CONFESSIONS AND RESULTS

The wagon is gone for too long now and we are still walking since early morning. Walking is not my problem but since we entered the outskirts of the city, these two has been quiet. It's not that I haven't asked them what is wrong but every time I ask them, they just try to avoid it. I don't have the right to pry on their business but this silence is worrying me. They have been open for the previous days about their pasts so seeing them like this is questionable.

We entered the city of Akihabara with the sight of the lively streets highlighted by the colorful food stalls and joyful buyers busy chatting with each other. As I waltz on the streets, I can smell the mouth-watering aromas of each different edible displays showcased on each food stalls. The temptation stimulated by the spices led me hard not to resist buying these new sights of food that had never touched my palate ever before. But even with the new commodities in line, common goods are present as abundant as the new ones.

After buying some food, I sat down under a tree and began chewing on these new tastes. I noticed the two sitting beside me as they feast on their choice of delicacy still quiet so I took the initiative to start a conversation. I thought it is also a great time to dismiss the two from their duty as my escorts and give them their reward.

"I still don't get why you both are quiet but I know it is none of my business. It's been a long journey since you two started working as my bodyguards. I enjoyed watching you two in your fights and I appreciate trusting me your precious experiences and memories. I hope when we meet again, I would see you both happy doing the things you loved. This time has come for me to relieve you both of your guarding duty. You are now free and as my token of appreciation, I'll let you bargain your reward. How much would you want as a compensation for your hard work?"

There again, that moment of silence. Am I receiving a silent treatment from these two or what? After a while, they both looked at each other and slowly turned their pleading gaze upon me.

"We're sorry boss, please forgive us", cried the two in chorus bowing to me with their knee on the ground.

"What are you being sorry about?" I asked.

"We accepted the quest you offered because we have an ulterior motive and it has something to do with Shiroe of Log Horizon", Borte answered.

"I see. So this explains your silence since we got out of the forest. Don't worry, there is no harm done since I have hired you two not just for protection but for something else too. That makes us even, isn't that? You scratch my back, I scratch yours. So, what is it anyway? I might be able to help you", I asked.

It never thought that something like this will happen even knowing that they were once in a player killing group. It might just be possible that they have fought against Shiroe some time and they want revenge but they don't look like someone who would do that. Looking back from their previous fight against their former leader, their actions were gallant and honourable. The two raised their head and Borte started talking.

"It actually started when we were still player killers. We hit the low level players and steal whatever we can get. We set some ambush and pin anyone with our number but it was that one night that we faced Shiroe and two others. We actually never know it was him because we never really care whoever we hit. We were utterly defeated by his tactics even if they were outnumbered. When we decided to deposit our gold and some items on the bank, we were banned to enter the building and that is when we learned that Shiroe was the owner of the whole building. There was nothing we can do but to go to different city and there we can use a bank. During one of the group's hunts, both of us were able to escape the group and we travelled to different places so we won't get caught. The rest of it, it is when we met you and hired us as your bodyguards."

"So what do you intend to do now that you are here in this city?" I asked.

"Is it possible that we could accompany you to have an audience with Shiroe? We really are scared he might not forgive us", Borte answered.

"Even for the least, we want to gain access of the bank. We had some gold and items which we can use stored in there. Both of us are still struggling with hunting monsters because most of the hunting grounds are claimed by large guilds", Shanks added.

I can see the sincerity on their eyes and the kind gesture they project as they are sitting in front of me. It must have been hard for them for these past days to maintain a keep with these situations. As their employer, I can offer them what they are asking which is the least I can do.

"Alright then, let's go and find our target, Log Horizon!" I said in a commanding voice.

"Thank you very much boss", both said at the same time.

"Thank me later if we are successful. And before I'll forget, here is your reward. 500 gold coins each for the two of you. Use it properly and you can't refuse my offer" I insisted.

"But this is too much', Borte retaliated.

"You deserve to be rewarded. If you can't receive that as a reward, consider it my gift then", I responded.

Little did I know that someone was listening to our conversation. I caught a glimpse of someone's shadow in the ruins near us. Just as I was about to activate "Shadow catch", the presence was already gone. I am not sure but I have a hitch that it was someone who has a ninja class with that kind of hiding skills and speed. The city is safe against P'kers so I just wonder what that was all about.

"Are you alright boss?" asked Borte.

"Yeah I'm fine. Let's go." I answered as we walk away from the tree.

