kscans

Chapter 157 - Nowhere to Run

I sat in the Arisugawa living room, my stomach pressed tightly against the table. The reason for this posture could be summed up in a single phrase: for the sake of my honor.

Professor Arisugawa was currently out. After getting some work done in her lab, she was apparently off to a drinking party with some other professors and assistant professors.

Must be tough for a high-level Awakened Person who can't even get drunk, I thought. Why are adults so obsessed with drinking parties, anyway?

Setting that aside, my own situation was pretty dire.

"What is it, Kyouta-kun?" Aira-san asked. "What's with that look—a mix of lust, pity, and exasperation?"

"It's nothing..."

With a will of iron rivaling orichalcum, I averted my gaze slightly.

To put it bluntly, what she was wearing could only be described as... bondage gear.

A black cap, the kind a military policeman might wear, sat atop her head. Her long silver hair was tied back in a medium ponytail, leaving the white nape of her neck shamelessly exposed.

Delicate shoulders, slender collarbones. Her graceful arms were covered in long, rubber gloves, and her legs were encased in matching knee-high boots. They were stilettos, but a certain someone had created a thin film of water over the heels to keep them from scratching the floor.

And then, her torso.

There were no straps of any kind; her chest was supported only by a rugged-looking corset. The tops and sides of her breasts were completely bare, revealing their soft curves and a deep, alluring valley between them. The way they pressed against each other was truly a magnificent sight.

With every step she took, they bounced and swayed. My heart wouldn't stop pounding at the thought that I might catch a glimpse of a nipple at any moment.

And below the corset cinching her slender waist was, of all things, a high-cut bottom.

Her groin was exposed at a shocking angle, creating a tantalizing line down to her thighs. If it shifted just a little, her most private part would be revealed, but even without that, just unzipping the front would expose everything.

When she'd walked over, I caught a brief, yet crystal-clear glimpse of her rear, thanks to the dynamic vision of my [Spirit Eye].

While not quite on Mia-san's level, Aira-san's white, rounded posterior was undoubtedly worthy of being called a magnificent ass, and it was almost entirely on display. It was full and fleshy, yet perfectly pert, tracing a smooth, beautiful curve. No, it was a beautiful, magnificent ass.

I'll say it. The woman was lewd from head to toe. Like a character straight out of an eroge...!

And Aira-san, wearing this shameful—or rather, sagely—outfit, was fiddling with a whip in her hand, a dissatisfied look on her face.

"So. I'd like to hear the reason you purchased this item."

"Right! That whip is made with a balloon and cotton on the inside so it won't hurt when you hit someone! It's just like the gear they use in sports chanbara. But I heard they put a lot of work into the sound, so I just had to buy it!"

"I'm not talking about this whip-like object."

Aira-san casually swung the whip at the rear of the person standing next to her.

"Hau!"

Just as Erina-san said, the sound was close to the real thing, a loud CRACK echoing through the room.

Not that I'm an expert on what real whips sound like.

Incidentally, the attire of the person who'd just been whipped was also something else. In fact, everyone's clothes but mine were completely outrageous.

The whipped, hapless university student number two—that is to say, Mia-san—blushed and fidgeted, trying to cover her chest.

And for good reason. She was currently clad in 'bikini armor.'

"S-Sorry. After seeing those 'B-Rank Candidates,' I just really wanted to see you in it, Sis... Haun!"

"Could you please channel that initiative in a different direction? And on another note, the fetishes of those 'B-Rank Candidates' are seriously messed up."

I couldn't agree more.

Tap, tap. Aira-san lightly struck Mia-san's backside with the whip. Being bikini armor, her magnificent, even larger-than-her-sister's rear was completely exposed. It was an incredibly daring low-rise design. Her front was looking pretty precarious, too.

Still, the contrast between her white skin and the red armor was strangely alluring. But more than that, my attention was inescapably drawn to her explosive bust, which looked ready to spill out at any moment.

