After we drew lots to decide the match order, the first game was set: Kuro and Sieg-san against Alice and me. The rules were standard volleyball—get the ball back over the net in three touches or less.
Since the goal was just to have fun, we played a short format where the first to five points won. Serves rotated among the four players in order, regardless of who had scored the previous point.
For any match I participated in, the other three players had to dial back their physical abilities to match mine. It wasn't a strict "one mistake and you're out" rule; a general adjustment was fine.
"All right, Kaito-san... Even if we match our physical strength to yours, reflexes and dynamic vision are a different story. You'll still be at a bit of a disadvantage on paper."
"Fair enough. Do you have a plan?"
I had a quick huddle with Alice before the match. Seeing a mascot costume standing among a group of girls in swimsuits was bizarre, to say the least. But this was Alice; if I started questioning her now, I'd already lost.
"Of course. In fact, that gap in reflexes might actually work against Kuro-san and the others. Since they have to limit their movement speed to yours, they might find themselves in situations where their minds react, but their bodies can't keep up. That's our opening."
"I see."
"Plus, since everyone has to self-regulate, they'll hesitate. Every time you go for a ball, they'll wonder, 'Wait, can Kaito-san actually reach that?' That split second of doubt creates a lag. Under these rules, you aren't actually at as much of a disadvantage as you think."
She was impressively sharp. It was moments like this, where she could analyze a situation so flawlessly, that reminded me how reliable she was. I tried to ignore the fact that a giant plush head was delivering this masterclass in strategy.
"...Well, putting the technical stuff aside, it just means they aren't invincible. Leave the exploitation to me. You just focus on hitting whatever comes your way with everything you've got, Kaito-san."
"Right. So basically..."
"Exactly. Let's just forget about the score and enjoy some beach volleyball!"
"Got it. That I can do."
There weren't any prizes on the line, so enjoying ourselves was the real point. With our strategy meeting over, we headed to the court Shiro-san had conjured up.
While the others were warming up, the real Alice slipped over to Shallow Vernal and spoke in a low voice meant only for her.
"...That's not one of mine. That's definitely her, isn't it?"
"...For this, I must offer my sincere apologies," Shiro replied.
"I mean, I can guess she was the one being pushy, but how exactly did she end up like that?"
Shallow Vernal looked uncharacteristically weary for a moment before explaining the situation regarding Eden, who was currently operating the costume paired with Kaito.
"It seems she was watching us. When she saw Kaito-san lacked a partner, she insisted on joining. I considered refusing, but I have asked much of her patience lately... I decided that letting her dissatisfaction simmer any longer would be a mistake."
"True, she looked pretty ticked off during the housewarming party."
"Yes. And since her request was relatively simple—just to be Kaito-san's partner for volleyball—I allowed it."
"So instead of dealing with an even more ridiculous demand later, you figured it was better to let her join here, where there are enough people to sit on her if she loses it? Makes sense."
Alice nodded, but she still had one more question. She glanced at Shiro, who caught her drift immediately. The Creator God let out a soft sigh and continued her explanation.
"...I couldn't have her participating in her usual form; it would have intimidated the others. I made it a condition that she wear a costume and pretend to be you to keep her identity hidden."
"And that's why she showed up like that?"
"The strange thing was how quickly she agreed. I expected her to complain, but she accepted without hesitation. Is she truly alright with this?"
"Well, if she's happy, who cares?" Alice said, turning her gaze back to the court with an innocent expression.
Serious-senpai: "I saw that! Everything! Right from the meta-room... Anyway, she accepted without hesitation? To dress up like Alice? Why would she... Oh, wait! For a normal person, mimicking Alice is a punishment, but for that woman, it's 'cosplaying as her favorite hero'!"
Machina: "It's a little embarrassing when you say it out loud, but that's exactly right!"
Serious-senpai: "Whoa?! When did you get back...?"
Machina: "I just popped back for a moment on some business."
Serious-senpai: "...Business?"
Machina: "Yes! In the activity report, the second part of the character reveals for Volume 10 is out, and my design has finally been unveiled! Sorry to keep my children around the world waiting! Mama's here!!"
Machina: "Well? Don't I look full of adult charm? My dear children, you're more than welcome to come and depend on your mother!"
Serious-senpai: "A design like that with a personality like hers... that's basically fraud. Wait, she actually did it?! She just casually bypassed every other character and got her design posted right in the meta-room?!?"