Shirou's clones number 30 million

Page 174

"In addition, I also found some information about the soul uploading device, but it's not complete."

"You all must be people who aspire to save the world to come here so late at night."

"I hereby propose that I fund a task force comprised of all of you present to travel to Aincrad to defeat Kayaba Akihiko and seize all the data."

"I assure you all that if you recover the data, I will definitely develop a reverse soul download device within two years and make it public."

As Shirou tapped his phone a few times with his right hand, everyone's phone rang simultaneously.

"I have sent you the relevant information about Aincrad. Those who are interested in joining the strategy team can go to the waiter on the right to register."

Chapter 203 I Just Can't Feel Sad

Chapter 203, Section 204: I Just Can't Feel Sad

Kiritani Kazuto subconsciously picked up his phone and started looking through the mass-sent information.

The design philosophy, monster distribution, and backstory of Aincrad...

"That's really detailed..."

Such detailed information must have been prepared by an insider.

With such detailed information, the strategy becomes much simpler.

At that moment, Klein, who was standing next to Kirito, suddenly stood up and asked:

"From what you're saying, you want us to go and conquer Aincrad, but you don't plan to go yourself? If that's the case, how will we know if it's a trap?"

Shirou nodded slightly and said seriously:

"Your question is perfectly reasonable. However, I must remind you that the attempt to conquer Aincrad is not for my sake, but for yourselves and for all of humanity."

"I'm just providing a platform to offer some simple help so that you don't have to worry about the trivial matters outside of conquering Aincrad."

"As I just said, this is just a proposal. Anyone who thinks I have ulterior motives, is unwilling to accept my funding, or is unwilling to form a team with my help, is free to take the information and leave."

"I am just a funder. I will neither lead the strategy team nor force anyone to do anything. I will just support everyone from behind."

"Although this is a virtual world called Earth Online, it is exactly the same as reality. You are all quite young, and you must be under a lot of pressure from studying and working, making it difficult for you to fully concentrate on strategy matters."

"And these trivial matters are the help I can offer you."

Noticing that many people around him looked interested, Kirito couldn't help but think:

This guy is really something; he dispelled everyone's suspicions with just a few words.

After this gathering, quite a few people will probably join, right?

"So, you're saying you'll pay us a salary?" Klein asked again. "Wouldn't that mean we'd be working for you?"

"No, that's not the case," Shirou denied. "This is just a platform; I won't pay you directly. Instead, I'll use a discount system, converting the materials and equipment you obtain from monster battles into monetary value."

"Furthermore, I will rank everyone based on their activity level in the virtual world, and once we return to the real world, I will distribute real-world currency according to their rankings, ensuring that everyone's hard work in the game is not in vain!"

I see. In that case, it's equivalent to an adventurers' guild.

Klein pondered for a few seconds, then raised his hand and said loudly:

"If that's the case, I want to join! Even though it's like this, how can I be in a game world but still have to work like in real life?"

"So, I want to join the strategy team!"

"However, this place is exactly the same as reality. If I resign tomorrow morning and return to the real world in two or three years, I definitely won't be able to find a job again."

"So, how much real-world currency did you mention being distributed after returning to reality?"

Shirou smiled slightly and pondered for a moment:

"The classification based on activity level might be difficult for some to understand. So, I'll just use numbers."

"For example, the person with the lowest activity level will receive 10,000 yen per day. They will receive the money for as long as it takes to defeat Kayaba Akihiko."

"Three million six hundred and fifty thousand a year, seven million three hundred thousand in two years."

"Of course, this is only the reward for the last place. The reward will increase for each place you move up."

"I can guarantee here that the first place winner will receive a reward of no less than 10 billion per year."

Upon hearing this number, cheers erupted.

Amidst the continuous whispers, Kirito took out his phone, opened the calculator, and began to calculate quickly.

With such generous conditions, many young people who dislike studying or working should apply.

