[Projectile] You smile at the hope called despair

Chapter 2 Tuning

It is often easy to follow the path and objectify your life.

Because there is no need to bear the price of choice, just follow the invisible principles-and thinking is exhausting and confused.

Those who cannot obey themselves must obey others.

This is the nature of living beings.

Who is "I"...?

...for whom?

What is that life that looks so glamorous...?

……

Qihai Qianqiu used to feel that other people's affairs were fine no matter what.

Only the world of the game can be happy and satisfying.

In this world, it is often the only way to feel frustrated is to do the most confident and familiar things.

The undergraduates at Hope Peak College have always been a mess.

Because there are no strict rules for class attendance, only by passing the ability assessment at the end of the semester can the undergraduate position be kept. The students have always done their own thing, except for occasional small group actions.

Keeping your status is the most important thing only if you continue to refine your talents. They, who always win to the end, naturally can't afford to lose——

So head teacher Huang Yinggong, like other head teachers in the undergraduate course, didn't control them too much.

Only Yukino is a special case - this makes the students in the class very puzzled.

Even if Teacher Xueran insisted on bringing everyone back and asking everyone to attend class together, it would not be able to solve the problem of a messy class, although the attendance rate was guaranteed.

Qihai was quite indifferent to this question, since she entered the school, she always had an indifferent attitude.

Everyone is such a person with personality...how do you know, and you are not very interested-these things are too troublesome.

Anyway... I only play games.

Only Hinata-kun who I met yesterday, for some unknown reason, would continue to play around with her even if he lost badly.

Others, like what they have been through before, will not have much patience...

After class, everyone dispersed, just like before.

Through the window, Qihai saw the new teacher Yukino, who was still in the classroom after everyone left, constantly writing something in his notebook.

Even though cold water has been poured on her, her expression is still so enthusiastic.

Thinking of Teacher Yukinan's ingenious "praise game" that day, and the many warm greetings to the students afterwards...Qi Hai always felt a little uncomfortable.

Not only talent, the teacher wants them to understand each other more.

Although everyone is so individual, and the atmosphere of the undergraduate course has always been like this...the teacher still tried to make them find the same feeling of living together as ordinary high school students——

Let everyone become friends.

"Everyone gathers, this is youth!"

"This is a rotten tangerine! Value each other's friendship, and a rotten tangerine will turn into a sweet jam!"

……

If there is no respondent, no matter how great the enthusiasm is, it will be in vain.

After a long time, maybe you will understand... nothing can be changed, and there are still very few things that one person can do.

So other people's affairs are too troublesome.

It's better to be a bystander without worrying about anything.

Even if I get to know you better...

A group of people with different talents, different ideas, and different interests always have an indescribable... sense of distance.

It's hard to understand each other...

Just like her, she is actually a bit resistant to things other than games.

Not everyone has the patience to play around with her... Should I put it this way?

Only those with similar talents and interests can understand and make friends.

Being able to play games with Hinata-kun is also because he is very good at playing games, and his ideas may be close to hers, so I don't simply consider winning or losing... Is that so?

What else is there besides games.

……

Today I played Mario Doubles with Hinata.

"Super masterpiece! I brought a portable monitor!"

When it was confirmed that Hinata was going to the appointment again, Nanami was really happy.

Compared with her enthusiastic attitude, Hinata seemed a little panicked.

"It's a bit exaggerated to even bring this kind of thing here."

"It's nothing..." Qihai moved her position and moved to the side of Hinata, "I had a good time playing with Hinata-kun last time, and I want Hinata-kun to enjoy the game better..."

"Hyuga-kun has been playing with me..." She quickly picked up the handle and smiled, "I'm very happy, so I've been thinking that it would be nice if I could let Hyuga-kun have fun too."

……

Because it is a 2P battle, the two are limited to the same screen, and the distance cannot be too large.

It's a bit different from the previous game style, Nanami, who is used to fighting alone, was still a little uncomfortable at first——

But in the end, the two worked together to clear the customs.

Although the process is a bit tortuous.

"Phew...although it's a bit different from before, but it's really enjoyable..." Slightly loosening her stiff hand, Qihai smiled contentedly, "I feel like I've met a lot of interesting things..."

