CH 117

Their discussion continues thereafter. While what I said initially attracted the attention of everyone in the room, it was in the end something that came out of the mouth of an unknown, introverted girl.



Originally, a girl like that would not have any authority to speak. Nevertheless, they are unable to ignore the effect of the skill which I announced. Fujita-san and the Mayor request for further explanation regarding the skill’s effect, so I reply while acting like a shy girl.



Despite that being the case, my former colleagues are doubtful about what I said.



“Haaa, if such a skill truly exists, show it to us.”



That pisses me off, but it is a valid request. Since that is the case, I demonstrate the skill in front of their eyes.



Moving to the parking lot, I ride on one of the functioning bikes. No sound is heard when the engine starts, and the silence continues as I move about on the bike. Everyone seems surprised seeing this.



(You’re not even going to question the fact that a high-school girl knows how to drive a bike…) Well, it’s understandable. They must be so shocked about the skill’s effect that their brain isn’t functioning properly. But even if they point it out, I could have just said that I have the “Riding” skill.



Skills are really convenient. When it comes to making excuses, that is.



“This… is indeed unexpected.”



“Yes… truly.”



Mayor Uesugi and Fujita-san have serious expressions on their faces. They’re thinking hard with their hands on their chins. I suspect that they are currently weighing our worth inside their heads.



After seeing my skill in action, my former colleagues turn silent and have bitter expressions.



…I shouldn’t be the one to say this, but how childish.



After a while, a consensus is reached.



“Okay, me and her. The two of us will head to the base.”



Fujita-san declares so while pointing at me.



A team consisting of a newcomer girl who is introverted and one of the top executives in the City Hall. Originally, such a group would have been unimaginable. Yet my skill is so valuable that it could make it a reality.



As the skill allows for excellent covertness, it would save a lot of time.



(I thought either Chief Shimizu or Nishino-kun would be selected…)



Just like he claimed, Fujita-san appears to be willing to bear the responsibility for thinking up of such a plan. How morally upright.



There were some core members that disagreed until the end, but they were persuaded under the joint effort of Mayor Uesugi and Fujita-san.



(If all goes well, it’ll take around two hours…)



While this is under the assumption that we will not encounter any monsters, it is enough. After all, what would have initially taken an entire day is now going to take less than a tenth of the time.



The reason why only one more person is tagging along is because the bike accommodates a maximum of two people, and I have to be directly touching the object for a skill to be effective.



We’re not going on a car as it wouldn’t be able to go through certain paths, so we might have to abandon it at a certain point in time.



“Um… please treat me well.”



“Ah, yes. Please treat me well as well.”



I awkwardly shake hands with Fujita-san. This is a bit different from what I expected, but it’s okay.



“Then let’s depart in an hour.”



“…Aren’t we leaving right now?”



“I have to leave instructions to Shimizu-chan and the others… and just in case something happens to me, I have to appoint the next person in charge.” Don’t just-in-case with me. Sorry, but I’m not planning on dying on duty with an ossan like you.



(But it helps that there is some time until departure.)



I have to speak with Rikka-chan and Ichinose-san as well. To avoid suspicion, I type frantically on the Mail screen while having my hand in my pocket.



(Rather than a mail, this should work better.)



I use the “Chat” function which was unlocked when the “Mail” skill upgrade to LV 2. In a situation like this, the “Chat” function is faster. A DM-like screen that could typically be seen on Line or Twitter appears. I type my message.



Even without looking, I can type in what I want to say. I don’t know whether it’s due to Ichinose-san’s influence, but my typing speed has went up. Of course, it’s still nowhere near her level.



On the Chat screen, I include everything which happened during the meeting such as the fact that Fujita-san and I would be going to the Defense Force’s base and the fact that I revealed some of my skills. I also tell her to continue monitoring the situation while I am away. I include some instructions for her to follow.



A reply comes immediately afterwards.



“Understood. Then Momo-chan and I will continue monitoring the situation. But is this fine with you? I feel like Kudou-san is bearing too much burden on your shoulders…” I can tell through the screen that Ichinose-san is worried… Well, it’s not really surprising.



“It’s fine. I won’t act recklessly. I’ll prioritize my safety and escape as soon as a dangerous situation arises. Well, it’s slightly upsetting that I won’t be seeing Momo and Ichinose-san. Also, I want to request something of Ichinose-san…” I ask something of Ichinose-san. When I send her the details, she replies after a slight delay.



