There are people waiting inside by the time we arrive at the meeting room. The other teams must have returned to rest as well.
(Some of them are injured, but none has died…) My former colleagues are also uninjured.
Mayor Uesugi stands up as we sit down on some unoccupied chairs.
“It seems we’re all here now.” He strides forward to the stage and looks at us.
“I have gathered all of you here for a single purpose. I’m sure you have heard about it by now, but there is information about where the Queen Ant might reside.” Whispers begin to resound throughout the room. As I thought, people cannot hide their surprise despite being told beforehand.
“I’ll be handing the conservation over to her for more information. Nijou-chan.” “Y-yes!”
Called by the mayor, Nijou stands up and heads up to the stage.
With stiff movements, she greets us and bows her head.
…So this girl still has stage fright.
“Um, I’ll begin explaining then. U-under Chief Shimizu’s orders, our group was exploring the West side of the Shopping District when we found a staircase leading to the Underground Shopping Mall—” Summarizing her points, her group discovered a path leading down to the Underground Shopping Mall in the Western part of the Shopping District.
There were innumerable ants crawling around, and they were about to turn back due to the sheer number of ants in the vicinity. Precisely as they were leaving, they saw an individual that resembled the Queen Ant deep inside the Underground Shopping Mall.
“…How did you know that it was the Queen Ant? The Underground Shopping Mall is almost pitch black, wouldn’t you be pretty much blind there without a source of light?” One of the members of the City Hall raises a question.
“I-I have a set of skills called ‘Telephoto’ and ‘Night Vision’. They allow me to look at things far away even in the dark.” Hee~ Nijou-san also has “Night Vision” and “Telephoto” huh. Is her occupation something similar to a “Hunter”?
“That’s reasonable. Then can you tell us what kind of appearance the Queen Ant has? Also, how did you know that it was the Queen Ant?” “Um… it was very big. I think it was several times bigger than the normal Ant monsters. In addition, its abdomen was bulging abnormally with several ball-like protrusions in some locations. It was being protected by several warrior-like Ants as well… and that’s why I thought it was the Queen Ant…” Her voice becomes faint by the end due to her lack of confidence.
There’s little doubt that the warrior-like Ants she saw were superior individuals like the ones Nishino-kun’s group and I encountered.
If they were surrounding a single entity… then what Nijou saw was most likely the Queen Ant.
Even so…
“We found her so easily.” “I thought we’d have to take some time locating her.” “She’s the Queen Ant after all. We expected her to be hiding deep underground or something.” Amidst such opinions, Shibata utters a question.
“But isn’t this weird? Aren’t queen ants normally supposed to be at the deepest parts of their nests? Why is this one at such a shallow location?” He’s right. Theoretically, the Queen Ant should be at the deepest layer. While one could argue that normal ants act differently from monsters, it’s something worth paying attention to.
“Um, I was only reporting what I saw…” “Hey, as mere students, just stay put and shut up. Are you suggesting that we’re lying?” Before Nijou can finish what she’s saying, one of my former colleagues interrupts her and glares at Shibata-kun.
“Did I say you were? I just found it intriguing. To begin with, being a student doesn’t matter in this situation, does it?” “What an impudent brat. Just by looking at your appearance, I start to wonder what kind of education you received.” “Whaccha just say!?”
“Stop, Shibata. Didn’t I tell you that you have a bad habit of being provocative?” “…Understood. Sorry.”
Shibata-kun quiets down when Nishino-kun speaks up.
“Hmm… but what the young man said just now isn’t groundless either. There should be a reason behind this.” “Mayor also thinks so?” “Indeed.”
Chief Shimizu and Mayor Uesugi begin contemplating. Standing besides the two, Nijou asks if she could return to her seat. Unfortunately, neither of them hears her small voice.
“Uh… can I say something?” Nishino-kun raises his hand amid the silence.
“What is it, Nishino-kun?” “Don’t you think… the reason the Queen Ant was there has something to do with the Golem?” “The Golem?”
“Yeah. The Golem has the ability to move around freely underground. Because of that, the Ants might be unable to expand further underground.” “Because they don’t want to be swept away by the Golem’s movement?” “Yes. Our team also explored a part of the Underground Shopping Mall. Despite being ambushed from the walls and the ceilings, none of the Ants appeared from underground. Doesn’t this mean that they haven’t expanded below the Underground Shopping Mall yet?” Nishino-kun expresses his opinion without hesitating. Honestly, he is a much better orator than Nijou.
“You have a point…”
The mayor nods in agreement. Chief Shimizu is nodding as well.
“It’s quite funny, really. We were able to locate the Queen Ant thanks to the Golem…” “It’s proof that the monsters aren’t working together. Until now, we haven’t seen monsters of different races fighting together.” Monsters of different species act independently. It appears that this fact has led to positive results this time around.
(On the other hand, it would be a nightmare if monsters were to work together…) I shiver at the very thought of it. I doubt it would ever happen… but I’ll be wary of it for the time being.
“All things considered, we’ll charge into the Underground Shopping Mall tomorrow with all our weapons and pesticides to subjugate the Queen Ant.” “Eh? We aren’t going to take action today?” One of my former colleagues asks.
“They’re nocturnal creatures. The sun will be going down soon. It’s better to wait until tomorrow morning. Fortunately, we still have some time. You guys should take a good rest today and prepare for tomorrow’s decisive battle.” Having answered the question, the mayor continues speaking.
“Also, Fujita is currently bringing along the survivors of the Self Defense Force. The command on the field is much smoother with him around. Furthermore, the Self Defense Force members will be joining us in battle. It’s always better to have more people on our side.” The employees of the City Hall nod in unison. The other members are also in agreement. I guess this goes to show how much they trust in Fujita-san.