In the beginning, she always walked too fast without paying attention to Hinata's progress, accidentally because the screen dropped a few times, or was hit by the remaining monsters.

After repeating it a few times, she noticed this, and she would slow down from time to time, waiting for the day.

Although Nanami led the way, there were fewer monsters, and sometimes Hinata would still help her, such as helping her open hidden mechanisms, get rid of the monsters behind her, and attack different parts of the boss separately.

But overall, it's still a bit of a foil.

"Student Qihai is really a very powerful person, as expected of a super high school level game player, a little bit behind... the rhythm..."

That's right... At the beginning, she always ignored Hinata-kun's actions and fought alone, causing him to hang up a few times.

Although it is a matter of habit, but... this is doubles after all.

...Unconsciously, it became her one-man show again.

Trying her best to think about the mood that Hinata might have, Nanami tried not to let Hinata continue to lose her mind: "Hinata-kun really helped a lot... Please don't say that."

"Student Qihai...?"

"I, I have always wanted everyone to enjoy the game... But it seems that I always mess up in the end... Hinata-kun, what do you think of my game style?"

"Uh...this..."

"...Please speak frankly, Hinata-kun."

Hinata-kun clearly mentioned that her game rhythm cannot keep up.

Maybe it's talent - but has been simply attributed to this irresistible factor, she is likely to return to a person's play time again.

Let the game playmate who finally met, leave her again.

"Well... how should I put it... Nanami-san, I always feel immersed in my own rhythm. After all, Nanami-san is a very powerful person... I always feel... very dazzling... and I have been... Hold back."

"Hinata-kun isn't holding back...he saved me so many times."

"But, if it wasn't for me, Nanami wouldn't have encountered those problems at all... I really still..."

"Hyuga-kun. This is not, Hyuga-kun's problem at all..." Qihai hurriedly interrupted his self-blame, "You can't think so. It should be said... I should, apologize to Hinata-kun."

"Hey?"

"Hinata-kun, yes, trying to match my rhythm..."

Although I have always believed that the original intention of playing games is not to win or lose, but to simply enjoy the joy of the game——

But... Seeing other people's "somewhat lame" operations, she always felt an inexplicable anxiety——

In the end, it becomes only self-care.

Or one's own entertainment.

"That's because Nanami-san is really good, and won easily... People like me... can help a little--"

"That's not the case... Hinata-kun, the meaning of the game is not limited to winning or losing... If you just pass the level without leaving anything... there is no meaning. It's just..." Nanami's voice suddenly dropped, "I never knew , how to do it, better..."

This made Hinata stare blankly at her for a while.

"Don't pursue winning or losing... Nanami-san...do you really think so...?"

"...Hinata-kun?"

"If Nanami-san loses the game because of my question...how would you feel...?"

"Will try to do it again."

"If it's all because of me, what if Qi Hai loses consecutively?"

At this moment, Nanami noticed Hinata's serious expression.

He is also here, do you want to get some answers...

If it is true as he said, the playmates he brought in are all people with poor skills... Would she feel——

It's better not to have these "holding back" companions, would it be more relaxed and happy to continue alone?

Thinking of the days when she always played games alone, Qihai's tone became firm: "Winning or losing is not important at all... It's normal to lose. Even if you keep losing, you will feel lost for a while... However, playing the game itself is enjoyable..."

"...Super high school level gamers are also gamers! Everyone is...gamers. Whether you do good or bad things...Facing all kinds of bad situations and finding solutions, you are gamers It's so fun...it's like, no matter what kind of boss you encounter, you have to find a way to solve it!"

"But... if you are always alone... always alone..."

"Even if I can do a lot of things...it's still...a bit...lonely..."

She bowed her head deeply.

Unknowingly immersing yourself in your own rhythm, showing off with your own talents, and disregarding other people's feelings——

Has she always been like this?

No wonder, no one wants to play games with her.

"Student Qihai... there must be no problem."

Hinata's voice was a little softer than the stiff one before.

Qihai looked up at his face, and met Hinata's gentle eyes.

For the first time, he was smiling at her, unlike the previous forced smile.

"Nanami-san is always too aggressive...Although she is a super high school-level game player, able to deal with various situations...but it's too risky to always work alone, sometimes it's still worrying..."

