Chapter 6: Parental Supervision

At last, the big day had arrived! The competitive guild mission’s final battle royale, complete with parental supervision!

Our rendezvous point was an island in the Lagoon. There, a port was prepared as an anchorage for all of the guilds’ airships. Furthermore, there were also monitors on the island for the spectators to watch our battles.

I had taken my parents to the port to show off our JS Peachy Thunder.

We were apparently free to look around as much as we wanted until the start of the battle. People from other guilds were here showing their parents around the port, so it was quite the bustling scene.

“Gosh, this one really stands out. It must be easy to find it with that flashy color.”

My mom, Reika Takashiro, looked JS Peachy Thunder up and down. She was thirty-seven years old, though she looked more like she was in her mid-twenties. Heck, sometimes she looked closer to her early twenties. I almost had to wonder if she was casting spells in secret to keep her face youthful. People often mistook her for someone much younger.

Incidentally, she was an author. One might have thought from her slow and gentle tone of voice that she was an airhead, but she was actually a very dynamic person with surprising wit. Not that she was devious or anything, but she was definitely shrewd and a quick thinker. Otherwise, she would’ve had trouble making it as a writer.

“Games these days are incredible, aren’t they? It’s like a whole different world. If I didn’t have to work, I would enroll here myself! It seems like it would inspire some really good stories.”

“At least wait until I graduate, Mom. That’s just weird!”

“I’m just kidding, don't worry. Wouldn’t want to get in the way of your education.”

You really never knew what she was going to say. I started to worry she might actually enroll at some point.

“So, think you can win this thing?” Dad asked me.

“Yeah. All the testing and preparations are done, so I’d say we’re a favorite to win!”

“Go get ’em, tiger. Games are all about winning, no matter what it takes. Remember, history is written by the winners, so you can do whatever you want! Might makes right.”

“Uh, Mom? I don’t think that’s something you should say to your son.”

There she goes, saying radical things with her silly tone of voice.

“It’s okay. I know you’re a good boy. You’re my pride and joy, after all.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

Just then, Kokoru emerged on the deck of the JS Peachy Thunder.

“Ren! Good morning, bawk!”

“Yo, Kokoru! The day has finally come.”

“Did you get lots of rest, bawk? I was so nervous that I could barely sleep at all.”

“Heh. Yeah, same here, but only because I stayed up late analyzing data. Just the usual, though.”

“So you're in top shape, bawk. You’ve got nerves of steel.”

Looking at Kokoru, my dad was awestruck. “Is that boy your NPC? The AI quality is just superb. It’s like he’s really alive.”

“Wasn’t your company involved in the development?”

“Well, we just do VR motion. We haven’t had our hands in anything AI-related.” He continued to mumble to himself in amazement.

Rightfully so, I supposed. Typically, NPCs didn’t seem nearly as dynamic as Kokoru.

“Aww, he’s cute! He looks delicious, too. Mmheehee.”

“Bawk?! You tryna eat me?!”

“No, she’s just kidding. My mom’s just a big ol’ jokester... I think. Anyway, where are the girls?”

“Akira and Yuuna aren’t here yet. Kotomi’s over there.” He gestured to the wheelhouse.

Oh, I do recall seeing some Maedas around! Serious faces, freshly pressed suits... They must be scholars, too. University professors, no doubt.

I could see her parents listening with studious expressions as she explained something with stars in her eyes.

Hey, that’s the nitro lever. Is she telling them about that? She just can’t get enough of it, can she?

They chuckled to themselves as they watched their daughter flail about excitedly.

Aww, they look kinda happy. Maeda’s typically pretty collected, so maybe seeing her this hyped up is refreshing for them.

Kokoru, my parents, and I crossed the pier and stepped onto the deck of the JS Peachy Thunder. Just as we did, Maeda and her parents left the wheelhouse.

“And if you look over here, you’ll see our trump card for this battle royale on the bow of the ship.” She pointed to the front, her eyes still aglitter.

