kscans

Chapter 56 - Human Connections

As I stood frozen, Busujima-san continued speaking in a slow, deliberate voice.

"Erina-san has told me that you are quite a formidable adventurer, Yagawa-san. I heard you once defeated a D-Rank boss monster, practically on your own."

D-Rank... I see. So Erina-san kept quiet about the Lefcourse incident.

That was a relief. Even if Aika-san was her friend, it wouldn't be good for a third party to know our entire battle history.

I didn't want to stand out, but more importantly, there was the secret of my Sage's Nucleus.

From the sound of it, the "D-Rank boss monster" she mentioned wasn't the Orc Champion, but the Cockatrice, whose defeat was on record at the Dungeon Store. That was all she'd been told.

Focusing on my work—adventuring—I took a small, deep breath, trying to drag my composure back from the brink.

Switch gears. If it's about dungeons, I can talk normally... probably.

"Yes. I have had an experience like that."

"It's only natural that you would be perplexed by such a sudden proposition. It may be forward of me, but would you mind if we explained our circumstances first?"

"Yes, um. Please..."

"Thank you very much."

As Busujima-san spoke so fluently, I found myself sitting up straighter.

"To get straight to the point, what we are hoping for is to secure a means of self-defense."

"Self-defense...?"

"Yes. Of course, that includes dealing with monsters from stampedes and the like, but we are more concerned with other people."

"Huh? Oh."

For a moment I tilted my head, wondering what she meant, but then I remembered Aira-san.

Aggressive recruitment of those with useful dungeon-exploring skills was on the rise. Thankfully, I hadn't had to deal with that yet, so I sometimes forgot.

"Shizuku-san's valuable production skills are part of it, but female Awakened Persons are also targeted as potential wombs."

"W-Wombs?"

That was a completely different angle than I'd been considering, and I couldn't help but repeat the word.

"Hey, can I go ahead and start eating?"

"Please, go ahead."

"Then I will too."

"Shizuku-san, you wait."

"Right."

"Time to eat!"

Beside me, Erina-san opened her lunchbox and began to eat. She really marches to the beat of her own drum...

Ignoring the self-proclaimed ninja who was now stuffing a sandwich into her mouth, Busujima-san continued.

"As you know, there's a vigorous movement overseas to recruit strong Awakened Persons. However, human nature is such that people are not satisfied with merely recruiting them and keeping them on hand."

"...You mean whether they want to increase their numbers or incorporate a bloodline, it's more convenient to use women?"

"Yes. It wouldn't be surprising if such ideas existed."

Busujima-san said it with a placid smile, but the content was utterly grim.

It wasn't a pleasant topic, but when you thought about breeding, the quality and quantity of the mothers were far more important than the studs.

To put it bluntly, if you were only thinking about efficiency, the male's part was just to get it in and get it out. You could even use a dropper if you had to. Depending on age and health, a male could perform many times. Of course, there were all sorts of mental factors, but I'd ignore those for now.

The mother's side wasn't so simple. It took around ten months of pregnancy to finally give birth. Naturally, she couldn't conceive again during that time, and pregnancy and childbirth were exhausting to begin with.

Even with modern medicine, cases of miscarriage or the death of both mother and child during childbirth still existed.

There was a rumor that the children of Awakened Persons are more likely to Awaken. I'd seen on TV just the other day that many research institutions took that rumor as fact.

...Speaking of rumors, I remembered another one: it's easier for two Awakened Persons to produce an Awakened child.

Considering all this, the female Awakened Person's role as the mother became paramount. Having equal numbers of men and women might be more efficient, but the kind of people who thought this way would undoubtedly prioritize female Awakened Persons. Some ladies-first principle that was.

As for the whole bloodline thing, it wasn't something I was familiar with as a commoner, so this was also just hearsay, but...

Prominent families, or so they were called, often had male succession. It seemed a bit dated, but it was still a topic of serious debate even today.

For those reasons, I could understand why just being a 'female Awakened Person' would make one acutely aware of the danger they were in.