"Hinata-kun... are you worried?"

"Of course I'm worried!" Hinata stared at the screen and called up the clip of the Flame Mountain, "Like here, the flame bombs fired by the monster are very dense... If there is a mistake in the operation, it will fail... If you can cooperate to destroy several This one is much better. Nanami-san keeps rushing forward, even if she just follows, it's scary... Think about the strength of your companions... there may be a safer way..."

"One person has a way to clear the level alone, and if two people cooperate, there will be more and better ways, isn't that right...? Regarding this, Hinata-kun, I actually... don't really understand..."

She unconsciously showed a distressed and confused expression: "... What should I do to cooperate better... For example, if we restart the game, this time I will be mainly responsible for assisting, and next time it will be my turn... Like this?"

Hinata shook his head: "How can there be such a mechanical rule... I don't really understand the specific method, but... I can always feel that Nanami-san... will definitely understand."

"Sure... you will understand?"

"Well. Although from the very beginning, Nanami-san has been left behind...But later, Nanami-student changed his approach, so that I can help a little...In the end, there is still some cooperation. If this continues I think... Nanami-san will definitely be able to do it. Do you want to have another game? Don't let yourself carry the whole battle situation by yourself, I can do it too. For some levels, I think... two people can discuss more Good tactics."

"Is this okay... Will Hinata-kun feel troubled?"

"As long as it doesn't disturb Nanami-san..." Hinata smiled awkwardly, "...can you trust me a little?"

"Of course..." Qihai became interested, "Please give me your advice."

……

……

After several rounds of games, the two gradually became able to cooperate.

The sky also unknowingly turned dark.

Different from yesterday, Qihai felt different joy today.

Not only can someone play games with her, but temporarily eliminate the feeling of loneliness——

I am also happy that I can let Hinata enjoy the game to the fullest.

Hinata today is obviously smiling happily.

Despite the darkness, the game between the two continued——

Just when Nanami and Hinata were trying to besiege the final boss again, the screen suddenly went black.

……

"It's out of battery..." Qi Haifan looked at the portable display, "Before, I was reminded that the battery was low, but I didn't notice... I thought I could continue..."

With the light of the portable flashlight on the key chain, Qihai removed the display screen.

"It's a pity that there is no electricity...Hinata-kun, I think I probably know what to do."

"Although one person can solve all the puzzles and checkpoints, and the school also uses this as the evaluation standard... However, if two people play...you will have a feeling that there are many things that cannot be done by one person, even if you have talent ...Seeing that another person is working hard together with me...a kind of...a sense of peace of mind."

"In this way, I want to believe that as long as we are together, we can do more things...Hinata-kun really said something very powerful...he is a very powerful person..."

"Tomorrow, let's continue playing games together...Hinata-kun?"

Hinata was silent for a short while, which made Nanami a little confused.

"Hinata-kun...? Is there something, trouble...?"

...Did you say something wrong?

Hinata's expression couldn't be seen clearly in the darkness, which made Nanami even more nervous.

"It's not... just, it's been a long time since I found it, and I feel a little nostalgic..."

The feeling of nostalgia?

"In the past, I always invited a few companions to the arcade hall... No matter what the content is, I can just forget about everything and play for an afternoon like this. But..."

"but?"

"...you don't have time after school. Besides, if you are caught playing games, you will be scolded. I really envy Nanami...you can play games freely...even if you like games, if you are not in the top few, you can It's just plain idle - it's called a 'waste of time'... that's really bad."

"But... Even so, I still can't let go of the game completely... I always want to play in my free time—"

Hearing this, Nanami's eyes lit up: "It's not because of talent...Hinata-kun really likes games...It has nothing to do with talent, he has the same feelings as me."

"...Then Hinata-kun also has a favorite game, right? Let's play together tomorrow?"

"Student Qihai...I..."

"Hinata-kun, why are you still so restrained, you don't have to use honorifics for me... I'll be happier that way."

"that……"

"When I play games, I always call them that, there is a sense of distance... But, I don't want this... After all, everyone is a gamer. And, Hinata-kun is really good... Call me 'Nami ' That's it."

"So... Seven Seas?"

