kscans

Chapter 169 - There Is No Obligation to Protect

On the Friday before the 'B-Rank Candidate' debriefing, now just two days away.

Mid-August was drawing to a close, with next week marking the latter part of the month. The summer sun beat down relentlessly on the earth, and I saw on TV that some cities and towns had recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

But such heat was no concern. Erina-san and I were in the air-conditioned principal's office.

The reason was to present our ideas for the cultural festival to the principal and get his permission.

"As detailed in the documents, the exchange between Awakened Persons and the local community will generate a significant flow of people, and furthermore, as an investment in the future by promoting mutual understanding, it is an extremely meaningful—"

Well, to be precise, I was just watching from the side as Erina-san, in her lady-like mode, handled the negotiations.

…Do I really need to be here?

I had absolutely nothing to do. Before this presentation to the principal, there had also been negotiations with our homeroom teacher and other classes, but Erina-san had handled all of them with the documents she had prepared and her silver tongue.

Our class has only four students. It's a special class in many ways, so we don't have things like class representatives. However, Erina-san had unilaterally pushed a sash on me that read 'I AM THE CLASS REP!'

As a result, I was being dragged around as the class representative.

Well, I did hear her reasons and agree to them, though…

*

Sometime earlier, during lunch break in the classroom, before we went to make our rounds.

Just as Busujima-san and the others had gone to the restroom, Erina-san had asked me to accompany her.

"So, we're going to get permission from the teachers and other classes?"

"Yep!"

It was a pain, honestly, but it was necessary. Having already agreed to the class's event, it was hard to refuse. Sitting in my chair, I reluctantly nodded to Erina-san, who stood in front of my desk.

"Alright. So, what kind of permission do we need?"

"I've compiled all of that in these documents!"

With that, Erina-san pulled a stack of papers about half as thick as a notebook from her Item Box. I took the bundle she offered and skimmed through it.

"...There's quite a lot here, and the content is pretty formal. It'd be difficult to have them read all this on the spot."

"I thought that might be a problem, so I gave copies to everyone we're meeting with after school beforehand!"

"Oh, right."

I didn't know how to react as Erina-san puffed out her chest proudly. She was remarkably well-prepared.

"So, all that's left is the presentation itself… I'm not very good at this sort of thing…"

"I've thought of that too, and I'll do the talking, so no problem! V-sign!"

The self-proclaimed ninja put a hand on her hip and flashed a peace sign.

My cheek twitched at the sight.

"…Is there any point in me going? Should I work on preparing the props and stuff in the meantime?"

"Nope. I need you there, Kyou-chan, so I want you to come with me."

"Why?"

"Ā-chan and Shī-chan aren't the only ones who think of you as a hero, you know. Everyone does, even if they don't say it out loud. So, if you show that you're properly involved in the cultural festival, a lot of people will be happy!"

"...Ah, so that's what this is about."

Finally understanding, I gave a small nod.

"So you want to show that I, a 'military asset,' have put down roots in the community."

"Exactly! You were the one who fought the hardest and did the most back then. If another stampede were to happen around here, everyone would feel safer knowing you're here!"

"And since we're inviting people to the cultural festival, having me in a prominent position will make the whole community aware of that. It might even spread through the other classes we've visited."

"Fewer students will transfer out of this school, and maybe more will even enroll! They'll think it's safer than a normal place because there's a 'C-Rank adventurer who will fight for the community.' Though it hasn't spread that you're actually 'B-Rank,' of course."

"...But I can't guarantee I'll live here forever, you know? And from what I've skimmed, there's nothing in these documents that addresses that."

Thanks to Spirit Eye and Sage's Nucleus, I'm a good speed-reader. I'd already confirmed there was nothing strange written in them.

"That's true! But the important thing is that 'everyone thinks that way'! I only plan on telling the truth!"

"Wow…"

This self-proclaimed ninja is planning to act like a con artist.

Erina-san crossed her arms under her large chest and puffed it out with a 'tada!' look. I averted my gaze from her and glanced around.

