kscans

Chapter 259 - Final Chapter: Epilogue, Part Two

Final Chapter: Epilogue, Part Two

Side: None

'Various opinions are emerging from all quarters regarding the forced SDF's Otherworld Dispatch.'

'This can only be called a violation of the constitution. The government used the Self-Defense Force in an attempt to expand its power—'

'If it means no more dungeons will appear, I have nothing to say. So many have been sacrificed up to now—'

'There are reports that the Self-Defense Force used new weapons during their dispatch to the other world! This is clearly a dangerous—'

'President Valentine's death has just been officially announced by the White House. The suspect is a former Green Beret—'

'President Fudge Valentine was a man full of love for humanity, a very good person. I cannot hide my sadness at the loss of such a man.'

'Vice President Howard held a press conference late last night, officially announcing that he will be acting as president—'

The world was not short on topics, and various news stories were being reported.

Amidst all this, at a certain location in Kanagawa Prefecture. The headquarters of the Walkers.

In the guild master's office on the top floor, a single cat lay collapsed.

"I'm... gonna die...!"

Correction. The one sprawled over the desk was a young man with cat ears, and he wasn't dead yet.

He just had one foot in the grave.

"Whoa there. What's wrong, Hiroshi? You look like you're about to keel over."

"Shougo..."

"Yo, big bro. I knocked, but you didn't answer, so I let myself in."

"Hey."

"Akemi, and Kiriko-chan, too..."

With his childhood friend, sister, and his sister's friend now in the room, Yamashita somehow managed to sit up.

"Is work that rough? I thought that as of yesterday, you were able to go home about an hour after quitting time."

"Work is... barely manageable. Thanks to the manual Chris-san left, we're somehow keeping the administrative side afloat."

"Chris-san really could do anything, couldn't he?"

"A truly capable man."

Remembering the man who had suddenly resigned the other day, the executives nodded in agreement, thinking, 'A valuable person has left.'

They were, of course, unaware that he was involved in the recent presidential assassination. If they knew, they would all vomit blood.

"The problem is... from now on, I have to meet with foreign dignitaries like Prime Minister Armstrong without his support."

"Ah, I see. So you're thinking about that already and are dying of nervousness."

"That's right. Ahh... I seriously wish Chris-san would come back...! I'm begging you, please support me forever...!"

"Hmph!"

"Kiriko-chan. Stay."

Akemi grabbed Kiriko's shoulder firmly. She was prepared to use force against her friend, who was letting her imagination run wild about her own brother.

"It's not like you're meeting them anytime soon, right? If you worry about it now, your ten-yen bald spot will get bigger."

"Shut up. It's easy for you to say, since it's not your problem."

"Don't be like that. I'll be there to support you instead."

"Hmph!"

"Yeah, yeah. Geez. You're always like this... Well, I am counting on you."

"Hmph!!"

"Kiriko-chan. Calm down. Deep breaths."

Akemi broke into a cold sweat as her friend's eyes widened more than ever before.

Kiriko was already in way too deep.

"Speaking of overseas, I heard Akasaka-san hit you with another unreasonable request?"

"Yeah, he did. I was planning to tell only the executives at tomorrow's meeting, but it seems he wants to ask us to protect the 'Awakened Persons who were abducted overseas' that everyone's been talking about. I heard some of them were only able to return to human form thanks to the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club's technology. Like, one of them looked like a giant sea slug until just recently."

"Seriously...? That's pretty heavy."

"Yeah. We'll have to consider their care, too. We need to consult with counselors and have individual interviews about their futures..."

"Let's split that up."

"That's right, big bro. We're executives, too, after all."

"Only because we've been here since the beginning, though."

"Everyone... Yeah. Thanks. Let's discuss that at tomorrow's meeting, too."

"Alright! Let's call it a day then, and go to an izakaya for the first time in a while!"

Shougo clapped his large hands together and grinned.

"Hey, hey, tomorrow's a weekday, you know?"

"It's fine! Awakened Persons don't get drunk on normal booze!"

"Staying up late is bad for your skin, though."

"If the guild master's treating, I can't refuse."

"Hey, I'm treating!? Well, I guess that's fine."

"Heh, thanks for the meal."

"You're paying. In fact, you're treating with me."

"Aww, fine."

