Ultimate Dilemma ④

Tanikawa Kunihiro's Perspective

"...So, according to Wakaba, to prevent the collapse of this world, we must destroy that system. And if we destroy it, about half of humanity will die."

Asking for confirmation, Asaka nods silently.

I instinctively rub my head.

...Honestly, it's hard to believe.

Just moments ago, I'd heard the explanation directly from Wakaba. My mind was still reeling from processing it.

Now, being hit with another bombshell like this? It's beyond capacity.

"...What do we do?"

"What do we do? The real question is, can we even do anything at all?"

The scale of the situation is too vast. I can't even imagine how to proceed.

It's no different than being told the world will end tomorrow due to a massive meteorite impact...

Could we just board a starship like in a Ragnarok scenario and go mine the meteorite?

—Hey, the meteorite has nothing to do with this story!

Shit, I'm confused—can't even tell what I'm saying anymore...

"Want to do something about it?"

"...That's a difficult question."

A god I've never seen or heard of—ah, no, I did hear of it in divine scripture... but that doesn't matter.

Anyway! If you ask me whether I want to save a god I've never met, honestly, it's irrelevant.

The circumstances of the goddess, and why the one called the Demon King seeks to save her—what was written in the book left behind by Yotsuba-san—yes, that makes sense.

If humanity is the cause of this world's collapse, then the justification lies with Yotsuba and her companions.

But still—half the human race? That's excessive.

And those with more skills are the ones most likely to die?

Then that means all my adventurer friends are going to die... isn't that right?

I understand that the young ones are right. I understand, but… saying “yes, that’s right” when someone you know dies? That’s not something you can just say so easily…

…Yeah, that’s true.

Fortunately—whether that’s the right word or not—we reincarnated ones seem to be safe from dying, thanks to Young Leaf’s generosity.

So, for those elves confined here, cut off from the outside world, with no acquaintances, this isn’t really their concern.

Even so, if half of humanity perishes, won’t that affect the future recovery? Won’t it be impossible to stay uninvolved?

I can’t even imagine what it would be like if half of humanity vanished, so I don’t know what comes after.

Then again, if the system—whatever that is—controls skills and stats, what happens when it disappears?

We humans might just revert to ordinary people, unable to use magic as we did before. But what about monsters? What happens to them?

If monsters weaken too, that’d be fine—but if they don’t, how are we supposed to fight?

Ah! I don’t know!

I mean, there’s too much to think about—my mind’s a mess!

Seriously, what the hell am I supposed to do!?

I end up collapsing into a seat, clutching my head.

"...Wait, actually, how do we know that’s even true?"

"Hm?"

I turn toward the voice. Kirihara sits sprawled in a chair, posture arrogant.

All the reincarnated ones are present except for the bedridden Hasebe and the missing Shun and Kotoda.

Kirihara, drawing attention, continues.

"The book’s claims, and everything we just discussed—none of it can be verified by us. So how do we know there isn’t falsehood mixed in?"

"...Now that you mention it, yeah."

Overwhelmed by Sophia’s presence, I’d taken everything she said at face value—though I couldn’t be sure if it was true or not.

Deception is entirely possible.

“Syrilis. What’s your take on this?”

Shiho turned to Kusama.

Kusama was the most knowledgeable about the local situation here—agent of the Divine Word Church.

Ogi, another spy, might know something too—but Ogi had been embedded in this elven village for years. If anyone had firsthand information, it would be Kusama.

“Huh? I don’t know.”

“What? You’re kidding?”

Shiho glared, voice sharp with irritation.

“N-No! I’m not kidding! I swear!”

Despite having far superior stats, Kusama stiffened instantly, spine straightening in fear…

This guy—no matter how many times he reincarnates—still has the instincts of a subordinate. Or perhaps the mindset of a younger brother…

I don’t know the details either! Seriously! Yes!

Really? You’re not lying?

I’m not lying! Hey, Ogii!?

Don’t drag me into this!

Ogii? What’s up?

Ah, yes. It’s not a lie. Yes.

Ogii… even you…?

Well, the pressure from Shikihara is intense enough without any skill—can’t really blame him.

All we know is that the elves are being destroyed. Beyond that, nothing. Honestly, we don’t know. We knew the world was in trouble, but we’ve never heard anything about fixing it.

…So the world being in trouble is actually true?

If that’s true, then the rest might be credible too…

Hah. So what’s real, anyway?

Everything’s true.

A voice I don’t recognize.

That’s when I first noticed the door had opened and someone was entering.

—You can’t just say you didn’t notice because you were confused. That’s overconfidence.

The one who entered was, first and foremost, an unfamiliar girl, followed by Negishi, Kyoya, and Melazofis—someone with a long-standing grudge for me and Asaka.

“Hello. Most people haven’t met me before. My name is Ariel. I’m the Demon King.”

Upon hearing those words, I stood up immediately.

Asaka beside me tensed abruptly.

“Now, now. Calm down. I don’t intend to harm anyone. You might understand better if I call you Shiro and Wakahana. Wakahana’s hands are tied up at the moment, so I’m here to explain the capture procedure.”

The Demon King spoke, then smiled casually.

Appearance and demeanor—no one would suspect her of being a Demon King.

But she was leading Wakahana, Negishi, Kyoya, and Melazofis.

This wasn’t just a simple case.

...Still, she looks remarkably frail.

One must not be deceived by appearances.

"Either way, I'd like you to listen to my explanation, then choose. Whichever side you align with."

The Demon King presented the choice.

Note: The author Shizuhara in the web version and the book version are different individuals—treat them as entirely separate people.