Akuzawa: “What should be done…?”

 

Inside the emergency response headquarters set up in a high-rise building that currently serves as temporary lodging for the new Dungeon Association.

The faces of nearly a hundred staff members gathered there darken. They couldn’t receive support from the major nations. They couldn’t blame them, as it’s natural for a country to prioritize its own citizens.

However, what that meant was…

 

Akuzawa: “Do they mean to let Japan perish?”

 

The horde of over 200 S-Rank monsters. There’s no way to stop them. Modern weapons have no effect, and each monster is on par with an S-Rank awakened individual. Soon, they’ll not only cover Kyushu but will also land on the mainland.

Facing them are the dragons, the invincible species. They are creatures of legend, beings that surpass human knowledge. And now, they are approaching in massive numbers.

Just when Akuzawa and the other staff members seemed to be at a loss for words, wasting precious time…

 

“Stop panicking! Lift your heads, you fools!”

 

A loud voice echoed across the floor. The man who entered the room was Kagetora Ryuenji, the former chairman of the Dungeon Association.

 

Akuzawa: “Kagetora-san…”

 

Kagetora walked straight up to Akuzawa, grasping his shoulders and making him lift his head.

 

Kagetora: “If we give up, how many do you think will die? We must have pride in protecting our country to the very end! We all have our battles to fight!”

 

Inspired by Kagetora’s forceful words, everyone lifted their heads. His charismatic presence shone even brighter in this crisis. His broad and dependable back, which once supported Japan, instantly restored their fading morale.

 

Kagetora: “And there is hope. There always is.”

Staff: “Yes!”

 

The light returned to the eyes of the staff members, and they began working diligently. Ensuring evacuation routes, securing evacuation sites, gathering food, water, and more. There was so much to be done.

 

Kagetora: “Akuzawa, you won’t complain today, will you?”

Akuzawa: “No… Thank you.”

 

A hint of brightness returned to Akuzawa’s face. He realized once more that he couldn’t match Kagetora, who possessed something fundamentally different.

 

Kagetora: “I’ve contacted Tanaka-kun to gather B-Rank or higher combatants affiliated with Japanese guilds via Avalon. As for healers, gather as many as possible. As they gather, send them to the collision area in Nagasaki with the dragons. With enough numbers, about ten A-Rank individuals should be able to handle a lower-level dragon. I’ve also recalled Yumiichi-kun, who’s an S-Rank; he’s heading there directly.”

Akuzawa: “Understood! Then let’s deploy C-Rank and below to guide evacuations in the Kyushu region. We must hold them off in Nagasaki at least.”

Kagetora: “Yes, that’s a good idea. Honestly, our combat power is lacking. But if there’s a glimmer of hope… My grandson is on his way. I never thought I’d see such fire in his eyes.”

Staff: “Are you talking about Aya Ryuenji-san? But she is…”

Kagetora: “No, it’s someone else.”

 

From Tokyo to Kyushu.

A young girl soared through the sky, her silver hair fluttering, her body enveloped in a silver light.

 

Kagetora: “It’s the other one.”

 

She was determined to use her newfound power to protect Japan.

 

◇ Meanwhile, Aya

 

Aya: “Understood… Yes, I’ll head to the Association. I’ll try contacting Kai-san…”

 

After Kagetora had motivated Akuzawa and the others, he immediately contacted Aya. Although Tokyo was still relatively calm, the future was uncertain.

Upon receiving the call, Aya began preparations for evacuation. It was unfortunate that their date had to be canceled, but in an emergency, it was unavoidable. She headed to Kagetora, ready to act at any moment.

She might even have to fight.

 

Aya: “First, I need to contact Kai-san. Ugh!… Why isn’t he picking up?!”

 

She tried calling Kai multiple times, but there was no signal. Perhaps he was in a dungeon? He did mention going on an expedition the previous day. Had it been extended?

 

Aya: “What if… something happened?”

 

Worry filled Aya’s heart. Kai was capable; she couldn’t imagine him failing or getting defeated. But dungeons were unpredictable.

 

Aya: “What should I do?”

 

For now, she decided to wait at their meeting spot in Shibuya Station until 9 AM. It was close to the iconic Shibuya scramble crossing, a place full of memories for Kai, although not all pleasant.

The surrounding atmosphere was tense. News about the US and China spread, and soon, the Prime Minister of Japan would make an announcement. In just a few hours, the dragons would arrive in Kyushu.

Some people lamented that the country was doomed, while others optimistically believed someone would save the day. Some felt a burning desire to contribute in any way they could. Each person acknowledged the impending crisis in their own way.

Japan, a peaceful nation, seemed on the brink of shattering that illusion.

 

Aya: “…I should tell Grandpa that I can’t reach Kai-san.”

 

As Aya contemplated in the midst of the chaos, she decided to inform Kagetora about her inability to contact Kai.

Suddenly, there were soft footsteps.

Through the commotion, an unusual figure approached Aya. The figure wore a robe, looking out of place, reminiscent of a wizard you’d see at Halloween, right in the middle of urban Shibuya.

Aya noticed the figure approaching her directly. A bad premonition washed over her, and she immediately sent a message to Kagetora for help and became cautious.

 

Aya: “Who are you?”

Mysterious Figure: “Where is Kai Amachi? Divine Toolsmith.”

Aya: “!? Who… Who are you?”

 

From the figure’s suspicious voice, Aya swiftly drew the short dagger attached to her waist. From the mention of “Divine Toolsmith,” she glared at the figure, wondering if they were referring to an artifact.

Under the robe, a face faintly illuminated by light reflections became slightly visible.

 

Aya: “…You’re not human, are you? Who are you?!”

 

The eyes of the figure were pitch black.

They looked human, but their eyes were definitely not of a human.

Aya gripped her dagger-like artifact tightly, taking a defensive stance. It was something she had made for practice for Kai. Even so, with her S-Rank magical power, she had enough strength to defeat an A-Rank level opponent, even without combat experience.

 

Mysterious Figure: “Who am I…? I am the mage, Merlin. Aya Ryuenji, I came for you… Divine Toolsmiths have always been a bother throughout the ages. It’s best to kill them, but for now, I need you to fulfill a small role.”

Aya: “What… are you…”

 

The robed man turned his pitch-black eyes towards Aya. Upon seeing them, Aya inadvertently dropped her artifact.

 

Suddenly, a haze clouded her vision.

 

Aya: “…What? Me? Those eyes… What are…”

 

The moment she locked eyes with the man, Aya’s thoughts became cloudy, as if a fog had descended upon her mind. It felt as though her will was being manipulated, rendering her unable to think deeply. She swayed unsteadily, clutching her head.

 

Mysterious Figure: “…This is the limit of the mind-controlling magic I can use on you… But with this, all preparations are complete.”

 

Turning his back on Aya, the hooded man began to leave the scene.

 

Mysterious Figure: “Let’s go.”

Aya: “…Yes.”

 

And with that, Aya followed the robed man, her eyes vacant.

Her mind was spiraling, slowly breaking apart.