The meaning in protecting.

"…………So?　Karube-san, was it? Didn't you come here for something to do with me? "

　At these words, Karube seemed to remember his original purpose.
　His expression changed to a serious one, and he straightened his posture toward Akira and bowed deeply.

"Ichijou-san. First of all, I would like to thank you. We have been strongly reminded in the past few days that many people living in this city were saved because you defeated the Minotaur at that time. Thank you so much."
"……Please stop. I didn't beat him to save this city. I just beat that guy for my own reasons."

　With a small shake of his head, Akira responded to Karube's words.
　Karube then quickly replied with a few words.

"It is true that without you, we would be in a much, much worse predicament than we are now. These words are not only from us, the Self-Defense Forces. These are words from all the residents of this city."

　Akira listened to Karube's words and glanced over to Nao.
　Noticing Akira's gaze, Nao returned a small nod.
　Apparently, she wanted him to accept the acknowledgment honestly.


"……I understand."


　In a small voice, Akira said, letting out a sigh.
　Karube bowed deeply again at these words.
　Akira watched the scene in silence but then decided to ask something that had suddenly occurred to him.


"By the way, why is the SDF here?　Is this place one of the shelters? "

　Upon hearing these words, Karube lifted his gaze and looked at him curiously.


"……Don't you understand? "
"Understand?　What do you mean―――― Ahh, nevermind, I see. That's because I'm here."

　Akira's brow furrowed at the thought.
　In response, Karube gave a small nod.

"Yes, that is correct. ……When monsters appeared in our world, we witnessed their horror and were reminded that conventional wisdom was not applicable. They do not fall even when shot at, and sometimes they even deflect bullets, laying waste to us with vitality and strength unimaginable to common sense. For some monsters, whether it was explosives or artillery fire, nothing seemed to work. That was a chilling experience……"

　Karube then paused once, as if recalling the moment.
　But it was a brief one, and soon the talk resumed.

"But at the same time, knowing that the concepts of level and status had emerged in this world, we understood that they would be one of the key factors at play in the world to come. ……It was then that I suddenly heard it. About a man who defeated a monster called Minotaur shortly after the monsters first appeared in this world."

　Akira let out a big sigh at the words.
　The reason was that those words that Karube uttered made him realize why these people were here.
　Karube stared at Akira and continued his unfinished words.

"We were told that the man who had defeated the Minotaur was still alive, albeit seriously injured, and was even taken to a hospital. So, we immediately headed to that hospital. No matter what the cost, we could not let that person die. So, we thought."
"If I die, there will be fewer people to defeat the rare monsters in the future. …… is it? "
"I won't deny it."

　Karube honestly nodded his head.

"In the beginning, that was really the extent of my perception. That we alone could not protect so many people. So, I thought if you had the power to defeat those monsters, I would ask you to help us."

　After uttering that much, Karube closed his mouth once.
　Then, giving off a slightly tired look, he slowly spat out the remaining words.


"……But that mindset changed when a screen appeared saying that the monsters had been enhanced. Today is the third day since the monsters appeared in this world. For the past two days, we― or rather, many people― have been working together to raise our levels, improve our status, and acquire skills. But even so, there is still no word on any new bosses that have been defeated. The news that we, as a human race, have defeated a boss hasn't been heard since your fight, Ichijou-san. There hasn't been a single one since the Minotaur you defeated."


　Karube then gazed into Akira's eyes.


"Apparently, some of the troops had acquired the 『Analysis』 skill. So, we asked them to try it out. We wondered how high a level the minotaur that you defeated was, Ichijou-san."


　At these words, Akira lifted his eyebrows slightly.
　The Analysis skill could even work on corpses. That had already been confirmed by Akira.
　As long as a corpse remained there after defeating a monster, it would no longer be possible to hide the fact that that minotaur was not a being that could be challenged and defeated on the first day.


"…………Level 45 When I first saw that number and the status, I was very surprised. And at the same time, I was convinced. The man, Ichijou Akira, surely possessed a special power that we did not have. And that when that person died, we, the human race, would truly be doomed."
"You're exaggerating."

　Akira couldn't help but laugh at Karube's words.
　Karube, however, stared at Akira, his expression turning serious, and he began to speak.

"I am not exaggerating. I am stating a fact."
"………………"

　Akira let out a small breath as his smile disappeared at the seriousness of Karube's expression.

"So that's why you're buttering up to me?　You want me to stand in front lines and fight these vicious monsters first and foremost, before anyone else? "

　At Akira's words, Karube's mouth tightened.
　Then he slowly nodded back.

"To put it bluntly, that's what it comes down to."
"H-Hey, no matter how much you want him to quietly listen, that's just――!! "

　Karube's statement caused Nao to raise her voice.

"Do you have any idea how hard Ichijou fought and almost died against that monster……? Don't tell me you don't know!?　Even his body isn't in perfect condition as yet, but to even dare to――――!! "

　As if she were about to pounce, Nao approached Karube and stared him in the face from close up.
　Karube nodded slowly, even as he met Nao's gaze.

"I know."
"If that's the case, then!! "
"I know, but right now I have no choice but to plead!!　I don't want to say this to the person who risked his life to save this city!!　…………But no matter what I might think, I have no choice but to make this decision now…… Otherwise, we, the human race, will lose to the monsters. We are…… in need of time."

　Karube said this in a tone of voice that failed to mask his emotions.
　At these words, Nao clenched her teeth and held her mouth shut.
　Perhaps she could not say anything back.
　Nao herself must have been well aware that this was the only option available to them at this point in time.
　Karube looked at Nao, then moved his gaze to Akira, and slowly began to speak.


"I am sorry, Ichijou-san. Actually, we have used the Analysis on you, even though you are asleep. As a result, we self-defense personnel already know that you are now at level 9―― and that you have outrageous status despite that low level. It is obvious that you have some special power. However, although I am interested in what kind of power that is………… I dare not ask about it. But if you indeed have some power that we don't…… Please lend us that power."


　With that, Karube bowed deeply again and remained motionless, as if waiting for Akira's reply.
　Akira stared at Karube as he did so and let out a sigh.
　Originally, he had intended to defeat the boss monsters.
　But if he responded right away, he would be perceived as a pushover who conveniently granted wishes.


"……I don't have to reply now, do I?　Please leave us for the day."
"I understand."

　Karube nodded at Akira's words, bowed slightly, and left the room.

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 ToC    

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