I Became A Collaborative Character In The Game

Chapter 34 – Annerose

—–CROW—–

There were four playable characters—in other words, protagonists—in Dragon Hunter Origin.

Annerose, the warrior of the Western Arc.

Radian, the mage of the Eastern Arc.

Ash, the paladin of the Southern Arc.

Reinhardt, the cleric of the Northern Arc.

If asked which playable character he liked the most, Luther couldn’t readily answer.

‘Radian and Reinhardt are out right away, but I’m torn between Annerose and Ash.’

The conflict between the brave and spirited, pure and cheerful warrior Annerose and the proud and elegant paladin Ash.

Incidentally, the reason Radian and Reinhardt were immediately eliminated was because they were male characters.

[I feel like you’re having some endlessly pathetic thoughts.]

Integra was sharp as always.

However, instead of confessing the truth to Integra, Luther looked at Annerose again.

Annerose Tantalot.

The protagonist of the Western Arc.

A girl like the sun who never gives up.

The moment he saw her, Luther couldn’t help but smile.

No, it wasn’t just that.  His heart started pounding.  He felt like his face was about to flush.

Annerose was undoubtedly beautiful.  But so were Karen and Lilia.  Integra, standing on the drone with puffed cheeks, was also beautiful—no, as Integra herself had said, having been customized to Luther’s preferences, she was the closest to his ideal image of beauty.

But Annerose was special.

The true protagonist of Dragon Hunter Origin.

The Sun Maiden who united and led all seven heroes, including the four playable characters.

Luther ended up smiling again.  He tried to control his expression, but it was impossible.

Because she was Annerose.

Because she was the hero of Dragon Hunter Origin, the one he admired.

It wasn’t love at first sight.  His current excitement was closer to the thrill of meeting someone he admired rather than romantic excitement.  It was like meeting his favorite sports star or celebrity in person.

‘Ah, I really liked it.’

Dragon Hunter Origin.  Much more than he had realized.

As if savoring this newfound realization, Luther looked at Annerose again.  And he realized another fact.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Oh, no. It’s okay.”

He had been holding her hand for too long.  Come to think of it, he seemed to have been wearing a silly grin as well.

[Anyway, now that you’ve realized it, let go of her hand.]

Integra said in a strangely stiff voice.  It seemed to be related to the slight blush on Annerose’s cheeks.

Chuckling softly, Luther released Annerose’s hand and spoke in a gentle tone.

“I’m Lilia’s companion.  You know Lilia… right?”

Actually, in the original story, Annerose hadn’t really mentioned Lilia.  That was because there wasn’t an event where she encountered Lilia in the first place.

Moreover, after the tragedy at Count Glasston’s estate, she was so busy running around the Holy Empire fighting Hekatonchires throughout the story that she didn’t have the time to reminisce about anything other than her master.

‘However…’

Lilia was Count Glasston’s niece, whom he cherished like a daughter, and Annerose was the daughter of Count Glasston’s close friend.  Technically, they were both nieces of Count Glasston, so even if they weren’t best friends, they were likely aware of each other’s existence.

And indeed, Annerose’s face brightened at the words ‘Lilia’s companion.’

“Oh, you’re Lilia’s companion?”

Her brightened face and the term ‘sister.’  It seemed they were closer than he had thought.

“Wait, then is Lilia at the mansion right now?!”

As Annerose asked with wide eyes, Luther immediately shook his head.

“No, I had her evacuate with the others as soon as the battle started. So you don’t have to worry.”

“Oh, I see. Thank you for letting me know.”

As if embarrassed by her excitement, Annerose gave an awkward smile.  It was the very smile he had seen countless times in the game.

Smiling back, Luther straightened his posture and spoke to Annerose.

“Speaking of which, it would be best to bring them here. Integra?”

[Understood.]

[I’ll send a drone to Karen and the others.]

As Mini Integra hopped off Luther’s shoulder, the drone, now alone, gained altitude and began to fly out of the mansion.

