kscans

Chapter 156 - Interlude: The Adults Make Their Move

Side: None

A certain US military base in Japan.

Inside it, in a windowless room.

Several men were gathered in the not-so-spacious room, their faces grim.

If someone familiar with military matters were to see them, they might have been surprised by the number of stars and stripes on their uniforms. For in this room, there were none below the rank of field officer.

'The percentage of Awakened Persons in our military is still not high. We're lucky if we have one per company.'

A bald-headed colonel slammed a bundle of papers onto the table.

In this modern era of digitalization, paper documents were sometimes less prone to leaks. That was also true for the U.S. Forces in Japan.

Of course, not everything was like this. But it had already been decided that these particular documents would be incinerated immediately after the meeting.

'As expected, soldiers who have been in Japan for a longer period of time have a higher rate of awakening.'

'What do the scholars say?'

'Ask our pet academics and they'll either scratch their heads or drone on about nothing of substance. It seems they don't even understand the words 'I don't know.'''

'The shamans say it's related to an affinity with this land's leylines.'

'Is that an Awakened shaman?'

'Of course. The knowledge of traditional shamans is less than half as useful.'

'Still, to think the day would come when we, the U.S. military, would have to listen seriously to what a shaman says... This is the 21st century.'

A sound that was a mix of a bitter laugh and a sigh filled the room.

'In the coming era, Awakened soldiers will be necessary. Especially in land warfare.'

'Don't forget about the air. A fighter jet piloted by an Awakened, whose main asset is toughness, successfully performed parade aerobatics at Mach 23.'

'It will change naval combat as well. It seems some Awakened are perfectly adapted to being underwater. We don't have detailed data yet as we're still securing personnel in that area, but there's a possibility some can swim alongside a submarine.'

For a moment, the gazes of the gathered officers met.

'...In any case, this conversation is pointless unless we increase the number of Awakened.'

'What's the situation with that Awakening support facility we had Japan build?'

'Not looking good. Administering collected miracle drugs. Forced use of magical tools. Magic bestowal... We're trying various things, but none are producing the desired effects. The success rate drops significantly for those with no Awakened in their bloodline.'

'So far, the best results have come from having them use magical tools to defeat monsters.'

'But getting a non-Awakened to activate a magical tool is quite costly...'

Remembering the long line of zeros, some of the officers pressed their brows with a grimace.

'There's a limit to what we can get out of Japan. We'll have to allocate some of our own budget.'

'True. But we still need a breakthrough. Doctor Tesla, when is he arriving here?'

In response to an officer's question, a major standing by his side answered while looking at the documents in his hand.

'He is scheduled to arrive in one week, but there is a possibility of it being earlier or later depending on the situation over there.'

'Honestly... to think that occultist doctor would become such a VIP.'

'It can't be helped. He was the one who found that design document collecting dust in the back of the archives and brought it to life.'

The bundle of documents they held. The words written on the top page.

In a short, blunt script, it was recorded thus:

'Project Tesla'

Doctor Tesla... not the old man living today who is called that, but a plan bearing the name of that genius scientist who died in 1943.

The old man was called by that name precisely because he was the one who had deciphered the design documents he had left behind.

It all began—from a single piece of paper left by a lone genius.

As the meeting progressed, one of the officers raised his hand.

'Regarding the matter of having non-Awakened use magical tools... it was the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club, wasn't it? I heard those freaks made an interesting invention.'

The officer lightly adjusted his thin-framed glasses.

'Apparently, it's an improved version of the Magi Battery. Even a non-Awakened can use the stored mana with the push of a button.'

'Ho, now that is wonderful.'

'I certainly hope they will cooperate with us. For the future of America and Japan.'

A dangerous glint flickered in their eyes.

It was directed at each other.

Gathered here in this land far from their home country, it was not as if they felt no sympathy for one another as fellow soldiers of the same nation.

But budgets, personnel, and above all, the number of 'chairs' were finite. There was no one in this room who was only here to be friends.

Already, a battle for the pie was underway at the Awakening support facility. They were stepping on each other's toes under the table, trying to secure powerful Awakened for their own factions, even if it meant using 'somewhat forceful means.'

'So. Where and how is this tool currently being used?'

'To charge love dolls.'

'Come again?'

At this moment, and this moment only.

'It's being used to supply energy to love doll-type golems.'

'C-Crazy...!!'