"I'm very happy!" Nanami couldn't help but hold Hinata's hand vaguely in the darkness, "Hyuga-kun, you are already my friend... from now on, let's continue playing games together?"

"I also have a lot of things that I don't understand... If there is anything I saw or something I don't understand, Hinata-kun will remind me and teach me more things, right?"

"In the future, give me more advice."

……

Then the day passed happily again.

Qihai was on the way back to the dormitory.

Why have you always been rejected by others?

In free time, only the handheld in hand is the only friend.

For a long time, loneliness became silence.

And what is that seemingly proud title?

Is it really hope that cannot bring happiness?

……

Why lonely?Because there is no one to accompany you.

Why is there no one to accompany you?Because they fly too high and too far, people can't touch them, and they don't even have the chance to hold hands.

But... Even so, I still want to hold someone's hand in the dark.

It's like an anchor, keeping the boat from getting lost; like gravity, pulling it to touch the ground——

Not in the air, homeless, like abandoning the world, and being abandoned by the world at the same time.

……

Why do you have to fly so high?

Who let go of "whose" hand?

……

Talent is no obstacle.

Even two people with such disparity in talent will be happy if they coordinate well, and they will pass the level together.

When two people play the game, the center of the world is no longer just one of them.

……

In the previous games, the only value is to discover all hidden elements and pursue the highest score and the shortest time.

Do it all and you're a super gamer -- that's what people always think.

But for super college-level gamers, it is extremely lonely. Apart from the novelty, the only thing to do is to keep refreshing your own records.

Showcasing talent or sticking to your own pace and keeping others out - does that count as enjoying the game together and bringing joy?

What is the difference between playing a game with a person?

In addition to being a "super high school level game player", she is even more famous.

In addition to being a preparatory subject, he is also Hinata Chuang.

"I only have games, but you are free, you can go anywhere."

Are you free...

In fact, we are all free.

☆、Special Chapter: Chapter of Snow Dyeing Thousand Yarns

Special Chapter

Yukino Chisa has dazzling and warm orange long hair.

When she smiled in the sun, her emerald eyes were shining brightly, and there was always a kind of vitality and tenderness that rushed to her face.

It was as if... the scenery in front of him suddenly became colorful and glowing.

Zong Fang has always believed that such a Xueran, no matter how difficult the situation is, dare to challenge it.

In fact, the first Yukino was not like this.

She entered the school as a "super high school-level maid". At that time, she was a somewhat formal girl who deliberately kept her distance from others.

……

Most super high school grades come from certain fixed families.

For a long time, they have formed corresponding factions and relationship networks, hold various privileges, and have absolute power and absolute resources in various fields.

Ordinary people outside... no matter how hard they try and how dissatisfied they are, they can only adapt to their rules of the game.

For a long time, many contradictions have accumulated——

As well as some talented people who have a playful mentality about everything, lawlessness and evil, but cannot be punished, produced by the marriage of advantages.

……

Kyosuke Munekata, who came from a grassroots background, was fortunate to be affirmed by Hope Peak through his hard work.

As the "President of the Super High School Student Union", he hopes to change all this and let more outstanding people come together to cooperate and improve the world, instead of just focusing on talent—with some naive thoughts, he puts These ideas are added to the speech script.

But the students who enter the school are only interested in the part of the scene where they are praised.

When it came time to talk about the Zongfang philosophy, they left one after another.

——If you want to change the existing, iron-like world rules, it will inevitably affect the interests of many people, and it is nothing more than a stupid thing.

In the end, there was only one classmate, Ni Zang, who was with Zongfang.

Although the situation was very embarrassing, Zong Fang still insisted on finishing the manuscript before leaving the stage.

At this moment, the somewhat polite and unobtrusive girl I saw when I entered the school walked over from the corner clapping.

The temperament I saw before seems to have completely changed——

Only then did Zong Fang realize that the girl who was taciturn when he first met had such a passionate side.

The emerald eyes were shining with brilliance, making her dazzling.

"That's amazing... It's the first time I've heard of someone with such an idea..."

For a moment, Zong Fang didn't understand what the girl was going to do.

She immediately took Zong Fang's arm who was stunned: "I like it, can we join in the fun together?"

This is when they, for the first time, caught up with each other.

