Part 230: A New Companion

After that, gripping Misoe's shoulder tightly so she couldn't escape, we marched back to the underground shelter like characters from a Dragon Quest game, forming a single file.

Walking in single file down the corridor, spotless with not a single piece of trash in sight—completely unlike the slum-like streets above—

"——Honestly, such a disturbance..."

Furin's voice carried a slight grumble, probably because she'd been woken up in the middle of the night.

"I wish you'd wake up feeling like you've just finally fallen asleep, only to be shaken awake by some dull old man's voice..."

"Ah, heh heh... I mean..."

Yūki gave a wry smile after being called a "dull old man,"

"But honestly, it's good. People who run out into the night streets usually end up in bad situations."

"That's right. I've been wondering about this for a while—why do you just leave things in such a state? You're the 'King,' aren't you?"

"Well, the people on the surface are actually quite discerning in their own way."

"I can't really see it that way."

"Feeling that way is proof that the area around Sakagura is especially peaceful. Other communities are far worse off. You know what happened to communities that accepted cannibalism, don't you?"

"Yeah... well, I suppose."

Rinon lowered her eyes with a sorrowful expression.

These days, all sorts of 'players' are fighting over territories—violent clashes soaked in blood have become a daily occurrence. It actually adds prestige to have a few gangsters on your side.

...I've heard there was a time when being weak was considered a sin.

Given that history, the argument isn't entirely without merit.

But doesn't that basically mean the civilization people built up has regressed on a scale of hundreds of years?

"The key is maintaining the right distance. At least they haven't crossed that line yet."

"What if they do cross it...?"

"Then it'll just be my cute 'slimes' running wild."

"Hmm."

Linyo, sharply slapping Totsuzen En's plump back,

"You seemed like a useless old man, but you're not completely oblivious after all."

"Huh?"

En, you should show a bit of seniority once in a while.

That girl hasn't even lived half your years.

"……By the way"

A soft voice called out—Tenshō Tsumuri.

Instead of her usual maid outfit, she wore only a T-shirt and sweatpants, making her look almost like a boy at first glance.

"As for Aizuki Miharu-chan—what should we do about her?"

Miharu-chan was currently being led away, firmly held by Asada.

Though she’d clearly given up on escaping, she pouted and looked thoroughly annoyed.

"As for Asada, I suppose—this child staying here..."

"Yes. It's dangerous. She's the one who killed their companion."

I sighed, reluctantly delivering the words.

"We should take her with us."

"...You're serious?"

"Yes."

Even if we left her here, she'd eventually slip away when given the chance.

Moreover... even with my somewhat complacent eyes, I can see it. She's undoubtedly gifted with the talent for killing. And that talent will surely become something everyone will need in the world to come.

I don't intend to become a moral instructor, but I do hope that girls like her will learn to think from the perspective of the weak.

"Mayumi-chan. Are you really okay with this?"

When I asked, the girl looked slightly startled,

"…………Hmm"

and answered briefly.

"But... but..."

Then she lowered her gaze.

"Are you sure?"

"It's not fine."

And I tugged playfully at her cheek.

"………………………"

Mayumi-chan didn't utter a single protest.

She only realized, reflexively, that she had reached for her throwing knife.

"However, from tomorrow onward, you will not fight until I say it's acceptable. I'll be taking your weapon as well. That is the condition for accompanying me. Is that acceptable?"

Got it.

Perhaps this was the first time she had responded so clearly.

To me, it didn't seem like a lie.

Then, good. From now on, you're one of my companions.

▼

After that, I informed everyone of shifting tomorrow's departure time by about two hours, then retreated to my room.

My whole body was soaked in both horses' blood—utterly disgusting.

Better get a shower right away.

...Then, suddenly remembering something, I turned back and said,

"By the way, En, you're not seriously thinking of doing something like偷拍, are you?"

"Eh? No way, I didn't do anything like that."

Really?

"Could it be that you're using some kind of magical power or something to keep an eye on things?"

"If that were the case, you'd definitely notice the discomfort while being watched... Wait, huh? That's something you should know, right, Warrior-san?"

"Ah, well..."

Before he could come up with a vague excuse, En continued.

"I've been feeling something off for a while now... Could it be that you, Warrior-san, have lost your memories?"

"Eh"

For a split second, everyone present simultaneously froze in place.

"Um... what are you talking about?"

"No, well, there are a few players who've started acting like that after Phase 3. So I was just thinking—maybe you, Warrior-san, are the same way?"

"Pu... puh-pupupupuhi♪"

Blowing a clumsy whistle while doing so.

"Yeah, that's right. I thought it was odd—If the 'Warrior' is in top form, they'd probably wipe out any new 'hostile lifeform' without hesitation... or even take down Yoshida-san, who tried to get involved, with a single punch."

No way.

The me before I lost my memories was basically a savage.

"...Well, it's no use hiding it now."

After all, he's like family.

I was planning to talk to him if needed.

"Then that's good. I know someone who might be able to restore your memory."

"Wait, seriously?"

My excitement suddenly plummeted.

"Yeah... they say this person is a 'Reincarnated One'..."

The information was a complete surprise.

"Oh, I know who you mean."

"Ah, really?...But you wouldn't know this—this person's currently with Kurokudo-san."

"Kurokudo... with Sasaegi-san?"

"That's right. We've already received reports that several people have been restored."

Good.

That means we were on the right path all along.

Having obtained valuable information, we firmly reminded Enzan, "This stays between us," before heading back to our respective rooms.

Once back in my room, I carefully burned the blood-stained clothes, then quickly took a hot shower and collapsed onto the bed in nothing but my underwear.

When I close my eyes, I can't shake the image of Ryouma-san's perverse smile... but...

Exhausted as I was, my consciousness quickly faded away.