Yamashita and the others laughed with the same old rapport they'd always had.

In a few years, they would receive an offer for a TV drama adaptation, but that is another story.

"Oh, right. Speaking of Akasaka-san, he's got marriage proposals for you and me. And they're all quite beautiful, too."

"For real? Got any pictures?"

"—I'll kill you. I'll tear you limb from limb, Akasaka Yuusuke...!"

"Wait, Kiriko-chan. Kiriko-chan!?"

Incidentally, the commotion that arose from the marriage proposals, and the subsequent delay in each of the four's marriage prospects, is also another story.

*

"I feel like someone just sent me a death threat..."

"That's business as usual, isn't it?"

Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. The Central Government Complex.

The Dungeon Agency was located on a certain floor of a building that had recently been nicknamed the 'Jet-Black Castle of Eternal Night.'

True to its nickname, their work was not over even though the sun had long set.

"Ahem... Well then, let us move on to the next topic."

After a small cough, Director Akasaka shifted his gaze to the documents in his hand.

"The Self-Defense Force and the accompanying Awakened Persons who crossed into the other world have succeeded in normalizing the ley lines at the Atlantis ruins. As a result, it is believed that the possibility of Japan and dungeons being further connected has been eliminated. However, we cannot let our guard down yet."

"Irregularities are bound to happen. We'll have to continue asking each local government to check for new gates."

"The costs keep piling up, but it's still cheaper than an outbreak."

Sato, a male staff member holding a tablet, and Saejima, a female staff member next to him, responded to the Director's words.

"That's right. After all, we still lack the know-how regarding 'magic' and 'ley lines.' We will need continued cooperation with the Maritime Self-Defense Force, who are monitoring the Atlantis ruins, and with each local government."

"Um, about those Atlantis ruins."

One of the subordinates raised his hand while looking at his documents.

"What is the status of diplomatic relations with the other world? The Atlantis ruins seem to be completely submerged, but what about clashes between the monitoring MSDF and neighboring countries...?"

"Regarding that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently sending staff to the other world to handle it. However, since it is 'on the other side of a dungeon,' there is a possibility that the work will be passed on to us."

"You've got to be kidding me..."

"Diplomacy is completely out of our field... except for you, Director."

A strained laugh spread among the staff.

They were a collection of 'capable but difficult problem children' transferred from various ministries. They had above-average communication skills, but that was different from knowing the basics of diplomacy.

"First of all, the language barrier is a major issue, isn't it?"

"I heard a rumor that they're somehow managing to communicate using the translation notes of 'Professor Arisugawa,' who cooperated with us."

"It was fortunate that the language of the Empire was still in use in the other world."

At the name mentioned by his subordinate, Director Akasaka felt his cheeks twitch.

Suppressing it with sheer will, he continued the meeting.

"In any case, if a request comes, we too must go to the other world. I am creating a manual for that purpose, which will be distributed later, so please read it thoroughly."

"Yes, sir."

"There are a lot of concerns, like infectious diseases. And shouldn't we be careful about their magic, too? I hear that some Awakened Persons have skills that can read or control people's minds."

At Sato's words, Saejima glanced at the Director for a moment, as if in concern.

But Director Akasaka simply nodded, seemingly unbothered.

"That is a valid concern. Personnel dispatched to the other world are either Awakened Persons with resistance to such abilities or are thoroughly equipped with special magic tools. We're struggling with the number of personnel we can send because of that."

"I see. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been focusing on that for a while now, haven't they?"

"Speaking of Awakened Persons, what is the situation with them in the other world?"

"That's right. They've had Awakened Persons and monsters for a very long time over there. It wouldn't be surprising if there were plenty of Awakened Persons at 'LV: 100'... no, even higher."

"I heard from a colleague that, excluding magic, the other world's technology is a hodgepodge of medieval and early modern levels. But considering the Awakened Persons, a potential military conflict is frightening."

"Or rather, if a high-level mind-controller or reader, like we were just concerned about, were to appear, is there a possibility they could break through our defensive magic tools...?"

"No, about that..."

At his subordinates' concerns, the Director made a complicated expression.

"Currently, we have made contact with four nations in the other world. According to the information obtained from them, it seems the number and quality of Awakened Persons are quite low."

