I apologize for the delay in my last post of the year.
Things have been a bit hectic.
Perhaps Evia’s preemptive strike was successful, as we can say we seized control of the atmosphere.
Negotiations are yet to come, but seizing control of the situation, even temporarily, is a significant advantage.
This place is, in a sense, enemy territory.
Standing here with just two people weighs heavily on us, far more than I imagined.
But that’s Evia for you. She knows how to conduct herself.
Stories often tell of how powerful individuals cannot stand against nations, but I ask the opposite.
Are powerful individuals truly powerless?
No, I can state with certainty that it’s absolutely not the case.
Certainly, even a world boxing champion could be subdued, or at worst shot, if the police surrounded them with guns.
However, the question is how many police officers would fall to their fists before that happens. It’s a complete unknown.
If things go well, zero. If they go poorly, all of them.
This difference depends on the skill of the police officers and the boxer’s movements.
Let me change the analogy.
What if a robber stole a tank?
It’s the same. You’d have to call in an organization that can suppress a tank.
But in the meantime, shells might fly somewhere, destroying homes and creating families who have lost their happiness.
Now, after rambling on, what I want to say is this: while what an individual can do may be limited, and they may not be able to stand against an organization like a nation, it doesn’t mean they won’t be harmed.
And not all of those harms are minor.
Even in stories, there are countless scenes where a single individual threatens a nation.
The spirit Evia displayed showed that even an individual can be a threat.
It’s important to make those around you think you’re not to be trifled with.
Not being underestimated is a crucial element for a nation.
If one has magic power, that’s certainly true, but currently it’s just a facade of bravado. But that’s fine for now.
If it actually came to it, I would go on a rampage, but even then, I think I could somehow manage to survive by the skin of my teeth.
When this assignment was decided, I half-jokingly mentioned, “What if I try to catch the bullets from their main weapon, which are guns?” and it actually happened. Getting carried away, I thought, “Okay, let’s try pinching it with my fingers!” and in the end, I was able to pinch the three-round burst of an automatic rifle with one hand. At that point, I truly felt like I had entered the world of a manga.
So, what would happen if such a being were sitting across from you in a negotiation?
Should I call it a sentient beast?
The power they possess means that the physical strength and equipment of the SP agents, whom the government relies on, would be completely ineffective. For the Association, it might mean their spells wouldn’t work.
In other words, we were confronted with the fact that if we made a mistake here, our very lives could be at stake.
Of course, we understand that such actions in an international exchange would not go unpunished.
At worst, it could lead to immediate war, but even if not, once such an incident occurred, repairing the relationship would not be easy.
That’s precisely why we have no intention of making a move unless they do.
However, that’s just our thinking.
They are probably filled with suspicion right now.
There are no written agreements, not even verbal ones. Furthermore, their culture and history are entirely different from ours, and they have built their civilization from scratch. It’s natural to feel uneasy about whether common sense from your own nation will apply to such a country.
Their lifespan is also incomparable to our own.
A being that people universally dismiss as fantasy.
For forces other than ourselves sitting at this table, the implicit understanding is that they are restricted from taking physical action, and they seem to have mistakenly assumed this would continue.
Hence their anxiety.
Even Joseph of the great power, America, shows regret for so readily initiating this conversation.
However, there are forces that wish to move the situation forward.
“…I have confirmed that introductions have been completed. From here, we will engage in discussions where we can exchange our opinions.”
This is from the Association, who provided the venue.
If the meeting were to end here abruptly, it would be a failure on the part of the Association, who organized the venue.
Even though there is still time, it would be unfavorable to end with just self-introductions.
For the Association, which cannot afford to end things with mere tension, it seems unavoidable to take a step forward.
Followed by Kirie-san’s slightly stiffened voice, she indicated with her gaze towards Evia, signaling for her to go first.
“Hmm, given the previous topic, we shall speak first.”
It is generally advantageous to disclose information later.
