was about to be completely stolen.

"Hmm." Takii maintained a somewhat dissatisfied attitude.

Leon didn't mind, pulled out a chair and sat opposite her, fragments of information about her flashing through his mind.

According to the information, Muramasa Taki was always seen as a person of gentleness and friendliness.

After being retained by the authorities, he has consistently cooperated.

Is this an expression of dissatisfaction with our blatant use of her as bait and surveillance? Then why is it only starting today? The decision was made yesterday, so why wasn't there any expression of dissatisfaction then?

Is her confidence based on her ability to communicate with the demon sword telepathically? Or is it as I suspect?

As Leon pondered her intentions, he glanced at the one-way mirror beside him and patted his forehead in a mock manner.

"I clearly reminded them, but I didn't expect that the glass hasn't been replaced yet. Ishii, what's wrong with you? Hurry up and replace the glass with a sealed panel."

He shouted into the walkie-talkie.

Soon, the one-way glass was simply removed and replaced with a closed panel.

“I respect personal privacy quite a bit, but this is all I can do for now. Please forgive me for the rest.” Leon pointed to the surveillance camera in the room.

Taki watched his performance, calmly holding his teacup and sipping his tea.

"Can we discuss the materials you applied for today?" Based on Taki's reaction, Leon made some judgments and chose to get straight to the point.

"Okay, you can't hear me about that."

"Oh, you said you need these materials to deal with the demon sword, is that what you mean by 'deal with'?"

"I'm just trying to protect myself; I'm not confident at all."

"Have you obtained abilities like those of the Knight or the Demon Mist?"

"You can say that."

Takii's reply was very direct, indicating that she had thought it through and decided not to hide anything in order to reduce the risk for tomorrow.

This attitude is now more of a show to them, an expression of their unwillingness to be threatened.

He could certainly choose not to provide the materials for the fish-shaped garment, but

He took out a button and pressed it, and the red dot on the nearby monitor started flashing: "Ms. Muramasa, can you reveal the source of your ability?"

"I don't know, it just appeared after I woke up."

"So, I wonder what your opinion is on America?"

Tuk-tuk-tuk.

There was a loud knocking on the door.

“Ms. Muramasa, things are valued for their rarity. If you are not opposed to cooperating with the government, you can play both sides and increase your bargaining power.”