Infinite Dendrogram: Volume 12

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Color Illustrations

  Opening: Correspondence Between a Certain Man and Woman

  Chapter One: The Three Horrors and the Extras

  Chapter Two: Battle for the Penultimate Throne

  Interlude: The One Who Arrives and the One Who Finds

  Chapter Three: The Start of the Festival

  Chapter Four: To Each Their Own Duels of Love

  Chapter Five: The Lion and the Bomb

  Chapter Six: The Fuse

  Chapter Seven: The End of the Festival and the Explosion

  Chapter Eight: A Story Written in the Sky

  Chapter Nine: The ■■■■■■■■ of Figaro

  Epilogue

  Bonus Short Stories

  About J-Novel Club

  Copyright

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  Opening: Correspondence Between a Certain Man and Woman

  ???

  February 14th, 2044.

  “Figaro,

  This is Hannya. I’m using the email address you gave me.

  Is this reaching you? I’m writing this trying not to worry that you might have given me a fake address. I hope you’re getting this, but I don’t know what to do if you don’t.

  Right now, I’m following what your friend told me and going to Legendaria. I’ll come see you again after crushing my ex and that bitch who took him from me.

  I’m thinking of bringing over a homemade cake when I do. Look forward to it.”

  “Hannya,

  This is Figaro. Yes, it’s reaching me.

  I’m also looking forward to seeing you again.

  I like cakes, too. My little brother often brings them to me as presents or even bakes them himself. I can’t handle intense, spicy foods, so I’m relatively fond of sweet stuff. I can’t wait to try your cake.”

  February 15th, 2044.

  “I have some bad news... I went to Legendaria and stomped on my ex and the homewrecker, but then the crowd ganged up on me and now I’ve got the death penalty.

  Also, I can’t use the save points anymore because I’m ‘wanted.’

  I’m in the ‘gaol’ right now. Apparently, I won’t be able to leave for over a whole in-game year.

  ...Sorry. Now I can’t see you for a long time.

  You won’t be able to wait that long, huh?”

  “The gaol, eh? This is the first time someone I know got sent there.

  Oh, don’t worry about taking a whole year to be discharged. I’m sure I’ll still be here then.

  I’ll wait for you to leave (so we can duel) for as long as I have to.

  Though, I’ll be able to catch up to you in power in the meantime. You’ll grow stronger yourself, of course, but I’ll do even better.

  I have a major ranked match coming up, too.”

  February 16th, 2044.

  “Thanks, Figaro. I’m really happy that you’ll wait for me (in the name of love.)

  I’ll go see you in Infinite Dendrogram no matter what.

  And oh yeah, you’re a ranker! That’s amazing.

  By the way, you mentioned my strength. Should I be trying to raise my level or evolve my Embryo, too?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay. I’ll grow stronger here in the gaol, then go see you right after I’m discharged.

  Ohh, I can’t wait for that moment. Just thinking about it is too much.

  It’s so far away, but (because of love!) the wait is going to be unbearable!”

  “Yeah. I want to see (and duel) you, too. I hope it doesn’t take too long for you to be released.”

  April 18th, 2044.

  “Figaro, congratulations on becoming the duel champion! I saw your duel online! I already knew the outcome, but watching it still had me in suspense. Just so you know, I cheered at my screen when you won! Seriously, congratulations!”

  “Thanks, Hannya. Because of this, I’ve finally become Over Gladiator. It’s the Superior Job of the gladiator grouping, so we’re now on the same job tier. Now, if my Embryo would just evolve into a Superior Embryo, like your Sandalphon did last week, we would be a perfect match (in a duel.) I can’t wait for when you’re discharged in a year.”

  “Same here. I can’t wait to stand by you (in the wedding hall.)”

  November 11th, 2044.

  “I heard about the Gloria thing and your friend. Tell me if there’s anything I can do to help. Though, I know there’s not much I can do by email. Ohh, why can’t I be outside at a time like this...?”

  “...Thanks, Hannya.”

  February 14th, 2045.

  “It’s now been a whole year since we started talking like this. I’m spending my days in the gaol roasting food, couples, and people who say inexcusable things. I’m satisfied with my life, but every day feels about the same, which is just making me want to see you more and more.

  By the way, you said you were wondering, so I’m pleased to tell you that we have a new Superior here in the gaol.

  First there was me and Fu’uta, then we got Sechs, and now we’ve got a boy called ‘Candy.’

  He was a real nuisance with all the viruses he spread in here, but he calmed down once Sechs and I beat him. Now he’s shut himself in some dungeon.

  His prison term is so long, he’ll probably be in here until Dendro’s servers shut down.

  Though, the same can probably be said about everyone here besides me.”

  “Always the homemaker, huh? Thanks for the info, by the way. I was wondering about it because a wanted Superior that was heading towards Altar suddenly vanished. I guess the rumors are right, then — another PK got him. They might already know, but I’ll inform DIN, just in case.

  My days are also just about the same recently. I... wasn’t able to participate in the war last month, either.

