Beyond the Imaginary 3

Story is recommended to be read with the chapters open in-game for maximum enjoyment ♪

Natsume: WeLL, now let’s return to our host—SoRA.

Natsume: You can negotiate well with ALKALOID, rigHT?

Sora: Yes! Thanks to Shisho~ and Senpai, the explanation was also handled perfectly ♪

Sora: Once again, we want you to accept this job aboard the Phantom Airship! Won’t you become its passengers?

Aira: I’m all for it! With the new year starting, I’ve been kinda out of it… But if the game can help us get back on track and even earn L$, then say no more~ ♪

Tatsumi: Even I am in favour. I am genuinely interested in these things called VR games.

Tatsumi: And I do not think it is a bad choice for ALKALOID’s first job of the year.

Aira: Ufufu~ I’m glad even Tattsun-senpai gave the okay!

Aira: What about Mayo-san and Hiro-kun? I think it’s great to be able to work while having fun ♪

Hiiro: Umu…

Aira: …Hiro-kun?

Aira: It’s not like you to hesitate. We’ve been indebted to Switch up until now, right?

Hiiro: Yes, you’re right. If Aira and Tatsumi-senpai are optimistic about it, then I too shall try challenging the Phantom Airship.

Aira: …? You kinda don't seem certain…

Aira: Ah, I get it! Hiro-kun is scared since he doesn’t know much about games!

Aira: Fufu, how unexpected~♪ There are things even Hiro-kun is scared of ♪

Tatsumi: How about Mayoi-san? You were brought here by force in the first place, so I do not think there is any harm in refusing if it is too difficult.

Mayoi: I-I would like to decline if possible. Having a large number of people watch while we’re playing a game… It is a little terrifying…

Natsume: ꓄ꃅꍟ ꉣꃅꂦ꓄ꂦ

Mayoi: Eeek?!

Mayoi: I-I-I-I will do it! Please let me do it!

Tsumugi: Ahaha. Looks like Natsume-kun knows how to turn on Ayase-kun’s motivation switch~ What could he have said to him?

Mayoi: N-No, that is an industry secret!

Sora: HaHa~♪ How wonderful~ With this, we have consent from all members!

Sora: Now, put on the VR goggles and try leaping into the world of the Phantom Airship!

[New SSVRS stage—The Phantom Airship]

Aira: OMG! This scenery is so awesome! So this is the Phantom Airship…!

Aira: To be standing on the deck of a ship that’s floating in the air—The fantasy vibes are so intense! I wonder what might happen if it crashes. I’m curious~♪

Hiiro: So this is what you call a VR. There’s really no sense of reality here at all.

Hiiro: But the things in this world do speak to one’s senses. How could it have been constructed?

Tatsumi: Present day technology has advanced this far. I am experiencing this for the first time myself.

Tatsumi: Our clothes also seem to have changed to those appropriate for the game. It feels like we witnessed some kind of magic.

Mayoi: I-It’s scary even when you know it is a game… We are standing in such a high place—it’s like we’re physically present and everything—and yet you all do not feel the uneasiness?

Aira: Hm~ Mayo-san, you don’t have to be that scared though?

Aira: Look, come here. Let’s watch the superb view from a closer distance. You can even bend over the railings—It’s fine since it’s a game ♪

Hiiro: That is dangerous, Aira. You might even die if you fall from the deck.

Aira: Like I said, Hiro-kun is being too cautious. It’s a VR game after all, so let’s have fun without bothering about the minor details?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Exactly!

Sora: Games are wonderful tools that teach you various things about life. Even losing is just another experience!

Sora: The penalty for losing has been set to a lenient one soenjoy yourselves as much as you want~♪

Tatsumi: So you were here as well, Sora-san. You appear to have shrunk down in size… Is this also part of the game?

Sora: HiHi~ Sora is an NPC who shall support your travels in the form of a fairy.

Sora: Other NPC idols will appear so look forward to them!

Tatsumi: “NPC”…?

Sora: Yes. Non-player characters—They exist only within the game’s program. There’s nobody on the inside ♪

Tatsumi: Non-player… I see. So nobody else is operating here besides us?

Tatsumi: Imitations of idols that exist only within the game… Now aren’t they truly “idols”?^[1]

Hiiro: An existence within the game… Hm. I do not get the theory but they are made by combining these so-called programs, right?

Aira: Woah. Hiro-kun can understand games.

Hiiro: Fufu, I learnt about it from Makoto-senpai.

Hiiro: The “pachinko” Nii-san is obsessed with—it is also a type of game, right?

Hiiro: With the exciting lights and sounds, it is only natural that Nii-san’s interest was drawn to it. The technological advancements in the city are indeed so surprising.

Tatsumi: Yes, because that kind of engineering delights the human instincts.

Tatsumi: Personally, I do not think it is wise to develop a hobby in gambling, but games can be a good method to unwind when played within reasonable limits.

Tatsumi: In any case, can we continue the explanation, Sora-san?

Sora: Of course! Then, I shall explain the rules of the Phantom Airship~♪

Sora: There are seven floating islands in the world of the Phantom Airship and each one has a “treasure” enshrined.

Sora: To get hold of the treasures, you need the abilities of an idol! Please clear the trials in the islands by going along with the established theme of each island!

Sora: You can choose the islands as you wish, but heading towards the first island and succeeding the game’s tutorial as a start should make things easier to understand~♪

Hiiro: I see. So we need to display our abilities as idols to advance through this game.

Tatsumi: Our performance and the products of our labour will be judged by the game, and those watching can support us—I see how it is.

Mayoi: I-I do feel reluctant, but that should not be much different from what we usually show. I feel a bit relieved.

Aira: Ahaha. On the other hand, I was worrying what I’ll do if I mess up the performance.

Aira: But like Harukawa-senpai said, if we only mess up in-game, no one’s gonna be too harsh on us. That’s a ton better than screwing up during an actual live performance!

Aira: Alright! I'm all pumped up now! Let’s get this ship going!

Aira: Phantom Airship—Full speed ahead…☆

^[1]Here, Tatsumi tries to make a pun by comparing the idols in the VR to real life idols as in "statues"—not referring to the singing, dancing ones here.