It happened right after my proposal to Nekohime-san was turned down.
My friend, Yuyun, said to me...
My wife, Sara-Sara...
...is married to another man using her other character!
It's a different character. That's okay, isn't it?
No, it's not!
It's cheating! Cheating!
Different people take different stances on in-game marriages.
Sara-Sara-chan probably just wanted to get the marriage bonus.
Even so!
I was truly in love with her!
I am through with Sara-Sara.
On, I see...
It's not fair...
Huh?
I won't accept that I'm the only one who has to suffer.
So I asked Nekohime-san to give me the reason why she rejected your proposal!
Hey—! You—!
What do y—!
"One: I'm not interested in getting meowrried in the game."
"Two: It's not as though Rusian is the only one I'm on good terms with."
"Three: It's not possible for a man and a man to get meowrried."
Why did I ever want to get married in the game?
Yeah!
Marriage can just suck it!
I'm never getting married again!
Yeah!
Me, neither!
We're never getting married!
Following that, Yuyun divorced two other cross-playing characters...
...and has now married a third time.
So that's what happened.
I'm not divorcing you.
Hmm...
That was a quick response.
What I was getting at was people's stances on marriage.
I love you, Rusian.
W— Well—
...that goes for me, too...
So, what I mean is, not just in the game, but...
Rusian?
Ah!
I'm heading off to bed!
Night!
O-Okay.
Good night.
I thought if I declared my love, I was sure to succeed?
"...The man gave a great sneeze and dragged himself to his feet." I thought if I declared my love, I was sure to succeed?
"...The man gave a great sneeze and dragged himself to his feet."
Rashomon "...The man gave a great sneeze and dragged himself to his feet."
Rashomon
Okay then, next, Rusian, you read. Rashomon
Okay then, next, Rusian, you read.
I mean...!
N-Nishimura-kun.
Tamaki-san, this one looks good.
Tamaki-san, isn't this one better?
I think they're both pretty nice.
Rusian!
Listen to this, Rusian!
It's awful!
It's awfuuuuul!
A-All right.
I'll hear all about it later.
Modern Communications Electronic Game Club
Look at this! Modern Communications Electronic Game Club
"I am the model that reigns supreme at the top of the school caste! Modern Communications Electronic Game Club
"I am the model that reigns supreme at the top of the school caste!
Bow down before me, commoners!"
It's like a whirlwind of smug faces, all saying this!
How does anyone enjoy reading this stuff?!
Hey, don't be so rough with my magazine.
This is yours?
That's right.
Got a problem with it?
No...
All right, Ako, listen closely.
Magazines like this are a kind of "Real-life Offline Occupational High-School Girl" strategy wiki.
Wiki?
Yeah.
Just by reading this, you get how to care for your skin, put on makeup,
the bare minimum in celebrities and brand names you should know.
A complete walkthrough of everything else you need know to live as a real-life high-school girl!
Now that you mention it, that does seem important.
You bought that?!
In net games, whether or not you read a strategy guide ahead of time makes a big difference, right?
But I kind of like playing blind, too.
The blind play period ended a long time ago!
Right now, in the offline world...
...all that's left are 100% completion parties...
...who are only recruiting players with regular work experience!
I hate end-stage games!
Give in.
We have no choice but to embrace and live "Real-life Offline."
How much do you think I've already sunk into "Real-life Offline"?
Stop it!
Please stop!
Sorry I'm late.
Is something the matter?
Not really. Not really.
I get it, Ako.
I understand just how you feel.
You, too, Master?
I'll talk to Nanako, and ask her to be a little more considerate.
Anyhow, what are we doing today?
Oh, since we were just talking about her, let's join up with Sette-san and do that one quest with her.
Ah, that one?
Aw...
Do I have to be with her in the game, too?
Relax, Ako.
In LA our level is higher than hers.
That's true, but still...
Piece of cake.
It is just a beginner's quest for job advancement.
It's a walk in the park for us.
Go ahead, Sette-san.
The glowing thing.
I just touch it, right?
Yep.
After that, choose "yes," and—
Gotcha!
Sette has received the divine beast power!
Congrats on making summoner.
Congrats.
Can I conjure up a pet now?
I think you should have "Summoning" added to your skill table now,
so consider your play style and choose your pet type—
Okay then, this one! so consider your play style and choose your pet type—
Okay then, this one!
I choose you!
Summoning!
She always decides so quickly.
How cute!
Listen up.
Your name is going to be "Mu-tan."
Mu-tan?
That's your dog's name at home.
So then, a summoner, huh?
Quite the veteran's job you have selected.
I love animals, so I said, "That's it!"
Huh.
Having your pet attack while you attack from the rear doesn't fit with my bad self's style.
"My bad self"!
Would you let it go?
Sorry, sorry!
It's kind of hard getting used to the disparity!
You started the game quite a while ago, didn't you?
Get used to it.
I know, but...
And another thing, you haven't even looked at that strategy page I showed you, have you?
I looked at it, but didn't understand it.
Whenever I don't understand something, Nishimura-kun—
I mean, Rusian-kun is the one I ask.
And look what happens as a result!