"It would be wonderful if this were all just baseless fear or vanity on our part, but it's always better to be prepared."

"Um... I believe your concerns are quite valid."

"Thank you. This is why we wish for you to help us level up. We are currently F-Rank. It's embarrassing to admit, but we've only just become adventurers. We would be grateful for your assistance until we can surpass Level 5."

"I, I see..."

"As for the golem, the reason is the same. After we reach Level 5 with your help, we'll need it to continue leveling up on our own. Regarding the golem, Shizuku-san will explain."

"...Right."

At the prompt, Ooyama-san gave a small nod and turned to me.

"...You. You take a golem you made yourself on your regular explorations, don't you?"

"Uh, yes. Well, I do."

"I'll make the equipment for it. In exchange, give me a new golem."

"...Huh."

Compared to Busujima-san's explanation, hers was remarkably simple. Not that I didn't get what she meant.

"Shizuku-san..."

"What? If we talk too long, we won't have time to eat."

Ooyama-san retorted sulkily to Busujima-san's wry smile.

"...You're right, that's true. This was only meant to be a meet-and-greet anyway. My apologies, I believe I was a little nervous as well. I ended up talking only about our own circumstances."

"N-No, not at all...!"

I hastily shook my head at Busujima-san's bashful expression.

This is bad. I just thought 'how lovely,' but I'm only able to have this conversation because I'm in 'work mode.'

If I revert to my usual self, I'm confident I'll only be able to say, "Um..." and "Yes..."!

"That concludes 'our circumstances.' Of course, you are free to decline. I'm sure you have your own situation to consider, Yagawa-san."

"R-Right..."

"We'd like to discuss the detailed contract terms later via email or phone, but would you be willing to exchange contact information?"

"O-Okay."

I took out my phone and exchanged numbers and email addresses with them.

Two girls' contact info...

Feeling as though my phone had suddenly gained weight, I carefully placed it back in my pocket.

"Please consider whether you'll accept after we've discussed compensation and the time period. I hope this can be a fruitful contract for both of us."

"R-Right."

"Well then... shall we have our lunch?"

"Thanks for the meal!!"

"Right."

A cheerful voice from beside me was accompanied by the sound of hands clapping together. Apparently, Erina-san was already finished.

Busujima-san chuckled at the sight before starting on her own lunchbox. Next to her, Ooyama-san was already unwrapping a massive rice ball.

I, too, hurried to get my lunchbox out of its bag. A glance at the clock in the center of the cafeteria showed that our lunch break was already more than half over.

"Geez, Ā-chan, you talked way too much. Kyō-chan will run away if you rush him, you know?"

"I'm sorry. I don't really talk to boys very often either..."

"...Salmon and salted kelp today. Good stuff."

---The gates of hell have opened.

The three girls began to chat happily. And I, seated with them, tried my absolute best to erase my presence as I quickly worked my chopsticks.

"Hmph. Kyō-chan, you have to chew properly, okay? It's not good to rush!"

"Ah, right..."

It's no use, my stealth can't fool Erina-san!

Please, I'm begging you, just leave me alone. I'm going to die.

"By the way, Yagawa-san, did your mother make your lunch?"

"Uh, yes..."

"Kyō-chan's mom is a great cook! So, what's your favorite thing she makes?"

"Um... well, karaage... I guess."

"Karaage is so good! I love the fried food my grandma makes, too."

"...Honestly, the first time I went to Erina's house to eat, I was pretty wary. She said her British grandma was making the food."

"That's prejudice! My grandma has lived in Japan for a long time, so she can make things that are delicious even for a Japanese palate!"

"Erina-san, Shizuku-san, they do say that British cuisine has gotten quite good recently, you know...?"

...So awkward.

Why is it so uncomfortable when your friend is talking with their friends?

Because Erina-san had pointed it out, I made sure to chew properly, but I still ate at a slightly faster pace.

It was a lunch break, but I didn't feel rested at all.

