Episode 178: Ease

"Isn't it about time you let yourself… relax?"

I heard those words a few days after my battle with the 'King.'

It was during dinner, surrounded by the trio of uncles—Akira, Oda, and Hijiriga Norio.

"...Relax?"

I asked, as if hearing about something precious I'd nearly forgotten, for the first time.

"Yeah. You've worked hard for others. You're not just some ordinary girl student, that's for sure."

"That's for certain."

Nobunaga nodded vigorously,

"In fact, everyone here could honestly say you saved their lives....Maybe it's about time you started asking for what you want."

Hmm.

I folded my arms and pondered.

It sounded like a rather sweet temptation.

"You’ve got a special room just for you, right? I heard it’s hardly ever used."

Well, that’s true.

Mr. Enya seemed to be treating me—along with the "Gambler"—with particular care, providing us with accommodations far more luxurious than those given to the other refugees, making me feel guilty by comparison.

"Oh, right. I only took a look at it once. I haven’t had the chance to check it out properly lately—been too busy."

"...This is it. You haven't been getting proper sleep, have you?"

"Yeah, well... I guess..."

There's practically an endless amount of work to do.

Healing injuries among the refugees.

Fighting those 'hostile life forms.'

Gathering supplies.

Reinforcing barricades.

"Even goddesses need rest, right?"

"...Please stop calling me that."

"Aw, come on. Everyone else does."

"Ugh..."

"But your behavior really isn't surprising, given how it makes the refugees see you."

"From now on, anyone who calls me that will get a no-nonsense slap on the forehead."

Then, Akira let out a quiet chuckle, shoulders shaking.

"I'm truly impressed by your lack of desire for power....Even though you could've become the ruler of this land, if you'd only wished for it."

Queen, huh.

"...And what kind of happiness awaits someone in that position, really?"

"For example, a man. You could pick and choose from handsome ones at will."

"I don't really understand, but honestly, I don't think I could fall for men just because they've gathered here like that."

"Ah, well. That's quite a situation..."

Nobunaga shrugs.

While Akechi jests half-seriously, the completely serious expression of Hibiya Norio stands out—unlike Nobunaga, he delivers a warning with genuine concern.

"…Anyway, you should take a little rest."

He's really changed—since I last saw him, his face is completely sunburned, and his hair is cropped short, giving him a real soldier-like look.

Probably influenced by Oda and the others?

"I've got an idea... We're planning to launch fireworks sometime tonight. To let the people still alive know we're here."

"Oh? Really?"

That sounds like a good idea.

...I've done something similar before, back in the day.

"Of course, doing that would also attract people who aren't refugees." Even zombies are manageable, but if we become targets of monsters or malicious players, we'll have to rely on you, the players. If you're too exhausted to move by then... well, that wouldn't do at all."

"Hmm... Still, the incident with Nakamichi Ginga..."

At that, everyone present immediately exchanged grim expressions.

I can't help but admit I was careless regarding that incident.

"Still, the body of Ginga Galaxy hasn't been found yet, right?"

"Indeed. I personally participated in the on-site investigation, and there's no doubt it was moved somewhere. Someone capable of lifting an adult's body with ease."

The crime took advantage of the time we were busy guiding the refugees.

Before we even realized it, Ginga Galaxy's body had vanished.

"But why, I wonder?"

"Can't say. Probably they're after the power of the 'King'."

"Hmm..."

I've heard the 'King' is a job passed down through bloodline.

If that's the case, their target might be...

"Maybe they're planning to extract sperm from the corpse and impregnate some girl, intending to raise her child as the 'King'."

Ugh.

That's an utterly despicable idea.

"If that's the case, we'll have to ensure Hisen's safety thoroughly from now on."

——And also eliminate Chūdō Hisen.

That was the boy who called himself "Pochi."

"Still, even if we're to protect him, there are limits to what we can do. We can't possibly watch him every second of every day..."

"Hmm. Above all, attempting assassination using the full power of the 'Player' would be beyond our ability to stop."

………….

………………Hmm.

The more I think about it, the more problems remain unresolved…….

"But even so, you really should rest."

"Still…"

"This is the collective decision of the people from Sakaoka. At least, everyone I know wants to have a relaxed conversation with you."

