Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, has a girlfriend.
Girlfriend: Suella Handelberg
Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time employee)
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class)
Position: Warrior
Time is limited.
There’s no time to be mesmerized by chance encounters forever.
In order to take swift action, I approached Amelia Miyagawa with a guide woman.
She was performing a breakdance, just like that time, but perhaps due to her awakened talent as a Hero, she stopped her sharp movements in a natural pose and, while in a handstand that didn’t show any instability, she noticed me and directed her gaze my way.
“Ah, good morning!! And who might this person be… hmm, who?”
“Good morning, Hero-sama.”
“That’s the natural reaction, I suppose.”
She politely greeted the guide, and offered a typical response to me, who hadn’t made any effort for a first contact.
It’s true that I hadn’t introduced myself, so asking her to recall me from memory would be unreasonable.
Moreover, the time we spent together was so brief that I might not have remembered her myself if the conditions weren’t similar.
It’s truly amazing that she could recall me from such a fleeting encounter, barely enough to be called an acquaintance.
“Hmm, that reaction… are you perhaps someone I know, big brother?”
“I might not have reached the level of acquaintance, but we did meet once in a park in Tokyo late at night.”
As I struggled to respond, Amelia, who guessed from my reaction that we had met before even if she couldn’t recall it, broke from her handstand and stood normally. She then touched her index finger to her cheek, trying to remember.
I was a bit taken aback.
I thought she would be more wary, but I was grateful for the surprisingly smooth start.
The guide, spared the need for explanations, quietly stepped back, not to interrupt our conversation, and began to watch our surroundings.
This spot, at the edge of the courtyard, was not visible except from one direction.
I wished the girl in front of me, who was speaking so openly in such a place, would show a little more caution when being approached by a man she doesn’t remember.
“Is that so! In Tokyo… Tokyo!? Did you say Tokyo!? Do you know Tokyo, big brother!?”
“Of course, I came from Japan. It’s natural that I know it.”
She was slow to realize.
Or rather, it’s more accurate to say she was careless.
She was searching her memories to see if we had met in Isal, and then suddenly the topic shifted to meeting in Japan, which would surely be surprising.
“It might be hard to tell because of my hair color and colored contacts, but a couple of months ago, did you receive juice from someone who was taking care of a drunk salaryman?”
“…Ah! Huh???”
While I can’t change my hair color, I can remove my colored contacts.
Amelia stared intently at my face, my pupil color now returned to black, for a few seconds. As if my face matched her memory, she pointed at me with a surprised reaction, which then turned into a question of why I was here.
“You look like you’re wondering why I’m here.”
“You can tell!?”
“Your face is very expressive.”
She’s a girl whose expressions change like a kaleidoscope.
“To put it simply, it’s work.”
Her words, spoken concisely, caused Amelia’s expression to darken considerably.
Was she waiting for help, or expecting something else…?
“Was my answer not what you hoped for?”
“Sorry.”
“Then don’t apologize. You’re not wrong. I came to pick you up.”
“Eh!?”
“Our movements are limited, but we’re mobilizing a considerable number of personnel to prepare for your return to Japan. It will take some time, but you will at least be able to return to Japan.”
I explained step-by-step to show that it wasn’t a lie or a dream.
I couldn’t go into details about how many people were involved because I didn’t know who might be listening, but I gave her an overview and a brief explanation that preparations for their return were already underway. Her expression gradually brightened.
“However, there’s a problem.”
“A problem?”
“Yes, at least two countries may interfere with your return.”
“Why!? You said you’d send us back if we defeated the evil guys.”
Her expression, too, instantly clouded at the word “problem.”
To put it nicely, Amelia is pure; to put it not so nicely, she’s naive. I apologize, but if the world worked like this, where “I helped them, so they should keep their promise,” the world would be a much more peaceful place.
I don’t know when deception began, but Amelia, or rather, the summoned students, are interpreting the conditions given by the country in a way that suits them.
The students believe they will be returned to Japan if they train and defeat the Demon Lord Golem, who threatens the world.