  Like I mentioned before, it seemed to have given Shu a lot to think about. Though, it’s understandable, considering his reasons for not participating. Right now, he’s out on a journey, leveling up and gathering special rewards.

  ...Oh yeah. We’re both bothered by our monotonous lives, so let me mix things up a little.

  My name is Vincent Myers.

  Weird, huh? We’ve been in touch for over a year, but didn’t even know each other’s names.

  Hannya, if you don’t mind... can you give me yours? What’s your name?”

  “...Thanks, Vincent.

  My name is Fuyuko Shiki. Can you call me Fuyuko?”

  “Of course, Fuyuko.”

  “...I’ll finally be out of here in April. I’ll then rush straight to the kingdom to see (and marry) you.”

  “Yeah. I’ll be waiting, Fuyuko.”

  Open Episode “The Forms of Love”

  Chapter One: The Three Horrors and the Extras

  Reiji Mukudori

  When people play too much of a particular game, they often end up simulating it in their heads while lying in bed with their eyes closed.

  Recently, these simulations of mine were completely dominated by Dendro. Specifically, the fight against the Hell General.

  Someone actually uploaded a video of the fight. It had been edited to make it look like I won easily, but that wasn’t the case. I knew that better than anyone.

  Without Gardranda, without Logan underestimating me and holding back his strongest devils, and without Veldorbell destroying his Brooch, I’d have surely lost.

  I knew full well that I lacked the power to defeat a Superior who came at me with everything he had. Even though I won, that scene stayed with me, just like it did when I was first defeated by Marie. Seeing the video had only made the memory more vivid. I began picturing and examinin
g it like a game of chess.

  Though, if this was a chess match, then Logan had all his pieces, while I only had a king and a rook, so it’s not like I was going to figure out some high-level play by just thinking about it.

  “Heeyy, Mukudori, what’s with that thinking face and why’re ya sittin’ there? The lecture’s over.”

  “Ohh...” Kasugai called out to me, bringing me back to reality and reminding me that the morning lectures were over.

  It was hard to overlook the fact that I was a college student who couldn’t even focus on his lectures.

  That made me wonder how B3 — or rather, Fujibayashi — managed. She was a clan leader, so I imagine that she’d have even more trouble dividing her time and attention between the game and reality. I’d have to consult her about it.

  During lunch, I looked for her in the cafeteria and found her right away. She had this super diligent vibe, which was even stronger here in real life than in the game. It made her stand out, so she was really easy to find.

  However, looking at the other student sitting with her, she didn’t stand out so much that it drove people away. The presence of others would’ve made it fairly awkward to talk about Dendro, especially since she was someone who kept the two worlds neatly separated.

  I wondered what to do next, but then her friend finished eating and left. Appreciating the timing, I tried to call out to her, but someone grabbed my shoulder.

  “What’s up, Ray? Tickletickle!”

  “Hh?!” Miss Eldritch suddenly appeared, grabbed my shoulder with her right hand and tickled my armpit with her left.

  Sexual harassment! Two seconds after her greeting...!

  “Where’s your handler... I mean, Tsukikage?! Did he collapse again?!” I asked.

  “Kage’s not heeeere. He went to visit his family back in Iga.”

  “Iga?! What, is he actually a ninja?!”

  “‘Actually’? What, you believe the stereotype that everyone from Iga is a ninja?”

  ...Well, he was the King of Assassins. He could sink into shadows, too. Him being a ninja would explain why he ended up with an Embryo like that...

  “Heheheh,” Miss Eldritch giggled. “Without Kage around, I can harass you all I want!”

  “GHHAAH!” Oh, so she actually held back around him, I thought, before she continued.

  She tried to slip her left hand under my clothes...

  “Prez? What are you doing in a public space?”

  ...But then a heavy, domineering voice stopped her.

  The one speaking was obviously Fujibayashi. Her eyes behind her glasses were steady... and she actually looked really scary.

  “...Ah. So you were here, B,” said Miss Eldritch.

  “Sit down right there.”

  “...But this is the cafeteria.”

  “Sit.”

  “...Okay.” Hearing how serious Fujibayashi sounded, Miss Eldritch immediately sank to the floor on her knees. The stares she drew from onlookers made her shake a bit, but she continued sitting regardless.

  The way Fujibayashi was looking down at her, I felt like I was watching a priest exorcising a naughty demon. It seemed that even if you ignored the fact that Miss Eldritch needed her around to keep the club going, Fujibayashi still outranked her even in real life. Apparently they’ve been like this for a long time. Miss Eldritch had gone to Fujibayashi’s place to learn etiquette and the Way of Tea, so she developed this awareness that made her crumble in her presence.

  The woman looked quite disheartened, but I appreciated the fact that we had someone who could keep her in check.

  Also, is it just me, or have I recently seen a certain someone sit on the floor just like that?

  “Mukudori, foxes are always on the lookout for puppies to eat,” said Fujibayashi. “She’ll gobble you up if you’re not careful.”

  “I understand. Thank you,” I said in response.

  “Boo... why are you always getting in my way?”

