kscans

Chapter 142 - Interlude: An Exceptional Oddball. Or, Completely Zoned

Side: None

Tokyo, Kasumigaseki. The Central Government Complex.

The Dungeon Agency.

Here, a meeting was underway, just as it was every day.

"Now, let's move to the next item on the agenda. The introduction of 'B-Rank adventurers.'"

Director Akasaka, holding a document, glanced around at his subordinates.

"First, I'd like to hear your opinions."

"This is absolutely going to cause huge problems later, isn't it?"

The first to speak was a male employee holding a tablet.

"An Awakened Person's level is heavily influenced by the dungeons they frequent, so adventurers going into 'B-Rank dungeons' will get way too strong. 'C-Rank adventurers' were already beyond what the police could handle, but won't this new rank be too much for even the Self-Defense Force?"

"I agree. It's far too premature. At the very least, we need to establish laws and methods for dealing with high-level Awakened who disrupt social order before we do this."

"Even before that, we can expect strong public criticism. Entrusting dungeons managed by the SDF to civilians will increase the risk of adventurer fatalities."

"There's also the problem of setting up Dungeon Stores. We can reuse the buildings the SDF were using, but we lack the goods and personnel to stock them. In particular, the major convenience store chains that have been serving as our shops are strongly opposed to opening stores in high-rank dungeons."

"Explaining this to residents outside the evacuation zones will be tough, too. What was managed by the SDF will now be in private hands. In a situation where land and resources are already scarce, if something like this happens, we won't be able to handle the relocation of residents. We'll get another earful from the prefectural office."

Once the opposing opinions had been voiced, the director's gaze shifted to a female employee operating a laptop.

"Reluctantly, I am in favor. The number of dungeons appearing has already surpassed what the SDF and police can handle. Considering the possibility of more appearing in the future, I believe we should establish the 'B-Rank adventurer' system now."

"I'm in favor as well. The SDF is already on the verge of running out of both manpower and resources. Some members are being overworked to the extreme, and it wouldn't be surprising if they collapsed at any moment. If that happens, the dungeons they manage could overflow."

"The cost of ammunition purchased from the US has already exceeded the SDF's annual budget. At this rate, the country will go bankrupt just from dungeon culling operations."

"I've heard from a colleague that the groundwork has already been laid in the Diet for this bill to pass. I doubt we can stop it now. If we don't fall in line, both the Diet and our agency will grind to a halt."

"Considering the domestic economic situation, I believe the privatization of 'B-Rank dungeons' is necessary. No matter the form, money needs to circulate in the private sector. If adventurers release 'B-Rank' drop items into the market, it will generate that circulation."

Though slightly fewer than the opposition, the opinions in favor were delivered in rapid succession.

After hearing both sides, the director clapped his hands.

"I'm sure you all have a mountain of things you want to say. However, as Sasaki mentioned, we can no longer stop this tide. The Diet is already set on passing this bill."

"Honestly, what are those politicians thinking?"

The employee with the tablet muttered with a sullen look.

The employee next to him offered a wry smile.

"Some are genuinely thinking of the country, while others have many 'friends' in nations other than the US. That's probably what it is."

A rumor was circulating through the ministries that countries unable to get their hands on desired items—due to the contract where the US gets preferential access to items secured by the Japanese government in exchange for selling weapons at a discount—had put pressure on the Diet.

And things were happening both inside and outside the Diet that brought to mind the proverb, 'where there's smoke, there's fire.'

"Regarding the opposing opinions raised earlier, I'd like to use them as a basis to consider the problems that will likely arise and how we should respond to them."

"In that case, regarding public outreach, how about we create and broadcast a promotional video featuring the 'B-Rank adventurer candidates'?"

The male employee raised his hand lightly while looking at his tablet.

"It might help alleviate the anxiety of nearby residents and reduce some of the public criticism we're bound to receive. The 'C-Rank adventurers' already proposed as candidates are all people who can turn an armored car into scrap metal head-on. If we can clearly demonstrate their capabilities, we might gain some understanding."

"Hold on. In that case, isn't there a possibility that it could increase prejudice and fear towards Awakened Persons? The situation is already precarious because of the 'Turohorse' incident."

"But it's better than 'ignorance,' isn't it? It would be more dangerous if factions opposing the introduction of 'B-Rank adventurers' were to senselessly attack the candidates, causing a conflict. This might reduce that risk."

"If we do this, we'll have to find people among the candidates willing to participate. Do you have anyone in mind?"

"I do."

Director Akasaka answered the female employee's question.

He clenched his fist tightly where his subordinates couldn't see, but his expression betrayed none of his inner turmoil.

"Of the twelve individuals who were first proposed as candidates, I have connections to three of them. I plan to request their cooperation."

As he said that, the director operated his smartphone, and photos and documents were sent to everyone's devices.

"Hm...? Isn't this gray-haired girl the one who had a mock battle with the GSDF before?"