They believe this story is based on the good deed of helping people.
Unfortunately, reality is rarely so convenient.
“You’re not wrong, but you’re not right either. How many people would give up a hen that lays golden eggs after it’s laid just one? Most people would exploit that hen until it stops laying eggs, and then eat it in the end.”
Countries are not built on good deeds.
Human activities don’t run without profit.
Would a country, after incurring the immense expense of summoning Heroes, simply let them go after using them once?
Could a large entity like a nation be satisfied with that?
No, that’s impossible.
“You are only looking at the purpose and the result.”
“???”
“It’s understandable that you don’t get it. Some things are important to certain people, but are often neglected in the workplace too.”
First, I’ll point out the misunderstanding.
Amelia tilted her head, indicating she didn’t understand my point.
I carefully chose my words, thinking about how to convey it plainly to her.
“It’s the process. You are not looking at the process. In your minds, the process of defeating the Demon Lord is recognized as acquiring abilities through ‘peaceful’ means like training and practice. However, those in power in this country probably see it differently. They would likely instruct your actions purely for ‘practical benefit’ and demand results.”
It’s just a difference in perception.
The word “reckless” can easily fluctuate depending on the scale of measurement from various perspectives.
To the students from Japan, they might feel they’ve gotten stronger by swinging swords, practicing magic, and defeating strong opponents. That’s not wrong. That’s one path to becoming stronger. Their perception is natural for Japanese students who only know of war through media like news reports.
However, this world and Japan are different. In this world, magic beasts, attacking bandits, and even soldiers invading their own country can be excellent experience points.
“Cruel as it is, you will soon be instructed to kill people.”
“Eh?”
They are probably not hearing me.
No, they probably don’t want to acknowledge it. I might not be able to fulfill Amelia’s unspoken plea for me to stop talking, but I can’t just leave it at this and postpone it for another day.
“It’s a difference in perception. You try to achieve results through a process that excludes actions you would normally shy away from based on your own common sense. But the inhabitants of this world who notice this will likely think, ‘Why are they going out of their way to take a ‘detour’ to achieve results? This way is much ‘faster’.”
The biggest obstacle in waging war is common sense.
There is no emotion more obstructive to waging war than the aversion to killing people.
However, the country would also have a problem if they became pleasure killers. That’s why the actions of those who quickly seek their desired results are easy to understand.
“And you will likely be told something like this: ‘Please wield your power to protect our country. Please defeat the evil ones with your own hands.'”
They will try to fit the path to becoming a Hero into their own schedule.
To do that, they will prepare excuses that allow them to forgive themselves. Excuses are similar to drugs in some ways. The drug of excuses makes you think, “Well, that can’t be helped,” and removes the constraints of common sense, gradually unleashing actions that were suppressed by common sense. Humans, after using an excuse once, will, when faced with the same conditions, tell themselves “it was like that back then too,” and act with minimal aversion, even if they feel it’s wrong. And then, “This is to help people,” or “People will be happy if I defeat my opponent.” If they believe their actions are correct, their common sense will be rewritten before they know it, and it will be too late.
“…The reason I, knowing you had been summoned, rushed to make contact was to prevent you from killing people.”
The whisper of a demon can be as gentle as an angel, as pleading as a weakling, and can twist people’s good intentions in the wrong direction. I have to continue speaking to pull Amelia, whose thoughts are stopping because she doesn’t understand, back to reality. What I’m about to say has nothing to do with the company. It’s about my personal feelings. The best option was originally to lie low and return, but I came here by rejecting that because of my personal feelings. The company’s profits and the harm to others are merely excuses to process these emotions. I’ve created the circumstances for what I want to do. Reality isn’t as kind as a story. There is unseen darkness that exists before the story of the Hero’s triumph can conclude happily.
“This may be a convenient story. You may not be able to believe it. But here, please believe me. I will definitely send you back to Japan. I will do everything in my power to make it happen.”