Yeah, I haven't properly talked with everyone lately.

I've been curious about what's happened while I've been gone.

"At the very least, take tomorrow to relax."

Ah...

I nodded vaguely and gently placed the crumpled wrappers of the piled-up hamburgers into the trash can.

▼

That night.

I lay on a princess-like four-poster bed in a room that was even more luxurious and vast than the "Pine Course" at the "Adventurer's Inn,"

Phew...

And sighs.

Looking back, it was a daily life like a chicken with fire lit under its rear, rushing frantically.

— Isn't it okay to just relax a bit?

I replayed Genzai's words in my mind.

"Relaxation, huh..."

Come to think of it, that's exactly where I ended up.

To reclaim my days of endless gaming, to enjoy a laid-back, carefree final life.

That's precisely why I've been pushing myself all this time.

Looking around this room, it seems I've got not only a collection of various movie DVDs but also a full range of gaming consoles prepared.

I could have easily gotten completely absorbed in gaming right now if I'd wanted to.

But well...

You know, like...

When homework piles up like this, it's hard to enjoy even the summer break, really.

This evacuation facility is well-designed, but still not impenetrable.

And according to Hakuha-san, "Phase Three" is expected to arrive this month.

―A large number of powerful "hostile lifeforms" are becoming active and beginning to attack people. The "zombies" scattered across various regions are now gathering in the city center.

―And above all, the most troublesome are the "monsters" that can fly. They casually leap over barricades without hesitation.

I recall the information about "Phase Three" that Hana-chan taught me at some point.

Getting absorbed in play without properly preparing for the dangers is nothing short of escapism.

"Huh..."

Sighing, I turned on the large plasma TV built into the wall.

Since I was already at it, I decided to watch an anime DVD to take my mind off things.

"In times like this... it's gotta be 'Tom and Jerry'."

After loading the disc into the player, the cat and mouse began bickering amiably.

While gazing absentmindedly at it, I open the pamphlet handed to me by Enzan.

"Welcome to the Bolttech (fake) Shelter! by Nakamichi Enzan"

Reading the heading sideways, I mutter, "Ah... one of those otaku-style 'only people who get it will understand' jokes..."

There, depicted in detail, was the floor plan of the facility where I currently am.

This evacuation facility, created by Ena when she still possessed her power as "Queen," resembled nothing so much as a child's imagined secret base.

Living spaces enclosed by walls as strong as nuclear shelters.

Recreational facilities such as a gymnasium, movie theater, music room, and library—plus specialized workshops oddly focused on model building.

Naturally, the facility also boasted well-developed infrastructure for essential needs like power generation and water storage.

If I may quote Akihiko-san, "What's especially impressive is the drainage system."

Apparently, dealing with water infrastructure underground in the city center is extremely difficult.

I hadn't realized this before, thanks to my time spent in the dungeon, but most of the abandoned subway tunnels, no longer accessible to human hands, appear to have already flooded.

Incidentally, this incident seems to have significantly boosted Enzan's standing.

"If we take good care of it, this facility can last a hundred years. We can rebuild civilization once again."

and everyone is getting excited together.

It feels just like, "We've defeated the villain, and now all is well."

But am I the only one who doesn't sense any real resolution to the situation yet?

▼

The DVD of 'Tom and Jerry' is nearing the end.

I'm moved by Tom's bravery, how he never gives up in protecting our home no matter how badly he's treated.

I suddenly think to myself,

"I kind of feel like going back to the apartment in Sakagō for a bit."

It's a bit run-down and tends to lose power quickly, but it's just the right size for a single person.

I only moved in because the high school is nearby—nothing particularly meaningful about it.

I've left it untouched for so long, so it might be time to go back and clean it up.

And if possible, I'd like to bury Mr. Tanaka next door too.

Vaguely picturing tomorrow's plans.

In the morning, say hello to everyone.

Around noon, maybe head back to Sagakyo.

Using the Demonization ability, it'll be quick. Plus, it'll be good practice.

(Alright. I'll spend the whole day like that.)

Once I've decided, I suppose the exhaustion from earlier finally caught up.

My consciousness sank effortlessly down into the depths of the abyss.