Aah, she’s telling them about our new part.

For this battle, Akabane’s guild was using a loaner airship, but they could still fit it with extra parts. Since she had paid up to help us get our Nitro Chargers, I had given her two parts in return. That had freed up two of our slots.

We’d filled one of those slots with a hunk of pure Bunnygold, the rare material we had obtained during the Golden Bunny Festival! The bow of the JS Peachy Thunder was now fitted with a shiny new weapon.

It was an offensive part: the Golden Drill!

Maeda was practically drooling at the thought of using this to destroy other ships left and right. While she was jabbing her finger toward the Golden Drill, Maeda finally noticed that I had arrived.

“Good day, Takashiro.”

“Heya, Maeda. Hope you’re ready to smash some ships with that drill.”

“Yes! Just leave it to me. You went through the trouble of crafting it for us, so I’ll be sure to make good use of it.” She was thrilled.

Maeda was probably the most excited out of all of us for this airship battle. And why shouldn’t she be? She’d get to smash ships to her heart’s content.

Back when I had crafted the Golden Drill, she had enjoyed watching the whole process.

In an airship battle, having only Nitro Chargers left you without many offensive options. It was great that we had obtained the materials for offensive parts just when we’d needed them. Apparently, this was also the highest-ranked of all the ram-type weapons.

Thank you, O Great Golden Bunnies.

Our strategy was basically to use the nitro to drill other ships into extinction, though we would be careful not to go after Homura’s or Akabane’s ships. We had an alliance with Homura, and we didn’t need to go out of our way to make an enemy of Akabane.

Secretly, I didn’t really want to get too close to the Akabanes, anyway. Nozomi Akabane herself was fine, but he was sure to be there for today’s event.

Even Selphie had been taken in by him. I really didn’t want to associate with them while my parents were watching; that would just be embarrassing.

“This your team’s ship right here?! Ugh, look at them colors. You did this, didn’tcha?!”

“N-No! I painted it, yeah, but Kotomi’s the one who chose the color!”

“You fibbin’ to me?! Izzat the kid who was toppa the class in middle school? What’d y’all do to her?!”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s cute!”

“Naw, too flashy. Looks like some punk got ’er hands on it.”

Yano stepped onto the deck with a middle-aged lady sporting some impressive muscles.

That’s Yano’s mom?! I guess she’s from Kansai.

Noticing us, Yano gave us a cheerful wave. “Kotomi, Takashiro, Kokoru! Good mornin’!” She was just as lighthearted as ever.

Her mother gave her head a little shove. “Hey, you gotta greet folk properly! Sorry my kid’s such a pain, boys ’n’ girls. Thanks for keepin’ her company.”

The rest of us bowed our heads in greeting. She seemed like a sociable lady who apparently cared a lot about etiquette.

They own a beauty salon, right? She has that “retail friendliness” vibe about her.

“Ow, ow! C’mon, I’m not in elementary school anymore!”

“Pah! Your brain sure is!”

“Shut up! I've been getting better grades!”

My mother perked up at that. “Yeah! Our little Ren’s been doing better on tests, too. I wasn’t too convinced that his grades would go up when he's gaming all day, but it looks like it’s really working.”

Put the Merit Point carrot on the stick, and even a gamer would be hard-pressed not to do his best. We had only gotten this JS Peachy Thunder because we’d studied so hard. Same with the full array of Nitro Chargers, actually. That was what let us start our Golden Bunny Festival, too. Basically, our test results gave us a huge leg up in the game.

I’d need to keep studying from now on. There were so many talents, equipment, and items that I wanted!

“Oh, yeah! Your kiddos helped my girl study, right? Thanks a ton.”

Maeda’s father shook his head. “No, no, please. Our daughter said it was even more rewarding and entertaining than her usual studies, so I’d say it all worked out.”

It seemed the adults were gradually getting acquainted. It was just kinda uncomfortable to have them talking about us when we were right there.

