kscans

Chapter 111 - Epilogue: Part Two

No POV

"It's great to be alive..."

"It really is..."

"Hey, how many times have we had this exchange?"

"I've lost count."

Three days after the dungeon stampedes across the country.

In a private room of an izakaya in Kanagawa Prefecture, four men and women sat with exhausted expressions.

They were the founding members of the guild, not clan, known to all in the area: the guild master and executives of the Walkers.

"I can't believe we went to Tokyo and got caught up in a stampede of B-Rank monsters..."

"I still can't believe it... If those three girls who helped us before hadn't happened to be there, we'd all be dead for sure."

Yes, these four had once again been caught up in a dungeon stampede.

Their major injuries had been healed by a healing magic user in their guild and the potions they carried.

But immediately after being caught up in it, they were all covered in wounds and on the verge of death.

However, they hadn't just been running around. They had relentlessly supported the evacuation of civilians who were slow to escape, and after taking them to the nearest shelter, they had fought a desperate defensive battle with other Awakened Persons. That's how they had gotten injured.

To become a bridge between the Awakened and non-Awakened.

They were approaching that goal, albeit through a path they hadn't expected.

"We're getting a letter of appreciation for defending the shelter tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah. So everyone, make sure you don't drink too much."

"Well, they only serve normal booze here, so we don't have to worry about a hangover."

After laughing, Yamashita's childhood friend, Shougo, lowered his voice.

"More importantly... are we safe? From assassins and stuff."

"Yeah, we're fine. This place has been vouched for by Director Akasaka and the chairman of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club. Isn't that right, Vice-Chairman?"

Just as Yamashita said that and looked up at the ceiling,

"Oh, so you noticed."

A muffled voice echoed from the ceiling.

Yamashita's companions' eyes widened, and they instantly summoned their Arcane Gear. But their leader raised his hand to stop them from drawing their weapons.

With a clatter, a part of the ceiling came loose. From it, a face covered by a black hood peeked out.

"I'm relieved to see you haven't let your guard down."

"I've survived this long with these ears and this nose. I recognized your breathing right away."

"Heh... that statement is a little creepy."

"You're one to talk."

The vice-chairman slithered down from the ceiling and sat down next to Yamashita.

"Now then. Could you explain to your companions who are looking at me like I'm a suspicious person?"

"You are a suspicious person. Everyone, it's okay. This person is a harmless pervert as long as you watch what you eat and drink."

"So he's still a pervert."

"He's not harmless if there are precautions, is he...?"

Yamashita's companions dispelled their Arcane Gear with a deadpan expression and a reluctant look.

"Don't be so tense. I'll leave as soon as I've given him... no, you all, a warning."

"I'm relieved to hear that."

"You've gotten quite talkative, Yamashita-kun."

"I've just realized that I can't deal with you people without being this direct."

Yamashita was smiling, but his eyes were cold.

Averting his gaze from that look, the vice-chairman continued.

"Now then. I've confirmed that there are no spies or listening devices in the attic, so let's talk. First, congratulations on your safe return. I told you not to leave your territory, but I understand that as an organization, you had to go to Tokyo on that day. Getting caught up in that was just bad luck."

"Tell me about it. But we were saved thanks to the potions you gave us. Thank you."

"I'm glad to hear it. Tools are meaningless unless they're used. Next, a report on the group of Awakened who attacked you before."

At his words, the air in the room grew tense.

The incident where Yamashita was almost killed by a monster train. The hope that the investigation into the 'real culprits' had progressed was reflected in their eyes.

"I'll tell you what we know so far as a 'rumor' on behalf of the busy chairman. In conclusion, it's highly likely that they are members of Turohorse."

"What..."

As Yamashita and his friends reeled in shock, the vice-chairman continued dispassionately.

There was no emotion in his voice.

"Don't forget that this isn't confirmed. It's merely circumstantial evidence. Among 'those who are capable', they are simply the most suspicious based on 'motive' and 'the flow of money'."

"...Vice-Chairman-san. If you know about the flow of money, isn't that enough? It's not like it's clean money, right?"

Shougo asked, his voice low.

"Unfortunately, the money has been laundered quite thoroughly. We can see a likely route, but it's difficult to confirm with overseas banks. In particular, multiple banks in countries that aren't on friendly terms with Japan were used. Honestly, it would be difficult to obtain legally admissible evidence by following this route."