As we stroll over the streets, I saw a large blue dome located at the heart of the city. I saw some few adventurers going in and out from the building. I was so curious I asked the two about it.

"What is that blue building over there?"

"That is the building of the "Round table council". They are composed of the leaders of different guilds who initiated peace with the people of the land. It is also where the bank is located", Borte explained.

"Hmm. Interesting. I might try visiting that place some time. This place is really awesome. It has a lot of different features. Look, we even found Shiroe's place; Log horizon" I said with excitement.

As we approach the large building in front of us with a banner written "Log Horizon" on it, we were greeted by nine people who probably are Log horizon guild members. The girl in the middle who dressed like a ninja stepped forward as we stopped in front of them.

"What's a "people of the land" with two adventurers need from my master?" the ninja girl asked.

"I get it. You were the one who was listening to our conversation under that tree earlier, am I right? If you heard us then you should already know our goal." I responded.

"You know you can't cause trouble inside a neutral zone. Why is my master your target?" asked the ninja girl.

"I see. So you haven't heard everything I guess. I am sorry to be rude. Please allow me to introduce ourselves and the state our purpose. I am Joker and these two are my hired escort. I am here to discuss something with your guild master but before that, I want to plead for an audience for this two and your guild master. I assure you that we mean no harm" I ended.

Before anyone was able to react on my speech, a man displaying a serious look with round glasses came from behind the others. He is at least two inches taller than me, pale faced, and I can tell from his clothing that he has the same body size as me. From my own perspective, he looks like the opposite of Roe II who is jolly at most times.

"What is this all about?" Shiroe demanded from everyone.

Before anyone could say anything, I immediately gestured a bow as I give my introductions.

"Hello my name is Joker of Spades and these two are my hired escorts. Before the real business, may I ask you to hear what these two would say, please?"

"Alright, let me hear it", Shiroe posed.

Borte and Shanks came closer to Shiroe while Shiroe gestured the ninja girl to stay put as she almost unsheathed her blade. As soon as the two went past me, they bowed instantly startling everyone.

"Please forgive us. We are very sorry for the trouble we caused you before!" the two plead in chorus.

Every member of Log Horizon was stunned by those two's sudden action. The seriousness on Shiroe's face a while ago was already reduced into surprise by the unprecedented situation.

"I'm sorry but do I know you?" Shiroe asked the two.

The two became silent for a few seconds and I can see them both trembling. They might have been frozen by the thought they would never be forgiven. In this case, I might be able to help.

"You might have forgotten them because it happened a few months ago." I interrupted as I rest my hand on each head. "They told me it was night that time when they ambushed you but they were the ones who got beaten instead. They said they were forced to join that group of player killers during the early games because they were scared. Now Borte, Shanks, I think you can take it from here" I ended.

"Shiroe of Log Horizon, please allow us to enter the bank again", Borte begging.

"I remember about the ambush. I wasn't able to see your faces that much at that time but I was able to get your names and later I banned those names for using the bank. But that was a long time ago. When was the last time you tried visiting the bank?" Shiroe asked.

"That was one month after the ordeal", Shanks responded.

"I see. You two don't need to apologize but I appreciate the sincerity. You should be able to visit the bank now because I lifted the ban for almost three months now." Shiroe claimed.

"Thank you very much!" the two voiced out in unison as they lift their head brimming with tears on their eyes. The two turned to me and offered also their thanks.

"I'm happy you two can now access your banks. Since you are relieved in your job, you should go now to the bank and do what you need to do. Take this amount as my token of appreciationyou're your efforts. Promise me you both will do well" I said as I pat their head.

"Thank you boss for everything you have done to us. We won't forget you." Borte said while crying.

"Okay, okay. Now go. And don't worry because I believe we will meet again." I shouted as the two ran away waving their hands. "And now, for the real business, Shiroe of Log Horizon, can we talk in private? I also have a delivery from a special someone."

"Alright, let's talk in my room." Shiroe said.

I followed Shiroe inside the guild hall and while I am walking past the other members, I can feel the ominous gaze from the ninja girl and from another girl who look like a healer. The guild hall was spacious and there are a lot of rooms in it. The guild hall is built with a tree on its center and it really looks cool. Shiroe entered a room in the second floor which looks like his study area judging from the papers and books piled on the table.

"Please have a seat, Joker of Spades" Shiroe said as he pointed out the chair near the table.

