Chapter 87
So, we're heading back to the dungeon camp to get the Doctor to do something about the Mugen High-Load ver5.0.
Since there's no direct door to the dungeon camp, we'll head to the hotel we're staying at for now.
"Was this the hotel door?"
From a world that's like a lake just a few centimeters deep, one step through the door brings you to an executive hotel room.
"This anomalous substance is seriously convenient. Maybe this is actually the trap room?"
"Yes, it is."
"Don't just say 'yes, it is,' now."
"Doctor, you're dirty, so please take a shower first."
"Hmm, is that okay? You're quite thoughtful."
"Ah, but I'm going in first. This is my room after all."
"What's with this guy. He's just subtly annoying."
And with that, I had a nice hot shower and feel warm and cozy. Ahh, that was a good soak.
While I was at it, I washed Shimaenaga-san and Gii-san too since they got dirty from the intense battle.
"Chii~♪"
"Gii."
They both look satisfied.
Glad they're clean now.
"I'm done, Doctor."
"Mm."
I return from the shower.
Sitting on the bed, I dry Shimaenaga-san—who's about the size of a basketball—with a towel on my lap, fluffing them up.
"Finger Man."
"? What is it, with that all-knowing kind of face?"
The Doctor suddenly spoke in a formal tone while drinking an amber liquid by the window. By the way, I wonder what he's drinking. Maybe some energy drink?
"What is that liquid?"
"It's Scotch."
"Whoa, that's a pretty classy character switch all of a sudden."
Looks like he had it brought up via room service.
"While you were in the bath, I had a sudden thought."
"What is it?"
"I think I'm gonna get killed, you know?"
Oh boy, here he goes.
"I mean, you let Dr. Shita Chichigasky go, didn't you? That's bad. He tried to get rid of me......"
"Hmm, you've got a point."
"Right? I feel like I'm going to get assassinated or kidnapped or something. He seemed to really want my research."
"It'll be fine."
"Wha—wait, could it be... I see, as expected of Finger Man. You've already taken measures, haven't you?"
"Of course not. I haven't done anything."
"Okay, I'm dead. Thanks for everything until now."
"Don't give up. I'm sure the sage has already taken care of it."
I lift Gii-san onto my palm and bring him in front of the Doctor's face.
Oh, Shimaenaga-san has puffed up to balance ball size and is rubbing against me too.
"Gii (Translation: Shita Chichigasky didn't just brainwash him—he also implanted a split-body in him, so he can't speak freely. We won't let him say anything that could harm us.)"
"Chi, chii (Translation: My junior is so terrifying that I, Chii, am becoming just the mascot character here.)"
"Gii (Translation: Weren't you always the mascot?)"
"Chii!?"
"I have no idea what they're saying..."
"Me neither, but I can catch the vibe."
"Oh? And what's the vibe?"
"Ahem... Gii-san is saying something like 'Dr. Shita Chichigasky is dancing in the palm of my hand-gii.'"
"Ohh, as expected of Finger Man's underlings. The power of Calamity is insane."
"Right?"
Huh? I feel like something weird was just said... but maybe I'm just tired.
"Well, don't overthink it and take a nice hot shower to clear your head, Doctor."
"Ah, I think I'll do just that. ...Thanks for today, Finger Man."
"It's not like I did anything special."
"Hmph, now I owe you another one."
Muttering that, the Doctor headed to the bathroom.
While the Doctor was humming in the shower, I gathered a bit of information through social media about the mysterious explosion in Chiba.
The incident where the Chiba Civic Hall blew up is already being covered by the media. Cause unknown. Casualty count also unknown. Well, it only happened a few minutes ago, so I guess no one knows anything yet.
We'll see how it goes (not my problem).
"Chii."
"Hm? What is it, Shimaenaga-san?"
"Chii chii chii (Translation: This is a straight path to Calamity-chii.)"
"You seem kinda displeased. If you keep making that face... here!"
I smother their violent fluffy body with pets.
Shimaenaga-san looks annoyed but doesn't resist.
"Chii... (Translation: This will never become humanity's enemy-chii.)"
The Doctor finished his shower, so we returned to the dungeon camp together.
"Well then, Finger Man. I shall now attempt to repair this 'Mugen High-Load ver5.0' at once."
"I'm counting on you, Doctor."
"Chii chii."
"Gii."
Alright, I've got a bit of free time.
I'm super sleepy, but also kinda hungry.