"There's no one in the hallway, so it's fine! The kids from other classes and the teachers tend to avoid this classroom anyway!"

"Yeah, right… Hey. I haven't guaranteed that I'll fight if there's another stampede, have I? I only fought last time for my family."

"That's just what they've assumed on their own!"

"This girl's unbelievable."

As I recoiled slightly, Erina-san leaned over my desk, her face close.

Her well-defined features, so close to mine. Her ample chest, emphasized by her forward posture. I instinctively turned my face away. She was as close as ever.

"But come on, Kyou-chan. You don't have any plans to move, and if more 'demons' show up, you'll fight, won't you?"

"...If I determine that I won't get in the way of the Self-Defense Force or the police."

I have no intention of meddling in a professional fight. It would only disrupt their coordination. But if it looked like they wouldn't make it in time, I'd probably jump in.

Back then, it was a monster I only defeated after a desperate struggle with the help of my comrades. But now, a demon wouldn't give me any trouble. I was confident I could take on not just one, but up to thirty of them without a scratch. As for lesser demons, a hundred or two hundred would be a rounding error.

I want to avoid risking my life for others, but if the risk is that low, helping out is better for my own peace of mind.

Levels are a cruel thing. A once-formidable enemy now seems like a mere grunt. This line of thought is a little dangerous. It leads to overconfidence. As I chided myself, Erina-san was nodding repeatedly.

"Uh-huh, uh-huh! So, you see, I'm not lying, and no one loses out, right? The people in this area can feel safe, and we get to do what we want for the cultural festival! It's a win-win! Clank, clank!"

"Win-win. It's not the sound of a robot moving."

I let out a small sigh at Erina-san, who was mimicking the sound of a humanoid robot's footsteps. She was reliable, but she could be a little scary at times. Still, she's fundamentally a good person, so I don't think she'd do anything unforgivably evil.

That said, she can also be a bit reckless. If left to her own devices, she seems like the type who would just keep charging ahead.

"Are you unhappy about this, Kyou-chan?"

"No. It's true that no one loses out."

"See? Everyone was so worried, wondering if you were going to move away. The SDF and the police have lost a lot of trust lately, so they really want a strong Awakened Person to stay in the area."

"Is that so? I can understand it, but it's a selfish argument."

"That's just how people are. Including us!"

"That's true."

If I were in their position, I'd irresponsibly think, 'Stay here and fight for us if something happens,' probably without offering anything in return. They'd just watch from a distance, maybe bow obsequiously if our eyes met. Or maybe they'd scurry away to stay out of my line of sight.

I'm a presence they don't want to get close to because I'm scary, but they don't want me to leave either. I've gotten used to that kind of treatment over the past month or so. It's not exactly comfortable, but it's far better than being treated with hostility.

"But still… Doesn't this feel a little… you know?"

"Similar to the ideology that Turohorse advocated?"

"...A little bit."

A local influential figure backed by military power. That's practically a nobleman. If they started collecting taxes in the name of protection money, they'd be a nobleman, period.

I think I saw it online or on TV once: 'A lowly thug is a gangster. A noble thug is an aristocrat.' A local instrument of violence, guaranteed by law, possessing a nobility called 'pretense.' To me, that's genuinely what nobles in the Middle Ages seemed like.

Of course, I couldn't say something like that in front of the Arisugawa family. I'd have no grounds for complaint if I got punched by actual nobility or their relatives.

"Those people were too hasty and didn't understand things like 'a noble's duty.' They were basically just a pack of bandits, so it's no wonder they were hated by society and got beaten down by other Awakened Persons!"

"I see."

"I see!"

A noble's duty. Noblesse oblige, was it?

The words have nothing to do with me. Professor Arisugawa is apparently no longer a noble, so it's not relevant.

But I have a feeling that it will be expected of me. And that's a little annoying. Well, even if it's expected of me, whether I answer the call or not depends on my mood, so I guess I can take it easy. There's no need for me to change to suit my surroundings, at least for now.