"Let us be a little bit informal here. Please call me Spade. May I call you Shiroe in return?" I asked.

"Yes please. Let's do that. Anyway, what do you have for me?" Shiroe.

"Before I tell you everything I know, I must first give you this. It is a letter from Roe II. She said you might find something in there that might prove important." I said as I extend my arm handling the letter.

Shiroe reads the letter as follows:

Hello! How's my brother doing? Don't worry, your sister is doing just great. Please tell also the kids their big sister Roe misses them.

On a serious note, I wrote to you because you might find something relevant from my observations. Since the last letter I sent you, I have been wandering near the west borders. At this time that you are reading this, I might be already on the west continent. From my observations,their have been an increase in the numbers of new monsters appearing. They seem to disrupt the normal flow of the original inhabitants. In my journey, I encountered wyverns going on a rampage into a town which seemed to have happened before. But this time, it is caused by another monster and it's not because of the levelling up of the people of the land. In another town, monsters swarmed over a city and caused many players to sleep. I found out that these monsters were being controlled by a "harvester" named "genius of half value".

I don't know if these events are related but I can tell that these happenings are not getting good. I don't know if it's wise for me to share my hypothesis to you. I'll leave to you how you are going to interpret this. I fear that somewhat, this game is changing and evolving. Some monsters we encountered are having intelligence and they are becoming harder to deal with. It's probably early for me to say these words but I know you can handle them well.

That is all for now. It might actually take longer before I can send you my love letters so take care of yourself, my brother. Please tell the kids I said hi.

PS.

Please consider taking Spade in your guild. She's new but she can be totally handy most of the time.

Roe II =)

Shiroe gave a long sigh after reading the letter from Roe II and looked at me curiously. He put the letter inside his compartment and returned back his gaze on me.

"May I ask a question?" Shiroe asked.

"Yes you may." I replied

"Roe II never wrote anything about you in the letter besides the description about you. What does she mean when she said you are new?"

"I believe that's the question that really matters, doesn't it? But before everything else, can we move to a more secure place where anyone can't eavesdrop?" I said as I pointed out the door.

Shiroe immediately understood the situation. He clicked some buttons on his screen then went back on his seat.

"We can continue. Don't worry, I have control over the building so I can make any room here soundproof." Shiroe explained.

"Thank you. It's just that I want to keep something for just the both of us. You know I'm adventurer and not a people of the land, don't you?" I asked.

"I can actually tell based from your actions and the fact that you were with Roe II, you are the one they call "berserk healer", am I wrong?

"No, you're not", I replied. "But I am not actually that great as they claim. I was with Roe II that is why I was able to perform some skills. I never expected that rumors travel so fast in here."

"Well, everybody has their connections. Moving forward, I want you to tell me what I want to hear." Shiroe demanded.

"Alrighty then. I am not from Japan but a country just below yours. It all started a year ago when I read an article about a game that is being upgraded. I accidentally found a hidden link and I was asked to fill-up a form. After that, my PC just went blank and just this month; I was able to open my PC. But this time there were no form to fill-up. My PC went so bright and after that, I woke up in a different world. This avatar that I am using is a character that I used 3 years ago and it seems that most of its characteristics are carried. It says here that my class is a Brekenspear; a spear handler who has a sub-class of mage. I cannot actually show you my true form but once I reached level 65, you will see what I am talking about. Right now, I am level 45 and I am having a hard time in levelling up on my own. I met Roe II near the Fortress city and I have been with her for quite some time. She helped me level up and faced some ferocious monsters along the way. And for the rest, it is irrelevant." I ended with a smile.

"So the point is that you came here even without playing and not even sure if it is our real body that is in here. Am I right?" Shiroe asked.

"Exactly the point. I learned that we cannot log out from this game and the gates are not functioning but Roe II told me that you are trying to figure things out."

"Well, that's just putting it nicely but I roughly figured out things in here. What are your plans from now on, Spade?" Shiroe asked.

"As you know, I am new here and I 'm still not accustomed to the things I am dealing with. On top of that, I don't have a place to stay. Can I join your guild? Sister Roe said this is a nice guild. In return, I will tell you something private that even Roe II doesn't know. How about it, guildmaster? I asked with a smile.

"Wait. You're coming too fast. I need to ask the other members first before making that kind of decision." Shiroe pretested.

"Please guild master? I don't have anything and I really want to join your guild. Please?" I pleaded.

