Otherworld Company Chapter 75: The Pitfalls from Blind Spots (Beginning)

Another Side

~3^rd Person Perspective~

　It all started back when Jiro was doing his best to deal with the knights waiting inside the cathedral.

　“Isn’t it noisy outside?” (Hero 1)

　“Come to think of it… was there anything going on today?” (Hero 2)

　“I don’t think so.” (Hero 1)

　A male student who was having a conversation in the common room of the dormitory noticed the noise outside.

　The noise, which is not usually heard in the quiet cathedral, makes you wonder if there is something special planned.

　In the minds of both of them, today was a perfectly normal day, except for one classmate who was sick and had to be hospitalized.

　“Did someone important suddenly come to inspect?” (Hero 1)

　“Yeah~ but this is the headquarters, right? Isn’t this where the bigwigs always are?” (Hero 2)

　“No, maybe they came from another country.” (Hero 1)

　“That’s not likely. It’s just common sense.” (Hero 2)

　The other male student said that it would not be strange to make such a fuss about the arrival of dignitaries from other countries.

　So, the male student who said that seemed to agree with him, but then returned to question of what the fuss was about.

　It was only natural that they would leave their seats in the common room and approach the window to take a look.

　They approached the window in the direction of the noise and looked out.

　“… Did something happen?” (Hero 1)

　“Maybe.” (Hero 2)

　What they saw from there were soldiers moving around in a hurry.

　The commanding officer gave loud instructions, and the soldiers moved about in response.

　Spears in one hand, shields in the other, and mages lined up behind them.

　It was a bizarre sight as if they were protecting the building from something, and both of them could no longer stop their imagination from going wild.

“Hey, what are we going to do?” (Hero 1)

“What do you mean, what should we do?” (Hero 2)

“Well, after this.” (Hero 1)

“Well, for now, why don’t we all just get to where everyone is?” (Hero 2)

The two boys were made anxious by the unusual sight, naturally, their words and tone became tense.

The only action they could take was to look for other classmates who had gathered to gather information.

They went downstairs from the common room to see if they could find any classmates who had heard the commotion.

“Sasagawa, what happened? There were an awful lot of soldiers gathered outside!” (Hero 1)

Perhaps it was because he was relieved to see his classmates gathered at the entrance after hearing the commotion downstairs, but his anxiety caused a loud voice to escape from the male student’s mouth.

“I don’t know, Manami has been asking about this for a while now, but the soldiers won’t open the front door, telling him it’s dangerous and please don’t go outside.” (Ayana)

Hearing the explanation from Sasagawa, their female classmate, they looked at the entrance door and saw Saeki crowding the soldiers who were standing in the way to prevent them from opening the front door as if shouting at them.

Meanwhile, the commotion outside was getting louder.

“Hey, didn’t you hear an explosion mixed in just now?” (Hero)

“Yes, it was small, but I thought I heard it.” (Hero)

“It’s not just my imagination. Look, I heard it again. Hey, is there a fight going on?” (Hero)

“Who are they fighting?” (Hero)

“I don’t know!” (Hero)

The sound of magical explosions and other sounds of battle occurring in the distance are heard by the ears of the students who have become heroes.

The turmoil caused by this is deep and deep-rooted.

Until a few months ago, they were ordinary students.

The reality that the place they thought was safe for them without any actual combat experience was actually unsafe shocked them more than they could have imagined.

For the students who did not know what was going on, the soldiers’ attempts to lock them up without explaining the situation, telling them it was dangerous and that they should not go outside, was more of an act inciting anxiety than reassurance.

“That’s why we demand an explanation! We can’t just be told to stay here because it’s dangerous!” (Manami)

“We are not authorized to give an explanation. The Commander of the Order is working to suppress the situation. Please wait for a while.” (Knight)

Saeki pleads loudly as if she is speaking on behalf of them, but the soldier rejects her pleas softly through his armor.

“The knight commander is moving, doesn’t that seem pretty bad?” (Knight)

From the soldier’s point of view, it may have been an explanation to reassure him.

