I lay prone atop the cliff that rose beyond the forest, gazing down below.

The target fortress was within sight.

It was about twice the size of the one we defended on the river island, and it looked to be a far more formidable structure.

Surrounded by thick, high walls, the side facing the river featured a suspended drawbridge. Currently, the drawbridge was raised, leaving no means of entry from the opposite shore.

Though the area within visible range seemed empty of movement... all personnel are likely inside the fortress.

"Sure would be nice if there was a TDS that could do recon."

"Hmm, I don't think I've ever seen a recon-type trap in tower defense games."

Like the twins, I couldn't recall seeing a trap like that either.

These games are fundamentally designed around intercepting advancing enemies. A function without use in a standard tower defense likely doesn't exist in this game either.

"Glad we made it in time! Whoa, this is high!"

Fuka Kusazuri had moved right up to the cliff's edge and was peering down with delight.

Thanks to our joint level grinding, she seemed to have some composure even at this height.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and sunrise was near.

"From here, we’ve got a good view of the enemy. If we want to launch the Ballista, this is the perfect firing spot."

Plus, the slope beyond the cliff would be ideal for rolling an Iron Ball Trap.

"We don't even know for sure if there’ll be a fight, so maybe we should just wait here?"

"I agree with Seiya's opinion."

"I don’t really get it, so I’ll leave it to you guys!"

With everyone's consent, we decided to log out from this location.

"Everyone, will you be able to log in on time again tonight?"

"No matter what happens, I’ll be there!"

"You can count on me to manage Seiya’s schedule."

Seiya seemed fully motivated, and with Yukine’s reliability, there shouldn't be any delays.

"As for me... I’ll do my utmost with sincerity!"

"Be punctual. If you're late, we're leaving you behind."

"That’s so cruel!"

I made sure to lay it down clearly for Fuka, the wildcard of the group.

We don’t know exactly when the battle royale might begin, but if it starts right at the beginning of day three, even a slight login delay could be fatal.

"Well then, that’s it for today. Good work, see you tonight."

"Good work~"

"Thank you for today."

"Later-later~ See yaaa~"

Everyone waved as they burst into light particles.

I removed the VR goggles, stretched out on my bed, and did a quick stretch.

The second day had been fulfilling. We’d gained new allies and clear objectives. I was looking forward to tonight.

Getting out of bed, I changed into my usual clothes, had breakfast, and made tea for the other two. After some sleepy morning chatter with them, I headed to work.

Handled the usual monotonous tasks, had pointless banter with my coworker Naoi, and before I knew it, the workday was over.

Maybe it was because I’d been thinking about Death Parade TD Online (provisional) all day, but the time passed quickly.

By the time I got home after a bit of overtime, Mom had already gone to bed and my sister was holed up gaming.

Looking at the two teacups, I briefly considered a rare evening drink, but knowing that alcohol would dull my mind and make it harder to enjoy the game, I opted for sparkling water instead.

After bathing and getting everything ready, I put on the VR goggles.

"Alright, the long-awaited third day."

Still in the same state of excitement from the morning, I dove back into the game world.

Before me was a cliff—and three butts lined up prone in a row.

No way, I’m the last one? I can understand the twins, but losing to Fuka stings.

It looked like they hadn’t noticed me yet, so I took a deep breath.

Bathed in morning light, the wind carried the rich scent of the forest. It was refreshing.

Once I was composed, I called out to them.

"You’re all early."

All three turned around at once.

"We tried logging in five minutes early and it let us in."

"Good morning, Kaname Katakami."

"Jeez, you’re late~. Fashionably late, huh?"

Fuka wasted no time teasing me. Still holding a grudge from what I told her on day two?

"I’m not late. This is the official start time."

I’m not the kind of guy who breaks promises or misses appointments.

"So day three’s begun, but did we get any notice from the devs—"

Before I could finish, a glowing orb suddenly appeared in front of me.

Not just for me. The same orb appeared before the others as well, floating in front of each of us.

Without any warning, the orbs emitted a blinding light.

"Uwah, so bright!"

"My eyes aaaargh!"

I quickly shut my eyes as the three others cried out.

After a moment, the light behind my eyelids and their voices both faded, so I slowly opened my eyes.

Spread out before me was an unobstructed sky and a sea of clouds. On the flat ground stood many people. This situation was familiar.

This was the same spot where we all logged in for the very first time on day one. The mountaintop had great visibility, with gusts of strong wind occasionally sweeping by.

Back then, everyone wore the same simple, form-fitting outfit, but now they were in regular clothes.

I was in a long-sleeve shirt and jeans—a look I was familiar with even in-game.

"H-huh? This place is—?"

Off a little ways, I spotted Fuka hunched over, frantically looking around.

As I walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, her body jolted and she looked at me fearfully.

