Metro Labyrinth Chapter 115.3: Abeshuu’s Impossible Situation

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“…Because, I don’t want Shuu to hate me…” (Sparkle)

　I lowered my head, desperately tried to string together words in a flash, and raised my gaze with determination.

“…Sparkle, let me be clear. The most important person to me is Noa.” (Shuu)

　Sparkle’s heartbeat was transmitted to my arm.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to save Noa. If there is a way to get you out of there, I will definitely do it. So, until then… even if you are an enemy of the country or a super dangerous creature, I’ll take care of you. I’ll put my body on the line as much as I have to.” (Shuu)

　The words came out of my mouth before I could formulate them. My face grew hotter than ever.

　Still, I continued to speak, looking straight into Sparkle’s eyes.

“But…. if you’ll help me free Noa if you’ll protect her until that time… I’ll protect you, too, Sparkle. Not just for Noa’s sake, but for yours.” (Shuu)

　It’s a convenient thing to say, I inwardly mock myself.

　But still—it’s the truth without any pretense.

　Her eyes are wide. Her pale lips are quivering.

“…you’re sure, really…?” (Sparkle)

“I’ll be honest, my first impression of you was terrible, but other than that, I’m fine with you. The first time you meet someone, you should be out there impressing them.” (Shuu)

“…but I…” (Sparkle)

“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing to do for a member of society, but if that’s the case… it’s too late.” (Shuu)

　I think I take my job seriously, but in reality, I have a lot of things to hide, and my shins are covered with scars. If it weren’t for my good behavior, Ms. Kaike would have reported me to the police by now.

“What about Tamiko?” (Sparkle)

“Heh! Demon or not, if you want to be my disciple, the price is acorn mochi, squeak!” (Tamiko)

“In short, become a spare cheek pouch.” (Sparkle)

　The party consists of an incontinent squirrel, and a highschooler who likes to eat garlic, the extra members, a macho pervert and a slutty fake loli hag. And the one who brings it all together is a secret “Master Threadweaver” (who is not a virgin) who is over 130 years old. What does it matter if there is now an additional squirrel apprentice Yandere stalker?

“I want you to promise me… that Noa, you, me, and Tamiko will work together so that everyone will be rewarded. If you can’t, the only thing I can think of is to seal Noa by feeding her garlic. …If you can, I’ll take care of you from this day forward.” (Shuu)

　Sparkle smiled softly. She clung to my chest and nodded.

“…the garlic… I had enough of it…” (Sparkle)

“Okay, the contract has been completed–hey, Sparkle?” (Shuu)

　And then the strength leaves her body. She doesn’t respond when I call out to her, and she leans languidly on my arms, almost trying to not close her eyes. It seems that she is going to fall asleep in my’s arms again.

“Hey, wait a minute! Uh, Ms. Sparkle? Lats but not the least, me too!” (Sou)

　Utsuki cuts in.

“Before that, tell me… if you’re a demon, the ‘Ghost Shrine’ do you know it, do you know where ‘Izanami’ and ‘Izanagi’ are? You should know where they are, don’t’ you?” (Sou)

　Her eyes flutter open. She catches Utsuki’s gaze and shakes her head very slightly. Then, in a voice that almost fades away, she replies, “I’m sorry, I don’t know.”

　Her gaze wanders from Utsuki, who bites her lip, to me, and her lips move slightly. Then she says faintly.

“—See you later, Shuu.” (Sparkle)

　Her eyes suddenly close. Then her head leaned back against me.

　For a dozen seconds or so, no one speaks. The place becomes quiet, and the bustle of the downtown area can be heard in the distance. When the night gets a little deeper, the sound changes to the sound of insects.

“Ms. Utsuki, what was that earlier…?” (Shuu)

　I had heard “Ghost Shrine” from Satou’s mouth, but “Izanami” and “Izanagi” were words that had never appeared before. I know that “Izanami” and “Izanagi” are famous deities in Japanese mythology, but what do they mean?

　It is not as if they refer to the same god, and I wonder what something with such a big name has to do with this country. It is too bold, and I can’t help but be curious about it.

“…I don’t know much about it either. However, I’ve heard that they are important words related to this country and the birth of demons. I’ve heard that the demons are likely to know about it, but Ms. Sparkle didn’t…” (Sou)

　You couldn’t help but confirm it for Satou? You are a disciple who is surprisingly faithful to her mission.

“Well, I’m sorry? I interrupted the once-in-a-lifetime confession scene.” (Sou)

“It’s not like that!” (Shuu)

　The squirrel and the pervert’s gazes are hot as laser beams, but I ignore them.

　A staff member comes to inform us that the place is closed. They look at Noa, who is lying on the floor, and ask, “Are you all right?” But when I tell them that she was just a little drunk and fell asleep, he makes a quizzical face and goes back downstairs.

　Noa’s breathing was regular and her complexion was not bad, and there seemed to be nothing wrong with him. “She just seems to be sleeping normally,” says Utsuki, who is taking care of Noa.