Still, nobility, huh…

I tried to imagine myself as a noble for a moment. Wearing an overly decorated riding outfit, astride a white horse. At night, I'd change into an even more decorated outfit, swirling wine in a glass while stroking a cat in my lap.

…Yeah, no. And my own image of a nobleman is pretty flimsy.

I don't wish to become one, and I doubt anyone around me seriously wants me to be one either. Maintaining the status quo is what everyone, including me, wants.

Of course, the best-case scenario would be for the SDF and the police to be able to completely suppress the dungeons. If society changes in that direction, I'd be overjoyed.

We live in an age of democracy; the feudal system is a thing of the distant past. Some countries still practice it, but Japan is different. A return to that era with Awakened Persons at the center would be, if it ever happens, in the far future. I don't know if I'll even be alive then, and I have neither the power nor the vitality to influence the course of society.

Future people can deal with future problems. As for me, it's none of my business. All I can do is establish a means of self-defense and save up money. Preparing for the near future is all I can manage.

*

Lost in thought, I realized the discussion with the principal had ended.

"Thank you for taking the time to speak with us despite your busy schedule. We'll be taking our leave now."

"Thank you for your time."

Following Erina-san, who exited with a graceful bow, I also left the principal's office. The moment we were in the hallway, her lady-like mode vanished, and Erina-san stretched her arms high.

—bounce…

They really are huge. What a magnificent pair.

"Alright, Kyou-chan! All conditions have been cleared! Now all that's left is to have a fun and exciting time at the cultural festival!"

I let out a small sigh at Erina-san, whose eyes were sparkling.

"Yeah, yeah. Good work."

"You're the main star of the show, Kyou-chan! So get fired up!"

"I'm starting to want to boycott this again…"

"Whyyy?!"

Most high school boys are resistant to cross-dressing. I wish she would understand that. It might be a funny story among friends, but being exposed to the public eye is just plain unpleasant. But it's a festival, and maybe if I just do it, people won't care as much as I think.

I guess I'll just have to chalk it up as another page in the book of my youth and give up…

Sighing again at my future cross-dressing self, I started walking back to the classroom.

*

On Saturday, the day after that personally agonizing decision.

The plan was to head to Tokyo today and attend the debriefing tomorrow morning. After that, I'd take the bullet train back here.

I thought this last time, but it's a bit of a hectic schedule. I wish they'd give a little more consideration to the Awakened Persons who don't live in the Kanto region. Just because they cover travel expenses doesn't mean it's an easy trip.

As I grumbled to myself, I had come to Ooyama-san's factory with Erina-san and Mia-san before heading to the station. Apparently, she had something to give me. I was here to pick it up before we left.

"Sorry to bother you."

"Not at all. But what is it?"

"…You forgot?"

Ooyama-san glared at me, and behind her, Busujima-san offered a wry smile. Those two really do seem to come as a set.

"Could it be, what you mentioned the other day…?"

"Yep. The prototype is done, so take it with you."

With that, Ooyama-san held out a paulownia wood box. The moment I took it, a sheet of paper that looked like an instruction manual was placed on top.

"Uh, thanks. This was surprisingly fast."

"It's just a prototype. You're meeting with the other 'B-Rank Adventurer' guys in Tokyo tomorrow, right?"

"Well, 'Candidates,' to be precise, including me."

"I figured you should have something imposing so you don't get looked down on there."

"Imposing?"

I'm not a feudal lord.

Ooyama-san huffed. Busujima-san, standing behind her, spoke with a wry smile.

"Shizuku-san was really fired up after you told her the other day that you could 'entrust your life to her equipment.' That's why it was finished ahead of schedule, and she wanted to give it to you as soon as possi—"

"Shut up…!"

Ooyama-san growled, glaring at Busujima-san. Her eyes were sharp, but because of her small stature, it looked like a small dog trying to be intimidating.

"If that's the case, I'll gratefully accept it."

"Right. By 'that's the case,' you mean because it's a prototype. And so you can stare down the other candidates."

