kscans

Chapter 177 - Chapter 6: Epilogue - Part Two

Chapter 6: Epilogue - Part Two

No POV

'That nation was an island country surrounded by the sea. Its form of government is thought to have been similar to the Roman Empire.'

'However, that country possessed highly developed magic. It was home to a great number of magicians who were exceptionally talented, even for the other world.'

'They created powerful magic. A magic to create living beings from the salt of the sea.'

'Using this magic, the empire greatly expanded its territory. By commanding vast numbers of monsters, they attacked and destroyed their enemies from land, sea, and air.'

'Having thus become the most powerful nation in the world, the empire was destroyed overnight. Not by an attack from another country, but by their own mistake.'

'On the verge of world conquest, the empire had fallen into a state where its economy could not function without invading other nations.'

'And so, they plotted a large-scale teleportation magic in their homeland... in other words, an invasion of another world.'

'With their superior skills, the empire finally created a massive gate connecting to another world. But this very act was the trigger for their destruction.'

'A storm flowed in from the connected world. The mana-infused wind and rain forced the gate open, lightning shattered the barriers, and a tsunami swallowed the island.'

'A magician who escaped the empire's main island wrote that they had connected to the primordial world. That they had connected to a world before continents were born.'

'Whether that is correct is unknown, but what is certain is that all communication and teleportation between the empire's bases in various regions and the homeland became impossible.'

'Afterward, battles broke out between imperial forces across the land, each vying for the next emperor's throne. Furthermore, the countries that had been occupied, and those that had been threatened by the empire, launched attacks on the imperial army.'

'After much bloodshed, the imperial army was completely annihilated. They had killed too many people, and in that world, concepts like human rights did not yet exist.'

'The dungeons... which were both weapons factories and mining sites for the empire, were completely sealed off as accursed places. Perhaps this was also because monsters continued to spawn and attack anyone other than the imperial army.'

'Unlike the gate that connected to Japan, the entrance on the other side was a physical one. That is likely why it could be destroyed by physical means.'

'Thus, the only entrance left in the dungeons was the teleportation gate that should have connected to the homeland. But that, too, could not be used.'

'Those left inside the dungeons could do nothing but pray to their gods as they met their end.'

'That is all we have discovered through our research so far. If there are any questions, I will take them.'

'—P-Professor! This is all too fantastic! Is the truth about the dungeons really...!'

'That is how we have judged it. Of course, it's possible that this conclusion will be overturned by new discoveries in the future. However, at present, we believe this is the most likely theory regarding the history of the beings who created the dungeons.'

'Is there a possibility that Japan could also be destroyed, like that empire?'

'That is unclear. Until we can determine why a gate connected to Japan, we cannot even begin to make a prediction.'

'Why do the monsters look so much like the beings from our myths? Is there some connection between the empire and this world?!'

'The connection between the empire and this world is unknown. However, we believe that the resemblance of the monsters' appearances and abilities to the beings described in our world's myths is related to the concept of the collective unconscious in analytical psychology.'

'From the dungeon's environment and the artifacts left behind, we believe the inhabitants of the other world are biologically almost identical to Earthlings. There are differences, such as magic, but physically, they are similar creatures.'

'Generally, human imagination is influenced by past experiences and the stories and myths passed down in the groups to which they belong. But if you trace the origins of myths, you could say they stem from the deep psychology of the human species itself.'

'...To state only the conclusion, similar creatures will imagine similar things. Even in this world, there are many myths and stories with common points that exist in countries far apart.'

'This also holds true in the other world, and we have hypothesized that the empire produced monsters based on various myths to create a psychological impact on their dominated territories.'

'Then what about the Awakened? Why did the Awakened appear? And you mentioned the collective unconscious, but does the knowledge of magic that flows into one's mind upon awakening also come from the collective unconscious?'

'There are still many unknowns regarding that as well. First, we believe it is highly likely that the collective unconscious I mentioned earlier and the acquisition of magical knowledge are unrelated. The collective unconscious that appears in stories and the one mentioned here are two different things.'

'The empire gained a great military force in the form of monsters, but it seems that was not enough to conquer the world. They wanted a force that could overwhelm others on-site, in addition to the monsters.'

'That was the Awakened. They developed a technique to interfere with the mana in the atmosphere and the leylines, manifesting the power of the soul dormant within humans.'

'The reason only the Awakened can enter dungeons is likely because they were important production bases for them. And when the dungeon connected to Japan via the gate, the formulas left inside flowed over to our side.'