Their hearts became one.

*

Somewhere in Chiba Prefecture.

A certain factory stood near a deserted village, some distance from Tokyo.

Despite the oddly well-maintained road access, there was almost no traffic. Moreover, the area around the factory was surrounded by a security network that could be mistaken for a military facility.

Inside, in a room that could hold several dozen people, about twenty men and women were gathered.

They were completely covered in black robes and hoods, with no skin exposed. Their strange atmosphere was that of some kind of evil cult.

"Gentlemen."

The man standing at the head of the group. He raised the glass in his hand high.

The blood-red wine sloshed gently.

"To celebrate taking the first great step on the path to the 'Homunculus Wife', a toast!!"

"""A toast!!"""

The boss of what was, in a sense, an evil cult, made a grand declaration, and the members responded by raising their glasses.

The workshop, a large-scale factory built with the combined funds and connections of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club.

It produced only one thing.

"Man, I never thought building a love doll factory would be this much work."

"Well, the hardest part was deciding who would be the public face as the president of this company!"

Even from under their hoods, it was clear they were all smiles as they talked.

The members pushed up their hoods to drink their wine. They had used their extensive knowledge of alchemy to embark on the production and sale of love dolls.

The planned price for the dolls was one million yen, tax included.

It was a hefty price, but despite not even being on sale yet, pre-orders were already flooding in.

The reason being.

"This is but the first step. Towards creating the ideal homunculus wife, and a society where it's acceptable to walk down the street with her openly...!"

"What we are selling is not just a love doll. It is a 'moving love doll'... a golem equipped with a 'mock-homunculus'."

It stands. It walks. It can change its expression, albeit with only a few patterns. It can even learn simple movements.

Its physical ability, if an adult male is a '10', is a meager '8' or '7', but it's sufficient for daily life. It even has the judgment to do things like boil water or fold laundry.

Furthermore, with an optional paid parts upgrade, an artificial voice and speaker can be installed. Although it can only speak in patterned phrases, one can enjoy 'play' with a voice.

Men all over the world, and some women too, had been eagerly awaiting the release date from the moment this information was made public.

With eyes like children waiting for Christmas.

By the way, any comment along the lines of, 'Shouldn't you guys be selling that as a housekeeping robot instead of a love doll?' is considered boorish.

In fact, when Yamashita of the Walkers said as much, the vice-chairman spoke for all the members of the club when he replied:

'Calling it a love doll is... lewder, isn't it...!'

They were idiots. Brilliant, hardworking idiots.

"However, just selling love dolls will attract too much criticism."

"That's why we're providing technology to the medical field."

The club, in the process of creating their ideal homunculus wife, had deepened their knowledge of organ replication and artificial muscles.

They had 'donated' tools discovered or created during their research to medical universities and research institutions.

"We can't actually use magic or similar things on patients."

"But there's nothing wrong with medical students practicing on extremely realistic dolls, and the data and models on 'what to move and how' are important for creating 100% engineering-based prosthetic limbs."

The perverts smiled slyly under their hoods.

What they were doing was undoubtedly noble, but their motivation was pure lust. Their plan was to appeal to the public that they were making these social contributions to reduce the backlash from society.

What was truly wicked was that, legally and ethically, it was undeniably a good deed.

"Vice-chairman, what is the status of the 'Magi Stands' we plan to build in various locations?"

"All fifty-six locations nationwide, proceeding without a hitch."

In response to the chairman's question, the vice-chairman answered with an exaggerated bow.

"Excellent. Most excellent. This plan, into which we have poured our heart and soul, must absolutely succeed."

'Magi Stand'

In short, it was a mana gas station.

The love doll-type golems they sold naturally ran on mana. By significantly reducing the output, they could run for a certain period on a small Magi Battery, but it was a given that they would eventually run out of energy.

However, some of the buyers were non-Awakened.

The vast majority of Japanese people were still non-Awakened, and they were the ones who shaped society. To disregard them would be to fail in achieving the club's goal.

Thus, they created a place and a tool for non-Awakened to replenish mana.

Even a non-Awakened could operate a panel to supply mana untainted by anyone's color from the leylines. This would allow them to activate their golem.

Basically, a golem obeys the one who 'pours mana into it,' and in this case, the panel allowed it to learn the mana that even a non-Awakened unconsciously emits.