Even if it’s misinformation, you can then choose which information to reveal.
Evia’s offer is greatly appreciated by the Japanese Government and the American side.
Although they don’t show relief, their demeanor indicates they are accepting it favorably.
From our perspective, it’s not a disadvantage.
“As outlined in the documents provided beforehand, our highest priority is to secure talented personnel who can strengthen the dungeons owned by our military within this country. Of course, we are ensuring an environment with the utmost safety measures. We also believe we have prepared commensurate compensation. We intend to continuously improve the environment and compensation as issues arise. We have also presented our country’s offer for your approval of this matter. Furthermore, our country has no intention of invading this country or this world.”
“…Indeed, we received the preliminary documents. We have also heard about the scope of activities to some extent through the Association.”
After all, what we are requesting is essentially personnel recruitment.
Apart from some peculiar traits, from the Demon Lord’s Army’s perspective, it’s akin to headhunting abroad.
We are not abducting them; we are properly entering into contracts and paying them.
The job is special and dangerous, not just a little, but there are many jobs in the world that are not “safe.”
Be it bomb disposal, exploration of unexplored regions, or crab fishing in the Bering Sea, some jobs are more dangerous than the dungeon exploration performed by MAO Corporation.
Considering this, or perhaps for some other reason, Kase from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the provided documents in hand, furrows his brow and chooses his words carefully.
“…To be frank, our current stance as Japan is that we would like to halt further personnel recruitment by your company.”
“Oh?”
However, perhaps realizing that no matter how carefully he chose his words, the meaning wouldn’t change, Kase boldly stated it. Evia, impressed by his sincerity, slightly softens the corners of her eyes.
“Was that not enough?”
But we can’t just accept that with a simple “Ah, okay.”
Evia quickly regains her composure and asks for the reason.
“The compensation offered by your country, crude oil, has been inspected by our institutions and confirmed to be of a quality worthy of utilization. The quantity is equivalent to approximately 87 trillion yen in Japanese currency. It’s hard to believe, but is it true?”
“Yes, our elite forces investigated. I can assure you there is no falsehood.”
“Frankly, we can’t say it’s not enough, no matter how hard we try. With such compensation offered, our country sees no reason to refuse. However, we also have our reputation to consider.”
“Are you implying it’s human trafficking?”
“To put it plainly, yes. If that were the case, the public’s aversion would be unshakeable. Moreover, our country tends to harbor strict feelings towards immigrants. If we were to introduce you to the public sphere, while some might welcome you, others would view you as an anomaly and be wary.”
“I see… Indeed, considering the national character of this country, that aspect is present.”
For the Japanese Government, 87 trillion yen worth of crude oil is a giant oasis that would enrich the national finances.
They can’t help but want it if it’s offered.
However, the compensation was problematic.
This negotiation is about granting the right to freely hire talented individuals from this country in exchange for 87 trillion yen.
The work guaranteed is dangerous, and it’s led by a country with an unknown culture from another world.
For the country to publicly approve this would be too damaging to its reputation.
In essence, it’s about elevating what was previously done through loopholes and tacit understanding—allowing citizens to undertake dangerous work—to a formal level.
Ideally, they would like to negotiate additional terms, such as establishing extraterritorial lands, similar to Dejima in Japanese history.
From their perspective, this approval is the most crucial item, but they don’t intend to stop there.
This world offers a wealth of useful technologies in various fields, such as food, medicine, and science.
They want to acquire elements that can be utilized in daily life rather than military power.
However, in either case, it can only be established if they are accepted by this country and if the citizens feel favorably towards them.
Ideally, it would be best to integrate it into everyday life.
“Therefore, we have a proposal.”
As she said this, Kase gestured to an SP agent standing behind him, who handed an envelope to the Association.
After exchanging a few words with Kirie-san, he returned to his original position.