Maybe I'll grab some lunch.
Since it's a rare chance, maybe I'll invite Shurado-san to eat with me? Hmm, but my brain's kinda foggy, and I might not be able to entertain her well... I'm losing confidence.
"Ah! Akagi-san! Look, Chiba is going crazy right now!"
The moment our eyes met, Shurado-san started talking to me. So cute.
She shows me a scorched wasteland displayed on her smartphone screen.
The town looks like it's been bombed—completely devastated.
What the heck is this...? There's no way this is a city in Japan, right? (denial)
"Who in the world could've done something like this... Anyway, I'm glad you weren't caught in it, Akagi-san, since you said you were going to the Civic Hall!"
Shurado-san was worried about me.
""I'm totally fine. That Civic Hall was the one that got blown up by a skill, right? Things got really wild, huh." (A man who lies through with Steel Spirit)"
"Ah, doubt! You totally did this, didn't you, Akagi-san!"
"Bfffehfehfeh! ...Why would you think that?"
"Because the reports didn't say anything about a skill. The leading theory is a gas pipe explosion."
"Bfffefehfehfehfeh! ...Wait, what?"
"You just made the weirdest cough ever. Super suspicious."
"I don't know what you're talking about..."
"Sigh... So you're not going to tell me the truth. I'm really sad."
"Ugh..."
Don't make that face, Shurado-san... It hurts. I don't want to lie.
"Lies don't work on me, you know. Actually, I have a skill that lets me see people's status clearly!"
"Huh?"
"Meaning, I noticed Akagi-san's status has grown absurdly. It feels like you've leveled up a whole phase since you left the dungeon camp earlier."
I'm totally busted.
No good—there's no hiding anything from this woman.
"You shouldn't underestimate a woman's intuition~"
"That kind of thing can happen... right? Like, sometimes you just grow really fast."
"No, it can't!"
She said it flat-out.
So it can't. I see.
"By my estimation, let's see... you encountered the boss of evil causing trouble at the civic hall, Akagi-san, with a heart of justice, couldn't ignore it and fought, awakened after your partner got hurt, and then leveled up splendidly in a battle against the strong Four Heavenly Kings who were protecting the boss of evil. That's about right, huh!"
"Wait, where were you watching all that from? Only the Four Heavenly Kings part is wrong though."
"Nope, I wasn't watching. Only the Four Heavenly Kings part is wrong?!"
"There's no way you could know the situation that accurately! I don't like people who lie, Shurado-san. Also, the Four Heavenly Kings part is totally off."
"I would never lie, Akagi-san."
"Then how do you know?"
"Intuition!"
Shurado-san, looking super proud, is lightly poking her temple with her finger.
But you know, Shurado-san, just saying "Intuition!" doesn't explain anything... No matter how smug your face, I can't accept that, so please understand.
"Fufun♪ You can't get away from my intuition."
"Um, if possible, could we keep this matter confidential."
"So you admit to the crime, Akagi-san!"
"No, I didn't intend for it to be a crime at all. But seriously, please keep it a secret, Shurado-san."
"Now then, what shall we do? There were probably zero casualties, but still quite a bit of damage was caused."
"How do you know there were zero casualties...?"
"Intuition!"
That's still not an explanation.
Shurado-san's sense of mystery is intensifying uncontrollably.
"Then, let's do this, Akagi-san."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Please tell me in detail what happened at the civic hall. If there are any people involved, gather them here."
Shurado-san says it plainly with a serious expression.
She seems properly serious now. I guess there's no escaping arrest and a harsh sentence.
I steeled myself and dragged the Doctor over.
"Why was I summoned? And why is Shurado-chan making such a serious face...? That's scary."
"Sorry, Doctor. It got found out that I blew up the Chiba Civic Hall."
"That was fast..."
"Doctor, you'll be sharing some of the responsibility."
"Why?!"
"Shurado-san, around 10 a.m., I went to Chiba Civic Hall looking for the Doctor, and then this and that happened. That's the full account of the incident."
I explained everything to Shurado-san without hiding or lying.
Shurado-san folded her arms and listened silently with a serious face.
By the way, this interrogation is taking place at a bustling Saizeriya during lunchtime. Hey, security?
"I see. I never imagined something like that had happened... Then, I have only one thing to say."
Shurado-san leaned over the table and placed her hand gently on top of my head.
Is this the kind of bad ending where she rips my head off? I'm done for.