Well, even if I starve to death and return to town, I'd die almost instantly again, trapped in this terrifying loop. It seems that in trying to add a strange sense of reality to the game world, things have spiraled into a chaotic mess.
After a short while, a waiter approached us. Violet ordered an omelet rice, and Ivy followed suit by ordering from the menu.
"I'll have carbonara," Ivy said.
"Then... I'll go with meat spaghetti."
I couldn't resist Ivy's choice and decided to order spaghetti too.
But really, why are there such dishes in a medieval-like setting? I know I shouldn't question it since it's a game, but the world-building feels completely absurd.
A few minutes later, the waiter returned with our meals. Of course, being a game, they could whip up the food in an instant. Yet, for some reason, they seemed to prioritize realism. Do they want it to feel real or just keep it a game? Which is it...?
The dishes were laid out before us. Violet and Ivy dutifully said, "Itadakimasu," and began eating. But as they encouraged me to join in, I found I just couldn't summon any appetite.
Is this food truly food? Ultimately, it's just a fabricated illusion born from data. The thought of that makes it impossible for me to eat.
Concerned, Violet and Ivy called out to me.
"You haven't touched your meal at all. Are you feeling unwell?"
"Come on, Lenny! You need to eat up, boys have to eat!"
I could have easily made up a reason to dodge their questions, but I wanted to share. Ever since I arrived in this world, I've been burdened by a murky feeling in my heart that I desperately wanted to express.
"It won't even become flesh and blood, right? It feels kind of disgusting. I just can't bring myself to eat it…" I said, twisting the spaghetti on my fork only to let it unwind back on the plate.
My overly analytical and contrarian nature seemed to hinder me in this moment. When I can't grasp something, my mood inevitably sours. My mind just isn't clicking.
Ivy peeked at me cautiously.
"Um… Lenny…"
"What is it?"
"Back when we were talking about time, you looked really scary… You seemed a bit upset."
So she decides to bring that up now... I guess she's sharper than she appears. Just as she sensed, there's a deep connection between my inability to touch the food and the earlier conversation.
"Oh, so it's Double Brain... that's all I was thinking," I replied.
"You sound dissatisfied. Are you perhaps one of the skeptics?"
"Rather, yes."
Double Brain—it's the advanced technology that clashes most with my own beliefs. As Violet sensed, I don't find this technology intriguing at all. It feels like a direct insult to the essence of living itself, leaving me profoundly unsettled.
When I opened up about my feelings, Ivy's expression became very complicated. After a moment, she blurted out a surprising question.
"What exactly is Double Brain?"
Both the Violet and I were left speechless. I couldn't believe she didn't even know...
"Little Ivy... I thought you were just a bit slow, but I didn't realize it was to this extent..."
"Th-that's harsh!"
Ivy took a verbal beating, but honestly, in this day and age, Double Brain is common knowledge. Anyone who doesn't know about it has to be out of touch.
Yet, kind-hearted Violet took the time to explain it thoroughly.
"The Dive System was completed a few years ago, and with its rapid adoption, we're moving on to the next phase: manipulating subjective time."
"Subjective time?"
"Like I mentioned earlier. In this world, one hour of real time is treated as four. Living here essentially gives you four times the time. Well, it's not exactly accurate, but..."
Yes, that's not quite accurate. This is purely a discussion about the perception of time—how we experience it physically.
"Imagine if we could truly access four times the amount of time. With just one hour of study, you could accomplish the equivalent of four hours—creating an astonishing genius. A child in appearance, but with the mind of an adult—that could become a reality."
"But in practice, that's nearly impossible. If you tried to cram four hours' worth of information into just one hour, your brain would explode. That's precisely why the Double Brain was created—a second brain."
Ivy seems a bit skeptical, but Violet continues to elaborate without hesitation.
"We're creating another brain in the data space, linking it to the human brain. This way, we can enhance the brain's capabilities."
"However, this is all theoretical for the data space. Once the Dive is over, the information from that domain will be severed. So you won't be able to bring all the memories from this world into reality."
The moment I say that, Ivy suddenly panics.
"Wait, then! When we return to the other world, will both of you forget about me?"
"You won't completely forget, but you might not be able to recall clearly."
"Please don't forget me! Please, please make sure you remember me!"
"I should clarify, though—once we return to Deepguard, everything will revert, and the second brain will reconnect."
The Dive System feels like a dream. It's designed to keep unnecessary information out of the real world. Well, humans are creatures that forget most of what happens in a day by the next, so it's a bit similar.
"But why does Lenny dislike this system? It's an incredible invention!" Ivy asks. I find myself at a loss for words. I can't quite grasp why.
In my stead, Violet offers another perspective to answer her question. "Some people say this invention is blasphemy against God."
"Blasphemy against God…?"
"If the experience of time is extended, it could mean a longer lifespan for humans. Connecting someone with a year to live to an IV and using a double brain to simulate life in the data realm could translate into three extra years in perceived time. For some, that might feel like a false existence."
The notion of a false existence resonates with me; it might indeed be true. I don't like the idea of manipulating human life or time frivolously.