If 20,000 people sign up, the prize money will inevitably be measured in hundreds of billions or trillions.

If the number of applicants doubles again, reaching 20,000 or even 100,000, the final prize money to be distributed will be an astronomical figure.

Thinking of this, Kirito stood up and asked:

"What you said makes a lot of sense; even I'm starting to get interested. But I have one question: do you have that much money?"

"I've never heard of the name Shirou Narusaka before, but I often see Chisuke Narusaka on TV. But he's probably just a university professor specializing in electronics, right?"

With people?

Unexpectedly, instead of me going to him, he took the initiative to come to me.

“I understand your question. My grandfather is a very low-key person and doesn't like to show off. If you search his name online, you should be able to find more information…”

Shirou always felt very awkward when he spoke.

"Really? I'll give it a try."

Kiritani Kazuto looked down at his phone and quickly started searching.

Many people around him were doing the same thing.

Soon, a cacophony of voices filled the hall.

"The president of that company is Narusaka Chisuke. I even went there for an interview before."

"Wow, there are so many mines in Africa! How much money must that be?"

"Huh...? The house we live in was also built by his construction company."

After quickly flipping through several pages, Kirito nodded slightly:

"Now I believe in your financial resources, but why didn't your grandfather show up?"

“My grandfather… has been missing for a long time. After leaving me a huge inheritance, he disappeared without a trace. To be honest, I once suspected that he was killed by Kayaba Akihiko, but I had no evidence.”

When he spoke, Shirou tried to put on a sad expression, but he just couldn't manage to be sad.

My condolences.

Kiritani Kazuto seemed to be deep in thought, thinking to himself:

So, the reason he funded the formation of the strategy team was probably not only to save the world, but also to find clues about his grandfather, right?

"If I join the strategy group, how do you plan to help me with things at school?"

"Don't worry, I can help you with the procedures for off-campus self-study." Shirou turned to the others, "All students are the same. You won't need to go to school regularly, just take the entrance exam at the end of the semester."

"As for your grades, I can help you hire professional teachers to give you lessons in the evenings or other rest times."

“If someone is unwilling to study or cannot study, I can also discuss with your school to make all your exams open-book exams.”

"If this still doesn't work, then there's nothing I can do. I can't exactly hand you the exam answers, can I?"

The crowd below burst into laughter.

Kiritani Kazuto nodded slightly. Indeed, for open-book exams, as long as one looks at the book beforehand and then reviews for a while, there shouldn't be any problems.

Besides, we've already helped hire a tutor, so we can't ask for more.

"In that case, I'll join!"

"Me too! I'll join!"

"Count me in, count me in..."

Chapter 204 You Are the Most Suitable Candidate

Chapter 204, Section 205: You Are the Most Suitable Candidate

Amidst the chorus of raised hands in agreement, a high school student wearing glasses stood up, adjusted his glasses with his finger, and then spoke:

How is the team leader decided?

"A team leader must have outstanding command skills, the courage to never back down in the face of danger, and the composure to calmly deal with any unfavorable situation."

Shirou paused for a moment, then smiled and said:

"Of course, most importantly, the team leader must be a gaming expert. I don't think anyone would have any doubts about that, right?"

"If there are no objections, the group leader selection ceremony will be held in three days. We will select a group leader who can convince everyone, based on factors such as strength, intelligence, and courage."

"no problem!"

"Agreed! We'll see in three days."

Although not everyone agreed, the decision was quickly made three days later amidst a large number of voices of support.

……

"Go back, Suguha."

"Ah."

Just as the Kiritani siblings were about to step out of the hotel, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind them.

"Please wait a moment, both of you."

Kiritani Kazuto subconsciously turned around and saw Narusaka Shirou walking towards them, so he looked around.

"me?"

"Yes, I want to talk to you about people."

"Okay." Kirito nodded slightly, then turned to Suguha. "Suguha, wait here for me for a bit."