It was a reassuring explanation from the soldier’s point of view because he knew the Knight Commander’s ability and character, and therefore he could trust him.

However, what would the recipients think if they digested the information without either of that?

The students know the Knight Commander’s abilities, but they do not know his personality in detail and do not trust him completely.

They have no idea how strong he actually is.

With the information they were given, the students thought to themselves

That person may be strong, but isn’t it quite a dangerous situation for such a person to move?

“Hey, hey. Shouldn’t we help out too?” (Hero 1)

“Dumbass! What are you talking about? It is the kind of enemy the knight commander has to move! It’s not our place!” (Hero 2)

“I’m sorry.” (Hero 1)

“Sorry, I was too harsh.” (Hero 2)

They thought of taking countermeasures against danger.

Japanese students who have been educated in this way are able to move about what to do now without stopping to think, thanks to their education.

What is currently helping them is their knowledge of earthquakes and terrorist acts they have seen on the news.

However, as students, they do not have specialized knowledge.

The best they could do was to move quickly to an evacuation facility with emergency rations and such.

The male student’s words earlier were only a suggestion because he had included the combat skills he had acquired in the past few months in his countermeasure options.

But the Japanese think about safety first.

The proposal was immediately rejected.

While they were thinking about what to do, the situation changed.

“Hey, hey, isn’t that sound louder than before?” (Hero 1)

“Is it? Maybe it is just your imagination?” (Hero 2)

“Yes, it’s definitely getting louder!” (Hero 1)

The only sound that could be heard earlier was an explosion that sounded like it is from magic, but now a clearly audible burst of sound began to mix with the explosion.

In addition, sounds like the shaking of buildings can also be heard.

If the people fighting on site could see it, it was around the time Jiro pulled out his Mineral Tree and started fighting the Knight Commander.

The flying blades cut through the ground and cut the building with flying slashes.

It is impossible to fight quietly if they are intercepting it with magic and he is fighting with the knight commander in all directions.

The sound of the knights’ blades making noises further unsettles the students.

Even the male student, who insist that it is all in their minds, know what is really going on.

The battle was getting more and more intense.

It would be different if there was a student who could show a sense of justice and take command here, but the teacher who is supposed to organize the situation has not been seen for more than a month.

There are class committee members, but they are not charismatic enough and can only respond to the situation according to the manual.

Finally, the student’s action seems to come to a standstill.

“Open the front door!” (Knight)

Then a current that changes the status quo enters.

One of the soldiers notices the door banging and opens it.

A knight in full armor enters through it.

“Squad Leader.” (Knight)

“Are all the heroes here?” (Squad Leader)

One of the students shouts, but the knight doesn’t care and asks a nearby soldier to confirm the number of heroes.

“No, not everyone.” (Knight)

“Then gather all the heroes, for the bishop has instructed us to evacuate the heroes.” (Squad Leader)

“Huh? An evacuation, sir?” (Knight)

“Yes, the battle is raging more fiercely than expected. The bishop’s instructions were that there should be no more problems. If you understand, move quickly.” (Squad Leader)

“Eh?!” (Heroes)

Evacuation.

In the minds of the students who heard those words, the possibility that they have predicted turned into a reality that it was really dangerous.

Once that happens, their behavior naturally follows what is rooted in knowledge.

They stay away from dangerous places.

Even though they were given the position of heroes, they are still inexperienced students.

They will not refuse to follow their commonsense survival instincts to seek safe places.

The students rush to gather those students in the dormitory who are not here.

“Umm, about Miyagawa?” (Ayana)

“She’s in our custody. Rest assured.” (Squad Leader)

“Thank you.” (Ayana)

“Ayana, hurry up!” (Hero)

“Okay!” (Ayana)

While the roll call is being completed, Sasagawa is worried about Amelia, who is not here, but she does not say anything more after hearing that she is already under their protection.

On the contrary, Saeki, the chairman of the class, urges her to get ready for the evacuation.