……

After that, as the president of the student council, Zong Fang, who had been silent in order to maintain the necessary "prestige", was always dumbfounded by this maid lady.

Kyousuke is not suitable for such a serious expression!

This girl is quite self-contained, saying that she doesn't want to live up to her "once in a lifetime youth"—such as insisting on calling him "Kyosuke", always following him wherever she goes, and preparing lunch for him without authorization.

Even if Zong Fang corrected it many times - she can only go.

Almost all the students of Hope Peak Academy developed according to the title they were given.

Because in this aspect, they have been affirmed, and society's expectations of them are also concentrated on this. Doing other things not only has the risk of failure, but also will be judged by everyone.

But Yukino did something against tradition.

Her talent was originally a service class - a housewife.

It's easy to take care of things, and even manage a large hotel.

But compared to Ni Zang who can always go with Zongfang, she still feels distance and powerlessness.

Every time I see Zongfang, who is troubled by all kinds of conflicts all day long-Yueran always feels heartache.

In addition to being able to do something in terms of taking care of him, she also wanted to do more.

Zong Fang did not give up, nor was he afraid, but has been working hard to realize his original dream...

And she, sitting just because of her ability, is very tormented.

I want to catch up with Zong Fang, and I don't want to be left behind.

It would be great if it could help.

With the thought of wanting to do more—the maid lady is working hard in order to keep up with Zongfang's rhythm, even if she can help a little.

Asking for advice everywhere, practicing skills that don't belong to maids.

Although it was bad at the beginning and helped a lot, but after gaining experience, he gradually gained Zongfang's trust.

Even if you don't do well, just think about "wanting to do it"——

Will not give up to pursue.

After graduation, she was finally able to say calmly, "Kyosuke's words are always worrying, and I really can't do it without me".

A girl who is constantly working hard for her dream is always shining brightly. No matter what she does well or badly, her posture is full of power in itself.

Zongfang believes that compared to his assistant Nizang, who has always been as calm as a mountain, Xueran is like a bright sun.

It was because of their support that he was able to stick to his ideas at the time and keep working hard.

For Zongfang, these two people are indispensable, like relatives and friends.

In front of such two people, Zong Fang was finally able to shed his disguise in front of outsiders, revealing a relaxed side.

In Xueran's eyes, Zongfang is a gentle person with a good smile after shedding the cloak of indifference; although Nizang is clumsy and silent, he is loyal and reliable.

——Just like the first time the three of them met under the cherry blossom tree when they entered school that day.

Impressed by Zongfang's clear and energetic eyes, Xueran vowed to be the person she wanted to be at that time.

The life of the three, in their mutual encouragement, has never been lacking in warmth.

When working late, the three of them bought some snacks and drinks, talked and laughed in the dormitory, and had a small banquet.

This is their own, happy time.

It is also a happy memory that Xueran should cherish forever.

All kinds of ties, thinking about each other, for each other's hearts, constantly deepening understanding.

Even if they can't fully understand, they can deeply trust each other and believe in each other's decisions.

these three years.

From small conflict resolution to large school decision-making, no matter how many difficulties they encounter, they will work hard to resolve them——

The self-confidence gradually built up from this may be called arrogance in the future, making them feel that as long as the talented people cooperate and work together——

can change the world.

This so-called "Hope Peak" is worthy of the name.

Not just "a place where talented people gather and shelter".

Graduation season.

With the expectation of a better future, the three made a vow under the cherry blossom tree.

Zongfang expands overseas campuses to gain speaking power; Xueran teaches, and at the same time collects information to support Zongfang and Nizang; Nizang starts from the security department to ensure the stability of the school on the surface.

Then they gain strength to improve this school and bring more hope to the world.

"If it's Zong Fang, there must be no problem."

"The world champion has already been won, it is more interesting to follow you."

"Kyosuke can't do without me, as expected."

Looking at the two people full of hope, Zong Fang's eyes were full of joy and strength, and his voice could not help but rise slightly.

"This is our ideal... no, our plan."

"As long as there are you, no matter how big it is, it can be solved."

Clenched hands, full of strength, are on this campus.

Yukino sighed again, it was a great happiness to be able to meet and establish a bond with them in this school.