Episode 357: A Single Story

Zuzu-zuzu-zuzu-zuzu-zuzu-zuzu-zuzu—.

Sitting cross-legged on top of a large truck, greedily slurping steaming noodles.

I was vaguely observing the chaotic situation before me.

For now, the battle against the "water corpses" — zombie-like creatures — was being handled single-handedly by Nya-kky Cat.

Counting from here once more, the total number of these "water corpses"—zombie-like creatures—is roughly five or six hundred.

Though relatively small compared to the million or so "zombies" that Nanami and the others took on, it's still a considerable number to deal with properly.

...That said, it's no match for our Nya-kky Cat.

"Phew, hey, there, come on, one more time, heave!"

Nya-kky was leaping and bouncing like a circus performer, using the "zombies" as stepping stones.

At first glance, it might seem like she's just playing around—but of course, that's not the case.

If you watch her closely, you'll notice that about one in ten of the "zombies" she's stepping on suddenly collapse, lifeless.

This was a tactical use of the "Fighter" job's "Critical Hit" ability.

The "Critical Hit" ability has the characteristic of concentrating damage on the target's most vulnerable point—the weak spot.

Thanks to this, she was able to deliver a single, precise kick to the zombies' sole weak point—the brain—dispatching them with minimal risk.

"Hey, uh... can I say something?"

Then, Dogbite quietly spoke up.

"What is it?"

"I really look up to you."

"Huh?"

I was taken aback by the sudden confession.

"I don't want to fight with you. That's why I want to be honest. — I can't be with you. I just can't."

"Oh? Why?"

"Your presence is a bit too eerie for us."

"Y-you mean... eerie...?"

I feel like I was lifted up pretty high, then suddenly dropped.

"Then, couldn't we just gradually understand each other through something like a takoyaki party or a sweet potato stew gathering?"

"That's not how it works... We're currently fighting for the fate of the world. We can't afford to act recklessly."

"Or else we'll end up like Hamada-san again."

"Yes."

I can't see his face beneath the mask, but I'm certain he's looking utterly weary.

"I'm planning to leave you all now and not meet anyone else....So, could you please look after Kōichi and the children...? I'm asking you as a favor."

"No way."

"Wha—?"

"If you disappear somewhere alone, I'll torture the three of them thoroughly and kill them slowly over about a week. So, don't even think about leaving."

"You're insane."

Dogbite lowered his head slightly, then

"...You're not the kind of person who could do something like that."

"You just said you knew nothing about me a moment ago."

"I have my own eyes to see people. You wouldn't hurt others without reason."

Well, that hits the mark, I'll admit.

"But I can't help someone without getting something in return. Being seen as someone easily used is dangerous in its own way."

"...Yeah, I know that. That's why I want to give you one piece of useful information."

"Information?"

I'll play along with his story for now.

Of course, I don't intend to let him escape so easily, but if he's willing to talk openly, that's even better.

"Yes."

Dog Bite. Taking a deep breath, he then...

"Does it ever feel to you, Mr. Nobody—like everything that's happened in this world is just like a single story unfolding?"

"Huh?"

I blink in confusion, pausing to think.

As a result, I took it as one of those self-help kind of messages—like, "You are the protagonist of your own life."

"I sometimes think... maybe this world is nothing but a dream I'm seeing, and if I suddenly wake up, everything will vanish in an instant..."

"Yeah, that's just delusional thinking. Anyone with average imagination has probably had thoughts like that at some point."

...Oh, right.

"What I'm trying to say is... haven't you ever met someone who talks like that?"

"What do you mean...?"

"For example, things like, 'Come on, no one wants this kind of twist,' or 'Next episode’s gonna be a battle scene,' or 'Get rid of the unpopular character already,' or 'How dare a background character talk back like that'..."

"Um... isn't that just something you usually see in gag manga?"

"Yes. In the world of creation, it's called metafiction, or... breaking the fourth wall."

I do occasionally use such phrasing when writing diaries or other personal writings, after all, since I'm aware of my audience...

"Then, what's the point of all this?"

"If you ever encounter someone who talks like that... be careful. Try to run away if you can."

Huh.

"His name is... Alice—the 'witch' Alice."

"A 'witch'? Not a 'wizard'?"

"...In her case, she's not a job class. In fact, Alice isn't even a 'player'."

"Doesn't being a 'player' mean she's just an ordinary person?"

"No....Once you've spoken with her, you'd understand—she's not 'ordinary.' Of course, she wields powerful magic. Magic so strong it could overturn the very laws of the world."

I tilt my head in confusion.

The fact that someone who isn't even a "player" can use magic... I just can't quite grasp that part.

"It's only natural she can use magic. After all, Alice herself is the one who caused this 'end of the world'..."