　I was lying cross-legged and was looking down for a while. How should I put it, I feel like my spirit has been chiseled more than the boss battle.

　Tamiko, who had been with Noa, gets on my lap and looks up at me with a stern look.

“Do you not think with at all, squeak?” (Tamiko)

“Eh?” (Shuu)

“Haven’t we been together for a long time, squeak?” (Tamiko)

　I was asked with an unexpectedly serious tension. I smiled wryly while stroking her head.

“Remember… you’re important—a part of the same team. Right, buddy?” (Shuu)

“So! Who is the wife—no way squeak?!” (Tamiko)

　She climbed up to my shoulders at high speed and gave me a slap to hide her embarrassment.

“Shuu, what about me? What level am I?” (Kure)

“If you carry Noa home, I’ll promote you next to Blue Goblin.” (Shuu)

　Disregarding the expression on his face that didn’t know whether he was happy or not, I just stood up.

“Tamiko, Ms. Utsuki, about Noa, please.” (Shuu)

“Eh, what about it, Abe?” (Sou)

“Where are you going, squeak?” (Tamiko)

“It’s a bit dumb, but I won’t take that long, so you go back first.” (Shuu)

　After lightly touching Noa’s head, I stood up and left the watch tower one step ahead.

　It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the destination.

　The night air will cool down your body and your head at the same time.

(Well, what can I say?) (Shuu)

(I feel like I’ve been spouting out some really embarrassing things.) (Shuu)

　There weren’t many people around, but my friends listened to me. But I will be the one cringing in my futon before I sleep.

(I’ll do whatever I have to do…) (Shuu)

(I have been, super ultra unstoppable mode.) (Shuu)

　There are too many things, too much information, and the capacity is already at the limit. If it’s true, I want to go home as soon as possible, take a bath and go to sleep.

　But – there is something I have to do before that.

　And to declare it, I will need more super ultra unstoppable power than before. I have to keep up this momentum I have now. Because tomorrow, I may have to push through again.

(…That’s all I can do.) (Shuu)

　I would be lying if I said I have no hesitation. I’ve been trying so hard to keep it under wraps until now.

　But then it occurred to me. I swore I would do anything. I can’t spit on my promise now.

(My position, reputation, etc.) (Shuu)

(Such a thing, it doesn’t matter to me anymore.) (Shuu)

　I took a breath in front of the doorway to make up my mind. I also check my breath. There is a slight garlic smell lingering behind the minty aroma, so I decide not to talk at close range.

　As I push open the door, the eyes of the customers, who have been chatting with each other in the background, all turn toward me.

　The first floor of the guild’s business area is a dining area where alcohol is served in the evening. Sitting around a drinking table and sipping from beer mugs are hunters who have finished their work for the day and have come to enjoy a drink.

　They have been at the training grounds for the past few days, so their faces are well known to him. The words “that guy” and “rookie” are mixed in with the conversation that leaks out.

　I am still nervous, but I head for the counter regardless. As I expected, even at this hour, Ms. Kaike is working at the desk in the back. As soon as I call out to her, she gets up from her seat and comes to the counter.

“Good evening, Mr. Abe. It’s unusual to see you here at this hour, and all by yourself.” (Kaike)

“Hello. I’m here for a consultation, or rather, about something you asked of me.” (Shuu)

“Something asked of you… is it about the match?” (Kaike)

　I nodded back. Keeping my back straight so that my face is not as close as possible.

　Ms. Kaike’s expression suddenly brightened. Did she guess it with [Mind’s Eye]?

“…so you came to accept it?” (Kaike)

　The grand match, the knot to tie loose ends. In other words, the final match of the day, the main match.

　A match against Hakuou Maria, who ranks sixth in the hunter rankings.

“Before that, I have only one condition.” (Shuu)

　There is something only I can do right now. I’m not sure what I can do for Noa.

　If that’s the case, I can’t just pretend to be something I’m not—if there’s someone I want to save.

“As I recall, there will be a celebration party for the participants, separate from the awards ceremony after the competition. I heard that His Excellency the Governor of New Tokyo and the head of Metro Church Founder will be there.” (Shuu)

“Oh, yes. What about it?” (Kaike)

　In both cases, their schedule during their stay is strictly regulated, and it is said that they are always accompanied by dozens of secretaries, attendants, personal guards, and other followers. The only time they get a chance is when they are asked for something.

“…I’ll participate. In exchange, it doesn’t matter if it’s a high-ranking person from headquarters or the mayor, I wish to talk to them.” (Shuu)

　Ms. Kaike tilted her head, but I leaned forward, I didn’t care.

　–Be a man. Super ultra unstoppable, Abeshuu.

“I don’t care if it’s the Governor or the Founder. If I win against the sixth place, please grant me a private audience.” (Shuu)

A/N: “Grand Tournament Arc” is finally going!

Let’s see if there is an interlude.

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