"Why is that? Forgive me for saying so, but the skills of Awakened Persons have a significant impact on a nation's development, both militarily and technologically. Especially if their technology level is around the medieval or early modern period."

"Exactly. Ignoring ethical issues, one would think they would be trying to create stronger Awakened Persons through 'selective breeding' or the like."

"That is a valid question. The explanation is a bit long, so I'll give you the main points first."

The Director moved to the front of the whiteboard and picked up a pen.

"One, 'Awakened Persons killing each other.' Two, 'sealing of dungeons.' Three, 'religion.' To explain in detail..."

And so, Director Akasaka began to speak.

According to information obtained from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff dispatched to the other world, for a time after the collapse of the Atlantis Empire, Awakened Persons across the land wielded their power and strengthened their influence.

But most Awakened Persons have a lifespan. And many died in battle before it was up.

To put it bluntly, a massive falling-out occurred among the Awakened Persons of the former imperial army. In the struggle for supremacy after the empire's collapse, heroes killed each other and disappeared.

With clashes against the empire-produced monsters left in various regions and the 'special hazardous creatures' that originally roamed the other world, most of the powerful Awakened Persons died. It is believed that much magical knowledge was also lost at that time.

And among the remaining Awakened Persons, none could significantly exceed a human lifespan. Those with such abilities were targeted and eliminated by other Awakened Persons as a future threat. Even if not, many stories tell of them suffering from incurable curses in battle.

The bloodlines of the remaining Awakened Persons thinned with each generation, and their talents disappeared along with them. Occasionally, atavisms appeared, but they more often died before reaching their full potential.

Still, if the dungeons remained, there would be a possibility of powerful Awakened Persons emerging later.

But all dungeons had their official entrances sealed.

One of the surviving Awakened Persons, a figure known in the other world as the 'Great Sage,' spent half a century traveling the world and destroying dungeon entrances.

As a way to deal with the infinitely spawning monsters. To end the chaos. And most of all, to answer the pleas of the people who lived in fear of the empire's shadow. That sage dedicated his life to sealing the dungeons.

Even with modern technology, opening them would be difficult. With the other world's level of technology, they cannot break this seal.

Above all, the local 'Church' would impose sanctions on any country that tried to open a dungeon.

After sealing the final dungeon, the sage in question fought a dragon that attacked the Holy Capital and died in a mutual kill. His remains were buried at the headquarters of the most widespread religion in the other world, and it is said that he still watches from the heavens to see if monsters will overflow from the dungeons...

"And that is the legend passed down in the other world."

After relaying this to his subordinates, the Director let out a small sigh.

"It's just a legend, but it's not a story we can dismiss. Toward the Japanese who came out of a dungeon, the other world holds not only political caution but also complex religious feelings. My old agency was holding their heads, saying, 'Of all things, it had to be religion-related.'"

"Director. I don't want to go to the other world."

"Hahaha. Society doesn't turn unless someone draws the short straw."

Director Akasaka said with a smile, but if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested help from the Dungeon Agency, the number one draft pick would undoubtedly be him.

The Director knew this, so he cried inwardly.

Akasaka Yuusuke. The day he could sleep soundly in his own bed was far, far away.

"Let's get back on topic. From what I've said, monitoring the Atlantis ruins in the other world is far from perfect. The MSDF is doing their best, but simply having their ships in the other world's seas is problematic in many ways. There's also the matter of dealing with monsters coming out of the gate that appeared on the sea above the ruins."

"So, that means monitoring on our side is all the more important."

"That's right. The local governments probably don't have much leeway, but we have no choice but to remain vigilant for the appearance of new gates. I will also go to the relevant parties to request that they continue forced inspections and demolitions of vacant houses. I need you all to keep up the hard work for a while longer."

"Yes, sir!"

At his words, the staff answered powerfully.

They were a quirky bunch, but when it came to 'motivation,' they were all overflowing with it.

"Now, on to the next topic. Regarding the joint U.S.-Japan Awakened Support Center, we are finally able to intervene and begin moving toward its normalization—"

And so, the lights on that floor went out long after the official end of the workday.

Director Akasaka had, in his spare time, laid the groundwork for a certain bill... but that is a story for another time.

*

Southern Chiba Prefecture, a certain location.

