Mob Kousei No Ore Demo Boukensha Ni
Nareba Riajuu Ni Naremasuka: Chapter #111
Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain
Episode 111: It's
Exciting to Think There's a Mysterious Space Beneath Familiar Stations and
Buildings, Isn't It?
The
next day. I visited the Hachioji Station Adventurers Guild.
My
reason for doing so was, of course, to apply for the four-star promotion
examination.
The
practical test for the four-star exam is broadly divided into three parts.
Solo
conquest of a C-rank dungeon, conquest of a special D-rank dungeon, and... a
match against a professional adventurer.
The
first two can be applied for online and you can start exploring from the same
day, but the last one requires a reservation due to the examiner's
availability.
Today,
since I'm here, I was planning to make this reservation as well.
“...... Oya? Kitagawa-san, it's been a while.”
"Shigeno-san! It's
been a long time!”
At
the counter, while trying to apply for the four-star promotion examination, I
met someone I hadn't seen for a long time.
He
was the person in charge of me when I became an adventurer and my benefactor
who told me about Links during the Student Tournament ---- Shigeno-san.
"What can I do for you today?”
"Ah... I'm applying for the four-star
promotion exam."
"Oh!”
When
I said that, Shigeno-san's cheeks relaxed.
"That Kitagawa-san is finally taking the
four-star promotion exam... I thought you became an adventurer just a few days
ago. Time really flies..."
“Hahaha .......”
From
my perspective, it felt like I became an adventurer ages ago...
Well,
when you think about it, it was only a year ago. From Shigeno-san's
perspective, that might be very recent.
"Hmm... in that case, how about I handle
the practical test for you?”
"Eh?"
“I have a professional license, after all.”
"Um..."
I
was perplexed by the sudden proposal, and Shigeno-san whispered to me in a
hushed voice,
“...To be honest, I believe the standard
application process would take quite a long time. With Angolmois possibly
starting, it's hard to find an examiner.”
"Ah ......."
I see, now that you mention it, with Angolmois
approaching, nobody has time to be an examiner right now.
I
don't know how much examiners get paid, but it's probably a pittance. Quests
are practically volunteer work.
I
bowed my head to Shigeno-san,
“I'm sorry, but could I trouble you to do it?”
" Of
course. When would you like to do it? If you're available, Kitagawa-san, we can
do it right after this.”
“If we can do it right after, that would be
helpful... but does the test finish that quickly?”
“Yes, well, I think it'll be quick for you,
Kitagawa-san."
"Then, I'd like to take it now..."
"Then, please come this way."
"Good luck!"
I
was seen off with a smile by the receptionist lady (just being polite), and I
got on the elevator with Shigeno-san.
When
Shigeno-san held up something like a card key, the elevator started descending
without pressing any buttons.
The
meter showing the number of floors didn't stop even after passing the first
basement floor, which was the lowest level, and finally came to a halt after
descending a good three more floors.
"This is..."
Beyond
the elevator was a vast space that could easily fit several gymnasiums.
The
entire surface was covered in inorganic steel, and there were many doors lining
the walls.
In
the back, I could see a wide corridor, and it seemed that similar spaces
continued.
“This is a place for Angolmois... a shelter. It
can accommodate up to 100,000 people, and the material is designed to prevent phantom/spirit-type
monsters from passing through and to withstand attacks from C-rank monsters to
some extent.”
Hoo... I knew the Guild served as a shelter,
but I had no idea it was such a vast space...
"What about those doors?"
Of
the many doors lined up, only three were painted red, and I pointed to them.
They appeared to be labeled 'Tokyo', 'Tachikawa', and 'Takao'.......
"The doors connect to small rooms with
teleportation gates. These gates link to the shelters, allowing for...
personnel coordination and evacuation in case a shelter falls."
"I see......."
So, it's possible to move between Guild
buildings to some extent? This allows families who evacuated to different Guild
buildings to reunite, and if personnel and supplies can be coordinated, it also
reduces the risk of people gathering in one place and causing overcrowding.
That's
pretty well thought out. ...It was starting to look pretty appealing, except
that I'd be asked to donate cards and supplies, as well as getting overworked
in other ways.
...... But why am I being taken to the shelter?
As
I was tilting my head in confusion, I was led to a room next to the red doors.
