Metro Labyrinth Chapter 115.i.2: “Cross-Border Brigade”

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~3^rd Person Perspective~

　There is also no evidence that the group encountered by Abe and his colleagues would meddle with Sugamo or the Founding Festival. In light of all this, does that mean that neither the Governor nor Founder had any reason to avoid the visit?

“Or well, there are things that relate to vanity.” (Dan)

“Can’t let the people and the religious see a man who is frightened by an unknown threat?” (Heiya)

“That’s one thing, but they’re more like rivals than comrades-in-arms, aren’t they? In other words, it’s a game of chicken.” (Dan)

　Ayukawa said nothing about that, only smiling vaguely.

“The important thing is what we are going to do about it. The city council has agreed to increase the number of security personnel on the day of the event, and the guilds will cooperate as much as possible. It is better if nothing happens, but let’s work out a security plan so that if something does happen, we will be ready to deal with it.” (Dan)

“…that’s right. We have no choice but to do what we have to do… I hope it’s not a pattern.” (Heiya)

　It’s not just about them, when it comes to a big festival like this, there will always be people who would cause trouble. It’s everyone’s job to fend off such attacks.

　The security officer accepted that it would be better than participating in the Grand Tournament, but it seems that he can’t relax until the festival is over. When this happens, Heiya had no choice but to bribe or threaten a few of his promising colleagues to get them to work. He’s going to get sick from drinking a lot of booze with them.

“But… if it’s really troublesome, you wouldn’t be digging into such a cloud-catching story, right?” (Dan)

　He looks at me with ironic eyes. There aren’t many men in their 40s who look like this kind of mischievous kid.

“Heiya, you are more suited to this side than to the hunting side. For the past 20 years, you have done more for this city than for personal gain or fame. It’s time for you to retire from the Metro and help the city grow.” (Dan)

“No way. I’m happiest when I’m drinking cheap booze in the corner of the guild.” (Heiya)

“Then, please go out with me for a drink today. That’s everything for this topic.” (Dan)

　Ayukawa got up from his seat and went to the bookshelf by the wall. He took out a few books and found a bottle of amber liquid and a glass in the back.

“Is this allowed, this is the mayor’s office. If they find out, the city council will hang you.” (Heiya)

“It’s after hours, you know. We are a clean office, and Mr. Susuyama has already left.” (Dan)

　In fact, the mayor’s predecessor also hid his liquor in the same way, and Shimoyanagi was invited to join him on several occasions. Ayukawa may have learned of this and imitated him, but to be honest, it didn’t suit this second generation baby-faced, non-drinker.

“It’s unusual for you to ask me to have a drink with you.” (Heiya)

“Well… I have a nice topic to talk about.” (Dan)

“Nice topic?” (Heiya)

“Yes, about Mr. Abe.” (Dan)

“Yeah, I heard he will take care of it. He’s taking on that black-bellied devil woman.” (Heiya)

　The “Holy Silver Puppeteer” or “Witch of Komagome”, Hakuou Maria, is a legendary hunter representing the neighboring town. Shimoyanagi is no stranger to her – in fact, he has a delicate relationship with her that he can’t talk about to others.

　And once, about ten years ago, they dueled each other under the “anything goes rule.” He was the first to settle the matter, so it didn’t turn out obvious, but in terms of the content, it was a complete defeat. Shimonayagi wonders if he would be here now if they had continued like that. Thinking about sends shivers down his snipe.

“I never expected him to accept my offer after I asked him. That’s a lot of guts, and I’ll never be able to duplicate it.” (Heiya)

“However, as a condition for participating in the tournament, if he wins, he would like to have a one-on-one audience with the Governor of Tokyo and His Holiness the Founder.” (Dan)

“Oh, I’ve never heard of that. That’s quite a bold request, as expected of the Sugamo Pride Golden Rookie.” (Heiya)

　He is quite an ambitious man, contrary to that plain face, to request an audience with the heroes of the nation.

　–I wonder if he has some other agenda. If Kaike is the one who approved the request, then it’s probably not a sinister scheme.