It is said that if you add a drop of muddy water to wine, it becomes muddy water... and the same is true for mana. The moment someone interferes with it, the 'color' of that mana changes.

Using this principle, even a non-Awakened could obtain a love doll-type golem that would obey only their commands.

"Well, we did get grilled by both the Self-Defense Force and the U.S. military, who were like, 'Hey. You guys, hey. What is this technology, hey?'"

"We'll leave that all to Yamashita-kun, so it's not a problem!"

"No objections!"

"Thank you, Walkers."

"Forever Walkers."

A certain cat-eared young man's dime-sized bald spot upgraded to a half-dollar-sized one, but that's not a problem since the vice-chairman will be delivering some hair growth tonic to him later.

There's another story to be told about this tonic, but that's for another time.

"However, it was a blow that we had to sign a contract with the 'United States' regarding cooperation on medical technology."

"Indeed..."

"Why is that? Aren't that country and Japan on good terms? They're the ones who have been supporting us the most with the dungeon disasters."

"Well..."

"That's true, but..."

In response to the member's question, the chairman and vice-chairman were evasive.

Even in their public positions, they only heard faint rumors. Putting them together, it was clear that the club getting involved with the U.S. was extremely risky.

Depending on the situation, it could turn into something like the rumored 'Middle Eastern Barrier Master' incident.

"But, it seems Akasaka-kun has a plan for that..."

"Yes. However, he is quite a terrible parent himself."

The vice-chairman shrugged his shoulders dramatically at the chairman's words.

"To think he would add his own daughter to the lowest ranks of the club, and then try to throw her into the... pitch-black belly of the United States."

*

Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. The Dungeon Agency, housed in the Central Government Building.

In a small, rarely used room there, Director Akasaka and a female subordinate were facing each other.

One with an overtly suspicious smile. The other with a textbook-perfect deadpan expression.

There was, of course, no daytime drama-like development or atmosphere, but the two began a conversation unrelated to their official duties.

"Saejima-kun. You're good at English, weren't you?"

"Yes. I have no problem with daily conversation."

"I'll be direct. I want you to go to America starting next week."

Director Akasaka held out a bundle of papers. On top, an airplane ticket was attached with a paperclip.

The female employee, Saejima Takeko, who usually carried a laptop, took it and furrowed her brow slightly.

"With all due respect, it would be difficult for me to leave Japan at this time."

"As for your work at the Dungeon Agency, it will be tough, but we'll manage. The other staff members have promised to cooperate, even though I can't tell them the whole story."

"There is that, but there is also the matter of 'Bottled Cola'."

It was a name known only to Director Akasaka, Saejima, and one other employee.

It was the codename for 'Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Chris Mackenzie,' whom they were hiding from both the U.S. and Japan's Public Security.

"That is also not a problem. He has changed his face and name again and is working as a live-in general staff member for the Walkers."

"...Is that safe? They are amateurs, and they are under the watch of many eyes."

"That's precisely why. Because it's a place being watched by multiple nations, neither the U.S. nor Public Security can carelessly interfere. Furthermore, the dozens of people who were taken in there after the 'Turohorse Incident' serve as good cover. It's thanks to Representative Yamashita grandly declaring that he would take care of their future lives."

The stomach lining of a certain cat-eared young man was further eroded by having this tremendous trouble pushed onto him from above, but that's not a problem. A delivery of Director Akasaka's recommended stomach medicine and energy drinks is scheduled to arrive later.

The body of an Awakened Person is sturdy. Even in a situation that would make a normal person collapse, they can keep moving with the eyes of a dead fish.

"I want you to go to America as my daughter's escort."

"...Is your daughter not important to you?"

"She is very important. That is precisely why I am asking you to accompany her."

"I understand that my accompaniment means that sort of thing."

For the first time, hostility flickered in Saejima's eyes towards her respected superior.

As if relieved by this, Akasaka shrugged.

"You can despise me. I pride myself on being a devoted husband and a doting father, but even so, I have decided to choose my country. Above all, my daughter showed me her 'results' and her 'desire to volunteer' in a way that exceeded all expectations. In that case... I will make use of her."

His words were followed by a few seconds of silence in the small room.

"...Understood. I would probably make the same decision."

"Yes. Please take care of my daughter. Her abilities... will shine in a place like this. Use her well."

Saejima flipped through the documents and confirmed the status of Director Akasaka's daughter, 'Akasaka Yuune'.