The
door said 'Simulation Room.'
Inside,
it was a dome-shaped space about the size of a classroom, with sci-fi-like
machines installed everywhere.
"This is a room where visions of cards can
be displayed in actual size. Well, sort of a room version of Card Gear."
"Hee.......”
I
looked around the room with interest.
They had secretly developed something like
this. It's just like an evolved version of the card gear.
...No, that's not right. This was probably the
main development, and they applied the research results to the Card Gear.
“Since it's a 3D image, you can't touch it, but
the visions can interact with each other. And their strength depends on the
card's stats.”
"That means..."
"Yes... it's for safe combat simulations.
By the way, Links can also be used
here."
I
see, now I understand why I was brought here.
"Well then, here.”
What
Shigeno-san handed me were three cards.
They
were all Goblin cards, F-rank.
"These are?"
"These are test cards. I'll be using the
same race with no difference in skills."
Oh... so that's how it's done.
I
thought we'd be fighting with our own cards, but it seems this is a test to
purely assess the Master's skill.
...... “Links can also be used here,"
huh... I can kind of guess what kind of test it will be.
"...From that look, you seem to have
guessed what kind of test it is.
"Yes...... well, I suppose it's a test to
see how well I can use Links, right?"
"Yes. Normally, information about Links is
disclosed for the first time in this exam. It's not necessary for D-rank and
below, but from C-rank onwards, you can't get by without Links. ...Of course,
many adventurers who reach this point already know about it, or use it without
knowing the name 'Link.'"
"The exceptions are probably those who
brute-forced their way with money," Shigeno-san said, shrugging. I nodded
in agreement.
"Then, after you register the card
ownership, please stand over there."
As
instructed, I registered the ownership of the three Goblins and stood facing
Shigeno-san near the center of the room.
"The first part of the test is to assess
whether you know about Links from your movements... but since that's not
necessary for you, Kitagawa-san, we'll skip it. The second part is to measure
your Synchro strength. Please summon your cards as you normally would in a
dungeon."
I
did as he said, and three translucent Goblins appeared in front of me.
"Ooh..., it looks like something out of
science fiction."
"I understand, it's quite an exciting
situation, isn't it? Now, have your Goblins grapple with mine. Like in pro
wrestling."
I
Linked with my Goblins and made them grapple as instructed.
"The second part is very simple. If you
overpower my Goblins, you pass. Now, begin!"
At
the signal, I started increasing the Synchro rate with my Goblins.
30%,
40%, 50% .......
As
I increased my Synchro rate, Shigeno-san also seemed to be increasing his, and
the Goblins' strength was perfectly balanced.
The
balance broke when my Synchro rate exceeded 60%.
First,
one of Shigeno-san's Goblins buckled at the knees.
Then,
when it exceeded 70%, another one also buckled.
At
that point, I focused my consciousness on one of my Goblins, and the Synchro
rate rapidly increased to 80%, 90%.
And
when the Synchro rate with the Goblin reached 99%... Full Synchro, Shigeno-san
suddenly released his Synchro.
I
quickly released my strength to avoid injuring his Goblins.
"Excellent!"
At
his words, I also released my Synchro and exhaled heavily.
“If you are able to use this degree of Synchro
with the card you just got, then you are unquestionably in the professional
class. ...I never expected you to grow this much in just about a year of being
an adventurer."
"Thank you very much. Does this mean I
passed?"
“Yes, You've passed the Links practical
test."
That’s it?
It
really ended in a flash.
"Well, that's all from me."
"Thank you very much for today."
We
returned to the Guild floor and exchanged farewells.
"No, no. …It's going to be tough from now
on, but let's do our best to survive."
"Yes!”
Then
Shigeno-san clapped his hands,
"That's right, would you like to exchange
contact information? I actually have a Card Gear myself."
“Contact information...?”
I
couldn't help but hesitate.
Seeing
me like that, Shigeno-san said,
“...Perhaps you're concerned about how it would somehow
shackle you to the Guild during Angolmois?"
“Ah... ahahaha.”
Shigeno-san
chuckled as I had to fake it with a laugh.
"Please don't worry. This is 100% personal.
Not as the public servant Shigeno, but as the individual Shigeno. I
promise."
......Well, if it is personal, I guess it's
okay. Worst case scenario, I can ignore whatever he says.