  After the incident at the cafeteria, we went to the clubroom set aside for the club that Miss Eldritch is the president of: “Club Infinite Dendrogram,” or “CID” for short.

  Last time I was here, I was nearly subjected to Miss Eldritch’s vile ways, but with Fujibayashi present, I didn’t have to worry about that happening again.

  “So, Mukudori, did you have some business with me?” Fujibayashi asked.

  Oh, she noticed, I thought. I went ahead and told her about my difficulty dividing time between reality and Dendro.

  “Oh, but you just have to focus on your lessons. The more you practice at it, the better you’ll get,” she said. “Besides that, the only thing you really have to pay attention to is your papers.”

  “Is that it?”

  “Yes. Banish Infinite Dendrogram from your mind during lessons. It won’t be easy, since you just started recently, but practice makes perfect. I’m speaking from experience.”

  ...I guess she’s right. “All right. I’ll do just that.”

  “Do your best.”

  “It’s scary that you can hold yourself in the big T just like that, B,” grumbled Miss Eldritch. “...And it’s scary how Ray thinks that’s reasonable.”

  “Did you say something, Miss Eldritch?” I asked.

  “Miss what?”

  Ah, I went and said it out loud. There goes my streak of keeping it in my head, I thought.

  “I want you to call me ‘Tsukuyo,’” she asked.

  “Will do, Fuso.”

  “...You’re a piece of work, aren’t you?” I did have her to thank for fixing my arm, but on the other hand she did kidnap me once and she sexually harassed me every now and then, so I didn’t want to do what she said.

  “Well, whatever,” she said. “Anyway, you beat the Hell General, didn’t you? I saw the video.”

  “Uhh...” She hadn’t seen it the last time we met, but it seemed like she went on to watch it later.

  “You also cleared the ruins and blew up the giant weapon there, huh? Isn’t that nuts?”

  “I was involved with the latter, but the former was all Tom’s doing.” We’d only explored the residential area after Tom had destroyed most of the prism soldiers. Hell, even the attack on the plant during the second day was mostly Tom and the other Masters. Honestly, I’d say he deserved nearly all the credit for clearing the ruins.

  “Speaking of Tom Cat...” said Fujibayashi. “Mukudori, have you heard?”

  “Heard what?” I asked.

  “Tomorrow, real world time, Tom Cat and Kashimiya are going to have a ranked match.” She informed me of a coming duel.

  ◇◇◇

  Prism Rider, Ray Starling

  I logged on to Dendro the moment I got home from classes. The place I appeared at was the capital’s fountain. I’d returned here from Quartierlatin yesterday and set this as my login point. The weekend would start tomorrow, so I’d be able to stay online for a good while. I’d also be able to return to Gideon — my hometown here.

  “Ray. You’re back,” Nemesis said as she popped out of my crest.

  That was the same as usual, but there was something that wasn’t.

  “Ah. It’s The Unbreakable...”

  “...I’m scared,” I heard someone say. People around me were reacting differently than they had before I’d gone to Quartierlatin. The reactions from children were especially strong.

  It was like this before I logged out, but... “Scary?” That was a bit harsh...

  “Is this because of the video floating around on ‘the net’?” Nemesis asked. I was already relatively well-known due to an incident at Gideon, but the video with the Hell General had made me more famous... or infamous... than ever.

  The most striking change was the amount of fear I seemed to cause.

  That, too, was because of what was in the video.

  First of all, the video came in two versions — the complete version and the scene-by-scene version. Among the latter, the most viewed scene was the one where Logan got the death penalty, fol
lowed by Gardranda and Gigaknight’s battle. The reason why that one gathered so much attention was the rarity of special reward-based summons (if not that, Gardranda’s appearance alone would have done it).

  Honestly, it was understandable why those two got the most views.

  The scene relevant to the current issue, however, was the one in third place — the one where I broke through the devil army and charged Logan.

  It showed me releasing miasma everywhere, biting a devil, and running with blood dripping from my mouth.

  ...I saw it myself, and the angle was just so perfect. It made me feel like I was watching a horror movie. The voices were in French, too, for some reason, which only made it creepier.

  Since then, I passed by some Masters in Quartierlatin who went “EEK!” and jumped away from me in shock, while child Masters occasionally cried stuff like “He’s gonna eat meee!” and actually ran away ... The idea that I was that scary kinda got me down.

  “I guess eating the devil was a bit too much,” I said.

  “...Your appearance doesn’t help, either.” Appearance, huh...? Did the video get tagged with “#DeathKnight” because I was dressed in black?

  “Well, you know what they say: ‘everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame.’ They’ll get bored and forget about it eventually.” Though, I didn’t know who was getting the “fifteen minutes” here.

  “...You think that isn’t enough time for you to get mixed up in something else? If those ‘fifteen minutes’ keep getting refreshed, they’ll never end, will they?”

  I chose to ignore the reasonable and highly compelling, but very unsettling, prediction.

  Anyway, it was time to head for Altea’s southern gate and prepare to go to Gideon. Riding Silver would make me stand out too much, so I would only get on him once I was out of the city.