Empire of Fantasy 11

Shu: Hmph. How repulsive. You think you can keep criticizing us all you like? Are you sure you’re not the real Aoba, actually? You look and act just like him.

Tsumugi: “Ahaha~ Humans are easily fooled by mere appearances because of how your brains work. As long as I take Aoba Tsumugi-kun’s form when I talk, you’ll see me as him.”

“But in reality, he and my true self are completely different, from our age to just about everything else.”

Mika: Your true self...?^[1]

Tsumugi: “This sure is a fun toy~ I’ve been thinking about something like this since virtual idols first got popular.”

“If it can be properly developed, then people will come to accept it as a matter of course—”

“And then in just a few generations, there will be no need for humans to work as idols. Everything can be handled by a program.”

“When that time comes, I’ll finally be able to retire.”

Mika: ...?

Tsumugi: “Oops, that’s not what I’m here to talk about. This is no good; I must be growing senile in my old age.”

“Young people really can go at things more quickly.”

“To tell you the truth, I’m not here to criticize you two at all; I’m here to help you. I’m a supporting character, after all.”^[2]

Shu: Your help is unnecessary; it’s irritating. You could have at least sent out the boy or Harukawa.

Mika: Well I still like you, Tsumu-chan-senpai~

Tsumugi: “Ahaha, that’s a relief. I’m just here to explain some things.”

“You guys are just far too useless, and you’re especially terrible at the variety show-like battles you have to fight against the others.”

“So in order to give you a leg up in those battles, I’ve prepared some special companions for you!”

Shu: Companions...?

Tsumugi: “Yes. Think of them like training wheels on a bike. If you use them during battle, your win rate is sure to jump up.”

“Since you’re in this position, they’ve been temporarily transferred from other units—like little helpers.”

Shu: Helpers? I have no need for such a thing. Valkyrie is perfect as just the two of us!

Tsumugi: “Are you sure about that? You were originally a trio, weren’t you?”

“You can’t help that you’ve been reduced to two now, but have you thought that maybe Valkyrie can only show its true potential as a group of three?”

“The Holy Trinity, the Three Sacred Treasures—from time immemorial, the best things have come in threes.”^[3]

Shu: When you say that, Aoba, it sounds beyond dubious.

Mika: Huh? Huh? I mean sure, up ‘til last year there were three of us but? I mean uhh, are y’sayin’ like. Is the companion you’re sendin’ our way gonna be—?”

Shu: What? A–are you serious? That can’t be—I’m sure Nito and his Ra*bits were placed in a different region—

Mademoiselle: “Shu-kuuun!”

Shu: Gwah?! M–Mademoiselle!

Mademoiselle: “Yes, it’s me! Goodness, why do you look so surprised to see me?”

“Aren’t we normally always together? Even though we have to be separated when you’re on stage—I get so lonely, you know ♪”

Shu: Th–that’s only because I’m worried I’ll break you—I mean, why are you able to speak?!

Mika: Ahaha, whatcha talkin’ ‘bout? Maddie’s always been able to talk~ ♪

Shu: I suppose, but that’s not—! She’s not just speaking, she’s moving! That’s impossible!

Mademoiselle: “Ahaha, you’re in this strange game world, and you’re still surprised by little ol’ me?”

Mika: Nngh? Then d’ya think this Maddie’s a character in the game, just like Tsumu-chan-senpai?

(Well, but. I feel like the one inside Tsumu-chan-senpai is that one guy... So then, who’s inside Maddie?)

(Or maybe she ain’t got no one inside her and she’s just an NPC?)

(Ngahhhh! This whole thing’s so far from reality I ain’t got a clue what’s goin’ on anymore!)

Shu: Hmph... So you’re alive and moving about now, Mademoiselle?

Tsumugi: “She’s kind of cute, isn’t she?”

“I posited there would be some sort of mental strain were we to add someone like Nito Nazuna-kun into your little group here, even if he was just a character in the game.”

“But it’ll be easier to welcome her with open arms, right? For both you and your fans.”

Mika: Nngh, yeah, Maddie’s been our friend and family for a real long time now. And Onii-chan’s known her longer than me, too.

Shu: I’m concerned by the fact that there’s some mysterious person inside of her.

Mademoiselle: “Oh—try not to ask who’s in here, okay? I’m sure you wouldn’t want someone prying into your personal life, right Shu-kun?”

“You should treat others how you want to be treated!”

Mika: Ahaha, you start soundin’ just like a mom sometimes, Maddie~ ♪

Tsumugi: “So? How is it? It’s not mandatory, but would you like to bring her along as your companion?”

“For the record, companion characters will cost you a fee! It’s an in-game purchase!”

Mika: You’re chargin’ us money?!

Tsumugi: “Of course. Otherwise, it would be unfair to the other players. The SHINSEKAI management team can’t go playing favorites with just you guys.”

“You’ll have to pay the price for any power-ups you get. The law of equivalent exchange is the foundation of all dark magic... What do you think? Did I sound enough like Aoba Tsumugi-kun there?”

Mika: Ngahhh? I dunno who’s who or what’s what anymore—I’m seriously losin’ my dang mind!

jp proofing: remi
eng proofing: Rui