"...I understand. Then, we'll keep in mind that Turohorse is the prime suspect."

"Please do. You may have contact with them in the future, but be extremely careful."

Yamashita and his friends nodded at the vice-chairman's warning.

Shougo, in particular, was full of motivation. He had known the Yamashita siblings since they were little and was practically family.

Kiriko's excitement rose slightly at that display of friendship, but she managed to shake off her worldly desires this time.

"And now, information about the stampede you were caught up in. It seems that 'a gate appeared in a place where there shouldn't have been one'."

"...What do you mean?"

Yamashita tilted his head at the vice-chairman's hesitant tone, which was different from before.

"The places where the stampedes occurred this time were all vacant houses that had been investigated by their respective local governments. They were all scheduled for demolition. However, a gate had appeared there at some point. That's still fine. Things like that can happen. But..."

"A stampede occurred right after the gate appeared...?"

Yamashita was stunned by what the vice-chairman was implying.

If that were true, it would be a huge deal. Until now, it was believed that there was a grace period of at least six months, and sometimes several years, from the appearance of a dungeon to a stampede.

But if what he said was true, there would be no time to cull the monsters. It would be an unavoidable disaster.

"This isn't confirmed information either. The police don't know why this is happening. Please, do not leak this information to the public. We don't want to cause unnecessary panic among the citizens."

"Unnecessary panic... but if people don't know, they can't prepare, can they?!"

The vice-chairman shook his head at the words of Yamashita's sister, Akemi.

"We can only trust in their routine evacuation drills. More importantly... the moment this 'possibility' becomes known, this country will be hit by an unimaginable disaster. We can't have it collapse just yet."

Japan was currently facing its greatest crisis since the war.

There was the damage to people and property caused by monsters, but the economic impact was also immeasurable.

The value of the yen had recovered slightly recently, but it was still lower than before the Day of Awakening. They were struggling with reconstruction budgets in various regions, and several major domestic roads were unusable due to dungeons.

The number of people in primary industries had decreased more than ever due to the appearance of gates, and compensation for the residents of lands that had become evacuation zones due to dungeon outbreaks was not keeping up.

If 'gates that stampede immediately upon appearing' were to appear now—Japan would be finished.

The number of deaths that would occur in that case was unimaginable.

"...But I bet all the rich people will just flee the country."

"That's already happening. The rich, including politicians, have mostly converted their yen to dollars and secured evacuation sites abroad. I myself have made preparations for the worst-case scenario."

Akemi was at a loss for words at the vice-chairman's blunt admission.

Seeing Kiriko put an arm around her shoulder, Yamashita turned his gaze back to the suspicious man in black.

"The conditions for a gate's appearance are still unknown, then?"

"That's right. But there are two things that concern me. The other newly appeared gates are behaving as they always have. And the other is..."

"The other is?"

After a brief pause, the vice-chairman spoke.

"The US military. The club's resident astrologer has confirmed the presence of the US military at all the stampede sites this time."

*

Tokyo, somewhere.

Although it had suffered significant damage from the dungeon stampede, the city's functions as a metropolis were being maintained.

The transport of relief supplies to the affected areas, the transfer of injured people from overflowing hospitals, and various other tasks were being carried out by both the public and private sectors.

The Dungeon Agency was no exception, and for the past few days, they had been pulling all-nighters.

Among the busy staff of the Dungeon Agency, three people had managed to squeeze in a nap and change into clean suits. They were walking down the hallway of a certain tower apartment.

It was Director Akasaka and his two aides.

"...Is it really true that the person in question is here?"

"Yes. Public Security had secured and was transporting him when we orchestrated his escape."

The male staff member, clutching a tablet anxiously, received a reply from the female staff member walking ahead of him without her turning around.

"Was that a good idea? Public Security is your old haunt. More importantly, if this gets out, you'll be..."

"I wasn't going to do anything if they were just going to interrogate him or send him back to 'that country'. But when I found out they were taking him to our go-to execution site, I couldn't just stand by."

The female staff member said in a rushed tone, cutting off the concerned Director Akasaka.

In response, the director sighed softly as he continued walking forward.

"Public Security's execution site, huh... It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but does it actually exist?"

"It does. I've used it several times myself, so I'm sure of it."

"Eek..."

The staff member holding the tablet turned pale, but the other two ignored him and headed for their destination.

"...He's in here."

