Episode 183 That idiot is heading for the wasteland

The promised day. Early morning.

On the rooftop of Sakagahara High School.

I'm mentally replaying the events of the past few days, like a recap episode of an anime.

I saw the chickens in the shelter with Teacher Suzuki Asaka.

I enjoyed the koji cookies made by Kuno Asuka.

I helped Inano Rintaro hunt down the "zombies" hiding under cars and in the bushes.

Spent time on a date with Tada Ritsuko in a quiet shopping district.

Showed me the Rickdom model kit by Hibiya Kosuke.

Chatted with Asada Rika about girl stuff.

Cleaned up the room where I used to live.

And properly buried the decomposed body of my neighbor—Tanaka-san.

Living here was truly happy.

It's a strange thought—perhaps only now, when humanity has vanished, have I truly found happiness in human connections.

As I've mentioned before, I have no family to speak of.

That's precisely why I cherish the bonds I share with all of you here so deeply.

Just as I don't want to die, I don't want anyone here to die either.

So...

I sat alone, dazed and in a half-crouch, lost in thought.

"………………mumumu mu"

To my shame, even now that I've made up my mind to some extent, I'm still hesitating.

It's as if I must rush to my dear friend Serinuntius's side... yet I truly don't feel like it, much like Melos lingering lazily in his homeland, avoiding his duty.

But then again, why should I be striving for others' happiness?

My happiness lies right here, in this place.

Why must I abandon my own place just to go elsewhere?

The guild assures me they'll send excellent "players" here, but I'm still uncertain whether those "players" will get along with everyone else.

"Fuum…………"

Leaning on my cheek, gazing at Sakagakura.

It feels like I'm always at a crossroads, caught in moments like this.

By the way, I haven't told anyone about joining the guild.

I'm sure they'd all oppose it. Everyone's so kind-hearted.

...No.

Maybe Mr. Sasaki would say "Go ahead"? He's the type to be that way.

I'm probably going to witness a lot of terrible things from now on.

— Children who've hanged themselves.

— Families abandoning the ones they love.

— Communities that eat human flesh.

The moment a sane person's mind begins to crack.

But… something inside me screams.

I must not stop.

If I stop here, I’ll surely never be able to run again.

To keep protecting others, I must leave the warm blanket and venture forth into the wilderness.

The sound of a metallic door creaking open.

"Hey."

Ryoma appears, raising one hand.

"Good morning. Did you look for me?"

"No... I just asked a passing stranger, and they told me right away."

"Is that so?"

"It's a good place here. Nowadays, people usually assume someone they don't know is a thief. Yet no one suspected me."

"Maybe it's because you look like a high-AP person, so people didn't think you were a bad guy?"

"APPP?"

"It's short for Appearance... ah, never mind. If you don't know it, it's probably better you don't."

Too bad you weren't part of the TTRPG crowd.

"...Well, it's fine. I'm sorry to jump straight in, but could you tell me the conclusion first?"

"I'm taking a positive approach."

"That's really appreciated."

"Still, before that, I'd like to ask you to tell me in detail about the 'player' who'll be sent to the community after I leave."

"That's a reasonable request."

As he spoke, Ryouma took out his notebook,

"In principle, if you join the guild, two players will be dispatched to each of the communities closely associated with you—specifically, those centered around Sakagura High School, Nerima Station, Aviation Park, and Ippon Gei University."

He shows me the contents.

"Here, I've compiled the names and jobs of each 'player.' Please confirm them."

"I never said we were becoming allies, though. You should be careful how you handle information about allies."

"Of course I've gotten permission. I'm fully aware of the risks. I just want you to understand that the guild's upper ranks have a high opinion of your abilities."

"Hmm..."

"I should mention that gathering all this information wasn't easy. Thanks to that, I've been running around nonstop for the past three days."

"Good work."

I quickly glanced through the contents of my notebook.

▼

【Sakamoto High School Community】

Sakamoto Rutso: "Fighter" Level 57

One of the veteran members of the "Guild." Around 25 years old? Always smiling, a beautiful woman. Even as a woman, she served as deputy instructor of Shaolin-style karate, and reportedly continued helping people without relying on "players' powers" for some time after the "End."

Originally active in Saitama, but apparently answered the Guild Master's call and has now come here.

Aoi Shinya (Shinya): "Miracle Worker" Level 28

A new member of the "Guild" who joined around the same time as me. A calm, quiet young man—maybe a high school student's age? He's apparently obsessed with social games, and his goal is to restore the world so he can pull from the gacha again and again.

[Ryōma Station Community]

Matsamura Wakahito: "Heritage Wielder" Level 75

Though he looks somewhat rugged, he seems to find joy in being kind to others—a gentle man, I’d say. He’s probably in his early forties.

He’s arguably the most trusted “player” within the “Guild.”

The job “Heritage Wielder” essentially functions as an upgraded version of the “Spirit Wielder.”

Apparently, he’s quite skilled at using his spirit-empowering abilities to strengthen their base. Since Nerima Station seems particularly weak in defense, the Guild’s upper management has decided it would be best to send him there.

