Episode 218: The Current State of Akihabara

Guided by the wobbling figure of Nakamichi Enzan, we once again walk through the underground shelter.

Though the shelter is organized with numbered sections, making it easy for those familiar to navigate, to us outsiders it feels like wandering through a labyrinth (dungeon).

I suddenly feel as though I might never return to the world I once knew, and my head begins to spin.

The conversation during the journey was mostly handled by Rinne.

"——So, how’s things around here these days?"

That girl really talks down to her elders, huh.

Still, En-san didn’t seem to mind much.

"There’s no problem. People are gradually increasing in the territory, and living conditions—food, clothing, shelter—are steadily improving."

"It’s not like we can afford the lavish lifestyle we had a little while ago, though."

"In my father's time, he kept everyone in a state of suspended animation, manipulating them at will. That freed up resources, so we could do all sorts of things."

"I see. So even villains have their own ways of getting things done."

"...Yeah."

I half-listened to their conversation, alternating between caramel and salted popcorn.

Yeah, incredible.

It's a combination you could eat forever.

"By the way, I heard once that some refugees turned into 'zombies' inside the shelter."

"Yes....However, each room is designed so that 'zombies' can't open them due to their limited intelligence, and the announcements were effectively communicated, so — it was quickly resolved."

"That's good to hear."

Even if you call them 'zombies,' ordinary people can handle just a few individuals.

"Well, back in the Romero trilogy era, the zombies themselves were never really a fatal threat—most of the time, the story revolved around problems on the human side."

"Problems? You mean on the human side?"

Rinne seems to be referring to what happened in the conference room just a moment ago.

"No, hahaha. Awkward, really....Well, given the circumstances, it's only natural that some frustration would build up somewhere."

"I don't want a scenario where I end up clashing with the Central Office just because of group pressure..."

"I know, I know. Everyone understands that kind of move is a bad idea, really..."

"Then it's fine."

"But sometimes, even though I know it's foolish, I can really feel what those people in the past must have gone through when they jumped into war. It's like how individual thoughts and feelings—every single person's inner world—get left behind, and before you know it, there's no way back... Humans, in the end, are just creatures who can't stop fighting, I guess..."

"Hey...?"

Looking up at him with concern,

"Are you really okay?"

I'm fine. At least right now, we're not fighting among ourselves like this. We're at a critical point—whether humanity survives or not.

"If you understand that, then it's okay."

"If the worst comes and everyone crosses that line, I'll stop it. I have the power of the 'King'..."

"I see."

Still, I pray it never comes to force.

Power granted by God's whim may just as easily be taken away by God's whim. If that day ever comes—when a "king" hated by people meets his end, history will inevitably repeat the same tragedy over and over.

"By the way, are you all heading toward Chiba too?"

"Yeah. Why do you think that?"

"No, I'm the child from the Hibiya family who stayed here for a while—Kosuke-kun said so. He mentioned meeting a player who can 'revive the dead.'"

"So that's how it is. Kousuke's guy, doing something like that."

Rinon, you look a bit complicated.

"？ Was that something I shouldn't have asked about?"

It's not like that. I was planning to tell you from the beginning....Hey, have you heard about the "Phase 3" announcement lately, En-san?

"Yeah, of course. Everyone's like that, right?"

The beautiful woman in a tracksuit didn't respond immediately,

"What about the 'Quest'?"

"I've already completed it. Something like 'Increase the population to over five thousand,' wasn't it?"

"Has any of your companions gone missing?"

At that, En-san widened his eyes,

"How do you know about that?"

"Ah, I see. So the missing person... wasn't just any ordinary individual. They were connected to the Guild."

"That's right. Kyōjō Rōma. About a week ago, I think. He just left a woman who was pregnant, and disappeared somewhere. We've been distributing his photo, trying to find him... but..."

"Nothing yet?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"Anything come to mind?"

"No... So it's only the Guild members who've gone missing?"

"No. There's also a man named Nagazari. His younger brother, Ryuga, is the one searching for him."

Names of people I don’t know keep popping up, leaving me a bit flustered.

It’s like overhearing businessmen chatting about work on the train.

For now, I’ll just keep this in mind.

After Phase 3, there have been occasional disappearances among the “players.”

“One thing—I’d like to ask a favor, if you don’t mind.”

“What is it? I’ll see what I can do, depending on what it is.”

"Tomorrow, we're heading to the player in Chiba who claims to be able to resurrect the dead. We're looking for someone who can contribute as a combatant. Do you know anyone suitable?"

Then En-san, looking as though he'd bitten into a bitter lemon,

"That... might be a bit difficult, actually."

"Oh? Really?"

All my companions are running around everywhere, supplying me with experience points. I just can't keep up with everyone's demands through leveling up.

I see....If there are hungry kids around, we might not be able to lend a hand.

I'm really glad you said that.

Still, as he said this, En-san seemed determined to somehow meet their expectations, nodding thoughtfully.

Eventually, he snapped his fingers and made a suggestion.

"Ah, but you might not even need my help. There could be someone else willing to lend a hand."

"Oh? Who's that?"

"Someone you're familiar with, warrior-san....Sasaegi, from the Path of Suffering and Joy."

"Sasaegi... San."

Yugan, his facial muscles slackening to the point of exaggeration,

"Actually, I got a personal message from him recently. Part apology for vanishing so suddenly... heh heh."

Incredible.

This guy's got a beard hanging down like it's about to touch the ground. Seriously. Looks like a character from a manga.

"She's currently infiltrating the so-called Dreamland right now... Apparently, there's someone she absolutely must bring back to life."

"Oh really? Who's that?"

"According to her, it's someone who holds the power to end this whole nightmare filled with monsters."

"Hmm."

"I don't know their name, but I did catch the job title—something like 'Hero,' or whatever."