Other Side of the Raid

Cherry Blossom Diplomacy (part 1)

📻 BBN Transmission Log

World: Post-Comet Earth
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Previously on “The Other Side of the Raid”

Chapter 5: Problem Solving

A month into her role as Baroness of Greenwich and House of Lords member, Aria’s routine of training, bureaucracy, and Dungeon oversight takes an unexpected turn when the Prime Minister introduces her to Minister Minamoto from Japan. During their Guild tour, Aria discovers her translator has been automatically converting her speech to Japanese—leaving Kate stunned and Minamoto impressed by her “flawless formal dialect.” The diplomatic incident forces Aria to maintain the pretense of being a skilled linguist, adding yet another secret to her growing list.

Kate presents Aria with requests from desperate families seeking to retrieve items lost in Dungeons and Raids. Though Aria initially resists, claiming it’s impossible, Vaeloria provides a solution: she’ll supply all requested items through her Federation resources. Aria begins returning artifacts through her Guild, explaining them away as coming through her “network.” Her success only generates more requests, and within days, her primary work shifts to item recovery—drawing the unwanted attention of a persistent Daily Mail reporter investigating the “miraculous returns.”

While Aria stresses about the journalist’s surveillance, both Mr. Wiskers (offering “professional” Pride assistance) and Kate provide support. The timing proves fortunate—Aria’s diplomatic visit to Japan offers an escape from the scrutiny. Before she can leave, Vaeloria appears with her typical enthusiasm, revealing a “super special” problem at a Dungeon near Senso-ji Temple that only Aria can solve. With full authorization to handle the situation and coordinates for the portal network, Aria prepares for her first overseas diplomatic mission—and whatever interdimensional complications await in Tokyo.

Key Takeaways:

• Aria’s translator automatically adjusts to listeners’ languages, forcing her to maintain the pretense of Japanese fluency

• Vaeloria authorizes Aria to return lost items from Dungeons/Raids, significantly boosting her reputation

• A Daily Mail reporter begins investigating Aria’s mysterious item recovery abilities

• The Pride offers to “handle” the nosey reporter situation

• Aria receives a special assignment at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo with full Federation authorization

• Portal network access will allow Aria to travel efficiently once in Japan (after arriving officially by plane)

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Cherry Blossom Diplomacy (part 1)

Spring sunlight filtered through the airplane window as Aria prepared for landing at Haneda Airport. The official nature of her visit meant following proper diplomatic protocols, though her mind occasionally wandered to the more clandestine aspects of her mission that would come later.

At least the flight gave me time to review the tea ceremony protocols. Aria checked her reflection in the window, adjusting her formal attire.

A small delegation awaited her at the foot of the aircraft stairs, led by Minamoto-san in his capacity as her counterpart. Cherry blossoms danced on the spring breeze, their delicate petals creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Minamoto-san: “Welcome to Japan, Lady Aria,” he said with a formal bow, his posture reflecting decades of martial discipline. “I trust your flight was comfortable?”

Aria: “Most pleasant, thank you Minister,” she replied with a matching bow, grateful for her years of diplomatic training. “The cherry blossoms provide a magnificent welcome.”

Minamoto-san: “Indeed,” he said, a slight smile touching his features. “We have arranged a traditional tea ceremony before your formal meetings begin. If you would follow me?”

The tea ceremony took place in an ancient temple, its worn wooden floors speaking of centuries of similar gatherings. Aria followed the precise movements she had studied, each gesture carrying weight and meaning.

Focus on each movement. Just like combat training, but with tea instead of weapons. Aria carefully rotated the tea bowl according to protocol.

The ceremony master, an elderly woman whose movements flowed like water, guided them through each step with graceful precision. The silence in the room felt alive with meaning, broken only by the soft whisper of silk robes and the gentle sound of water being poured.

After the ceremony, Minamoto-san escorted Aria to the Ministry building, its modern architecture a stark contrast to the traditional temple they had just left.

Minamoto-san: “Your form during the tea ceremony was most impressive,” he noted as they walked through marble halls. “One might think you had practiced with a master.”

If he only knew my ‘master’ was a tiny pixie professor obsessed with historical accuracy.

The formal meeting room buzzed with quiet energy as various officials took their places. Aria noticed how Minamoto-san’s presence seemed to command respect without effort, his martial bearing evident even in this diplomatic setting.

Senior Official: “We are particularly interested in your unique approach to Dungeon management,” one senior official began, his words carefully measured. “Your methods have drawn considerable attention.”

Aria: “We believe in balancing tradition with innovation,” she replied diplomatically. “Much like your own successful programs.”

The evening banquet was held in a restored historical mansion, its garden illuminated by traditional lanterns. As course after course of exquisite cuisine was served, Aria engaged in careful conversation with various officials, each exchange a delicate dance of diplomacy and cultural respect.

Minamoto-san: “You handle chopsticks with remarkable skill,” he observed during a brief lull in conversation. “Much like your command of our language.”

Aria: “One finds that proper respect for tradition enhances diplomatic relations,” she replied, carefully selecting her words.

As the evening drew to a close, Minamoto-san drew Aria aside for a more private conversation.

Minamoto-san: “Tomorrow, we shall discuss more... practical matters,” he said, his voice lowered. “But first, I must ask - have you encountered any unusual situations in your Dungeons lately?”

And here we go - the real reason for this elaborate diplomatic dance. Aria maintained her diplomatic smile while considering her response.

The following day, Minamoto-san invited Aria to a quiet, small cafe in a back alley close to the UK embassy. They were the only patrons in the cafe.

