Chapter 52

I realized I was the protagonist when I was eight. My mother dragged me along to a child actor's audition, and on the spot Tsubasa captivated everyone there. Handed a fresh script, in an unfamiliar place, Tsubasa gave a perfect performance. I'm sure none of the other kids who were there ever tried auditioning again.

Sports, studies, the arts, singing, love—everything went Tsubasa's way.

I could juggle a soccer ball one hundred times on my first try, scored perfect marks on tests just by listening in class, won prizes whenever I entered art contests, and drew thunderous applause whenever I sang. I got along with everyone; boys and girls alike were head-over-heels for Tsubasa.

I won't say the entire world bent to my will. But at the very least, everything within reach did.

The reason I started Infinite Space was an invitation from a classmate whose face I can't even remember.

"Tsubasa-chan, want to try Infinite Space?"

I'd never played a game before, but I figured I'd give it a shot since she asked.

My first impression was—"Of course it's like this."

Even inside the game I was a prodigy; bosses called impossible and players called strong were all crushed with ease. The girl who invited me had quietly switched to another game before I noticed.

Don't get me wrong—I don't hate overwhelming others. People often say "overwhelming power is boring," but that's nonsense. I love crushing others with talent. I adore the resigned look on their faces when they look up at me. Disgusting of me, I know. Honestly, back then Tsubasa was riding pretty high.

Amid all that, I met her.

Sheena-chan. Said to be a top player, and when I challenged her, Tsubasa was utterly defeated.

"You're quite skilled. Would you like to join my team?"

Without the slightest hint of triumph, she made that proposal.

I thought she was an infuriating brat. I was bitter to my core.

It was the first time in my life I'd lost so clearly, the first time I'd met someone who wouldn't bend to my will.

The more I learned about Sheena-chan after joining the same team, the more I sighed. She was Tsubasa's opposite—hopelessly clumsy. Not with her hands, but with her personality. She clashed with teammates constantly, and every time Tsubasa had to step in. Well, that clumsiness and obliviousness had its cute side too.

Leaving personality aside, in combat she was brilliant. Her play was worthy of the word "perfect." Especially her analytical skill; against anyone whose data she knew completely, she never lost. I challenged her again and again, and lost every time.

I'll never say it out loud—it's too embarrassing—but... Sheena-chan, you were my "goal." The first person to beat Tsubasa, you became someone special to me.

That's why I couldn't forgive what you said.

"To be blunt, Shiki-san's talent surpasses both yours and mine. Without question."

What stung wasn't that you said Shiki-chan had more talent than Tsubasa. It was that you said Shiki-chan was above you.

You have to stay the strong one. You're the first person who ever beat Tsubasa, so you have to take responsibility and remain the strong one. Admitting defeat yourself is absolutely unthinkable.

"...So I'll prove it."

That you're stronger. That Shiki-chan is beneath you.

That Shiki-chan is nothing compared to Tsubasa—I'll prove it all.

"Come, Shiki-chan. This lake is our final stage."

—

Moonlight, a high-rise condo's top floor. In one room, two people sit on a sofa facing a giant screen.

One is an expressionless girl, the other a woman swirling a wineglass and smiling. Both have silver hair and similar features. At a glance they look like sisters, but...

"That's the girl who has the key you mentioned?"

"Yeah. That's her, Mom."

Each sat on a sofa worth two million.

On the screen: Shiki and Tsubasa, the current Rank Match.

"Hmm. From where I stand, the shield girl looks more talented."

"But that child hasn't come to the Moon."

"Not having come to the Moon doesn't mean she lacks talent. All that device does is analyze genetic data read via full-dive gear and send back whoever has high full-dive aptitude. What ∞ Burst needs isn't full-dive aptitude, but aptitude for the game itself. That shield girl has exceptionally high compatibility with this game. Her brainwave-control precision is outstanding. Anyone below a certain level can never reach ∞ Burst."

Seika listened to her mother but ignored her completely, showing no interest in Tsubasa. Her gaze stayed fixed on Shiki.

Seika and Tsubasa come from similar worlds—both have crushed others with overwhelming talent. That's why Seika feels little curiosity toward Tsubasa. It's only natural for an intelligent being to be drawn to creatures whose true nature is unknown rather than those whose nature is obvious.

Unlike herself, Shiki is plain, introverted, unremarkable—and yet possesses an unfathomable strength. Being drawn to her is only natural.

"Forcibly opening the brain's black box and granting supernatural senses—∞ Burst... If many besides you can manifest it, we might eventually clear the wretched game that person left behind."

"...Yeah."

Seika stared at Shiki beyond the screen.

"I believe in you, Shiki."

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