𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏: 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞?
Surenno Chocolat, who had left the launch venue a little early, found herself in the car with Atsuho Mio.
She conveyed the hotel’s name to the driver, and Surenno began to check online news on her smartphone. The official announcement had already been made, and the community was abuzz with discussions.
As she reflected on the launch venue, Surenno furrowed her eyebrows, a tinge of disappointment in her expression.
ㅤ
“It’s a bit lonely without Bomber-san, isn’t it?”
ㅤ
Based on the footage she had seen, Bomber was someone not easily discovered.
Bomber confronted challenges proactively, seeking self-resolution, yet also recognizing the value of collaboration when it was the optimal choice.
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In the context of the New World project, where manpower was often scarce, mobilizing Actanoids in the New World posed an even greater challenge.
In such circumstances, individuals like Bomber, who paved the way for maximum outcomes with minimal manpower, held immense significance.
ㅤ
Surenno desired to meet Bomber in person, to converse with him and understand the kind of person he was. In her mind’s eye, he appeared as a young man with a simple and unpretentious demeanor.
She had no way of gauging the extent to which her imagination aligned with reality.
ㅤ
Seated beside her, Atsuho took out her smartphone and responded.
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“I believe this was a positive outcome.”
“Allowing autonomy and granting freedom of movement was the right decision. However, we should establish a slightly closer connection.”
ㅤ
During the conversation, Atsuho displayed the content of her smartphone screen.
Surenno leaned in with curiosity. The screen showcased an internal email from Unison Human-Machine Technology, an organization for which Atsuho served as the representative.
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Though Surenno briefly questioned whether it was appropriate to share with an outsider, she realized it might be relevant to her as well, given Atsuho had addressed it to her in her role as representative.
As she read the email’s contents, Surenno let out an infrequent dry chuckle, prompting the driver to glance at the rearview mirror.
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“I finally comprehend. He possesses a touch of mischievousness beyond my initial imagination.”
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The internal email received by Atsuho was a report stating that the underwater scooter 『Dolphin』 had been located by Bomber and deposited at 『Morinomiya Garage』.
Morinomiya Garage fell within the domain of Kaien Heavy Industries, a prominent Actanoid developer. The location was entangled in disputes with the Clan 『Order Actor』 over water rights pertaining to the nearby Shizuhara River. Furthermore, the 『Kakuhara Group』 operated covertly behind the scenes, contributing to the sensitive nature of the region.
ㅤ
Unison Human-Machine Technology was in competition with Kaien Heavy Industries and Order Actor in the field of Actanoid development. While the straightforward retrieval of the Dolphin might not typically raise concerns, the timing aligned with plans to transform the Light Mirror Sea east of Morinomiya Garage into a hub, making them vigilant.
Kaien Heavy Industries likely contemplated this scenario: Capitalize on the Light Mirror Sea, establish a radio base station, and fortify their control over Morinomiya Garage.
ㅤ
Bomber had inadvertently ignited a substantial conflict between Actanoid development companies and Clans merely by storing a Dolphin.
However, Bomber probably didn’t anticipate this escalating into a full-scale war. There had to be another motive behind the Dolphin’s placement.
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“If you’re considering taking in Bomber, be prepared to immerse yourself in this volatile situation. That’s likely the message he intends to convey.”
ㅤ
Atsuho made a prediction, and Surenno responded with a wry smile.
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“He’s luring us, isn’t he? Is Bomber acting as a mercenary?”
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Individuals who incite conflicts among factions and market their combat skills for profit do exist.
Atsuho pocketed her smartphone and vocalized her thoughts.
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“Or perhaps, a troublemaker who muddies the battleground. Or a warrior who adopts such a facade to align with a faction harboring a dangerous element like ‘myself.’”
“Or it could be some form of strategy to be a floating piece, inviting attacks from other forces. It’s a plausible possibility.”
“Do you want to keep him?”
“Heh, I’ll pass.”
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Considering that possessing him might lead to an explosion, Surenno, now reevaluating the notion of Bomber, waved her hands in a dismissive gesture, indicating she didn’t want to hold onto it.
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“I agree. I wouldn’t want to turn him into my adversary either.”
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Atsuho Mio responded to Surenno Chocolat’s remark with a bitter smile, concurring. Then, she posed an inquisitive question to Surenno Chocolat.
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“Furthermore, I’m not sure if it’s connected to 『Morinomiya Garage』, but Kaien Heavy Industries, Order Actor, Kakuhara Group, and Intensive Hunting Club are all displaying unusually rapid movements.”
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While Kakuhara Group’s actions seemed odd, the activities of the other three forces were deeply disconcerting.
In the New World, Kaien Heavy Industries, Order Actor, and Intensive Hunting Club stood as formidable combat clans.
Surenno nodded with a profound understanding.
ㅤ
“I’ve assimilated that information. For now, at least, holding onto Bomber doesn’t seem like the right course.”
“I’m relieved to find someone who shares the same viewpoint.”
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Atsuho Mio muttered.
ㅤ
“Engaging in physical combat seems archaic.”
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※
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Simultaneously, Chihaya, who had ventured out to purchase potent liquor, found herself entangled by an inebriated woman.
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“You’re a great listener, you know! I might just fall in love with you!”
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Overwhelmed by the lively demeanor of the tipsy woman, Chihaya remained frozen, responding with nothing more than silent shivers. Yet, somehow, her attentive listening earned her favor in her eyes.
Whether due to the enigmatic aura of intoxication or her naturally spirited disposition, the woman, whose name she didn’t even know, ensnared Chihaya by draping her arm around her shoulder.
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“Alright, darling, I’ll treat you!”
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It was a desperate proposition from the woman.
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“A, Ah, no, I’d actually like to head home…”
“Don’t be shy! Let’s hit up a girls’ bar! We can escape those annoying pickup artists, and it’s all cute girls there. Plus, I know a place with soundproof private rooms! It’s settled!”
“Ugh. . . . . .”
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Chihaya lacked the courage to point out that she herself was engaging in a form of pickup right now. Instead, she muttered unclear words, neither protesting nor declining.
The vibrant voice of the energetic woman was unlikely to hear any reservation.
She stabilized Chihaya’s balance, twirled her with a dance-like maneuver, and commenced walking toward the city center.
ㅤ
“And oh, let’s not go that way. I heard gunshots.”
“Huh? Gunshots?”
ㅤ
Shortly after the intoxicated woman altered their direction and tugged her along, an explosion reverberated in the expansive parking area ahead, launching an All-Rounder’s head high into the sky.
Standing beside the bewildered Chihaya, the inebriated woman guffawed, pointing at the sight.
ㅤ
“That’s what you get for playing with toys like Ninja=Sun. Gunshots are all about the echo. Kaien Heavy Industries just doesn’t get aesthetics, seriously. Companies that send me prayer emails deserve annihilation!”
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Although there was no basis linking the blown-up All-Rounder to Kaien Heavy Industries, the inebriated woman appeared steadfast in her conviction.
It appeared she possessed some information regarding the incident, yet she continued to pull Chihaya toward the city center, detouring on their way to the girls’ bar.
ㅤ
“Why. . . . . .”
Translator’s Blog
Blog
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- If I Got Isekai’ed 101: Your Guide to Surviving Another World (And Maybe Even Becoming a Harem Protagonist)
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