kscans

Chapter 263 - Side Story 2: Before Going to the Other World

'To put it bluntly, everyone's short-staffed.'

According to Aira-san, that was the reason I was chosen as the bodyguard.

Professor Arisugawa going to the other world to study their culture would be beneficial for the country. And the government owes her quite a bit, so they probably couldn't refuse.

But it would be dangerous for the professor to go alone in case something unknown happened. On the other hand, if they were to send personnel from the Self-Defense Force, the number of people who could actually be of use in a situation that would endanger her is limited.

'As you know, China, which has once again devolved into a Three Kingdoms period in the Reiwa era, has seen the leaders of its various warlord factions temporarily join hands, realizing they'd all collapse if things continued. But the chaos hasn't disappeared.'

"Yeah, I saw it on TV. Something about an increase in pirates in the Sea of Japan."

The civil war in China, sparked by Awakened Persons pretending to be remnants of Turohorse.

It was unclear how long it would last, but just the other day, there was a big feature on some important-looking old guys getting together and shaking hands.

However, people who were trying to kill each other until recently can't just say 'Okay, it's over now. Love and peace.'

'Mhm. The factions who wouldn't benefit from peace right now have scattered by land, sea, and overseas, and are causing trouble. So the Maritime Self-Defense Force is apparently busy dealing with them.'

"And the Ground Self-Defense Force is busy searching for and thinning out undiscovered dungeons."

'Right. Supposedly, the rumored Dragon Killer Squad would be more than sufficient as Grandma's bodyguard, but they're apparently the busiest unit in the entire SDF.'

"So, in other words, she was told to find her own bodyguard."

'That's right. And what's more, only one civilian can accompany her. That leaves you, Kyouta-kun.'

"...Well, yeah. I guess that makes sense."

Bringing a subpar guard might just make them a liability. Someone with suitable strength is needed.

As it stands, in terms of sheer strength, I should be among the top ten Awakened Persons... probably. I think. Maybe.

Erina-san is strong, but she's not suited for fighting large groups outside of a dungeon. Mia-san, on the other hand, would probably have a tough time against a single powerful individual, even with her golems.

The only other adventurers that come to mind are 'Director Akasaka's pet trio of girls,' but I don't really have any connection with them.

So by process of elimination, I, who am universally considered 'crudely strong' by everyone I know, am the most suitable candidate.

'Also, Kyouta-kun, an SDF member is scheduled to go along, so if anything happens, I need you to protect that person too.'

"Huh? It's not just the professor?"

'Even if they're short on manpower, they can't let a civilian explore another world alone. Think of them as a walking permission slip and treat them with care.'

"What a way to put it."

I get the logic, but honestly, it sounds like a pain.

When I hear 'Self-Defense Force,' all I can picture is a tsunami of muscles. I'm really not a fan of that upbeat, jock-like atmosphere.

I'm aware I've gotten a bit better at handling professional interactions, but I'm still far from a social butterfly. Having to act alongside some unfamiliar macho man sounds mentally exhausting.

'It's not mandatory, but what will you do? We do plan on offering some compensation.'

"Of course, I accept. The professor is my future family, so I'll take responsibility and protect her."

'I-I see. ...You've been saying things like that so directly lately, you know. For you, Kyouta-kun.'

"Well, I am the happiest harem man in the world."

'I see. So this is a man who's gotten cocky after losing his virginity...'

"Shut up."

Please don't analyze me so calmly. My heart doesn't regenerate, even with a Sage's Nucleus.

And so, my trip to the other world was decided.

"Oh, by the way, what about school? For something like this, what about my classes?"

'What are you talking about? It's planned as a basic day trip.'

"What do you mean, a day trip to another world?"

*

"Because if it's not a day trip, who knows what would happen to Senpai!"

"I see."

A few days later, at Shizuku-san's workshop, I clapped my hands in understanding at Erina-san's words.

She was right. If we left that person alone for several days, someone would probably end up dead. Especially Aira-san.

"That's way too rude."

"Plus, camping out over there would be dangerously dangerous! Physically and politically!"

"Don't you think that's the real reason? And what's with that 'headache that hurts' phrasing?"

Since Shizuku-san is handling the retorts, my job is easy. Lately, she's stopped with the sexual harassment, so she's been very reliable. Keep it up.

Jokes aside, Erina-san is right that staying in the other world for too long is risky.

I've gotten stronger, but there's always someone stronger. There are Awakened Persons of absurd strength, like Miyamoto-san whom I met during the 'Tokyo Incident.' There's no guarantee someone like him isn't in the other world and won't attack us by mistake.

As for the political side, I've been hearing a lot on TV lately about how dealing with the other world should be an international effort. So if a civilian like the professor were to stay there for several days, who knows what would be said. Though even commuting daily would probably cause a stir if it got out.