"And this girl with the twin-tails was the runner-up in that marathon we held."

"That's right. My daughter says they're 'friends from school.' Since they're fellow adventurers, they apparently talk a lot. I spoke with them directly the other day, and they are fundamentally good kids. I'm sure they'll agree if I explain the situation properly."

"They have a certain charm, don't they? All three are beautiful."

"My daughter is just as beautiful, but she's still 'D-Rank,' so I can't ask her this time."

"It's been a while since we've heard you doting on your daughter, Director."

"What do you mean, doting? I am merely stating facts."

A small chuckle rippled through the subordinates at Director Akasaka's sullen expression.

However, they quickly composed themselves and returned their attention to their screens.

"But all three are minors. If they were to be targeted by some unsavory organization..."

"There was a proposal for the government to secure housing for any Awakened Person who requests it. If they feel they're in danger, I intend to have them use that system."

"Isn't that likely to be seen as a form of surveillance?"

"It's only for those who request it, and for high-level Awakened, it's a shackle they can easily break. The decision rests with them."

"Setting that aside for a moment, I'd prefer to have a few more people. Three seems a bit few."

"What about the top candidate, 'Yagawa Kyouta'...?"

"Let's not use that individual. Absolutely not."

"Why not? There are no particular issues with his conduct, and his level is the highest among the candidates."

"He has foreign powers backing him. Using him for a promotional video will cause trouble later."

The male employee with the tablet and the female employee looking at the laptop vehemently opposed the use of 'Yagawa Kyouta.'

Apparently convinced by the reason, the other employees turned their attention to different candidates.

"But... the other candidates are all quite eccentric."

"Never mind being Awakened, these people are too weird to be accepted by society."

"What are the 'Afro Alliance' and the 'Pompadour Space Force'?"

"It says here that this individual has been warned by the police multiple times..."

High-level adventurers with no affiliations.

It was a den of deviants whom every organization thought, 'Their skills are undeniable, but we don't want to get involved.'

Needless to say, the selection of adventurers to be entrusted with the announcement regarding the introduction of 'B-Rank adventurers' took a considerable amount of time.

*

After finishing several other discussions besides the 'B-Rank adventurer' matter...

Director Akasaka made his way to the Ministry of Defense in Ichigaya.

He was shown into one of the conference rooms belonging to the 'Dungeon Countermeasures Division' within the Ground Self-Defense Force.

He knocked, and permission to enter was granted immediately. Akasaka opened the door.

"Excuse me. Sorry to keep you waiting. Akasaka from the Dungeon Agency."

"Thank you for coming, Akasaka-kun."

The one who greeted him was a man with a buzz cut and square glasses, a man who seemed to be all sharp angles. It was General Marui of the Ground Self-Defense Force.

This time, it wasn't just the two of them—

"It's been a while, Akasaka."

"Yes, it has, Admiral Kadokura."

Standing next to General Marui was a man who was all curves.

A shaved head, rounded eyebrows, a round face, and a large, rounded belly. He had the air of a 'jovial old badger.'

Kadokura Hanbei, 53 years old. An officer in the Maritime Self-Defense Force who had a long and complicated friendship with General Marui.

"Sorry about this. I know you're busy, calling you out here."

"Not at all, General Marui. I believe I understand the gravity of the situation."

"I apologize for getting straight to it, but everyone here is a busy man. Let's get to the main topic."

With that, the three of them sat down and picked up the paper documents on the table.

"Regarding the future of the marine dungeon discovered and cleared by the 'Invisible Ninjas.'"

General Marui's glasses glinted sharply.

"First, let me confirm. This dungeon was discovered on the same day as the 'Turohorse Incident.' Is there really no connection between these two events?"

"As far as I could investigate, no. However, it's highly likely that the 'Professor' and 'Turohorse' were actually in an adversarial relationship."

"Adversarial, hmm... I thought the UK wasn't a monolith, but is it possible the 'Professor' in question is acting independently of her country?"

"That is also still unknown. The 'MI6' contact I met with claimed they hadn't been informed of the Professor's group's actions. Judging from his pupils and facial muscles, he wasn't lying, but it's possible the information simply hadn't reached him."

Director Akasaka answered the two men's questions with a straight back and a calm demeanor.

Admiral Kadokura stopped his probing gaze and scratched his shaved head.

"Well, every man to his own trade. I'll trust you on this."

"If you're the kind of man whose true intentions can't be discerned, then they are not an opponent we can handle with the pieces we have."

"You flatter me."

"More importantly... whatever the UK's intentions may be, our country cannot let this opportunity slip away."

"Indeed. This is the only glimmer of hope we've seen in our current situation."

The documents in their hands, which were absolutely forbidden to be taken from this room.

They contained a detailed account of the area 'surrounding' the Minotaur's dungeon.

"With the UK's cooperation, we can divert the eyes of the US, albeit for a short time."

"We need to advance things as much as possible during that time. Good grief. I thought the Army had it rough, but for the Navy to be in this position too..."

