"Looks like there are only a few stragglers left," Shana noted, easing his stance. "We've stood out enough as it is. Let's leave the cleanup to the rest of them."
With that, Shana began to withdraw from the front lines, and the rest of the Ten Wolves followed suit. Back inside the fortress, the group immediately pivoted to preparing for the after-party.
"Floria," Shana called out, "get the NPCs mobilized. Let's get some tables set up in this hall. Buffet style is fine, but make sure there are enough benches around the perimeter for people to rest."
"I can handle the layout myself, Master," Floria replied.
"Oh? Even better. Get to it then."
"Understood."
Floria closed her eyes, and with a subtle shimmering of the game's rendering engine, the hall transformed exactly into the layout Shana had requested.
"Whoa."
"Floria-chan is the best!"
"Thank you for your kind words," the AI replied with a modest bow.
"Alright," Shana continued. "I'll provide the funds. Set up a decent spread of food and drinks on each table. If anyone wants something fancy, they can buy it from the surrounding shops themselves."
"I shall make the arrangements."
Just as she spoke, the distant thunder of gunfire finally ceased. Floria's voice projected throughout the area, announcing the end of the skirmish.
"All hostiles have been neutralized. The World Tree Fortress has been successfully defended."
A collective sigh of relief washed over the group.
"No surprise 'boss' spawns this time," Shana remarked. "Though I wouldn't have minded a bit more of a challenge."
"Looks like Pito's bad luck didn't trigger twice in a row," someone joked.
"Hey! It's not like it's always my fault!" Pitohui protested.
"No, it definitely is…"
Soon, the participants began trickling back into the hall. Their eyes lit up at the sight of the banquet.
"Whoa! Are we allowed to dig in?"
"Yeah," Shana announced. "Once everyone's settled, feel free to eat, drink, and brag about your loot."
"Shana, you really think of everything! You're the man!"
Once Floria confirmed that every registered player had returned, Shana stood up to give a brief address.
"Great work today, everyone! It's not much, but I've put together a little something to celebrate. If this isn't enough to fill you up, feel free to order from the local shops—on your own dime, of course!"
The room erupted in laughter.
"I might not always be here when a defense event triggers," Shana added, "but if you happen to be around when it does, I'm counting on you to keep this place standing."
"You got it, boss!"
"I'd join this fight any day!"
"Alright then. Enjoy yourselves!"
With Shana's blessing, the party began in earnest. A constant stream of players swarmed him, seeking a word with the hero of the hour, leaving him barely enough room to breathe.
This is my chance! Clarence thought.
Determined to make an impression and get on Shana's good side, she pushed through the crowd.
"Shana-san, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Clarence," she said, forcing herself to use a polite register she rarely touched.
Shana blinked, looking her over. "Oh, nice to meet you, Clarence… wait, sorry. You're a woman, aren't you? Nice to meet you, Clarence-san."
Clarence froze. In all her time playing GGO, not a single person had ever pegged her as female on their first meeting.
"H-how did you know?"
"Just a hunch. Men and women move differently, even in avatars. There are other tells, too…"
"Is that so!"
Clarence felt a surge of excitement. The conversation was going better than expected. She prepared to press her advantage, but before she could speak, two hands dropped onto her shoulders like lead weights.
"What the—? Hey, I'm in the middle of a very important conversation with Shana-san…"
"We know," Pitohui's voice whispered in her ear, sharp as a razor. "And that's exactly why you're done."
"Suspicious," Musketeer X added from the other side. "Unauthorized."
Clarence spun around to find Pitohui and Musketeer X staring her down with cold, unblinking eyes.
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