'As a result, we believe that people with the aptitude were Awakened. The empire also built cities within the dungeons and had children there. It seems that non-Awakened could live there to some extent with barriers and such, but to awaken them as soon as possible, a mechanism to promote awakening was incorporated into the dungeons.'

'And the knowledge of magic is also related to the atmospheric mana and leylines I mentioned earlier. By placing finely divided magical knowledge upon them, it becomes possible to share that knowledge at the moment of awakening. This allows them to create combat-ready forces in an instant.'

'However, please do not forget that these are merely hypotheses. We have not yet gathered enough information to state anything with certainty.'

'Professor. Do you already know the name of that empire?'

'...Some of you may hear this name and think it's absurd. But as a result of deciphering their characters, the empire's name was written like this.'

'—Atlantis. That is the name of the nation that drowned in its own power.'

*

Director Akasaka and Jack quietly watched the broadcast from the TV mounted in the bar.

Tilting his glass, the British secret intelligence agent glanced for a moment at his old friend beside him.

"That's cold, Yuusuke. You already knew the contents of this announcement, didn't you? After all we've been through, why didn't you tell me?"

"She was originally a citizen of your country. I simply assumed the information had been shared."

"We're in different departments. Your country isn't the only one that struggles with bureaucratic divisions."

Turning their gazes back to the TV, the two men probed each other's intentions.

Director Akasaka had already concluded that Professor Arisugawa and her group were likely no longer under British control.

Otherwise, the lack of coordination between them and MI6 was inexplicable. In fact, the professor's group had even been obstructing their movements.

On the other hand, Jack... the British side, wanted to maintain the misunderstanding among other nations that Britain held the reins of the 'Invisible Ninjas.' Their strategic value had grown that immense.

They had always been a difficult group to handle, being the private army of a former duchess's daughter. But now, their strategic value was immeasurable.

Britain, and the world, had underestimated the danger posed by a 'high-level group of Awakened' acting with high intelligence and strategic planning.

—It was all a misunderstanding, but it was no longer a matter that could be dismissed as such.

Once power and results are demonstrated, they become 'fact.' Yagawa Kyouta and the others had shown too much of their power.

No matter how much they denied it, the world's intelligence agencies would now recognize the 'Invisible Ninjas' as an eerie secret society that did not hide in the shadows of society. They had judged that such caution was necessary.

"More importantly, Yuusuke. Not even going to order a drink? This is a bar, you know."

"Milk will be fine. I have work after this. I can't drink when my subordinates are working so hard."

"You're so serious."

With a wry smile, Jack finally turned his handsome face toward Director Akasaka.

"Changing the subject, the UN has finally made its move."

"...As I thought."

"It seems China pushed for it quite hard. They've vehemently criticized the Japanese government's weakness and want to place the management of dungeons and the Awakened under UN control... which effectively means under the influence of China and Russia."

And Britain has a large hand in it too, I'm sure.

Akasaka stopped himself from voicing the retort, nodding slightly without letting it show on his face. If he were in the same position, he would make moves that would benefit him no matter which way things turned.

"If possible, I'd like to keep 'that dungeon' a secret between us."

"Of course. We are dear friends, after all."

'The Minotaur's Dungeon.'

The crystal ball-like magic tool secured by Professor Arisugawa's group. With it, large-scale transport of personnel and supplies was possible within that dungeon.

Its offshore location was, in a way, convenient. It could only be reached by ship, but that made it harder for information to leak. With sea routes available, there were countless ways to move people and goods.

Britain, too, wanted to keep this information from getting out.

They maneuvered to ensure they had a certain level of benefit no matter 'who' won. And one of those scenarios included a victory for Japan.

"However, Yuusuke... you're a terrible man yourself."

"Whatever could you mean?"

"It's obvious."

Jack pointed a sharp index finger at Akasaka, a bold smile on his face.

"You're here talking with me, yet you're going to meet with 'another man' after this, aren't you? What a sinful man you are."

"Unfortunately for you, I cherish my wife and child. I'm not interested in that sort of thing."

"What a coincidence. Neither am I."

The glass of liquor and the glass of milk clinked lightly together.

Their game of cat and mouse continued for a little while longer.

*

Washington D.C., United States.

In the Oval Office of the White House, President Fudge Valentine wore a grim expression.

"Still no sign of Doctor Tesla's body?"

"Sir. It is most likely that he died in Kasumigaseki, but there are many bodies that are not intact..."

"I don't care about him at this point. Just recover his research data."

"Yes, Mr. President."

At the CIA Director's response, President Valentine stroked his beard nervously.