“…Are you serious?”



Such words are returned. It must have been a surprising proposal even to Ichinose-san.



“I’m serious. Considering the future, that is the best course of action.”



I am planning on reaping the most benefit out of this expedition regardless of whether it succeeds of not. Of course, that is not to say that I do not hope for a success.



“…Okay. I’ll try my best. However, don’t place too much expectation on me, okay? After all, I have zero communication skills.” “Thank you for accepting. Then let’s both try our best.”



“Yes. Also, Kudou-san, please be careful. Momo-chan seems lonely, so you must return safely. I’m also waiting for you.” …



I stop typing for a second. If she says something like that, I’ll have to survive regardless of what’s thrown at me.



“Of course. See you soon.”



I close the Chat screen.



“Now then…”



I re-energize myself before looking at Rikka-chan who is walking next to me.



“Done?”



She asks in a whisper which only I could hear. She must have been waiting for me to end my discussion with Ichinose-san.



I nod.



“I see.”



She says so and reverts back to her normal volume.



“I was surprised when Natsun spoke up back then.”



“Certainly. I didn’t think you would possess such a skill.”



“Sorry, Ricchan, Nishino-kun. You see… I thought it would be better to refrain from exposing my skill to others…” “Well, I won’t say that you’re wrong.”



Nishino-kun laughs bitterly. I heard from Rikka-chan before about his occupation and skill.



“Commander” and “Command”.



Unlike my Item Box, neither should be something that he’d need to hide



… Or is he hiding some dangerous skills?



“But as a result, all the burden is concentrated on you. On you who we have barely gotten acquainted with… I feel guilty about this.” It sounds like he’s blaming me for… no, it’s more like he’s blaming himself for his worthlessness.



“Oh, no. You don’t have to mind.”



“Huh? Of course we mind. Aren’t you an important teammate of ours?”



“Eh, um…”



Shibata-kun enters our conversation. His tone is rough and sounds somewhat angry.



“I don’t know what you think, but you are already considered our teammate. Of course we have a problem with you sacrificing yourself for the rest of us.” “But we just met yesterday…”



“Ang? So what? Whether it’s a minute or a year, the moment we think of you as one of our own, you are part of our team, get it? To begin with, it’s wrong to make friends while expecting something in return.” Shibata-kun’s face approaches mine.



Scary. Scary.



“Oh, I’m not trying to say that but…”



“Hey! Shibacchi’s face is scary! Can’t you see that Natsun’s intimidated?” “Haa? B-but I’m speaking normally?”



“I’m saying that your face scary as it is. A villain’s face.”



“Hey, that… seriously? I have a scary face?”



Shibata-kun looks around at us. Everyone nods. This includes even Goshogawara-san.



Shibata-kun becomes depressed. It must have been quite the shock. I laugh unintentionally at the scene.



“Well, anyway, I agree with Shibata. Nothing will change regardless of what I say, but I hope you listen to this. Don’t push yourself too much. Return with your life. For our… no, for Rikka’s sake.” Having said that, he pats my shoulder.



“If you come across something, tell me through ‘Mail’. I might not be able lend my strength, but I can certainly try lending my wisdom.” “U-understood. I’ll return safely, so please do your best here as well.”



I distance myself from Nishino-kun. After adequately distancing myself, I sigh.



(I’ve been thinking so for a while, but Nishino-kun and his friends are really thoughtful towards anyone they acknowledge…) But then again, I think that applies to me as well.



A clear distinction between friends and others. Who to trust and who not to trust. Nishino-kun’s group is strong precisely because they can draw the line properly.



It’s a quality worth learning from them.



An hour later.



I am standing in the parking lot near the barricade.



(I’m ready. I’ve told Rikka-chan about what I want her to do as well.)



We can contact one another through Mail, so there shouldn’t be a big issue. A fully armed Fujita-san walks towards me from the entrance.



There are a few others with him. They’re probably here to see us off.



“Sorry for the wait.”



“Ah, no…it’s fine.”



He is carrying a backpack and has two handaxes hanging on his waist. I remember him saying that he fights with his axe.



Exiting the barricade, I turn on the bike’s engine. We’re planning on having Fujita-san behind me as I drive.



“Let’s go.”



“Yes.”



In this manner, we leave the City Hall and aim for the Self Defense Force garrison in the neighboring prefecture.



Now, let’s put my back into this mission.