...And of course, when I parted ways with the three of them and returned to the classroom, I was met with the same unpleasant stares.

To them, I must have looked like I was having a harem lunch with a group of beauties, despite never speaking in the classroom.

...This is rough.

*

"And that's why you're getting this!"

'A sore loser's rage is an ugly thing, Kyō-chan-kun!!'

'Hah! Senpai Guard!'

'Don't you kids have any respect for your elders!? To be specific, aren't you going to go easy on me!?'

"Nope."

'Nope!!'

'Gah! In that case, I'll just have to crush you with raw skill! This is the wisdom that comes with age!'

That night, while connecting via Telepathy to vent and ask for advice, I played 'Matsuo Race' with the usual crew.

It was ridiculously fun. Like being released from a massive weight...

"So, what do you guys think I should do?"

'About your next customization? For starters, how about using these Pampers-looking tires?'

'Kyō-chan! Let's build max-speed machines and race together!!'

"That's not what I meant. I'm talking about the request."

'Hmm? I think you can just decide, Kyō-chan. I'll adjust my schedule for you.'

'I don't have any urgent work for you guys right now, either. However, connections like these are important, Kyō-chan-kun.'

"Guh..."

I couldn't help but groan as they both left the decision to me.

I was hoping I could just turn my brain off and push the decision onto them, with an excuse like, 'Well, Erina-san said so...' or 'Aira-san said no...'

'Kyō-chan-kun, it might have been a bit of an ambush, but the request itself doesn't seem strange. Whether you accept or decline, this is all part of learning about the real world.'

"Ah, Aira-san..."

'Besides, don't you dare ask me about topics related to high school girls! To someone like me, your average high school girl is practically an unidentified life form!'

"Aira-san..."

'This is not-your-average high school girl, signing in! Because, you know, I'm a ninja!!'

"Self-proclaimed."

'!?'

"Anyway. The leveling part is one thing, but why ask me to make a golem? Wouldn't it be better to ask a professional for something like that?"

I'd told these two before that I had no intention of making and selling golems for profit. I couldn't take that kind of responsibility.

On that note, maybe Ooyama-san offering a trade was because Erina-san had told her that.

'That's what you say, Kyō-chan-kun, but there's an insane waiting list for golem sales everywhere. It's not uncommon to wait a year or more.'

"It's that bad...?"

'Also, Ā-chan was worried that a golem from a stranger might have a homunculus made with semen. She said it'd be better if it came from you, Kyō-chan, since you only use mana and herbs.'

"Ah..."

I see. Yeah, for a young high school girl, a golem made from some random guy's jizz would be pretty repulsive.

I wouldn't say, "but your life is on the line." The stress of daily life is no joke.

Heck, I'd hate it. Why would I want to carry around a tool made from some other guy's sperm? Both giving and receiving it is way too niche.

'Also, while the cutting edge of golem technology is said to be the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club, I hear they're under an exclusive contract with some guild now. I don't know the details. In any case, if you're ordering a golem from anywhere else, it's a matter of trust. Asking a friend of a friend is a perfectly normal decision.'

"I see..."

'Kyō-chan, Kyō-chan. Like Ā-chan said, it's totally fine if you want to turn them down, okay?'

"Erina-san?"

'I know it sounds bad to put it this way, but it's true that this is all for their benefit. Of course, they'll make the contract so there's a benefit for you too, but I think you could be successful in lots of other places, Kyō-chan. You could make more money and build more connections.'

"..."

'Even if you say no, our friendship will last forever! Let's walk the path of the ninja together!'

"Yeah, I don't know about the ninja path."

'!!??'

Still, she had a point.

It seemed Erina-san had the wrong idea.

"Erina-san. I think I'm going to accept this job."

'Oh, you are?'

"Just as Aira-san said, the connection with Ooyama-san and Busujima-san is valuable. With so few Awakened Persons, I want to build whatever bonds I can."

Connecting with Ooyama-san, who had production skills, was a given, but a bond with Busujima-san was also important.