You hit the wrong button on that trap and blew us all up!
You attacked that boss monster, and caused a party wipe!
Sorry.
Watch closely, Ako!
It's just like real life!
This is what happens when you're low-information.
Understood!
I will do my best not to end up like that!
That's a hell of a way to talk about Sette-san.
By the way, you all seem awfully relaxed.
About what?
You know, final exams.
They're coming up soon, right?
Now that you mention it, you're right.
Mm-hmm.
Off-limits
And so, the club is in recess until after tests. Off-limits
The club room is off-limits until tests are over.
Make sure to attend to each of your studies.
Master, you sure are calm.
I've always been an excellent student.
The worst part of it is that it's true.
After we get past final exams, we have our long-awaited summer vacation.
Do you have something in mind?
Some event, or something?
Yeah, you can look forward to it.
Excuse me!
We're free to log in from home during exam week, right?
I'll leave that up to your own discretion.
You sometimes need a release during studying, after all.
Without any club meetings, our login streak will be broken,
and it means I don't have to go to school anymore, doesn't it?
No, you have to come.
You're critical on days absent, aren't you?
Yes I am, but...
...dsince I was only coming to school for the club anyway,
I can't work up enough steam.
But if you flunk, the club will be the least of your concerns.
Push through it and come.
Um...
I come to school for the club...
...but the club is for school...
Huh?
They're both important.
It's like an endless loop. They're both important.
It's like an endless loop.
Come on, I'll give you a push from behind. It's like an endless loop.
Come on, I'll give you a push from behind.
Hang in there! Hang in there!
Please keep pushing me all the way home like this.
Stop shifting your weight backward.
Still, summer vacation is almost here, huh?
Summer vacation...
Somehow, before it gets here...
Huh?
Oh, nothing! Huh?
Oh, nothing!
Come on, we've got tests first, right?
Tests...
Are you ready to take your tests?
Ako?
My dream is to be a housewife, so...
How did you do on your midterms?
What was your average?
Don't tell me you failed them.
You...!
What do I do?
If she gets stuck in make-up classes, I can't declare my love to her...
What are you mumbling to yourself?
Huh?!
Oh, you're here, Mizuki?
Yes I am.
But never mind that, Brother, I need some help with my studies.
Studies?
Help with her studies.
That's it!
Hold on!
Brother!
Geez...
Indeed.
Great idea, right?
That way does seem effective.
No way! No way!
I think there's something funny going on here!
Huh?
R-Rusian!
Okay, next.
What is the name of the law where the government allotted farmland and levied taxes on it?
The Handen Shuju Law.
Correct.
Make sure you know how to write the kanji for it.
Ah!
I've had enough Japanese History!
I have kanji dancing around inside my head!
Then we can tackle math next.
My bad self will see to that personally.
I hate math even more!
Don't think you can get past my Icicle Wall.
This is cruel!
This is messed up!
This is a game, right?
But here I am, out-and-out studying!
That's because you are studying.
Don't complain.
You have got all of us here accompanying you.
We have to make sure you get passing grades, no matter what.
Who really cares about the first term?!
I'll just take some make-up courses during summer vacation!
No, you won't!
The teachers have their hands full with entrance examinees.
They don't have time to be giving make-up classes to first-years.
If you don't like math, work on Japanese!
Just a minute, please!
Teacher, if you're teaching me like this, it already is a make-up class, right?
But I'm not a teacher...
I'm Nekohime-san!
Tell me something, Nishimura-kun...
Whoever do you mean?
Rusian-kun.
Is Nekohime-san actually a teacher, or something?
Look, just don't ask.
However, let's all listen to her lesson.
Okay!
When I look at difficult sentences, it makes my head hurt.
Essays are essential.
Hang in there, Ako.
Modern Japanese Final Exam
All right, begin.
Testing days are now over.
Come on, Ako, pull it together.
I had Ako-chan's answer sheets graded first.
No make-up exams or make-up classes, then?
Thank goodness!
This is thanks to all of our efforts.
Isn't that great, Ako?
Then... let's go do some grinding.
Hold on, now.
You're still woozy, aren't you?
For now, log off and get some sleep.
Huh?
But...
And you're not allowed to skip school just because tests are over.
All right.
I'm going to sleep.
Good night, everyone.
Yeah, good night.
Night!
I have papers to grade, so I'll drop out, too.
Night!
I think I'll drop out, too.
Me, too.
Ah, hang on a second, both of you.
I need to...
...ask your advice about something.
S-So... um...
I want to declare my love to Ako.
How do you think I should do it?
Huh?
Lag?
I want to declare my love to Ako.
How do you think I should do it?
Don't ask us twice.
We heard you.
Then what was that pause for?!
It's just so beyond too late, we didn't know how to respond.
Yeah, yeah, you really are slow on the draw.
What's up with your timing?
Well, it's almost summer vacation, right?
We won't see each other, except for the game.
Mm-hmm.
So you want to make some youthful summer memories, do you?
N-No...
Well...
Yeah, okay, okay, you go right ahead and do that.
She's right.
This is a matter between you and Ako.
There's nothing that we can tell you.