"A body that no longer moves can return to normal in the data world through the Dive System. Lost time can be stretched through the double brain. It's not about being God or anything like that, but it does make me question whether it's truly right."
I lower my gaze and continue, "First of all, is the other brain in the data really the person? Or is it merely a counterfeit version created by data? The more I think about it, the less I understand."
The spaghetti on the table remained untouched, completely cold now. Initially, Violet had listened casually, but her expression had shifted to one of seriousness. Did she look down on me? Or feel sorry for me? Either way, I couldn't blame her.
"You can't keep up with the future world," she said.
"That might be true..." I shrank back, accepting her words without protest.
I was an outdated human, unable to evolve alongside others—a rusty cog in the machine. I fit poorly with those around me, causing trouble for everyone because of my shortcomings. That was who I was.
The more I thought about it, the more my spirits sank, and my appetite waned even further.
Then, suddenly, a fork twirled into my line of sight, laden with meat spaghetti. Ivy had taken the initiative and was attempting to feed me.
"But that's that! This is this! Lenny, ahh..."
"Hey, Ivy..."
"You have to eat!"
Ivy was adamant. Her determination was truly remarkable.
But I had my pride. I couldn't bring myself to engage in such an embarrassing act in front of others.
"Fine, I give up. I'll feed myself..."
With a deep sigh, I took the fork from Ivy and took a bite, savoring the flavors thoughtfully.
The taste of the tomato and the texture of the pasta are indistinguishable from the real world. Frustratingly, this is undeniably meat spaghetti.
"It's delicious..."
As I said this, Ivy and Violet fixed their eyes on me with grins. Perhaps it was because we had just come off a string of battles, but the cold meat spaghetti tasted incredibly good.
...Wait, this fork! Isn't it the one Ivy was using just a moment ago? Hey!
We had left the city and were leveling up in the Ceradon Plains. Leveling up means defeating monsters to earn experience points and increase our levels. However, when you think about it, it can feel like outright slaughter. I hesitated to take down slimes and goblins, but then I came across a monster I was even more reluctant to defeat.
"W—wolf! The wolf is dead!"
"Lenny, calm down..."
A wolf disappeared in a burst of light in the grasslands. It fell to the combination of my wrench and Ivy's large needle. My level went up to 3, but my mood dropped to rock bottom. I knew it was just a game, yet I felt a wave of guilt wash over me.
Violet desperately tried to soothe me.
"Listen... if you keep panicking every time we kill a monster, we'll never level up."
"That's a dog, isn't it...?"
"Not a dog! It's a silver wolf! Remember, this is a game, so just compartmentalize!"
Her point was valid. If I didn't defeat monsters, I'd never grow stronger. I had to steel myself and take down the enemy.
"You're right... Our levels are built on the remains of slimes, goblins, and dogs!"
"Come on, don't say such unpleasant things…"
While Violet and I were bantering, Ivy turned to us and pointed at the sky. It seemed she had spotted something.
"Lenny! Violet! Look over there!"
A sleek black airship was flying across the sky, exactly like the one we had seen in the morning.
It soared gracefully through the blue sky, cutting through the white clouds—breathtaking every time. It simply looked impressive.
"Look, it's that airship again!"
"I wonder what it is."
As Ivy and I gazed at it in curiosity, Violet answered our unspoken question.
"That's the main headquarters of the giant Aerial Fortress Guild, 'Shikkoku.'"
"Is that all a guild?"
"Yes, 'Shikkoku' is the top-ranked guild. They may be small in number, but every member is among the top 200. Even the executives are in the top 20."
"What can I say... it's literally a story from above," I remarked, watching the enormous flying sky vessel gradually disappear from our view. If a guild can relocate its entire base, there's nothing to fear. Both Dan John and the monsters they hunt can be faced in peak condition without the hassle of relocating. Moreover, their members are top-tier players. It's only natural they become the strongest guild.
"You should take a look at the guild rankings. It's essential to understand the dynamics of this world," Violet said, pulling out a sheet of colored paper. She unfolded it and gestured for Ivy and me to take a closer look.
It seemed to be a special bulletin. The rankings of the top five guilds were displayed prominently:
1. Massive Sky Fort Guild -[漆黑]
2. Royal City Self-Defense Guild -[ゴールドラッシュ]
3. Beast-Slaying Guild -[エンタープライズ]
4. Production Market Guild -[ROCO]
5. Information Board Guild -[7net]
"The first one has such an over-the-top name!" I exclaimed.
"I knew you'd say that."
Honestly, I had no prior knowledge of these guilds, so it was my only reaction. However, I did notice the words "Royal City Self-Defense," "Beast-Slaying," and "Production Market." These likely indicate the specialties of each guild, which makes the first guild's eccentricity all the more striking.
"Though the name might sound silly, they are truly powerful. Especially the guild master, Heikage, and a member named Jono, who are both ranked among the top players."
"The Chuunibyou name reflects the master's taste, I realized that instantly."
What does "Kuro" even mean? Is it really not enough to just use "black"? Perhaps he thinks an unusual kanji looks cooler. Jonah, a member of our team with a regular name, only adds to the melancholy atmosphere.