“Huh. Akira’s not here yet, is she?” I asked Maeda.

“I don’t believe so. There’s not much time left, either...”

“She was pretty spooked about the parental supervision stuff. Maybe she’s not in the mood? You know how Akki’s family is.”

“Yeah, true. I’ll go take a look.”

I jumped off the deck of the ship and surveyed the area.

Akira was nowhere to be seen, but there was someone who saw us and piped up.

“Bawk! There they are, bawk! Heeey, Kokoru!”

It was another chicken Birdman, a size larger than Kokoru and with what looked like a fake mustache.

“Guh? Bawk? Daddy?!”

Next to him was a female Birdman, though I could only tell because she was lacking a comb.

Following the two chickens—or people?—were a bunch of little, tiny Birdmen. I counted four of them. Since they were children, they were probably more like chicks than chickens.

“Hi, Kokoru! Cheep, it’s been so long!”

They all ran up to him, cheep-cheeping as they went. I wondered if they were his little brothers.

“Oh god, they’re so cute!” Yano gushed.

“They certainly are! Might they be your siblings, Kokoru?”

“That they are, bawk! Bawwwk, you guys all grew up so much while I was away.”

This was just adorable. Even a manly man like me wanted to just cuddle ’em all.

“Chirp! Cheep, cheep!”

Draco, who had been on my head, flew over to play with the kids. He attempted to play-bite a couple, but...

“Aaah! We're being eaten, cheep!”

The little cheepers scattered in all directions out of fear.

Even baby dragons can be scary, I guess. Though he’s cute in his own way.

“Chirp? Tag? Taaag!”

Apparently thinking they were playing a game, Draco started chasing the little cheepers around.

“Cheep?!”

Things were getting crazier by the second, but it was still adorable.

D’aww. Chicks are so cute.

“C’mon, Draco, you’re scaring them. Cut it out.” I stopped him and pulled him into my arms. “Huh. Your parents came to watch, too, Kokoru?”

“Looks like it, bawk. I had no idea either.” Kokoru looked happy to see his family again.

“Thank you for taking care of our Kokoru. Bawk.” Kokoru’s father bowed his head to us.

They’re tradesmen, right? I think I remember Kokoru mentioning he was the son of a merchant.

“Has he been a bother to you at all?” his mother asked worriedly. “He’s not much of a fighter, I know.”

“Oh, no, not at all! He’s leveled up a ton since he joined us, so I think we can make it to the top! Just watch us.”

“Do you mean it, bawk? Kokoru, what level are you now?”

“Yeah, Daddy. I’m level one hundred now, bawk."

“Bagaaawk?! Level one hundred?! You’ve grown so much!”

“Goodness, you’re that strong now?!”

“Kokoru, you’re so cool!”

His whole family looked thrilled.

"Th-Think we'll be okay, Ren? Nothing's really gone up but my level, bawk."

"All good. We got your skill ready, and everything. We're gonna make it, so just be cool."

"O-Okay, bawk."

Then, a horde of Birdmen passed by. Peater didn't seem to be among them; I could only see the guys who had bullied Kokoru.

“Hrm? Aw, man, it’s the drumstick!”

“Oh no...” Kokoru hid slightly behind me. He really couldn’t stand those guys.

Don’t blame him, though. I might as well act big here to help him out.

“’Sup, nerds? How’s it hangin’?”

“Uh, what? Why do you care? I ain’t givin’ the enemy info, buddy.”

“Yeah, what he said. You talked crap last time, but we’re gonna crush you today.”

“Get it in your head! That’s Cowardly Kokoru right there! Raise his level all you want; he’s still nothing!”

The Birdmen were furious. They were totally gonna gun for us in the battle.

“Ulp. I think they have it in for me, bawk.”

“Don't worry, man! Hey, c’mere for a sec.”

He leaned in as I whispered something to him.

“Bawk?! Are you sure?”

