"Shana-sama, what are you going to do about Xeexeeed?"
"The stage is set," Shana replied, his eyes fixed on a point in the distance. "I'm going to give him exactly the showdown he's been begging for."
Gunner X tilted her head, noticing that Shana wasn't looking at her, but rather at a seemingly empty patch of air. "Shana-sama… what are you looking at?"
"Hm? Oh, the MMO Today staff. I'm basically talking to Yukko and Haruka right now since they're watching the feed in the city. I figure they'll pass the message along to Xeexeeed, right?"
"I see. Efficient."
Back in the city, the two girls in question nearly fell over backwards when Shana addressed them by name through the screen.
"Wh-What the hell, Yukko?! That guy is a complete monster. How did he know?"
"He probably deduced it, but still… it's a little creepy," Yukko admitted with a wry smile. They looked at each other and laughed.
"Well, whatever. We were going to tell Xeexeeed anyway. Who do you think wins?"
"Is that even a question?"
"R-Right. Of course, our glorious leader will—"
"It's Shana," Yukko interrupted flatly.
"...Yeah, it's Shana."
Even with the odds stacked against him, a message had to be delivered. They patched through to Xeexeeed and explained the situation.
"I see. Fine then. I'll show myself properly. We've already lost the war anyway; as long as my name gets out there, I've achieved my goal."
"Your self-centeredness is almost refreshing," Haruka remarked.
"Sasuga, Xeexeeed-san! The king of all small-fry!" Yukko added.
"Hey, quit the flattery. Besides, I guess there's no payout for this event… Sorry, you two. You picked a real loser to fall for."
""Eh?""
"Eh?"
After a heavy silence, Xeexeeed stammered, his bravado crumbling. "S-Sorry! I just… I've always wanted to say something cool like that."
"Right. God, you scared us," Haruka sighed.
"Even for you, Xeexeeed-san, that was a delusional leap too far!"
"Y-Yeah… obviously."
Xeexeeed's eyes were a bit misty, though the girls couldn't see it through the comms. However, possessing a mental fortitude made of tempered steel, he bounced back instantly.
"Alright! I'm heading to Shana's location!"
"Good luck!"
"We'll be watching on the monitor!"
Xeexeeed sheathed his rifle and began a long, dramatic walk toward the main camp. True to Shana's word, there was no resistance. He walked through the gates of the Genji stronghold completely unmolested.
"You…"
Gunner X appeared before him, her expression cold.
"This way. Shana-sama is waiting."
"...Understood."
Xeexeeed followed her quietly. Since Gunner X had already been disqualified, she couldn't touch him, and he knew Shana wouldn't resort to a cheap ambush now. He looked around the empty camp, impressed.
"It really is just you two."
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