"Whatever. Here, your repaired Flügel and bracelet."

"Thank you."

I took the wooden box and checked its contents. Inside was a neatly folded cape and a white bracelet with a golden pattern.

I had pushed them to their limits in the fight with the Guivre, but I was relieved to have them back safely.

I never want to go through a battle like that again, but not having this equipment makes me feel incredibly anxious.

"Everything's here. I'll send the bill to the usual account."

"Right. Also, that thing we co-developed. The prototype's ready."

"What, already?"

"Co-developed? What's that exciting word!"

As Erina-san stored the wooden box in her Item Box, her eyes lit up at Shizuku-san's words.

In response, the artisan narrowed her sharp eyes and grinned.

"You should take a look too. We've made something pretty incredible."

Shizuku-san brought a cart from the corner of the workshop over to us and whipped off the cloth that was covering it.

What appeared was a mannequin in armor. The simple white figure was clad in black and green gear reminiscent of camouflage.

"Awakened Person-exclusive equipment, 'Alchemical Armor.'"

"Whoa...! The name's so simple!"

"Shut it. It's a prototype, what do you expect?"

Ignoring the two bickering, I observed the prototype.

It was a black jumpsuit with green armor sewn onto the shoulders, elbows, and knees. On top of that was a gray-trimmed black chestplate. The lower body was protected by a dark green waist guard with tassets, and shin guards. The boots were the same black as the jumpsuit, providing ample defense.

It also had a gorget that was worn by pulling it over the head, and the helmet was designed like a modern military helmet that extended to protect the back of the head.

Most importantly, the entire set, including the jumpsuit, emanated mana.

"Ahem! Aika and I made this equipment, but as I told you before, the 'gauntlets' and 'short spear' use your technology."

After a light cough, Shizuku-san lifted the green gauntlets from the cart.

Placed on the workbench, they were designed as if a small shield had been attached to the forearm. And embedded in that shield part were four different colored magic stones in a diamond pattern.

"A magic tool for barriers, right?"

"Yep. The one you made and delivered to me."

"You never told me about this!? Let me in on it!"

"If I told you, you'd definitely try to add some ninja elements."

"We're the Invisible Ninjas! It's what a ninja clan does!"

"You're not a ninja."

"!?"

Ignoring the wide-eyed Erina-san, I picked up one of the gauntlets.

"May I activate it?"

"Go ahead."

With Shizuku-san's permission, I channeled mana into it. The four magic stones began to glow faintly, and a translucent oval... no, an egg-shaped barrier was deployed.

"Whoa...? It kind of looks like that egg-thingy Kyouta-chan gave me before?"

"The formula is mostly the same. This one has a lower output, but it's designed to be deployed multiple times."

"Still, it can stop a handgun round. A few rifle bullets won't be a problem either."

Shizuku-san said it so casually that for a moment I wondered how she tested it, but then I remembered the 'client' and it made sense.

"And as for the spear, I can't activate it inside the factory, but if you channel mana into it, the tip will be wreathed in flames. This is also alchemy."

From an attaché case with multiple locks, a spear about 1.2 meters long was taken out.

It had a simple appearance with a black shaft and a steel-colored spearhead, but looking closely, I could see a small red magic stone, about the size of my pinky nail, embedded at the base of the blade.

"It doesn't just get wreathed in flames. By temporarily increasing the output, it can accelerate when you swing it sideways or slam it down. It should have enough power for a low-rank Awakened Person to overwhelm anything up to D-Rank, no question."

"That's amazing. Is this going to be the main product of your workshop from now on?"

"Who knows. I'll still be taking on other jobs, of course, so I can't say for sure. I got an interesting order just recently, too."

"Hmm... But isn't it hard to make a lot of these?"

Shizuku-san nodded at Erina-san's words.

"Yep. I don't want to cut corners on my work. I kept the materials within budget, but I forged each one with all my might."

"To begin with, this isn't a product meant for mass production... I mean, the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club is there for that kind of thing."

"True. Mass production and mass consumption is the Club's specialty!"

As seen in the video from before, that group sells a variety of equipment for adventurers.

I looked into it a bit, and apparently Sasaki-san's equipment is almost all on loan.

Normally it's difficult for adventurers to get insurance or loans, but it seems that by going through Walkers, the club ensures they can collect properly.

The largest Awakened Person organization and the top-tier technology-based Awakened Person organization. It's an absurd, almost cheat-like move that's only possible because those two have teamed up. It's no exaggeration to say that it would be impossible for anyone else to imitate.

"So, the plan is to compete on quality with this thing. There are people like Aika whose Arcane Gear isn't suited for combat, and cases like Aira-san where their personal level cap is low. The Alchemical Armor, and any improved versions we make in the future, should be a big hit with Awakened Persons like that who are aiming higher."

