A crisp, swishing sound echoed in the hallway.
Sweeping with a broom in hand, Alice was cleaning the World Conqueror's HQ as usual while exchanging small talk with Hubert, who was on the other side of the wall.
Ever since she was adopted into Ren's group, this had been her daily routine.
"There aren't a lot of players today as well, huh?" Alice asked as she swept the floor.
"They'll get here soon enough," replied Hubert, eyes on the trinket in his hand. He was developing a new dud, but he seemed to be missing some components.
"This forest is like a non-ending maze. No wonder that it's deserted."
"It'll only take one player to reach this place for plenty to follow. By that time, you'll get sick of seeing players."
Hubert briefly shot Alice a look. "A lot of players will be here soon — that's for sure. But the question is . . . are you confident that you're ready to defend your base when that time comes?"
Ivan was a proud guy with his head always held high, but at the mention of Ren, he looked down and averted his gaze.
"Ren, huh . . ." Ivan sighed in a daze, which got Yuji frowning and thinking about what had happened to him.
Ivan patted Yuji on the shoulder and said with a weak voice, "That guy . . . he'd make you feel useless and humble."
Yuji's brow rose. ". . . Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"