What’s this about summoning Heroes? I don’t like the idea that your country, for its own convenience, would snatch unsuspecting kids and then try to exploit them while only telling them convenient half-truths. I don’t like the face that mocks them, hiding their intentions with thick makeup, after dragging them into this for convenience and because they are needed. I have no way of knowing the unspoken rules of a world that operates on “the deceived are fools” and “survival of the fittest.” If I choose to abandon them to return to Japan, it will be a lifelong regret. It’s better to regret doing something than to regret not doing it. Yes, this is hypocrisy. But I don’t feel bad about it. I’m standing here after making a resolute statement to my lover. Amelia stares intently at me, who is acting on such feelings.
“You shouldn’t be stained yet. There are people waiting for your return. You have to go back from here.”
“…Yes.”
I tried to speak as earnestly as possible, but I don’t know if it was conveyed well. However, she listened carefully to my words, seemed to swallow them, and then slowly nodded in understanding. At the very least, the students here all have parents and siblings waiting for their return, worried. If they had come for tourism, it would be different, but it’s an adult’s duty to quickly escort them away from such a bloody place. Well, to be honest, it’s half chivalry and half revenge, but for Amelia and the others, either way, there’s no problem.
“I’ll take on the difficult work. As for you…”
“Not ‘you.’ Call me A-me-li-a, Amelia.”
Something must have happened, as she carefully enunciated each syllable, asking me to call her by her name. Since there’s no problem responding to that, I’ll just call her by her name.
“Okay, okay, Amelia. First, take this and gain some allies.”
“What’s this?”
“It’s a tool to help you go home.”
I’ll quickly carry out the behind-the-scenes work for our departure. I handed a single file, which I had managed to bring this far, to one of the Heroes, one who expressed a desire to return. This is something that will be useful for the current plan.
“Inside are newspaper clippings about this incident and flyers for missing persons. Use these to awaken your classmates from their hero daydream.”
They are likely just excited about the special title of “Hero” right now, but once they realize the gap between their ideals and reality, that fascination will quickly fade. This acts as a coolant for that. This should increase the number of people who will calmly consider the current situation.
“…”
“What’s wrong?”
I looked Amelia, who was holding the file tightly with a troubled expression, in the eye and asked. I wanted to resolve any problems here.
“Um, recently I couldn’t speak Japanese very well, so, um… things are different in America and Japan… and, um… this camp was also suggested by my teacher… so…”
“Ah.”
I think I understand what Amelia is trying to say. In short…
“Do you not have many friends?”
“…Yes.”
When she was dancing, her tension was high and she could converse with an American flair, but her everyday life is different, and that tension isn’t universally appealing. There are Japanese people who distance themselves from those who can’t grasp that sense of distance. To be honest, I said she didn’t have many friends, but that’s not certain. In other words, Amelia’s position in her class is delicate. I wondered if I should give this crucial card, if not a trump card, to someone with whom I had just made a connection, but…
“…Will it be alright?”
“Huh?”
The decision was made rather easily. After all, I had planned to give this card to a stranger and have them take action, but by chance, I encountered someone I knew, with a probability lower than winning the lottery. This is also a form of fate; entrusting it to her might not be such a bad bet.
“I will act on my end, but I do need some support…”
“Something?”
“Stop with the money sign. You’re a cleric, aren’t you?”
“Ha, do you think prayers fill your stomach?”
“I have serious doubts.”
While I’m prepared for some trouble due to the uncertain elements, it’s always better to have less. But can I rely on her? The underworld guild works well depending on the nature of the job, but can I trust this woman who didn’t even give her name? The fact that she completely dismisses prayers makes her unfit to be a cleric, and the feeling that she’d give God the middle finger if paid suggests she’s highly motivated, but I have more concerns about her than about Amelia. Specifically, I have a premonition that she might lose a gamble where all bets are placed, rather than betraying me at the last minute.
“D-don’t worry! I’ll do my best!!”
“…Oh.”
Honestly, why would an adult make a child feel anxious? It’s probably best to trust her here.