"Haha… No, I'd rather not stare down those people…"

"What, you scared? Even though you're so strong."

"No. It's not a matter of strength…"

"It's more like a horde of monsters and demons…"

Mia-san and I averted our eyes, trailing off.

Ignoring us, Erina-san put her hands on her hips, looking full of energy.

"They're a super interesting bunch! I'll show you some pictures next time!"

"Don't. Please don't do that…!"

"Let's not spread cursed photos…!"

"…O-Okay."

"I think I get the picture."

Seeing how desperately Mia-san and I were trying to stop her, the other two seemed to understand. Willingly getting involved with that group would be mental suicide. Seriously.

"S-So, about the price…"

"I'll think about that after you've actually used the prototype. It might still need some fine-tuning. After that will be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm not giving it to you for free. I used your nails and hair as materials, so I'm just giving you a bit of a discount, that's all."

"Thank you. I'll take you up on your offer."

"...And one more thing."

Ooyama-san took a step closer, her face sullen. Her large chest naturally came closer too, making me a little nervous.

"How long are you going to keep up that business-like face? Get used to us already."

"...I will give it my forward-looking consideration and do my utmost to comply."

"Seriously, get back to normal by the time summer vacation ends. Maybe I should wear a swimsuit for you again. With Aika."

"Me too?!"

Busujima-san's eyes widened at Ooyama-san's words.

"What's the big deal? It's not like your Arcane Gear, it's not some perverted outfit."

"You've said something you shouldn't have…!"

"Hmph, hmph."

Busujima-san, still smiling, a vein throbbing on her temple, began to squish and poke Ooyama-san's cheeks.

As much as I wanted to keep watching this heartwarming scene, we needed to head to the station soon.

"Ooyama-san, thank you very much. We don't have much time, so we're heading to the station now. Busujima-san, well… tough luck."

"Don't console me…! Why is my Arcane Gear the only one that's like that…!"

Busujima-san's face was bright red, her brow furrowed.

As I smiled wryly at her, Erina-san nodded sagely.

"You two really are close! This is a comedy duo!"

"We're not married, but if we were, would Aika be the husband…?"

"What are you looking at when you say that?"

"Eek…"

Ooyama-san slowly backed away from the now-expressionless Busujima-san.

"S-Speaking of married couples, Yagawa! Your parents are in Tokyo too, right?"

What a blatant change of subject…

"Yes. They left earlier. The Walkers are having a temporary get-together in Tokyo, and then they're all heading to the venue for the Awakened Person obstacle course."

"So you can't do any family sightseeing in Tokyo? That's a shame."

"No, not really."

At my age, being asked about family trips by a girl is kind of embarrassing. Like I haven't left the nest yet. I'm still supported by my parents, so that perception isn't wrong, but reason and emotion are two different things.

I averted my eyes slightly and saw Mia-san. …Emotions aside, maybe I should be a better son.

Seeing her ambiguous smile, I decided to leave the factory for good, and we headed for the station.

We took a local train to the prefectural capital, then boarded the bullet train. As I dealt with an excited Erina-san who wanted to buy a station bento and a pestering Aira-san over the telepathy link, we drew closer to Tokyo Station. I felt a little gloomy at the thought of having to navigate that labyrinthine place again.

With Erina-san and Mia-san chatting beside me, I turned my gaze out the window.

The sun had begun to set, and under the reddening sky, the lights of the city that never sleeps began to stand out.

Amidst that unfamiliar, yet not-so-rare scenery, a column of black smoke suddenly rose.

—SCREEEEEEECH!!

A deafening screech of brakes. A violent jolt shook the car, and screams echoed through the cabin.

And in that moment, I saw it with my own two eyes.

Under the crimson sky of twilight, there lay the city that was never supposed to sleep.

I saw the moment the light of civilization vanished from Tokyo.

And in its place… I saw a primitive, violent flame rising high into the heavens.

And in unison, a dense vortex of mana began to cover the forest of skyscrapers.

An outbreak had begun.