Chapter 323: The Traitor

"Preparation... we were just about to get some sleep, you know?"

"I assure you, I'm not so foolish as to not understand that. That's precisely why I'm asking you to hold off on it."

"But..."

In today's world, nighttime is no longer a time when humans can function normally.

In complete darkness, without even a single lamp, it's impossible to sense danger, let alone move forward properly.

"As for that, we're planning to move forward while lighting the way with lightning magic."

"Still, the strain on magic power will inevitably be considerable..."

"We've already had all the refugees carry light rations on their backs. We plan to proceed while resupplying along the way."

That's what you'd call thorough preparation behind the scenes.

"But why go to such lengths, risking danger now in particular?"

"Because today, we finally discovered the true identity of the traitor."

"Traitor?"

"You're absolutely right about who you're suspecting. He'll likely strike tonight....By now, he's probably run out of excuses to keep our 'Hero' detained, wouldn't you say?"

"..."

Suddenly, the gazes of my three companions turned toward me.

Nanami looked puzzled,

Who even are you, traitor?...Anyway, even if such a person existed, what's the point? What would you gain by killing off all those old men hanging around this mall?

That is...

I was at a loss for words.

She probably didn't notice that unease because she was emotionally unstable.

"His intention was solely to 'hold you in place'—neither attacking nor letting you go. He planned to gradually wear you down... But now that you've arrived, everything has been ruined."

"'Hold you in place'? Why go through such a roundabout method?"

"That's because of the 'Undying' skill—well, that part's a bit complicated. I'll explain it later."

I made a deliberately bitter expression there.

If Kōichi-kun is talking about this...

No.

I should stop overthinking the future.

Right now, I must break this deadlock at all costs.

"What exactly do you think the enemy will do?"

"Most likely, they'll open the entrance shutter and invite in the 'zombies'."

"When?"

"I don't know. But probably as soon as they sense our movements."

But isn't that quite problematic?

"Then we must act without delay."

"No issues at all. The children—Hideo and Akari—have already been spreading the word to everyone."

...Hmm. Those kids.

"So, you've already prepared everything long ago, and we just need to follow along?"

"Yes."

The unease I've felt over the past few days finally makes sense now.

I had always believed that everything was unfolding according to our own discretion—yet that wasn’t the case.

Everything had been in the palm of that so-called “Hero,” Dogbite-san.

It’s like a crow stealing a deep-fried tofu—slightly annoying, wouldn’t you say?

“There’s much I’d like to say, but… was it really necessary to treat us so dismissively?”

"Listen to the grudges from that 'Hero' of yours. We had to determine whether you were friend or foe....I've heard that demons sometimes appear in the form of young, beautiful maidens."

Oh, how clever you are.

What was slightly frustrating, though, was that regardless of who that 'Hero' might be, we were forced into a situation where we had no choice but to act.

"How's the evacuation progress to the rooftop?"

"Nearly everyone except the 'traitor' remains. You're the last one."

"……Understood."

If the evacuation is proceeding in that order, then—essentially.

Our trust level must be just below that of the 'traitor,' wouldn't you say?

"To prove our worth to the 'Hero,' eliminating the 'traitor' might be the quickest way."

Then, Kyōichi-kun gave a brief pause, as if pondering something,

"...No, that's not necessary. In any case, the 'Hero' was planning to deal with him personally. Please, protect the refugees."

"No way."

"Huh?"

Kyouichi-kun looked like a pigeon that had swallowed a bean-sized bullet,

"What was that?"

"Even if you eliminate the 'traitor,' you might just disappear after leaving the refugees in our care."

When I said that, Kyōichi glanced briefly toward Rokotsu.

Just as I suspected, I thought inwardly.

This so-called "Hero" seems to be watching me—(or the other three)—very closely.

But I won’t let him go.

I’ll expose the true identity of this "Hero" for sure.

"Kyōichi, think about it for a moment. Isn’t it better to beat you five to one than fight you one-on-one? The odds are doubled, aren’t they?"

"Hmm..."

"If you're willing to trust us... then we'll surely live up to your expectations."

"Hmm... hmm... hmmm..."

"Over the past few days, we've had quite a bit of conversation with you....So, what do you think? Were we the kind of villains you consider dangerous?"

That couldn't be right.

After all, you wouldn't entrust refugees to someone dangerous.

Perhaps the "Hero" thinks of us like this.

We are not villains. We are not those who trample on human lives.

We are simply... something incompatible with ourselves.

"……mum mum mum mum"

For a moment, Kyōichi-kun furrowed his face, seemingly deep in thought—

"I understand. I do believe I have a good eye for people... And honestly, this time, the other party might just be at fault..."

"Then you already know, right? Don't be fooled by my appearance—I'm actually quite skilled at resolving things with violence."

"Yes. The disposal of traitors is best handled with the cooperation of the 'Hero' yourself."

"Good."

Alright, persuasion complete.

My persuasive skills aren't half bad, I see.

Just then...

As if timing it perfectly, the lights throughout the mall suddenly flicker on all at once.

"Is this...—"

Ran-chan stares, wide-eyed,

"The third one, the Thunder-type?"

Mayi quickly ties back her messy hair with a rubber band.

"I'm not really cut out for fighting, you know..."

Nanami, under the bright light, begins taking out her makeup kit.

Likely, right now at the distant exit, the "zombies" are about to break in.

They say women take time to get ready, but at that moment we had everything packed and were ready to move within three minutes.

Then I turned to Kyōichi.

"So, where exactly are we right now? Where's Mr. Hamada?"