“So, what’s the reward?”
“You think I’d ask for one?”
“Wh-what!?”
“That joke exists in other worlds too, huh.”
Ignoring the guide, who looked as if she had seen something unbelievable, I decided to proceed as time was getting short.
“It’s written in the file what I want you to do, but don’t worry. It’s something that can be done easily if you take it easy.”
This clandestine meeting could be dangerous if seen by others, so I patted Amelia on the head one last time.
“If you succeed, I’ll treat you to some delicious ice cream in Tokyo.”
“Yes! Then make it a triple, please!”
“You’re really going to empty a salaryman’s wallet. Well, I guess it’s fine. I’m counting on you, Amelia.”
“Yes, sir!!”
Seeing Amelia, who was momentarily dumbfounded, I panicked for a second, thinking I might have made the wrong choice, but then she quickly responded with a smile, promising to get more than just two or three expensive ice creams. The nation’s promise was defeated by a salaryman’s promise to buy ice cream. I returned a salute, thinking it was a clumsy one, and had Amelia leave the courtyard first. Amelia looked back a few times as she walked away, and I smiled and saw her off. Then, with a serious expression, I moved on to my next action, as I had no further business here.
“You’re off the hook. Now, about the magical surveillance, was there any?”
“There was no reaction from the magic tools, but be careful. If something happens, I’ll get caught up in it too.”
“Understood. Then let’s get out of here quickly.”
The surveillance network is something to be cautious about here. If anything goes wrong, everything will be ruined. To avoid that, I was introduced to personnel sensitive to surveillance and vigilance for our infiltration. Honestly, I don’t want any last-minute failures. I worry if this money-grubber will be alright, but she seems to be reliable at her job. While she talks too much, she started moving without hesitation, and I felt a sense of relief that she led us to our destination without going against the flow.
“Please, through here and you’ll reach the back exit. If you take out a sack of garbage nearby, you can leave without arousing suspicion.”
“I didn’t expect to be asked to take out the trash so casually.”
“It’s to avoid suspicion. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“Your tone is quite different from before.”
“If you’re not paying me, I have no reason to be polite.”
“You stingy woman.”
“That’s a compliment.”
I had no choice. The underworld guild members are either heartless or dedicated to their work. I grudgingly followed their instructions, moving forward under their gaze, urging me to hurry. Glancing back, the woman was already gone. Accepting it, I approached the garbage. Unlike in Japan, there were no convenient plastic bags. It was strangely damp and smelled foul, a substance that frankly evoked only disgust, but I managed to carry it to the collection area. I left the church without being followed.
“Hahaha, it seems you returned safely.”
“Thanks to you. Next time, please find someone other than that money-grubber. I was on edge, wondering when she’d demand money.”
The man who had guided me along the rooftops to the church was waiting at the safe house I was taught about.
“I’ve already brought your luggage to the room. So, how did it go?”
“I’ve planted the seeds. The execution is a week from now.”
“Hahaha, we might see whether you can return or die there then.”
“Hey, hey, I have a potential beautiful wife waiting for me, so I have no intention of dying.”
“It’s rare for someone to survive after saying something like that.”
“Damn.”
I regretted saying that without thinking, not as a joke, but genuinely. But I couldn’t take back my words.
“You’d best rely on us.”
“I will.”
“Hahaha, it’s a plan that will shock them. Don’t mess it up.”
“I won’t betray your expectations.”
I watched the man leave without seeing him off, as I had no further business here, and headed towards the room where my luggage had been brought.
“I never thought I’d end up wearing this here.”
I found what I was looking for immediately. Looking at the formal suit in the trunk case, I thought about how my initial guideline of “not standing out” had gone out the window.
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, has a girlfriend.
Girlfriend: Suella Handelberg
Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time employee)
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class)
Position: Warrior
Quote of the day:
“Time to put this on after a long time.”
This concludes this part.
This chapter turned out to be quite long.
I may divide it at some point.
Thank you for your continued support of this work.
