The others nearby heard March 7th's words.
Silver Wolf couldn't help snickering.
"That's hilarious. I bet even Herta hasn't thought that far ahead."
Stelle nodded along.
"March, I think you've got a point, but I don't want to play a game like that. Not unless Herta pays extra."
Kafka said calmly,
"Herta didn't build the Simulated Universe alone. As far as I know, Ruan Mei, Screwllum, and others were involved in the project too. They're all members of the Genius Society. So giving Herta all the credit would be a little unfair."
"All right." March 7th nodded. "Then praise all the creators of the Simulated Universe!"
With her belly full and her thirst quenched, she felt alive again. Even her outlook had grown more optimistic.
By then, they had used up most of the bread and water Kafka had brought.
Silver Wolf glanced at the supplies and said,
"Have any of you considered something? If this is a survival challenge, how long can we last in the desert on these supplies?"
Hearing that, March 7th was so embarrassed she wished she could disappear.
"Sorry. I ate too much."
"What's there to apologize for?" Stelle said casually. "It's just a game. Why take it so seriously? Worst case, we let whoever's chasing us kill us and log out."
"Chasing you?" Kafka frowned. "How long have you been here? Is something pursuing you?"
"Well, no." Stelle shook her head. "But based on my experience, there's probably an enemy chasing us."
She began laying out her reasoning in earnest.
"I've been to the Simulated Universe before. It was a game where you fought monsters and cleared stages. I don't know why it's turned into wilderness survival this time, but the core gameplay shouldn't have changed. There's bound to be combat here."
After a