"Eek! I-I’m sorry! If I did something—oh, Kaname Katakami, it’s just you! Don’t scare me like that!"

Her tearful face suddenly turned into a beaming smile.

Oh right, she’s a shut-in and shy around strangers. She acts so familiar with me, I’d completely forgotten.

"If Fuka’s here, then Seiya and Yukine must be... there they are. Hey!"

I called out and waved to the twins huddled in the corner.

Their tense expressions softened as they ran over to me.

"So Kaname Katakami and Sis were here too."

"Glad to see you both safe. But... what exactly is this place?"

Neither of the two had grasped the situation yet.

Of course, I didn’t understand it either, but there was one thing I could say for sure.

“Our questions will be cleared up soon enough. Look.”

At the center of the mountaintop, just like on the first day, there was a flashy stage, and standing at its center was the host, Helm.

Flaming red long hair and impossibly perfect beauty. Her tall, slender limbs and ideal body shape looked radiant even in a suit. Her striking appearance was as eye-catching as ever.

“To all the tough warriors who have survived to the third day, long time no see! It’s everyone’s idol, Helm!”

I have no idea when she became an idol for the dev team, but she was energetically greeting everyone with a mic in hand.

“Now that the third day has begun, we’ve gathered you here temporarily to explain the next phase. Yes, the moment you’ve all been waiting for—Battle Royale has been implemented!”

“Oooooh!”
“I’ve been waiting for this!”
“This is what I was most looking forward to!”

The guardians erupted in cheers.

Even though I kept a calm expression in front of the three, deep down I wanted to raise my fist and cheer just like the others.

“Kaname, you look creepy with that grin on your face,”

Fuka pointed out, and when I brought my hand to my mouth, I realized I was indeed smiling.

I guess I couldn’t hold it in.

“The rules are simple and clear! You can instantly acquire the defeated opponent’s TDS! That’s right—any TDS you’ve leveled up and trained can be stolen as-is. So if you take down a high-level enemy, the rewards are huge!”

I see. If you’re only trying to collect TDS, it’s more efficient to go after weaker targets. But taking down stronger ones comes with its own big payoff.

The further along the game goes, the better the TDS you can potentially acquire. It’s not a bad system.

“As we explained beforehand, the last player standing in the Battle Royale clears the game. This test play will inform the release of the official version. If you get a game over along the way, please look forward to the full release!”

Oh right, this is still just a test play.

The game is so well made I’d completely forgotten.

“That said, there are also temporary defense quests. If you eliminate everyone too early, it might make things harder later on. Whether you choose to cooperate or compete is entirely up to you.”

We don’t need the devs to tell us that. The four of us will work together until the very end—and then we’ll fight it out.

I trust them not to suddenly backstab anyone.

“Heh, with my overwhelming firepower, I’ve got the advantage!”

Except for Fuka, who was clenching her fists and grinning suspiciously next to me—my trust in her is lower than the others.

“Now then, you’ll all be randomly teleported to the base of the mountain. The Battle Royale begins right after the transfer. Do your best out there!”

“Eh, wait a sec—”

Surrounded by trees, I was left alone.

“Oh come on, seriously?”

There wasn’t a soul around.

This development was completely unexpected. So we’re not starting from where we logged out on the second day.

The plan we made in advance was completely ruined.

Everyone’s been scattered to fight to the death. I suppose that’s a fitting setup for a Battle Royale, but getting separated from the other three really hurts.

The twins should manage somehow, but there’s one constant headache.

“If an enemy finds her, she’s either going to cry and attack blindly… or just run away.”

I can’t stop worrying about Fuka, but in terms of combat ability, I’m the one in the most danger.

《Arrow Trap》 《Decoy》

I don’t have any direct attack abilities!

If someone targets me, I’ll be stuck on the defensive, barely trying to survive.

“I need to regroup with someone fast or I’m in serious trouble.”

First, I have to ensure my own safety.

While searching for the other three, I’ll have to move carefully to avoid running into other guardians.

“Ah—my backpack’s still sitting up on the cliff, isn’t it?”

All the food and weapons are in there. Should I go back for it, or head to the ruins again to resupply? Which one’s closer?

But reuniting with my allies takes priority for now.

“Oh? Got myself a target.”

My carefully laid plans were instantly shattered.

A figure stepped into my path, blocking the way forward.

Brown hair long in the back, a silver necklace. An oversized T-shirt and cargo pants with multiple pockets. A wristwatch and rings on both hands.

A young man decked out in street-style fashion appeared before me.

He wasn’t bad-looking, but the sleazy grin on his face ruined everything.

“You’re a guardian, right old man? Tough luck running into me. Time to die and become my nourishment.”

So this guy’s my first opponent.

I could choose to run, but my motto is “Enjoy the game to the fullest.”

Like hell I’m going to ruin such a perfect opportunity with a cowardly move.