'Akasaka Yuune'

LV: 22 Race: Human ・ Awakened Person

Strength: 41 Durability: 40 Agility: 42 Mana: 41

Skills

'[Telepathy: Mind Reading]'

'[Telepathy: Induction]'

'[Animal Transformation]'

"This is...!"

Since the 'Day of Awakening', the statuses of Awakened Persons collected through various means have been stored in Japan.

But due to the sheer volume, general staff members are only aware of the data of a few prominent adventurers.

Seeing Akasaka Yuune's status for the first time, Saejima's eyes widened.

If a certain hopeless but beautiful university student had been in this room, she would surely have said this:

'A joker that shines, shines too brightly, in a city scenario.'

Akasaka Yuune's rank as an adventurer was 'D'. Considering her level and her natural aptitude, she could have been in the lower tier of 'C'.

This was solely because her skills were not suited for the profession of an adventurer.

In combat against monsters or other Awakened, the only skill with a direct effect was '[Animal Transformation]'. And even that power would be weaker than an Awakened with proper combat skills. Her two types of 'telepathy specialized in a certain direction' were mostly ineffective against Awakened of the same rank or higher, or monsters with different thought processes and wills from humans.

But their viciousness when used against 'non-Awakened' was another story.

There was a reason Akasaka Yuune was able to expose all the evil deeds of 'Turohorse', an organization that even the government hesitated to touch.

The vast majority of those who make up modern society are non-Awakened. That is something that even an organization full of Awakened cannot easily change, nor can they cease to interact with them.

With existing counterintelligence measures, stopping her would be next to impossible.

"Also. I'm worried about when direct violence becomes necessary with just you and my daughter. Therefore, there is one more person accompanying you."

Just as Director Akasaka said that, a knock echoed.

"Come in."

"Excuse me."

The one who appeared was a beautiful woman.

A beauty with a beauty mark under her eye, impeccably dressed in a white suit. Her long black hair was done up in a chignon, and she placed a slender, gloved finger on her ample chest and gave an obsequious bow.

Saejima recognized the face of the person who looked as if she had just stepped off a stage.

Last time, her face was hidden by a mask, but Saejima had memorized the 'data of promising Awakened'. That included their license photos.

"You are..."

"A pleasure to meet you, lady. Before I introduce myself, there is just one thing I must ask."

So saying, the woman took out a bundle of papers from her pocket.

A relatively small bundle of papers, different from what Director Akasaka and Saejima were holding.

"Do you like card games?"

One of the 'B-Rank Candidates'. An adventurer with one of the top skills in the country.

A powerful individual who, if she wanted to, could single-handedly slaughter every person in this building, was standing before her with a smile.

"...No. Not particularly."

In response, Saejima outwardly hid her cold sweat and responded calmly.

She knew from numerous reports that this person would not resort to violence just because she was turned down. At worst, she would just follow her around for an hour, proselytizing the joy of card games.

"Ho. Then later I shall give you one of my decks, no, two. To a beginner, I must thoooroughly teach the joy of card games...!"

Director Akasaka cleared his throat at the woman, who was starting to get excited.

"She is apparently the friend of my daughter's friend's sister. When I asked for her cooperation this time, she readily agreed."

"...Wouldn't that make her a stranger?"

"Yes. But, the girl that Yuune-chan and the others saved... is my best friend. I owe them a debt worth risking my life for. This is also my own atonement, for not even being able to grasp that she had been captured by 'Turohorse'."

While somewhat forcefully pressing a deck into Saejima's hand, the woman spoke with serious eyes.

"I am willing to entrust you with the deck of my soul. I have that much resolve."

"I, I see..."

Though bewildered, Saejima straightened her back.

"...Saejima Takeko. I look forward to working with you."

"Yes. Likewise."

As Saejima extended the hand that wasn't holding the deck, the woman also reached out.

"I am Sakuraba Sakurako. Please feel free to call me 'Sakura-chan'."

As the two shook hands firmly, Director Akasaka clapped his hands lightly.

"Now then."

A good-natured smile was on his face.

But Saejima could see it. A strong flame of anger flickered in Director Akasaka's eyes. He, who usually hid his true feelings even from his subordinates, was openly furious.

The target of that spearhead was across the sea.

"Let me explain the outline of the rescue operation."

The adults were beginning to move.