Seeing this, Annerose widened her eyes and said,

“Wow, can it operate independently that far? That’s an amazing artifact. Did you make it yourself? Or is it an ancient relic?”

It was just like Annerose.  She couldn’t resist unique items, just like in the game.

Chuckling, Luther gave a slightly mischievous smile and said,

“A bit of both. I’ll tell you the details next time we have a chance.”

A bit of both.  Next time we have a chance.

At his words, which piqued her curiosity but withheld the answer, Annerose’s expression changed amusingly.  Should he call it a frustrated expression?

[Sigh… Master, sometimes your preferences scare me.]

[But well, I can accept any of Master’s preferences, so don’t worry. Okay?]

He wasn’t sure what she was talking about, but anyway, he understood.  He’d thank her for now.

Ignoring Integra’s rambling, Luther spoke to Annerose again.

“Annerose, I’m planning to see the Count now. Would you like to come with me? I checked on him with the drone, but I haven’t seen him in person yet.”

At Luther’s words, Annerose tilted her head as if unsure, then widened her eyes in admiration.

“So you call that artifact that flew away a drone?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Wow, it seems to be an even more versatile artifact than I thought.”

“Generally, yes.”

Smiling with various meanings at Annerose’s admiration, Luther looked back at the mansion and said,

“Anyway, Annerose, I think we should get going.”

“Yes, I’ll go with you. And… thank you for saving the Count. I’m really grateful.”

Annerose bowed deeply, expressing her gratitude.  Just like before, it was a very Annerose-like action.

“Then Miss Annerose, let’s go together.”

“Yes, Mr. Luther.”

Smiling bashfully, Annerose sheathed her lance and took brisk steps towards the mansion.

* * *

Despite the recent attack, meeting the Count wasn’t difficult.  There were two reasons for this: one was Annerose, who was already acquainted with the servants, and the other was none other than Luther himself.

“I saw you fighting. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you, Mr. Luther, saved me… no, everyone in our estate.”

The red Wyvern, Astra.

Count Glasston wasn’t a fool.  Having watched Luther’s fight through the artifacts installed outside the mansion, he hadn’t missed the fact that the Antagoras began to flee the moment Astra fell.

What would have happened if Luther hadn’t been there?  It was terrifying to even imagine, but at least Count Glasston himself would have already perished.

[He’s quick and accurate in grasping the situation.]

[I like him.]

The reason Integra kept giggling was simple.  She could clearly sense Luther’s discomfort at Count Glasston’s gaze, which was moist and appealing, just like Lilia’s.

‘It’s even more uncomfortable because he’s handsome!’

But discomfort was discomfort, and business was business.

Luther forced a smile and accepted Count Glasston’s gratitude.

“It’s nothing. I just did what I had to do.”

It was a line he had seen countless times in games and novels, but why was it so embarrassing to say it himself?

But regardless of Luther’s embarrassment, Count Glasston and Annerose wore deeply moved expressions.  Contrary to Integra’s cliché remarks, Count Glasston seemed to be a genuinely good person.

‘And Annerose is pure innocence itself.’

She wasn’t called the Sun Maiden for nothing.

Anyway, as Luther and Count Glasston’s greetings came to a close, Annerose immediately spoke.

“Uncle, I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“Oh, yes. Annerose. I’m indebted to you as well. Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing, I just did what I had to do. Hehe.”

Annerose, saying the same thing as Luther, blushed slightly and gave an awkward laugh.  An expression mixed with a little embarrassment and pride.

As Count Glasston smiled gently at her and was about to start praising her again…

[Master, Karen and the others have arrived.]

As soon as Integra finished speaking, the drawing-room door burst open, and Lilia, with a tearful face, rushed in.

“Uncle!”

“Oh! Lilia!”

And a hug.

Lilia, fitting perfectly into the surprisingly tall Count Glasston’s embrace, said in a teary voice,

“I’m so glad you’re safe. I’m really, really glad.”

“Yes, you must have been very frightened. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, I’m not hurt at all.”

[It’s heartwarming, but also a bit cringeworthy.]