The bikini armor seemed too small, digging into the flesh of her breasts and buttocks. It's amazing how the human body works—to have such a massive chest and rear, yet such a slender waist and shoulders. Or maybe it's her elven blood, or because she's an Awakened Person.

I can't help but hope—no, worry—that her sagely physique might cause an 'armor purge' from the inside out.

"M-More importantly! Why am I the one in bikini armor?! I thought this was the one Erina-san bought for you, Sis!"

"I bought it so you could look like a warrior, even if it's just the outfit! And the reason you're wearing it, senpai, is because Aira-senpai said, 'I'm not going to be embarrassed alone'!"

"You're all coming with me...! No need to fear a red light if we all cross together. When you're surrounded by people in weird outfits, the one in normal clothes is the real deviant, the one who should be ashamed!"

Is that really how it works?

I was the only one in normal clothes, but I didn't feel embarrassed at all.

Then again, perhaps I should be ashamed that, for certain reasons, I was currently unable to stand up from my chair.

"Ugh... A-Aren't you embarrassed, Erina-san...? And wait, isn't that different from the one you bought the other day? Did you have this prepared...?'

"What's there to be embarrassed about inside the house? It's not like we can go outside in this; we'd get arrested. Besides, I just wore something I already had at home!"

"Ah... so this was part of the massive batch my sister bought before..."

"Yup! It's surprisingly comfortable."

Erina-san, clad in a black leotard with a white cassock, replied with cheerful nonchalance.

She wore a nun's veil on her head. Was this some kind of modified sister outfit? It was a design that basically gave the middle finger to the church.

I instinctively put my hands together in prayer. And while I was at it, I decided to burn the image into my memory. Is this not a miracle of God?

Unlike her usual style, her hair flowed straight down. Her shoulders and thighs were exposed, but her hands and feet were covered by long white gloves and knee-high socks.

Her massive, bursting chest swayed with a gentle bounce every time she moved, and her high-cut leotard, just like Aira-san's, left her groin completely visible. Actually, isn't a little bit of side-boob showing? She's a goddess.

Since she was just walking around normally, I could catch glimpses of her beautiful backside through the gaps in her long hair.

...Wait, am I going to die tomorrow?

I propped my elbows on the table and steepled my fingers to hide my mouth. I see. Perhaps it was a good day to die.

"Alright! That's enough! Time to change, you two! Kyouta-kun's eyes are starting to glaze over! Either his sense of self is collapsing, or his sanity is. One of them is about to go! We're leaving, so you head to the bathroom in the meantime!"

"My humblest thanks."

"Kyouta's talking like a ninja! He's finally getting into the spirit of the Ninjas!"

Erina-san patted my shoulder repeatedly with a pure, innocent smile.

In time with the rhythm, her magnificent chest bounced and jiggled beside my face. Her leotard shifted, revealing more and more of her side-boob. Oh, just a little more and it'll reach the center...!

"This is bad! Kyouta-kun's eyes are getting bloodshot! Mia, grab Erina-kun! We're retreating!"

"...Understood."

"Whoooa!"

The blonde, super-lewd pseudo-nun was hauled away by the silver-haired, super-lewd queen and the blonde, super-lewd female knight.

After the door slammed shut, a serene smile spread across my face.

───Now, how am I supposed to move?

＊　　　　　＊　　　　　＊

Thirty minutes later, we were gathered in the Arisugawa living room once more.

Aira-san was back in her usual tracksuit, while Erina-san wore a cherry-blossom-colored kimono. Mia-san was in a sleeveless white shirt and jeans.

...Isn't Mia-san's outfit still plenty erotic?

As expected of the super-lewd clan. How terrifying. Howありがたい...!

"Kyouta, you were in the bathroom for a long time. Are you okay? Upset stomach?"

"Please don't worry about it. It was a mental issue."

"Of course I'm gonna worry! Emotional scars are a big deal, right?!"

"Erina-kun, please give him some space on such a delicate matter."

"Oh, okay! Just let me know if you ever want to talk, Kyouta!"

Heh heh heh... I feel like I'm going to die from guilt.

"Now then. Since we're all here, it'd be a waste to just eat snacks and chat. Let's talk about something a little more serious."