After
exchanging contact information, I left the Guild.
When
I checked my watch after leaving the station building, only about thirty
minutes had passed, and it was still before noon.
『So,
what are we going to do now? Are
we going to go to a dungeon right away?』
Renge
asked.
『No,
I have an appointment later today, so the dungeon run will have to wait.』
...Even
so, I have a bit of time before the appointment.
There
might be enough time to check the Boss of the special-type dungeon.
The
special-type dungeon for the test will be the Seido Kishimojin, which was also
the end point of the race before.
It
was close to the meeting place, Suidobashi, so I decided to drop in for a
visit.
If I get the card I'm looking for in one shot,
clearing C-rank dungeons will be easier in the future...
With
such thoughts in mind, I took the train and headed for the special-type
dungeon, but......
"Mm ............"
I
was slightly disappointed when I saw the Boss.
A miss, huh...?
I
almost said it out loud, but quickly shut my mouth.
It was a word I should never say.
How many times have I been saved by them?
Even if it is not the card I wanted, I must
never say such an ungrateful thing----!
"What the, it's a dud."
"You're saying that?!"
And I was trying to be considerate, so careful
not to say it out loud.....!
Renge
tilted her head to the side, confused,
"What? Isn't it a dud?”
She
pointed to the two goddesses I was already quite familiar with.
The
Boss of the special dungeon. It was once again Kisshouten and Kokuanten.
"Or were you aiming for them again?"
"No, well, it's not that, but......"
I
denied, feeling slightly awkward.
The
Kisshouten and the Kokuanten were by no means a dud, a miss. In fact, I'd
rather have as many of these cards as possible, considering the possibility of
Lost in Angolmois.
......However,
it was also true that I would rather have cards that could strengthen the other
members right now.
The
best would be a Trinity Deity that could collectively rank up multiple members.
The next best would be cards that could significantly strengthen an individual
member That was the condition.
"What? Then it's a dud."
But when a kisshouten herself, Renge, said
that, I wondered if it was okay.
Does the kisshouten race have no pride?
"...... I won't let you have a double
kisshouten.”
"Hm? What did you say?"
“Nothing? Look, it wasn't what you wanted, so let's get
the hell out of here.”
"Ouch! I get it, stop kicking!"
I
left the dungeon, being kicked in the butt by Renge.
...No double kisshouten, ok.
I
engraved that in my mental memo.
An
hour later.
“Ya, Kitagawa-kun. Long time no see!"
“Yes, long time no see...... Sunahara-san.”
I
met Sunahara-san at a coffee shop in Tokyo.
The
meeting was to hand over Heket, which had been postponed due to our conflicting
schedules.
Once
Angolmois started, it would be very difficult to hand over the card to him.
Therefore,
we finally made time for this face-to-face meeting.......
"Sunahara-san... aren't you cold, dressed
like that?”
I
asked Sunahara-san, who was half-naked in a pharaoh outfit, with some
trepidation.
"Nope. I'm using an Air conditioner
pendant."
Oh, I see.
...But it's a rather chilly outfit.
“Well, I admit that it's not really suited to
the season. But it can’t be helped. There are too few fashion options suitable
for pharaohs in Japan."
『Still
as eccentric as ever, huh～』
Renge
said with a mix of astonishment and admiration at Sunahara-san's nonchalant
shrug.
Well, he's quite a character.
Anyway, let's get down to business.
I
took out the Heket card.
“Um, this... is the promised card. Sorry for
the delay."
"Ah! Thank you."
Sunahara-san
received the Heket card carefully and smiled.
"Don't worry about the delay, it was also
due to my circumstances."
“Thank you for saying it like that.”
I
inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and raised my head.
With
the business done, it would be too curt to just say goodbye, so we engaged in
some light conversation.
We
started with updates on our recent activities, then moved on to how we were
preparing for Angolmois and the government's response, and gradually drifted
into everyday topics.
" You
know those child seats on the back of mama bicycle?
Sometimes they have covers ,
right?"
"Ah, yeah, they do. The rain covers."
“Yeah. Those are the epitome of motherly love～"
"Motherly love... is that so?
Well..."
"Because the child in the back doesn't get
wet thanks to the cover, but the mother pedaling gets soaked, right? “I
may get wet, but my child must be protected.”