"General Marui. Regarding the forces for the contingency plan..."

"Ah. Once the 'B-Rank adventurer' system is introduced and we can withdraw troops from some dungeons, we'll be able to mobilize 'them.'"

"The 'anti-dragon unit,' you mean?"

Admiral Kadokura's lips curled into an amused grin.

"The most elite unit in the entire Ground Self-Defense Force. The ones known as the 'Big Four' of Japan's Awakened community. What kind of people are they, Marui-san?"

"I have a promotional video from them. I'll play it now."

"Huh?"

"Wait."

Ignoring the confused looks from Director Akasaka and Admiral Kadokura, General Marui operated a remote control.

The room, which had no windows to begin with, was plunged into darkness as the lights went out. A screen descended on one of the walls, and an image flickered to life.

—DADAN DADAN DAAAAN!!

The BGM and explosion sounded like something out of a Sunday morning kids' show. And the words, 'GSDF Task Force! DRAGON KILLER!' appeared on screen.

Director Akasaka and Admiral Kadokura's mouths fell open.

'Dragon Killer Squad, Miyamoto Oribe! A man who was once a part-timer, but joined the Self-Defense Force right after the Day of Awakening! A true sword master!'

'His unique skill is [Peerless Perfect Slash]! He can ignore any magical defense and cut his target! And as long as he can swing it, he can change the length of his blade to whatever he wants!'

'Fuuu... When I fight a really, really strong opponent, someone much stronger than me, and we're both covered in blood, trying to kill each other? Hehe... This is crude of me... so crude, in fact, that I'll refrain from saying it.'

'Dragon Killer Squad, the sole woman and only original SDF member of the team, the heroine! Shinazugawa Miyako! Every dungeon that has been opened to the public, she was the first to set foot in!'

'Her unique skill is [Returner of Illusions]! Even if she dies, she can resurrect, unharmed, at a bed she designates! Her death becomes but a fleeting illusion to the world! But only once every 24 hours!'

'My hobby is watching movies. My favorite food is Napolitan spaghetti. I dislike romance. My ambition for the future is to become the first female prime minister. And these are my sex slaves, my pillow and futon. 100% goose down.'

'Dragon Killer Squad, Tanabe Reinhardt! A half-Japanese, half-German former culinary researcher! Like Miyamoto, he joined the SDF right after the Day of Awakening!'

'His unique skill is [Unzerbrechlich Panzer]! The Unbreakable Armor! What's more, as long as the wearer's heart is beating, it will heal any wound! Curses and poisons are nullified, too! But it can't completely negate impact or heat, so be careful!'

'I have not given up on monster meat! I keep the surface of this armor polished at all times so that one day, I can use it to grill yakiniku!'

'Dragon Killer Squad, Saionji Yasuhiro! This guy's another weirdo who joined up right after the Day of Awakening!'

'His unique skill is [Destructor]! He's the ultimate one-hit wonder! Once every 24 hours, he can deliver the ultimate, supreme destruction! But he passes out after using it!'

'Heheheh. I am a man who will become a legend. Japan, you would do well to add the name Saionji Yasuhiro to your myths! Slaying dragons is but a prologue to my legend. Haaahahahaha!!'

'That's it for the merry Dragon Killer Squad! We're waiting for your support!'

The video ended.

The room's lights came back on, and the screen retracted.

With stunned expressions, Director Akasaka and Admiral Kadokura turned to face General Marui.

"Um, this video..."

"They produced it themselves."

"Were they pulling an all-nighter or something when they..."

"No. They've been like that since they enlisted."

"I see... I see..."

Director Akasaka and Admiral Kadokura stared off into the distance.

"Let me be clear. I have no intention of commenting on their personalities or their future dreams. They wield a power that would have them treated as national heroes wherever they went, yet they use it to protect Japan. I have nothing but respect for them; to complain would be to tempt fate."

"That's... true."

"Indeed..."

The two men swallowed the words they were about to say and nodded gravely.

Powerful Awakened Persons were always in high demand. And yet, these individuals had joined the famously cash-strapped Self-Defense Force, fighting on a battlefield where they received little public praise.

Considering that, they too felt that, just as General Marui said, to complain would be to tempt fate.

Even if they thought, 'Aren't these the type of weirdos you're not supposed to get involved with?!'...

"Ah, come to think of it, Akasaka. That crystal orb, the cornerstone of the plan. Are we really going to be able to get it?"

"Yes. The Professor said it depends on the conditions, but she seems to be open to the idea."

"To think we might be able to buy an item of such value for 80 million yen... what kind of negotiation technique did you use?"

"I prostrated myself with everything that can possibly leak from a human face streaming down it."

"Come again?"

"I prostrated myself with everything that can possibly leak from a human face streaming down it."

At Akasaka's deadpan declaration, Admiral Kadokura swallowed the words he was about to say.

Just as he had when he watched the 'Dragon Killer Squad' video.