“Is there really an order from the bishop?” (Spy)

“!!! Ah, a message came. No doubt about it, he wants us to evacuate without causing any injuries.” (Squad Leader)

“I understand. I’ll take care of it. (Spy)

“Yes, I’ll leave it to you.” (Squad Leader)

The question is then posed by the spy, someone that has been transformed into one of the students by [Face Stripping].

They are not able to operate for a long period of time, and if possible, they would like to stay here.

Above all, they questioned the fact that such instructions had not been sent to them.

It is possible that this is an emergency measure due to something unexpected, but it is the covert reconnaissance that must not take any easy action here.

He spoke to the knight, saying that he had to obtain a basis for judgment in order to decide on a course of action.

He would then remember to mix in a cryptic gesture recognizable to those above a certain rank.

Three blinks, then two pauses.

This tells the knight that he is a spy.

The knight, perhaps reading this, replies in code.

“No injuries” means that there is a possibility that the heroes who can become divine weapons may be harmed.

This is the instruction for emergency measures conveyed to the spies.

Once they knew this, they acted quickly.

They prepared to evacuate the area with emergency magic stones in their possession and then proceeded with preparations for evacuation among the students.

“Over here.” (Knight)

The students, who were given valuables and equipment by the soldiers, formed a line and began to move.

They have the mindset of always being prepared.

No pushing, no running, no talking.

During the evacuation drill, there were a few students who were joking around and didn’t follow the instructions, but now it is the real deal, and everyone earnestly follows the evacuation instructions.

They are getting further and further away from the sounds of battle.

Just like that, the students’ hearts regain their composure.

“Just a little more, just a little more, and we will be safe.” (Jiro)

With this in mind, they continue on and are led to a building they have never entered before.

They wonder if they are going to escape outside.

They wonder if they are going to move to another building a short distance away.

On the contrary, the spies who had blended in with the others were convinced.

What lies ahead is a transition zone, a top-secret facility that enables movement between cities, although it consumes a great deal of magical power.

They speculate that they will probably move to another city and make it their base.

They believe they would need to gather information later on whether one of the spies is cornered that far, or whether an important facility has been destroyed.

“We have already readied it. The destination is a city south of here, so once you are transferred, please follow the instructions of the soldiers at the destination. Before that, please follow the mage’s instructions and enter the area.” (Squad Leader)

After saying this, the soldier salutes and leaves the building.

No one questioned his actions.

They just think that they are on their way to solving the case.

The students were convinced that this was the way to evacuate the building.

The idea came from the stereotype that when the Self-Defense Forces evacuate people by helicopter, they are professionals and will be able to transport them safely and quickly without crashing.

If this were true, it would be impossible, but for better or worse, students who have experienced too many fantasies are nervous, but they do not doubt, and they go into the camp thinking that the professionals will be able to handle it.

“Everyone’s here? Then, we will now begin the transfer magic!” (Lead Mage)

“””Yes sir!””” (Mages)

The waiting mages confirmed that the students had entered the camp and quickly started activating the camp.

As soon as the preparations were confirmed, the 30 mages, who were evenly distributed around the camp, poured magic into the camp.

The effect is immediately apparent.

Gradually, the floor began to glow and the magical power overflowed.

It gradually formed a vortex that enveloped the students.

In a few seconds, the spell is ready.

“Transfer!” (Lead Mage)

With the commanding mage’s shout, a much brighter light flood the room, and the room itself was enveloped in light for a moment, after which the students disappeared from the room.

“Success, all right, we’re on our way to the Knight Commander!” (Mage Leader)

“”””Yes, sir!”””” (Mages)

After confirming that the transfer was a success and that no one was sent away without being left behind they head for the place where the Knight Commander is fighting.

They did not even notice that one of them was rubbing something under their feet.

Another Side END

Note for the Day

Be accurate in sharing information.

A/N: That’s all for this time, and since the chapter has become longer than I expected, I’m going to split it up.

Thank you for your continued support of this work.

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