About one in thirty people was an Awakened Person. It sounded like a lot, but it was actually quite few.

To have people who might help me in a pinch, or as a source of information, I wanted to build at least a somewhat friendly relationship if possible.

I'd also checked the email that just came from Busujima-san, and the contract terms didn't seem strange. Aside from the payment being in installments, it wasn't much different from the market rates I'd looked up online.

"Besides, the offer to have equipment made for Byakuren is really appealing. I'm sure it'll only be equivalent to the trade, but the difference between having it and not having it should be huge."

From here on, we would be operating in D-Rank and C-Rank dungeons.

Byakuren could no longer serve as much more than a pack mule or a decoy, which was why I was building a dedicated body for him. Since it couldn't be made as quickly and cheaply as before, armor to reduce damage was crucial.

...And, although I hoped it wouldn't happen, I wanted my golem to be counted as a part of our fighting strength if we ever got caught in another stampede.

No, seriously, I really thought it wouldn't happen again. But even if you don't think you'll encounter a disaster anytime soon, it's still important to have an emergency kit, right?

Well, it was probably just needless worrying.

"Most importantly, Erina-san."

'Yeah?'

"Even if you say I could be successful anywhere... it's a little difficult for me to proactively expand my social circle or find business partners... so please don't abandon me..."

'Huh? What do you mean?'

'Erina-kun, try to understand. For a socially awkward, gloomy loner and virgin like Kyō-chan-kun, who doesn't even fit in with his own class, stepping outside the community he's finally found is an incredibly high hurdle.'

"I won't deny it, but aren't you overdoing it? Especially the socially awkward, gloomy loner, and virgin parts."

'Oh? So that's not the truth? Are you su~re?'

"Erina-san. Next race, want to team up and focus-fire on Aira-san?"

'I don't really get it, but okay! Senpai, prepare yourself!!'

'That's dirty, Kyō-chan-kun!? Resorting to force because you can't win with words!'

"Well, I figured it's part of learning about the real world."

'You've been tainted by a bad influence!? I don't remember raising you to be like this!!'

"I don't remember you raising me either."

'That's right! Kyō-chan grew up with me in the hidden village, training as a ninja!!'

"Don't go fabricating my memories."

Needless to say, after that, we ganged up on Aira-san and knocked her off the course as promised.

Though, at the very last second, an attack from Erina-san sent me skidding into the dirt as well.

'Heh heh heh. This is the way of the ninja, Kyō-chan...!'

"You traitor!!"

'Hahaha! How pathetic, Kyō-chan-kun! Let me laugh at you, ha-ha-ha-ha!!'

"Shut it, last place."

'What did you say!?'

...And so, around the time the game was over...

"By the way, do you think you could reply to Busujima-san for me, Erina-san...?"

'Nope. This is a contract between you and Ā-chan's group, Kyō-chan! I'll help out, but I won't do anything more than that!'

"Guh, then at least give me some advice on what to write. I have no idea how to email a girl..."

'Don't overthink it, Kyō-chan-kun. An email like the ones you send us should be fine.'

"Uh, no. I don't think that would work on a normal person..."

'Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up there. What's that supposed to mean, Kyō-chan-kun? Depending on your answer, I might have to beat you down in a fighting game right now.'

'Sending it in code would be cool!!'

"I see I've asked the wrong people for help...!"

After this, it took me about an hour to somehow compose an email accepting their offer. I never thought writing a reply of just a few lines could be so exhausting...

Also, my reply is late now. I hope Busujima-san isn't mad. I hope she doesn't think I'm creepy or annoying. Not being able to see her face just makes me more anxious...

Sighing at the anxiety swirling in my chest, I finished getting ready for bed and lay down.

I wonder if I could just make a living by killing dungeon monsters all day...

Dealing with low-level monsters is so much more relaxing than dealing with people. Considering how much adventurers make, it's starting to seem like a serious option.

But that's not how the world works, is it?

Human society is so complicated...