That's motherly love, I thought."
"I see... now that you mention it, it is
indeed motherly love."
"I thought so when I saw a mother
desperately pedaling in the rain the other day. I never thought much about it
before, but since the prophecy, I've been noticing things like that
more..."
"..."
"Did your child seat have a rain cover
when you were little, Kitagawa-kun?"
"Mine... yeah, it did."
"Ooh! That’s motherly love. ...Treasure her."
"Yes."
As
we continued talking, we were both running out of the drinks we had ordered, so
I decided to ask one last question that I really wanted to know,
"By the way, Sunahara-san, I heard you're
building a pyramid...?"
"Oh! You know about that?"
"Actually, a friend of mine is working on
your project. ...His name is Ono."
"Ah! Ono-kun, I see! He's a good guy, very
considerate. He's the type who'll succeed wherever he goes. No doubt about
it."
“So, why a pyramid?”
"Hmm... why, you ask."
Sunahara-san
put down his teacup and began to speak with a serious expression,
"It started when one of my cards became
strangely obsessed with a temple."
"A temple?”
Athena's
face flashed through my mind.
...I wonder if many deity cards are obsessed
with temples?
"At first, I ignored it because I didn't
have the money, but then I found a suitable dungeon. The materials were
available in the dungeon, and I had always wanted to build a pyramid, so I
decided to give it a try."
It's amazing that he'd build a pyramid just
because he wanted to try.
"...And when I actually built it, I
discovered something interesting."
"Interesting?"
"Yeah. ......From now on, I'd like to
request that this conversation remain confidential.
“Okay.”
I
straightened my posture and prepared to listen seriously.
"I'm sure you've heard of the [Simple
Temple] skill, Kitagawa-kun?"
"Yes, it's a territory/zone-based skill,
right? It especially strengthens cards with divine attributes."
''That's right. ...By the way, if it's
'simple,' don't you think there must be a non-simple temple too?"
Don't tell me......!
Seeing
my reaction, Sunahara-san nodded in satisfaction.
"...I think the things cards obsessively
want aren't just whims, but things that fill their missing pieces, things they
unconsciously desire."
Cards with [Zero existence] skill tend to have
a strong desire for their key items.
What if it's not just the [Zero existence]
skill?
What if some cards need a suitable 'place' to
demonstrate their power ......?
"Well, the effects are something to look
forward to when you actually build it. ...I don't know if you'll ever build a
temple, though."
"No, this is very informative. Thank you
very much."
"Hahaha. I'm glad it was helpful."
"...If you're in trouble during Angolmois,
come to my high school. We're planning to use it as a base."
“Ho~o ...... that's reassuring. Then I should
tell you the location of my pyramid. I don't want too many people, but I have
room for family and friends."
"Thank you."
I
never thought that Athena's insistent request for a temple could have any
meaning......
Come to think of it, there is no more
appropriate place for a deity to exert their power.
And I can understand why the effects of temples
aren't widely known.
I
doubt there are many people as eccentric as Sunahara-san who would build a
temple for their cards.
Researchers
probably wouldn't build temples, and those who know wouldn't spread the word.
Besides, I suspect it's not enough to just
build a temple.
There's something else Athena wanted besides a
temple.
Believers... in other words, faith.
And
it must be something dedicated to her personally (as an individual deity?), not
just the Athena race.
The
words Athena once said to me suddenly came back to me.
...... Martyr, huh?
I
remained lost in thought even after Sunahara-san left.
[TIPS] Vision Colosseum
The
prototype and high-end model of the Card Gear.
It's
essentially a room-sized Card Gear that can display life-size visions.
While
the visions cannot touch be touched by people or objects, they can interfere
with each other and be Linked together to fight.
It
was originally developed as a prototype for 'safe and stable' card summons
outside of dungeons (= military use of cards). Unfortunately, it couldn't
materialize the visions, but it was perfect for practicing Links and was
officially adopted as a safe training machine for the military.
It
was hoped that dedicated facilities would eventually be established nationwide,
making it the next generation of MonColo with enhanced sports features, but
unfortunately, it never saw the light of day.
It's
now being deployed in small numbers to each Guild in anticipation of mobilizing
evacuees during Angolmois (its use in the four-star exam also serves as
camouflage and data collection for Links).
***
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