“Rest well today. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go into specifics about our strategy. You may leave now.” “Oh, by the way, dinner is at 6PM, so don’t be late.” We disband soon after hearing Chief Shimizu talk about the time of dinner.
We walk down the hall after leaving the meeting room.
“Now then, guess we’ll join up with our friends. They seem to have all arrived.” Apparently, Nishino-kun’s companions had arrived at the City Hall and were waiting in the lobby while the meeting was going on Nishino-kun looks over at me. His eyes are saying, You will come with us, right?
However, I shake my head.
“Sorry, but I’ll be separating from your group.” “…Why?”
“I’m thinking of going over to see her.” “Ah…”
Nishino-kun understands what I’m saying from just that.
“To persuade her?”
“Something like that.”
Although I can simply exchange “Mails”, I want to meet up and talk with her about various things like Kiki.
Also, I want to see Momo. Even though it’s only been one day, it feels like we haven’t met for months.
“Are you going to see Natsun? If you are, I wanna go too.” Rikka-chan raises her hand.
“Hmm? What? Hey, then take me with you! You aren’t going to say no, are you?” Shibata-kun also raises his voice. He sounds really enthusiastic.
“Sorry, but it would be more efficient if I go alone. And…” “And what?”
“No, that…”
Leaving Rikka-chan aside, if I bring along Shibata-kun who is a former delinquent, Ichinose-san would throw up. She’ll definitely throw up.
“Ah right, Shibachi’s face is quite scary. I understand now. Yes, yes. Natsun would be scared of him for sure.” “Wha…!?”
Shibata-kun becomes depressed.
“Give up, Shibata. Going in large numbers would make you stand out. You shouldn’t complicate things by standing out.” “…”
Shibata-kun eventually gives in albeit reluctantly. Rikka-chan still seems like she wants to go together, but she holds herself back.
“Then excuse me. If something occurs, please ‘Mail’ me.” “Be careful.”
“Likewise. Please take your time with your friends.” In this manner, I left Nishino-kun’s group and headed for the building where Ichinose-san was.
The rooftop of a certain building.
When I swing open the door, I’m greeted by the intense sunlight from the sunset. In front of me, I see a girl carrying a gun and a Shiba Inu lying beside her.
“Ah…”
The girl notices me and waves her hand in my direction.
“Good work, Ichinose-san, Momo.” “Wan! Wan!”
Momo rushes up and begins to circle around me. I crouch down and lean forward, only to have her lick my face.
“Haha, Momo, how were you?” “Wan!”
I was lonely!
Momo rubs herself against me as if to say that. Since she wants me to pat her, I mofu-mofu her to my heart’s content.
Ah, this sensation… it’s been a while… “Thank you for your hard work, Kudou-san. It’s good that you’re safe.” “I’m relieved to see that you’re fine too.” Ichinose-san sits next to me.
… Isn’t she a bit too close?
We can almost touch each other’s shoulders.
It’s not like I’m bothered as long as Ichinose-san is fine, but… Ichinose-san has a face that seems somewhat satisfied.
“U-Umm… So, I’m guessing a lot has happened?” “Ah, yes. I guess you can say that. To be honest, I’m spent…” I’m not at the level of Ichinose-san, but human relationships really tire me out as well.
Watching me sigh, Ichinose-san giggles.
“Kyu ♪.”
Kiki pops out of my bag and lunges as Ichinose-san’s shoulder.
“Wa..! Uh, is this the child Kudou-san was talking about…?” “Yes, she Kiki, a Lesser Carbuncle.” “Kyuu ♪ Kyuu ♪!”
As if satisfied with her, Kiki licks Ichinose-san’s face.
“Kyaa… Wai…Stop… That tickles…” Although she is saying that, she doesn’t seem to dislike it. She’s stroking Kiki’s fur while saying, “How fluffy….” “…Wan!”
“Oh, what’s wrong, Momo? Do you want me to stroke you more?” I gently stroke Momo who does a Stroke me! appeal.
“Wan…”
Momo lets out a satisfied bark. I’m healed…. The tiredness is being blown away… “So, Ichinose-san. How did the thing I requested of you go?” “Ah, about that… can you first look at this?” “Eh?”
Ichinose-san and I, both having finished mofu-mofuing, begin sharing our information.
We talk about the events that transpired in the City Hall, about Kiki’s abilities, about tomorrow’s meeting, and about Ichinose-san’s new occupation and skills.
We also chat about some other things. Interestingly, our conversation flows smoothly without interruption.
By the time we finished talking about everything, the sun has set.
“Well then, I’ll have to return now.” “Ah… well, yes.”
“Kuun…”
Ichinose-san and Momo reveal disappointed faces. Stop. You are making this hard for me.
“…Tomorrow, we’re likely to have our biggest battle yet.” “I agree.”
Monitoring the City Hall ends here. Tomorrow, she will be joining us on the battlefield.
“Kudou-san will be assisting them as well, correct?” “I suppose so. I’ll help them as much as possible. After all, that was my agreement with Nishino-kun. And…” “And?”
“If possible, I want them to survive.” Ichinose-san smiles happily at my words.
“That’s why, please rest as much as you can tonight.” “You’re… right.”
When I stand up, I see the starry sky. Below, the artificial light coming from the City Hall illuminates the town. After exchanging “Good night” with Ichinose-san, I leave the rooftop.
I walk back in the middle of the night and return without being detected by the surveillance.
(…Fujita-san is awfully late.) They should have arrived by the evening.
…Did something happen?
While suppressing my unease, I head towards where Nishino-kun and his group are.
That day… Fujita-san did not return to the City Hall.
Dawn.
The seventh day arrives, and the curtain rises on the day of the decisive battle.