Chapter 18: Search Words
"Had enough rhythm games?"
Top Chat: Honestly, any game that relies on timing is going to end with the same kind of future…
Top Chat: Well, maybe not with hands, but if it’s with feet—
Top Chat: Care to dance?
Top Chat: We want to see you try Dance Disk Revo.
"What’s that?"
Top Chat: It’s the one showing behind you right now, Elf-san.
Top Chat: Same concept—press the notes in rhythm—but with your feet.
"Sounds like I’ll get leg cramps."
Top Chat: We totally know what you just pictured, lol.
Top Chat: That’s not it, trust us.
Top Chat: You use the panels on the floor instead of hand controls.
Top Chat: And if you do it right, it looks like you’re dancing.
Top Chat: Look, someone’s just starting now.
Turning my head, I saw a flashy-looking young man putting coins into the machine. He was all chains and spikes, clinking noisily.
In front was a giant screen where notes rained down from above. To the sides were panels laid out for two players, and in the center, the controller with the coin slot. Stomping the circularly arranged panels in time with the notes really did make him look like he was dancing.
"I see, looks fun."
Top Chat: Elf-san sounds interested.
Top Chat: Can’t wait to see dancing Elf-san.
Top Chat: Waiting Elf.
Top Chat: Almost time?
Top Chat: Ooooh.
"Extra play, huh?"
Top Chat: If you’re gonna keep feeding coins, at least check behind you first.
Top Chat: Ah, he noticed.
Top Chat: Lol, he can’t wink properly.
Top Chat: Grass.
"Mmh."
Top Chat: More coins?
Top Chat: Don’t ignore the Elf-san waiting in line.
Top Chat: Rude, man.
Top Chat: Oh wait, no—he’s showing off for Elf-san!
Top Chat: That explains the exaggerated moves.
"Let’s try another game."
Top Chat: Yeah.
Top Chat: Probably for the best.
Top Chat: Because Elf-san called for it.
"Oh, a confident Elf fan?"
Top Chat: I’m just a mythology enthusiast, but yesterday they called me that.
Top Chat: Lies! You’re definitely an Elf fan.
Top Chat: No doubt you only got into mythology for Elf’s sake.
Top Chat: Doubt!
"Do you know any magic?"
Top Chat: Wow, what a way to ask, this Elf.
Top Chat: Sounds like asking how to use some random app you barely touch.
Top Chat: If you mean the kind of magic an Elf might use, rune magic comes to mind. It appears in Norse mythology—inscribing runes with special dyes and so on to activate effects. But much of the original knowledge has been lost.
Top Chat: I’ve seen runes in games before.
Top Chat: Yeah, they show up in Norse myths too.
"Wayyy! Hey, white guy, did you see my super play?"
"Didn’t watch. If it’s open, I’ll play."
I walked past the flashy, jangling youth and up to the machine. Better fix the camera in place before I start.
Top Chat: Merciless. lol
Top Chat: Can’t stop laughing.
Top Chat: Pickup attempt speedrun: finished in 5 seconds.
"Uhh, w-waitwaitwait! Whity, this your first time in a Japanese arcade, right? I’m a top-tier gamer, I could teach you!"
"It’s my first time, but no thanks."
"Ugh…!"
Top Chat: Yeah, he really doesn’t need help.
Top Chat: Sorry to ruin your act, but our Elf-san just finished wrecking the rankings earlier.
The flashy, jangling youth trembled, but since that conversation was over, I put in the coins. Alright, let’s start—
"Mmm."
"Hey heeey, solo play’s boring as hell! How about dancing with me, baby?"
Top Chat: Ah.
Top Chat: He just shoved in more coins and forced it into two-player mode.
Top Chat: …Is that even allowed?
Top Chat: That’s harassment.
Top Chat: Straight-up bad manners.
"Got any magic to make this guy disappear?"
Top Chat: Ways to erase this guy.
Top Chat: Dolphin, maybe?
Top Chat: lol
Top Chat: Don’t know any magic like that. …If anything, maybe Thurisaz? It’s a rune said to have protective powers. But either way, nothing we could set up on the spot.
"Hmm. So magic’s useless after all."
Top Chat: There’s also seiðr, a kind of sorcery practiced by the Vanir goddess Freyja. But that requires preparation, and even if you could do it, it’s not the kind of thing to perform in an arcade.
"Why not?"
Top Chat: Because it’s said to involve sexual ecstasy.
Top Chat: clatter
Top Chat: Quick, teach Elf-san the method!
Top Chat: What are you doing, Confident Elf Guy!? Hurry up!
Top Chat: You guys, lol.
"I’d get scolded by Kirishi-tan, so I’m not using it."
"Hey, Whity, how about a match?"
"…A match?"
Top Chat: Oh.
Top Chat: Elf-san’s eyes just changed.
"If I win, we’re going on a date in here. If I lose, I’ll stop bothering you. How about it?"
"I’m in!"
Top Chat: In. An. Instant.
Top Chat: Honestly, making him stop harassing you should be the default, but…
Top Chat: Well, Elf-san’s enjoying this, so…
Top Chat: Pretty sure Elf-san’s happy as long as it’s a game challenge.
"Alright, let’s do this!"
Top Chat: How badly do you think this guy’s spirit will break?
Top Chat: To the point he’ll never dare ask for a rematch.
Top Chat: To the point he runs off with his tail between his legs.
Top Chat: To the point he collapses and can’t get back up.
Top Chat: Honestly, not sure even that’ll be enough…
Top Chat: The fact that not one of us is worried about Elf-san is hilarious.
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