Minamoto-san: “Before others join us, I must approach you with a matter of great personal honor,” he said, maintaining perfect seiza posture even in the Western chair. “I wish to make a humble request.”

Aria: “As long as I am able, I am happy to help.”

Minamoto-san: “Word of your achievements in retrieving lost artifacts from the Dungeons has reached even our shores,” he said with careful precision. “I seek your assistance in recovering items of profound significance - my sensei’s armor and blade.”

The shift in his bearing speaks volumes about this request’s importance. Aria noted the subtle change in his usually stoic demeanor.

Minamoto-san: “While the armor represents our family’s legacy, the katana itself is designated as a National Treasure,” he explained, his voice carrying deep reverence. “My sensei held the honor of being Japan’s first official Explorer. Regrettably, he also became one of our first casualties.”

What should I do? I can’t make promises without raising suspicion, but I know I could grab those items in five minutes flat with a portal. Talk about awkward conversations...

Minamoto-san: “I understand the magnitude of this request, and expect nothing,” he said, bowing slightly. “However, should you succeed, Japan would consider itself deeply in your debt.”

Before the conversation could become more awkward, they were joined by a woman whose quick movements reminded Aria of a professional gamer’s reflexes.

Minamoto-san: “Allow me to introduce Kaoru Yoshida, Guild Master of Asakusa Thunder Guild and leader of the renowned Neo Tokyo Raiders.”

Aria: “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Baroness Aria of Greenwich, but please call me Aria.”

Kaoru: “GG on the intro! Just call me Kaoru,” she replied with the quick enthusiasm of a speedrunner. “Time to discuss this weird boss meta we’ve got going on.”

Minamoto-san: “Please explain our situation, Kaoru Yoshida.”

Kaoru: “So get this - we’ve got a totally broken dungeon meta near Senso-ji. The bosses are literally rage-quitting before we can even engage! Just instant /surrender and drop loot. Totally ruins the gameplay experience, you know?”

I need to respond carefully here - these self-destructing bosses must be what Vaeloria wants me to investigate Aria considered her response.

Aria: “I haven’t encountered anything similar,” she replied diplomatically. “I would be very interested in observing this phenomenon firsthand.”

Minamoto-san: “Ah, you may not be aware, but Aria herself is a B-rank Explorer,” he stated with formal precision. “With the Neo Tokyo Raiders as support, perhaps an investigation could be arranged?”

Kaoru: “Perfect party composition opportunity! My team’s already assembled at the spawn point - I mean, shrine,” she grinned, rapidly typing on her phone. “Ready to start this unique quest?”

During their walk to the shrine, Aria and Kaoru exchanged Explorer stories, with Kaoru frequently comparing different tactics to various game strategies. At the shrine, they found the rest of the Neo Tokyo Raiders interacting with a cat.

Please let this be an ordinary cat. I’ve already got enough feline conspiracies to manage.

Kaoru: “Time to meet the rest of our raid team!” she announced. “These are our top DPS players - Ryusei Nakamura and Hina Matsumoto. And this is Baroness Aria of Greenwich, our special guest analyst!”

Ryusei: “A pleasure to meet you,” he said with a theatrical flourish. “Please, call me Ryusei. Like a perfectly balanced sauce, our team brings out the best in each ingredient.”

Hina: “OMG, hi! Call me Hina!” she beamed, clearly recording the moment for her followers. “This is going to make such great content!”

Kaoru: “And this distinguished NPC is Neko-san (Misaki).”

Misaki: “Ara, ara... A visitor with hidden depths arrives at our humble shrine, ne?” He observed with ancient dignity, his tail moving with deliberate grace. “Misaki-san sees more than mere crystal-hunting in your eyes, ka?”

Of course the shrine cat would be special. When did my life become a series of conversations with cryptic cats?

Aria: “We should discuss certain matters privately later,” she whispered to the cat, causing him to leap away with startled dignity.

Misaki: “Most irregular...” He said thoughtfully, his whiskers twitching with evident interest. “Perhaps the winds of change blow stronger than expected, ne?”

Kaoru: “Whoa, critical hit on Misaki! Never seen him bug out like that,” she observed with genuine surprise. “Ready to start the dungeon run?”

Ryusei: “Ah, unfortunate timing - like a soufflé falling at the crucial moment,” he sighed dramatically. “Another party just cleared the dungeon. The bosses will need time to... reheat, shall we say?”

Kaoru: “What? But I set this up as a private server- I mean, I arranged exclusive access!” she exclaimed, her gamer’s competitiveness showing.

Hina: “Some out-of-town party got here first - already uploaded their clear video and everything!” she reported, scrolling through her phone.

This timing is too convenient. I wonder if Vaeloria arranged this to give me time to investigate

Aria: “No need to worry - I’ll be here for several days. Perhaps we could reschedule?”

Kaoru: “Time for Plan B then! Let’s do a Guild tour instead - show you our setup, share some strats?”

Aria: “That would be wonderful, thank you.”

The rest of the day passed pleasantly at Kaoru’s Guild, with Aria sharing carefully edited versions of her Explorer experiences. Ryusei insisted on providing a gourmet lunch, explaining how different crystal energies affected his cooking techniques, while Hina documented everything for her social media followers. By evening, when Aria returned to her hotel, she knew she had a more serious conversation awaiting with Misaki.

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📡 End of Transmission

Oliver here - That was quite a chapter! Our dimensional frequency is picking up intense emotional resonance from Aria’s world. What did you think of her decision? The comments below are buzzing with theories from other interdimensional travelers...