“I have been consulting with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Church, and I have just received an official response. Both of them have given their consent. I was honestly relieved to hear that the conclusion of the ceremony had been decided without a hitch. I am grateful for the thoughtfulness of His Excellency and Holiness.” (Dan)

“Seriously… the Governor of Tokyo, and the Founder too?” (Heiya)

　How could the Founder, who rarely interacts with anyone other than the pious and dignitaries, agree to meet with a single hunter? The Governor of Tokyo, too, was surprised that his aide, if not the governor himself, allowed the meeting.

“Both of the, must be interested in people with promising futures. Since he reached level 70 at the age of 28, it’s not a dream to reach the top of the rankings.” (Dan)

“I’m sorry, I was ranked only 19th.” (Heiya)

　When he came to the interview, he was level 68, the same as Shimoyanagi. But when he came back from Ouji, he had leveled up twice, so he easily surpassed him in that short period of time.

(It was about time…finally!) (Heiya)

(Could I finally give up the title of “the best Sugamo” to someone else?) (Heiya)

　Shimonayagi had thought it was out of character for him, but he really wanted to take it easier. He’s getting older, and finally ready to take a load off his shoulders.

　However, as a member of a legendary party, he has a little bit of pride. It would be irresponsible for him to give it away for free. If possible, he would like to hand over the reins of power by his own hand.

“By the way… Do you think he has a chance of winning, Mr. Heiya?” (Dan)

“I think so… In terms of level, experience, skill, and ability, that damned witch is by far the better player. Without any favoritism, I’d say that after ten rounds, I’m not sure if I could bring it to a draw.” (Heiya)

　Abe is a [Holy Knight] with orthodox Fungal Skill set. The fact that he is able to show his strength stably in any situation, there are few surprises. However, the “Holy Silver Puppeteer”, who has fought a hundred battles, has kicked out many of those types of fighters.

　To put it bluntly, there is no way he can win—unless Abe has a special secret trump card.

“I see… it looks like it’s going to be a tough battle.” (Dan)

“I can just see the smug look on Komagome’s Mayor’s face.” (Heiya)

　In terms of both population and economic scale, Sugamo now outranks Komagome. On the other hand, Mayor Komagome, the old pig mayor, flaunts the strength of his hunters, one of the few advantages of the city, more than necessary. As the strongest member of the Sugamo branch, Shimonayagi is not happy about it, but the difference in ability is insurmountable.

　It is not right to put such expectations on Abe Shuu, but Shimoyanagi personally cannot help but wish for a miracle that would break the nose of the arrogant black bellied witch.

“Well, I am grateful that he agreed to do it. I’m really glad he came to Sugamo, that Mr. Abe. Both as the mayor and as a parent whose daughter’s life was saved.” (Dan)

“He saved Hagumi’s life, right?” (Heiya)

“Yes, absolutely…” (Dan)

　Ayukawa’s daughter, Hagumi, has suffered from [Mycelial Failure], a problematic disease that is difficult to treat especially with children. To cure the disease, a unicorn horn is needed, and Shimoyanagi has been diving in metros all over the country in search of one, but they come from a rare, phantom beast, that he has never been able to see.

　And yet – that rookie who appeared out of nowhere just happened to have it in his possession. Although it has not been made public yet, the long-cherished wish of the citizens of Sugamo was easily fulfilled.

　He is an extraordinary man. He is like the hero of an old adventure novel.

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t had a chance to thank him directly yet. Dr. Nomaguchi said that by the eve of the festival, she will be almost completely healed and will be able to go out and I will bring my daughter to thank him again at that time. My daughter would be happy to cheer for the man who saved her life.” (Dan)

“Well. That virgin will become a hundred times more energetic with the cheers of a cute girl.” (Heiya)

“Yes… eh, girl… eh?” (Dan)

　Shimoyanagi pours a few centimeters of whiskey into the glass, taps it lightly, and brings it to his mouth.

“We old men can’t lose either.” (Heiya)

“Right. It’s only ten days until the festival… let’s do what we can.” (Dan)

　The rich aroma of the drink passes through Simonayagi’s nose, and a numbing heat burns his throat. Ayukawa however, groans in agony, “Ugh!” It was indeed too much for a person who is not a drinker.

A/N: A bonus episode that is about the conversation between old men over what happened.

I couldn’t help it… I felt it necessary…

Next time, we’ll return to Shuu and the others.

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