As Luther nodded in silent agreement…

Lilia, released from Count Glasston’s embrace, rushed towards Luther and hugged him.

“L-Lilia?”

“Luther, thank you so much. I heard everything on the way here. You saved my uncle, right? And you protected everyone in the estate. Thank you so, so much.”

And as she hugged him tightly again, how should he put it?  It was warm, soft, and squishy, and although Integra’s gaze was somewhat cold, it felt good—

But fortunately, or unfortunately, Luther’s enjoyment didn’t last long.

Karen reached out and naturally pulled Lilia towards her.

“Lilia, that’s enough. And Luther?”

At Karen’s words and wink, Luther reflexively nodded.  He understood what Karen meant by her wink.

‘Bring up the Spirit Gem.’

Karen was quick-witted.  All she had seen after entering the room was Lilia rushing into Count Glasston and Luther’s arms, but she had already grasped the situation from the atmosphere.

Count Glasston was grateful to Luther.  Count Glasston was a reasonable man.  Moreover, he was currently in a vulnerable and anxious state due to the sudden attack.

In other words, now was the opportune time to bring up the Spirit Gem.

[As expected of Karen, her perceptiveness is exceptional.]

[Awarding Karen 1 shop point.]

As Integra praised Karen, Lilia hugged Annerose and exchanged greetings.  Although Lilia tended to hug anyone, judging by their interaction, it seemed they had a fairly close relationship.

‘Anyway…’

The Spirit Gem was more important right now.

Luther spoke to Count Glasston, who was looking at Annerose and Lilia with moist eyes, in a serious voice.

“Your Excellency Count Glasston, I have something to tell you about this attack.”

Naturally, everyone’s attention focused on Luther.

Luther took a deep breath and, instead of looking into Count Glasston’s moist eyes, focused on his handsome nose as he continued.

“Are you familiar with an organization called Hekatonchires?”

And the following explanation.

Luther explained that he had learned about the organization called Hekatonchires and the Spirit Gem while fighting Balboa, and that he had also heard about the Spirit Gem while fighting Astra this time.

Of course, both were fabrications, but whether it was Balboa or Astra, Luther was the only one who had actually fought them.

Unless Luther’s sincerity itself was being questioned, with everyone currently trusting him, everything he said would be taken as truth unless he said something truly outrageous.

“I see… So that’s how it is.”

Count Glasston, furrowing his brow and exhaling slowly, looked thoughtful for a moment, then looked at Luther again and asked,

“Mr. Luther, I’ve heard your story. So, should I hand over the Spirit Gem to you?”

At Count Glasston’s words, Luther felt both bewildered and joyful.  He was happy to obtain the Spirit Gem without any conflict, but somehow, it was bewildering that he was giving it up so readily without any suspicion.

Count Glasston, seemingly having similar thoughts, smiled faintly and continued,

“If what you say is true, it would be right to hand it over, and even if it’s not true, you are the one who saved me and everyone in my estate.  I can readily give you the Spirit Gem. Consider it payment for saving my life.”

Everyone smiled at Count Glasston’s heartwarming reply, but Integra didn’t.

[That sounds plausible, but it doesn’t make sense.]

[You’re receiving the Spirit Gem for the safety of the Count’s estate, so the payment for his life should be calculated separately.]

[Please make sure to clarify this later, so it doesn’t get glossed over.]

[Okay?]

‘Alright.’

As expected of Integra.  It wasn’t a remark that fit the heartwarming atmosphere, but she wasn’t wrong.

As Luther nodded with mixed feelings, Count Glasston had the butler bring the Spirit Gem.  Despite the chaotic situation after the attack, the damage had been limited to the guards, so the mansion seemed to have regained its composure surprisingly quickly.

And after about 10 minutes…

The butler returned to the drawing-room, holding a silver tray.  And on it, a green gem.

It was an object he was seeing for the first time, but it was undoubtedly the Spirit Gem.

[Master, it’s a large and beautiful gem, but I don’t feel any particular power from it.]

[Could it be a fake?]