It was once a sparsely populated area, but with the construction of a certain factory, many buildings soon lined the streets, and foot traffic increased.

It was a textbook example of regional revitalization, but the factory itself was far from a 'textbook' example.

'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club Factory No. 1 ~Let's Make Lovey-Dovey♡Homunculus Wives~'

The sign was hellish. Most of the local residents averted their eyes from it and told their children to never go near.

Still, they couldn't leave, because of the benefits. It was a mercenary reason, but the Club did not shun them for it.

After all, by proselytizing to such people, their cherished desire... the 'If All Humanity Gets Homunculus Girlfriends and Boyfriends, We're All in the Same Boat, Right? Plan,' a.k.a. the 'ZZ Plan,' would be fulfilled.

They were surely mad. Probably, most likely, maybe.

"Fufufu... How goes it, Vice-Chairman? The spread of the love-doll-type golems."

In a certain meeting room of the factory with that insane sign, a group of black-clad Awakened Persons had gathered.

Their faces, be they men or women, were not visible. All of them wore black hoods, as if for a witch hunt or an evil cult ritual.

"Hah. It is proceeding smoothly, Chairman. They are spreading mainly among single men, and soon, one in three single adult men will own one of our love dolls. Furthermore, one in five single female Awakened Persons has already purchased a boyfriend-type love doll."

"Excellent. Superb. The day our cherished desire is fulfilled is near."

"Also, orders from overseas are increasing. Many of them are likely aiming to steal our technology, but..."

"We want to avoid military use as much as possible, but... it's too late now. We should probably strengthen the magic contract in the terms of use, just in case."

"Indeed. We can't afford to get a negative image and embolden the regulation faction."

"Precisely. We have already sent high-performance beautiful-girl or handsome-boy golems as 'trial units' to domestic politicians and bigwigs in the financial world under the guise of 'bodyguards,' but public opinion cannot be ignored."

High-performance golems for personal protection, sent only to VIPs.

Their exteriors were rugged armored types or kid-friendly mascot types, but they were designed so that when you took them off, a beautiful girl or handsome boy type would emerge.

The selection of those who would be receptive to such 'gifts' had already been determined through the Chairman and Vice-Chairman's 'public-facing connections.'

A dark secret that even Director Akasaka, buried in his work, was unaware of. The Club's demonic hands reached deep into the heart of Japan.

"However, Chairman. Should we not be wary of more than just the regulation faction?"

"What do you mean, Kojima-kun?"

One of the black-hooded figures squared his shoulders and clenched his fists.

"Since our cooperation with the Self-Defense Force, the number of traitors who, rather than manufacturing homunculus wives, scream things like 'Building powered suits is fun! So fun!', 'Mass production models! More! Custom models! Stronger ones!', and 'Aaaah, the sound of hydraulics~' as they head not to our meetings but to SDF bases is increasing...!"

"I see, so that's it."

At his words, the Chairman nodded deeply.

"Your concern is valid. You believe they might leak our technology to outsiders, leading to the military use we were just wary of... is that right?"

"Exactly. It's fine to be into robots. I myself enjoy seeing humanoid robots fight in a gritty way."

"Indeed. I, for one, am a fan of stylish beam-spamming in space. But gritty ground combat is good too."

"Stylish, I get it. Anyway! Those traitors must be reminded of their own fetishes once more!"

"Hmph... You are still young, Kojima-kun."

The Vice-Chairman, who had been listening to the conversation, let out a small laugh under his hood.

"They are indeed currently leaning toward hot-blooded and gritty romance rather than lewd romance. But... you should know as well. 'Mecha' and 'ero' are—best friends forever!"

"Hah!"

At the Vice-Chairman's words, Kojima's eyes widened under his hood as if he had received a revelation.

"They are now temporarily engrossed in making powered suits. But they will soon follow the throbbing of their lower halves. And when that time comes..."

"They will make new comrades in the Self-Defense Force and return to us together...!"

"Exactly... right!"

The Vice-Chairman laughed confidently. His words would be proven correct a few months later.

"Besides, as long as the Self-Defense Force... or rather, General Marui is still around, it's actually convenient. Technology advances in times of war, and ero culture advances in times of peace. Let us have them continue to do their best."

"So that's how it was... This Kojima was shortsighted...!"

"Do not worry. It is helpful to have someone who will voice their questions and complaints like that."