You two are both cold-hearted!
What if she turns me down?!
So don't declare your love to her.
That... I don't...
You're being such a pain.
Given the circumstances, I don't see Ako rejecting your confession.
She's right.
Why not call her right now, and declare yourself?
She's not going to shoot you down.
Really?
You really think so?
That's what I said, isn't it?
Yeah, but...
...I want to do this right, not over the phone.
I don't mean to brag, but I've never declared my love for a girl before.
You two are real-life high-school girls, aren't you?
Yes, that certainly is true.
Master, you seem like you would be popular with boys.
Don't be ridiculous.
I have never, for one single frame, had a boyfriend.
Sorry.
What about you, Schew?
Ever had someone declare themselves to you?
Like I've said, I turned them down.
If you need advice on getting rejected, I can help you, though.
No, that's okay.
Basically, due to our ages, no one here has an history with love.
W-Well, we can help think of some ways to confess that any girl would appreciate hearing.
Please do!
And over summer vacation,
I hope you will continue to remember that you are proud students of Maegasaki.
All right, everyone, have a productive summer vacation.
And bow!
See you!
Want to stop somewhere on the way home?
Huh? For real?!
Rusian!
Let's go to our last club meeting!
Y-Yeah.
Hey, Tamaki-san.
I'm going to miss not seeing your beauty for over a month.
Who are you?
Takasaki!
He went too far.
All right, let's begin the last club meeting of the first term.
Today is just an ordinary meeting.
There will be no club meetings during vacation, but Guild Alleycats will continue as normal, of course.
Everyone be sure to enjoy your net game life in moderation.
Yeah! Right!
Okay, okay. Yeah! Right!
Okay, okay.
Also...
Camp
This weekend, the Net Game Club will be holding a training camp! Camp
This weekend, the Net Game Club will be holding a training camp!
That's so soon.
I can't wait!
"Net Game Club training camp"?
Net games require one thing.
That would be—
Well, funds for premium items, to be sure...
...but more importantly, the players' physical fitness!
As such...
...this training camp will be primarily outdoors!
Brace yourselves for this!
That's just what young people need!
Naturally, I will be accompanying you.
Lately, some net games, including LA, have been rife with account hacking. Naturally, I will be accompanying you.
The beach was on the schedule, too. Lately, some net games, including LA, have been rife with account hacking.
Oh, we'll need swimsuits, huh? Lately, some net games, including LA, have been rife with account hacking.
Oh, we'll need swimsuits, huh?
Everyone take appropriate measures. Oh, we'll need swimsuits, huh?
I-I guess so. Everyone take appropriate measures.
If you declare yourself like this, it's sure to go smoothly.
Good luck to you.
Rusian, what kind of swimsuits do you like?
I assume it's the school's swimsuits, right?
What do you mean, you assume?
Have I ever said anything like that?
No, but as long as I have my school swimsuit, the boys will all turn into ravenous beasts.
That's an awfully prejudiced idea.
So school swimsuits have no effect on you, then?
I think, you know, the regular kind is fine.
L-Listen...
...could we stop here in this park for a minute?
Sure, okay...
Rusian?
Go for broke. Apricot's strategy.
"Go for broke." Go for broke. Apricot's strategy.
Master!
Stop screwing around!
Come on, Segawa!
Jackpot! Cha-ching! Confess Create a nice mood
"Create a nice mood. Confess. Success! Cha-ching!" Jackpot! Cha-ching! Confess Create a nice mood
"Create a nice mood. Confess. Success! Cha-ching!"
I'll "cha-ching" you.
You lousy...
So how do I create a nice mood?
Huh?
Oh, nothing.
Rusian, you and I always have a nice mood going, don't we?
I mean, we are a couple, after all.
Ako.
Hmm?
W-Would you...
Would you...
...be my girlfriend?!
No, I won't.
Why...?
Goodness gracious, however did this happen? Goodness gracious, however did this happen?
However did this happen? However did this happen? However did this happen? However did this happen?
This is way too much for me.
I'm through with Ako.
And I loved her like crazy, too.
Mm-hmm.
Despite not taking the easy potshot we offered him...
...he's in surprisingly good shape, huh?
I'm not!
Ah, I want to die.
Now's my chance.
Off to the afterlife.
Hello, Ako?
Nishimura said something to you, right?
Hey—! You—!
What do you think you're doing?!
Corpse-kicking? Overkilling?
So, what does Ako say?
Well, um... he said he wanted me to be his girlfriend.
And what did you say to him?
I said I didn't want that, of course.
I mean, isn't going from wife to girlfriend a demotion?
Tamaki Ako I mean, isn't going from wife to girlfriend a demotion?
Either that or it means we're getting divorced, doesn't it? Tamaki Ako
Either that or it means we're getting divorced, doesn't it?
There's no way I want that.
There you have it.
In other words, your declaration fell through, didn't it?
I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?
Hold on a second. I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?
When it comes to advice on relationships, I'm the best one to consult, aren't I? I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?
Why didn't you ask me? I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?
Nah, Akiyama-san, I couldn't. I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?
Why not?! I thought if I stayed over, I would become a normalfag?