Aira-san propped her cheek on her hand while picking up a stick-shaped chocolate snack with the other.

"You there, pervy monkey. No, wait, closet-pervert virgin. I mean, Kyouta-kun. I'm sure you already know this, but..."

"Guh...!"

She was being incredibly harsh, but I couldn't say a word back.

No, really. I'm so sorry. Is there anyone more pathetic than a guy who can only see his friends and comrades in such a way?

"Are you aware that the 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club'—a group famously difficult to evaluate due to their widespread fame and infamy—has released a certain golem?"

"Ah, you mean that lo... hmm! That sexual doll."

Mia-san's face turned red, her long ears twitching.

"Indeed. To be blunt, do you think the military and the SDF will really buy them up in large quantities?"

"What?!"

"It seems likely."

"What?!"

Mia-san let out another cry of shock for some reason.

Hmm? She should know how useful golems are. Why is she so surprised?

"T-They'd use the military and SDF's budget for something so naughty?! B-But I have heard that people whose profession is fighting have their instincts to procreate heightened to the point they can get excited by members of the same sex...!"

"Hahaha. Mia, you're such a pervert."

"She's talking about converting them for military use, not for their intended purpose..."

"............"

Mia-san covered her face and collapsed onto the table. Rest in peace.

Don't worry. Everyone but Erina-san already knows you're a total pervert.

"What's wrong, senpai? Are you not feeling well either?"

"It's... a mental thing... Please, don't be so kind to me right now...!'

Erina-san, sitting beside her, patted her back with concern.

Sometimes, kindness can be a potent poison. I get it...

"Putting my brain-rotted little sister aside..."

"Hau!"

"That club has really created something incredible. If I recall, it has the physical capabilities of an average adult woman, right? That is, if the catalog I saw online is accurate."

"From the simplified blueprints they released, that seems to be the case."

I nodded in agreement with Aira-san.

Equivalent to an average adult woman. Phrased like that, it sounds like a weak golem unsuitable for combat.

But this is a world where the term 'child soldier' exists. There are plenty of weapons that even women and children can handle.

"They even have automatic rifles that children can use. I'm not an expert on military matters, but I'm sure soldiers and SDF members could come up with plenty of ways to use them."

"They apparently went on sale yesterday and are already sold out. The pre-orders are booked solid for the next three months. A bit of a shame for you, eh, Kyouta-kun?"

"No, it's not like I was going to buy one???"

It would be a lie to say I wasn't interested.

But if I bought one, my parents would definitely find out. It would be beyond awkward.

Besides, if I really wanted one, I'd just make it myself. I have no intention of converting it into a weapon, so I wouldn't even need to install a `Magi Battery`.

...It's a secret that I'm just a little bit envious of people who live alone.

"More importantly, the fact that it's a golem is what matters. There's a high probability it can also pass through the gates."

"Yeah, I think it'll be fine. As long as it's with an Awakened Person, that is," Erina-san nodded in response to my question.

She popped a chocolate cookie into her mouth, swallowed, and continued.

"Until now, using golems as part of the SDF's fighting force was considered difficult because of their fuel efficiency problems, right?"

"Right. The only one that could be used effectively in combat was that tanuki-shaped model the club recently started selling. And even then, it was basically one per party."

Aira-san paused for a moment before adding, "But..."

"The golem they just released is designed to operate for over a week on a single charge. This will drastically change the situation in dungeons. High-rank dungeons might not see much difference, but E-Rank and below certainly will."

"I agree. The technology that club has is just insane."

Or is this just common sense for people who have the 'Alchemy' skill?

...No, that can't be right. If it were, we'd be seeing similar research results popping up all over the place.

It's just that particular club that possesses an abnormal level of passion and talent.

The libido is a powerful thing...

"For now, the supply is limited, but what do you think will happen in the future? Will it increase?"

"I think it will increase over time, but only slightly. I can't say for sure what will happen in ten or twenty years, though."