"You have the talent and enthusiasm to become number three in our club. I have high expectations for you."

"Yes! Thank you, Chairman! Vice-Chairman!"

If any sane person were present, they would surely have thought, 'The talent and enthusiasm to be in the top three of this pervert group is an insult.'

But there were no such sane people here. The end of the world was nigh.

"Now, for the next topic... Another request from Director Akasaka for magic potions, magic-infused weapons, and golems."

"Mmm. It's honestly a pain, but we don't want to make an enemy of him. Let's hurry the full-scale operation of the second factory."

"Indeed."

Cold sweat trickled down the Chairman and Vice-Chairman's cheeks.

Though not present, Director Akasaka's daughter, the father-complex Awakened Person Akasaka Yuune, was a member of the Club. With her intelligence and drive, it wouldn't be long before she became an executive.

Winning her over would be extremely difficult. The Chairman and others had once presented her with a golem that looked exactly like her father, but it was roasted to a crisp with a 'that's not what I'm into.'

Yuune was a father-con, but a father-con within the bounds of common sense. What even is a common-sense father-con?

And she held a personal grudge against the Chairman and others for nearly killing her beloved father. It was not hard to imagine that if Director Akasaka were to say 'GO,' Yuune would not hesitate to break two or three of their limbs before socially assassinating them.

As for dealing with her by force, that was impossible due to her connections with the Three Barbarian Girls. To seriously repel them, one would need a force on the scale of a fleet or an equally powerful Awakened Person... like the cooperation of the Invisible Ninjas.

"Damn... If only we could do something about the Akasaka parent and child, we could approach the Invisible Ninjas... Professor Arisugawa."

"'The Professor'... both the public and the underworld are watching her every move. The forces she commands, and her alchemy materials... if only we could get our hands on them...!"

Of course, if the Professor learned of the Club's plans, she would undoubtedly crush them with all her might. Because it could directly conflict with her own 'cherished desire.'

Unaware of this, they were exploring whether an alliance based on mutual benefit could be formed.

"Ah, and another request from Yamashita-kun."

"My, my. Yamashita-kun is just hopeless."

As the Vice-Chairman turned the page of his document, the voices of the top two suddenly became lighthearted.

"A request for instruction in simple magic tool manufacturing for the Walkers. And a request for tank-role golems for beginner adventurers."

"Can't be helped. Since we can't increase the factory's production lines any further, I guess I, the Vice-Chairman, and our comrades in the Walkers will have to do some side work."

"Indeed. Goodness. That young man has big goals, but he lacks both skill and experience."

"Yes. If we don't help him, he's still just a kitten. Haah, honestly."

Some of the Club members exchanged glances at the cheerful old men.

"Hey, don't those two get weird when it comes to Representative Yamashita? Is it because of the cat ears?"

"That might be part of it, but more than that, they said, 'Old guys like us have a weak spot for earnest young men like him.'"

"Huh. Is that how it is?"

It was clear favoritism, but no members seemed to mind. In fact, very few, like Kojima, held any resentment toward their comrades who had defected to the Self-Defense Force.

The Club was, in the first place, a gathering of selfish desires. More than anything, most were indifferent if it didn't directly concern their own homunculus wives.

The Awakened Person group with influence rivaling the Walkers, the 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club,' was able to maintain its form as an organization solely due to the skill of its Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

If these two were to disappear, it was obvious that the Club would naturally dissolve.

"Alright, while we're at it, let's send him a love-doll golem to his liking! It's a pain to deliver it directly, so let's mail it!"

"We've already hacked and confirmed the porn he's purchased. Let's make one based on that!"

Incidentally, it goes without saying that a few days later, Representative Yamashita stormed the factory, armed, and the Club faced a crisis of collapse (as in, he brought the hammer down on the two idiots).

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman ended up with large bumps on their heads. And in the ensuing chaos, Yuune would come to learn of the Club's plans.

—But they would not be discouraged by something like this.

Dreaming of the day when all humanity would have homunculus girlfriends and boyfriends, and they could proudly go on dates with their homunculus wives...!

Don't give up, 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club'! Press on, 'Alchemy Enthusiasts Club'!

Toward the completion of the 'ZZ Plan,' they continued their lewd and learned discussions today as well.