Kirie-san took out a stack of papers from it and distributed them to Vice Chairman Abe and Deputy Director Naniwa. Then, she walked over to us and offered them. I took one, and gave the other to Evia.
“…This, hmm.”
After perusing the contents, which appeared to be documents, Evia smiled, finding it interesting.
“We propose a joint project between your country, Japan, and America: the construction of a massive artificial island facility within our territorial waters off the coast of the Pacific side of Japan, specifically in Tokyo Bay. There, we would establish a trading hub with you. It’s essentially a national project.”
Mega Float. I’ve heard of it in science fiction occasionally, and it’s not unheard of domestically either.
It’s primarily proposed as a method for coastal development, and while there aren’t many clearly implemented examples, there are some.
I was surprised they brought that up here.
Moreover, the total investment is twelve trillion yen.
Not billion, but trillion.
The units are different, not just the numbers.
Given the amount offered, even split three ways, it’s four trillion yen each.
For Japan, it seems they’re aiming to stimulate the economy.
It’s not just about granting permission, but also considering economic demand.
Evia’s gaze is fixed on the documents, but she is not ignoring Kase’s words.
“To present such a plan to our untrusted country… It’s quite a favorable offer.”
However, she doesn’t sound pleased.
Although she calls it a favorable offer, her tone is slightly sarcastic.
“Yes, we have made the utmost consideration.”
“…I don’t understand. There’s no reason for this much effort. Frankly, it’s suspicious.”
But it’s understandable.
From our perspective, the offer is too good to be true.
We want to establish a base in this world, but they’re even offering land where we won’t be interfered with. What’s the reason?
Goodwill is out of the question, so there must be something hidden.
Her sharp gaze, as if probing our true intentions, rises from the documents and pierces the three men in suits. However, they only break out in a cold sweat, their expressions unchanged.
The initial shock was unexpected, but it seems they can endure it if they are prepared.
“Yes, it’s not an immediate construction. It’s still in the planning stages. This will be discussed after formal diplomatic relations are established.”
“The timeframe for establishing diplomatic relations is unclear, but during negotiations, are you asking us to cease employment?”
“…Yes, that is correct.”
The situation is getting more precarious.
“This is a slight change of topic, but recently, we apprehended a certain religious group. While much of it has not been publicized, outwardly, arrests were made for illegal drug use and possession.”
Hearing “religious group,” my mind jumps to a suspicion. Evia likely shares it.
“This is the organization involved with the enemy country that you reported to us via Mr. Sagami. When we rescued five adult males who were being held in a certain room, five police officers were injured, two of whom sustained severe injuries such as fractures. The other side used ‘unfamiliar’ powers, and we were forced to open fire, resulting in three deaths on their side. They are currently subdued, but unknown drug reactions were detected in the blood of the two adult males who were taken down.”
Kase pauses, as if asking if we understand the implications of this. He then releases a weighty gaze, showing his resolve not to back down. I did see news about that organization. I remember it being an unusual report about police opening fire.
“Frankly, we view you with some suspicion. We cannot unite a nation by simply accepting their word that they are safe.”
“I understand, but we also have our limits.”
“Yes, I understand that. Therefore, how about we overlook your ‘past’ actions?”
Given what kind of reports were received at that time, it’s easy to imagine the response. In other words, we testers are considered dangerous by the Japanese Government. “Past actions” probably refers to the testers’ recruitment activities. The Japanese Government is implicitly saying they cannot tolerate any more. Now, what will happen?
**A word for today:**
It’s difficult to aim for mutual agreement.
Thank you for your continued feedback and any corrections.
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This is the last post of the year, but I look forward to your continued support next year.
And now, everyone, please take care of yourselves and have a happy new year.
*The first volume of the novel is published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year.
The second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content includes revisions and additions to the material posted on Shosetsuka ni Narou, along with the inclusion of unpublished interchapters.
Please consider purchasing the new releases as well!!
Thank you for your continued support of this work.
