Chapter 316: The Mushroom Boy

"Let's get started right away—how about the escape plan..."

When I asked, Hamada gave a slight surprised expression.

"Eh, escape? Right now? Immediately?"

"That's the plan."

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but... could I have just a little more time to prepare?"

"Are you attached to this place? You can't carry much with you anyway."

"I understand. But this place—I had plans to live here permanently for a while, and there are a lot of things tied to it... Besides, I really want to make sure I have everything figured out regarding the escape route."

"I see."

Now that you mention it, the conversation might have been moving a bit too fast.

After all, I'm currently at risk of running out of magic power.

"Besides, maybe if we move these people here, the 'zombies' will just follow along with us? We should figure out how to handle that situation before it happens."

Ran-chan.

Indeed, if we have to keep up with that many, it'd be incredibly dangerous.

"Well, then, doesn't Nanami have a skill that'd be perfect for this?"

"Shut up, Mayi. I won't tolerate you spoiling my skills."

"Yeah, yeah... but is it really okay? On the other side, the staff are waiting for the materials you've shot."

"They said they'll be here for up to three days. At my place, output always comes first."

"…………Huh."

The tense exchange between the two was temporarily ignored.

"How about we spend the night fully replenishing our 'magic power,' and then devise a new escape plan starting tomorrow?"

"That would be a great help."

Before Hayashi could finish speaking,

"Everyone! Whatever the situation, just get moving! Those who aren't here need to be informed right away—let's start preparations immediately! And tonight, let's release the rations and throw a big party!"

"Aww!" The others murmured happily in response.

Yet one person among them wore a skeptical expression.

Among the disheveled refugees, there was a boy with meticulously trimmed hair styled like a mushroom. He was probably about my age.

"Mr. Hamada. Are you certain it's appropriate to make such a decision without consulting Dog Bite first?"

"Huh?...No, if he were here right now, he'd definitely say the same thing. After all, it was him who was deeply troubled about inviting us here in the first place."

"That... I had somewhat sensed that myself, yes."

"And besides, I just saw him struggling with unfamiliar alcohol a moment ago. He might be passed out asleep by now."

"W-what? Why didn't you tell me that earlier?"

"I thought today would just be another dull day, just like yesterday—this stagnant sky of a mirrored world. I figured there was no point in reporting it."

"Hmm..."

The boy and Mr. Hamada seemed to have a brief argument, but they quickly settled things and he hurried off.

Mr. Hamada, snapping his fingers to shake off his mood,

"Come on! Now, let's get dinner started right away! We're going to treat ourselves generously after holding back all this time!"

Then, the evacuees happily skipped down the stairs.

It seemed they'd been living through remarkably austere days.

"Of course, you'll eat too."

"Yes... then, just a little bit."

"There's no point in coming back here, so don't hold back....The ingredients in this world all turn into mushy baby food after just a little cooking, but once you get used to it, it's not bad."

...That sounds a lot like "Don't expect much flavor," if you ask me.

Well, whatever.

Anyway, I'm interested in this so-called "Hero" kid.

That "Hero" kid seems rather masculine, so he's definitely not the same person as the "Hero" I'm looking for, but why does he claim to be one...?

Could it be a form of middle school syndrome?

Anyway, regardless.

My true purpose is to cut down both the "Hero" and the "Demon King."

I can't afford to miss any tiny clue, no matter how small it may seem.

▼

Later, a little while after that.

I call out to a boy wandering aimlessly among the refugees, bustling about as if a switch had been flipped.

"Uh, sorry..."

He turns his head sharply, like a mouse, and says,

"What is it?"

"You just said something a moment ago, about Dog Bite-kun, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Is that person... by any chance..."

"The man everyone calls the 'Hero'?"

Just as I thought.

Is it possible to meet with that person?

That's precisely what I've been searching for since a moment ago, but I simply can't seem to find it.

"Wow....He's always like that, huh?"

No, Dog Bite Lord is always a man who prioritizes his companions above all. He would never do something like that...

I see. So in the end, they're pretty decent people, huh.

Even if he's just an ordinary "player," — I'd be happy to have him as a companion, if he so wishes.

"Perhaps he's on the rooftop."

"I don't think so."

There was only that naked man there.

"Oh, but there was one rude guy, so I tied him up properly."

"A rude guy?"

"The man who tried to make inappropriate advances, like licking or something, toward the slender and beautiful Mayumi over there."

"Indeed? A ruffian like that among our comrades?"

He grimaces, as if unable to believe it.

"…Well, in any case, the rooftop is for cooking, so people will be coming up. That impolite man will be rescued soon enough."

"I see."

He responds with a lack of interest,

"Actually, I'd like to talk to that 'hero' guy now."

Understood. If I see him, I'll inform you immediately... Um, what's your name?

"I go by 'Nameless' here."

"Then, Nameless. By the way, I'm Kōichi. Kōya Kōichi. Call me Kō whenever you like."

"Got it. Kō-kun."

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【New Release Announcement】

'JK Musou 2: How to Save a World Coming to an End'

Today, we've successfully launched it through Legend Novels!

All thanks to everyone who's always supported us (´；ω；´)……truly, thank you so much!

Also, the manga adaptation is progressing smoothly.

So, we'll keep putting in our best effort from now on too.

We appreciate your continued support! ヽ（╹д╹）ノ