"Honestly... if only he hadn't been consumed by his pointless desire for fame and insisted on 'delivering the most important research data in person.'"

The old man known as Doctor Tesla had, in his own mind, been living in obscurity for his entire life.

Then, suddenly, he received what others saw as undeserved recognition. What he himself saw as a proper evaluation. As a result, he had grown paranoid, fearing that others would steal his achievements.

"We have embedded elite agents within the relief teams being sent to Japan. Please wait a little longer."

"Good. I'm counting on you."

"However..."

"What is it? Is there a problem?"

"...No, sir. It's just, even if it is to insert my men, was it necessary to provide this level of genuine support?"

"What are you talking about?"

The President frowned, glaring at the Director.

"If we did that, even more Japanese people would die. I do not wish for them to die."

"That may be..."

"My tears at the press conference were not a lie. I was truly saddened by the deaths of the Japanese people."

President Valentine placed a hand on his chest and closed his eyes as if in prayer.

A single tear trickled from his closed eyelids.

"What a tragedy. How could one not weep when three hundred thousand innocent lives have been lost?"

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

"This is all the fault of that man, Akasaka."

When the president opened his eyes, the flames of a powerful 'righteous indignation' burned within them.

"If he hadn't interfered, this experiment could have been conducted safely and securely in the Middle East. That man is responsible for the deaths of three hundred thousand people. And yet, he continues to live shamelessly...! How utterly disgraceful...!"

In a fit of rage, President Valentine slammed his fist on the desk.

"We must not let the sacrifices of our allies be in vain. We will open the path to the frontier, and we will seize everything that lies beyond."

"Yes, Mr. President."

President Fudge Valentine was sane.

The CIA Director was the type to thoroughly investigate what kind of person his superior was. Therefore, he had meticulously reviewed President Valentine's background and ideology.

And for that reason, he was certain that the President was making this statement in a completely sober state of mind.

"We will avenge those three hundred thousand lives, and Doctor Tesla...!"

And that is precisely why he was terrified. For this man, this state that could only be described as insane was his normal.

He reveres life, yet he tramples it underfoot for profit without a second thought.

With the same finger that pulled the trigger of tragedy, he pens condolences to the ally upon whom he selfishly forced the risk.

And on top of that, he has no intention of stopping his trampling. Not as a mental defense mechanism, but with a sincere heart, he shifts the blame to others.

There was no telling when this man's wrath would be directed at him. In the first place, a normal person's mind couldn't even predict where the landmines were.

I've ended up with a terrible boss, the CIA Director thought, forcing down the hand that was about to clutch his aching stomach.

"And one more thing... you are certain that 'the wedge has been shattered,' are you not?"

"Yes, sir. We have confirmed the remains of the wedge that was taken. The culprit is still under investigation."

"I see..."

With a murmur, the President leaned back in his chair.

"The culprit is undoubtedly an Awakened. Otherwise, a whale would not engage in such bizarre behavior as fleeing from machine guns without diving while holding a human in its mouth."

"Given that there was no whale carcass, we suspect a transformation ability."

"Indeed. The technology of the frontier certainly never lets one get bored."

With that, he looked at his smartphone screen.

Displayed on it was an elven woman in a suit. A beauty who looked to be in her mid-twenties, despite having three grandchildren.

"...I am now more certain than ever. The land beyond that gate is one that America must pioneer."

*

Somewhere in Kanagawa Prefecture.

There is a house located two train stations away from the 'Walkers' headquarters. It's a peaceful town, surrounded by fields.

The house has a perfectly ordinary appearance, and the man who recently moved in is good-natured, already well-liked by the local residents.

The fact that he is an employee of the 'Walkers,' who actively engage with the community, has also helped him earn their trust.

—And so, none of the neighbors suspect a thing.

That the house has a basement, where three men and women are being illegally interrogated in separate rooms.

As the sky began to blush with dawn, a man in a dress shirt emerged from the basement.

"Hello, Yuusuke. Good work."

"Yes. Thank you, Chris."

Former Ambassador Chris offered Director Akasaka, who was loosening his tie, a glass of iced tea.

Taking it, the man who had just been engaged in unspeakable acts quenched his thirst.

"I didn't know you did this kind of work, too. Using your subordinates is part of a boss's job, you know."

"Unfortunately, the people I can entrust with this sort of thing have been sent to America. They should be returning soon, but I'll have to handle it myself for a while longer."

"You look like you're the one being interrogated, not the other way around. Lack of sleep, I take it."

"...I'm only human, after all."