"Ah, you might actually want to check the other guilds. There is this guild just nearby. I can talk with the guild master and maybe she'll take you." Shiroe quickly responded.

"Are you saying that I don't have the qualifications to join your guild?" I stated with teary eyes to increase the effect of my acting.

"Please do not cry. Alright, I'll let you join but I need to talk first with the members. Are you ok with that? You'll be the one to solicit their response and if majority wins, you're in." Shiroe said.

"Alright. You wouldn't mind my method, would you?" I asked in excitement.

"Fine, and you're telling that secret once you are accepted" Shiroe asked.

I gave Shiroe a grin and said, "When do we start?"

Shiroe and I went out of the room and gathered everyone. When Shiroe was about to speak, I interrupted and started to give my speech.

"Hello everyone. My name is Joker of Spades but you can call me Spade. I actually travelled from the west to come at your guild and apply for a membership. Please let me join your guild. I asked the guild master to take me but he said he wants everybody to decide so here I am pleading to you. You see, I may not seem to be a strong character but I know I can do something too. Like for example, I can help you ladies if you are having a hard time expressing your feelings to someone like Mr. Shiroe. Don't worry, I don't have a special interest in the guild master. I can assure you that he just my friend because he is my friend's brother. I believe you know sister Roe, especially Ms. Minori, Mr. Touya, Mr Raundelhaus Code, and Ms. Isuzu. I don't have anything that I can offer but only my service and wisdom."

"Can I see your...ugh." Naotsugu blurted as Akatsuki gave him a knee on his face.

"You know sister Roe?" Minori asked.

"Then the rumor about a mage that travels with a summoner, is that sister Roe and you?" Touya seconded.

"Yes Minori and Touya. Sister Roe helped me when I was alone and took good care of me." I added.

"So that means you are the one they call "Berserk healer"? " Touya asked.

"Why don't we confirm that for with everyone. Would you like to see it? I requested as I give them a smile. "I know you want to know more about me so I am going to expose my secrets to you so I can earn your trust. I can only use my skills on someone who is in the same party with me so will you create a party for me Touya?"

"Alright. Please accept my invitation everyone." Touya announced.

"Here we go." I took out my Nifleim staff and casted my Healing Buff. "This skill might be the reason they called me healer and for the Berserk part, it might be probably because of this." I dashed from end to end of the hall to show my speed and after I returned to my original position, everyone was quiet.

"Awesome! Let's have sister Spade in our guild master Shiroe." Touya exclaimed.

"Yes master Shiroe. I would like to have another sister with us, don't you agree Isuzu? Minori asking.

"Totally! Please master Shiroe? Isuzu confirming.

"You're the guild master, nya" Nyanta.

"Yeah. As long as you'll let me ... ugh" Naotsugu said as Akatsuki gave him another knee kick.

"I don't mind my lord." Akatsuki bashfully said.

"Alright then. It is decided that Spade, a Brekenspear, is officially a member of the guild Log Horizon." Shiroe announced.

"Welcome to Log Horizon!" everyone greeted.

"Thank you everyone. I'll do my best to contribute something for our guild."

"This calls for a celebration!" Touya claimed.

"Yeah!" everyone confirming.

Everyone ate together with everyone's favorite, "curry", on the guild's roof and all were happy. When everyone is already returning to their rooms, I approached Shiroe who is talking with Nyanta.

"Shiroe, Nyanta, can I speak with you both?"

"What is it about?" Shiroe asked.

"It is about my identity as the Berserk healer. Can you help me hide it? I'm not really good in handling this kind of situation since the "Agitator Scandal". Have you heard about that?" I asked.

"Agitator. That scandal that took place three years ago? Are you saying you're "The Agitator"? Shiroe asked.

"Yes. I can't still stay away from getting attention from other players. It is just that I am scared something like that might happen again."

"Don't worry. We are here for you. You have Log Horizon don't you?" Nyanta said.

"Nyanta's right. Tomorrow, I'll ask some girls I know to help you with your clothes. What do you think?" Shiroe asked.

"Thank you. I'll leave it to you then, guild master."

"That settles everything. I'm going to my room, nyan" Nyanta said.

"I'm going to my room too. And another thing guild master," I come closer and whispered in his ear, "I'm a real guy. Please don't tell anyone guild master."

Shiroe gave a shocked response as I walk to my assigned room on that night full of stars.