CH 26

Events that took place within a month.

Greetings, everyone. My name is Yaharai Houki.

Eh? You have no clue who I am? I’m the housekeeper of the Nasu family who became a Kirijin most recently.

Incidentally, the skill I possess is ≪Mana Trace≫.

As to why I am at this place, Kurokiri-sama has been conducting operations in some unknown location for about a month and requested me to clarify the current state of affairs in the world.

If all that is required is an explanation, I believe it would be a simple matter to ask Lady Ryo or another person whose face I don’t even know, but I am sure there is another Kirijin present…

Lady Ryo is currently occupied with some issues at the high school, while the other Kirijin is striving to improve their own abilities. After expressing, “I wish I possessed more capabilities,” the other Kirijin has gone back into the labyrinth X-J1 and thus, there has been no further contact with them. Therefore, it is up to me to offer an explanation to Kurokiri-sama.

“Well, then, please explain.”

The voice of Kurokiri-sama can be heard directly in my head. Apparently, it’s a privilege after turning into a Kirijin, but it’s very convenient, right?

“Yes. First of all, after Kurokiri-sama conquered labyrinth X-J1, the whole country was enveloped in a whirlpool of gaiety and joy.”

Indeed, on that day a month ago. The Demon King who was the master of Labyrinth X-J1 was vanquished by Kurokiri-sama’s hand.

Nevertheless, it has not been disclosed to the public who triumphed over that Demon King. The reason is simple: both Kurokiri-sama and the Lady are averse to having their identities, or rather, information, exposed to the outside world. Kurokiri-sama probably left via a skill like teleportation while the Lady infiltrated and retreated without being discovered by anyone through her ≪Fog Cloak≫.

Even I, who was witnessing the scene in front of me, thought it was like a dream. Truthfully speaking, if I recounted that battle to anyone, they would probably dismiss it as a joke.

“However, since the labyrinth and the monsters remained unchanged, it seems that even now, the barrier monitoring unit is supervising labyrinth X-J1 and periodically entering the labyrinth to execute cleanup operations.”

“Ah, about that, it is better to give up since that is like the curse of the so-called Demon King.”

“Curse…?”

Curse. Before the discovery of these skills that emerged in the world, this would have amounted to a joke or a kind of occultism. Now that such skills actually exist, I have heard rumors about that sort of thing.

“Let’s see, next is… yes, about two weeks ago, I think. The United Nations made a global announcement about the existence of skills, thus raising awareness of skills in all but a few autocratic nations and in some underdeveloped areas where information is not available.”

“Ah, I knew that was coming.”

The impact and consternation brought upon the world by the existence of skills, a mysterious power to humanity was phenomenal. In the developed countries, they knew in advance that such a phenomenon would arise and had prepared for it, so many countries were spared, but in countries with poor security, safety has deteriorated even more than before, and the number of crimes committed with the use of skills has been escalating.

Even so, in areas where labyrinths reside nearby, security has not worsened, but rather improved, perhaps due to the threat of monsters that emerge from the labyrinths.

On the other hand, it turned out that certain mad scientists have been carrying out inhumane research to investigate what these things called skills are and what kind of laws apply to them. It is said that some areas are being pressed to deal with it, and in all likelihood, no amount of hunting will drive these people away. Furthermore, several groups of such organizations have been discovered and arrested in my country.

“It’s a horrendous story. Fighting amongst fellow human beings brings no meaning, it doesn’t even add experience points.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Huh? For some reason, I feel that there is a subtle difference in nuance between me and Kurokiri-sama, but… let’s leave it at that.

“Oh yes, about a week ago, the ‘National Skills Survey Law’ was enacted and promulgated in our country, and we are now obliged to reveal the skills we possess to the government. Did you already know that?”

“No, I haven’t heard of it. Or rather, you didn’t divulge about the ≪Fog Cloak≫, by any chance, I assume?”

“I did not release that information since the Lady prohibited me from doing so. And to be honest, this is a law full of loopholes.”

Because, as it stands, there is no particular penalty for violating this “National Skill Survey Law,” nor is it mandatory to demonstrate the specific effects of the skills presented, only providing an outline will suffice.

Besides, they don’t even do a confirmation of how many skills you possess, even though there must be people like me who own more than one skill. It really is a law full of loopholes.

However, thanks to this law, I have learned one thing.

That is with respect to the age when children acquire skills, and apparently, with some exceptions, the first skill is obtained at the age of 10 to 12 years old. The exceptions are children who are in mortal danger and acquire skills to escape that life-threatening situation or children who are forcefully activated by illegal drugs.

In either case, the child is subjected to a substantial strain that can leave them severely disabled or lead to skills spiraling uncontrollably.

“After that, well… There are some countries that have encountered adversity at the hands of the Demon King’s large-scale aggression, and some countries have even been swept into the labyrinth.”

“Hmm. That means that there will be a country reigned by a Demon King or a second dungeon to be conquered.”

“I’m hoping to grasp a hint of the labyrinth X-J2 in our neighborhood at the earliest opportunity, but a few days ago, I couldn’t even locate the entrance. Would you happen to have any knowledge of it, Kurokiri-sama?”

“No, I don’t have any information about Labyrinth X-J2.”

As I thought, even Kurokiri-sama lacks insight on the subject. I wonder where this country is heading in the future… it disturbs me deeply.

“As I said, this is what has happened in this past month, as far as I know.”

“Oh, thanks a lot. I’ve learned various information. Then, I’m going to terminate the communication, and be careful not to be exposed regarding the Kirijin from now on.”

“Yes. Take care, Kurokiri-sama.”