Akasaka wiped the sweat from his cheek with his arm and let out a small sigh.

"I've been able to confirm the story you told me before. And I've obtained even more information."

"That's excellent news. However, I'd appreciate it if you didn't do such bloody things in my house. The smell of grilling at this hour is not very pleasant."

"Oh? But I believe I was the one who prepared this house. Out of my own pocket."

"Oops, was that what you call 'waking a sleeping snake' in Japan?"

Chris shrugged his shoulders dramatically with a wry smile.

"So? Was my beloved America innocent?"

"No. It was as black as night."

"...I see."

Sadly, former Ambassador Chris placed his iced tea cup on the table.

"That's a shame. From the bottom of my heart."

"My condolences."

"...No. You are the victims. You don't need to worry about me."

After a small shake of his head, he looked directly at Akasaka.

"When this is over, and my identity is ready... I'll go back to America again."

"Returning to your old job?"

"That, and I'm looking beyond it."

In response to Akasaka's question, former Ambassador Chris puffed out his chest.

The sound of his pectoral muscles straining against his shirt could be heard.

"I'm going to become president, Yuusuke. I will, without fail, bring back the America of old. The world's policeman."

"...Is that so. I won't hold my breath, but I'll be cheering for you."

"Hmph. I'm sure you're aiming for the Prime Minister's seat in the future, aren't you, Yuusuke? In that case, it's a race."

"If so, should I become Prime Minister first, I'll bill you for this house with triple the interest."

"You can talk. I'll be the one to get the president's seat first and pay you back at the proper market price."

The moment they both smiled defiantly, Chris's shirt burst open.

A button flew off with force and struck Director Akasaka square between the eyebrows.

"Oops, a button."

"Oof...!"

Former Ambassador Chris laughed heartily, revealing his hairy chest. In contrast, Director Akasaka pressed his forehead where the button had hit him and let out a small groan.

"W-Was that on purpose...?!"

"Of course not. Though I do find it amusing."

"Honestly..."

Just as Director Akasaka shot a resentful glare at the former ambassador, his smartphone rang.

It wasn't his work phone or his personal phone, but a third one used for another purpose.

His expression shifted in an instant as he quickly scanned the message displayed on the screen.

"Hmm, a code."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't peek at my phone."

"Don't worry about it. We're friends, aren't we?"

Director Akasaka let out a disgruntled sound, but the corners of his mouth were turned up in a smile.

The sender was a subordinate he trusted. She had sent word that the operation was a success.

His daughter had intentionally been caught in the enemy's surveillance net, transformed into a whale, and escaped. Exposed to machine-gun fire and shelling, she had spat out the object in her mouth at the last moment and escaped by transforming into a dolphin.

And with her as a decoy, the 'real target' had safely left America. The message said they were now en route via Mexico.

The 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club' had spent their days and nights researching in order to create their ideal wives with their own hands.

Therefore—it was a simple matter to create a fake body from cells collected from an existing person.

Faking a corpse was child's play, as long as some damage was acceptable. The only drawback was that while female bodies could be made quickly due to having plenty of data, male bodies took a little more time.

Soon, the body of the old man calling himself Doctor Tesla would be ready. A perfect 'corpse trampled by a giant,' indistinguishable from the real thing even with modern science.

"You're wearing the face of a villain, Yuusuke."

"You can't protect a country just by being a good person."

"No doubt about that. But I'll just say it doesn't suit you."

"...I'll take that to heart."

Director Akasaka gave a wry smile to his friend, whose mouth was set in a firm 'heh.'

This Chris Mackenzie, former ambassador to Japan, was a man who hated dishonesty. Still, he was also a patriot who had done many things for his country.

Being called out by such a man, he couldn't talk back.

"And one more thing, Yuusuke."

"What is it?"

"A rumor is going around at the 'Walkers' that you 'used your authority to order a love doll from the Enthusiasts Club.'"

"What?"

"You're being treated as a pathetic pervert whose lust has run wild due to exhaustion. It doesn't seem like there's any danger of the fake corpse being exposed, but I heard that some volunteers from the 'Walkers' are planning to send you adult magazines as relief supplies soon. You'd better prepare to act pleased so you don't arouse suspicion."

At the former ambassador's words, Director Akasaka quietly looked up at the heavens.

Gazing at the cream-colored ceiling, he murmured.

"Give me a break... please...!"

Sensing the many emotions packed into those words, former Ambassador Chris managed to hold back his laughter and remained silent.

Akasaka felt a sharp pain in his stomach, but he was sure it was just his imagination.