Hey there!

Oh, hello!

Huh? Are you all getting worked up talking about that game again?

Yes, that's right.

We weren't sure if we should ask Rina and Emma to show us around, since they're used to the game.

I wanna be shown around! I want to get to the places with the good crafting materials ASAP!

But it won't be an adventure if we play like that, Kasumi.

That's true. Wandering around and trying things can be fun too, and you'll gain EXP.

See?

Hmph… I do want EXP…

Kasumi, if you knew the correct route from the start, there'd be no sense of adventure.

Let's enjoy making all sorts of discoveries together!

Okay then, will you all stick with me until I find the equipment I want?

Of course! I wanna see your character wearing the cutest equipment!

I suppose I'll just have to stick with you.

I want to play with all of you lots more too, so let's bumble around together, Kasumi.

Got it! If you all want to play with me so badly, I guess I have no choice!

Hold on, I didn't say that.

You're always like this, Little Puppy…

Heh heh heh…

What's with that laugh? Why didn't you respond like you usually do?

I understood the true meaning of your words, so I'll forgive you.

The true meaning?

Sounds like she thinks that when you call her Little Puppy, you're saying she's as cute as a puppy.

Whaaat?! That's not right at all!

It's not?!

Not at all—

Okay, okay, that's enough. Let's begin our club activities.

Yes, let's shelve the Little Puppy debate.

Yeah, let's shelve it forever.

Ugh! It's an important question!

Yeah!

You can discuss it thoroughly later. Now let's get to running! Here I go!

Squee! Ai's running course! I'm gonna take first place!

Ah! I won't give in that easily!

…Huh? Aren't you going running, Ai?

I'm not. I'm doing dance practice today, and then I thought I'd go to the library afterwards.

Did you have an idea in class again?

Ahaha, unfortunately not, this time.

Actually, I wanted to do some more research into the metaverse.

While I was playing that game with everyone, I realized that games aren't simply another way of playing.

How should I put this… It's like they're a whole place by themselves.

A playground that has its own world and rules where we can all play together.

An amazing playground where you can do even more things than you can in the real world.

How could I not be curious after hearing Rinari say that you can do even more things in the metaverse?

I feel like the kind of world I want to create has become clearer than ever. So I've got to do my research!

I see… So you're gradually becoming more certain about what you want to do. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help!

I'll be sure to do that!

[Fade in/out. Taking out phone.]

Hello?

Oh, Rinari? Sorry for calling you out of the blue.

Oh, don't worry. What's up?

Um, I'd like to hear more about that High School Game Creator's Contest you all entered recently.

Oh, that's fine. How come, though?

Hmm… Well, I'd like to make a world for everyone to enjoy in the metaverse one day, but you've got to create rules, right?

So I was curious about what you've learned when you've made games.

So I want to know everything! Programming, making rules, making a world, everything!

I see. I'll tell you everything I know.

Ahhh, thank you, Rinari!

I'm really happy that you'd count on me like this, Ai.

Wha?! I mean, it's because you're always helping me out, Rinari!

You really think so?

I do! Didn't you know that? I'll have to praise you more from now on. And you praise me too!

Sure!