Departure

The discussion continued after that.

My remark drew everyone's attention for a moment, but unfortunately, it came from a newcomer—and a shy girl at that.

Under normal circumstances, my influence would have been practically nonexistent.

Even so, they apparently couldn't ignore the effect of the Skill I'd mentioned.

Fujita-san and the mayor asked for detailed explanations of its effect, and each time I answered haltingly, in a shy-girl sort of way.

My former coworkers, however, seemed only half-convinced.

"Hah, if you really have a Skill like that, then show us."

It rubbed me the wrong way, but their opinion was reasonable.

So I actually demonstrated the Skill's effect in front of them.

We moved to the parking lot, borrowed a motorcycle we could use, and I rode it.

Even after I started the engine, it made no sound, and it remained silent as I drove it.

Everyone was astonished by the sight.

(Seriously, is nobody going to question the fact that I can ride a motorcycle...?)

No, maybe not.

They were so surprised by the Skill's effect that they hadn't gotten around to that.

Well, even if they did question it, I could just say I had the 'Riding' Skill, so it wouldn't be a problem.

Skills sure are convenient. They're perfect for making excuses.

"This is... certainly astonishing..."

"Yes, truly..."

Mayor Uesugi and Fujita-san both wore serious expressions.

They rested their hands against their chins and seemed to be thinking.

They were probably measuring my value in their minds right now.

After seeing the Skill's effect for themselves, even my former coworkers said nothing, merely looking frustrated.

...Not that I should be saying this, but are they children?

And that proved decisive. The decision was made.

"All right. She and I will go to the Self-Defense Forces base together."

Fujita-san pointed at me and made his declaration.

A pair consisting of a newcomer—moreover, a shy girl—and one of City Hall's top officials.

Normally, it would have been an inconceivable combination.

But my Skill must have been attractive enough to more than make up for that.

It excelled at stealth and would drastically shorten the time required.

(I thought Nishino-kun or Chief Shimizu would be chosen...)

Just as he'd declared at the outset, Fujita-san intended to take responsibility for his words.

He really was a conscientious man.

Several of City Hall's key members opposed it until the end, but after Mayor Uesugi and Fujita-san themselves persuaded them, they apparently went along reluctantly.

(If everything goes smoothly, about two hours...)

That's assuming we avoid fighting monsters, but even so, it was plenty fast.

A journey I thought would take an entire day could be completed in less than one-tenth that time.

The reason there would only be two of us was that only one other person besides me could ride a motorcycle.

The Skill's effect only applied to people or objects I was touching, after all.

A passenger car would be too unwieldy, and we'd probably have to abandon it somewhere along the way.

"Um, well... I look forward to working with you."

"Yeah, same here."

I awkwardly shook hands with Fujita-san.

This wasn't how we'd originally planned things, but it worked just fine.

"All right, let's leave in an hour."

"...We're not leaving right away?"

"No, I need to give Shimizu-chan and the others some instructions. ...And I need to make arrangements for someone to take over, just in case."

Don't say "just in case."

Sorry, but I have absolutely no intention of dying alongside some old man.

(...Well, having time before departure is convenient.)

I had plenty to tell Rikka-chan and Ichinose-san, too.

I slipped my hand into my pocket and quickly operated the email screen so no one would get suspicious.

(Would this be better than email?)

I used the 'Chat' function I'd acquired when 'Email' reached Lv. 2.

In a situation like this, 'Chat' was faster.

A screen resembling LINE on a smartphone or Twitter DMs appeared.

I typed my message there.

I could type smoothly without looking at the keyboard.

Maybe thanks to Ichinose-san, my typing speed had improved quite a bit, too.

I still had a long way to go to catch up to her, though.

I typed the details of the meeting into the chat screen.

That I would be heading to the Self-Defense Forces base with Fujita-san.

That I'd told them about the effects of some of my Skills for that purpose.

And that while I was away, I wanted Ichinose-san to continue monitoring things here.

I typed in everything that needed to be said.

Then Ichinose-san replied almost immediately.

'Understood. Then Momo-chan and I will continue monitoring things here.

But are you sure this is okay? It feels like you're taking on far too much, Kudo-san...?'

Even through the screen, I could sense Ichinose-san's agitation.

...Well, I suppose that's only natural.

'It's all right. I won't do anything reckless.

I'll put safety first, and if things get dangerous, I'll run away immediately.

Well, I will be a little lonely not being able to see Momo or you, Ichinose-san.

Also, there's something I'd like you to do for me...'

I asked Ichinose-san to do something for me.

Once I'd typed it in, her reply came about a minute later.