"What's your reasoning? From what I've heard, the people staffing these 'Magi Stand' facilities are just Awakened Persons who've received instruction from the club but don't have the Alchemy skill themselves. Since they're the ones performing maintenance, it seems likely the number of creators will also increase."

It's true that some skills, including Alchemy, can be used as long as you have the knowledge and technique. After all, that's how I make my golems.

But there are limits.

"They're only doing maintenance. I read the job postings and requirements online, and with that level of training, there's no way they could build a golem from scratch, or even from the halfway point. They can probably just check for abnormalities and fix minor malfunctions. Their job is to contact the club if they find any major damage."

"...You've looked into this surprisingly thoroughly, Kyouta-kun."

"W-Well, it's a development that could change the future of dungeons."

This was purely the result of intellectual curiosity. Not shameful curiosity.

So stop smirking at me, you hapless university student!

"Setting aside closet-pervert Kyouta-kun..."

"Who are you calling a closet pervert...?!"

"If it's only a slight increase, then there won't be an immediate impact..."

"Even so, Japan's stock market has recovered quite a bit."

Mia-san stirred, rejoining the conversation.

"The club is currently only operating Magi Stands within Japan. It seems many men from all over the world are gathering here in search of those... uh, erotic dolls. It's generating a lot of cash flow."

"I'm sure they'll eventually set up those Magi Stands overseas, but for now, that's to be expected. My, my, human desire is a powerful thing."

"Well, it's not just that. There's also the hope that this might be the solution to the 'dungeon problem,'" I added.

"Either way, people are fickle. Not that you can blame them."

Aira-san laughed and turned her gaze to me.

"However, with the SDF's forces bolstered and the public opening of dungeons canceled, it doesn't seem likely that the 'B-Rank Dungeons' will be put back under government management..."

"No. Which is unfortunate, from my perspective."

"Hey now. What's with that tone? I'm disappointed too, you know? Probably."

She just said 'probably' herself.

With a witch-like smile, Aira-san gave an exaggerated shrug. She wasn't the type to become a government-employed scholar. The current situation, where she could be involved with dungeons as a civilian, was probably far more satisfying to her curiosity.

"We've already deciphered the text and discovered a high probability that the 'Dungeon of Utuq' is a temple. Keep up the good work so we can learn more about these dungeons, okay, Kyouta-kun?"

"I'll work as hard as my salary demands."

"Me too, Kyouta! I have to keep honing my skills to build the ninja village!"

"Yeah, that has nothing to do with me, though."

"?!"

Don't give me that 'I've been betrayed?!' look.

What is this 'ninja village' she keeps talking about? I don't think I'd understand even if she explained it.

"I will also continue to do my best. Like my sister, I am following in our grandmother's footsteps."

"I have no memory of following in Granny's footsteps. Well, I'm glad to see you're motivated. Also..."

Aira-san pointed a chocolate stick at me with a smirk.

"Kyouta-kuuuun. If you're only working for your salary, then I take it the alluring figures we showed you earlier have no bearing on your motivation as an adventurer."

"Wh-Wha- Of course not! I-It's not like I thought anything of it! W-Well, I won't deny that it was a feast for the eyes, but such impure thoughts have no place in the adventuring business, you see."

"In that caaaase... it wouldn't be a problem if we collected our 'viewing fee' elsewhere, would it?"

Oh, I have a bad feeling about this.

But it was too late. I sensed that my words had already been twisted against me.

"You saw us in our embarrassing outfits. We're looking forward to the culture festival, YO!"

Only now did I understand the meaning of her words, 'You're all coming with me.'

She was talking to me, too...!

"Y-You tricked me, you hapless university student!"

"Whatevew awe you talking about? Aira-chan has no idea."

"That face is so infuriating!!"

I clenched my fists at the hapless university student, who was now taunting me with a face no beautiful woman should ever make.

But my hands were suddenly enveloped by Erina-san's, who had moved to my side without me noticing. I turned to look at her and was met with a brilliant, beaming smile.

"This is going to be so much fun, Kyouta! Let's all do our best!!"

"...Yeah."

There was no escape.