After finishing his conversation in Valhalla, Kikuoka returned to the real world.
"Ah, Kikuoka-san, welcome back." "I'm back. How are things on this end?" "No particular problems." "Well, I suppose so. If someone figured out what this place really is, they wouldn't be human anymore." "Is that player, Garret... really dead? Isn't this getting out of hand?" "Even so, we have no idea where the crime scene is... but don't worry, I'll take action now." "Action, sir?"
Natsuki looked at Kikuoka's expression, expecting that he had come up with a brilliant plan.
"Alright then, back to work." "Yes! I'll help!" "Ah, no. You just focus on protecting Kirito-kun. From here on out, it's going to be a numbers game, so we just need to rally as many hands as possible." "Understood!"
With that, Kikuoka embarked on the absurd task of searching through the social media accounts of the participating members. While it didn't ultimately stop Pale Rider from being killed, it would at least serve to help locate the body early on.
"Now then... this is technically crossing a line, but I'll send the facial photos of Shoichi Shinkawa and Atsushi Kanamoto to Soleil..."
Bara, who had been diving into GGO from the Forest of Sleep to keep watch for suspicious individuals, rushed back to Soleil following the sudden turn of events—namely, the probable death of Garret. She dropped by the president's office to receive instructions from Haruno.
Haruno, who was just hanging up a phone call conducted entirely in English, looked at Bara with a serious expression.
"Bara-chan, you're back." "Yes. I decided it would be better to be stationed here right now rather than staying in GGO." "Good judgment. In that case, we start immediately. Announce it company-wide: We are executing Operation D8." "D8!?" "Yes. Don't you think now is the time?" "...You're right. Understood."
Bara then broadcast the announcement throughout the entire company.
Attention all employees. Operation D8 has just been initiated. You all know what this means: do not expect to go home today. Each department will form a supply team, restock resources immediately, and standby in place until further orders!
The sudden announcement left the employees in state of utter shock.
"Senior... Operation D8 is..." "Yeah. I'm sure it was explained to you during your entrance exam, but simply put, it's the operational procedure for the entire staff to unite and act as one whenever the next president is in a pinch! D stands for Defense, and the 8 goes without saying!" "To think D8 would actually be executed..." "What, got a problem with that?" "No, I'm thrilled to work for the sake of the next president!" "Is that so? Good, let's prepare at once!" "Yes, sir!"
"D8 is live! Close the entrance shutters!" "Wrap up normal operations while maintaining only the bare minimum!" "Everyone, get ready to move instantly no matter what instructions come down!"
"Seriously? I have to cancel my date tonight..." "Hey, didn't you just start dating her? Are you sure about this?" "No problem. For the next president's sake, I'll grovel on hands and knees to her as many times as it takes."
"Kaori-chan, D8 has been initiated. You know what to do, right?" "Y-Yes! For Hikitani's sake, I will properly fulfill whatever role I can!" "Good resolve. For now, we're heading straight out to buy supplies! Get ready immediately!" "Understood!"
"Oh no, oh no! I have to pull Department Chief Argo's connection cable!"
Hearing the broadcast, Mai rushed toward the nap room with a flustered face, where Argo was currently logged into ALO. Just at that moment, the nap room door slid open, and Argo lumbered out.
"Eve, I'm already back, zura."
Relieved for a fraction of a second upon seeing her face, Mai tightened her expression and addressed Argo.
"Chief! It's an emergency! Operation D8 has been initiated!" "D8? The Boss sure made a bold move there, zura."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Argo spoke with a surprised expression.
"The Boss's orders for me are to take the culprit's connection area data provided by Zaskar, deploy our employees en masse to shops with internet environments to conduct a search, pick out all candidate stores, assign them to each department, and analyze the incoming information. As for you, Chief Argo, she wants you to search the old ALO server to see if you can extract the addresses of the participants in this tournament."
"...That's gonna keep us busy. Alright, Eve, call up Dal, zura." "I've already called him! He's scheduled to arrive shortly!" "Nice one, Eve. I'll buy you a drink later, zura."
Just then, the direct line from Haruno rang.
"This is Argo. Boss, I heard the situation." 'Good. Then I'll count on you right away. Also, the area I need Eve-chan to look into is around Chiyoda Ward—in short, Akihabara.' "For real? Of all places, there...?" 'I know it's tough, but please.' "Roger that, zura. Ah, Boss, if it's over there, couldn't we ask May Queen for help, zura?" 'Right... That might be for the best. I'll contact Faris-chan from my end.' "Relying on you, zura."
"Yes, this is May Queen Nyan-Nyan. Faris Nyan-Nyan speaking nyan." 'Ah, Faris-chan? It's me.' "Nya-nya!? That voice... could it be the Demon Lord-sama nyan!? Has it been like three thousand years nyan?" 'Three thousand and twenty-four years, to be precise.' "As expected of Demon Lord-sama nyan! So, what brings you here today nyan?" 'Actually...'
Upon receiving the explanation, Faris closed the shop immediately.
"Faris-chan, what's wrong all of a sudden?" "Sorry, Mayushii, I need you to call Kyouma over ASAP nyan." "Eh? Did something happen?" "It's Operation D8 nyan! It's a huge emergency nyan!" "U-Uh, okay! I'll contact him right away."
Faris then called out to the other maids.
"Listen up, everyone! A massive wave of Soleil employees will be arriving here shortly, so I need you to guide them to stores all across Akiba that have internet access nyan! Though apparently, they're bringing their own maps nyan. So sorry, but I'm counting on you nyan!"
"Yes, this is Hououin. Mayuri, what is it?" "Ah, Okarin? Um, you see, Faris-chan wants you to come to May Queen right away." "To May Queen? Daru also bolted out in a panic just a moment ago... Did something happen?" "Well, um, it seems Hachiman-san is in a pinch! They said Operation D8 has been initiated!" "What!? That is a major emergency! Understood, I shall head over at once."
Hanging up the phone, Okabe turned to Kurisu, who was standing beside him.
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