'...Are you serious?'

That's what she sent back.

It must have been a surprising proposal even for Ichinose-san.

'I am. Considering what comes next, it's what works out best for us.'

Whether this operation succeeded or failed, I intended to act so that we'd gain as much as possible either way.

Of course, success would be best.

'...I understand. I'll see what I can do. But don't get your hopes up, okay? I'm not good with people.'

'Thank you. Then let's both do our best.'

'Yes. Kudo-san, you be careful, too.

Also, Momo-chan is lonely, so make sure you come back safely.

Um, I'll be waiting for you, too. It's a promise, okay?'

...My fingers stopped typing in the chat for just a moment.

Ha. If she said something like that, I couldn't exactly let myself die.

'Of course. See you later.'

Then I closed the chat screen.

"All right, then..."

I steeled myself and looked at Rikka-chan, who was walking beside me.

"...Finished?"

She asked in a voice so quiet only I could hear.

She must have realized I was contacting Ichinose-san and waited for me.

I nodded.

"I see," Rikka-chan murmured, returning to her usual expression.

"I was so surprised! I can't believe Nattsun suddenly said something like that."

"It really was surprising. And I was shocked you had a Skill like that, too."

"S-sorry, Ricchan, Nishino-kun. But, well... I thought it might be better not to tell other people much about our Skills..."

"...Well, I can't deny that way of thinking."

Nishino-kun gave a wry smile.

I'd already heard about his Job and Skills from Rikka-chan.

'Commander,' and 'Command.'

Unlike my 'Item Box,' I didn't think his Job or Skill was something he needed to hide so carefully...

Or did he have some other dangerous 'Skill' he was keeping hidden?

"But as a result, you've ended up shouldering the burden alone. You, whom we'd only just met. ...I'm sorry."

His tone sounded as if he were reproaching me a little—or rather, regretting his own inadequacy.

"Ah, no, no, it's really nothing, so don't worry about it."

"Huh? Of course I'm going to worry about it. You're an important comrade, aren't you?"

"Huh? Oh..."

The one who cut into our conversation was Shibata-kun.

His rough tone made him look a little angry, too.

"I don't know what the hell you're thinking, but you're one of us now, got it? Of course we don't want to let you go sacrifice yourself all by yourself."

"No, um, we only met yesterday, so you don't have to..."

"Huh? What does that matter? Whether it's been a minute or a year, once you consider someone a friend, they're your friend. Don't be ridiculous. The moment you start expecting anything in return from a friend, you've already got it wrong."

Shibata-kun leaned in close to me.

Whoa, scary, scary.

"Ah, no, that's not what I meant..."

"Hey! Shibacchi, your face is scary! You're freaking Nattsun out!"

"Huh? I-I'm just talking normally!"

"I'm saying you look scary like that. You have a villain's face."

"What the... W-wait, seriously...? Is my face really that scary?"

Shibata-kun looked around at all of us.

Everyone nodded. Even Goshogawara-san nodded.

Shibata-kun looked dejected. He seemed deeply shocked.

I couldn't help laughing at the sight.

"Anyway, I agree with Shibata. We can't change the situation now, but let me say this much: don't do anything reckless. Make sure you come back alive. For our sake... no, for Rikka's sake, too."

With that, he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"And if anything happens, let us know using 'Email.' I can't lend you my strength, but maybe I can lend you some advice."

"I-I understand. I'll definitely come back safe and sound. You all do your best, too."

With a push on my back, I left Nishino-kun and the others behind.

Once I was far enough away, I sighed.

(I've thought this for a while, but Nishino-kun and the others are really soft on people they've let their guard down around...)

Well, I might be the same way.

I suppose it means they clearly distinguish between comrades and strangers.

Whom to trust, and whom to use.

They're strong precisely because they draw those lines so clearly.

...I need to learn from that attitude, too.

And then, one hour later.

I was near the barricade in the parking lot.

(...Everything's ready. I've already told Rikka-chan everything I wanted her to do.)

I'd also keep in regular contact by email, so there shouldn't be any problems.

Fujita-san approached from the entrance, armed.

Several others were with him. They must have come to see us off.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Ah, no, it's fine."

He wore a backpack and had two hand axes hanging at his waist.

Come to think of it, he'd said he fought using axes.

We went outside the barricade, and I started the motorcycle.

Fujita-san took the rear seat, leaving me to drive.

"All right, let's get going."

"Yes."

And so we left City Hall.

Our destination was a Self-Defense Forces garrison in the neighboring prefecture.

All right, then. Let's give this our all.