At Integra’s question, Luther momentarily furrowed his brow, but then shook his head.  Come to think of it, even in the original work, the use of the Spirit Gem itself hadn’t been clearly mentioned.  It had only been explained as a necessary ingredient for the demonic beast summoning, the main event of the Western Arc, and it hadn’t even appeared before.

But just then…

“Ah!”

Annerose, still held by Lilia, suddenly widened her eyes and raised her voice.

“Annerose?”

As the startled Lilia blinked and asked, Annerose, as if coming to her senses, smiled awkwardly and said,

“Well, that’s… my master has something similar. It looks so much alike that I couldn’t help myself.”

At Annerose’s chuckle, Lilia simply nodded, but Luther couldn’t react that way.  Annerose’s master was none other than the Weapon Master, Arma Valentine.

“Does Miss Annerose’s master also have a Spirit Gem?”

At Luther’s question, Annerose momentarily furrowed her brow and spoke hesitantly.

“Well… I don’t know if what my master has is also called a Spirit Gem… but he might know something. Like why that Hekatonchires organization is after the gem…”

[The way her voice trailed off makes it sound like she’s just rambling.]

[But Master, according to your information, Annerose’s master is one of the strongest in the entire world, and also a collector of numerous artifacts, so he might actually know something.]

[If possible, it would be best to show the Spirit Gem to Annerose’s master.]

Luther agreed.  However, Annerose’s master, Arma, was probably holed up in his residence far from here, so showing it to him wouldn’t be easy.

But just then…

“My master will be arriving in Venus City soon, so how about showing it to him then?”

“Oh, the Weapon Master?”

At Annerose’s words, Count Glasston and Lilia’s eyes lit up simultaneously.  Karen and Max also looked at each other with surprised and bewildered expressions at the fact that Annerose’s master was the Weapon Master.

However, Luther, surprised for a different reason, looked at Annerose.

‘Arma Valentine is coming to Venus City?’

[Master, didn’t you say he stayed in his residence in the original story?]

That was right.  In the original story, Arma Valentine never left his residence, and when Annerose visited him in the latter half of the game, he was already dead, leaving behind only his belongings.

But now Arma Valentine was leaving his residence and coming to Venus City?

‘Was that the reason why Annerose arrived at Count Glasston’s estate earlier than in the original story?’

But why?  What kind of butterfly effect had caused the two of them to deviate from the original story?

He wanted to ask.  But how should he ask?

“The Weapon Master is coming? I’m really happy, but why suddenly? He usually stays in his residence.”

Lilia.  Ah, Lilia.

While Luther was internally praising Lilia, Annerose, smiling awkwardly again, scratched her cheek and said,

“Well… actually, a meteor fell a while ago.”

“A meteor?”

“Yes, but that meteor fell right onto my master’s house, into his artifact storage, causing a huge explosion… I know this sounds strange, but it’s all true.”

“No, I believe you. But you said there was a huge explosion?”

“Yes, it was a really big explosion. The whole house was blown away. Oh, fortunately, my master and I were training outside at the time, so we weren’t caught in the explosion… but when we checked later, it turned out that what fell wasn’t a meteor, but an unidentified artifact.”

“An artifact fell like a meteor?”

“Yes, perhaps the artifact itself was an offensive artifact that could be used like a meteor. Anyway, my master, furious, came down the mountain, saying he would catch the culprit. He told me to go to Venus City first, saying he had somewhere to stop by alone, so I arrived early.”

A meteor.  An unidentified artifact.  A while ago.  And a furious Weapon Master.

As Annerose finished her story, Count Glasston and Lilia naively expressed their amazement at the strange event, but the rest of the group didn’t.

Karen and Max looked at Luther with expressions that seemed to fit the description “sweating profusely.”  Luther himself was involuntarily breaking out in a cold sweat.

[We found another clue to the fragment, so isn’t that good enough for now?]

Integra spoke words that were either realistic or in denial.

Amidst the confusion, Luther covered his face with both hands.

—–CROW—–