"Yes. His physical condition has recovered considerably, but he's mentally exhausted. More importantly, I doubt we can hide him here for much longer. Please make it quick."

"That depends on him, but I'll do my best."

As Director Akasaka answered while tightening his tie, the female staff member gave a small nod and unlocked the door.

She quickly entered and immediately locked it behind them.

"...Is there something special about this apartment?"

"It's run by an acquaintance of mine. They've been helping me out since my Public Security days."

"...If this place becomes unusable, I can introduce you to some properties."

"I'd appreciate that."

With his subordinates' exchange behind him, Director Akasaka proceeded into the room with quiet steps.

He walked down a spotless corridor and knocked on the door in front of him.

"Come in."

The reply was in fluent Japanese.

When Director Akasaka opened the door, he was greeted by an elderly man with beautiful blonde hair.

He had pillows and cushions stacked up as a backrest and had his long legs thrown up on the bed.

He was dressed in a T-shirt and sweatpants, with bare feet. At first glance, he seemed quite relaxed, but his right ankle was handcuffed to the bed.

He folded the newspaper he was reading and placed it on a nearby desk, then turned his gaze to Akasaka and his team.

"Not here to pick me up this time, I see. Honestly, not knowing when I'm going to be killed is bad for the heart."

"...It's been a while, Ambassador Chris Mackenzie."

As Director Akasaka greeted him in a stiff tone, the elderly man, Chris, spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture.

"Long time no see, Mr. Akasaka. Was it since the dinner party at the embassy?"

"Yes. I was unable to attend 'your funeral' in America."

"Rest assured. The person in that coffin is a complete stranger. I was not there."

Chris spoke in fluent Japanese.

After all, he was a man sent from America as an embassy official. He could speak five languages besides Japanese.

He was also skilled in 'various other things' and was a man of many talents and connections.

"Given that you are here, that must be the case."

Akasaka wet his own lips, which had become dry without him realizing.

"Since you are the American ambassador himself, who was supposed to have died in the stampede."

At his words, Chris let out a wry smile mixed with a sigh.

He was said to have died near Narita Airport during the dungeon stampede that occurred in May.

The US had announced it was due to a 'worsening of a chronic illness', but neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Dungeon Agency believed it.

However, they hadn't thought he was actually alive either. Chris's deception had been that perfect.

Except to his old agency.

"If I'm not a ghost, that is."

"You have feet, so you must be alive."

"Oh right, that's how it is in Japan. Honestly... to think I went as far as getting plastic surgery to escape my own country."

He touched his own cheek. There was a handsome face that must have elicited yellow screams in his youth.

It wasn't the pained expression of a man tormented by nightmares, like when he was in the Cuelebre's cage. Instead, a self-deprecating smile played on his lips.

"The group that secured... no, that rescued me. The Invisible Ninjas, was it? There's a rumor they're a faction of the British Secret Intelligence Service. Is that true? I had considered the possibility of being discovered by my former colleagues, but as expected of MI6, I suppose."

"Now, we are the ones asking the questions here. I can neither say YES nor NO to such matters."

Akasaka brought over a chair and sat down right next to the bed.

"Ambassador Chris. I want you to tell me everything you know. In return, you will have your own safety."

"...Hmph. As blunt as when you were on active duty. You must not have many friends, Mr. Akasaka."

"I only use this tone with people who prefer it, Ambassador."

"Former. I'm a former ambassador."

With a weary tone, Chris looked up at the ceiling.

After a few seconds of silence, he opened his mouth heavily.

"...You said you were the one asking the questions, but tell me just one thing."

"That depends on the question."

"That day... how many people died in the stampede that occurred in this country that day?"

"...The confirmed deaths in the area where you were protected are 256. Including the damage from the stampedes that occurred in other areas, it's about 2,000."

"...I see."

After letting out a long, long sigh, Ambassador Chris muttered something in English.

Akasaka recognized it as a passage from the Bible but didn't point it out.

"...I don't know much, you know."

"Even so, it's enough information for America to want you dead. I would very much like to hear it."

"You really are straightforward, aren't you? I do prefer it, though."

After pressing his forehead, Chris slowly moved his lips.

"Could I have some coffee... and a cigarette? I'd like to talk while having a smoke."

"The coffee is from a vending machine, but I have your favorite brand of cigarettes prepared."

As Director Akasaka said that and took out a pack of cigarettes, Ambassador Chris smiled wryly.