“Yeah, bro, let’s do it! Hey, you guys!” I thrust a finger in the direction of the Birdmen. “Feast your eyes on Kokoru here. You wanna know somethin’? He’s level one hundred! You’re never gonna catch up to that. Nah, you don’t even have a chance!”

Heck, even we hadn’t caught up to Kokoru in level. The level limit for this battle was set at each guild’s NPC’s level, so we were allowed to be up to level 100. Unfortunately, I was only level 71. It felt like a bit of a waste, but I figured we ought to be at least on equal footing with other guilds, if not better.

“Wh-What?!”

“That’s real uppity for a coward!”

“Bawhawhawk.” Kokoru stepped out of my shadow with a meaningful laugh. Then, he pointed at himself, confidence blazing in his eyes. “Me and the past me are two different guys, bawk. I’ve changed since I met Ren.”

“Huh?!”

“Yeah. I’m not just Kokoru anymore. Bawk! I’m Super Kokoru!”

“Get a load of this guy!”

“Wipe that smug look off your face, drumstick!”

“Wow, Kokoru! You’ve become so awesome! Cheep cheep!”

Nice, nice! They’re quaking in their boots!

Making them wary of us was our strategy to avoid getting targeted. Kokoru may have been level 100, but it was all fake muscles. Though we had prepped Golden Sweets in advance, Kokoru himself would be in big trouble if he came under focused fire.

To ensure that nobody figured it out, we had to make Kokoru look like he’d actually gotten way stronger. They had to think that they would be in big trouble if they weren’t careful around him.

Furthermore, in order to hide Kokoru’s weakness throughout the ship battle, we needed to do this without letting anyone lay a hand on him.

That battle had already begun. A battle of psychological tactics, so to speak.

At that moment, someone else joined the conversation. “Hmph. Well, I look forward to it. Give me a nice workout today.”

Oh, it’s Peater. He’s level... 75. That means his guild is gonna be restricted to 75, too. In that case, we’re pretty evenly matched. When it comes to levels, that is.

Kataoka had come with him. “Whoa, your NPC’s level one hundred? Hot damn!”

Right, Peater got picked by Fountain of Knowledge.

“Yo, Kataoka. Not orbiting Akabane today?”

“Heh. Even if we’re on different teams, I’m still putting my all into helping Lady Nozomi. Each guild has a limited amount of people today, so it's actually better to have followers mixed into other guilds.”

He had a point. Each guild was limited to six people, including NPCs. We were free to switch people in and out, but excluding NPCs, only five people could fight at a time. It would be advantageous to have followers in other guilds to add to your five.

“Sir Kataoka, I would caution you against revealing your treachery so openly,” Peater said.

I didn’t care either way, so I just let it slide.

“Aah, c’mon. All I gotta do is help Lady Nozomi while still making sure we make it into the top four. It’ll be fine. Anyway, I’m here to say hello to my queen. She here yet?”

“Uh, no? But her ship should be moored two spots over.”

Then, just in time, another NPC came to greet us.

“But wait, I say. Good morning, everyone!”

There’s Selphie. Ugh, she’s still wearing that weird mask. That pose makes it even creepier.

“Heeey...”

Man, I really don’t wanna talk to her. If my parents see that, it’ll be so embarrassing.

Kokoru’s little brothers, who had been watching, were now shivering and cheeping in fear.

“Hello, everyone. Good day to you all,” Akabane said as she passed by our little crowd.

There were a bunch of men in black suits with her; I assumed they were her family’s bodyguards or something.

I guess that counts as supervision?

Immediately behind them was a very intimidating couple in formal attire.

Are they her parents? They really have quite the aura.

Akabane herself was wearing the usual sword dancer gear, but they said nothing of it. Next to her, there was a ridiculously handsome, tall guy.

Is he another family member here through the parental supervision system? No, wait, there’s a player name above him.

Ryuutarou Akabane (3-A)

Level 208 Sword Dancer

Guild: True Form (Guild Master)

“What?!” We couldn’t help but yell.