"Whoa. But won't the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club just make something even better with alchemy?"

"Don't worry. Even if Kyouta's alchemy loses, you've still got me."

"What a way to put it... Well, actually, they are better alchemists than I am, so I can't really argue. But they're dedicated to mass production, so for now, I don't think they'll get into stuff like this."

"I see. You guys have really thought this through."

"Well, I did consult with the professor and get her opinion."

"Was I the only one who didn't know!?"

Erina-san grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me back and forth.

If you want someone to blame, blame your unfortunate naming sense and ninja obsession.

"Ugh, you're all so mean... Ā-chan was involved with this jumpsuit too, right?"

"Oh, you can tell?"

"Of course. This is an application of curses, right?"

"Exactly. Knowing how to curse means you also know how to prevent curses. This jumpsuit has been soaked in a cursed poison that's harmless to the skin. Not even a spiritual body can pass through it."

It seems Aika-san also learned a lot while making the scabbard for the 'Basmu's Poison Sword.'

That poison sword and the Black Hell Cannon were confiscated and placed under government management after the white dragon was defeated, but what was gained from them hasn't been lost.

As I was thinking about that, speak of the devil.

"Guess who?"

Soft, white, cool hands covered my eyes from behind.

I knew from the flow of mana, but more than that, there was no way she wouldn't be at Shizuku-san's workshop if we were here.

"With these beautiful hands and this voice, it has to be Aika-san."

"Correct♪ But your phrasing was a little cheesy, so you lose points. Time for your punishment."

The hands moved away, only to be replaced by a gentle tugging on my earlobes from both sides. It didn't hurt at all; they were just playfully fiddling with them.

"Actually, you've been here the whole time, haven't you? Behind us."

"I was waiting for the right time to play a prank."

"I see. Then here's a prank for you too."

I slipped free from her fingers, turned around, and gently poked her on the cheek.

The feel of her soft, white skin was pleasant.

"Eek♡"

As I was playing around with Aika-san, who let out an exaggerated squeal, I heard a loud click of a tongue.

"Don't get all lovey-dovey in my workshop. You incel and your anvil."

"You mustn't, Kyouta-kun. That's jealousy. You must immediately go and flirt with Shizuku-san as well."

"Understood!"

"Huh? I'm not jealous, you know?"

As I approached the pouting Shizuku-san, she glared at me with her sharp eyes.

...Alright. I agreed on a whim, but should I just poke her cheek too?

But doing the same thing again feels wrong somehow.

And so...

—Squeeze.

"Ngh...!"

Through her black shirt, I grabbed a handful of Shizuku-san's enormous breast.

I could feel its firmness through the thin fabric and what was probably a sports bra. Yet it was still distinctly soft, and I moved my fingers as if to confirm its roundness.

"Wh-what, getting horny at a time like this, you idiot...!"

"Well, I noticed your jumpsuit was open, so I figured this was what you wanted."

"...Tch."

Her face beet red, Shizuku-san averted her gaze. She usually keeps her zipper all the way up while she's working, but when I turned around, it was pulled down to her navel, so I figured that was the case.

Well, to be honest, my eyes were naturally drawn to Shizuku-san's rocket boobs anyway.

As I was enjoying myself, I felt a finger poking my cheek from the side.

"Honestly. Are you trying to make me jealous?"

"No, no. That's not it."

Aika-san pressed herself against me, a pleasant scent wafting from her long black hair.

Yes... I'm in a harem right now! A very good one!

"Alright, that's enough! Stop, everyone!"

Erina-san, who had suddenly put on sunglasses and a whistle, pulled Shizuku-san and Aika-san away.

"Unscheduled erotic activities are not permitted! It's a violation of the treaty!"

"Yes, of course."

"I-It's not like I started it...!"

"Wait, what treaty? I don't know anything about that."

"This... is the law of the ninja village!"

"I told you, you're not a ninja."

"!?"

Still, it was probably a good thing she stopped us. Doing that sort of thing here would be too much of a nuisance for the other people in the factory.

As I came to that conclusion, Erina-san placed a hand on my right shoulder, stood on her tiptoes, and brought her lips close to my ear.

"That sort of thing is for tonight, okay? Kyouta-chan♪"

"Yes, ma'am!"

As her chest pressed against my arm, I nodded vigorously.

Dad... Mom... Thank you for bringing me into this world...!

While I was mentally thanking my parents, Erina-san returned to her original position. As I was lamenting the loss of her chest, she tilted her head curiously.

"By the way, this Alchemical Armor? Where are you planning on selling it?"

"Huh? Well, as the color scheme suggests..."

With a thump, Shizuku-san tapped the chestplate worn by the mannequin.

"The Self-Defense Force. The SDF's Awakened Person unit is going to be using this."