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Although it had only been a day since the game's release, it had already become apparent to everyone on the team that it was going to become a sensation far greater than any of them had imagined.
Even if a lot of players decided to quit due to either moral, ethical, or personal reasons, it couldn't stop Arcadia's momentum at all.
In the eyes of the public, the fact that even the most powerful countries had simply modified their laws instead of banning the game was enough to prove just how much weight its creator, the so-called genius, really had.
"You know, I hate to say it, but I'm really glad you were so stubborn about dragging us into this game, ah." Danielle sighed.
Emilia didn't really care about it too much, but her expression was inherently a little 'proud', and Danielle couldn't help but reach forward to squeeze her cheek.
"Look at how smug you are, huh? Don't get too cocky at such a young age!"
Danielle would never admit that she'd always wanted to do it, and simply couldn't resist the temptation.
The crimson-haired girl didn't need to defend herself, since someone came to her 'rescue' soon enough.
"Even if you're the 'boss', don't tease her like that!"
Danielle rolled her eyes in exasperation. "She doesn't seem to mind so much, though?"
Although she didn't say it, her tone made it clear that she didn't think Sylvia had any right to interfere between the two of them.
Just as the two were about to get into another argument, however…
"I can't blame the boss, it really feels good, after all!"
"Right?!"
Looking at Emilia's 'pitiful' face being squeezed from both sides, the two of them unexpectedly came to the same conclusion.
"Ow!"
"That hurts!"
Sylvia watched 'coldly' as Nico and Robin were 'punished', inwardly wondering how she'd ever thought of these 'idiots' as 'malicious', not even realizing that there was a faint smile on her face.
Fortunately for Nico and Robin, Emilia didn't really mind their 'harassment' too much, and interrupted Danielle before she could really give them a beating.
Her 'goal' this time had already been achieved, and she wanted to take this opportunity to 'deepen' the team's bonds further if possible.
She told them about her 'discovery' of how the teleportation formation worked, and how they could probably meet up and reunite at the 'capital' in the next session.
Everyone was naturally ecstatic to hear about it, but their mood inadvertently soured a few moments later.
"Once everyone gets there, I can introduce you to my new friend, Crystal!"
Emilia looked so happy about it that no one had the courage to really question her, but inwardly, their thoughts were running wild.
Did their star player get abducted already? Will she run away in the future?
In the end, Danielle couldn't help but frown. "This Crystal… is it a boy, or a girl?"
Emilia tilted her head curiously. "She's a girl, but why?"
While their 'boss' was coughing awkwardly, Robin sighed. "Obviously, she's worried that some bad guy might have snatched you away."
Danielle was instantly furious at having her thoughts exposed, but the tomboy easily avoided her claws.
"I'm prepared this time!"
"Let me hit, or I'll deduct it from your salary!"
"You big bad boss!"
Emilia just watched them 'brawl' with a smile. "Now that you mention it, did the four of you have any trouble with that pig king?"
Sylvia coughed. "It's [Boar King], Emilia. And… uh, well, I-I think we did fine. We managed to beat it in the end without losing anyone, after all."
Recalling how she'd almost died if not for Danielle's save, she really didn't have the courage to boast about it too much. Fortunately, everyone else was also in the same boat.
If any of them had really been 'killed' and they were forced to grind a few more days just to make up for it, she could only imagine how awkward that situation would be.
Moreover, the fact that Emilia and her 'new friend' were now together in the capital could only mean that the two of them had beat the [Boar King] with just the two of them.
If they, as a team, couldn't do the same, wouldn't it make Emilia feel that they were 'unworthy' of being her teammates?
Danielle coughed. "Sylvia is right. We defeated it as a team without any loss, and also learned how to coordinate well in Arcadia."
"He was quite a tough guy, wasn't he? But beating him was also kind of fulfilling." Emilia nodded with a smile. 'Luckily, they don't know that Crystal and I beat the pig king before submitting our quest, not after.'
Robin nodded furiously. "The feeling of downing that boss… how do I put it? It was so fulfilling, like I'd really exterminated some huge monster!"
Compared to all other 'full-dive' games, the immersive experience of Arcadia was simply on another level.
Emilia just smiled. "Right? Based on just the details and experience, it's really impossible to tell that everything inside isn't real."
This was no surprise to her, though, since while every other game relied on transmitting computer-generated visuals and sound, 'Arcadia' linked one's soul to its 'net' directly.
With even Danielle and Sylvia being in a good mood, she was easily able to convince everyone to 'celebrate' their first 'big' victory, and the 'Crimson Witches' soon occupied a table at a nearby restaurant.
"Wow… I can't believe our big stingy boss is treating us to a good meal…"
"Hehe, I also thought we'd just be getting a pizza or something."
Danielle just rolled her eyes and refused to respond to the two 'idiots', instead passing the menu on to her 'star' player. "This time, the credit is all yours, so order whatever you like."
Emilia didn't shy away, and swiftly ordered a few good starters. 'Anyway, once the game starts leaking into reality, people will soon start spending ridiculous amounts of money on the game, and it'll be easy for all of us to get rich.'
Of course, Arcadia didn't really have an in-game shop, and people could only 'buy' goods and services within the game by 'convincing' others to 'trade' with them in the real world. But that only gave them more leverage.
After she was done, she passed the menu to Sylvia. "Your turn."
Emilia could obviously tell that the dark-haired girl was feeling awkward, sticking close to her on one side of the table, and not daring to speak.
Being so 'meek' was a bit strange coming from the usually outspoken and daring Sylvia, but when she thought about how the relationship between her and the rest of the team had been so bad before, it was natural for her to be a bit embarrassed now.
'As long as it can all be passed off as a misunderstanding, there's no need to let old feelings hinder our progress.' Emilia smiled. "What's wrong?"
Danielle snorted. "It's just a meal, don't bother thinking about it too much."
Although she was usually blunt and rude, since Sylvia had already demonstrated her talent and value within the team, and was no longer as annoying, Danielle felt it was only right for her as the boss to treat the girl the same as the rest of her teammates.
The yellow-eyed heroine was a bit hesitant at first, but soon gave in under her stare. "I'll take a look, then."
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