Kono Kizuna: "Mage" Level 28

As for Kizuna-chan... I'm not really sure. She seems shy, and doesn't talk much with me. Maybe she's around fourteen or fifteen?

You might know this, but the "Mage" job can only be obtained by committing some kind of misdeed. That's why I really wanted to hear her story...

Still, Mr. Matsumura is assigned to the Nerima Station community. I'm confident there won't be any problems.

[Airport Park Community]

Kotaro Ryoma: "Archer" Level 35

It's me.

I'm planning to bring four female "players," my companions, with me, having obtained official guild approval.

Do you remember? The four we met during the "Master Dungeon" event.

But please don't count them as combatants. As you know, they're not the type skilled in rough situations.

Umeda Jūzō: "Archer" Level 62

One of the veteran members of the guild. An old man with the appearance of a sage who's lived for a million years. Honestly, he's a bit hard to talk to, but I'm sure he'll handle things well. I just love older people, you know.

【Ippon Geidai Community】

Kobayashi Ikki: "Warrior" Level 39

You know Ichi, right?

He's been putting in a lot of effort to catch up to you ever since then, actively leveling up—well, I mean, helping people—on his own in various places.

We're always in touch, me and Ichi, and even now that we've joined the guild, we've made sure we can help each other out immediately if any trouble arises.

Thor Bladimir: "Paladin" Level 78

Thor is a Finnish exchange student, and he's 20 years old.

A big fan of Japan, and nearly fluent in Japanese conversation.

His job seems to be "Paladin."

I wasn't given any detailed explanation, but apparently he specializes in skills that protect allies. His karma is "Good," and just from talking to him for a bit, you can tell he's a genuinely nice guy.

▼

"Hmm…………"

With a soft snap, Ryouma closes his neatly written notebook.

"One thing I want to say."

"What is it?"

"The 'Ippon Gei University' community tends to have quite a few unique individuals, so it would really help if someone else, a solid adult, could also come along to keep things in check."

"Understood. I'll arrange that accordingly."

...Huh. Quick to agree, huh.

I grimaced slightly.

It's just that the 'Guild' members' ranks were deeper than I expected.

With my level at 85, there seem to be quite a few other players who are catching up to me.

Maybe it's because I couldn't level up for a few months that I'm feeling the effects now?

Still, I do have experience honing my skills in the "Master Dungeon."

I certainly don't think I'm outmatched in battle.

But if things ever came to a confrontation with a guild, it's undeniable that I'd have to proceed with far greater caution.

Of course, I don't intend to do that anytime soon...

It's not uncommon for tragedies to arise from actions taken with good intentions.

…………Well.

Worrying endlessly about the future won't change anything, after all.

"Understood."

With a silent prayer that this isn't the forbidden fruit.

"——I will join your 'Guild.' That way, ——"

——Application to join the guild 'Name Unset,' established by the 'Enders,' has been submitted.

Seconds later,

——The application to join the guild "Name Unset," established by the "Enders," has been approved by the guild master.

——From now on, "The One Who Ends" will be able to accept quests assigned by the guild.

——Additionally, members of the guild will be able to communicate telepathically.

"Telepathy?"

As a question mark floats above your head, several voices respond to you instantly.

— The strongest member has arrived! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

— Eeeeeeek! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

— Yoko-so! The one who finishes it! Yoko-so!

— We welcome you, my friend.

— Hey everyone, try not to scream so loud in the morning... please...

— I, I, I'm Kizuna, nice to meet you, um, please take care of me!

— I'm Sakamoto Rutsu! Nice to meet you!

and so on, and so on.

"…………Wow, my head's suddenly buzzing all at once."

Felt utterly drained and exhausted in just a few seconds.

Ryouma-san chuckled with a handsome smile, saying, "Haha, haha,"

"Relax. Just for now."

"Then that's fine... but isn't there a mute function for this thing?"

"Sorry, but that doesn't exist. If the voice gets too loud, just let the higher-ups know—they'll get a warning from the guild master."

"Gehh—"

Feeling like I've joined some seriously troublesome kind of social network...

I forced a grimace onto my lips as I muttered,

"Ah, um..."

It's exactly like talking to someone who's a slave.

(Oh, right. Testes here. Hello everyone, nice to meet you. Just a humble "warrior," so please take care of me from now on.)

Then came a torrent of "Nice to meet you!" introductions, one after another.

...Even if I hear just names and voices in order, I can't possibly remember them all, you know?

I don’t really know what it’s like since I’ve never joined any club or activity, but I guess it’s something like this.

I’m not really good at this kind of thing.

I stand up, letting the voices in my head drift by.

I’ve decided to leave only a single note behind for everyone at Sakagahara High… I feel a little guilty about that, but—

This is for the sake of the world and humanity.

For the rebuilding of human civilization.

“Let’s go.”

“Ah, yes… comrade.”

▼

Around noon that day.

The start of "Phase 3" was announced to all "players."